JP5750688B2 - Image data transmitting apparatus, image data transmitting method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image data transmitting apparatus, and more particularly to an image data transmitting apparatus, an image data transmitting method, and a program for transmitting image data to an image reproducing apparatus such as a mobile phone or a television.

  Conventional film cameras were merely tools for photographing, but with the advent of digital cameras, image signals have been digitized, and data exchange with many devices such as personal computers has become easier. In addition, wireless communication technology has also been developed, allowing data to be easily exchanged with other devices, making it easy to reproduce captured images on other devices without using wired communication that requires wiring. It is becoming possible to do that.

  As described above, it has become easy to perform image transmission between devices and reproduce the image. However, according to various devices, settings must be made according to each device, and although data transfer is simplified, it is difficult to say that image reproduction itself is easy. Various proposals have been made to simplify the setting. For example, in Patent Document 1, when image data is transmitted to a device such as a printer, a projector, or a large-capacity storage, the setting display of the image data transmission device is automatically switched according to the data receiver of the transmission destination. An image data transmission device is disclosed.

Further, since it is very troublesome to operate various switches when performing a reproduction operation with a photographic device such as a digital camera, a device with easy operation has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses an image display device that can be operated with an intuitive feeling by changing the display by changing the direction and speed at which the user taps the portable device.

JP 2004-70868 A JP 2006-91294 A

  As described above, an image data transmission apparatus has been proposed in which settings are changed in accordance with a transmission destination device in image transmission. However, the conventional image data transmission does not take into consideration the usage situation during reproduction. For this reason, image transfer and switching of the reproduction method have to deal with each situation by operating various switches or setting menus depending on the situation at the time of reproduction. Even though you want to transfer image data easily, the setting of the image data transmission device is complicated and troublesome, so there are situations where the image is still in the digital camera and the captured image is not used. There were many.

  In addition, as in the image display device disclosed in Patent Document 2, it is conceivable to switch according to the direction of striking or the like, but this image display device reads the user's behavior and intention from the movement of the portable device, The relationship between the user, the image data transmitting device, and the image data receiving device is not considered.

  Therefore, none of the above-mentioned patent documents considers the situation where the image data transmission device such as a digital camera and the image data reception device are placed, and unnecessary data is transmitted or image data transmission is performed. In some cases, it takes time to establish data communication between the apparatus and the image data receiving apparatus, and stress is applied to the sender and the viewer.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and according to the scene in which the photographed image is viewed, image transmission is performed that is suitable for the situation, and no stress is placed on the sender or viewer. An object of the present invention is to provide an image data transmitting apparatus, an image data transmitting method, and a program.

In order to achieve the above object, an image data transmitting apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an image data transmitting apparatus capable of transmitting image data to the outside, comprising a recording unit for recording the image data, and the image data to the outside. Communication is established between the transmission unit for transmission, the transmission operation unit for starting the transmission according to the operation of the operator, the vibration detection unit for detecting the vibration of its own device body, and the destination device. A transmission control unit that updates and transmits image data each time the vibration detection unit detects the vibration, and the transmission control unit establishes communication with the destination device. Before the vibration is detected, the same image data is transmitted.

An image data transmission method according to a second invention is an image data transmission method for transmitting image data to the outside, wherein the image data is recorded, the image data is transmitted to the outside, and an operation of the operator is performed. The transmission is started, the vibration of its own device body is detected, and communication with the destination device is established. Every time the vibration is detected, the image data is updated and transmitted. Before communication with the device is established and the vibration is detected, the same image data is transmitted.

A program according to a third aspect of the invention is a program for causing a computer to execute an operation of transmitting image data to the outside, recording the image data, transmitting the image data to the outside, and performing an operation by an operator. In response to this, the transmission is started, the vibration of the apparatus main body is detected, and communication with the transmission destination device is established. Every time the vibration is detected, the image data is updated and transmitted. Before communication with the previous device is established and the vibration is detected, the same image data is transmitted.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image data transmitting apparatus that performs image transmission suitable for the situation according to a scene in which a photographed image is viewed, and that does not place stress on the sender or viewer. Can do.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the camera and reproducing | regenerating apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, (A) is a diagram showing how image data is transmitted from the camera to a mobile phone, and (B) is a diagram showing how the camera and the playback device are used. It is a figure which shows a mode that image data is transmitted. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the camera control of the camera concerning one Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an image change subroutine in an embodiment of the present invention.

