JP5004851B2 - Digital camera - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital camera having a wireless connection function.

  Conventionally, a digital camera and peripheral devices are connected by wire, and a single communication card is shown to multiple applications (storage, imaging, etc.) via a multi-interface, so that it is independent of the storage unit (card, built-in memory) of the digital camera. It is possible to access.

  In this case, even if one application changes the contents of the storage unit of the digital camera, the other application has no means of knowing it. Therefore, even if the storage unit is changed by another application or the photographing operation of the digital camera, a certain application cannot acquire the latest data.

  Further, when the peripheral device is a personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as a personal computer), when the personal computer and the digital camera are connected, the personal computer having the cache performs periodic writing on the digital camera intermittently. For this reason, even when the storage unit of the digital camera is updated to the latest data, an application that does not know that the update has been performed writes to the storage unit, and thus the latest data is erased.

  In recent years, the communication of peripheral devices has shifted from wired to wireless. A wired connection always connects to a peripheral device only one-to-one, but wireless communication is possible in a time-sharing manner with a plurality of peripheral devices. As a result, the digital camera can be connected to multiple partners (computers, printers, etc.), but if a peripheral device or application changes the storage of the digital camera, other peripheral devices or applications are changed. I can't know.

  As described above, when one storage unit can simultaneously access a plurality of peripheral devices (or a plurality of applications even in the same peripheral device), each peripheral device (or the same peripheral device) (Multiple applications) not only cannot synchronize data to the same storage unit, but also write back data written by other peripheral devices (or multiple applications even if they are the same peripheral device). It was.

In view of this, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-228867 proposes a technique for periodically accessing a storage unit of a digital camera from a wirelessly connected peripheral device at a predetermined cycle to acquire updated storage contents.
JP 2005-151289 A

  However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a function on the personal computer side that is a peripheral device, and cannot be used when wirelessly connected to a peripheral device or application that does not have such a function. In addition, the above-described problem occurs when not only a personal computer to which the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is applied but also other peripheral devices or applications are wirelessly connected.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and even when the digital camera is a plurality of peripheral devices or the same peripheral device, when the storage unit of the digital camera is changed during wireless connection with a plurality of applications, An object of the present invention is to provide a digital camera in which a plurality of peripheral devices or applications can obtain the latest stored contents.

One aspect of the digital camera of the present invention is a digital camera that can be wirelessly connected to a plurality of applications included in a peripheral device.
Imaging means for capturing an image by photographing a subject;
Storage means for storing at least an image acquired by the imaging means;
A determination means for determining whether an event for updating the storage content stored in the storage means has occurred in a state in which the peripheral device is wirelessly connected to each application;
When the determination unit determines that an event for updating the storage content of the storage unit has occurred, an application that does not have a function of recognizing that the storage content of the storage unit has been updated and the storage Connection with an application that has a function of recognizing that the storage content of the storage unit has been updated, and that does not have a function of recognizing that the storage content of the storage unit has been updated Cutting means for cutting once,
Reconnection means for re-connecting wirelessly with the application disconnected by the disconnection means when the update of the storage content of the storage means is completed;
It is characterized by comprising.

Another aspect of the digital camera of the present invention is a digital camera that can be wirelessly connected to each of a plurality of peripheral devices.
Imaging means for capturing an image by photographing a subject;
Storage means for storing at least an image acquired by the imaging means;
A determination unit that determines whether an event for updating the storage content stored in the storage unit has occurred in a wireless connection with the plurality of peripheral devices;
When it is determined by the determination means that an event for updating the storage contents of the storage means has occurred, the peripheral device that cannot recognize that the storage contents of the storage means have been updated and the storage contents of the storage means Of the peripheral devices that can recognize that the update has been performed, a disconnecting unit that temporarily disconnects the peripheral device that cannot recognize that the storage content of the storage unit has been updated , and
When the update of the storage contents of the storage unit is completed, a reconnection unit that performs wireless connection again with the peripheral device disconnected by the disconnection unit,
It is characterized by comprising.

