JP5857170B2 - Imaging apparatus and imaging method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus and an image pickup method, and more particularly to an image pickup apparatus and an image pickup method that can be used for instruction such as instructing a student by a teacher or an instructor in a photographic classroom.

  In recent years, as the functions of digital home appliances become multifunctional, it has become difficult to understand what kind of operation can be obtained by performing what kind of operation. Some have many switches, others use less switches and GUI (Graphical User Interface), etc., aiming for simple settings, but the basic functions may be the same. In such a multi-functional situation, when using a device such as a digital home appliance, if there is a function that guides what operation should be performed, the learning of the operation will be faster and the function will be used well. Can be used more comfortably.

  In recent years, with the spread of digital cameras, the number of shooting classes has increased and the number of participating users has also increased. However, the participants' cameras are diverse in the shooting classroom where they participate with their own cameras. If the model is different, the operability and the arrangement of the operation members are also different, and it is necessary to enter from the understanding of the model and operation method in the shooting instruction.

It is not easy for the user to master the handling method because the operation method differs depending on the model of the digital camera or the like. In view of this problem, although related to various settings at the time of purchasing a digital camera, Patent Document 1 discloses a setting support system in which an instruction manual and a camera are linked. In the system disclosed in Patent Document 1, a wireless tag that stores information related to setting items is provided on a description page of a setting procedure in an instruction manual. Setting operation can be performed by placing a digital camera on the setting procedure page of the instruction manual.
JP 2005-148156 A

  However, in the setting support system described in Patent Document 1, the camera owner can only set the camera by carrying the instruction manual, and does not consider the operation method of another person's model. In addition, an additional operation of checking the instruction manual is required. Therefore, in the system disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to easily operate a device when receiving a shooting instruction in a photography classroom when using a different imaging device or information device.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an imaging apparatus and an imaging method capable of receiving instructions from an instructor and easily operating the apparatus when using different imaging apparatuses. The purpose is to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, an image pickup apparatus according to a first invention is an image pickup apparatus capable of communicating with an external device, an image pickup means for converting a subject image into image data, and a display means for displaying the image data. A receiving means for receiving operation information for instructing an operation method of the imaging apparatus from the external apparatus, a plurality of operation members provided for operating the imaging apparatus, and an operation of the operation member A control unit that controls the imaging apparatus; and a database that records a plurality of operation images indicating operations for each stage when the operation member is operated in two or more stages according to the operation information. When the receiving means receives the operation information for instructing the operation method, the control means holds the database when the operation member has two or more operations corresponding to the operation information. The said display means to display a predetermined time a plurality of operation image for each operation step, the image data and cancels the display of the operation image when the change over a period of time.

  An image pickup apparatus according to a second invention is characterized in that in the image pickup apparatus according to the first invention, the image pickup apparatus further comprises a transmitting means for transmitting the image data to the external device.

  An image pickup apparatus according to a third aspect of the invention is the image pickup apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention, wherein the transmission means transmits the image data as a through image of a subject to the external device.

  An imaging apparatus according to a fourth invention is the imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein at least one of exposure correction, aperture value change, shutter speed change, and zooming is performed by the operation member. Can be operated.

  An image pickup apparatus according to a fifth invention is characterized in that in the image pickup apparatus according to the first invention, the image pickup apparatus further comprises a transmission means for transmitting the image data based on an instruction from the external device.

An imaging method according to a sixth invention is an imaging method in which imaging is performed by an imaging device capable of communicating with an external device, the step of converting a subject image into image data, the step of displaying the image data, and the external device A step of receiving operation information for instructing an operation method of the imaging apparatus from the apparatus; a step of confirming whether a table storing operation images corresponding to the operation information exists in the database; and instructing the operation method when receiving the operation information to, when the operation stage corresponding to the operation information is two or more stages, based on a plurality of operation image in which the database is held for a predetermined time displayed on the display means for each operation step And a step of canceling the display of the operation image when the image data changes over a certain period .

  According to the present invention, when the operation information for instructing the operation method is received, display control is performed on the display unit based on the information stored in the database corresponding to the operation information. When an apparatus is used, it is possible to provide an imaging apparatus and an imaging method capable of receiving guidance from an instructor and easily operating the equipment.

