JP6153339B2 - Imaging system and imaging apparatus used therefor - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographing system capable of generating a combined photograph based on a composite image by connecting a plurality of photographing devices, and a photographing device used therefor.

  Conventionally, an optical image formed by a photographing optical system is sequentially converted into an image signal by a photoelectric conversion element or the like, and the obtained image signal can be recorded on a recording medium as image data in a predetermined form. An imaging device comprising an image display device that reproduces and displays image data recorded on a medium as an image, such as a liquid crystal display device (LCD), and further has a communication function capable of communication connection with other devices For example, digital cameras and video cameras are generally put into practical use and widely used.

  In addition, as a photographing system that performs photographing using a plurality of photographing devices of this type, a plurality of photographing devices are connected by communication, and the plurality of photographing devices are connected to each other so that, for example, the same subject (photographing target) is directed in different directions. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-274625 proposes an imaging system that can simultaneously capture images and easily acquire a plurality of related images.

  The photographing system disclosed in the above Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-274625 includes a plurality of photographing devices. When photographing instruction data is transmitted from a main photographing device set as a main body among them, the photographing instruction data is transferred to other photographing devices. The plurality of subordinate photographing devices receive, and the plurality of subordinate photographing devices collectively perform photographing operations in accordance with the received photographing instruction data.

  According to the imaging system disclosed in the above publication with this configuration, the plurality of subordinate imaging devices can collectively perform imaging from the direction in which they are set according to the imaging instruction from the main imaging device. It is possible to simultaneously and easily acquire the photographing results from a plurality of directions for the same subject.

JP 2004-274625 A

  However, the means disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-274625 can easily acquire a plurality of photographing results by remotely operating a plurality of photographing devices in response to a photographing instruction from the main photographing device. However, there is no disclosure about how to use a plurality of photographing results acquired in this way.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to obtain a plurality of images acquired by a plurality of imaging devices by communicating and connecting the plurality of imaging devices to each other. It is an object of the present invention to provide a photographing system capable of instantly generating images in various display forms such as a single set photograph or a composite image based on the above image and a photographing device used therefor.

In order to achieve the above object, an imaging system according to an aspect of the present invention is an imaging system that performs imaging by connecting a first imaging device and a second imaging device via a communication connection, and includes the first imaging device. Is designated by the first imaging unit that acquires the first image data, the operation unit that specifies a desired area of the image based on the first image data acquired by the first imaging unit, and the operation unit An area specifying unit that acquires area information related to the designated area, a first communication unit that communicates with another imaging device, and at least instruction information related to an image size corresponding to the area information acquired by the area specifying unit An instruction information setting unit to be set, a synthesis control unit for synthesizing a plurality of image data, and a display unit for displaying an image , wherein the second photographing device acquires a second image data. Shoot A resizing unit that resizes the image size of the second image data acquired by the second imaging unit based on a specified condition, and a second communication unit that communicates with the first imaging device. And the first imaging device makes a request to transfer the second image data processed based on the instruction of information related to the image size set by the instruction information setting unit and the instruction of information related to the image size. When the second imaging device receives an instruction for information on the image size and a request to transfer the image data, the second imaging device relates to the image size. the image data resizing in the resized unit based on the instruction information via the second communication unit to forward to the first imaging device and the display unit, the An image based on the transferred image data from the second imaging device is acquired by the second imaging device, and displays the designated area designated by the operation unit.

  An imaging device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an imaging unit that acquires image data, an operation unit that specifies a desired area of an image based on the image data acquired by the imaging unit, and a specified area specified by the operation unit An area specifying unit that acquires area information regarding, a communication unit that communicates with other imaging devices, and an image size corresponding to the area information acquired by the area specifying unit as information that instructs the other imaging devices An image size based on the instruction information relating to the image size transmitted to the other photographing device via the communication unit, comprising an instruction information setting unit for setting at least instruction information and a composition control unit for synthesizing a plurality of image data If the received image data is received, the composition control unit receives the received image data in the area specified by the area specifying unit of the image data. It performs control for synthesizing image data.

  According to the present invention, a variety of displays such as one combined photograph or composite image based on a plurality of images acquired by a plurality of photographing devices by connecting and interconnecting the devices between a plurality of photographing devices. It is possible to provide a photographing system capable of instantly generating a form image and a photographing device used therefor.

The block block diagram which shows the principal part of each internal structure of the some imaging device (a main camera and a subordinate camera) which comprises the imaging | photography system of one Embodiment of this invention. Conceptual diagram of action for explaining the action when photographing using the photographing system of FIG. The figure which expands and shows the display part by the side of the main camera of FIG. Conceptual diagram of action for explaining the action when photographing using the photographing system of FIG. The figure which expands and shows the display part by the side of the main camera of FIG. Conceptual diagram of action for explaining the action when photographing using the photographing system of FIG. The figure which expands and shows the display part by the side of the subordinate camera of FIG. Main flowchart of camera control processing sequence of photographing system of FIG. Subroutine of photographing result request processing of subordinate (sub) camera in flowchart of FIG. The flowchart which shows the modification of the camera control processing in the imaging | photography system of one Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the arrangement | positioning sample of the display frame for group photographs at the time of imaging | photography using the imaging | photography system of the modification of FIG. 10 (step S115). The figure which shows the display screen by the side of the main camera at the time of imaging | photography using the imaging | photography system of the modification of FIG. 10 (step S116). The figure which shows the display screen by the subordinate camera at the time of imaging | photography using the imaging | photography system of the modification of FIG. 10 (step S135). The figure which shows the display screen at the side of the main camera at the time of imaging | photography using the imaging | photography system of the modification of FIG. 10 (step S136). The figure which shows the display screen at the side of the main camera at the time of imaging | photography using the imaging | photography system of the modification of FIG. 10 (step S121). The figure which shows the display screen at the side of the main camera at the time of imaging | photography using the imaging | photography system of the modification of FIG. 10 (step S121).

