JP4757207B2 - IMAGING DEVICE, IMAGING DEVICE CONTROL METHOD AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, an imaging apparatus control method, and a program, and is particularly suitable for use in improving the operability for the imaging apparatus to reproduce an image of another image processing apparatus via communication means. Regarding technology.

  With the rapid spread of digital cameras, opportunities to share digitized image data among acquaintances are increasing. In recent years, digital cameras equipped with a wireless communication function such as a wireless LAN have appeared. In the digital camera, data can be exchanged between electronic devices by a connection form called an ad hoc mode, and therefore, the opportunity to exchange images between digital cameras and storages is increasing.

  For example, at a wedding or the like, when a plurality of friends have a camera and each of them takes a photograph, the photographed image may be scattered in a plurality of image processing devices. That is, another photographer may hold an image of a subject or scene that he / she has not photographed, or another photographer may be holding an image of the same subject / scene photographed by himself / herself. At this time, another photographer may hold an image that is more beautiful than the image photographed by the photographer.

  In this case, conventionally, it is conceivable to directly show the display units of the digital cameras and confirm who holds what image. However, since it takes time and effort to show each other directly, a method of displaying an image on the other device on its own display unit is also conceivable, and there is a prior art for enabling this method to exist. To do. For example, a digital camera has been proposed in which an image stored in a connected device can be comprehensively displayed and viewed on a display device of the digital camera (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-328038 A

  As described above, when confirming what kind of image is held in the counterpart device, it is troublesome to see each other directly. Therefore, there is a method of exchanging images between devices connected by wireless communication and displaying an image in the partner device on its own display unit. In this case, a method of receiving all the image data stored in the partner apparatus in advance in its own device and a method of receiving the image data one by one every time there is an image display request can be considered.

  However, a mobile device such as a digital camera generally uses a removable storage medium. Therefore, the storage capacity of the storage medium is limited, and if there are a large number of captured images, the storage capacity of the storage medium may not be free. In addition, it is difficult to receive all image data in advance in the own device because it is desired to keep a free area for shooting. Even if compressed data or thumbnail size data is used instead of the image data itself, it is not a problem that can be solved.

  Therefore, it is considered that a method of receiving image data one by one every time there is an image display request is appropriate. However, if this method is performed, wireless communication occurs each time an image display request is made, and the amount of communication increases. As a result, both the own device and the counterpart device have a problem that the processing speed is reduced or a large amount of power is wasted.

  In addition, as described above, if the amount of wireless communication is simply suppressed in order to avoid a reduction in processing speed and waste of power, the image of the counterpart device can be browsed smoothly. There was a problem that it was impossible.

The present invention is intended to be able to smoothly view of the above view of the problem, phase hand instrument image.

To achieve the above object, an imaging apparatus of the present invention is a communication capable imaging device and an external device, a distance measuring means for measuring the distance between the external device, the image data in Table radical 113 and display means for displaying said communication means for receiving image data from an external device, if the range is greater than the distance measured Ri by said distance measuring means is determined is received from the external device by the communication unit characterized in that it comprises a display control means for controlling by Uni said display means that displays on the display unit the image data.
Another feature of the imaging apparatus according to the present invention is an imaging apparatus capable of communicating with an external apparatus, a communication radio wave measuring means for measuring a communication radio wave state with the external apparatus, and image data . and display means for displaying in Table radical 113, wherein when the the measurement using the communication wave measuring means communication radio wave condition is worse than a value defined, a communication device for receiving image data from said external device, said communication radio If the measurement using communication radio wave state measuring means is worse than a value defined controls by Uni said display means that displays the received image data to the display unit from the external device by the communication unit And a display control means.

Control method for an imaging apparatus of the present invention is a control method of an external device capable of communicating with the imaging device, a distance measuring step of measuring a distance between the external device, the image data are listed in Table radical 113 a display control step, a communication step of receiving image data from said external device, in the display control step, when the range is greater than the distance which the distance was measured have you the measurement process is defined, the wherein that said by that displays on the display unit controlled so the image data received from the external device in the communication process, characterized in.
Another feature of the imaging apparatus control method according to the present invention is an imaging apparatus control method capable of communicating with an external apparatus, and measuring a communication radio wave state with the external apparatus. a step, the image data and the display control step of displaying the table radical 113, wherein when measured have you to the communication radio wave measuring process communication radio wave condition is worse than a value defined, receives image data from the external device and a communication step, in said display control step, wherein when measured have you to the communication radio wave measuring process communication radio wave condition is worse than the values defined, the image data received from the external device in the communication process the characterized by by controlled so that displays on the display unit.

Program of the present invention includes a distance measuring step of measuring the distance between the external device, and a display control step of displaying the image data in Table radical 113, and a communication step of receiving image data from the external device to the computer is executed, in the display control step, when a larger range distance measured have you on the distance measuring process is determined, the display image data received from the external device in the communication process on the display unit and Turkey be by sea urchin control you and features.
It is another feature of the program of the present invention, a communication radio wave measuring step of measuring a communication signal strength between the external device, and a display control step of displaying the image data in Table radical 113, the communication radio wave If the measured communication radio wave state which is measured have you to process worse than the value defined, from said external device to execute a communication process of receiving the image data to the computer, in the display control step, the communication radio wave measuring If the communication radio wave state of being measured have you to process worse than the value defined is characterized and Turkey be by controlled so that displays the received image data to the display unit from the external device in the communication process And

According to the present invention, it is possible to browse the images of the phase hand instrument smoothly.

(First embodiment)
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
In the present embodiment, the imaging apparatus includes a unit for measuring the distance, and the embodiment of the present invention in the case where the storage capacity of the storage medium used in the imaging apparatus is limited or when the power consumption needs to be considered Will be described.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment.
Reference numeral 101 denotes an imaging apparatus capable of communicating with an external apparatus in the present embodiment. Reference numeral 102 denotes a photographing lens, and reference numeral 103 denotes a shutter having an aperture function. Reference numeral 104 denotes an image sensor that converts an optical image into an electric signal, and reference numeral 105 denotes an A / D converter that converts an analog signal output from the image sensor 104 into a digital signal.

  A timing generation circuit 106 supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the image sensor 104, the A / D converter 105, and the D / A converter 107, and is controlled by the memory control circuit 108 and the system control circuit 109. An image processing circuit 110 performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing on the data output from the A / D converter 105 or the data output from the memory control circuit 108.

  A memory control circuit 108 controls the A / D converter 105, the timing generation circuit 106, the image processing circuit 110, the image display memory 111, the D / A converter 107, and the first memory 112. Data of the A / D converter 105 is written into the image display memory 111 or the first memory 112 via the image processing circuit 110 and the memory control circuit 108 or directly through the memory control circuit 108.

  Reference numeral 111 denotes an image display memory, and reference numeral 107 denotes a D / A converter. Reference numeral 113 denotes an image display unit including a TFT, an LCD, and the like, and an image is displayed on the image display unit 113 via the D / A converter 107 based on display image data written in the image display memory 111. An electronic viewfinder function can be realized by sequentially displaying images taken using the image display unit 113.

  Reference numeral 112 denotes a first memory for storing captured still images and moving images, and has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images and moving images for a predetermined time. In the case of an imaging apparatus, the first memory 112 generally corresponds to a removable card type flash memory such as an SD memory card.

  An exposure control unit 114 controls the shutter 103 having a diaphragm function, and has a flash light control function in cooperation with the flash unit 117. Reference numeral 115 denotes a distance measurement control unit that controls focusing of the photographing lens 102, and reference numeral 116 denotes a zoom control unit that controls zooming of the photographing lens 102. A flash unit 117 has an AF auxiliary light projecting function and a flash light control function.

  Reference numeral 109 denotes a system control circuit that controls the entire imaging apparatus 101, and includes an image data requesting unit that requests image data from an external device and a display control unit that controls image display such as the image display unit 113. Yes. A second memory 120 stores constants, variables, programs, USB communication applications, and the like for operation of the system control circuit 109.

  Reference numeral 118 denotes a power supply control unit, which includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, and a switch circuit that switches a block to be energized. In addition, the presence / absence of a battery, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level are detected, the DC-DC converter is controlled based on the detection result and the instruction of the system control circuit 109, and the necessary voltage is recorded for a necessary period To each part including Reference numeral 119 denotes a power supply unit including a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery, or an AC adapter.

  A display unit 121 includes a liquid crystal display device that displays an operation state, a message, and the like using characters, images, sounds, and the like according to execution of a program in the system control circuit 109, and a speaker. The display unit 121 is installed at a single or a plurality of positions near the operation unit of the imaging apparatus 101 so as to be easily visible, and is configured by a combination of, for example, an LCD, an LED, and a sounding element. Depending on the configuration of the imaging apparatus 101, information displayed on the display unit 121 may be displayed together on the image display unit 113. In the present embodiment, the image display unit 113 and the display unit 121 can also display image data received from an external imaging device as an image.

