JP4990214B2 - Camera system, camera control method, and camera program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera system, a camera control method, a camera program, and more specifically, a camera system including a camera and a controller that controls the camera from the outside, a camera control method using the controller in the camera system, and the control method The present invention relates to a camera program for realizing the above.

  Conventionally, in a camera system composed of a camera and a controller, a controller that can confirm a monitor image, a captured image, and the like acquired by operating the camera by remote operation from outside is displayed on the display unit, and is externally controlled by this controller. Various proposals have been made and put into practical use for so-called remote control systems of camera systems that are combined with other cameras.

  For example, a camera system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-174164 includes a camera including a lens and operation members such as an image display unit, a shutter button, a zoom operation button, a mode switching button, and a cross button. Controller. When the camera and the controller communicate with each other, the camera controls the photographing operation and the like by an instruction signal from the controller, and transmits monitor image data, photographed image data, and the like to the controller. Further, the controller can transmit an instruction signal to the camera to control the camera, receive monitor image data and captured image data transmitted from the camera, and display an image based on each image data on the display unit. It is like that. In this case, since the operation member of the camera and the operation member of the controller are configured to have substantially the same form and arrangement, the camera can be operated by operating the controller in substantially the same operation procedure as operating the camera directly. Can be controlled remotely.

  In addition, the camera system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-330089 is configured by providing an operation member such as a release switch and a display device in a controller.

  An operator can control a camera by remote operation by operating a release switch or the like of a controller, and can perform a shooting operation or the like. In this case, the controlled camera transmits camera status information, for example, remaining memory capacity, battery capacity, image information that can be captured, and the like to the controller side. The controller displays the received status information on the display device. Thus, the operator can confirm the state of the camera in advance on the display device on the controller side when performing the photographing operation.

  In the camera system disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-173992, when the camera receives a shooting request signal including shooting condition data transmitted from the controller, the camera side is based on the received shooting condition data. Control is performed such that the camera shooting conditions are set and the shooting operation is executed in accordance with the received shooting request signal. And the camera is comprised so that the image data etc. which were acquired by imaging | photography operation | movement may be transmitted to a controller.

As described above, in the conventional camera system disclosed by the above-mentioned JP-A-2006-174164, JP-A-2003-330089, JP-A-2007-173992 and the like, the camera transmits various instruction signals from the controller. Can be controlled by remote control, shooting operation etc. can be executed by operation on the controller side, and shooting conditions etc. can be set from the controller side prior to shooting operation Various proposals have been made.
JP 2006-174164 A JP 2003-330089 A JP 2007-173992 A

  However, for example, in the case of a single-lens reflex camera or the like, there are a wide variety of setting items for shooting conditions and the like, and the control system is complicated so that detailed settings can be made for each item of shooting conditions. It is normal. For this reason, in a conventional single-lens reflex camera or the like, a large number of operation members are prepared for setting various shooting conditions and the like.

  Therefore, in order to deal with such a camera, it is possible to deal with a larger number of setting items by simply arranging operation members equivalent to the operation members on the camera side in the same manner on the controller side. Naturally.

  However, in the camera system as described above, if a large number of operation members are arranged on the controller side, the operation procedure becomes complicated and the operability is hindered, or the controller itself is enlarged. There is a point.

  On the other hand, if a simple operation system is realized by reducing the number of operation members provided in the controller, the control function of the camera will be limited, and the function on the camera side must be fully supported when controlling by remote operation. There is a problem that it will not be possible.

  On the other hand, in order to control a multifunctional camera such as a single-lens reflex camera while suppressing the number of operation members provided in the controller, it is considered that it can be realized by devising software on the controller side. However, in that case, a more complicated program, GUI, or the like must be devised and configured.

  Furthermore, even if the camera to be controlled is of a compact type with a simple operation system, it is extremely troublesome to control the camera from the controller and make detailed settings for various shooting conditions each time. There may be a problem that the operator is forced to perform complicated work.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object thereof is to transmit an instruction signal from a controller in a camera system including a camera and a controller that controls the camera from the outside. The camera can be controlled so that shooting conditions are set, and in this case, it is configured so that shooting conditions can be easily set for many items while simplifying the operability on the controller side. To provide a camera system, a camera control method by a controller of the camera system, and a camera program for realizing the control method.

  In order to achieve the above object, a camera system according to the present invention is a camera system comprising a camera and a controller that controls the camera from the outside. The camera communicates information including image data with the controller. A camera communication unit; and a remote control unit that controls the camera according to an instruction from the controller. The controller communicates information including image data with the camera from the camera. A display unit that displays an image based on the transmitted image data, and an imaging condition instruction control unit that transmits information related to image data selected from the image data transmitted from the camera via the communication unit. The camera communication unit receives information on the image data transmitted from the controller, Serial remote control unit, and sets the same photographing condition in the camera on the basis of the photographing condition data among the information relating to the image data which the camera communication unit receives.

  According to the camera control method of the present invention, image data transmitted from the camera is acquired in the camera control method by a controller that acquires information including image data by communicating with the camera and controls the camera from the outside. Selecting specific image data from the controller, receiving information on the selected image data transmitted from the controller, and causing the camera to set the same photographing condition based on the information on the received image data. And

  The camera program according to the present invention acquires information including image data by communicating with the camera, and in the camera program by the controller that controls the camera from the outside, among the image data transmitted from the camera Selecting the specific image data from the controller and receiving the information on the selected image data transmitted from the controller, and the same based on the shooting condition data of the image data based on the received information on the image data And a step of setting the camera so as to satisfy the imaging conditions.

  According to the present invention, in a camera system including a camera and a controller that controls the camera from the outside, the camera can be controlled so that shooting condition setting of the camera is performed by transmitting an instruction signal from the controller. In this case, while simplifying the operability on the controller side, a camera system configured to be able to easily set shooting conditions for a number of items, a method for controlling the camera by the controller of the camera system, and the control A camera program for realizing the method can be provided.

  The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of an entire camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram showing an outline of internal configurations of the controller and the camera in the camera system of FIG.

  First, a schematic configuration of a camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.

  The camera system of this embodiment includes a digital camera 2 (hereinafter simply referred to as a camera) that acquires an optical subject image as image data and stores it in a recording medium, and a controller 1 that controls the operation of the camera 2 from the outside. It is composed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 1 includes a display unit 18 and a plurality of operation members. Examples of the plurality of operation members include a four-direction selection button 21 (21L, 21R, 21D, 21U), a determination button 21a, a menu button 22, a release button 23, and the like. The plurality of operation members are disposed at predetermined positions on the exterior surface.

The four-direction selection button 21 is an operation member for selecting and instructing a desired item on the operation screen displayed on the display unit 18. For example, a left direction for moving an index indicating the selected item to the left A select button 21L;
A right direction selection button 21R for moving an index indicating the selected item to the right direction;
A downward selection button 21D for moving an index indicating the selected item downward;
An upward selection button 21U for moving an index indicating the selected item upward;
There is.

  The determination button 21a is an operation member for instructing the item selected and instructed by the four-way selection button 21.

  The menu button 22 is an operation member that is operated when a predetermined operation screen is displayed on the display unit 18.

  The release button 23 is an operation member that is operated when the controller 1 is used to execute a shooting operation by the camera 2 to be controlled.

  Examples of the target camera 2 controlled by the controller 1 include a single-lens reflex digital camera with interchangeable lenses and a normal compact digital camera.

  In the camera system of the present embodiment, the form of the camera 2 to be controlled by the controller 1 is, for example, as shown in FIG.

  The camera 2 includes, for example, an interchangeable lens unit 43 that is detachably disposed on the front surface of the camera body 46, a camera display unit 38 is provided on the back surface of the camera body 46, and an information display unit is provided on the upper surface of the camera body 46. 42 is provided, and has a plurality of operation members at predetermined positions on the exterior surface of the camera body 46.

  As operation members, there are, for example, a four-direction selection button 41 (41L, 41R, 41D, 41U), an enter button 41a, a menu button 41b, a release button 41c, and the like, as shown in FIG. The plurality of operation members are respectively disposed at predetermined positions on the exterior surface of the camera body 46.

The four-direction selection button 41 is an operation member for selecting and instructing a desired item on the operation screen displayed on the camera display unit 38. For example, a left-direction button that moves an index indicating the selected item leftward. A direction selection button 41L;
A right direction selection button 41R for moving the index indicating the selected item to the right,
A downward selection button 41D for moving the index indicating the selected item downward;
An upward selection button 41U for moving an index indicating the selected item upward;
There is.

  The determination button 41a is an operation member for instructing the item selected and instructed by the four-way selection button 41.

  The menu button 41 b is an operation member that is operated when an operation screen is displayed on the camera display unit 38.

  The release button 41 c is an operation member that is operated when performing a shooting operation using the camera 2.

  Note that the form of the camera 2 shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and the form of the camera to be controlled by the controller 1 of the present embodiment is not limited to the illustrated form of the camera, but other forms. Of course, this camera may be used.

  The camera system of the present embodiment is configured by combining the controller 1 and the camera 2. In this case, the controller 1 and the camera 2 communicate with each other for various data such as image data and control signals based on a predetermined communication format. Thereby, the controller 1 can control the camera 2 from the outside.

  As a communication format performed between the controller 1 and the camera 2, for example, IrDA (Infrared Data Association) which is a standard of optical wireless communication using infrared rays, Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, A wireless format conforming to a wireless communication standard such as Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) standard or WUSB (Wireless USB) standard is applied. In addition to this, a wired communication format such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard can also be applied.