  A preferred embodiment will be described below using a camera and a photographing system to which the present invention is applied according to the drawings. The photographing system in the present embodiment assumes that a teacher instructs a student in a photography classroom or the like. In this photographing system, a leader, a lecturer, or a teacher can use wireless communication, infrared communication, or the like to send a composition / confirmation or instruction to a student / photographer by transmitting an image. In other words, this system is composed of two or more cameras, and the instructor, lecturer, and teacher can check the live view display (also called live view or electronic view display) of the first photographer. Can be confirmed on the student's camera.

  Even if the instructor's camera is different from the student's camera and the operation method is different, the imaging system in this embodiment has a function for translating the camera operation method, so that the instructor can perform the imaging operation. It has a display unit that converts and displays the camera operation method used by the student. In the following description, the description will be focused on an example of a digital camera. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to other imaging apparatuses and information devices such as a video camera if a display unit and a communication unit are provided.

  Prior to describing details of the configuration of the present embodiment, an operation method of the system will be described with reference to FIG. The first camera 10a is a camera used by the student (first user) 31a, and the second camera 10b is a camera used by the instructor (second user) 31b. The image and composition displayed on the monitor of the first camera 10a are transmitted to the second camera 10b by wireless communication or infrared communication. Therefore, the image being displayed on the first camera 10a can also be displayed on the second camera 10b.

  The second user 31b confirms the image displayed on the monitor of the second camera 10b, and the second camera 10b performs a composition and shooting operation that the second user 31b considers appropriate. When an operation is performed with the second camera 10b, shooting assist information based on the operation is transmitted to the first camera 10a and displayed on the display panel 8.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 2, it is assumed that a photo classroom instructor performs a zooming operation. In this case, it is assumed that the instructor's zoom operation is an index finger operation during right hand grip. This operation method is transmitted to the student's camera, and when the student confirms the display, the operation performed by the instructor is displayed on the display frame 8 as “zoom operation method: right grip thumb position” on the student camera. .

  Both instructors and students can operate as if they were using their own cameras. In addition, since new products come out one after another, the instructor may not know how to operate the student's camera. Even in this case, the imaging system of this embodiment is effective. In other words, students can immediately understand how the instructions of the instructor can be realized.

  Next, a digital camera used in the photographing system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital camera and a photographing system. As described above, this system assumes a situation in which two or more cameras are operated by a student and a teacher in a photography classroom or the like. Since each camera has the same configuration, the first camera 10a, Of the two cameras 10b, only the first camera 10a is displayed in detail.

  The first camera 10a used by the user includes a photographing lens 2, an AF (autofocus) control unit 2a, an aperture 2b, an aperture control unit 2c, an image sensor 3, and an analog front end (hereinafter abbreviated as AFE) unit 4. Is provided. The photographic lens 2 is a zoom lens that can change the focal length, and has a focus lens inside, and forms an image of an incident subject 20 on the image sensor 3.

  The AF control unit 2a performs image processing in an image processing unit 5 to be described later, detects an in-focus position of the photographic lens 2, detects it by a so-called hill-climbing method, drives the focus lens, and moves it to the in-focus position. Note that the hill-climbing method is a method for detecting the in-focus position (focus position) from the contrast signal peak of the photographed image. In addition to the hill-climbing method, for example, a known focusing method such as a phase difference method or a triangulation method can be used. It may be replaced. When the in-focus position is reached by AF, the distance determination unit 5c described later can perform distance determination by detecting the photographing lens 2 at this time. In this case, when the photographing lens 2 is a zoom lens, the distance is determined in consideration of the zoom position and the like.

  A diaphragm 2b that provides the effect of a shutter and a diaphragm is provided in or near the photographing lens 2. The diaphragm 2b is opened to a predetermined aperture at the time of photographing, and is closed when the exposure is finished to finish the exposure. The aperture control unit 2c drives the aperture 2b to set the aperture diameter. By changing the aperture, the depth of field of the lens changes, so you can change the expression by adjusting the blurring of the background, etc. Can do.

  Further, the shutter can be controlled by the aperture 2b and the aperture control can be switched by the exposure correction operation to brighten or darken the image. Further, by switching the autofocus by the AF control unit 2a to manual (manual), the user can give various effects when taking a picture. Of course, the angle of view can be changed by adjusting the focal length of the zoom lens.