  A preferred embodiment will be described below using a camera 10 and a playback device 20 to which the present invention is applied, according to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera 10 and a playback device 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The camera 10 is a digital camera that captures a subject and acquires a captured image.

  The camera 10 includes a control unit 1, an imaging unit 2, an image recording unit 3, a communication unit 4, a vibration detection unit 5, a selection unit 6, a face detection unit 7, a display unit 8, and an accompanying information unit 9. The control unit 1 includes a CPU and the like, is connected to each unit in the camera 10, and controls the entire camera 10 according to a control program stored in a storage medium.

  The photographing unit 2 includes an optical system for forming a subject image, an image sensor that photoelectrically converts the subject image, an image processing unit that processes a signal output from the image sensor, and the like, and outputs image data. The image recording unit 3 records image data of a still image output from the photographing unit 2.

  The face detection unit 7 receives image data from the photographing unit 2 and detects a human face portion based on the image data. That is, the presence / absence of a face part and, when a face image is included, the position of the face part and the feature of the face are detected. The detection result of the face detection unit 7 is sent to the image recording unit 3, and the detection result is recorded together with the recording of the image data as will be described later.

The accompanying information section 9 is a GPS (Global Positioning
(System: global positioning system) is a detection unit for ancillary information such as position information from the system and date / time information from the clock unit. The accompanying information output from the accompanying information unit 9 is sent to the image recording unit 3 and is recorded together with the recording of the image data, similarly to the detection result of the face detecting unit 7. When accompanying information is attached to image data, it is possible to display a map and related information related to the shooting location and date and time when playing the image. Can explain the photos in an easy-to-understand manner.

  The vibration detection unit 5 detects vibration applied to the camera 10 such as an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, and a gyro. The output of the vibration detection unit 5 is used not only for camera shake correction of the camera 10 but also for detecting a use situation when image data is transmitted from the camera 10 to the playback device 20, as will be described later. The detection result in the vibration detection unit 5 is transmitted to the control unit 1.

  The selection unit 6 selects an image from the image data recorded in the image recording unit 6 and outputs the image to the communication unit 4 or the display unit 8. The communication unit 4 transmits the image data selected by the selection unit 6 to the outside, and receives a signal from the outside. The communication unit 4 can communicate in a plurality of communication modes by wireless communication and infrared communication, such as a communication mode in which signals are transmitted to and received from the playback device 20 and a communication mode in which signals are unilaterally transmitted to the playback device 20. It is.

  The display unit 8 is configured by a liquid crystal monitor or the like provided on the back surface of the camera 10, and reproduces and displays the image data based on the image data selected by the selection unit 6 from the image data recorded in the image recording unit 3. Also, shooting information necessary for shooting by the camera 10 and a menu screen are displayed.

  The playback device 20 is, for example, a mobile phone or a television, and has a monitor capable of playing back and displaying images. The control unit 21 includes a CPU and the like, is connected to each unit in the playback device 20, and controls the entire playback device 20 according to a control program stored in a storage medium. In addition, the control unit 21 determines a request for a received signal according to the transmitted data, and displays the content acquired and stored by the content acquisition unit 22 at the time of viewing the captured image.

  The communication unit 25 can communicate with the communication unit 4 of the camera 10 and can acquire image data from the camera 10. The content acquisition unit 22 stores content other than the captured image acquired via the communication unit 25. The content stored here is, for example, a map or the like that is useful for showing a visited place in a travel photograph.