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

  In one embodiment of the present invention, for example, an optical image formed by an optical lens is photoelectrically converted using a solid-state imaging device, and an image signal obtained thereby is recorded on a recording medium as digital data representing a still image or a moving image. In addition, a photographing device (hereinafter referred to as a “photographing device”) configured to be able to reproduce and display a still image or a moving image on a display device based on digital image data recorded on a recording medium, and to have a function of communication connection with other devices. This is an example of an imaging system that uses a plurality of cameras.

  In each drawing used for the following description, each component may be shown with a different scale in order to make each component large enough to be recognized on the drawing. Therefore, according to the present invention, the number of constituent elements, the shape of the constituent elements, the ratio of the constituent element sizes, and the relative positional relationship of the constituent elements described in these drawings are limited to the illustrated embodiments. It is not a thing.

  First, a schematic configuration of an imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, it is a block configuration diagram showing a main part of each internal configuration of a plurality of imaging devices (main camera and subordinate camera) constituting the imaging system of the present embodiment.

  The photographing system according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of photographing devices (cameras). In an embodiment described below, as shown in FIG. 1, an example in which two cameras are used is shown as the simplest configuration example of an imaging system to which the present invention is applied. That is, the imaging system of the present embodiment is a main imaging device (camera) that is a main imaging device (camera) and a first imaging device, and an imaging device (subordinately used in response to an instruction from the main camera 1). Camera) and a subordinate camera 2 as a second photographing device.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the main camera 1 includes a signal processing control unit 11, a first imaging unit 14 including an imaging element 12 and a photographing lens 13 (simply referred to as a lens in FIG. 1), and an operation unit 15. A first camera communication unit 16 (shown simply as a first communication unit in FIG. 1), an acceleration sensor 17, a display unit 18, a touch panel 18b, a clock unit 19, a recording unit 20, and the like. Configured.

  The signal processing control unit 11 has a function as a control unit that comprehensively controls the overall operation of the main camera 1, processes the control signals of various constituent units, and acquires the image signal acquired by the first imaging unit 14. This is a circuit unit having a function as a signal processing unit that performs various signal processing and the like on (image data).

  The signal processing control unit 11 includes various types such as an area specifying unit 11b, an image size specifying unit 11c, a communication control unit 11d, a timing specifying unit 11e, a composition control unit 11f, and a display control unit 11h. A circuit unit is provided.

  Among these, the area specifying unit 11b is an instruction signal (specifically, an area designation instruction signal for designating a sub-image arrangement region; details) generated by a user operating a predetermined operation member of the touch panel 18b or the operation unit 15. 9 is a circuit unit for calculating coordinates and the like for specifying an area designated by the user from within the range of the live view image being displayed on the display unit 18.

  The image size specifying unit 11c is a circuit unit that specifies an image size (for example, the number of vertical and horizontal pixels of a rectangular image frame) corresponding to the area information of the area specified by the area specifying unit 11b. The image size information specified by the image size specifying unit 11c is attached to the image request instruction signal transmitted from the main camera 1 to the subordinate camera 2 and transmitted to the subordinate camera 2.

  The communication control unit 11d controls the first camera communication unit 16 of the main camera 1 and communicates with the communication units of the other subordinate cameras 2 (second camera communication unit 26 in this example; details will be described later). It is a control circuit unit that performs communication connection such as exchange of various instruction signals and data communication. In addition, as a communication means between the cameras applied in the imaging system of the present embodiment, for example, a wireless communication means in accordance with a communication standard for interconnecting devices such as WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), or the like. The communication means between apparatuses generally used conventionally, such as a wired communication means, is applied. Therefore, detailed description of the configuration of the communication means is omitted.

  The timing designation unit 11e is a circuit unit that designates timing information (for example, time information) when the image request instruction signal is generated when the communication control unit 11d transmits an image request instruction signal or the like to the subordinate camera 2. . The timing designation unit 11e refers to, for example, the clock unit 19, acquires time information corresponding to the image request instruction signal generation timing, and attaches the time information or the like to the image request instruction signal transmitted from the communication control unit 11d. . The subordinate camera 2 that has received the image request instruction signal including the time information uses the time information when selecting the image data to be transmitted to be transmitted to the main camera 1 in accordance with the received image request instruction signal. .

  The synthesis control unit 11f synthesizes an image based on the sub image data transmitted from the subordinate camera 2 with the area specified by the area specifying unit 11b, with respect to the image based on the image data acquired by the main camera 1. It is a circuit part which performs the image composition process to perform.

  The display control unit 11 h is a control circuit unit that drives and controls the display unit 18. The display control unit 11 h receives the image signal acquired by the first imaging unit 14 including the imaging element 12 and the imaging lens 13 and performs control for displaying an image on the display panel of the display unit 18.

  The first imaging unit 14 receives a photographic lens 13 that is a photographic optical system that transmits light from a subject to form an optical image of the subject, and receives a subject image formed by the photographic lens 13 and performs a photoelectric conversion process. It is a unit comprised including the image pick-up element 12 to perform.