  According to the present invention, when the storage unit of the digital camera is changed while the digital camera is wirelessly connected to a plurality of peripheral devices or applications, a plurality of peripheral devices or applications can be obtained by disconnecting / reconnecting to the peripheral devices or applications. It is possible to provide a digital camera that enables an application to acquire the latest stored content.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1A is a system configuration diagram of a digital camera 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The digital camera 100 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, a wireless communication unit 104, a shooting control unit 105, and a storage unit 106. , Etc.

  The CPU 101 is a processor that controls the operation of the digital camera 100. The ROM 102 stores a control program for the CPU 101, and the RAM 103 functions as a work area.

  The wireless communication unit 104 is designed to perform wireless communication with peripheral devices. There are various wireless communication methods such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and wireless USB, and there is no particular limitation here.

  The imaging control unit 105 is an imaging unit that acquires an image by imaging a subject. The imaging control unit 105 includes an imaging element 1051 such as a CCD, an image processing unit 1052 that converts a captured image into a predetermined file format (ROW, JPEG, etc.), and a writing process that writes the converted captured image into the storage unit 106. Part 1053. The storage unit 106 is a file storage area of the digital camera, and may be provided in the form of an external card that is detachable from the digital camera, or may be a fixed storage unit as a built-in memory.

  FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a wireless communication system including such a digital camera 100.

  The personal computer 200 supports a plurality of interfaces and executes an application corresponding to the interfaces. In this example, storage 201 and imaging 202 are shown. The storage 201 is a mass storage device using SCSI, and the imaging is a Still Image Capture Device. Although expressions such as application and interface are used, the application is a program that operates on the device, and the communication method of the application is used as an interface.

  On the other hand, the digital camera 100 performs wireless communication with the personal computer 200 via the wireless communication unit 104. The multi-interface control unit 110 is a protocol driver and executes a protocol for each interface. The digital camera 100 also includes a storage class driver 111, an imaging class driver 112, and a PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) class driver 113 as class drivers for executing commands of each application. These drivers are stored in the ROM 102 as programs executed by the CPU 101. Each class driver 111 to 113 shares the same storage unit 106.

Next, the operation of the digital camera 100 configured as described above will be described.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the CPU 101 of the digital camera 100. Here, it is assumed that wireless connection with the peripheral device has already been established via the wireless communication unit 104.

  First, the CPU 101 determines whether or not it is connected to a plurality of peripheral devices (step S11).

  Here, when it is determined that only one peripheral device is connected, a write command (Write command) for writing to the storage unit 106 of the digital camera 100 is sent via any interface (that is, the personal computer 200). It is determined whether or not an event of reception (from the application) has occurred (step S12). If it is determined that the Write command has not been received, it is further determined whether or not an event has occurred in which a shooting operation is instructed by the shooting control unit 105, for example, a shutter button release operation (not shown) is performed. (Step S13). If it is determined that there is no instruction for photographing operation, the process returns to step S11 and the above process is repeated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that a Write command has been received, or if it is determined in step S13 that a shooting operation instruction has been received, the storage unit 106 by an application not involved in updating the storage unit 106 is used. In order to prohibit access to the interface, the interface corresponding to the application not involved in the update is set to busy (step S14). That is, when a write command is received, an interface (application) other than the interface (application) that received the command is busy. When an instruction for photographing operation is given, all interfaces (applications) are set to be busy. Thereafter, the storage content of the storage unit 106 is updated with the data from the personal computer 200 or the image from the imaging control unit 105 (step S15).

  Next, for example, a disconnection request such as a Disconnect event defined by the wireless USB is transmitted to the personal computer 200, and the connection with the personal computer 200 is temporarily disconnected (step S16). The detailed handshake of the disconnection is defined by the standard of each interface and is omitted here. Then, for example, a reconnection request such as a Connect event defined by the wireless USB is transmitted to the personal computer 200 and reconnected to the personal computer 200 (step S17). The detailed handshake of the connection is also defined by the standard of each interface and is omitted here. Then, the process returns to step S11.