  The combining unit 23 combines the captured image of the camera 10 received via the communication unit 25 with the content stored in the content acquisition unit 22. The composition here is in a broad sense, and refers to various processes such as selectively outputting only one of the photographed image or the content to the display unit 24 and generating an image in which the photographed image and the content are combined. The display unit 24 is a monitor for a mobile phone or a television, and displays an image output from the combining unit 23.

  Next, the operation in one embodiment of the present invention will be described. Prior to the description of the operation flow, a method of using the image data transmitting apparatus in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2A shows a state in which image data is transmitted from the camera 10 to the mobile phone 20a as the playback device 20. 2B shows a state in which image data is transmitted from the camera 10 to the television 20b as the playback device 20.

  In the case of a playback device having a large screen such as the television 20b, it is often viewed by a large number of people, and in this case, when the captured image transmitted from the camera 10 is played back and displayed, it will be described in an easy-to-understand manner. Is required. For this reason, in this embodiment, accompanying information at the time of shooting attached to an image is used, for example, a map of a travel destination is displayed together.

  Next, the control operation of the camera 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. If the camera control flow is entered, it is first determined whether or not the camera 10 is set to the shooting mode (S1). The camera 10 can be set by a user in a shooting mode and a playback mode. If the result of determination in step S1 is that shooting mode has been set, it is determined whether or not a release has been performed (S2). In this step, it is determined whether or not the release switch is operated and a photographing instruction is given by the photographer.

  If the result of determination in step S2 is that release has not been carried out, processing returns to step S1. On the other hand, if the shutter has been released, shooting is performed (S3). In this step, the image capturing unit 2 acquires image data of a still image of the subject image. When shooting is finished, additional information is added (S4).

  In this step S4, the shooting position information by GPS acquired by the additional information unit 9 and the date / time information acquired by the clock unit are added to the image data. Further, the face position information detected by the face detection unit 7 is also added to the image data. That is, the accompanying information and face position information acquired here are added to the image data acquired in step S3 and recorded in the image recording unit 3. When the accompanying information is added, the process returns and the process is executed again from step S1.

  If the result of determination in step S <b> 1 is not shooting mode, it is determined whether or not playback mode is set (S <b> 11). If the result of this determination is not playback mode, processing returns to step S1. On the other hand, if the playback mode is selected, the captured image recorded in the image recording unit 3 is reproduced and displayed on the display unit 8 (S12).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not to perform external transmission (S13). This step is a determination as to whether or not image data transmission is to be performed between the camera 10 and the playback device 20 in the situation shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, and an operation member for image data transmission. It is determined by whether or not (not shown) is operated.

  If the result of determination in step S13 is external transmission, image data is transmitted (S17). In this image transmission subroutine, image data is transmitted to the playback device 20 such as the mobile phone 20a or the television 20b. At this time, the playback device 22 of the transmission destination is determined, and the use state of the camera (specifically, The transmission content and transmission timing are changed by detecting vibration). In addition, when transmitting image data, related information such as accompanying information and face position information added to the image data is also transmitted. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If the result of determination in step S13 is not external transmission, it is next determined whether or not it is a slide show (S14). The slide show is a playback mode in which still images recorded in the image recording unit 3 are sequentially read out and displayed on the display unit 8.

  If the result of determination in step S14 is a slide show, the slide show is started with the reproduced image as the head (S15). On the other hand, if the result of determination is not a slide show, the selected image is displayed on the display unit 8 (S16). When the process in step S15, S16, or S17 is performed, the process returns and the process is executed again from step S1.

  Next, the image transmission subroutine of step S17 will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the mobile phone 20a and the television 20b have different communication methods. Since the mobile phone 20a is equipped with a camera and can transmit image data from the mobile phone 20a, the communication is bidirectional communication (for example, IR Simple), and communication is established between devices. Communicate while confirming. On the other hand, since the television 20b is a reproduction-only device that displays received image data, the communication function is one-way communication (for example, IRSS) that only receives image data like a remote controller.

  Further, since the display screen of the mobile phone 20a is small, the image size of the transmitted image data may be small. In the case of the television 20b, the image size of the transmitted image data is compared because of the large screen. A large image size is desirable.