  The imaging device 12 is a solid-state imaging such as a CCD image sensor using a circuit element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a MOS image sensor using a MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or the like. The photoelectric conversion element etc. which are elements are applied. The analog image signal generated by the image sensor 12 is output to the signal processing control unit 11, and after being digitally converted by the signal processing control unit 11, various image signal processes are performed.

  The operation unit 15 is an ordinary push button type, slide type, dial type, or other type of operation member provided on the exterior of the main camera 1 and generates various instruction signals in response to user operations. It is the structure part for operation which included the operation member made to collect. The operation unit 15 includes a touch panel 18b described later.

  The first camera communication unit 16 performs various communication connections between the main camera 1 and the subordinate camera 2 by performing communication connection with a second camera communication unit 26 that is a second communication unit of the subordinate camera 2 described later. This is a communication circuit section on the main camera (first camera) 1 side for mediating transmission / reception of control signals, information signals, image data, and the like.

  The acceleration sensor 17 is a detection circuit unit that determines the posture of the camera 1 such as the tilt state, the vertical position, and the horizontal position.

  The display unit 18 is a configuration unit that displays an image under the control of the display control unit 11 h based on the image signal output from the image sensor 12, the image signal expanded by the recording unit 20, or the like.

  The touch panel 18b is arranged so as to overlap the outer surface of the display panel of the display unit 18, and when the user performs a touch operation or a slide operation on a predetermined area corresponding to the display screen of the display panel, The operation unit is configured to generate various operation instruction signals. The instruction input signal from the touch panel 18b is sent to the signal processing control unit 11, and the signal processing control unit 11 executes control according to the input instruction signal.

  The clock unit 19 is an internal clock of a computer called a so-called real-time clock (RTC). The clock unit 19 is used, for example, for giving date / time information such as a data file, or for measuring time or controlling time during control processing.

  The recording unit 20 includes a circuit unit that converts the image signal output from the image sensor 12 into data for recording, a recording medium that records image data generated by the circuit unit, and a control that controls driving of the recording medium. It is a component part comprised including a part etc. As the image signal conversion processing performed here, for example, signal compression processing or the like is performed to convert image data in a recording form, or image data recorded on a recording medium is read and decompressed to perform image signal conversion. For example, signal processing to be restored. Note that this type of compression / decompression processing is not limited to the recording unit 20, and may be executed by the signal processing control unit 11, for example. In that case, the recording unit 20 may be configured to include at least a recording medium and a circuit unit for driving and controlling the recording medium.

  On the other hand, the subordinate camera 2 has substantially the same configuration as the main camera 1. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the slave camera 2 includes a signal processing control unit 21, a second imaging unit 24 including an imaging element 22 and a photographing lens 23 (simply referred to as a lens in FIG. 1), and an operation. Unit 25, second camera communication unit 26 (simply referred to as the second communication unit in FIG. 1), display unit 28, touch panel 28b, clock unit 29, recording unit 30 and the like. Has been.

  The signal processing control unit 21 has substantially the same function as the signal processing control unit 11 in the main camera 1. That is, the signal processing control unit 21 has a function as a control unit that comprehensively controls the entire operation of the subordinate camera 2, processes control signals of various constituent units, and is acquired by the second imaging unit 24. This is a circuit unit having a function as a signal processing unit that performs various signal processing and the like on an image signal (image data).

  The signal processing control unit 21 includes various circuit units such as a communication control unit 21d, a timing designation unit 21e, a resizing unit 21g, and a display control unit 21h.

  Among these, the communication control unit 21d is a control circuit unit that has substantially the same configuration and function as the communication control unit 11d of the main camera 1 and is linked to the communication control unit 11d. That is, the communication control unit 21d of the subordinate camera 2 controls the second camera communication unit 26 of the subordinate camera 2 to exchange various instruction signals and data communication with the communication unit 16 of the main camera 1. It is a control circuit part which implement | achieves communication connection. As the communication control means by the communication control section 21d, as in the communication control section 11d, a general inter-device communication means such as a wireless communication means such as WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) or other wired communication means is applied. Is done.

  The timing designation unit 21e is a circuit unit that has substantially the same configuration and function as the timing designation unit 11e of the main camera 1 and is linked to the timing designation unit 11e. That is, the timing specifying unit 21e is a circuit unit that specifies timing information (for example, time information) generated by the shooting instruction signal when image data is acquired by the second imaging unit 24. The timing designation unit 21e refers to, for example, the clock unit 29, acquires time information corresponding to the shooting instruction signal generation timing, and attaches the time information to the image data acquired by the second imaging unit 24. The subordinate camera 2 transmits the image data to be transmitted to the main camera 1 based on the time information included in the recorded image data and the time information included in the image request instruction signal received from the main camera 1. Select.

  The resizing unit 21g is a signal processing circuit unit that performs predetermined image processing, for example, image resizing processing for performing image size reduction or the like, on the image data acquired by the second imaging unit 24 of the subordinate camera 2 and to be transmitted. is there. The resizing unit 21g is a transmission target so as to have a corresponding image size based on image size information (specified by the image size specifying unit 11c of the main camera 1) included in the image request instruction signal from the main camera 1. The image data resizing process is executed.