  Next, the outline of each internal structure of the controller 1 in the camera system of this embodiment and the camera 2 to be controlled by the controller 1 will be described below with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 2, the controller 1 includes a control unit 11, a ROM 12, an operation unit 13, a RAM 14, a recording / reproducing unit 15, a recording medium unit 16, a display control unit 17, a display unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a bus line 20. , Antenna 54 and the like.

  The control unit 11 comprehensively controls the entire controller 1 based on a program. A ROM 12, an operation unit 13, and the like are connected to the control unit 11.

  The control unit 11 includes an operation control unit 11a that receives an instruction signal from the operation unit 13 that is linked to each operation member (21, 22, 23, etc.) and issues a corresponding control signal, and an image such as photographing condition data. An imaging condition instruction control unit 11b that performs control when transmitting information related to data and the like is provided as a processing function executed by a program.

  Although details of the operation of the imaging condition instruction control unit 11b will be described later, for example, information on image data selected by the operator from image data transmitted from the camera 2 and received by the communication unit 19 is transmitted to the communication unit. Control to transmit to the camera 2 via 19 is performed.

  The ROM 12 has a storage area for storing a control program for controlling the control unit 11, operation screen data 12a, and the like, and is a data storage unit including a nonvolatile memory.

  The operation unit 13 is linked to the various operation members (21, 22, 23, etc.) operated by the operator, and notifies the operation control unit 11a of the control unit 11 of an instruction signal corresponding to the operated operation member. It is a circuit part to do.

  For example, the operation unit 13 receives an instruction signal from the operated operation member and inputs it to the operation control unit 11a when the operator performs an operation input using the operation member from the operation screen displayed on the display unit 18. In response, the same instruction signal is output.

  The RAM 14 is a temporary memory that is composed of a volatile memory or the like and serves as a work area for temporarily storing various data.

  The recording / playback unit 15 stores the image data received by the communication operation in the recording medium unit 16, reads the image data received by the communication operation or the image data stored in the recording medium unit 16 into the RAM 14, and performs an expansion process. This is a circuit unit that contributes to the recording operation and the reproducing operation of image data, such as a process of giving to the display control unit 17 and the like.

  The recording medium unit 16 includes a recording medium such as a flash memory or a hard disk, and is a component that records image data output from the recording / reproducing unit 15 on a predetermined recording medium.

  The display control unit 17 is a circuit unit that performs control related to display on the display unit 18. The display control unit 17 contributes to display control such as display of an image based on image data input from the recording / playback unit 15 or the communication unit 19 or display of an operation screen based on the operation screen data 12a read from the ROM 12. It is a circuit part to do.

  The display unit 18 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display device (LCD) or the like, and displays an image, a display screen for setting shooting conditions, or the like based on the image data output from the display control unit 17 or the operation screen data 12a. Device. In this case, when the display unit 18 displays an image based on the image data, the image data may be image data stored in the recording medium unit 16 or may be transmitted from the camera 2 and transmitted to the communication unit 19. The image data received by may be used.

  The communication unit 19 is a circuit unit that communicates with the camera 2 configured separately from the controller 1 and exchanges image data, control signals, and the like via the antenna 54. For this purpose, an antenna 54 is connected to the communication unit 19.

  The antenna 54 functions as an input / output unit for various data and control signals when communicating with the camera 2 configured separately from the controller 1.

  The bus line 20 includes signal lines and data lines for electrically connecting the internal components of the controller 1 to each other.

  The controller 1 may be configured to include an imaging unit 25, a lens unit 26, and the like as necessary. Since these components are not essential components for configuring the present invention, they are surrounded by a dotted line in FIG.

  The imaging unit 25 includes an imaging element, an image processing circuit, and the like, as in a normal camera, and has a shooting function that photoelectrically converts a light image of a subject formed by the lens unit 26 into electrical image data. It is what.

  The lens unit 26 is configured by an optical lens or the like, and forms an optical image of a subject on the light receiving surface of the imaging unit 25.

  In the case where the controller 1 includes the imaging unit 25 and the lens unit 26, the image data output from the imaging unit 25 is temporarily stored in the RAM 14. At this time, the RAM 14 functions as a temporary memory for captured image data.

  Further, the recording / reproducing unit 15 has a function of recording the acquired image data in the recording medium unit 16 at the time of a photographing operation that operates using the imaging unit 25 and the lens unit 26.

  Furthermore, the operation unit 13 includes the operation members (21, 22, 23, etc.) as described above, but instead of or in addition to this operation member, the display of the display unit 18 is displayed. A touch panel may be provided on the screen.

  The touch panel is a circuit unit that can be used as a part of the operation unit 13 and is superposed on the display screen of the display unit 18. In addition, as a structure in the case of applying a touch panel, it is good also as a structure which adjoins the said operation member (21, 22, 23, etc.), the said operation member (21, 22, 23, etc.) is abolished, and only a touch panel is said. It is good also as a structure employ | adopted as an operation member replaced with an operation member (21, 22, 23 grade | etc.,).

  Next, an outline of the configuration of the camera 2 to be controlled by the controller 1 will be described below.

  As described above, the controller 1 corresponds to a plurality of models of various types including the camera 2 and the like, and can control each camera individually. Yes.

  In this case, the internal configuration of the camera 2 to be controlled by the controller 1 is basically substantially the same. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the camera 2 includes a camera control unit 31, a camera ROM 32, a camera operation unit 33, a camera RAM 34, a camera recording / playback unit 35, a camera recording medium unit 36, a camera display control unit 37, and a camera display unit 38. , A camera communication unit 39, a bus line 40, a camera antenna 44, a camera imaging unit 45, an interchangeable lens unit 43, and the like.

  The camera control unit 31 is a circuit unit that comprehensively controls the entire camera 2 based on a program. The camera control unit 31 is provided as a processing function executed by a program with a remote control unit 31a that performs control when communicating with the controller 1 configured separately from the camera 2. Connected to the camera control unit 31 are a camera ROM 32, a camera operation unit 33, a camera imaging unit 45 having an optical system control unit, and the like.

  The camera ROM 32 includes a non-volatile memory and stores a control program for controlling the camera control unit 31, operation screen data, and the like.

  Here, the operation screen data includes display data constituting the operation screen, a display program for performing display in a predetermined form on the camera display unit 38 using the display data, and the like.

  The camera operation unit 33 is a circuit unit that detects an operation instruction signal generated when an operator operates an arbitrary operation member among a plurality of operation members and notifies the camera control unit 31 of the operation instruction signal.

  The camera RAM 34 is a temporary memory that temporarily stores the image data output from the camera imaging unit 45 and serves as a work area when performing various digital processes on the image data obtained by the shooting operation.

  The camera recording / playback unit 35 performs a process of compressing the acquired image data during a shooting operation and storing the compressed image data in the camera recording medium unit 36 that is a camera storage unit. In addition, at the time of the reproduction operation, the predetermined image data stored in the camera recording medium unit 36 in a compressed form is read out, decompressed by the camera RAM 34, and then transferred to the camera display control unit 37 and the like. It is a circuit unit that contributes to recording and reproduction operations.

  The camera recording medium unit 36 includes a recording medium that records and stores image data acquired by a shooting operation performed under the control of the camera recording / reproducing unit 35, for example, a recording medium such as a flash memory or a hard disk. It is a component.

  The camera display control unit 37 is a circuit unit that contributes to display control for displaying an image displayed on the camera display unit 38 and an operation screen display.

  The camera display unit 38 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like, and is a display device that displays an image, an operation screen, and the like based on image data and operation screen data output from the camera display control unit 37.

  The camera communication unit 39 is a circuit unit for communicating image data, control signals, and the like between the camera 2 and the controller 1. For example, the camera communication unit 39 functions as an interface that transmits image data or the like recorded in the camera recording medium unit 36 of the camera 2 to the controller 1 or receives a control signal or the like from the controller 1. For this purpose, a camera antenna 44 is connected to the camera communication unit 39.

  The camera antenna 44 functions as an input / output unit for various data and control signals when communicating with the controller 1.

  The bus line 40 includes signal lines, data lines, and the like for electrically connecting the internal components of the camera 2 to each other.

  The interchangeable lens unit 43 is a component that includes a zoom lens, a focus lens, a diaphragm mechanism, a shutter mechanism, and the like. As described above, the interchangeable lens unit 43 is configured to be detachable from the camera body 46 (see FIG. 1).

  The camera imaging unit 45 includes optical members such as zoom control performed according to an operator's zoom operation, focus control for moving the focus lens to a focus position detected based on an output signal (contrast signal) of the image sensor, and the like. It has an optical system controller that performs various controls such as drive control and exposure control that controls the aperture mechanism, shutter mechanism, and the like of the interchangeable lens unit 43 based on the output signal (luminance signal) of the image sensor. The camera imaging unit 45 is an imaging device that photoelectrically converts a light image of a subject formed by the interchangeable lens unit 43, an imaging processing unit that processes an electrical signal output from the imaging device and outputs image data, A processing system circuit such as an AD conversion unit that converts an analog signal output from the imaging processing unit into a digital signal is provided.

  The information display unit 42 is, for example, a small monochrome liquid crystal display device and the like, and is a display device that displays various types of information set in the camera 2.

  Other configurations are substantially the same as those of a conventional general digital camera. Therefore, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In this embodiment, a single-lens reflex digital camera with interchangeable lenses is described as an example of the camera 2 controlled by the controller 1 as shown in FIGS. The target camera 2 controlled by 1 is not limited to this, and may be a camera of another form, such as a compact digital camera.