  Reference numeral 122 denotes an electrically erasable / recordable nonvolatile memory. Reference numeral 123 denotes an operation unit for inputting various operation instructions of the system control circuit 109. The operation unit 123 includes one or a plurality of combinations such as a switch, a dial, a touch panel, pointing by line-of-sight detection, or a voice recognition device.

  Reference numeral 124 denotes a shutter switch, which instructs the start of an exposure processing operation in which a signal read from the image sensor 104 is written into the first memory 112 via the A / D converter 105 and the memory control circuit 108. Also, it instructs the start of a series of processing operations such as development processing using calculations in the image processing circuit 110 and the memory control circuit 108.

Reference numeral 125 denotes a wireless communication control unit constituting communication means, and 126 denotes an antenna unit. The wireless communication control unit 125 controls communication with an external device using an arbitrary wireless communication transmission path using radio waves transmitted / received from the antenna unit 126. In the present embodiment, UWB (Ultra Wide Band) is used. A transmission path such as Wireless LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used.

  Reference numeral 127 denotes a distance measuring unit that constitutes a distance measuring unit, and measures a distance from an external device (for example, an imaging device) connected to the imaging device 101 by wireless communication. As described above, in this embodiment, UWB is adopted as a wireless communication transmission path, and this UWB technology has a feature that the distance between communications can be measured. Therefore, the distance to the connection destination is measured using this feature. The distance measuring unit 127 may use any other method as long as it has a function of measuring a distance such as GPS.

Next, the operation of the imaging apparatus 101 in this embodiment will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of this embodiment shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 201 denotes an imaging apparatus, and 202 denotes another imaging apparatus that can be wirelessly connected to the imaging apparatus 201 using the same wireless communication transmission path as the imaging apparatus 201. The holders of the two imaging devices select images to compare and reproduce and exchange the images held by themselves with the images held by the other party for the purpose of image exchange.

  FIG. 2A shows a state where the distance between the imaging device 201 and another imaging device 202 that is a communication partner is very short. When the imaging apparatus 201 is operating in the image playback mode in such a state that the distance is very close as described above, still images and moving images stored in the first memory 112 are stored in the image display unit 113 of the imaging apparatus 201. It is displayed and is the same as the operation of a general imaging device.

Next, FIG. 2B shows a state in which the distance between the imaging device 201 and another imaging device 202 that is a communication partner is long enough to continuously establish a wireless connection. In addition, the state shown in FIG. 2B is assumed to be far away from the distance in the state shown in FIG. Specifically, the distance is such that the holders of the imaging apparatus 201 and another imaging apparatus 202 that is a communication partner cannot directly see each other's image display units. Extent possible to each other show generally directly as a 2 to 3 m, the distance between the imaging device in the state shown in FIG. 2 (b) is assumed to be greater.

  The imaging device 201 measures the distance from another imaging device 202 that is a communication partner periodically in the distance measuring unit 127. If the measurement result is a short distance where the holders can directly see the imaging device, the image stored in the first memory 112 as in the display screen 203 is displayed on the image display unit 113 as usual. Is displayed.

  On the other hand, when it is detected that the camera is separated from a certain distance, the image is displayed in the image display unit 113 of the image pickup apparatus 201 by being divided into two like the display screen 204. On the right half of the display screen 204, a still image and a moving image stored in the first memory 112 of the imaging device 201 that has been displayed since the state shown in FIG. In addition, an image received by wireless communication from another imaging device 202 that is a communication partner is displayed on the left half of the display screen 204.

  In the present embodiment, the distance measurement unit 127 displays an image received from the connection partner on the image display unit 113 when it is detected that the wireless connection partner is away from a certain distance. It is.

  Next, a reproduction processing sequence in a state in which the imaging apparatus 201 of the present embodiment is performing wireless communication with another imaging apparatus 202 that is a communication partner will be specifically described with reference to a flowchart illustrated in FIG. . The process performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3A is controlled by the system control circuit 109 according to a predetermined program stored in the second memory 120.

  When the mode switch or the like is operated and the imaging apparatus 201 is set to the reproduction mode, processing for reproducing an image in the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment is started from step S301.

  In step S <b> 302, based on the operation signal input to the operation unit 123, the system control circuit 109 is received from another imaging device 202 when the distance between the imaging device 201 and another imaging device 202 is increased. Whether to display an image on the image display unit 113 is set.

  As described above, it is generally 2 to 3 m that each image display unit can be directly shown, but in this embodiment, the reference distance for determining that the holder cannot directly show each other is set. Can be set. For this setting, an operation signal is input to the operation unit 123 based on the MENU screen displayed on the display unit 121 or the image display unit 113, and the system control circuit 109 sets the operation signal based on the operation signal. Note that this setting may be set in advance when operating in another mode instead of the playback mode.

  On the assumption that the display switching reference distance setting is performed in step S302, a process of switching the content displayed on the image display unit 113 according to the set distance between the imaging devices is performed. If the display switching reference distance setting is not performed in step S302, the setting default value is “infinity”, and the process of switching the content displayed on the image display unit 113 is virtually not performed. It will be.

  On the other hand, a MENU screen that can set whether to enable or disable the function of displaying the image of the connection partner on the image display unit 113 according to the distance may be prepared. And when it is not necessary to validate, you may make it make a function invalid set on the MENU screen.

  Next, in step S <b> 303, the wireless communication control unit 125 checks whether or not wireless connection with another external imaging apparatus 202 that holds image data as a communication partner via the antenna unit 126 has been completed. If the result of this check is that there is no wireless connection yet, processing proceeds to step S304. On the other hand, if the result of the check in step S303 is that wireless connection has been completed, the process proceeds to step S305.

  In step S305, the distance measurement unit 127 measures the distance to another imaging device 202 that is a connected communication partner under the control of the system control circuit 109, and checks whether the distance is greater than the reference distance set in step S302. To do. As a result of this check, if the distance is greater than the reference distance, the process proceeds to step S307. on the other hand. If the result of the check in step S305 is shorter than the reference distance, the process proceeds to step S304.

  In step S305, if the distance from another imaging device 202 is equal to or larger than the reference distance, processing for dividing and displaying the display screen of the image display unit 113 is started unconditionally from step S307 to step S318. However, there are cases where the user does not want to perform a process of dividing and displaying depending on the usage situation.

  As mentioned above, this can be avoided by setting the split display process to invalid, but you don't want to split the display even if you do not have such invalidation settings. Sometimes it becomes. For example, when the user enlarges and carefully checks a certain image of the imaging apparatus 201, the display screen is suddenly divided (changed) because the distance from another imaging apparatus 202 is more than the reference distance. And affect the work of the user.

  In order to avoid such a case, if the distance from another imaging apparatus 202 is equal to or larger than the reference distance as a result of the check in step S305, for example, a display screen 401 shown in FIG. Also good. As shown in FIG. 4A, the user is notified that the distance to the other imaging device 202 is equal to or greater than the reference distance, and the process proceeds to step S307 only when the user permits the execution of split display. Then, the subsequent processing may be performed. Then, when a notification such as the display screen 401 is given and the user does not permit execution of split display, the process may not proceed to step S307 but may proceed to step S304.

  In the present embodiment, as will be described below, the display contents are switched by using the distance from another imaging apparatus 202 as a trigger when the distance is not less than a set value. On the other hand, in step S304, since the distance to another imaging device 202 that does not have a communication partner or is wirelessly connected is shorter than the reference distance, only the retained image of the imaging device 201 is controlled by the system control circuit 109 in the image display unit 113. In full screen. Then, the process proceeds to step S306.

  Next, in step S306, based on the operation signal input to the operation unit 123 by operating the mode switch or the like, the system control circuit 109 checks whether there is an instruction to end the reproduction process. As a result of this check, if there is an instruction to end the reproduction process, the process proceeds to step S321 and the system control circuit 109 ends the reproduction process. On the other hand, as a result of the check in step S306, if there is no instruction to end the reproduction process, the process returns to step S303.

  On the other hand, in step S307, the system control circuit 109 sends a transfer request for image data held by another imaging device 202 to another imaging device 202 that is wirelessly connected via the wireless communication control unit 125. Do. This process is performed by transmitting a command for requesting an image transfer in the protocol adopted for the established connection, but other methods may be used as long as an image data transfer request can be made.

  Next, in step S308, in response to the image data transfer request in step S307, the system control circuit 109 checks whether or not image data that can be viewed is held in another imaging device 202 that is a communication partner. Specifically, in response to the image data transfer request in step S307, it is checked whether or not an operation has been performed in a case where image data that can be browsed by another imaging apparatus 202 that is a communication partner is not held.