  The display control unit 21 h is a control circuit unit that has substantially the same configuration and function as the display control unit 11 h of the main camera 1 and drives and controls the display unit 28. The display control unit 21 h receives the image signal acquired by the second imaging unit 24 including the imaging element 22 and the imaging lens 23 and performs control for displaying an image on the display panel of the display unit 28.

  The second imaging unit 24 receives a photographic lens 23 that is a photographic optical system that transmits light from the subject to form an optical image of the subject, and receives a subject image formed by the photographic lens 23 and performs a photoelectric conversion process. It is a unit comprised including the image pick-up element 22 to perform.

  The imaging element 22 and the photographic lens 23 have functions similar to those of the imaging element 12 and the photographic lens 13 in the main camera 1, and substantially equivalent ones are applied.

  Further, the operation unit 25, the second camera communication unit 26, the display unit 28, the touch panel 28b, the clock unit 29, the recording unit 30, and the like include the operation unit 15, the first camera communication unit 16, and the display in the main camera 1. Corresponding to the components such as the unit 18, the touch panel 18b, the clock unit 19, the recording unit 20, etc., substantially the same functions are applied. For example, the second camera communication unit 26 performs various communication signals between the main camera 1 and the subordinate camera 2 by performing communication connection with the first camera communication unit 16. This is a communication circuit section on the side of the subordinate camera (second camera) 2 for mediating transmission / reception of.

  Note that the main camera 1 and the subordinate camera 2 in the photographing system of the present embodiment are configured to include other various constituent units in addition to the above-described constituent units. Since the configuration is not directly related to the present invention, the detailed description and illustration thereof are omitted as having the same configuration as a conventional general camera.

  As the constituent units not shown in FIG. 1, for example, both the main camera 1 and the subordinate camera 2 have a shutter mechanism for adjusting the amount of light beams transmitted through the photographing optical system for exposure adjustment at the time of photographing. There is a diaphragm mechanism. The shutter mechanism applied to the main camera 1 and the subordinate camera 2 of the present embodiment has the same configuration as a conventional camera, specifically, for example, a focal plane shutter or a lens shutter. The shutter mechanism, the diaphragm mechanism, and the like are driven and controlled by the signal processing control unit 11.

  Further, in the photographing system of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the main camera 1 and the subordinate camera 2 have a so-called lens one in which a camera body and a photographing lens (photographing optical system) are integrally formed. The description will be given by taking a body type camera as an example, but the form of the camera to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to this form. For example, the camera body and the taking lens barrel are separated. The present invention can be applied to a so-called interchangeable lens camera that is configured and has a photographic lens barrel that is detachable from the camera body.

  Furthermore, in the imaging system of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the configuration of the main camera 1 and the configuration of the subordinate camera 2 are described as being different from each other. A configuration in which the camera 1 and the subordinate camera 2 are configured with exactly the same configuration may be used. In that case, the internal configuration of the signal processing control unit of the camera is configured to include all of the configuration of the signal processing control unit 11 and the signal processing control unit 21, and one is set as the main camera by setting by the user, What is necessary is just to comprise so that the other can be used as a subordinate camera.

  In other words, in order to function as the main camera 1, the signal processing control unit 11 includes at least an area specifying unit 11b, an image size designation unit 11c, a communication control unit 11d, and a composition control unit 11f. The timing designation unit 11e and the display control unit 11h may be further provided depending on circumstances. On the other hand, in order to function as the subordinate camera 2, the signal processing control unit 21 only needs to include at least a communication control unit 21d and a resizing unit 21g. In some cases, the signal processing control unit 21 further includes a timing specifying unit 21e and a display control. And 21h.

  In addition, when using multiple cameras with the same specifications as the shooting system, you can set any of them while using one as the main camera and the other as the subordinate camera. By changing the above, it is possible to use such that the functions of the main camera are interchanged so that the main camera functions as a subordinate camera and the subordinate camera functions as the main camera.

  The operation when performing imaging using the imaging system of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described below.

  As described above, the imaging system according to the present embodiment is configured by at least a plurality of cameras including the main camera 1 and the subordinate camera 2, and is linked by performing data communication connection between the plurality of cameras during a shooting operation. For this reason, in the plurality of cameras (1, 2) applied to the present photographing system, as an operation mode (operation mode) among the photographing operation modes in which photographing can be performed, in addition to the normal photographing mode, other A linked shooting mode in which a plurality of cameras including itself are linked to perform shooting by performing transmission / reception of an instruction signal, image data communication, and the like with the other device (camera).

  In the imaging system of the present embodiment, for example, by connecting the cameras to each other for communication, the user's drawing intention of one of the main cameras (referred to as a main camera, main camera, etc.) is changed to the other subordinate camera. It can be communicated to users (subordinate cameras, sub cameras, etc.). Thereby, the user of the subordinate camera can take an action of acquiring a captured image according to the intention of the user of the main camera. Then, the subordinate camera performs predetermined image processing (for example, reduction resizing processing) on the acquired image data, and transmits the generated image data to the main camera. In response, the main camera side performs image composition processing based on the received image data from the subordinate camera and the captured image data acquired on the main camera side. As a result, on the main camera side, it is easy to use a plurality of pieces of image data acquired by other cameras (subordinate cameras) in addition to the image data acquired by itself to form one set photograph or composite image having a desired configuration. So that it can be generated.