  If it is determined in step S11 that a plurality of peripheral devices are connected, it is determined whether or not an event of receiving a Write command from any peripheral device has occurred (step S18). If it is determined that the Write command has not been received, it is further determined whether or not an event has occurred in which a shooting operation instruction is issued by the shooting control unit 105 (step S19). If it is determined that there is no instruction for photographing operation, the process returns to step S11 and the above process is repeated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S18 that the Write command has been received, or if it is determined in step S19 that there has been an instruction for a shooting operation, a disconnect request such as a Disconnect event is transmitted to the peripheral device. The connection with these peripheral devices is once disconnected (step S20). However, when the Write command is received, the peripheral device other than the peripheral device to which the interface (application) that received the command is connected is disconnected. The peripheral equipment will be disconnected. Thereafter, the storage content of the storage unit 106 is updated with data from the peripheral device or an image from the imaging control unit 105 (step S21). Then, a reconnection request is transmitted to the peripheral device and reconnected to the peripheral device (step S17).

Hereinafter, the operation will be further described using a specific example.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a sequence in which the latest data is displayed to other applications when the application in the personal computer 200 updates the storage unit 106 of the digital camera 100.

First, a sequence in which wireless devices reconnect to each other will be described.
The personal computer 200 and the digital camera 100 are being connected wirelessly (step S101). Wireless communication is disconnected due to deterioration of the external environment (step S102). There are various methods for determining the disconnection depending on the wireless method. For example, there is a case where a signal is not received from the personal computer 200 even after a certain period of time. In such a case, the digital camera 100 reconnects with the personal computer 200 (step S103). As the reconnection request, for example, there is a Connect event defined by wireless USB, but a detailed handshake is defined by the standard of each interface, and is omitted here. If the personal computer 200 detects a connection, each application (storage 201, imaging 202) uses each interface (storage class driver 111, imaging class driver 112) of the digital camera 100 to obtain the latest data. Information in the storage unit 106 of the digital camera 100 is acquired (steps S104 and S105). In FIG. 3, the expression “Media Information” is used as an acquisition method, but the storage 201 reads a directory or the like, and the imaging 202 uses GetObjectInfo or the like. The acquisition method is specific to each interface, and details are omitted here. This completes the reconnection.

  Next, a sequence in which the application acquires the latest data using the reconnection unit when the application of the personal computer 200 changes the storage unit 106 of the digital camera 100 will be described.

  In this case, since the digital camera 100 is connected to one personal computer 200, step S11 proceeds to NO.

  For example, when the imaging 202 of the personal computer 200 instructs the imaging class driver 112 of the digital camera 100 to write to the storage unit 106 (step S106), the storage content of the storage unit 106 is updated by the Write command. Therefore, the above step S12 proceeds to YES. The storage 201 of the personal computer 200 cannot know this writing. Therefore, while the imaging class driver 112 is changing the storage unit 106, the storage class driver 111 is set busy in step S14 so that the storage 201 cannot access the storage unit 106 (step S107). In step S15, the imaging class driver 112 changes the storage unit 106 (step S108). During the process of updating the storage contents of the storage unit 106, the storage class driver 111 responds with a NAK to the command (step S109) from the storage 201 of the personal computer 200 to the storage class driver 111 (step S110). ). NAK indicates that the command cannot be executed for some reason. When the update of the storage contents of the storage unit 106 is completed (step S111), the imaging class driver 112 notifies the imaging 202 of the personal computer 200 of the completion of the command (step S112).

  In this state, the imaging 202 of the personal computer 200 has the latest information as the storage contents of the storage unit 106 of the digital camera 100, but the storage 201 of the personal computer 200 does not have the latest information. Therefore, the digital camera 100 temporarily disconnects the connection in step S16 (step S113). As a disconnection request, for example, there is a Disconnect event defined by wireless USB. The detailed handshake of the disconnection is defined by the standard of each interface and is omitted here.