  The image pickup device 3 is a CCD or CMOS sensor composed of a large number of light receiving pixels, and receives an image from the subject 20 via the photographing lens 2 and converts it into an image signal. The analog front end (AFE) unit 4 includes an analog-to-digital conversion (AD) unit, and converts a signal from the image sensor 3 into a digital signal. The AFE unit 4 performs various processes on the image signal output from the image sensor 3. The AFE unit 4 is also provided with a function of reading several pixels of the image pickup device 3 together and reading them together. For example, when the signal level of each pixel is small, such as 4 pixels (2 × 2) and 9 pixels (3 × 3), several pixel signals can be added to improve the S / N. Sensitivity can also be increased.

  Sensitivity can be increased by such an operation, and it is possible to devise photography such as increasing the shutter speed. When the shutter speed is high, it is possible to shoot as if the moving subject is stopped. For cameras that allow the user to switch the shutter speed and control the appropriate exposure by controlling the aperture and sensitivity, if the shutter speed is generally slowed down, for example, when shooting a river flow, the water flow stretches like a thread. Can be described. If you increase the shutter speed, you can capture the same river flow, capture the moment, and make it possible to reproduce the moment when the splashes rise and the state of ripples. Even in sports photos, if the shutter speed is increased, the movement of the subject can be stopped and the expression can be clearly captured.

  The AFE unit 4 has a function of selecting signals output from the image sensor 3 and can extract image data in a limited range from the light receiving range. In general, when pixel signals thinned out from the pixels of the image sensor 3 are extracted, high-speed reading is possible. Thereby, as will be described later, the image signal for composition confirmation can be processed at high speed by the image processing unit 5 and displayed on the display panel 8 via the display control unit 8a.

  The output of the AFE unit 4 is connected to the image processing unit 5. The image processing unit 5 corrects the color, gradation, and sharpness of the input signal. Further, it has a sensitizing unit 5b that amplifies an image signal obtained from the image sensor 3 to a predetermined level and sets the correct gray level and the correct gray level. This is a digital operation so that the digitized signal level becomes a predetermined level. In addition, the image processing unit 5 includes a resizing unit that processes a signal from the image sensor 3 to a size that can be displayed on the display panel 8 so that a live image can be displayed on the display unit in real time.

  With this configuration, it is possible to confirm a subject image incident on the imaging unit prior to shooting, and to determine shooting timing and a photo opportunity while looking at the image instead of the optical viewfinder. The acquired image at the time of framing is displayed on the display panel 8 and is transmitted to another second camera 10b via the external transmission unit 9b. The second camera 10b also has a display unit, and is configured to display the sent image. In addition, the advice of the instructor and the like is displayed by using the multi-image unit 8b.

  In addition, the image processing unit 5 has an image determination function for determining characteristics of an image input from the image sensor using the signal of the image processing unit 5. For example, from a contour information obtained by processing image information, a shape determination unit 5a that detects the shape of what is being imaged, a distance determination unit 5c that determines the distance of the subject by determining the contrast of the signal level of the image, Also included is a face detection unit 5d that examines image characteristics and detects the position of the main subject. This is for optimizing the shooting control by determining what kind of photo the user is going to take at the time of shooting.

  Of these, the distance determination unit 5c has a function of determining the contrast of the image described above, and performs autofocus control in conjunction with the focusing unit of the photographing lens. The distance of the subject, the distance of the background, and the like can be determined based on the information on the lens position when the photographing lens 2 is focused. However, if you want to enjoy elaborate photography, not only can you decide various controls automatically like this, but as mentioned above, the user manually performed operations such as exposure, focus, zoom control, etc. There are situations where this is preferable. However, this kind of shooting is not easy to master, and the teacher's guidance is a quick way to improve.

In addition, the camera 10a is provided with a compression unit 6, a recording unit 9a, a recording medium 9, an external communication 9b, a teacher and student relationship recording unit 9c, a database 9d, a display panel 8, a display control unit 8a, and a multi-image processing unit 8b. Yes. The compression unit 6 compresses the signal output from the image processing unit 5 at the time of shooting. The compression unit 6 includes MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) 4 and H.264. A still image compression unit such as a compression unit for moving images including a compression core unit such as H.264 and a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) core unit is provided. The compression unit 6 also performs image expansion when reproducing an image recorded on the recording medium 9 on the display panel 8.