  In this case, the main camera that is the first camera serves as a camera that captures the main image, for example, issues an instruction to the second camera, and displays the image acquired by the second camera. It has a function that can capture and generate a final composite image. Also, the subordinate camera that is the second camera serves as a camera that captures an image subordinate to the main image of the main camera, for example, and is acquired by the first camera in response to a request from the first camera. It has a function of transmitting a processed sub-image (for example, reduced-resized processed image data) based on the processed image data to the first camera.

  Also, here, the main image acquired by the main camera (first camera) is defined as an image that occupies a main area (for example, an image with a large occupied area) in one finally generated composite image. To do. On the other hand, a sub-image acquired by a subordinate camera (second camera) is defined as an image (for example, a reduced resized image) that is pasted and synthesized on a part of an area of a synthesized image that is finally generated. To do.

  The plurality of cameras (1, 2) applied to the photographing system of the present embodiment is a normal one even if the user does not intend to perform a mode switching operation or the like while operating in the photographing operation mode. The camera is configured to be able to shift from the shooting mode to the seamless shooting mode. For example, when the camera (1, 2) is operating in the normal shooting mode, a predetermined operation for operating as the continuous shooting mode (specific operation will be described later, for example, a sub image arrangement area specifying operation) Is intentionally performed by the user, the camera is seamlessly shifted to the continuous shooting mode at the same time, and the main camera 1 is set at the same time. Thereafter, the operation in the continuous shooting mode as the main camera 1 is performed. Control, for example, communication control between devices is executed. The other cameras used in the vicinity of the device set as the main camera 1 in this way receive the instruction signal transmitted from the main camera 1 and thereby seamlessly shift to the continuous shooting mode. Then, the setting as the subordinate camera 2 is performed, and thereafter, the operation control by the continuous shooting mode as the subordinate camera 2, for example, the communication control between devices is executed. Accordingly, it is assumed that the camera applied to the photographing system of the present embodiment is in a state where the communication unit (16, 26) is in a reception standby state at least in a state where the camera is set in the photographing operation mode and activated. Various parameters can be set when operating in the continuous shooting mode, for example, by a menu setting operation of the camera.

  In addition, in the camera applied to the imaging system, a mode switching operation member for switching to, for example, the continuous shooting mode is provided separately from the above configuration example, and the user intends using the mode switching operation member. Then, the normal shooting mode and the linked shooting mode can be switched arbitrarily and appropriately by performing a switching operation or the like. Further, as another means of switching operation to the continuous shooting mode, it can be configured by a menu setting operation for performing various camera settings.

  In addition, each of the main camera 1 and the subordinate camera 2 in this photographing system is operated by different users. Each user uses the cameras 1 and 2 possessed by the user to perform shooting actions simultaneously and in parallel, for example, with the same subject as a shooting target. In the present embodiment, for example, an example of a shooting operation for shooting a person is shown (see FIGS. 2 to 7).

  2 to 7 are action conceptual diagrams for explaining the action when shooting is performed using the shooting system of the present embodiment. 2, 4, and 6, the camera owned and used by the first user denoted by reference numeral 101 is referred to as the main camera 1. Further, a camera that is owned and used by the second user denoted by reference numeral 102 is referred to as a subordinate camera 2. Both users 101 and 102 assume that the person indicated by reference numeral 103 is the subject of photographing. 2 and 6, a dotted frame 112 that partially surrounds the person to be imaged 103 conceptually indicates a range in which the second user 102 intends to shoot using the subordinate camera 2. In FIG. 4, a dotted frame 111 surrounding a part of the person to be photographed 103 conceptually shows a range in which the first user 101 intends to photograph using the main camera 1.

  First, in FIG. 2, the first user 101 of one camera 1 performs a sub-image arrangement area designation operation and the like, and the second user 102 of the other camera 2 performs shooting for a person 103 as a shooting target. Shows the situation. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the display unit on the main camera side in FIG.

  As described above, the setting of the main camera 1 and the subordinate camera 2 is set only when a user of any one of the plurality of cameras performs a predetermined operation for the continuous shooting mode. That is, in the situation shown in FIG. 2, the first user 101 executes a sub-image arrangement area designation operation, which is a predetermined operation for the continuous shooting mode, on the camera 1. Set as In response to this, the camera 2 in the vicinity of the main camera 1 is set as the subordinate camera 2, and each of the cameras 1 and 2 operates under the corresponding control.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the sub-image arrangement area designation operation is an operation for performing a touch operation or a slide operation using the finger 101 a on the touch panel 18 b arranged on the display screen of the display unit 18. Specifically, a live view image is displayed on the display unit 18 in a state where the camera 1 is in an activated state and is set in a shooting operation mode. The state shown in FIG. 3 shows the state at this time, but specific drawing of the live view image that should be displayed on the display unit 18 is omitted.

  When the camera 1 is activated and set in the shooting operation mode, the first user 101 of the camera 1 performs a predetermined operation for the continuous shooting mode, that is, a sub image arrangement area designation operation. The sub image arrangement area designation operation is the following operation. For example, when a tap operation or the like is performed on an arbitrary area of the touch panel 18b of the display unit 18 in the camera 1, a preset frame display 119 (see FIG. 3) appears. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the first user 101 touches the two fingers 101a of his / her two fingers 101a on the opposite side of the frame display 119 and brings the two fingers 101a close to each other so as to grasp the frame display 119 as it is. Move away (pinch in, pinch out). By this operation, the size of the frame display 119, that is, the size of the rectangular frame is changed. When the finger 101a is released from the touch panel when the desired size is obtained, the size and position of the frame display 119 are determined.