  Furthermore, in the case of the mobile phone 20a, since the user often holds the mobile phone 20a by hand, it is easy to shake each other. In the case of the television 20b, there is no camera shake, and for the purpose of appreciating many images, the camera 10 is also transmitted to the television 20b with the camera 10 placed on a desk as shown in FIG. Is done.

  As described above, in the case of transmission to the mobile phone 20a, only the captured image may be used. On the other hand, in the case of transmission to the television 20b, not only the captured image but also an image related to the captured image such as a map. Is also considered.

  Further, it is not necessary to set the transmission mode of the mobile phone 20a and the television 20b. That is, in this embodiment, first, transmission for the mobile phone 20a is performed, a response signal is waited for from the transmission destination, and if there is no response, transmission for the television 20b is performed. As a result, both the cellular phone 20a and the television 20b can be used.

  When the image transmission subroutine is entered, first, the size of the image data is set to a small size (S21), and transmission of the image data is started (S22). In steps S21 and S22, as described above, the image data for the mobile phone 20a is set to be small and transmitted to the playback device 20. This is because at this time, it is unknown whether the playback device 20 is the mobile phone 20a or the television 20b.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not communication has been established (S23). In this step, determination is made based on whether or not a response signal has been received from the playback device 20. As described above, since the mobile phone 20a performs two-way communication, if the playback device 20 is the mobile phone 20a, a response signal is returned for transmission, but in the case of the television 20b. Since no response signal is returned for transmission, it can be determined whether or not communication has been established depending on whether or not the response signal has been received.

  If communication is established as a result of the determination in step S23, it is next determined whether or not transmission is OK (S24). In this step, when the transmission destination is the mobile phone 20a, a response signal is returned when image data can be received, and thus determination is made. If the result of this determination is that transmission is not OK, the image data is transmitted again (S31), and the process returns to step S22.

  If the result of determination in step S24 is transmission OK, vibration detection is performed (S25), and it is determined whether there is vibration (S26). In these steps S25 and S26, the vibration detection output in the vibration detection unit 5 is determined, and it is determined whether or not there is a predetermined vibration or more. If the user shakes the camera, it is further determined that there is an intention to send the next image.

  If the result of determination in step S26 is that there is vibration, the next face image is set (S32), the process returns to step S22, and the image data of the next face image is transmitted to the mobile phone 20a. Here, whether the image is a face image is read based on the face position information (attached in step S4) attached to the image data and is determined based on this information. In step S32, when the image data of the next face image (9) is set, it is determined again whether there is vibration, and the image data may be transmitted when vibration is detected.

  If the result of determination in step S <b> 26 is that there is no vibration, it is determined whether or not to end (S <b> 27). In this step, it is determined whether or not transmission of all image data scheduled to be transmitted has been completed. If the result of this determination is that it has not ended, processing returns to step S21 and image transmission continues, whereas if it ends, processing returns to the original flow. Note that the determination in step S27 may also be ended when the image transmission stop operation member is operated.

  In this way, when communicating with the mobile phone 20a, the image size of the transmission image data is small, communication confirmation is possible, and it is not necessary to consider delivery other than the photographed image. Detected and used for image switching. With these ideas, an operation for selecting images one by one is unnecessary, and images can be transferred continuously.

  If the result of determination in step S23 is that communication could not be established, the image size is set large (S41) and image transmission is started (S42). As described above, when communication cannot be established, the playback device 20 is the television 20b, and therefore transmits data with an image size suitable for the screen size of the television 20b.

  Subsequently, vibration is detected in the same manner as in step S25 (S43), and it is determined whether there is vibration in the same manner as in step S26 (S44). If the result of this determination is that there is vibration, the image data is transmitted again (S35). The transmission to the TV 20b was not successful because it sent a large image for a large screen, and it took a relatively long time for communication settings using a remote control, etc., and communication confirmation was not possible in both directions. No, the camera 10 does not know. Therefore, the vibration is detected, the predetermined vibration is continued, there is no large vibration such as the user placing the camera 10, and the minute repetition such as alignment in the direction of the television 20b. If there is vibration, it is determined that the user is still trying to transmit from the camera 10 due to directivity problems and transmission / reception environment problems, and the same image is transmitted again. When the image is transmitted again, the process returns to step S42.