  In the camera system of the present embodiment configured as described above, an outline of the flow of operation when communication is performed between the camera 2 and the controller 1 and setting of shooting conditions and the like from the controller 1 is described below. To do.

  FIG. 3 is a display example of the operation screen displayed on the display unit of the controller in the camera system of the present embodiment. FIGS. 3A to 3E show the display of the operation screen on the display unit according to the operation of the operator. It shows how it changes.

  First, when a power button (not shown) of the controller 1 is operated by an operator to turn on the power state of the controller 1, the controller 1 starts in a local mode that operates alone.

  As an operation mode of the controller 1 in the camera system of the present embodiment, there is a remote mode in addition to the local mode. The remote mode of the controller 1 is an operation mode for communicating with the camera 2 and controlling the operation of the camera 2 by remote operation.

  When the operator performs an operation of switching the operation mode of the controller 1 from the local mode to the remote mode, that is, an operation mode switching operation with a predetermined operation member in a state where the controller 1 is activated in the local mode, the control unit 11 of the controller 1 is operated. The operation control unit 11a receives a corresponding instruction signal from the operation unit 13 and executes a predetermined communication establishment process (details will be described later). As a result, when the communication state between the controller 1 and the camera 2 is established, the control unit 11 reads the operation screen data 12 a from the ROM 12 and passes it to the display control unit 17. In response to this, the display control unit 17 controls the display unit 18 to display the first operation screen 18a shown in FIG. The first operation screen 18a is an operation screen that displays a list of operation modes that can be executed when the controller 1 is in the remote mode and prompts the operator to select one.

  As an operation mode in the remote mode of the controller 1 in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A, there are a “shooting control” mode and a “reproduction control” mode. On the first operation screen 18a, a list of operation modes in the remote mode of the controller 1 is displayed. The operator selects which operation mode the controller 1 is to operate on the first operation screen 18a.

  The shooting control mode is an operation mode in which communication with the camera 2 is performed and an instruction signal from the controller 1 to the camera 2 is transmitted to control the shooting operation of the camera 2. By operating the controller 1 in this shooting control mode, the controller 1 communicates with the camera 2 to perform shooting operation control of the camera 2 by remote control, for example, setting of shooting conditions of the camera 2, etc. It is possible to perform control such as executing a photographing operation of the camera 2.

  The reproduction control mode is an operation mode in which the reproduction operation control of the camera 2 can be performed by communicating with the camera 2 and sending an instruction signal from the controller 1 to the camera 2. By operating the controller 1 in this playback control mode, the controller 1 communicates with the camera 2 to control playback operation of the camera 2 by remote control, for example, stored in the camera recording medium unit 36 of the camera 2. With respect to the recorded image data, it is possible to perform control such as transmitting necessary image data to the controller 1 and deleting unnecessary image data.

  Thus, when the first operation screen 18a is displayed on the display unit 18, a cursor indicating a predetermined item is simultaneously displayed in the vicinity of the item column indicating the operation mode. The operator moves the cursor within the first operation screen 18a using the lower direction selection button 21D and the upper direction selection button 21U among the four direction selection buttons 21, and operates so that the cursor indicates a desired operation mode. To do. The state shown in FIG. 3A is a state in which the cursor indicates an item of the shooting control mode. If it is desired to cancel the display of the first operation screen 18a and return the controller 1 to the previous operation state, for example, by operating the predetermined operation member (operation member for operation mode switching) again. Is possible.

  The operation mode item field desired by the operator is displayed with a cursor. When the determination button 21a is pressed, the operation control unit 11a of the control unit 11 displays the determination button 21a from the operation unit 13. In response to the corresponding instruction signal, the controller 1 is set to operate in the photographing control mode. Thereafter, the control unit 11 controls the display control unit 17 to switch to an initial screen, for example, a monitor display screen (not shown) during the photographing control operation in the controller 1. This monitor display screen is a screen displayed as a result of receiving monitor image data acquired and transmitted by the camera 2 by communicating with the camera 2 to be controlled by the controller 1.

  Further, when the menu button 22 is pressed while the cursor is pointing to the item column of the desired operation mode while the first operation screen 18a of FIG. 3A is displayed, the operation control unit 11a of the control unit 11 is Upon receiving an instruction signal corresponding to the menu button 22 from the operation unit 13 and setting the controller 1 to operate in the shooting control mode, the display on the display unit 18 is displayed in the second operation shown in FIG. Switch to screen 18b.

  In this case, the control unit 11 reads operation screen data from the ROM 12 and passes it to the display control unit 17. In response to this, the display control unit 17 controls the display unit 18 to display the first operation screen 18a shown in FIG. 3A displayed on the display unit 18 as the second operation screen 18b shown in FIG. Switch to the display. The second operation screen 18b is an operation screen that displays a list of shooting operation modes to be set for the camera 2 to be controlled when the controller 1 operates in the shooting control mode, and prompts the operator to select one. .

  The items of the shooting operation mode of the camera 2 that can be set on the second operation screen 18b include “normal” shooting mode, “bracket” shooting mode, “continuous shooting” shooting mode, as shown in FIG. There is. On the second operation screen 18b, a list of photographing operation modes of the camera 2 controlled by the controller 1 is displayed. The operator uses the second operation screen 18b to select in which shooting operation mode the camera 2 is controlled using the controller 1.

  The normal shooting mode is a shooting operation mode selected when general normal shooting is performed.

  The bracket shooting mode is selected when performing so-called bracket shooting in which only a set value of the shooting conditions set in advance when performing a single release operation is executed in stages, and a plurality of release operations are executed. This is a shooting operation mode.

  In the continuous shooting mode, a series of shooting operations for acquiring one image, for example, a series of operations realized by shutter charging, opening / closing of aperture blades and imaging processing of the image sensor, etc. are performed continuously with one operation. In this mode, a plurality of image data are acquired. During the continuous shooting mode, it is possible to select a case where the shooting condition is fixed to a constant value without being changed, and a case where an optimum value is set for each shooting.

  Even when the second operation screen 18b is displayed, a cursor is displayed in the vicinity of the item column representing the setting item in the same manner as the first operation screen 18a. The operator moves the cursor in the second operation screen 18b using the lower direction selection button 21D and the upper direction selection button 21U among the four direction selection buttons 21, and operates the cursor to point to a desired item. . The state shown in FIG. 3B is a state in which the cursor points to the item of the bracket shooting mode. If it is desired to cancel the display of the second operation screen 18b and return the controller 1 to the previous operating state, for example, the menu button 22 is pressed again or the four-way selection button 21 is operated. This is possible by selecting the “BACK” item displayed at the lowermost edge of the second operation screen 18b and pressing the enter button 21a.

  As described above, when the determination button 21 a is pressed when the operation mode item column desired by the operator is displayed with the cursor, the operation control unit 11 a of the control unit 11 determines from the operation unit 13. In response to the instruction signal corresponding to the button 21a, the controller 1 is used to set the camera 2 to operate in the bracket shooting mode. At the same time, the control unit 11 reads operation screen data from the ROM 12 and passes it to the display control unit 17. In response to this, the display control unit 17 controls the display unit 18 to display the second operation screen 18b shown in FIG. 3B displayed on the display unit 18 as the third operation screen 18c shown in FIG. Switch to the display. The third operation screen 18c is an operation screen that displays a list of bracket shooting mode types and prompts the operator to select when the camera 2 to be controlled by the controller 1 is operated in the bracket shooting mode.

  The types of bracket shooting modes that can be set on the third operation screen 18c include “AE bracket”, “MF bracket”, and “WB bracket” as shown in FIG. On the third operation screen 18c, a list of bracket shooting modes of the camera 2 controlled by the controller 1 is displayed. The operator uses the third operation screen 18c to select which bracket photographing mode to control the camera 2 using the controller 1.

  The AE bracket shooting mode is a shooting mode in which bracket shooting is performed with the exposure value gradually displaced before and after the reference exposure value with the appropriate exposure value calculated by the automatic exposure control (AE) processing as a reference.

  In the MF bracket shooting mode, bracket shooting is performed by displacing the focus position (lens position) stepwise before and after the reference focus position (lens position) with reference to the focus position (lens position) set by the focus adjustment operation. It is a shooting mode.

  The WB bracket shooting mode is a shooting mode in which bracket shooting is performed with the set white balance value (referred to as the WB value) as a reference and the WB value is gradually displaced from the reference WB value in the red direction and the blue direction.

  Even when the third operation screen 18c is displayed, a cursor is displayed in the vicinity of the item column representing the setting item in the same manner as the first and second operation screens 18a and 18b. The operator moves the cursor within the third operation screen 18c using the lower direction selection button 21D and the upper direction selection button 21U among the four direction selection buttons 21, and operates the cursor to point to a desired item. . The state shown in FIG. 3C is a state in which the cursor points to an item in the AE bracket shooting mode. When canceling the display of the third operation screen 18c, the menu button 22 is pressed again, or the “BACK” item is selected with the four-way selection button 21, as in the second operation screen 18b. This is possible by pressing the button 21a.