  By this sub image arrangement area designation operation, the camera 1 shifts to the continuous shooting mode, operation control by the continuous shooting mode is started, and the camera 1 is set to function as the main camera 1 at the same time. At this time, the display unit 18 of the main camera 1 may be displayed using an icon or the like to indicate that the camera has switched to the continuous shooting mode or that the camera is set as the main camera (not shown). ).

  Subsequently, the main camera 1 activates a communication function to search for the presence of a device (camera) that can function as the subordinate camera 2 in the vicinity thereof, and transmits a predetermined instruction signal. At this time, it is assumed that there is a camera 2 held by the second user 102 in the vicinity of the main camera 1 as shown in FIG.

  At this time, since the camera 2 is in a reception standby state, when the instruction signal transmitted from the main camera 1 is received, the camera 2 is also set to function as the subordinate camera 2 at the same time as the operation control in the linked shooting mode is started. The Similarly, the display unit 28 of the subordinate camera 2 displays a display notifying that the mode has been changed to the continuous shooting mode and a display indicating that the subordinate camera is set as the subordinate camera for the main camera 1 in the vicinity using an icon or the like. (Not shown). At the same time, information related to the sub-image arrangement area set by the main camera 1 may be displayed on the display unit 28 of the subordinate camera 2. For this purpose, the main camera 1 transmits information about the sub-image arrangement area (information such as size and position) set by a predetermined operation, an image data request signal from the subordinate camera 2, and the like to the subordinate camera 2. . FIG. 7 shows a state of the display unit 28 of the subordinate camera 2 that has received this.

  Here, FIG. 6 shows a state in which the connection between the main camera 1 and the subordinate camera 2 is established, and the first user 101 of the main camera 1 and the second user 102 of the subordinate camera 2 shoot separately. It shows how it is done. FIG. 7 shows the display unit 28 on the subordinate camera side under the situation of FIG.

  In FIG. 7, an icon display 129 indicating the status of the display unit 18 of the main camera 1 is displayed in a predetermined area of the display unit 28 of the subordinate camera 2. This icon display 129 is a display that simply shows the status of the entire display screen of the display unit 18 of the main camera 1, and the frame display 129 a shown within the range of the icon display 129 is a sub-screen set in the main camera 1. It represents the position information of the image arrangement area.

  In this way, the second user of the subordinate camera 2 knows that linked shooting with the main camera 1 has started, for example, by displaying the icon display 129 on the display unit 28, and requests image data from the main camera 1. Recognize the signal. Therefore, the second user 102 of the subordinate camera 2 performs shooting in a situation as shown in FIG. 2, for example, shooting for the person 103 as a shooting target. As an example of the photographed image at this time, it is assumed that an image with the dotted frame 112 in FIG.

  FIG. 4 shows a situation where the user of the subordinate camera is after the situation of FIG. 2 (after the photographing is finished), and a situation where the first user 101 of the main camera 1 is photographing. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the display unit on the main camera side in the situation of FIG.

  When the photographing operation is finished in the subordinate camera 2 as described above, the image data acquired thereby is in accordance with the image request instruction from the main camera 1 and information on the received sub image arrangement area (particularly size information). A predetermined resizing process is executed in the subordinate camera 2. The resized image data generated in this way is transmitted from the subordinate camera 2 to the main camera 1. In response to this, the display control unit 11h of the signal processing control unit 11 of the main camera 1 fits and displays the received resized image in the frame display 119 of the set sub image arrangement area as shown in FIG.

  Here, the first user 101 of the main camera 1 performs shooting in a situation as shown in FIG. 4, that is, shooting for the person 103 as a shooting target. The live view image displayed on the display unit 18 of the main camera 1 at this time is in a state as shown in FIG. 5, for example. That is, the live view image acquired by the first imaging unit 14 of the main camera 1 is displayed on the entire display screen of the display unit 18, and in the frame display 119 of the sub image arrangement area that has been set in the display unit 18. The resized image of the subordinate camera 2 is continuously displayed. As an example of a captured image acquired by the imaging operation of the main camera 1, it is assumed that an image having a shooting range of the dotted frame 111 in FIG. 4 is acquired. In this case, the main camera 1 records the captured image data itself in the recording unit 20 and at the same time, the synthesis control unit 11f of the signal processing control unit 11 applies a resized image of the subordinate camera 2 to the predetermined captured image data. Composite processing is performed on the region (the set sub-image arrangement area), and a single combined photograph or composite image is generated. The composite image generated in this way is also recorded in the recording unit 20.

  Next, the camera control processing sequence of the photographing system of the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 8 is a main flowchart of the camera control processing sequence, and FIG. 9 is a subroutine of the imaging result request processing of the subordinate (sub) camera in the flowchart of FIG.

  First, it is assumed that the plurality of cameras (1, 2) are in an activated state in which the power is turned on. In this state, the processing sequence of FIG. 8 starts. One of the plurality of cameras (1, 2) functions as a main camera and the other functions as a subordinate camera. The setting is set in the middle of this sequence.

  In step S1, the signal processing control unit confirms whether or not the currently set camera operation mode is set to the shooting operation mode. If it is confirmed that the shooting operation mode is set, the process proceeds to the next step S2. If it is set to a mode other than the shooting operation mode, the process proceeds to step S51.

  In step S <b> 2, the signal processing control unit controls the imaging unit, the display unit, and the like, and executes live view image display processing.