  If the result of determination in step S44 is that there is no vibration, it is next determined whether or not the transmission time is over (S45). The transmission time here is normally a predetermined time sufficient to transmit image data from the camera 10 to the television 20b. In this step, it is determined whether the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of image transmission. As a result of this determination, if the transmission time has not ended, the process returns to step S43.

  If the result of determination in step S45 is that the transmission time has expired, it is next determined whether or not there is vibration (S46). In this step, it is determined based on the vibration detection result in the vibration detector 5 whether or not there is a predetermined vibration or more (S46).

  If the result of determination in step S46 is that there is vibration, the image is changed (S36). That is, if it is determined in step S45 that the transmission time has ended, communication for transmitting image data from the camera 10 to the television 20b is established, and then vibration is detected in step S46. Is changing the image because the user wants to switch to the next image.

  Therefore, in a state where communication is established between the camera and the television, it is possible to switch images by shaking the camera 10, and there is no troublesome operation as in transmission to the mobile phone 20a. When the image is switched in step S36, the process returns to step S41.

  If the result of determination in step S <b> 46 is that there is no vibration, it is determined whether or not to end (S <b> 47). In this determination, as in step S27, it is determined whether or not transmission of all image data scheduled to be transmitted has been completed. As a result of this determination, when the process ends, the process returns to the original flow. On the other hand, as a result of the determination, if it has not been completed, it is next determined whether or not there is related information (S48). In this step, when the accompanying information is added together with the image data, the information is transmitted.

In the scene as shown in FIG. 2 (A), the incidental information and the like can be obtained using the limited battery energy and memory area of the partner device when communicating with the mobile phone 20a or the like as the partner. There is no need to send. However, in the scene as shown in FIG. 2B, information such as where the user has gone can be displayed together with the photographed image, so that viewing can be enjoyed more happily. Therefore, in the case of the camera 10 capable of recording shooting location information and the like, when the shot image is being reproduced sequentially and the information on the shooting location changes greatly, information on the shooting location should be transmitted. For example, the place name can be displayed, the related image recorded in the television 20b can be displayed, and the travel information can be enhanced by playing back related music.

  Also, the shooting date and time of the image to be reproduced can be determined from the shooting date and time information. In this case, if the image is more than 5 years old, the shooting date and time information is transmitted and displayed, so that the image can be viewed. The person can indulge in whether this is such an old image. Furthermore, depending on the acquisition result of the content recorded by broadcast reception, it is possible to search for similar programs according to time and place, and to play back by referring to the titles and music included therein. .

  When transmitting to a personal device such as the mobile phone 20a, extra information does not need to be transmitted because it causes a memory waste or a waste of transmission energy for the individual. However, in a device such as the television 20b that many people view, such a point does not need to be emphasized so much. In this way, instead of transmitting such information simply depending on whether there is related information, it may be transmitted considering whether it is related information suitable for the situation at the time of reproduction.

  If the result of determination in step S48 is that there is no related information, images are transmitted in sequence at predetermined intervals (S49). In step S46, when the vibration is detected, the next image is transmitted to the television 20b. However, even if there is no vibration, the image is sequentially transmitted every predetermined time. For this reason, even if the user keeps the camera 10, the image is switched every predetermined time, and the user can view the image like a slide show.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S48 is related information, the information is transmitted (S37). In this step, related information such as accompanying information is transmitted to the television 20b. When the television 20b receives the related information, the television 20b displays the image acquired by the content acquisition unit 22 on the display unit 24. When step S49 or step S37 is processed, the process returns to step S41.

  Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, when transmission of image data is started by operation of the transmission operation unit, transmission timing of image data recorded in the image recording unit 3 according to the vibration detection result of the vibration detection unit 5 And switching the transmission image. For this reason, according to the scene in which the captured image is viewed, it is possible to perform image transmission that is suitable for the situation, and no stress is placed on the sender or viewer.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, when transmission of image data is started (S13 → S17), it is performed based on the vibration detection result of the vibration detector 5 in accordance with the response signal from the playback device 20 as the transmission destination. The processing has been changed. In the present embodiment, in the case of a playback device (mobile phone 20a) capable of bidirectional signal exchange, image data is transmitted when vibration is detected. On the other hand, in the case of a playback device (TV 20b) that cannot exchange signals bidirectionally, at the initial stage (until the transmission time ends (S45)), it is determined whether or not the position of the camera 10 is adjusted. When the vibration is detected after the initial stage, the image data is changed and transmitted. That is, the image data to be transmitted and the transmission timing are switched according to the vibration detection result.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in the case of the mobile phone 20a capable of bidirectional signal exchange, the image size is reduced, while in the case of the television 20b capable of bidirectional signal exchange. The image size has been increased. For this reason, the image size according to the reproducing | regenerating apparatus 20 (cellular phone 20a, television 20b) can be determined. In the present embodiment, the difference between the IR Simple and IRSS communication methods is used to identify the mobile phone 20a and the television 20b. However, the present invention is not limited to this method as long as the playback device 20 can be automatically identified. .

  Further, in the present embodiment, in the case of the mobile phone 20a, only the face image is transmitted, while in the case of the television 20b, all the images are transmitted, and if there is related information, the related information is also transmitted. I am doing so. For this reason, data and information corresponding to the characteristics of each playback device 20 can be sent.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, an example in which the image data transmission device is applied to a camera has been described. However, the image data transmission device is not limited to a camera, and may be a personal computer or a personal digital assistant (PDA: Personal Digital Assist). Or the like. In the case of a personal computer or the like that does not have a photographing device, image data photographed by the photographing device may be stored and reproduced by a program after step S11 in FIG.

  Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the digital camera is used as the photographing device. However, the camera may be a digital single-lens reflex camera or a compact digital camera, and a mobile phone or a portable information terminal. Of course, a camera built in the camera may be used.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the components without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, you may delete some components of all the components shown by embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Control part, 2 ... Image pick-up part, 3 ... Image recording part, 4 ... Communication part, 5 ... Vibration detection part, 6 ... Selection part, 7 ... Face detection Unit, 8 ... display unit, 9 ... accompanying information unit, 10 ... camera, 20 ... playback device, 20a ... mobile phone, 20b ... TV, 21 ... control unit, 22 ... Content acquisition unit, 23 ... Composition unit, 24 ... Display unit, 25 ... Communication unit

Claims (3)

An image data transmission device capable of transmitting image data to the outside,
A recording unit for recording the image data;
A transmission unit for transmitting the image data to the outside;
A transmission operation unit for starting the transmission according to the operation of the operator;
A vibration detector for detecting vibrations of the device body;
Each time a communication with a destination device is established and the vibration detection unit detects the vibration, a transmission control unit that updates and transmits image data;
Equipped with a,
The transmission control unit transmits the same image data before communication with the transmission destination device is established and before the vibration is detected . An image data transmission method for transmitting image data to the outside,
Record the above image data,
Send the above image data to the outside,
The above transmission is started in response to the operator's operation,
Detects vibration of its own device body,
Communication with the destination device is established, and every time the vibration is detected, the image data is updated and transmitted .
Communication with the destination device is established, and before detecting the vibration, the same image data is transmitted.
An image data transmission method characterized by the above. A program for causing a computer to execute an operation of transmitting image data to the outside,
Record the above image data,
Send the above image data to the outside,
The above transmission is started in response to the operator's operation,
Detects vibration of its own device body,
Communication with the destination device is established, and every time the vibration is detected, the image data is updated and transmitted .
Communication with the destination device is established, and before detecting the vibration, the same image data is transmitted.
A program characterized by causing a computer to execute the above.