  The recording unit 9 a records the compressed image signal on the recording medium 9. The recording medium 9 is a storage recording medium that can be attached to and detached from the camera. Also, in the recording unit 9a, a teacher-recorder recording unit 9c that records the setting of whether the person who uses the camera is an instructor (lecturer / teacher) or a student, and operation information of the digital camera are stored. A database 9d is provided.

  The database 9d stores a table indicating the relationship between operation information such as exposure correction + and aperture change that indicates how the operation of the instructor can be performed, and an image of the operation unit corresponding to the operation information. As shown in FIG. 8, this table displays a switch operation for setting the operation corresponding to the operation as a figure (image) on the panel of the camera.

  The display panel 8 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal or an organic EL, and displays a subject image for observation at the time of photographing, and displays an expanded recorded image at the time of reproduction. The display control unit 8 a controls display on the display panel 8. The multi-image processing unit 8b is an image processing unit for displaying a plurality of images on the display panel 8, and as described above, photographing advice (assist information) from the instructor is displayed.

  The camera 10a includes an auxiliary light emitting unit 11, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 1 as a calculation control unit, and switches 1a to 1c (actually, three or more switches, and these switches are operated. Including a member to be provided). The auxiliary light emitting unit 11 includes a white LED and a Xe discharge light emitting tube, and the amount of light can be controlled by the amount of current. Depending on the situation, the subject 20 is irradiated with light to prevent lack of brightness and uneven brightness. The light emission control by the auxiliary light emitting unit 11 may be manually controlled.

  The MPU 1 is a control unit that controls the entire camera. A ROM (not shown) or a flash memory (not shown) storing the switches 1a to 1c and programs is connected to the MPU1. The operation of the camera user is detected by the state of the switches 1a to 1c, and the MPU 1 determines it, reflects each manual operation on each mechanism, and sequentially controls each block during shooting. In accordance with the operation of these switches 1a to 1c, it is possible to switch the shooting / playback mode and the shooting mode. Further, the MPU 1 functions as a shooting control unit that controls the AF control unit 2a, the aperture control unit 2c, and the like during shooting.

  Further, by operating the switches 1a to 1c, the second camera 10b used by the instructor can control the first camera 10a used by the student. That is, by operating the switches 1a to 1c, the setting operation of the teacher / student relation is transmitted / received via the external transmission unit 9b, and the control unit (MPU1) of the camera that has received the teacher / student relation performs the actual image processing, This is reflected in the control of each function. In this way, the second camera 10b used by the instructor and the first camera 10a used by the student have the same configuration, but their functions differ depending on the direction in which the image is transmitted and the direction in which the operation is transmitted. , Which of which functions will be recorded in the above-mentioned teacher-student relation recording unit 9c.

  The MPU 1 is provided with a clock 1t for detecting the time, detects the shooting date and time of the photo, and associates it with the shot image. In the MPU 1, an operation prohibiting unit 1d that prohibits part or all of the switches 1a to 1c is provided. The external communication unit 9b is a communication unit for transmitting / receiving to / from the second camera 10b, and transmits / receives through-image images displayed on the display panel 8, and various types of shooting information such as exposure control values and subject distances. Is possible.

  In addition, an operation conversion illustration unit 1e is provided in the MPU1. The operation conversion illustration unit 1e is a conversion unit for converting the camera operation received from the instructor received from the external communication unit 9b to the camera 10a used by the student and illustrating the operation. This function will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, an operation method of the first camera 10a and the second camera 10b configured as shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. An image to be photographed using the first camera 10a used by the student is displayed as a through image on the display panel 8 of the first camera 10a. The through image at this time is also transmitted to the second camera 10b via the external communication unit 9b and displayed. The second camera 10b is used by an instructor (lecturer, teacher), and can confirm what composition (angle of view), what focus position, and what exposure correction the student is going to shoot.

  When the instructor gives an instruction to the student that it is better to take a larger image, the instruction is given by performing a zoom operation of the second camera 10b. As a result, a frame display 8c indicating that effect appears on the display panel 8 of the student's first camera 10a, so that the student can follow the instruction of the teacher by moving closer or zooming.

  The instructor may select and send a predetermined message. Such an operation is performed by the instructor operating the switch 1b such as the cross key of the second camera 10b, or operating the zoom switch. If the focus position that the student is trying to focus on is not desirable, a cursor display 8d or the like is transmitted to specify the focus location or the like.