  For example, in response to the transfer request command in step S307, it is checked whether a response indicating that no viewable image data is held is returned. As a result of this check, if no image data that can be browsed is held in another imaging apparatus 202, the process proceeds to step S309. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S308 that image data that can be browsed is stored in another imaging apparatus 202, the process proceeds to step S313.

  In step S <b> 309, the system control circuit 109 generates image data in the imaging apparatus 201 when image data that can be browsed is generated by imaging processing or the like in another imaging apparatus 202 for another imaging apparatus 202 that is a communication partner. Request to be notified of the event. Next, in step S310, only the image that cannot be acquired from the communication partner and that is held by the imaging apparatus 201 under the control of the system control circuit 109 is displayed on the image display unit 113 on a full screen.

  In step S <b> 311, the system control circuit 109 checks whether the image data generation event requested in step S <b> 309 has been received from another imaging device 202 as a communication partner via the wireless communication control unit 125. If it is determined that an image data generation event has been received, the process proceeds to step S312. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S311 that no image data generation event has been received, the process returns to step S310.

  In step S312, similarly to step S307, the system control circuit 109 makes a transfer request for the stored image data to another imaging device 202 of the communication partner via the wireless communication control unit 125, and the process proceeds to step S313. move on.

  In step S <b> 313, the system control circuit 109 receives image data for one image from another imaging apparatus 202 that is a communication partner via the wireless communication control unit 125. Next, in step S314, under the control of the system control circuit 109, the image display unit 113 of the imaging apparatus 201 is brought into a state where the display screen 204 is divided into two as shown in FIG.

  Next, in step S315, under the control of the system control circuit 109, the image data received in step S313 is imaged and displayed on the left half screen of the image display unit 113 divided into two in step S314. Next, in step S316, under the control of the system control circuit 109, the image data held by the imaging apparatus 201 is imaged and displayed on the right half screen of the image display unit 113 divided in two in step S314.

  In this embodiment, the image held by the communication partner is displayed on the left half screen, and the image held by its own device is displayed on the right half screen. However, there is no particular reason for this arrangement, and the left and right sides are reversed. The image may be displayed.

  In the present embodiment, the method of dividing the screen displayed on the image display unit 113 into two is divided horizontally. However, the image held by the communication partner is displayed on the upper half screen in the vertical division, and the lower half screen displays itself. The image held by the device may be displayed or vice versa.

  In the present embodiment, the screen displayed on the image display unit 113 is completely divided into two parts. However, a method for separately providing a part for displaying image information and the like and dividing the other part into two parts is used. Also good.

  Next, in step S317, a target for performing a reproduction operation is set under the control of the system control circuit 109 based on the operation signal input to the operation unit 123. 5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating an external configuration of the imaging apparatus 201 when the reproduction operation target is selected in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the imaging apparatus 201 includes a slide-type reproduction operation target setting switch 501 for setting a reproduction operation target as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

  When performing a reproduction operation on an image (right half screen) held by the imaging apparatus 201, an operation signal is input by sliding the reproduction operation target setting switch 501 to the right by the user as shown in FIG. A target to be played is set under the control of the control circuit 109. On the other hand, when a playback operation is performed on an image (left half screen) held by another imaging apparatus 202 that is a communication partner, the playback operation target setting switch 501 is slid to the left as shown in FIG. As a result, an operation signal is input, and an object to be reproduced is set under the control of the system control circuit 109.

  Next, in step S318, under the control of the system control circuit 109, the image displayed on the left half screen of the image display unit 113 in step S315 and the image displayed on the right half screen of the image display unit 113 in step S316. The process of comparing and reproducing is performed.

The comparison reproduction process will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
First, in step S3181, the comparative reproduction process is started. Next, in step S3182, the system control circuit 109 inputs the operation signal to the operation unit 123 by pressing the cross operation button 502 or the like shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, and sends an image and returns an image based on the operation signal. Check whether a playback operation event has occurred.

  As a result of this check, if a playback operation event has occurred, the process advances to step S3183. On the other hand, if the result of the check in step S3182 is that a playback operation event has not occurred, the process advances to step S3189 to end the comparative playback process.

  Next, in step S3183, the system control circuit 109 checks whether the reproduction operation target set in step S317 in FIG. 3A is an image held by another imaging device 202 that is a communication partner. As a result of this check, if the reproduction target is an image held by another imaging device 202 that is the communication partner, the process proceeds to step S3186. On the other hand, as a result of the check in step S3183, if the reproduction target is an image held by the imaging apparatus 201, the process proceeds to step S3184.

  Next, in step S <b> 3184, the system control circuit 109 performs step S <b> 3182 on the image held by the imaging device 201 displayed on the right half screen of the image display unit 113 based on the operation signal input to the operation unit 123. Replay operation event processing that occurred in. Next, in step S3185, under the control of the system control circuit 109, the image displayed on the right half screen of the image display unit 113 is updated based on the reproduction operation event process in step S3184. Then, the process proceeds to step S3189 to end the comparative reproduction process.

  On the other hand, in step S3186, the processing object of the playback operation event generated in step S3182 is an image held by another imaging device 202 of the communication partner, so the playback operation event generated in step S3182 is the other imaging device 202 side. Get processed in. For this purpose, the system control circuit 109 issues a command corresponding to the reproduction operation event and transmits the command to another imaging apparatus 202.

  Next, in step S3187, another imaging device 202 receives a command corresponding to the reproduction operation event transmitted in step S3186. Then, another imaging apparatus 202 processes the reproduction operation event designated from the held image data, reads out the image data to be displayed next from the memory, and transmits it. As a result, the wireless communication control unit 125 receives image data to be displayed next on the left half screen of the image display unit 113 by a reproduction operation event for another imaging device 202 generated in step S3182.

  Next, in step S3188, under the control of the system control circuit 109, the image data received from another imaging device 202 in step S3187 is imaged and displayed on the left half screen of the image display unit 113 to update the image. Then, the process proceeds to step S3189 to end the comparative reproduction process.

Returning to the description of FIG. 3A again, the sequence after the comparison / reproduction processing in step S318 is described.
Next, in step S319, the system control circuit 109 checks whether or not there has been an instruction to end the reproduction process by moving the mode switch or the like based on the operation signal input to the operation unit 123. As a result of this check, if there is an instruction to end the reproduction process, the process proceeds to step S321, where the reproduction process is terminated under the control of the system control circuit 109. On the other hand, as a result of the check in step S319, if there is no instruction to end the reproduction process, the process proceeds to step S320.

  In step S320, as in step S305, the distance measurement unit 127 measures the distance from another imaging device 202 that is the communication partner under the control of the system control circuit 109, and is the distance more than the reference distance set in step S302? Check if. As a result of this check, if the distance is greater than the reference distance, the process returns to step S318, and the comparative reproduction process is performed again. On the other hand, if the result of the check in step S320 is shorter than the reference distance, the process proceeds to step S304.

  As a result of the check in step S320, if the distance from another imaging device 202 is not equal to or greater than the reference distance, the processing returns to step S304 unconditionally, and this time, only the image held by the imaging device 201 is displayed. However, depending on the usage situation, the user may want to continue the process of dividing and displaying. For example, when the image display is divided and the images owned by the imaging device 201 and another imaging device 202 are compared, the distance suddenly becomes shorter than the reference distance, so that the single state is suddenly changed from the divided state. This will affect the user's work.

  In order to avoid such a situation, the display screen 402 shown in FIG. 4B may be displayed when the distance from another imaging device 202 is not greater than or equal to the reference distance as a result of the check in step S320. . As shown in FIG. 4B, the user is notified that the distance to the other imaging device 202 is no longer equal to or greater than the reference distance, and the process proceeds to step S304 only when the user permits the end of the split display. The subsequent processing may be performed. When a notification such as the display screen 402 is given and the user instructs to continue the execution of the divided display, the process proceeds to step S318 without proceeding to step S304, and the comparison in the divided display state is performed. The reproduction process may be continued.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the distance to the external device is measured, and the content displayed on the display unit is switched according to the measurement result of the distance to the external device. Therefore, when the distance between the wirelessly connected devices is larger than the set distance, it is possible to display an image of the connection partner device on the display unit of the own device. As a result, when checking the images held by each other's devices for image exchange, the images of the other party are displayed on their own devices when they are located at a distance where they cannot see each other directly. Therefore, it is possible to smoothly check the image held by the counterpart device.

  In addition, since it can be seen directly when it is located at a distance closer than the set distance, wireless communication is not generated by not displaying the image of the connected device with its own device. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the processing speed and power consumption from being affected. In addition, in the divided display, a display area per image is narrowed. Therefore, it is possible to improve the visibility of the user by displaying one image on one screen instead of divided display when the distance is such that the images can be directly shown.