  Subsequently, in step S3, the signal processing control unit confirms whether or not the currently set camera operation mode is set to the continuous shooting mode of the shooting operation modes. If it is confirmed that the continuous shooting mode is already set, the process proceeds to the next step S11. If the continuous shooting mode is not set, the process proceeds to step S4, and a normal shooting operation is performed.

  That is, in step S4, the signal processing control unit monitors an instruction signal from the operation unit and confirms whether or not a shooting instruction signal has been generated. If the shooting instruction signal is confirmed here, the process proceeds to step S5. If the shooting instruction signal is not confirmed, the process returns to step S1.

  In step S <b> 5, the signal processing control unit controls the imaging unit, the display unit, the recording unit, and the like, and executes normal shooting operations and recording operations. Thereafter, the process returns to step S1.

  When the setting of the continuous shooting mode is confirmed in the process of step S3 described above and the process proceeds to the process of step S11, in step S11, the signal processing control unit sets the camera as the main (main) camera or the subordinate (sub). An operation instruction for setting the camera and a process for starting a communication connection are started.

  Subsequently, in step S12, the signal processing control unit confirms whether or not the camera is set as the main (main) camera in the processing in step S11 described above. If it is confirmed that the camera is set as the main (main) camera 1, the process proceeds to step S13. If it is confirmed that the camera is not set as the main (main) camera 1, the process proceeds to step S31.

  Hereinafter, the processing of step S13 to step S25 is a sequence on the main (main) camera 1 side.

  In step S <b> 13, the signal processing control unit 11 monitors the instruction signal from the touch panel 18 b or the operation unit 15 and starts executing the touch determination process.

  Next, in step S14, the signal processing control unit 11 determines whether the instruction signal from the touch panel 18b in the touch determination process described above is a central one-point touch operation (shooting instruction operation by a touch operation on the touch panel 18b) or an operation unit. It is confirmed whether or not the 15 release on signal, that is, the shooting instruction signal for executing the shooting operation is generated. Here, when the instruction signal or the release on signal by the central one-point touch operation is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S5. Further, if the instruction signal or the release-on signal due to the central one-point touch operation is not confirmed, and another instruction signal from the touch panel 18b (that is, touch operation to an area other than the central one point) is confirmed, the step is performed. The process proceeds to S21.

  Subsequently, in step S21, the signal processing control unit 11 controls the display unit 18 via the display control unit 11h to superimpose the frame display 119 described in FIG. 3 on the live view image being displayed on the display unit 18. To display.

  Next, in step S22, the signal processing control unit 11 monitors an instruction signal from the touch panel 18b and confirms whether or not a touch operation has been performed on the display area of the frame display 119. As the touch operation on the frame display 119 in this case, for example, the above-described operation (pinch-in, pinch-out) described with reference to FIG. 3 is assumed. If the touch operation on the frame display 119 is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S23. If the touch operation on the frame display 119 is not confirmed, the process returns to step S1.

  In step S23, the signal processing control unit 11 controls the first camera communication unit 16 via the communication control unit 11d to establish communication connection with the subordinate (sub) camera 2, and to the subordinate camera 2 with respect to the subordinate camera 2. A process for requesting a photographing result (image data) is performed. This process will be described in detail in the subroutine of FIG.

  In step S <b> 101 in FIG. 9, the signal processing control unit 11 performs a shooting pixel number determination process. Here, the number of photographic pixels is the number of pixels that can be acquired by the first imaging unit 14 during the photographing operation. Since the image represented by the captured image data is rectangular, the number of captured pixels is the number of pixels in the horizontal direction (long side) of the rectangular image = Xp and the number of pixels in the vertical direction (short side) of the rectangular image. = Yp. Note that the number of photographic pixels is a maximum number of pixels that can be acquired by the first imaging unit 14 in a normal case, but can be arbitrarily set by a menu setting. Therefore, in the determination process of the number of shooting pixels, the image size setting value currently set in the camera 1 is referred to.

  Next, in step S102, the signal processing control unit 11 determines the width ratio Rx of the specific area (designated unit) arbitrarily designated by the first user 101 in the process of step S22 described above by the area identifying unit 11b. To do.

  Next, in step S103, the signal processing control unit 11 similarly determines the vertical width ratio Ry of the specific area (designated unit) designated by the area identifying unit 11b. In this case, the image of the specific area is also rectangular.

  In step S104, the signal processing control unit 11 uses the image size designation unit 11c to perform the horizontal direction (long side direction) of the image size of the image corresponding to the specific area (that is, the image requested to be transmitted to the sub camera; referred to as the requested image). The number of pixels Dx = Rx × Xp is calculated.

  Subsequently, in step S105, the signal processing control unit 11 similarly calculates the number of pixels Dy = Ry × Yp in the vertical direction (short side direction) of the image size of the requested image by the image size designation unit 11c.

  In step S106, the signal processing control unit 11 controls the communication unit 16 via the communication control unit 11d to transmit the image size of the image corresponding to the specific area, that is, the number of pixels Dx × Dy. Communication processing for requesting to the sub camera. Thereafter, the processing returns to the original processing in FIG. 8 (return).

  Returning to FIG. 8, in step S <b> 24, the signal processing control unit 11 controls the first camera communication unit 16 via the communication control unit 11 d to establish communication connection with the subordinate (sub) camera 2, thereby subordinate camera 2. Confirm reception of image data from. That is, the process waits until the reception of the image data from the subordinate camera 2 is confirmed. When the reception of the image data from the subordinate camera 2 is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S25.