  If the student performs other operations when the shooting advice is transmitted from the instructor, the instruction of the teacher is not correctly reflected, so the operation prohibition unit 1d changes the student's screen in the state instructed by the instructor. In order not to accept student operations.

  Next, the operation of the first camera 10a and the second camera 10b will be described with reference to the control flowchart shown in FIG. First, it is determined whether or not shooting is performed (S1). Whether or not the image is taken is determined by detecting the state of the release button. When the release button is fully pressed, it is determined that the image is taken. If the result of determination is shooting, the process proceeds to step S2 and shooting is performed. In the shooting operation, the first camera 10a or the second camera 10b acquires an image signal by the image sensor 3, and records image data based on the image signal on the recording medium 9.

  Next, in step S1, if it is not shooting, it is subsequently determined whether or not the playback mode is selected (S11). If the playback mode has been selected, playback display is performed (S12). In this reproduction display, the image data recorded on the recording medium 9 is displayed on the display panel 8.

  If it is determined in step S11 that the reproduction mode is not selected, it is determined in step S21 whether or not the instructor instructs the student (S21). Whether the camera operates for the instructor or the student is set in advance, and the setting result is stored in the teacher-apprentice relation recording unit 9c. When stored for the instructor, the camera operates as the second camera 10b. When guidance is given, the switch is operated to set that.

  If the result of determination in step S21 is that guidance is not in effect, a through image display (live view) is performed (S31). In this step, as described above, a through image is displayed using the imaging result obtained by the imaging device 3 in order to confirm the composition and the imaging effect before imaging.

  As a result of the determination in step S21, when the instructor instructs the student, step S21 is branched to Yes, and an image of the student is acquired (S22). In this step, the first camera 10a is prompted to transmit an image, and an image signal based on a wireless signal (radio wave or infrared ray) is received from the first camera 10a and displayed on the display panel 8.

  The instructor observes the received image and, if shooting advice is necessary, performs an instruction operation as described with reference to FIG. 3 (S23), and shooting assist information based on the operation result is sent to the first camera 10a. It is transmitted (S24). At this time, if it is determined that the student wants to actually learn the operation, an operation instruction is set, and operation information based on this setting is transmitted to the first camera 10a together with the photographing assist information. This operation instruction is determined in step S35 described later. The operation result transmission subroutine will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When a live view display is performed in step S31, it is subsequently determined whether or not an image transmission request for photographing advice in step S22 has been made by the instructor (S32). If there is an image transmission request, the first camera 10a used by the student transmits the same image as the through image display (S33).

  Next, it is determined whether or not there is guidance from a leader (S34). In this step, in steps S23 and S24, the instructor transmits photographing assist information based on the operation result as photographing advice, and determines whether or not this information has been received. If there is no instruction as a result of the determination, the process returns to the original routine. On the other hand, if there is guidance, it is then determined whether or not an operation instruction has been given (S35). This operation instruction is performed as described above when the instructor does not directly operate the first camera 10a for the student but wants the student to actually learn the operation of the first camera 10a. Settings are made in S23 and S24.

  If there is an operation instruction as a result of the determination, the operation performed by the instructor is converted and displayed as shown in FIG. This conversion display converts the operation of the instructor into an image translated into the operation of the camera 10a used by the student. Even if the instructor does not know how to use the camera 10a used by the student, the student views the converted image. It is possible to operate and receive guidance. The operation conversion subroutine will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If there is no operation instruction as a result of the determination in step S35, the first camera 10a does not accept the student's operation by the operation prohibiting unit 1d, and the screen of the display panel 8 is also fixed as it is (S36). However, regarding the operation for executing the instruction of the instructor, the operation is permitted without being prohibited. In this state, the student operates the first camera 10a to perform shooting control (S37).

  The operation prohibition in step S36 is determined by the MPU 1 of the first camera 10a used by the student at the time when a guidance signal for photographing advice is received from the instructor, and the input of the operation member and the accompanying camera control are performed. It is forbidden. This prohibition of the operation is canceled after the display based on the photographing assistance information from the instructor is performed for only a few seconds. Alternatively, the switch provided on the first camera 10a used by the student may be canceled by operating the switch when the student is satisfied with the shooting advice.

  Furthermore, even if a special switch is not provided, the image signal of the first camera 10a is monitored, and the control of the MPU 1 is programmed so as to release the operation prohibition when this changes greatly over a period of about 10 seconds. You can leave it. In this case, if the student shakes the first camera 10a, the image changes, and the operation prohibition can be released.