  As described above, when the determination button 21 a is pressed when the operation mode item column desired by the operator is displayed with the cursor, the operation control unit 11 a of the control unit 11 determines from the operation unit 13. In response to the instruction signal corresponding to the button 21a, the controller 1 is used to set the camera 2 to operate in the AE bracket shooting mode. At the same time, the control unit 11 reads operation screen data from the ROM 12 and passes it to the display control unit 17. In response to this, the display control unit 17 controls the display unit 18 to display the third operation screen 18c shown in FIG. 3C displayed on the display unit 18 as the fourth operation screen 18d shown in FIG. Switch to the display. The fourth operation screen 18d displays a list of shooting conditions (in this case, classified according to the setting for displacement) when the camera 2 to be controlled by the controller 1 is operated in the AE bracket shooting mode. This is an operation screen that prompts selection.

  As forms of photographing conditions that can be set on the fourth operation screen 18d, there are “P mode”, “A mode”, and “S mode” as shown in FIG. On the fourth operation screen 18d, a list of types of shooting conditions in the AE bracket shooting mode among the bracket shooting modes by the camera 2 controlled by the controller 1 is displayed. Using the fourth operation screen 18d, the operator uses the controller 1 to select the form of shooting conditions when operating the camera 2 in the AE bracket shooting mode.

  The P mode is an AE bracket shooting operation mode in which the exposure is displaced stepwise by switching the combination of the aperture value and the shutter speed value.

  The A mode is an AE bracket photographing operation mode in which the exposure is displaced stepwise by changing the shutter speed value. That is, the A mode is an aperture priority AE bracket shooting mode.

  The S mode is an AE bracket photographing operation mode in which the aperture value is displaced to gradually change the exposure. That is, the S mode is a shutter speed priority AE bracket shooting mode.

  Even when the fourth operation screen 18d is displayed, a cursor is displayed in the vicinity of the item column indicating the setting item, similarly to the first, second, and third operation screens 18a, 18b, and 18c. . The operator moves the cursor within the fourth operation screen 18d by using the lower direction selection button 21D and the upper direction selection button 21U among the four direction selection buttons 21, and operates the cursor to indicate a desired item. . The state shown in FIG. 3D is a state in which the cursor points to an item in the S mode. When canceling the display of the fourth operation screen 18d, the menu button 22 is pressed again or “BACK” is selected with the four-way selection button 21 as in the second and third operation screens 18b and 18c. This is possible by selecting an item and pressing the enter button 21a.

  As described above, when the determination button 21 a is pressed when the operation mode item column desired by the operator is displayed with the cursor, the operation control unit 11 a of the control unit 11 determines from the operation unit 13. In response to an instruction signal corresponding to the button 21a, the controller 1 is used to set the S mode as a shooting condition when the camera 2 is operated in the AE bracket shooting mode. At the same time, the control unit 11 reads operation screen data from the ROM 12 and passes it to the display control unit 17. In response to this, the display control unit 17 controls the display unit 18 to display the fourth operation screen 18d shown in FIG. 3D displayed on the display unit 18 as the fifth operation screen 18e shown in FIG. Switch to the display. The fifth operation screen 18e displays a list of setting of the displacement amount of the photographing condition to be displaced (in this case, the aperture value) when the camera 2 to be controlled by the controller 1 operates in the AE bracket photographing mode. It is an operation screen prompting the operator to select.

  As the photographing conditions that can be set on the fifth operation screen 18e, as shown in FIG. 3E, the number of steps (number of photographing) and the amount of deviation of exposure (EV value) in one bracket photographing operation are shown. Specifies the combination settings. When the number of bracket steps is “3 steps”, three images are obtained by shooting three times. Similarly, when the bracket step number is “5 steps”, five images are obtained by shooting five times. The exposure shift amount is defined to be a stepwise exposure with the same width in the positive direction and the negative direction around the reference exposure value.

  For example, in the setting of “3 steps −0.5 to +0.5 EV” shown in FIG. 3E, shooting is performed with a reference exposure value (± 0 EV), and the reference exposure value is shifted by 0.5 EV to the minus side. This is a setting for acquiring image data for three images: shooting with an exposure value and shooting with an exposure value shifted by 0.5 EV to the plus side from the reference exposure value. The exposure value is changed according to the fourth operation screen. That is, if the S mode is selected on the fourth operation screen, photographing at −0.5 EV and +0.5 EV is performed by changing the aperture value.

  Similarly, in the setting of “3 steps −1.0 to +1.0 EV”, shooting with a reference exposure value (± 0 EV) and shooting with an exposure value shifted by 1.0 EV to the minus side from the reference exposure value, This is a setting for acquiring image data for three images, that is, shooting with an exposure value shifted by 1.0 EV to the plus side from the reference exposure value.

  Similarly, in the setting of “5-step −0.5 to +0.5 EV”, shooting with a reference exposure value (± 0 EV) and shooting with an exposure value shifted by 0.5 EV to the minus side from the reference exposure value, Shooting with an exposure value shifted by 0.25 EV to the minus side from the reference exposure value, shooting with an exposure value shifted by 0.25 EV to the plus side from the reference exposure value, and 0. 0 to the plus side from the reference exposure value. This is a setting for acquiring image data for five images of shooting with an exposure value shifted by 5 EV.

  Similarly, in the setting of “5-step −1.0 to +1.0 EV”, shooting with a reference exposure value (± 0 EV) and shooting with an exposure value shifted by 1.0 EV to the minus side from the reference exposure value, Shooting with an exposure value shifted by 0.5 EV to the minus side from the reference exposure value, shooting with an exposure value shifted by 0.5 EV to the plus side from the reference exposure value, and 1.0 EV to the plus side from the reference exposure value This is a setting for acquiring image data for five images, that is, shooting with an exposure value that is shifted by a certain amount.

  Note that the specified values of the bracket step number and the exposure shift amount shown in FIG. 3E and the combination of both are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto, and various specified values and combinations are appropriately adopted. obtain.

  Even when the fifth operation screen 18e is displayed, the first operation field 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d are located near the item column representing the setting item in the same manner as the first, second, third, and fourth operation screens 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d. A cursor is displayed. The operator moves the cursor within the fourth operation screen 18d by using the lower direction selection button 21D and the upper direction selection button 21U among the four direction selection buttons 21, and operates the cursor to indicate a desired item. . The state shown in FIG. 3E is a state where the cursor points to an item of “5 levels −1.0 to +1.0”. When canceling the display of the fifth operation screen 18d, the menu button 22 is pressed again or the four-way selection button is pressed as in the second, third, and fourth operation screens 18b, 18c, and 18d. This can be done by selecting the “BACK” item 21 and pressing the enter button 21a.

  In this way, when the operation field desired by the operator is displayed with the cursor, the operation control unit 11a of the control unit 11 determines from the operation unit 13 when the determination button 21a is pressed. In response to the instruction signal corresponding to the button 21a, the controller 1 is used to set “5-step −1.0 to +1.0” as a shooting condition when the camera 2 is operated in the S mode of the AE bracket shooting mode. At the same time, the control unit 11 reads operation screen data from the ROM 12 and passes it to the display control unit 17. In response to this, the display control unit 17 controls the display unit 18 to switch the fifth operation screen 18d in FIG. 3E displayed on the display unit 18 to, for example, a monitor display screen (not shown).

  In the camera system of the present embodiment configured as described above, the operation when the camera 2 is controlled by remote control using the controller 1 will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation when the camera is remotely operated using the controller to control the camera in the camera system of the present embodiment. FIG. 4A is a flowchart showing processing steps when operating the camera 2 in the remote mode, and each step number is indicated by “Sn” (n is an integer). FIG. 4B is a flowchart showing processing steps when the controller 1 is operated in the remote mode, and each step number is indicated by “Tn” (n is an integer).

  First, on the camera 2 side, when an operator operates a power button (not shown) among the operation members of the camera 2, the power state of the camera 2 is turned on.

  After the camera 2 is turned on, the camera control unit 31 monitors the output signal of the camera operation unit 33 in step S11 shown in FIG. It is confirmed whether or not an operation switching operation to the remote mode has been performed by operating a predetermined operation member for switching the operation mode.

  The operation mode of the camera 2 includes a remote mode in which communication with the controller 1 is performed and operation control by the controller 1 as a communication partner is accepted, and a local mode in which the camera 2 operates alone.

  When the camera 2 operates in the remote mode, communication with the controller 1 is performed, and under the control by the remote operation of the controller 1, a photographing operation is executed according to an instruction signal from the controller 1, or the camera recording medium unit 36 A reproduction operation for handling the image data stored in the controller, for example, processing such as transferring recorded image data to the controller 1 side is performed.

  In the local mode of the camera 2, control for executing a function (for example, a shooting operation or an image reproduction operation) as a normal general digital camera alone is performed under the control of the camera control unit 31.

  If it is determined in step S11 that the operation switching operation to the remote mode has been performed, the process proceeds to the next step S13.

  In step S <b> 13, the camera control unit 31 executes communication establishment processing with the controller 1. Here, when the communication state cannot be established with the controller 1 as the communication partner within a predetermined time (in the case of timeout), predetermined error processing is executed. As this error process, for example, a warning display indicating that communication could not be established is displayed on the camera display unit 38 and the operator is prompted to perform some operation input. When the communication state is established, the process proceeds to step S14.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the operation switching operation to the remote mode has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S12.

  In step S <b> 12, the camera control unit 31 determines that the operation mode of the camera 2 is set to a local mode in which the camera 2 operates alone, and starts executing a process for operating the camera 2 in the local mode. To do. Then, during operation in the local mode, for example, when an instruction signal such as an operation switching operation to the remote mode or the reproduction mode or a power-off operation is detected, the processing returns to the above-described step S11 and the subsequent processing is repeated. .