(Second Embodiment)
The imaging apparatus of this embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, when performing comparative reproduction of an image held by the imaging device 201 and an image held by another imaging device 202 that is a communication partner, the other imaging device 202 is controlled and remotely controlled to perform a reproduction operation. I do. As a result, an image displayed on another imaging device 202 is transmitted to the imaging device 201. Then, by displaying the received images in a state of being divided on the image display unit 113, it is possible to check what images each other has. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described.

  As described above, the functional configuration of the imaging apparatus of this embodiment is exactly the same as that of the imaging apparatus 101 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Further, the display form of the image display unit 113 during the reproduction process in the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Further, the reproduction processing sequence in the present embodiment is exactly the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3A except for the comparison reproduction processing.

  The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the comparison reproduction process in step S318 in FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a comparative reproduction processing sequence in the present embodiment. The comparative reproduction processing sequence in the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that the processing performed in accordance with this flowchart is controlled by the system control circuit 109 according to a predetermined program stored in the second memory 120.

  First, the comparison reproduction process is started in step S701. Next, in step S702, the system control circuit 109 causes the operation signal to be input to the operation unit 123 when the cross operation button 502 or the like is pressed, and a playback operation event such as image forwarding or image return occurs based on the operation signal. Check whether or not. As a result of this check, if a playback operation event has occurred, the process proceeds to step S703. On the other hand, if the result of the check in step S702 is that a playback operation event has not occurred, the process proceeds to step S712 to end the comparative playback process.

  Next, in step S703, the system control circuit 109 checks whether the reproduction operation target set in step S317 is an image held by another imaging device 202 that is a communication partner. As a result of this check, if the reproduction target is an image held by another imaging device 202 that is a communication partner, the process proceeds to step S706. On the other hand, as a result of the check in step S703, if the reproduction target is an image held by the imaging apparatus 201, the process proceeds to step S704.

  Next, in step S <b> 704, the system control circuit 109 performs step S <b> 702 on the image held by the imaging device 201 displayed on the right half screen of the image display unit 113 based on the operation signal input to the operation unit 123. Replay operation event processing that occurred in. Next, in step S705, under the control of the system control circuit 109, the image displayed on the right half screen of the image display unit 113 is updated based on the reproduction operation event processing in step S704. Then, the process proceeds to step S712, and the comparison reproduction process is terminated.

  On the other hand, in step S <b> 706, the system control circuit 109 notifies the other imaging device 202 that is a communication partner to start remote operation control. When the other imaging device 202 receives this notification, it cannot control the playback operation by itself, and the imaging device 201 plays back only by the remote operation event until the notification of the end of the remote operation control in step S711 is transmitted. The operation can be performed.

  Next, in step S707, the system control circuit 109 issues a command corresponding to the remote playback operation event in order to remotely operate the playback operation event generated in step S702 on the other imaging device 202 side. This is because the processing target of the reproduction operation event generated in step S702 is an image held by another imaging device 202 as a communication partner.

  Next, in step S708, the system control circuit 109 transmits the command issued in step S707 to another imaging device 202 via the wireless communication control unit 125. As a result, the command corresponding to the remote playback operation event is received by another imaging device 202, and the playback operation event designated by the other imaging device 202 is processed. Then, the image data to be displayed next is read from the memory from the image held by another imaging device 202, and the image to be displayed next is displayed on the image display unit of the other imaging device 202.

  Next, in step S <b> 709, the image displayed on the image display unit of another imaging device 202 by the processing in step S <b> 708 is transmitted to the imaging device 201. Then, the system control circuit 109 receives the image data to be displayed next on the left half screen of the image display unit 113 by the reproduction operation event for the other imaging device 202 generated in step S702 via the wireless communication control unit 125. To do.

  Next, in step S710, the image is updated by the system control circuit 109 imaging the image data received from another imaging device 202 in step S709 and displaying it on the left half screen of the image display unit 113. In step S711, the system control circuit 109 notifies the other imaging device 202 that is a communication partner via the wireless communication control unit 125 to end the remote operation control. With the above processing, the comparison reproduction processing is terminated in step S712.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when performing comparative reproduction between an image held by the imaging device 201 and an image held by another imaging device 202 that is a communication partner, the other imaging device 202 is controlled and remotely controlled. To perform playback operation. Then, the image displayed on the image display unit of another imaging device 202 is displayed on the display screen 402 of the image display unit 113 of the imaging device 201, thereby confirming what kind of images each other has. It can be carried out.

  In this embodiment, when it is desired to confirm what images each other has, this remote control can be performed only when they are located at such a distance that they cannot directly show each other. In other words, the remote control function is effective only when the distance between the imaging apparatus 201 and another imaging apparatus 202 that is the communication partner is away from the reference distance. This function is disabled.

  This method is convenient when, for example, the images of the imaging devices are confirmed while the voices of the imaging device holders are talking to each other at a distance. When one of the holders asks the holder about the contents of a specific image on the partner's imaging device side, the image data is obtained by directly remote-controlling the communication partner's imaging device holding the specific image. Receive and display that particular image. As a result, the image holder who receives the question can check the image without performing any operation because the communication partner remotely controls his / her imaging device.

  In the present embodiment, the playback mode is described, but another imaging device 202 may be in the imaging mode. In this case, it is possible to perform remote execution of imaging by remotely controlling the imaging operation of another imaging apparatus 202, and the imaging apparatus 201 can also receive an image captured at that time.

(Third embodiment)
The imaging apparatus of the present embodiment has the same functional configuration as that of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the user of the imaging device 201 and the user of another imaging device 202 that is the communication partner operate only on the images that they hold, and what kind of images are held by each other. You can check if you are doing. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described.

  As described above, the functional configuration of the imaging apparatus of this embodiment is exactly the same as that of the imaging apparatus 101 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Further, the display form of the image display unit 113 during the reproduction process in the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Further, the playback processing sequence in this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3A except for the comparative playback processing except for a part thereof.

First, differences from the first embodiment in the playback processing sequence of the present embodiment will be described.
The first point is that in this embodiment, when image data for one image is received from another imaging device 202 that is a communication partner in step S313 in FIG. 3A, an image of another imaging device 202 at that time is received. The image data of the image displayed on the display unit is received.

  The second point is that the reproduction operation target setting in step S317 of FIG. 3-1 is not performed. As described above, in this embodiment, only the image held by itself is operated, and what kind of image each other holds is confirmed. The above two points are the differences between the playback processing sequence of the present embodiment and the playback processing sequence of the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the comparison reproduction process in step S318 in FIG. 3A is also different from that in the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a comparative reproduction processing sequence in the present embodiment. The comparative reproduction processing sequence in the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that the processing performed in accordance with this flowchart is controlled by the system control circuit 109 according to a predetermined program stored in the second memory 120.

  First, in step S801, comparative reproduction processing is started. Next, in step S802, the system control circuit 109 causes the operation signal to be input to the operation unit 123 by pressing the cross operation button 502 or the like, and a playback operation event such as image forwarding or image return has occurred based on the operation signal. Check whether or not. As a result of this check, if a playback operation event has occurred, the process proceeds to step S803. On the other hand, if the result of the check in step S802 is that a playback operation event has not occurred, the process proceeds to step S805.

  Next, in step S <b> 803, the system control circuit 109 performs step S <b> 802 on the image held by the imaging apparatus 201 displayed on the right half screen of the image display unit 113 based on the operation signal input to the operation unit 123. Replay operation event processing that occurred in. Next, in step S804, under the control of the system control circuit 109, the image displayed on the right half screen of the image display unit 113 is updated based on the reproduction operation event process in step S803.

  In step S <b> 805, the system control circuit 109 generates a playback operation event such as image forwarding or image return when the cross operation button or the like is pressed on another imaging device 202 that is a communication partner via the wireless communication control unit 125. Check if you did. As a specific method, when a playback operation event occurs in another imaging apparatus 202, an event notification is sent to the imaging apparatus 201. That is, in step S805, it is checked whether or not the reproduction operation event notification has been received.

  As a result of this check, if a playback operation event has occurred in another imaging apparatus 202, the process proceeds to step S806. On the other hand, if the result of the check in step S805 is that a playback operation event has not occurred in another imaging apparatus 202, the process proceeds to step S809, and the comparative playback process ends.

  Next, in step S <b> 806, the system control circuit 109 requests the image capturing apparatus 201 to transmit image data newly generated on another image capturing apparatus 202 when a playback operation event occurs in another image capturing apparatus 202. In step S <b> 807, the system control circuit 109 receives the transmission request in step S <b> 806 via the wireless communication control unit 125 and receives image data transmitted from another imaging apparatus 202 to the imaging apparatus 201.