  Thereafter, in step S17, the digital camera 100 performs reconnection as described above (step S103), so that each application (storage 201, imaging 202) of the personal computer 200 is connected to each interface (storage class driver 111, imaging). To obtain the latest information from the storage unit 106 of the digital camera 100 (steps S104 and S105). Thereby, each application (storage 201, imaging 202) in the personal computer 200 can share the latest stored information.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a sequence in a case where a photographing operation is performed by the photographing control unit 105 of the digital camera 100 and writing to the storage unit 106 is performed while the personal computer 200 and the digital camera 100 are wirelessly connected.

  The personal computer 200 and the digital camera 100 are being connected wirelessly (step S101). In this case, since the digital camera 100 is connected to one personal computer 200, step S11 proceeds to NO.

  Then, when an instruction for photographing operation is given (step S201), the above step S13 proceeds to YES. The application (storage 201, imaging 202) of the personal computer 200 cannot know the writing of the captured image to the storage unit 106 by the imaging control unit 105 in this imaging operation. Therefore, during the photographing operation, in order to prevent the storage 201 and the imaging 202 from accessing the storage unit 106, in step S14, the interfaces (the storage class driver 111 and the imaging class driver 112) are set busy (step S202, S203). Thus, during this photographing operation, a command from the personal computer 200, for example, a command from the imaging 202 to the imaging class driver 112 (step S204) is responded with NAK (step S205). Then, the image shot by the shooting control unit 105 is written in the storage unit 106 in step S15 (step S206), and the completion of the shooting operation is notified to the CPU 101 (step S207).

  After the photographing is completed, the application (storage 201, imaging 202) of the personal computer 200 does not have the latest information as the storage content of the storage unit 106 of the digital camera 100, and therefore reconnects to the personal computer 200. That is, the digital camera 100 temporarily disconnects the connection in step S16 (step S113). Thereafter, the digital camera 100 performs reconnection as described above in step S17 (step S103), and each application (storage 201, imaging 202) of the personal computer 200 is connected to each interface (storage class driver 111, imaging). The latest information is acquired from the storage unit 106 of the digital camera 100 using the class driver 112) (steps S104 and S105). Thereby, each application (storage 201, imaging 202) in the personal computer 200 can share the latest stored information.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the digital camera 100 may be wirelessly connected to a plurality of peripheral devices. In this example, the personal computer 200A is connected to the digital camera 100 using the band 301A, the personal computer 200B is connected to the digital camera 100 using the band 301B, and the printer 400 is connected to the digital camera using the band 301C. 100. For these bands 301A to 301C, the same band may be used in time division, or different bands may be used in time division.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a sequence when the storage unit 106 of the digital camera 100 is changed by the peripheral device in a state where the wireless connection is made with the plurality of peripheral devices in this way.

  The personal computer 200A is connected by storage (step S301), the personal computer 200B is connected by imaging (step S302), and the printer 400 is connected by PTP (step S303). In this case, since the digital camera 100 is connected to a plurality of peripheral devices, step S11 proceeds to YES.

  Then, for example, when the personal computer 200B instructs the imaging class driver 112 of the digital camera 100 to write to the storage unit 106 (step S304), the storage content of the storage unit 106 is updated by the Write command. Step S18 will progress to YES. This writing cannot be recognized by other peripheral devices (in this case, the personal computer 200B and the printer 400). Therefore, while the imaging class driver 112 is changing the storage unit 106, in step S20, the connection of these other peripheral devices is temporarily disconnected so that the other peripheral devices cannot access the storage unit 106 (steps S305 and S306). ). In step S21, the imaging class driver 112 changes the storage unit 106 (step S307). When the update of the storage contents of the storage unit 106 is completed (step S308), the imaging class driver 112 notifies the personal computer 200B of the completion of the command (step S309).