  On the other hand, on the controller 1 side, when a power button (not shown) of the operation members of the controller 1 is operated by the operator, the power state of the controller 1 is turned on as described above and is activated in the local mode.

  When the controller 1 is turned on and started in the local mode, the control unit 11 monitors the output signal of the operation unit 13 and performs an operation switching operation to the remote mode in step T11 shown in FIG. Confirm whether or not.

  The operation switching operation to the remote mode is an operation of a predetermined operation member for the operator to switch the operation mode among the operation members of the controller 1. When this switching operation is performed, the control unit 11 receives an operation instruction signal from the predetermined operation member and executes a predetermined communication establishment process (details will be described later). As a result, when the communication state between the controller 1 and the camera 2 is established, the control unit 11 controls the display unit 18 via the display control unit 17 to display the first operation screen 18a of FIG. Processing to be displayed on the unit 18 is performed.

  The operator instructs the selection of the operation mode of the controller 1 while the first operation screen 18a is being displayed. Here, when the operator selects and instructs the “shooting control” item, the controller 1 is set to perform processing for switching the operation mode to the remote mode.

  Note that the operation mode of the controller 1 includes a remote mode and a local mode as in the case of the camera 2 described above. The remote mode is an operation mode for controlling the operation of the camera 2 by communicating with the camera 2. The local mode is an operation mode in which the controller 1 operates alone.

  When the controller 1 operates in the remote mode, the camera 1 communicates with the camera 2 to control the camera 2 by remote operation to execute a photographing operation, or the image stored in the camera recording medium unit 36 of the camera 2. Processing such as transferring data to the controller 1 side can be executed.

  In the local mode of the controller 1, the controller 1 functions as a so-called image viewer (VIEWER) by controlling reproduction and display of an image based on the image data stored in the recording medium unit 16, or the controller 1 operates the lens unit 26 and the imaging unit. 25, etc. can be used to perform control such as performing a photographing operation to function as a normal digital camera.

  In the process of step T11 described above, it is confirmed whether or not an instruction signal generated by the operation switching operation, that is, a mode switching instruction signal to the remote mode is generated. In this case, if it is determined that the operation switching operation to the remote mode has been performed, the process proceeds to the next step T13.

  In step T <b> 13, the control unit 11 executes communication establishment processing with the camera 2. Here, when a communication state cannot be established with the camera 2 as the communication partner within a predetermined time (in the case of timeout), predetermined error processing is executed. As this error process, for example, a warning display indicating that communication could not be established is displayed on the display unit 18 and the operator is prompted to perform some operation input. When the communication state is established, the process proceeds to step T14.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation switching operation to the remote mode is not performed in the process of step T11 described above, the process proceeds to step T12.

  In step T12, the control unit 11 determines that the operation mode of the controller 1 is set to the local mode in which the controller 1 operates alone, and starts executing processing for operating the controller 1 in the local mode. When a predetermined instruction signal is detected during operation in the local mode, such as when an instruction signal such as an operation switching operation to the remote mode or the reproduction mode or a power-off operation is interrupted, Returning to the process of step T11, the subsequent processes are repeated.

  In the communication establishment process by the camera control unit 31 in the process of step S13 described above and the communication establishment process by the control unit 11 in the process of step T13 described above, both control units (11, 31) have mutual device information. For example, data for specifying a model is exchanged, and a process for confirming whether the devices are suitable as communication partners is performed.

  When the communication state between the controller 1 and the camera 2 is established, the control unit 11 of the controller 1 performs processing for displaying the first operation screen 18a of FIG. The process proceeds to step T14.

  In the state where the first operation screen 18a is displayed on the display unit 18 in this way, in step T14, the control unit 11 confirms whether or not the shooting control mode is selected as the operation mode in the remote mode. Here, if it is confirmed that the photographing control mode has been selected, the process proceeds to step T15.

  In step T15, the control unit 11 sets various shooting conditions in the shooting control mode. The setting of the photographing condition performed here is the setting of the photographing condition performed by the series of setting operations described with reference to FIGS. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T16.

  In step T <b> 16, the control unit 11 performs processing for transmitting each setting information in the shooting control mode to the camera 2 via the communication unit 19 and the antenna 54. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T19.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed in the process at step T14 that the reproduction control mode has been selected, the process proceeds to step T17.

  In step T17, the control unit 11 performs settings for various playback conditions in the playback control mode. Note that the details of the setting of the reproduction condition performed here will be omitted. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T18.

  In step T <b> 18, the control unit 11 performs processing for transmitting each setting information in the reproduction control mode to the camera 2 via the communication unit 19 and the antenna 54. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T20.

  In response to the transmission processing performed in the above-described steps T16 and T18, the camera control unit 31 of the camera 2 controls the camera antenna 44 and the camera communication unit 39 to perform setting information reception processing in step S14. Execute. Accordingly, the setting information transmitted from the controller 1 is received via the camera antenna 44 and the camera communication unit 39 of the camera 2 and temporarily stored in the camera RAM 34. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S15, the camera control unit 31 confirms whether or not the operation mode of the camera 2 is set to the shooting mode in the remote mode. If it is confirmed that the shooting mode is set, the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S16, the camera control unit 31 executes a shooting execution process for executing a shooting operation. Details of the photographing execution process will be described later with reference to FIG. After this photographing execution process is completed, the process proceeds to step S18.

  On the other hand, in the process of step S15 described above, if it is confirmed that the operation mode of the camera 2 is not set to the shooting mode but is set to the playback mode, the process proceeds to step S17.

  In step S17, the camera control unit 31 executes a reproduction execution process for executing an operation in the reproduction mode. Details of the reproduction execution process will be described later with reference to FIG. After the reproduction execution process is completed, the process proceeds to step S18.

  In step S <b> 18, the camera control unit 31 monitors the output signal of the camera operation unit 33 and confirms whether the power-off operation has been performed. Here, when it is confirmed that the power-off signal is detected and the turning-off operation is confirmed, the series of processing ends (end). If no power-off signal is detected, it is determined that the power-off operation has not been performed, and the process proceeds to the next step S19.

  In step S <b> 19, the camera control unit 31 confirms whether or not a mode switching instruction signal (see step T <b> 22 described later) from the controller 1 is received via the camera antenna 44 and the camera communication unit 39. Here, when the mode switching instruction signal is received, the processing returns to the above-described step S14 and the subsequent processing is repeated. On the other hand, when the mode switching instruction signal is not received, the processing returns to the above-described step S15 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  Returning to the processing sequence of the controller 1 in FIG. In step T19 in the figure, the control unit 11 executes a photographing instruction process. Details of this photographing instruction process will be described later with reference to FIG. After this photographing instruction process is completed, the process proceeds to step T21.

  On the other hand, in the process of step T20, the control unit 11 executes a reproduction instruction process. Details of this reproduction instruction processing will be described later with reference to FIG. After this reproduction instruction process is completed, the process proceeds to step T21.

  In step T <b> 21, the control unit 11 monitors the output signal of the operation unit 13 and confirms whether or not a power-off operation has been performed. Here, when it is confirmed that the power-off signal is detected and the turning-off operation is confirmed, the series of processing ends (end). If no power-off signal is detected, it is determined that the power-off operation has not been performed, and the process proceeds to the next step T22.

  In step T22, the control unit 11 monitors the output signal of the operation unit 13 to detect the mode switching instruction signal and confirms whether or not the signal is transmitted via the communication unit 19 and the antenna 54 (described above). Step T19). If it is confirmed that the mode switching instruction signal has been transmitted, the process proceeds to the next step T23.

  In step T23, the control unit 11 confirms whether or not the mode switching instruction signal detected in the process of step T22 described above is an instruction signal for switching from the shooting mode to the reproduction mode. Here, when it is confirmed that the detection signal is a switching instruction signal from the photographing mode to the reproduction mode, the process returns to the above-described step T20, and the same processing is executed thereafter. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the detection signal is not a switching instruction signal from the photographing mode to the reproduction mode, the process returns to the above-described step T19, and the same processing is executed thereafter.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the mode switching instruction signal has not been transmitted in the process of step T22 described above, the process proceeds to step T24.

  In step T24, the control unit 11 monitors the output signal of the operation unit 13 and confirms whether or not an operation mode switching instruction signal generated by an operation of switching the operation mode to the local mode is detected. If the operation mode switching instruction signal is confirmed, the process returns to the above-described step T12 and the subsequent processes are repeated. On the other hand, when the operation mode switching instruction signal is not confirmed, the process returns to the above-described step T14 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  Next, the shooting instruction process executed in the controller 1 (the process in step T19 in FIG. 4B) and the shooting execution process executed in the camera 2 in response to this shooting instruction process (in FIG. 4A). Details of the processing in step S16 will be described below with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 shows, in the camera system of the present embodiment, a controller shooting instruction process (the process in step T19 in FIG. 4B) and a camera shooting execution process (the process in step S16 in FIG. 4A). It is a flowchart to show. FIG. 5A shows the flow of shooting execution processing of the camera 2, and each step number is indicated by “Sn” (n is an integer). FIG. 5B shows the flow of the imaging instruction process of the controller 1, and each step number is indicated by “Tn” (n is an integer).

  First, when the photographing instruction process of the controller 1 is executed, in step T31 of FIG. 5B, the control unit 11 monitors the output signal of the operation unit 13, and the operation member (the operator performs menu operation) It is confirmed whether or not the menu button 22) has been operated. If the menu operation is confirmed here, the process proceeds to the next step T32. If the menu operation is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step T33.