  Next, the operation result transmission in step S24 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. As described above, this subroutine is a routine for transmitting photographing assistance information by the instructor to the student. First, it is determined whether or not the instructor has performed a zoom operation of the second camera 10b (S41). If the zoom operation is performed as a result of the determination, the frame display 8c is switched (S44), and this is transmitted to the first camera 10a as shooting assist information (S47).

  By executing these steps S41, S44, and S47, the photographing assist information can be displayed on the student's first camera 10a. For example, when instructing to take a larger image, the frame display 8c in the screen of the display panel 8 of the first camera 10a used by the student is reduced by zooming up the second camera 10b. Shooting assist information can be communicated to the students as shown in the figure so that they are fully captured within the frame. Students can look at it, zoom in, or get closer to the subject. When it is better to make it wider, it is not possible to display it with a frame, so the instructor's operation may be expressed by a character display such as “Wide to wide angle”.

  If the result of determination in step S41 is that there is no zoom operation, it is then determined whether exposure correction is being performed (S42). When the instructor recommends the exposure correction, the exposure correction of the second camera 10b is performed. If the result of the determination is that the exposure correction is detected, the screen is brightened (S45). To the camera 10a (S47).

  For example, when the instructor corrects the exposure correction operation member of the second camera 10b to the minus side, the fact is transmitted to the first camera 10a as photographing assistance information, and the display image on the display panel 8 is darkened. Students look at it, change the way the exposure is adjusted, and take pictures according to the teacher's advice.

  If the result of determination in step S <b> 42 is not an exposure correction operation, it is subsequently determined whether a cursor operation is being performed (S <b> 43). When the instructor gives shooting advice for focusing, the cursor is operated with the cross key or the like. If the result of determination is that a cursor has been operated, the cursor is moved (S46), and this is then transmitted to the first camera 10a (S47).

  In these steps S43, S46, and S47, the focus position and the like are changed by the cursor display, and the student may perform the focusing operation at the position indicated by the cross key or the like. As a result, for example, how to distribute the in-focus part and the blurred part in macro photography can be determined and determined with confidence from the instructor's photography advice.

  After completing these steps, the routine returns to the original routine. However, each time the instructor performs zoom processing, exposure correction processing, and cursor processing, the operation result transmission subroutine shown in FIG. I can tell you.

  Next, the operation in the subroutine of operation change illustrated in step S38 will be described with reference to FIG. In the second camera 10b of the instructor, the zoom switch 1z is disposed on the back surface, while in the second camera 10b used by the student, the zoom switch 1z is disposed on the top surface. In this case, when the instructor operates the zoom switch 1z of the second camera 10b, the zoom switch provided with the top surface on the display panel 8 of the first camera 10a to prompt the student to operate the zoom switch 1z. An image illustrating the position of 1z is displayed.

  The display on the display panel 8 of the first camera 10a at this time is the MPU1 of the first camera 10a on the student side when shooting advice information for instruction is sent from the second camera 10b of the instructor. The operation conversion graphic display unit 1e determines and displays it on the display panel 8 or the like. After receiving the instructor's shooting advice information and displaying the information reflecting the information, the display is performed only for a few seconds, then the display is erased, and the student camera 10a is provided with a switch so that the student is convinced. At that time, a release method such that the display can be released by operating the switch is taken.

  Even if a special switch is not provided, the image signal of the camera is monitored, and if the MPU control is programmed so that it is released if this changes greatly over a period of about 10 seconds, the student can , The image may be changed and canceled. If the operation is performed in accordance with the instruction of the instructor, the display may be terminated. In this case, communication with the instructor is facilitated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the instructor directly urges the student to do the operation, instead of directly handling the captured image of the student and processing the image by trimming or focusing shift. You can learn shooting techniques. In addition, even when the operation specifications of the instructor's second camera 10b and the student's first camera 10a are different, the student cannot know how to use the first camera 10a and cannot practice shooting advice. Such a problem can be prevented.

  In addition, the student can learn the operation by himself / herself while looking at the display of his / her camera without having to confirm the operation of the second camera 10b of the instructor by performing the operation performed by the instructor. You can learn and improve skills in a short time. In order to achieve such an effect, the operation information generated when the instructor operates the second camera 10b not only changes the control of the members in the instructor's second camera 10b, but also the student's The information is also transmitted to the first camera 10a to be used, and the photographing advice information is displayed.