  Next, in step S808, the image is updated by displaying the image data received from another imaging device 202 in step S807 on the left half screen of the image display unit 113. In step S809, the comparison reproduction process is terminated.

  According to the sequence of the comparative playback process described above, in the playback operation according to the present embodiment, each holder holds his / her own in a state where the imaging apparatus 201 and another imaging apparatus 202 that is a communication partner are separated from the reference distance. The playback operation is performed on the images held by. Then, an image displayed on another imaging device 202 can be displayed almost in real time on the left half screen of the divided image display unit 113 of the imaging device 201.

  This method is convenient when, for example, the holders of the respective imaging devices perform comparative reproduction while being positioned at a distance away from the reference distance. The images displayed on the image display units of both imaging devices are opposite in the right and left positions of the divided screens, but the same two images are divided and displayed on the image display unit. Confirmation can be performed simultaneously. Thereby, even if it is a distance that cannot be directly shown, it is possible to smoothly check the images held by the respective imaging devices while talking and talking.

  In the present embodiment, the description is limited to the reproduction operation. However, if the method of this embodiment is used, the image data received in step S807 is not only image data, but also image data showing a list of captured images, MENU screen image data, and setting screen image data. It may be. That is, when the MENU button is pressed on another imaging device 202 of the communication partner and the MUNU screen is displayed, the image data of the MENU screen is received from the other imaging device 202 as it is. Then, the received image data may be imaged and displayed on the divided display screen 204 of the image display unit 113 of the imaging apparatus 201.

  The same processing is performed not only in the playback mode but also when another imaging device 202 operates in the imaging mode and the live view image is continuously displayed on the image display unit of the other imaging device 202. be able to. The captured live view display frame images may be continuously received from another imaging device 202, and the frame images may be displayed on the divided display screen 204 of the image display unit 113 of the imaging device 201. .

  As described above, after the display screen 204 divided by the image display unit 113 is displayed at a distance from the communication partner, the image of another imaging device 202 is displayed regardless of the mode state of the other imaging device 202. The image displayed on the display unit is displayed on the image display unit 113. Thereby, an almost real-time image can be displayed on the image display unit 113.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the present embodiment, the imaging apparatus is provided with means for measuring the radio wave condition between connection partners, and is specialized when the capacity of a storage medium used for storing image data of the imaging apparatus can be sufficiently secured. I will explain. FIG. 9 shows a functional configuration diagram of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  901 to 926 in FIG. 9 completely correspond to 101 to 126 in FIG. 1 and have exactly the same functions. As a different point from the configuration of the imaging device 101 in the first to third embodiments, the present embodiment includes a radio wave condition measuring unit 927 instead of the distance measuring unit 127 in the first to third embodiments.

  The radio wave condition measurement unit 927 measures the current radio wave condition using a noise ratio (SNR: Signal To Noise Ratio) indicating a ratio between a radio wave signal received by the antenna unit 926 and noise. The noise ratio is displayed in dB. The larger the value, the better the radio wave condition, and the smaller the value, the worse the radio wave condition.

Next, the operation of the imaging apparatus 901 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the schematic diagram shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 1001 denotes an imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment, and reference numeral 1002 denotes another imaging apparatus that can be wirelessly connected to the imaging apparatus 1001 using the same wireless communication transmission path as that of the imaging apparatus 1001. The holders of the two imaging devices select images for comparison and reproduction between the images held by themselves and the images held by the other party for the purpose of image exchange.

  FIG. 10A shows a state in which the radio wave condition of the wireless communication established between the imaging device 1001 and another imaging device 1002 that is a communication partner is good. As described above, the imaging apparatus 1001 of the present embodiment includes the radio wave condition measuring unit 927 that constitutes the communication radio wave measuring unit, and measures the current radio wave condition.

  The imaging apparatus 1001 and another imaging apparatus 1002 which is a communication partner in a state where the radio wave condition is good transmit and receive all of the image data held by each other, and store them in a memory for holding each other's images. . When the imaging device 1001 is operating in the image playback mode, an image based on still image data or moving image data stored in the first memory 912 is displayed on the image display unit 913 of the imaging device 1001. The operation is the same as that of a general imaging device.

  Next, FIG. 10B shows a state where the radio wave condition of the wireless communication established between the imaging device 1001 and another imaging device 1002 that is a communication partner has deteriorated. However, it is assumed that wireless communication is within a range that can be continued although it has deteriorated.

  The imaging apparatus 1001 periodically measures a radio wave communication radio wave state established with another imaging apparatus 1002 that is a communication partner by using a radio wave condition measurement unit 927. Then, when it is detected that the communication radio wave condition has deteriorated from a certain standard, image data additionally shot by another imaging device 1002 is received, or if there is deleted image data, the deletion is performed. Or give instructions. At the time when this processing is performed, the image data held by another imaging device 1002 of the communication partner is held in the imaging device 1001 in a form that matches the state at that time.

  Further, the image display unit 913 of the imaging apparatus 1001 displays an image that is divided into two like a display screen 1004. On the right half of the display screen 1004, a still image or a moving image stored in the first memory 912 of the imaging device 1001 displayed since the state shown in FIG. In addition, the left half of the display screen 1004 displays an image received in advance from another imaging device 1002 that is a communication partner by wireless communication and stored in the first memory 912.

  There are two features of this embodiment. The first is that the image received from the connection partner is detected by detecting that the communication radio wave condition between the wirelessly connected devices has deteriorated by using the radio wave condition measuring unit 927. It is a point displayed on the display unit 913. This makes it possible to smoothly check the images held by each other when the images displayed on the image display unit 913 cannot be directly shown by a shielding object even if they are close in distance. it can.

  Another feature is that all image data held by each other in advance is exchanged between devices connected wirelessly when the communication radio wave condition is good. Then, when the communication radio wave condition deteriorates, the difference is acquired and deleted only once from the time of replacement. After that, it is possible to check what kind of image the communication partner has by displaying the image held by the connection partner on its own image display unit without performing image data transfer by wireless communication. It is. As a result, it is not necessary to transmit / receive image data when the communication radio wave condition deteriorates, so it takes time for the transfer process in a state where the communication radio wave condition deteriorates, and stresses the user, and is wasteful. To solve the problem of power consumption.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a reproduction operation preparation process sequence in a state where the imaging apparatus 1001 in the present embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10 is performing wireless communication with another imaging apparatus 1002 that is a communication partner. FIG. 12A is a flowchart illustrating the reproduction processing sequence. A specific processing procedure will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12-1. Note that the processing performed in accordance with this flowchart is controlled by the system control circuit 909 according to a predetermined program stored in the second memory 920.

When performing the reproduction process in the present embodiment, a preparation process for performing the reproduction process is necessary. First, the sequence of the reproduction operation preparation process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
When the power of the imaging device 1001 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S1101 regardless of the mode of the imaging device at the time of turning on, and the reproduction operation preparation process is started.

  Next, in step S1102, the image of another imaging device 1002 wirelessly connected to the image display unit 913 when the noise ratio indicating the wireless communication radio wave state with another wirelessly connected imaging device 1002 is reached. Is displayed or the reference noise ratio is set. This setting is performed from the MENU screen displayed on the display unit 921 or the image display unit 913. The user can set a standard for determining that the communication radio wave condition has deteriorated.

  On the premise that the display switching reference noise ratio is set in step S1102, processing for switching the content to be displayed on the image display unit 913 according to the communication radio wave state between the imaging devices is performed. On the other hand, if the display switching reference noise ratio is not set in step S1102, the noise ratio estimated to affect the communication speed when performing wireless connection with the imaging apparatus 1001 is set to the default value. The value is adopted as the display switching reference noise ratio. Then, the process proceeds to step S1103 as it is.

  Further, a MENU screen may be prepared that can set whether to enable or disable the function of displaying an image held by the connection partner imaging apparatus 1002 on the image display unit 913 according to the communication radio wave state. If it is not necessary to enable the function, the function for displaying the image held by the imaging apparatus 1002 on the MENU screen may be set to be invalid.

  Next, in step S1103, the system control circuit 909 checks whether or not there is an instruction to start reproduction processing due to an operation of a mode change switch (not shown) of the imaging apparatus 1001 or the like. As a result of this check, if there is a reproduction processing start instruction, the process advances to step S1109 to end the reproduction operation preparation process. On the other hand, if the result of the check in step S1103 is that there is no instruction to start playback processing, the process proceeds to step S1104.

  Next, in step S1104, the system control circuit 909 checks whether or not the wireless connection with another imaging apparatus 1002 that is a communication partner that holds the image data is completed. If the result of this check is that there is no wireless connection yet, processing returns to step S1103. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1104 that the wireless connection has been established, the process proceeds to step S1105.