  In step T <b> 32, the control unit 11 reads the operation screen data 12 a from the ROM 12 and controls the display unit 18 via the display control unit 17 to execute menu display processing for performing menu display on the display unit 18. . Specific examples of the menu display displayed by this processing are the operation screens 18b to 18e shown in FIGS. 3B to 3E, for example. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T34.

  In step T33, the control unit 11 receives monitor image data (see step S33 in FIG. 5A; described later) transmitted from the camera 2 using the communication unit 19 and the antenna 54, and receives the monitor image data. Based on the above, a process of displaying a monitor image on the display unit 18, that is, a monitor image reception display process is executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T36.

  In step T <b> 34, the control unit 11 monitors the operation unit 13 and confirms whether or not a photographing condition changing operation has been performed. If the photographing condition change operation is confirmed here, the process proceeds to step T35. If the photographing condition change operation is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step T36.

  In step T <b> 35, the control unit 11 executes a shooting condition transmission process for transmitting information related to the shooting condition for which the change operation has been performed in the process of step T <b> 34 (referred to as shooting condition change instruction information). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T36.

  On the other hand, when the shooting execution process of the camera 2 is executed, in step S31 of FIG. 5A, the camera control unit 31 monitors the camera communication unit 39 and receives shooting condition change instruction information (FIG. 5) from the controller 1. It is confirmed whether or not (see step T35 of (B)) has been received. If it is confirmed that the photographing condition change instruction information has been received, the process proceeds to step S32. If the reception of the photographing condition change instruction information is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S33, the camera control unit 31 executes monitor image data transmission processing based on the image data acquired by the camera imaging unit 45 (see step T35 in FIG. 5B). Thereafter, the processing returns to the above-described step S31, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  Note that the monitor image data transmitted in the process of step S33 is data based on the image data acquired by the camera imaging unit 45 as described above. That is, in this transmission process, the image data that is actually transmitted may be the acquired image data as it is or may be image data that has been resized. By using the resized image data for transmission processing, the image data is suitable for display on the small display unit 18 mounted on the camera 2 or the controller 1 and can be transmitted at high speed while reducing the load on data transmission. There is an advantage.

  In step S32, the camera control unit 31 executes a shooting condition change process. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S34.

  In step S <b> 34, the camera control unit 31 monitors the camera communication unit 39 and confirms whether or not a shooting instruction signal (see step T <b> 37 in FIG. 5B; described later) is received from the controller 1. If reception of the shooting instruction signal is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S35. If the reception of the shooting instruction signal is not confirmed, the process returns to the above-described step S31 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  That is, the camera 2 is acquired by the camera imaging unit 45 until receiving the shooting condition change instruction information in the process of step S31 described above or until receiving the shooting instruction signal in the process of step S34 described above. The transmitted monitor image is continuously transmitted to the controller 1.

  Returning to the processing sequence of the controller 1 in FIG. In step T36 in the figure, the control unit 11 monitors the output signal of the operation unit 13 and confirms whether or not a photographing operation has been performed. If the photographing operation is confirmed here, the process proceeds to step T37. If the photographing operation is not confirmed, the process returns to the above-described step T31 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  In step T <b> 37, the control unit 11 controls the communication unit 19 to execute a shooting instruction transmission process for transmitting a shooting instruction signal to the camera 2 (see step S <b> 34 in FIG. 5A). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T38.

  In response to this, when the camera communication unit 39 receives the shooting instruction signal from the controller 1, the camera control unit 31 proceeds to the process of step S35 as described above.

  In step S <b> 35, the camera control unit 31 controls the camera imaging unit 45 and the like to execute a shooting process.

  The image data acquired by this photographing process is temporarily stored in the camera RAM 34. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S36.

  In step S <b> 36, the camera control unit 31 executes a process of transmitting the image data (rec view image data) acquired in the process of step S <b> 35 described above and temporarily stored in the camera RAM 34 to the controller 1. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S37.

  The REC view image data for transmission handled in the process of step S36 may be image data subjected to a resizing process. In addition, the REC view image data transmission process when bracket shooting is performed is configured to collectively transmit a series of a plurality of images obtained by bracket shooting.

  In response, the control unit 11 of the controller 1 receives the REC view image data via the communication unit 19 and displays an image based on the received REC view image data on the display unit 18 in step T38. Execute. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T39.

  Here, the image data acquired by the photographing process executed in the process of step S35 is transmitted to the controller 1 and displayed on the display unit 18 of the controller 1 as described above.

  In this case, a display example of the REC view image displayed on the display unit 18 of the controller 1 will be described below.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of a REC view image displayed on the display unit of the controller in the camera system of the present embodiment.

  The REC view image shown in FIG. 8 is shot when the shooting condition setting of the camera 2 is set to the S mode of the AE bracket shooting mode, and the setting value in that case is set to “3 steps −1.0 to +1.0 EV”. It is an example of the display screen displayed based on several image data acquired by performing.

  Of these, FIG. 8A shows a captured image display screen 18f with an exposure value (−1.0 EV) displaced by 1.0 EV to the minus side from the reference exposure value. On the display screen 18f, an image based on the image data photographed under the conditions is displayed using the entire area of the display screen of the display unit 18. Shooting information added to the image, such as aperture value, shutter speed value, exposure displacement (EV value), ISO sensitivity value, WB setting value, image number (frame number), and the like are displayed on the display image. It is displayed in a form using characters or the like in a superimposed manner.

  In addition, a mark indicating the left-right direction is displayed near the lower left corner of the display screen. This left / right instruction mark is an index for switching the display image.

  While the display screen 18f is being displayed, the operator can switch the displayed image by operating the left direction selection button 21L or the right direction selection button 21R of the four direction selection buttons 21, for example. It has become.

  For example, when the right direction selection button 21R is operated during display of the display screen 18f of FIG. 8A, the display of the display unit 18 is switched to the display screen 18g shown in FIG. 8B. Further, when the left direction selection button 21L is operated, the display of the display unit 18 is switched to a display screen (not shown) of the immediately preceding image.

  The display screen 18g is a captured image with a reference exposure value (± 0 EV). The display form of the display screen 18g is the same as the display screen 18f of FIG. 8A described above, in which an image based on the captured image data, additional information about the image, and a left / right instruction mark are displayed.

  When the operator operates the right direction selection button 21R while the display screen 18g is displayed, the display on the display unit 18 is switched to the display screen 18h shown in FIG. 8C. Further, when the left direction selection button 21L is operated, the display on the display unit 18 is switched to the display screen 18f shown in FIG. 8A.

  This display screen 18h is a photographed image with an exposure value (+1.0 EV) displaced by 1.0 EV to the plus side from the reference exposure value. The display form of the display screen 18h is similar to the display screens 18f and 18g of FIGS. 8A and 8B described above, and includes an image based on the captured image data, additional information about the image, and left and right instruction marks. It is displayed.

  When the operator operates the right direction selection button 21R while the display screen 18j is displayed, the display on the display unit 18 is switched to the next display screen (not shown). Further, when the left direction selection button 21L is operated, the display of the display unit 18 is switched to the display screen 18g of FIG. 8B.

  On the other hand, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another display example of the REC view image displayed on the display unit of the controller in the camera system of the present embodiment.

  The REC view image shown in FIG. 9 is obtained by performing shooting processing when the shooting condition setting of the camera 2 is set to the MF bracket shooting mode, and the setting value in that case is set to “3-step −1.0 to +1.0 EV”. It is an example of a display screen displayed based on a plurality of acquired image data.

  Among these, FIG. 9A shows a display screen 18i of a photographed image at a focus position (−1 step) displaced by one step from the reference focus position to the minus side. Also on the display screen 18i, an image based on the photographed image data, additional information about the image, and a left / right instruction mark are displayed as in the display screens 18f, 18g, and 18h of FIG. In this case, the additional information of the captured image data is different only in that the displacement amount (step number) of the focus position is displayed instead of the above-described exposure displacement amount (EV value).

  When the operator operates, for example, the right direction selection button 21R while the display screen 18i of FIG. 9A is displayed, the display of the display unit 18 is switched to the display screen 18j shown in FIG. 9B. Further, when the left direction selection button 21L is operated, the display of the display unit 18 is switched to a display screen (not shown) of the immediately preceding image.

  The display screen 18j is a captured image at the reference focus position (0 step). The display form of the display screen 18j is the same as the display screen 18i of FIG. 9A described above, in which an image based on the captured image data, additional information about the image, and a left / right instruction mark are displayed.

  When the operator operates the right direction selection button 21R while the display screen 18j is displayed, the display on the display unit 18 is switched to the display screen 18k shown in FIG. 9C. In addition, when the left direction selection button 21L is operated, the display on the display unit 18 is switched to the display screen 18i in FIG. 9A.

  This display screen 18k is a captured image at a focus position (+1 step) displaced by one step from the reference focus position to the plus side. The display form of the display screen 18k is similar to the display screens 18i and 18j of FIGS. 9A and 9B described above, and includes an image based on captured image data, additional information about the image, and a left / right instruction mark. It is displayed.

  When the operator operates the right direction selection button 21R while the display screen 18k is being displayed, the display on the display unit 18 is switched to the next display screen (not shown). Further, when the left direction selection button 21L is operated, the display on the display unit 18 is switched to the display screen 18j in FIG. 9B.

  FIG. 12 is also a diagram illustrating another modified example of the REC view image displayed on the display unit of the controller in the camera system of the present embodiment.