  In this state, the personal computer 200B owns the latest information as the storage contents of the storage unit 106 of the digital camera 100, but the other peripheral devices (the personal computer 200B and the printer 400) own the latest information. Absent. Therefore, the digital camera 100 performs reconnection in step S17 (steps S310 and S312). The reconnected peripheral devices (the PC 200B and the printer 400) use the respective interfaces (storage class driver 111 and PTP class driver 113) to acquire the latest data from the storage unit 106 of the digital camera 100. Is acquired (steps S311 and S313). Accordingly, all peripheral devices (the personal computers 200A and 200B and the printer 400) that communicate with the digital camera 100 can share the latest stored information.

  When one of a plurality of peripheral devices is connected to the digital camera 100 by a plurality of applications and there is a writing instruction from one application, the connection of other peripheral devices is once disconnected and As described above with reference to FIG. 3, if the corresponding class driver is made busy so that the storage unit 106 of the digital camera 100 cannot be accessed from other applications of the peripheral device that is executing the application that has issued the write instruction. good.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a sequence in a case where a shooting operation is performed by the shooting control unit 105 of the digital camera 100 and writing to the storage unit 106 is performed when the digital camera 100 is wirelessly connected to a plurality of peripheral devices. .

  The personal computer 200A is connected by storage (step S301), the personal computer 200B is connected by imaging (step S302), and the printer 400 is connected by PTP (step S303). In this case, since the digital camera 100 is connected to a plurality of peripheral devices, step S11 proceeds to YES.

  Then, when an instruction for a photographing operation is given (step S401), step S13 proceeds to YES. The peripheral device (the personal computers 200 </ b> A and 200 </ b> B, the printer 400) cannot know the writing of the photographed image to the storage unit 106 by the photographing control unit 105 in this photographing operation. Therefore, during the photographing operation, the connection is temporarily disconnected in step S20 so that the peripheral device cannot be accessed (steps S402, S403, and S404). Then, the image shot by the shooting control unit 105 is written in the storage unit 106 in step S15 (step S405), and the completion of the shooting operation is notified to the CPU 101 (step S406).

  Since the peripheral devices (the personal computers 200A and 200B, the printer 400) do not have the latest information as the storage contents of the storage unit 106 of the digital camera 100 after the photographing is completed, the digital camera 100 determines that the digital camera 100 in step S17. Reconnection is performed (steps S407, S409, S411). The reconnected peripheral devices (the personal computers 200A and 200B, the printer 400) digitally use each interface (the storage class driver 111, the imaging class driver 112, and the PTP class driver 113) in order to obtain the latest data. The latest information is acquired from the storage unit 106 of the camera 100 (steps S408, S410, S412). Accordingly, all peripheral devices (the personal computers 200A and 200B and the printer 400) that communicate with the digital camera 100 can share the latest stored information.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the storage content of the storage unit 106 of the digital camera 100 is changed, the digital camera 100 once disconnects the connection with the application or peripheral device, and re-stores the storage unit 106 after updating. Since the connection is made, the latest data can always be displayed in a plurality of interfaces.

  In wireless connection, since the digital camera 100 can be connected to a plurality of peripheral devices (such as a personal computer and a printer), if the storage unit 106 of the digital camera 100 is updated by one peripheral device, reconnection is performed in the same manner. By performing the above, it is possible to always show the latest storage unit in a plurality of peripheral devices.

  Furthermore, during the update operation, access to the storage unit 106 by another application is prohibited, so that a double update operation by another application can be prevented.

  Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications are naturally possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

  For example, a digital camera is not limited to a camera device, and includes a device with a camera and the like.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B shows a wireless communication system in a state where the digital camera is wirelessly connected to a personal computer as a peripheral device. FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the CPU of the digital camera. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a sequence in which the latest data is displayed to other applications when the application in the personal computer updates the storage unit of the digital camera. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a sequence in a case where a photographing operation is performed by the photographing control unit of the digital camera and writing to the storage unit is performed while the personal computer and the digital camera are wirelessly connected. 1 is a diagram illustrating a wireless communication system in a state where a digital camera is wirelessly connected to a plurality of peripheral devices. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a sequence when the storage unit of the digital camera is changed by the peripheral device in a state where the wireless connection is established with a plurality of peripheral devices. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a sequence in a case where a photographing operation is performed by the photographing control unit of the digital camera and writing to the storage unit is performed when the digital camera is wirelessly connected to a plurality of peripheral devices.