  Next, in step S1105, under the control of the system control circuit 909, the radio wave state measurement unit 927 measures a noise ratio with another imaging device 1002 that is a communication partner. Then, it is determined whether the noise ratio obtained from the measurement is better than the reference noise ratio set in step S1102, that is, whether the noise ratio is larger than the reference noise ratio.

  As a result of the determination, if the measured noise ratio is smaller than the reference noise ratio, that is, if the communication radio wave condition is deteriorated, the process returns to step S1103. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S1105, if the measured noise ratio is larger than the reference noise ratio, that is, if the communication radio wave condition is good, the process proceeds to step S1106.

  If the communication radio wave state with another imaging device 1002 that is the communication partner is poor during the reproduction operation preparation processing period and is always smaller than the reference noise ratio, steps S1103 to S1105 are repeated. Then, it is not possible to perform the specific reproduction operation preparation process described in the next step S1106 and subsequent steps.

  Next, in step S1106, the system control circuit 909 transmits all image data held by the imaging apparatus 1001 to another imaging apparatus 1002 via the wireless communication control unit 925, and the process proceeds to step S1107.

  In step S <b> 1107, the system control circuit 909 requests another imaging apparatus 1002 to transfer all image data held by the other imaging apparatus 1002 via the wireless communication control unit 925. Then, all image data held by another imaging device 1002 is received from another imaging device 1002 and stored in the first memory 912 for image storage. At this time, the first memory 912 is divided into an area for image data held by the imaging apparatus 1001 and an area for image data held by another imaging apparatus 1002 acquired in step S1107, and is divided into each area. Collect and remember.

  Next, in step S1108, the system control circuit 909 checks whether there is a reproduction processing start instruction as in step S1103. As a result of this check, if there is a reproduction processing start instruction, the process advances to step S1109 to end the reproduction operation preparation process. On the other hand, if there is no reproduction processing start instruction, the process waits until there is a reproduction processing start instruction. With the sequence described above, preparation processing for performing reproduction processing in the present embodiment is performed.

  Next, the reproduction processing sequence in the present embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the processing performed in accordance with this flowchart is controlled by the system control circuit 909 according to a predetermined program stored in the second memory 920.

  When the imaging apparatus 1001 enters the reproduction mode by an operation of a mode switch or the like (not shown), the process of reproducing an image in the imaging apparatus 1001 of the present embodiment is started from step S1201, and the process proceeds to step S1202.

  In step S <b> 1202, the system control circuit 909 checks whether the wireless connection with another imaging apparatus 1002 that is a communication partner that holds image data has been completed. If the result of this check is that there is no wireless connection yet, processing proceeds to step S1203. On the other hand, if the result of the check in step S1202 is that wireless connection has been established, the process proceeds to step S1204.

  Next, in step S1204, under the control of the system control circuit 909, the radio wave state measurement unit 927 measures a noise ratio with another imaging device 1002 that is a communication partner, similarly to step S1105 in FIG. Then, it is determined whether the noise ratio obtained from the measurement is better than the reference noise ratio set in step S1102 of the reproduction operation preparation process, that is, whether the noise ratio obtained from the measurement is greater than or equal to the reference noise ratio.

  As a result of this determination, if the measured noise ratio is greater than or equal to the reference noise ratio, that is, if the communication radio wave condition is good, the process proceeds to step S1203. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S1204, if the measured noise ratio is smaller than the reference noise ratio, that is, if the communication radio wave state has deteriorated, the process proceeds to step S1206.

  If the communication radio wave condition has deteriorated in step S1204, a process of dividing and displaying the display screen of the image display unit 913 is started from step S1206 to step S1230. However, there are cases where the user does not want to perform a process of dividing and displaying depending on the usage situation.

  As mentioned above, this can be avoided by setting the split display process to invalid, but you don't want to split the display even if you do not have such invalidation settings. Sometimes it becomes. For example, when the user has magnified and carefully checked a certain image held by the imaging apparatus 1001, the communication radio wave state has deteriorated, and thus the user's work is affected if the display screen is suddenly divided.

  In order to avoid such a situation, when the communication radio wave state is deteriorated as a result of the determination in step S1204, for example, a display screen 1501 shown in FIG. 15A may be displayed. As shown in FIG. 15 (a), the user is informed that the communication radio wave state has deteriorated, and only when the user has permitted the execution of split display, the process proceeds to step S1206 to perform the subsequent processing. Also good. If a notification such as the display screen 1501 is given and the user does not permit execution of split display, the process may not proceed to step S1206 but may proceed to step S1203.

  In the present embodiment, as will be described below, the display content is switched when the noise ratio between wirelessly connected imaging devices exceeds a set value. However, in step S1203, there is no communication partner or the radio wave state of communication with another imaging device 1002 that is wirelessly connected is good, so that it is located at a short distance from another imaging device 1002, and is not shielded. Can show directly. Therefore, the system control circuit 909 displays only the image held by the imaging device 1001 on the image display unit 913 on a full screen, and the process proceeds to step S1205.

  Next, in step S1205, the system control circuit 909 checks whether or not there is a reproduction processing end instruction by operating a mode change switch (not shown) or the like. If there is an instruction to end the reproduction process as a result of this check, the process proceeds to step S1231 to end the reproduction process. On the other hand, as a result of the check in step S1205, if there is no instruction to end the reproduction process, the process returns to step S1202.

  On the other hand, in step S1206, the system control circuit 909 has transmitted and received in advance all the image data held by the other imaging apparatus 1002 that is the communication partner in steps S1106 and S1107 of the reproduction operation preparation process of FIG. Check whether or not. If it is determined that image data has been transmitted / received, the process advances to step S1207. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1206 that image data has not been transmitted / received, the process advances to step S1218.

  Next, in step S1207, if there is an image added by photographing itself after being transmitted to another imaging apparatus 1002 in step S1106, the corresponding image is transmitted via the wireless communication control unit 925 by the system control circuit 909. Data is transmitted to another imaging apparatus 1002. As a result, all the image data held by the imaging apparatus 1001 is passed to another imaging apparatus 1002.

  Next, in step S1208, after image data is received from another imaging apparatus 1002 in step S1107, if there is an image captured by another imaging apparatus 1002 and added, the system control circuit 909 causes the wireless communication control unit 925 to exist. The image data is requested to be transmitted to another imaging apparatus 1002 via the above. Then, the corresponding image data is received from another imaging device 1002 and stored in an area allocated for image data held by another imaging device 1002 in the first memory 912 for image storage. As a result, all image data held by another imaging device 1002 is passed to the imaging device 1001.

  Next, in step S1209, if there is an image that has been deleted from among the images that were originally held after transmission to another imaging apparatus 1002 in step S1106, the system control circuit 909 sets the file name of the corresponding image. Notify another imaging apparatus 1002. On the other imaging device 1002 side, the data of the image notified of the deletion from the data received from the imaging device 1001 in step S1106 is deleted. As a result, all the image data held by the imaging device 1001 at the time of step S1209 completely match the image data transferred from the imaging device 1001 to another imaging device 1002.

  Next, in step S1210, after receiving image data from another imaging apparatus 1002 in step S1107, if there is an image deleted from among images originally held by another imaging apparatus 1002, the system control circuit 909 Requests that another image capturing apparatus 1002 be notified of the file name of the corresponding image.

  Upon receiving notification of the file name of the corresponding image from another imaging apparatus 1002, the system control circuit 909 deletes the image data received from the other imaging apparatus 1002 and stored in the first memory 912 in step S1107. Delete the image data that has been notified. Accordingly, all image data held by another imaging device 1002 at the time of step S1210 and image data received from another imaging device 1002 and held by another imaging device 1002 in the first memory 912. The image data stored in the area for use completely matches.

  Next, in step S1211, the system control circuit 909 causes the image display unit 913 of the imaging apparatus 1001 to be in a state where the display screen 1004 is divided into two as shown in FIG. In step S1212, under the control of the system control circuit 909, the image data held by another imaging device 1002 in the first memory 912 is displayed on the left half screen of the image display unit 913 divided in two in step S1211. One image is displayed from the area.

  Note that if there is a plurality of image data in an area for image data held by another imaging device 1002 in the first memory 912, any image may be selected and displayed, but first in Name order. An image with a file name is generally displayed at the beginning in the playback mode. Therefore, also in this embodiment, the first file name image in Name order is displayed on the left half screen of the image display unit 913 divided into two.

  Next, in step S1213, an image held by the imaging apparatus 1001 is displayed on the right half screen of the image display unit 913 divided in two in step S1211. Similar to the first embodiment, also in this embodiment, an image held by itself is displayed on the left half screen, and the image data area held by another imaging device 1002 in the first memory 912 is displayed. The stored image may be displayed on the right half screen.