  The REC view image shown in FIG. 12 is an example of a display screen that is displayed based on a plurality of image data acquired by a series of photographing. A series of shooting is, for example, shooting when the shooting condition setting of the camera 2 is set to the continuous shooting mode shown in FIG. 3B, or shooting of a plurality of images in a short time. In FIG. 40, no. 41, no. Forty-three images are shown as being from a series of shots. These photographings are performed at different focus positions and shutter speed values according to changes in the angle of view and the subject. The operator can switch the image displayed on the screen to any one of (A) to (C) by operating the right direction selection button 21R and the left direction selection button 21L.

  Returning to the processing sequence of the controller 1 in FIG. In step T39, the control unit 11 monitors the output signal of the operation unit 13 and confirms whether or not an image selection operation has been performed by the operator. If the image selection operation is confirmed here, the process proceeds to step T40. If the image selection operation is not confirmed, the series of processing ends, and the processing returns to the original processing sequence in FIG. 4B (return).

  In this image selection operation, for example, when the determination button 21a is pressed while the display screens 18f to 18k shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 are displayed, information indicating that the selection has been made is added to the currently displayed image data. The The same applies to the display screen shown in FIG.

  Next, in step T40, the operator performs an operation of selecting a processing condition for the image selected in the process of step T39 described above. For this purpose, the control unit 11 performs control to display a processing condition selection operation screen in the form shown in FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T41.

  In step T41, the control unit 11 performs a process of controlling the communication unit 19 and transmitting information related to the selected image. Thereafter, the series of processing ends, and the processing returns to the original processing sequence in FIG. 4B (return).

  Here, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of the operation screen of (A) the processing condition selection operation screen in the process of step T40 and (B) the selected image information transmission screen in the process of step T41.

  As described above, when the processing condition selection process in step T40 is executed, the processing condition selection operation screen 18m shown in FIG.

  The processing condition selection operation screen 18m shows a list of processing conditions that can be selected, and a check column 18ma is displayed in the vicinity thereof.

In the example of FIG. 10A, as processing conditions that can be selected, for example,
(1) Conditions for instructing processing of “setting shooting conditions as conditions of selected image” (2) Conditions for instructing processing of “erasing (image data) other than selected image” That is, the instruction in the above item (1) instructs processing for setting various shooting conditions set in the image selected in step T39 described above as shooting conditions of the camera 2. The instruction in the item (2) is an instruction for erasing image data other than the selected image from the camera 2 and storing only the image data of the selected image.

  On the processing condition selection operation screen 18ma, when the operator operates the four-way selection button 21, the instruction cursor moves between check boxes 18ma corresponding to the processing condition items to be selected. The operator checks the check field 18ma by an operation such as placing an instruction cursor on an item desired to be selected and pressing a predetermined operation member (not shown).

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 10A, a check operation is performed on the check box 18ma having a diamond shape in a non-selected state (this state is not shown), and is highlighted (black display; This is an example in the case of the state shown in the figure.

  Finally, by pressing the enter button 21a, the selected image information transmission process in step T41 is executed, and the selected image information transmission screen 18n shown in FIG.

  On the selected image information transmission screen 18n, an image itself based on the selected image data, an information display 18na of shooting condition data of the selected image superimposed on the image, and an icon display 18nb indicating that data transmission is in progress Then, an icon display 18nc (“E” mark in FIG. 10B) indicating that the non-selected image can be deleted is displayed.

Examples of information relating to the selected image include (1) image data (2) file name of image data (3) image number (frame number)
(4) Information related to shooting conditions (for example, Exif information)
It is. Note that the image number is number information that is added in order of shooting date and time as information related to image data acquired by the shooting operation of the camera 2, for example, and is added to the image data and recorded.

  As described above, when information related to the selected image is transmitted from the controller 1 (step T41 in FIG. 5B), the camera control unit 31 of the camera 2 receives this, and the step in FIG. In S37, it is confirmed whether or not information related to the selected image has been received. If it is confirmed that information related to the selected image has been received, the process proceeds to step S38. If the reception of the same information is not confirmed, the series of processing ends, and the processing returns to the original processing sequence in FIG. 4A (return).

  In step S <b> 38, the camera control unit 31 confirms whether or not an instruction for deleting other images, that is, image data other than the selected image, is included as a processing condition in the received information. If an instruction to delete another image is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S39. If the erasure instruction is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S40.

  In step S <b> 39, the camera control unit 31 executes a process of deleting image data (other images) other than the selected image from the image data temporarily stored on the camera RAM 34. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S40.

  In step S <b> 40, the camera control unit 31 confirms whether or not the information received in the process of step S <b> 37 described above includes information for instructing setting of shooting conditions of the camera 2. If the shooting condition setting instruction is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S41. If the shooting condition setting instruction is not confirmed, the series of processes is terminated, and the process returns to the original process sequence of FIG.

  In step S41, the camera control unit 31 executes a shooting condition setting process. After the photographing condition setting process is completed, the series of processes is terminated, and the process returns to the original process sequence of FIG.

  Next, the shooting condition setting process in the process of step S41 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of the camera shooting condition setting process in the operation of the camera system of the present embodiment.

  First, in step S51, the camera control unit 31 checks whether or not the information related to the selected image received in step S37 in FIG. 5A is image data. If the information regarding the selected image is image data, the process proceeds to step S52. If the information about the selected image is not image data, the process proceeds to step S54.

  In step S52, the camera control unit 31 performs a process of reading information associated with the received image data, for example, information about a predetermined shooting condition from the Exif information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S53.

  In step S53, the camera control unit 31 executes a process for setting the shooting condition of the camera 2 based on the shooting condition information read out in the process of step S52 described above. Thereafter, the series of processing ends, and the processing returns to the original processing sequence in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the information related to the selected image is not image data in the process of step S51 described above and the process proceeds to the process of step S54, in this step S54, the camera control unit 31 determines that the information related to the selected image is an image file. Confirm whether the name or image number. If it is confirmed that the information on the selected image is an image file name or an image number, the process proceeds to step S55. If it is confirmed that the information regarding the selected image is not an image file name or an image number, the process proceeds to step S57.

  In step S55, the camera control unit 31 executes processing for storing the latest menu data. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S56. This menu data is data of list information of photographed image data.

  Next, in step S56, the camera control unit 31 performs a process of reading shooting condition information from information associated with image data corresponding to the received image file name or image number, for example, Exif information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to the process of step S53 described above, and thereafter the process described above is similarly executed.

  If it is determined in step S54 that the information related to the selected image is not the image file name or the image number, and the process proceeds to step S57, the camera control unit 31 in step S57 relates to the selected image. It is confirmed whether the information is photographing condition data. Here, when it is confirmed that the information regarding the selected image is the shooting condition data, the process proceeds to step S53, and thereafter, the above-described process is similarly executed. If it is confirmed that the information regarding the selected image is not shooting condition data, the process proceeds to step S58.

  In step S <b> 58, the camera control unit 31 determines that valid information about the information related to the selected image is not included, and executes predetermined error processing. As this error process, a warning display to that effect is displayed on the display unit 18. Thereafter, the series of processing ends, and the processing returns to the original processing sequence in FIG.

  In the camera shooting condition setting process in the camera system of this embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the shooting condition data includes any one of four conditions of image data, image file name or image number, and shooting condition data. When it is, the condition is set. However, the shooting condition setting process is not limited to this. For example, one of the four conditions is checked without checking all four conditions of the shooting condition data, and the one condition The shooting condition setting process may be performed only when is confirmed. In that case, which condition is adopted is a design item in each camera system. Further, the present invention is not limited to the above four conditions, and other factors may be taken into consideration as the shooting condition data.

  Next, details of the reproduction execution process of FIG. 4A and the reproduction instruction process of FIG. 4B will be described below with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the camera playback execution process and the controller playback instruction process in the operation of the camera system of this embodiment.

  First, after transmitting the playback control mode setting to the camera 2 in the process of step T18 of FIG. 4B described above and then proceeding to the process of step T20 in FIG. 4B, the control unit 11 of the controller 1 performs playback in step T20. Instruction processing (detailed processing in FIG. 7B) is executed.

  Further, when it is confirmed in step S15 in FIG. 4A that the camera 2 is set to the reproduction mode and the process proceeds to step S17 in FIG. 4A, in step S17, the camera of the camera 2 is set. The control unit 31 executes a reproduction execution process (details are the process of FIG. 7A).

  As described above, when the controller 1 starts executing the reproduction instruction process, first, at step T61 in FIG. 7B, the control unit 11 monitors the output signal of the operation unit 13 to monitor the operator. It is confirmed whether or not a display screen switching operation has been performed. If the display screen switching operation is confirmed, the process proceeds to step T62. If the display screen switching operation is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step T63.

  In step T62, the control unit 11 executes processing for controlling the communication unit 19 and transmitting an instruction signal instructing switching of images. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T63.

  As described above, when the execution of the reproduction execution process is started in the camera 2, the camera control unit 31 checks in step T63 whether or not an image switching signal is received via the camera communication unit 39. Do it. If the image switching instruction signal from the controller 1 is confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step S62. If the image switching instruction signal is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S63.

  In step S <b> 62, the camera control unit 31 executes a transmission process of the designated image data in accordance with the received image switching instruction. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S63.

  In response to this, the control unit 11 of the controller 1 receives the image data in step T63 and executes a process of displaying an image based on the received image data on the display unit 18. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T64.

  In step T64, the control unit 11 confirms whether an image selection operation has been performed. If the image selection operation is confirmed here, the process proceeds to step T65. If the image selection operation is not confirmed, the series of processing ends, and the processing returns to the original processing sequence in FIG. 4B (return).