  As this communication unit, if the number of operations is small, an infrared remote controller or the like may be used. When the number of complicated operations increases, standards such as IRDA and IrSimple using infrared communication at higher frequencies. May be adopted. In addition, although communication using infrared rays is inexpensive, it cannot be used if there is a barrier in the communication path. Therefore, communication such as Bluetooth using radio waves or wireless LAN technology may be used. Since these techniques may be mounted for image transfer to the net or PC, it is sufficient to use the functions of this embodiment.

  Next, the operation conversion illustrated subroutine in step S38 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This subroutine is executed by the MPU 1 of the first camera 10a and uses the received operation information to search the database 9d and display a display image indicating the operation state.

  First, operation information is received, and based on this information, it is confirmed whether data corresponding to the received information is stored in the database 9d storing the data shown in FIG. 8 (S51). Subsequently, it is determined whether data based on the operation information is stored (S52). As a result of the determination, if no data is stored, that is, if the first camera 10a used by the student does not have a function corresponding to the operation information, a warning is displayed (S55).

  This is a function like a focus shift in the case of a camera having a database 9d as shown in FIG. 8, and in this case, the professional camera used by the instructor has a focus shift function. However, this is a function that does not have a beginner camera used by students. In step S55, that effect is displayed.

  If data is stored as a result of the determination in step S52, that is, if the first camera 10a used by the student has a function corresponding to the operation information, the operation is performed in two stages. It is determined whether or not this step is required (S53). Some operations can be done once, while others require more than one step. For example, in the database 9d shown in FIG. 8, exposure correction, zoom up, and zoom down are operations that only need to be performed once. On the other hand, changing the aperture is an operation that requires two steps since the shooting mode is first changed to aperture priority and then the aperture value is changed. Similarly, changing the shutter speed (SS) is an operation that requires two steps.

  If the result of determination in step S53 is that only one switch operation is required, an image of the position of the operating member is displayed (S54). In this step, image data for displaying the position of the operation member is read from the database 9 d and the result is displayed on the display panel 8.

  If the result of determination in step S53 is that two or more steps are required, the first operation is displayed (S56). As described above, for example, in the case of aperture control or shutter speed (SS) control, a change to the aperture priority mode or the shutter priority mode is performed. Subsequently, the process waits for the end of the first operation (S57), and when completed, displays the next operation (S58). In the above example, the change of the aperture and shutter speed is displayed.

  Thus, even if the second camera 10b used by the instructor can be performed by a single operation, the first camera 10a used by the student may not necessarily be a single operation. It is translated into an operation display according to the design of the first camera 10a. Therefore, the student can concentrate on the shooting only with his / her first camera 10a. In addition, the instructor does not need to be familiar with the operation method of the camera 10a of all students, and can instruct students who brought any camera.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the first camera (imaging device) 10a that receives and captures operation information from the second camera 10b as an external device and performs operations from the second camera 10b. External communication unit 9b as a receiving unit for receiving operation information for performing operation, operation units 1a to 1c and 1z for adjusting the diaphragm, shutter, zoom and the like corresponding to the operation information, and image data representing an image of the operation unit And a display panel (display unit) 8 that reads out image data representing an image of the operation unit corresponding to the operation information received by the reception unit from the database 9b and displays the image. In addition, the operation units 1a to 1c and 1z can be operated according to an image displayed on the display panel 8.

  Because of such a configuration, in the present embodiment, it is possible to easily take a picture while receiving guidance without knowing the camera operation. Also, when shooting while receiving instructions for shooting operations from an external device, the operation information of the instructor is converted into an image on the operation unit of the imaging device and displayed, so the type and version of the imaging device differ from those of the external device. Even if the operation for the camera does not match, or even if the instructor does not know the operation of the imaging device owned by the student, perform an accurate shooting operation based on instructions from the external device Can do.

  In the present embodiment, when there is no operation unit corresponding to the operation information received by the reception unit, a warning to that effect is displayed. For this reason, when there is an operation instruction from the instructor, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience of searching without knowing that there is no corresponding operation member.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the database 9d stores image data indicating operations at each stage when the operation unit has two or more stages. For this reason, it becomes possible to disassemble the operation and display it in an easy-to-understand manner.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the operation of the operation unit has two or more steps, the display panel 8 displays the next operation after the operation of each step is completed. For this reason, the next operation is displayed before the operation is completed, and the user can be surely understood without being confused by the user.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the operation is displayed as image data, that is, a graphic or the like, it is possible to intuitively understand the position of the operation member, the operation method, and the like, which is easy to understand.