  Alternatively, the method of dividing the screen displayed on the image display unit 913 into two parts may be divided vertically so that the image held by the communication partner is displayed on the upper half screen and the image held by itself is displayed on the lower half screen. Or vice versa. Alternatively, a method may be used in which a part for displaying image information or the like is provided independently and the other part is divided into two parts.

  Next, in step S <b> 1214, a target to be played is set under the control of the system control circuit 909 based on the operation signal input to the operation unit 923. 13 and 14 are diagrams illustrating an external configuration of the imaging apparatus 1001 when the reproduction operation target is selected in the present embodiment.

  Also in the present embodiment, as with the imaging device 201 of the first embodiment as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a slide-type playback operation is performed in order to set the playback operation target as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. A target setting switch 1301 is provided. When it is desired to perform a reproduction operation of the image (right half screen) held by the imaging apparatus 1001, the reproduction operation target setting switch 1301 is slid to the right as shown in FIG. Under the control of 909, an object to be played is set. When it is desired to perform a reproduction operation of an image (left half screen) held by another imaging device 1002, the reproduction operation target setting switch 1301 is slid to the left as shown in FIG. A target to be played is set under the control of the control circuit 909.

  Next, in step S1215, under the control of the system control circuit 909, the image held by another imaging device 1002 displayed on the left half screen of the image display unit 913 and the image displayed on the right half screen of the image display unit 913 are displayed. The image held by the imaging apparatus 1001 is compared and reproduced.

The comparison reproduction process will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, in step S12151, comparative reproduction processing is started. In step S12152, the system control circuit 909 presses the cross operation button 1302 or the like to input an operation signal to the operation unit 923. Based on the operation signal, a playback operation event such as image forwarding or image return has occurred. Check whether or not.

  If it is determined that a playback operation event has occurred, the process advances to step S12153. On the other hand, if the result of the check in step S12152 is that a playback operation event has not occurred, the process proceeds to step S12158, and the comparison playback process is terminated.

  Next, in step S12153, the system control circuit 909 stores the reproduction operation target set in step S1214 in an area allocated for image data held by another imaging device 1002 in the first memory 912. Check if it is an image. As a result of this check, if the reproduction target is an image stored in an area allocated for image data held by another imaging device 1002 in the first memory 912, the process proceeds to step S12156. On the other hand, as a result of the check in step S12153, if the reproduction target is an image held by the imaging apparatus 1001, the process proceeds to step S12154.

  Next, in step S12154, the system control circuit 909 performs step S12152 on the image held by the imaging device 1001 displayed on the right half screen of the image display unit 913 based on the operation signal input to the operation unit 923. Replay operation event processing that occurred in. Next, in step S12155, under the control of the system control circuit 909, the image displayed on the right half screen of the image display unit 913 is updated based on the reproduction operation event processing in step S12154. Then, the process proceeds to step S12158, and the comparison reproduction process is terminated.

  On the other hand, in step S12156, the processing target of the reproduction operation event generated in step S12152 is an image stored in an area allocated for image data held by another imaging device 1002. Therefore, the system control circuit 909 performs the reproduction operation event processing generated in step S12152 on the image of the area allocated for the image data held by another imaging device 1002 based on the operation signal input to the operation unit 923. I do.

  Next, in step S12157, the image displayed on the left half screen of the image display unit 913 is updated based on the reproduction operation event process in step S12156 under the control of the system control circuit 909. Then, the process proceeds to step S12158, and the comparison reproduction process is terminated. As described above, in the comparative reproduction processing of the present embodiment, no data exchange on the wireless communication occurs between the image capturing apparatus 1001 and another image capturing apparatus 1002.

Returning to the description of FIG. 12A again, the sequence after returning from the comparative reproduction processing in step S1215 will be described.
In step S1216, the system control circuit 909 determines whether or not there has been an instruction to end the reproduction process by moving the mode switch or the like based on the operation signal input to the operation unit 923. To check.

  As a result of this check, if there is an instruction to end the reproduction process, the process proceeds to step S1231, and the reproduction process ends. On the other hand, as a result of the check in step S1216, if there is no instruction to end the reproduction process, the process proceeds to step S1217.

  Next, in step S1217, similarly to step S1204, the radio wave state measurement unit 927 measures the noise ratio with another imaging device 1002 that is a communication partner under the control of the system control circuit 909. Then, it is determined whether the noise ratio obtained from the measurement is larger than the reference noise ratio set in step S1102 of the reproduction operation preparation process.

  As a result of this determination, if the measured noise ratio is smaller than the reference noise ratio, that is, if the communication radio wave state has deteriorated, the process proceeds to step S1215, and the comparative reproduction process is performed again. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S1217, if the measured noise ratio is larger than the reference noise ratio, that is, if the communication radio wave condition is good, the process proceeds to step S1203.

  Next, a case where all image data held by each other is not transmitted and received in advance as a result of the check in step S1206 will be described. Note that the present embodiment is characterized in that image data is transmitted and received in advance in steps S1106 and S1107. Therefore, when prior transmission / reception is not performed, comparative reproduction is performed by the method described in the first embodiment.

  Accordingly, Steps S1218 to S1229 in FIG. 12A are exactly the same as Steps S308 to S319 in FIG. 3A in the first embodiment. Further, the comparison reproduction process performed in step S1228 is also performed by the same method as the comparison reproduction process in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description from step S1218 to step S1229 is omitted.

  In step S1229, it is checked whether or not there is an instruction to end the reproduction process. If there is an instruction to end the reproduction process, the process proceeds to step S1231 to end the reproduction process. If there is no reproduction processing end instruction, the process advances to step S1230.

  Next, in step S1230, similarly to step S1204, the radio wave condition measurement unit 927 measures the noise ratio with another imaging device 1002 that is a communication partner under the control of the system control circuit 909. Then, it is determined whether the noise ratio obtained from the measurement is larger than the reference noise ratio set in step S1102 of the reproduction operation preparation process.

  As a result of this determination, if the measured noise ratio is smaller than the reference noise ratio, that is, if the communication radio wave state has deteriorated, the process proceeds to step S1228, and comparison reproduction processing is performed again. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S1230, if the measured noise ratio is larger than the reference noise ratio, that is, if the communication radio wave state is good, the process proceeds to step S1203.

  Note that, as a result of the determination in step S1217 or step S1230, if the communication radio wave state is good, the process returns to step S1203 unconditionally, and this time, only the image held by the imaging device 1001 is displayed. However, depending on the usage situation, the user may want to continue the process of dividing and displaying. For example, when the image display is divided and the images owned by the image pickup apparatus 1001 and another image pickup apparatus 1002 are compared, the communication radio wave state is improved. This will affect the user's work.

  In order to avoid such a situation, the display screen 1502 shown in FIG. 15B may be displayed when the communication radio wave condition is good as a result of the determination in step S1217 or step S1230. As shown in FIG. 15B, it may be notified that the communication radio wave state is good, and only when the user permits the end of the split display, the process may proceed to step S1203 to perform the subsequent processing. If a notification such as the display screen 1502 is given and the user instructs to continue the split display, the process does not proceed to step S1203, but the comparative reproduction process in the split display state is continued. You may do it.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the communication radio wave state with the external device is measured, and the content displayed on the display unit is switched according to the measurement result. As a result, when it is detected that the communication radio wave state between the wirelessly connected devices has deteriorated, it is possible to automatically display the image of the connection partner device on the display unit of the device itself. Therefore, when checking the images held by each other's devices for exchanging images, if the devices are located at a short distance but cannot be seen directly by a shielding object, etc. The image will be displayed on your device. As a result, it is possible to smoothly check the image on the counterpart device.

  In addition, when the communication radio wave condition is good, all the image data held by each other is exchanged in advance between the wirelessly connected devices. And when a communication radio wave state deteriorates, the difference from the time of exchanging beforehand is acquired and deleted only once. After that, as described in the comparative reproduction processing of the present embodiment, it is possible to confirm the image in the counterpart device without performing image data transfer by wireless communication. As a result, it is possible to avoid transfer processing in a state where the communication radio wave state has deteriorated, to avoid processing that gives stress to the user, and to eliminate unnecessary power consumption.

(Other embodiments according to the present invention)
In the first to fourth embodiments, the image data itself is received when the image of the connected device is displayed on the image display unit of the device itself. On the other hand, in the first to fourth embodiments, image data of a reduced size such as a thumbnail image is sufficient for displaying on the image display unit, not the image data itself. Therefore, to avoid transactions, image data such as thumbnail images, still images with a reduced image size, and moving images with a reduced number of frames are received from the communication partner and displayed on the image display unit. Any form may be used.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, another imaging device is the connection partner. On the other hand, in the first to fourth embodiments, the imaging apparatuses of the present invention, that is, the imaging apparatus 201 of FIG. 2 and the imaging apparatuses 1001 of FIG.