  On the other hand, in step T65, the control unit 11 executes processing for selecting processing conditions. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T66.

  In step T66, the control unit 11 executes a process of transmitting information related to the selected image. Thereafter, the series of processing ends, and the processing returns to the original processing sequence in FIG. 4B (return).

  Here, for example, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, an image based on the selected image data is displayed on the display unit 18 of the controller 1 when information about the selected image is transmitted. Information related to this image, for example, various setting information at the time of shooting and various information attached to the image data is displayed in a superimposed manner. In addition, an icon indicating that the transmission operation is in progress is superimposed on the moving image.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the display unit during the selection image information transmission process of the controller 1. Among these, FIGS. 11A and 11B respectively show the selected images, and show that the display of the display unit 18 is switched in the order of transmission.

  On the other hand, in step S63, the camera control unit 31 confirms whether or not information related to the selected image has been received. The information related to the selected image is information transmitted from the control unit 11 of the controller 1 in the process of step T66 described above. Here, when reception of the information regarding the selected image is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S64. If reception of information related to the selected image is not confirmed, the series of processing ends, and the process returns to the original processing sequence in FIG. 4A (return).

  In step S64, the camera control unit 31 confirms whether or not the received information includes an instruction to delete another image, that is, image data other than the selected image. If the image erasure instruction is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S65. If the image erasing instruction is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S66.

  In step S65, the camera control unit 31 executes an image erasing process based on the image erasing instruction. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S66.

  In step S <b> 66, the camera control unit 31 confirms whether or not the received information includes information for instructing setting of shooting conditions of the camera 2. If the shooting condition setting instruction is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S67. If the shooting condition setting instruction is not confirmed, the series of processes is terminated, and the process returns to the original process sequence in FIG. 4B (return).

  In step S67, the camera control unit 31 executes a shooting condition setting process. This photographing condition setting process is the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. Since the flowchart of FIG. 6 has already been described, a detailed description thereof will be omitted here. After the photographing condition setting process is completed, the series of processes is terminated, and the process returns to the original process sequence of FIG.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, in the camera system including the camera 2 and the controller 1 that controls the camera 2 from the outside, the camera 2 includes image data with the controller 1. A camera communication unit 39 that communicates information and a remote control unit 31 a that controls the camera 2 in accordance with an instruction signal transmitted from the controller 1 are configured. The controller 1 receives a communication unit 19 that communicates information including image data with the camera 2 and a display unit 18 that receives the image data transmitted from the camera 2 and displays an image based on the received image data. And taking image data transmitted from the camera 2 and performing control for transmitting information about the image data selected by the operator's instruction operation from the image data to the camera 2 via the communication unit 19. And a condition instruction control unit 11b.

  In this configuration, the camera communication unit 39 receives information about the image data transmitted from the controller 1, and the remote control unit 31 a uses the shooting condition data among the information about the image data received by the camera communication unit 39. Based on this, the same photographing condition is set in the camera 2 collectively.

  According to such a configuration, the operator simply selects and operates the desired image from the images displayed on the display unit 18 of the controller 1, and the camera 2 has the same shooting conditions as the information related to the image data of the selected image. Can be set to Therefore, even when shooting is performed by remotely controlling the camera 2 with the controller 1, setting the shooting conditions of the camera 2 can be performed very easily without complicated operations. In addition, since shooting conditions for a plurality of items are set in a lump, there is no worry of setting errors or the like as compared with the case where the operator manually sets each item.

  When the remote control unit of the camera 2 receives the file name or image number of the image data as information related to the image data transmitted from the controller 1, it is recorded in the camera RAM 34 or the camera recording medium unit 36. Information relating to necessary image data (such as shooting condition data) is read out from the image data having the corresponding file name or image number from the existing image data, and the shooting conditions are set based on the information.

  Therefore, if only the information on the file name and the image number is transmitted as the information related to the image data as described above, the time required for communication can be shortened. There is an advantage that can be set.

  Further, when the remote control unit of the camera 2 receives the shooting condition data of the image data as information related to the image data transmitted from the controller 1, the received data is used to set the shooting condition of the camera 2. Can be used directly, which can contribute to speeding up. Further, even when the corresponding image data itself is not stored on the camera 2 side, the shooting conditions of the camera 2 can be set using the received shooting conditions.

  On the other hand, in the controller 1, when an image is selected, an instruction to delete predetermined image data (determined that the operator does not need it) can be attached. Thereby, if the received image data is image data obtained by bracket shooting or continuous shooting, the remote control unit 31a includes an instruction to delete image data other than the received image data. Image data other than the selected image can be automatically deleted as unnecessary image data from a series of image data obtained by bracket shooting or continuous shooting. Accordingly, the storage capacity of the camera recording medium unit 36 and the camera RAM 34 of the camera 2 can be used effectively.

  In addition, if there is no automatic deletion function, all of the captured image data will be recorded, but after shooting, such as deleting unnecessary image data from a large amount of recorded image data. The work can be omitted, and thus the camera system can be efficiently operated.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications can of course be implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention. Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, the problem described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved, and the effect described in the effect of the invention Can be obtained as an invention.

1 is a system configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of an entire camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The block block diagram which shows the outline of each internal structure of the controller and camera in the camera system of FIG. It is an example of a display of the operation screen displayed on the display part of the controller in the camera system of FIG. 1, Comprising: A mode when the display of the operation screen of a display part changes according to operation of an operator by (A)-(E). FIG. The flowchart which shows the effect | action at the time of controlling a camera remotely using a controller in the camera system of FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing, side by side, a controller shooting instruction process (the process in step T19 in FIG. 4B) and a camera shooting execution process (a process in step S16 in FIG. 4A) in the camera system of FIG. The flowchart which shows the detail of the imaging condition setting process of a camera among the effect | actions of the camera system of FIG. The flowchart which shows the detail of the reproduction | regeneration execution process of a camera among the effect | actions in the camera system of FIG. The figure which shows the example of a display of the REC view image displayed on the display part of the controller in the camera system of FIG. The figure which shows another example of a display of the REC view image displayed on the display part of the controller in the camera system of FIG. The processing condition selection operation screen (the process in step T40 in FIG. 5B) and the selected image information transmission screen (the process in step T41 in FIG. 5B) displayed on the display unit of the controller in the system of the camera in FIG. The figure which shows the example of a display of each operation screen. The figure which shows the example of a display of the display part at the time of the selection image information transmission process of the controller in the camera system of FIG. The figure which shows another modification of the REC view image displayed on the display part of the controller in the camera system of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Controller 2 ... Camera 11 ... Control part 11b ... Shooting condition instruction | indication control part 14 ... RAM
16 …… Recording medium portion 17 …… Display control portion 18 …… Display portion 19 …… Communication portion 21 …… Four-way selection button 21a …… Set button 22 …… Menu button 31 …… Camera control portion 31a …… Remote control Part 34 …… Camera RAM
36 …… Camera recording medium unit 37 …… Camera display control unit 38 …… Camera display unit 39 …… Camera communication unit 41 …… Four-way selection button 42 …… Information display unit 43 …… Interchangeable lens unit 44 …… Camera antenna 45 …… Camera imaging unit 54 …… Antenna

Claims (8)

In a camera system consisting of a camera and a controller that controls the camera from the outside,
The camera includes a camera communication unit that communicates information including image data with the controller, a remote control unit that controls the camera in accordance with an instruction from the controller,
With
The controller includes a communication unit that communicates information including image data with the camera, a display unit that displays an image based on the image data transmitted from the camera, and an image data transmitted from the camera. A shooting condition instruction control unit that transmits information on the image data selected from the communication unit via the communication unit;
With
The camera communication unit receives information about the image data transmitted from the controller,
The remote control unit sets the same shooting condition for the camera based on shooting condition data among information on image data received by the camera communication unit. The camera further includes a camera storage unit that stores image data transmitted to the controller,
When the remote control unit receives the file name of the image data as information related to the image data, the remote control unit includes the image data corresponding to the received file name among the image data stored in the camera storage unit. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the same shooting condition is set for the camera based on the shooting condition data. The camera further includes a camera storage unit that stores image data transmitted to the controller,
When the remote control unit receives image numbers assigned in order of shooting date and time as information relating to the image data, the image corresponding to the received image number among the image data stored in the camera storage unit 2. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the same shooting condition is set for the camera based on shooting condition data included in the data.   When the remote control unit receives image data as information related to the image data, the remote control unit sets the same shooting condition in the camera based on the shooting condition data included in the received image data. The camera system according to claim 1.   2. The remote control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the shooting condition data is received as information related to the image data, the remote control unit sets the same shooting condition in the camera based on the received shooting condition data. Camera system.   The remote control unit deletes image data other than the received image data when the received image data is image data obtained by bracket shooting or continuous shooting by the camera. The camera system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. In a camera control method by a controller that acquires information including image data by communicating with a camera and controls the camera from the outside,
Select specific image data from the image data sent from the camera,
Receiving information on the selected image data transmitted from the controller;
A camera control method comprising causing the camera to set the same photographing condition based on the information related to the received image data. In the program of the camera by the controller that acquires information including image data by communicating with the camera and controls the camera from the outside,
Select specific image data from the image data sent from the camera,
Receiving information related to the selected image data transmitted from the controller;
Setting the camera to have the same shooting condition based on the shooting condition data of the image data based on the information about the received image data;
A camera program comprising:

Images