  In the present embodiment, on the second camera 10b side used by the instructor, when the student wants to actually learn the operation, the operation instruction is set in steps S23 and S24 in FIG. I was sending. However, of course, on the student's camera 10a side, the operation may be displayed on the display panel 8 when the student does not know the operation method. In this case, an operation switch for displaying the operation on the student's camera 10a may be provided, and the state of the operation switch may be detected at the time of determination in step S35 of FIG.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the imaging device is applied to a digital camera has been described. However, the digital camera can be applied to any so-called digital single-lens reflex camera or compact camera, and is not limited to a digital camera. It can also be applied to digital image viewers, storage with screens, and mobile phones. The present invention is not limited to only capturing and recording an image, but can also be applied to information equipment for acquiring information. In particular, the instructor's camera 10b need not be a general digital camera. The present invention can be applied to any imaging device or information device having a display panel.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily explain how to use digital devices such as imaging devices and information devices having many functions, and to provide many people with comfortable use using their various functions. Is possible.

1 is a block diagram of a digital camera and its imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the use condition of the imaging | photography system concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the operating method of the 1st camera 10a and the 2nd camera 10b in one Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating camera control of a digital camera in an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart of an operation result transmission subroutine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining operation conversion from the first camera in the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart of a subroutine showing operation conversion in the embodiment of the present invention. In one Embodiment of this invention, it is a figure which shows the memory content of the database 9d which shows the relationship with the image of the operation part corresponding to operation information.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... MPU, 1a ... switch, 1b ... switch, 1c ... switch, 1d ... operation prohibition part, 1e ... operation conversion illustration part, 1t ... timepiece, 1z ... Zoom switch, 2... Photographic lens, 2a... AF (autofocus) control unit, 2b... Aperture, 3... Image sensor, 4 .. analog front end (analog front end) unit, 5 ... Image processing unit, 5a ... Shape determination unit, 5b ... Sensitization unit, 5c ... Distance determination unit, 5d ... Face detection unit, 6 ... Compression unit, 8 ... Display panel, 8a ... display control unit, 8b ... multi-image unit, 8c ... display frame, 8d ... cursor display, 9 ... recording medium, 9a ... recording unit, 9b ..External transmission unit, 9c: indication relationship recording unit, 9d: database, 10a · First camera, 10b ... second camera, 11 ... auxiliary light emitting section, 20 ... object, 31a ... first user, 31b ... second user

Claims (6)

An imaging device capable of communicating with an external device,
Imaging means for converting a subject image into image data;
Display means for displaying the image data;
Receiving means for receiving operation information for instructing an operation method of the imaging apparatus from the external device;
A plurality of operation members provided for operating the imaging device;
Control means for controlling the imaging device in accordance with the operation of the operation member;
A database in which a plurality of operation images indicating operations at each stage are recorded when there are two or more stages of operation of the operation member according to the operation information;
With
The control means, when the receiving means receives the operation information for instructing the operation method, and when there are two or more steps of operation of the operation member corresponding to the operation information, The image pickup apparatus is characterized in that the operation image is displayed on the display means for each operation stage for a predetermined time, and the display of the operation image is canceled when the image data changes over a certain period .   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission unit that transmits the image data to the external apparatus.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the transmission unit transmits the image data to the external apparatus as a through image of a subject.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of exposure correction, aperture value change, shutter speed change, and zooming can be operated by the operation member.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission unit that transmits the image data based on an instruction from the external apparatus. An imaging method for imaging with an imaging device capable of communicating with an external device,
Converting a subject image into image data;
Displaying the image data;
Receiving operation information for instructing an operation method of the imaging apparatus from the external device;
Checking whether a table in which an operation image corresponding to the operation information is recorded exists in the database;
When the operation information for instructing the operation method is received and there are two or more operation steps corresponding to the operation information, the operation information is displayed for each operation step based on a plurality of operation images held in the database. Displaying on the means for a predetermined time , and releasing the display of the operation image when the image data changes over a certain period ;
The imaging method characterized by performing.