Explanation of symbols

    DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Digital camera 101 ... CPU, 102 ... ROM, 103 ... RAM, 104 ... Wireless communication part, 105 ... Shooting control part, 106 ... Memory | storage part, 110 ... Multi-interface control part, 111-113 ... Class driver, 200, 200A, 200B ... PC, 201 ... Storage, 202 ... Imaging, 301A to 301C ... Band, 400 ... Printer, 1051 ... Imaging device, 1052 ... Image processing unit, 1053 ... Write processing unit.

Claims (9)

In digital cameras that can be wirelessly connected to multiple applications on peripheral devices,
Imaging means for capturing an image by photographing a subject;
Storage means for storing at least an image acquired by the imaging means;
A determination means for determining whether an event for updating the storage content stored in the storage means has occurred in a state in which the peripheral device is wirelessly connected to each application;
When the determination unit determines that an event for updating the storage content of the storage unit has occurred, an application that does not have a function of recognizing that the storage content of the storage unit has been updated and the storage Connection with an application that has a function of recognizing that the storage content of the storage unit has been updated, and that does not have a function of recognizing that the storage content of the storage unit has been updated Cutting means for cutting once,
Reconnection means for re-connecting wirelessly with the application disconnected by the disconnection means when the update of the storage content of the storage means is completed;
A digital camera comprising: The disconnecting means disconnects the connection with an application that does not have a function capable of recognizing that the storage means has been updated after the storage contents of the storage means have been updated. The digital camera according to claim 1. The peripheral device includes an application for updating the storage content of the storage means,
An event for updating the storage contents stored in the storage means is generated by an application for updating the storage contents of the storage means,
Control means for prohibiting access to the storage means by an application other than the application involved in the update while the storage contents of the storage means are being updated by an application that updates the storage contents of the storage means. The digital camera according to claim 2. An event for updating the stored contents stored in the storage means is generated at the start of the photographing operation by the imaging means,
The digital camera according to claim 2, further comprising a control unit that prohibits access to the storage unit by an application of the peripheral device during a shooting operation by the imaging unit. In digital cameras that can be wirelessly connected to each of multiple peripheral devices,
Imaging means for capturing an image by photographing a subject;
Storage means for storing at least an image acquired by the imaging means;
A determination unit that determines whether an event for updating the storage content stored in the storage unit has occurred in a wireless connection with the plurality of peripheral devices;
When it is determined by the determination means that an event for updating the storage contents of the storage means has occurred, the peripheral device that cannot recognize that the storage contents of the storage means have been updated and the storage contents of the storage means Of the peripheral devices that can recognize that the update has been performed, a disconnecting unit that temporarily disconnects the peripheral device that cannot recognize that the storage content of the storage unit has been updated , and
When the update of the storage contents of the storage unit is completed, a reconnection unit that performs wireless connection again with the peripheral device disconnected by the disconnection unit,
A digital camera comprising:   6. The disconnecting means disconnects a connection with a peripheral device that cannot recognize that the storage means has been updated before updating the storage contents of the storage means. Digital camera. The peripheral device has an application for updating the storage contents of the storage means,
The digital camera according to claim 6, wherein an event for updating the storage content stored in the storage unit is generated by an application of the peripheral device.   The digital camera according to claim 6, wherein the event for updating the storage content stored in the storage unit is generated at the start of a photographing operation by the imaging unit.   6. The digital camera according to claim 5, wherein the wireless connection with each of the plurality of peripheral devices is performed by using signals in the same band or different bands in a time division manner.

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