  Furthermore, in the first to fourth embodiments, an object to be wirelessly connected to the imaging apparatus of the present invention is an imaging apparatus. On the other hand, in the first to fourth embodiments, the object to be wirelessly connected may be an image transfer device as long as the premise that the image transfer function is provided is satisfied.

  Each unit constituting the image pickup apparatus and each step of the control method of the image pickup apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention described above can be realized by operating a program stored in a RAM or ROM of a computer. This program and a computer-readable recording medium recording the program are included in the present invention.

  Further, the present invention can be implemented as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device.

  The present invention corresponds to the software program for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments (in the embodiment, the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3-1, 3-2, 7, 8, 11, 12-1, and 12-2). Program) directly or remotely to the system or device. This includes the case where the system or apparatus computer also achieves by reading and executing the supplied program code.

  Accordingly, since the functions of the present invention are implemented by computer, the program code installed in the computer also implements the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes a computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention.

  In that case, as long as it has the function of a program, it may be in the form of object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, and the like.

  Examples of the recording medium for supplying the program include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, and a magneto-optical disk. Further, there are MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R) and the like.

  As another program supply method, there is a method of connecting to a homepage on the Internet using a browser of a client computer. The computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function can be downloaded from the homepage by downloading it to a recording medium such as a hard disk.

  It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, the present invention includes a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer.

  As another method, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and encrypted from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. Download key information to unbind. It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  Further, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the computer executing the read program. Furthermore, based on the instructions of the program, an OS or the like running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments can be realized by the processing.

  As another method, the program read from the recording medium is first written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Then, based on the instructions of the program, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are also realized by the processing.

It is a block diagram which shows the function structural example of the imaging device in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. In the 1st Embodiment of this invention, it is a figure which shows the outline | summary which is communicating with another imaging device. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the reproduction | regeneration processing sequence in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the comparison reproduction | regeneration processing sequence in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the notification of the division | segmentation display start or completion | finish in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary at the time of the reproduction | regeneration operation object selection in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary at the time of the reproduction | regeneration operation object selection in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the comparison reproduction | regeneration processing sequence in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the comparison reproduction | regeneration processing sequence in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function structural example of the imaging device in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. In the 4th Embodiment of this invention, it is a figure which shows the outline | summary which is communicating with another imaging device. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the reproduction | regeneration operation preparation process sequence in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the reproduction | regeneration processing sequence in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the comparison reproduction process sequence in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary at the time of reproduction operation object selection in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary at the time of reproduction operation object selection in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the notification of the division | segmentation display start or completion | finish in the 4th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

101, 901 Imaging device 102, 902 Shooting lens 103, 903 Shutter 104, 904 Imaging element 105, 905 A / D converter 106, 906 Timing generation circuit 107, 907 D / A converter 108, 908 Memory control circuit 109, 909 System control circuit 110, 910 Image processing circuit 111, 911 Image display memory 112, 912 First memory 113, 913 Image display unit 114, 914 Exposure control unit 115, 915 Distance control unit 116, 916 Zoom control unit 117, 917 Flash unit 118, 918 Power source control unit 119, 919 Power source unit 120, 920 Second memory 121, 921 Display unit 122, 922 Non-volatile memory 123, 923 Operation unit 124, 924 Shutter switch 125, 925 Wireless communication control Units 126 and 926 Antenna unit 127 Distance measurement unit 201 Imaging device 202 Another imaging device 501 and 1301 Playback operation target setting switch 502 and 1302 Cross operation button 927 Radio wave state measurement unit 1001 Imaging device 1002 Another imaging device

Claims (18)

An imaging device capable of communicating with an external device,
Distance measuring means for measuring a distance between the external device;
Display means for displaying the image data in Table radical 113,
Communication means for receiving image data from the external device;
If the range is greater than the distance measured Ri by said distance measuring means is defined controls by Uni said display means that displays on the display unit the image data received from the external device by the communication unit An imaging apparatus comprising: a display control unit. Said communication means, said distance when measuring means range greater than Ri is measured distances defined by the imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the reception of the image data. The display control means may control, when the distance is the measurement using the distance measuring means is less than the range set, the controller controls to display the image data stored in the memory device itself has before Symbol display unit the imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized. The display control means, when before Symbol distance range is greater than the distance measured is defined by the measuring means is stored in the memory of dividing a display screen displayed on the display unit own device and an image data, an imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized that you control to display the image data received from the external device by the communication unit. When the distance measured by the distance measuring unit is larger than a predetermined range, if there is a request for changing the image displayed on the display unit, the image data to be changed is requested to the external device. the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by further comprising an image data request means. The display control means may control, when the distance measured by the distance measuring means is greater than the range determined before Symbol shall be controlled so as to display the effect that is greater than the range above defined on the display unit the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in. An imaging device capable of communicating with an external device,
A communication radio wave measuring means for measuring a communication radio wave state with the external device;
Display means for displaying the image data in Table radical 113,
Wherein, when the communication the communication radio wave state which is the measurement using the radio wave measuring means is worse than a value defined, a communication device for receiving image data from said external device,
Said communication if worse than the measured value the communication radio wave condition was PRESCRIBED BY wave measuring means, the communication means by the external image data received from the apparatus by that displays on the display unit urchin said display means An image pickup apparatus comprising: display control means for controlling the display. Wherein the display control unit, wherein when the the measurement using the communication wave measuring means communication radio wave condition is better than the value defined in the image data stored in the memory device itself has before Symbol display unit The imaging apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the imaging apparatus is controlled to display. When the communication radio wave state measured by the communication radio wave measurement unit is worse than a predetermined value, the display control unit divides a display screen displayed on the display unit and stores the divided display screen in a memory included in the device. by this image as data with the communication unit imaging apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the controller controls to display the image data received from the external device. Image data requesting means for requesting all of the image data held by the external apparatus to the external apparatus when the communication radio wave state measured by the communication radio wave measuring means is better than a predetermined value; The imaging apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising : If the communication radio wave state measured by the communication radio wave measurement means is worse than a predetermined value, and image data not stored in the memory of the own device is added to the external device, the image data request The imaging device according to claim 10 , wherein the unit requests the added image data from the external device. When the communication radio wave state measured by the communication radio wave measurement means is worse than a predetermined value, and there is image data deleted in the external device among the image data stored in the memory of the own device 12. The apparatus according to claim 7 , further comprising control means for controlling image data deleted in the external device to be deleted from the image data stored in the memory. The imaging device described. Wherein the display control unit, wherein if the communication worse than radio communication radio wave condition Gajo Me is a value measured by the measuring means, controls to display that worse than the communication radio wave condition stipulated value on the display unit the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that. It has an operation unit that inputs an input signal by the user's operation,
Wherein the display control unit, the imaging apparatus according to claim 6 or 13, characterized in that to switch the display based on the inputted input signal to the operating unit. An imaging device control method capable of communicating with an external device,
A distance measuring step for measuring a distance to the external device;
A display control step of displaying the image data in Table radical 113,
A communication step of receiving image data from the external device,
In the display control step, when a larger range distance measured have you on the distance measurement step is defined is that displays the image data received from the external device in the communication process on the display unit A method for controlling an imaging apparatus, wherein An imaging device control method capable of communicating with an external device,
A communication radio wave measurement step for measuring a communication radio wave state with the external device;
A display control step of displaying the image data in Table radical 113,
Wherein when measured have you to the communication radio wave measuring process communication radio wave condition is worse than a value defined, and a communication step of receiving image data from said external device,
Wherein in the display control step, wherein when measured have you to the communication radio wave measuring process communication radio wave condition is worse than the values defined, the display image data received from the external device in the communication process on the display unit control method for an imaging apparatus, which comprises by controlled so you. A distance measuring step for measuring the distance between the external device,
A display control step of displaying the image data in Table radical 113,
Causing the computer to execute a communication step of receiving image data from the external device;
In the display control step, when a larger range distance measured have you on the distance measurement step is defined is that displays the image data received from the external device in the communication process on the display unit program characterized and controlled so to Turkey. A communication radio wave measuring step for measuring a communication radio wave state with an external device;
A display control step of displaying the image data in Table radical 113,
If the communication radio wave measuring communication radio wave state which is measured have you to process worse than the value defined, to execute a communication process of receiving the image data to the computer from the external device,
Wherein in the display control step, wherein when measured have you to the communication radio wave measuring process communication radio wave condition is worse than the values defined, the display image data received from the external device in the communication process on the display unit program characterized and Turkey be by sea urchin control you.

Images