  In step S25, the signal processing control unit 11 uses the combination control unit 11f to execute a combination process of the image data from the subordinate camera 2 received in the process of step S24 and the live view image being displayed. . Thereafter, the process returns to step S1.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed in the process of step S12 described above that the camera is not set as the main camera 1, the process proceeds to step S31 as described above. At this point, the camera starts the communication process by the process in step S11 described above, and it is confirmed that the camera is not the main camera 1 in the process in step S12 described above. Therefore, it can be estimated that the camera is the subordinate (sub) camera 2 and can receive the signal from the main camera 1. Therefore, hereinafter, the processing of step S31 to step S36 and step S41 is a sequence on the subordinate (sub) camera 2 side.

  In step S31, the signal processing control unit 21 of the subordinate camera 2 controls the communication unit 26 via the communication control unit 21d to establish communication connection with the main camera 1 so that the result request signal and size from the main camera 1 are obtained. Processing for receiving signals and the like is performed. These result request signal, size signal, and the like are data signals that are calculated and transmitted by the main camera 1 side in the processing of the above-described step S23 (subroutine of FIG. 9).

  Subsequently, in step S32, the signal processing control unit 21 confirms whether the photographing operation and the transmission operation have already been performed at this time. If the photographing operation and transmission operation have already been performed, the process proceeds to step S33. If the photographing operation and the transmission operation are not performed, the process proceeds to step S41.

  In step S <b> 41, the signal processing control unit 21 controls the recording unit 30 to transmit the image data acquired in the immediately preceding photographing operation from the image data recorded in the recording unit 30. Set as data. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S36.

  On the other hand, when the shooting operation and the transmission operation are performed in the process of step S32 described above, the process proceeds to step S33. In step S33, the signal processing control unit 21 displays the second imaging unit 24, the display. By controlling the unit 28 and the like, the icon display 129 (see FIG. 7) received from the main camera 1 is displayed in a predetermined area of the live view image being displayed on the display unit 28 of the subordinate camera 2.

  Subsequently, in step S34, the signal processing control unit 21 monitors an instruction signal from the touch panel 18b or the operation unit 15 to confirm whether or not a shooting instruction signal (release on signal) has occurred. If the photographing instruction signal (release on signal) is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S35. If the photographing instruction signal (release on signal) is not confirmed, the process returns to step S32.

  In step S35, the signal processing control unit 21 controls the second imaging unit 24, the display unit 28, the recording unit 30, and the like, and executes a shooting operation.

  Subsequently, in step S36, the signal processing control unit 21 controls the resizing unit 21g to use the size signal received from the main camera 1 in the processing of step S31 described above for the captured image data or the transmission candidate image data. Based on the size data, a specified reduction / resize process is executed. Subsequently, the signal processing control unit 21 controls the communication unit 26 via the communication control unit 21 d to execute data communication processing for transmitting the generated resized image data to the communication unit 16 of the main camera 1. Thereafter, the process returns to step S1.

  When it is confirmed in step S1 that the camera is set to a mode other than the shooting operation mode, the process proceeds to step S51. In step S51, the signal processing control unit sets the camera operation mode to the playback mode. Check if it is set. If it is confirmed that the playback mode is set, the process proceeds to the next step S52. If it is set to a mode other than the playback mode, the process proceeds to step S55.

  In step S52, the signal processing control unit controls the recording unit, the display unit, and the like to execute image reproduction processing. This image reproduction process is a general process applied in a conventional general camera (photographing device) or the like. Since the image reproduction process is not directly related to the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  In step S <b> 53, the signal processing control unit monitors the instruction signal from the operation unit 15 and confirms the reproduction image change instruction signal instructing to change the image being displayed. If the reproduction image change instruction signal is confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step S54, and the signal processing control unit controls the recording unit, the display unit, and the like in the process of step S54 to reproduce the reproduction image. Execute the change process. Thereafter, the process returns to the above-described step S52. On the other hand, if the reproduction image change instruction signal is not confirmed for a predetermined time in the process of step S53, the process returns to the above-described step S1 after the predetermined time has elapsed.

  When it is confirmed in step S55 described above that the mode other than the playback mode has been set and the process proceeds to step S55, in step S55, the signal processing control unit determines that the camera operation mode is, for example, image communication. It is determined that the mode is set, and the communication image file acquisition process is executed. Thereafter, the process returns to step S1.

  In step S55, the image communication mode is described as an example of the operation mode other than the shooting operation mode and the reproduction mode, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a menu mode for performing various settings in the camera may be used. However, since such operation modes other than the photographing operation mode are not directly related to the present invention, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, the main camera 1, which is a first photographing device, includes a plurality of photographing devices (cameras) and is a photographing device (camera) that is a main one of the plurality of cameras. In response to an instruction from the main camera 1, the sub camera 2 is a subordinate shooting device (camera) and a second shooting device according to the intention of the user of the main camera 1. In this imaging system, the first camera 101 of the main camera 1 is acquired by the first imaging unit 14 using the touch panel 18b or the operation unit 15. When an operation for designating a desired area of the image being displayed on the display unit 18 based on the image data is performed, the area specifying unit 11b acquires area information relating to the designated area, and Size specifying unit 11c sets the image size information corresponding to the area information. Then, the first communication unit 16 of the main camera 1 establishes communication connection with the subordinate camera 2 via the second communication unit 26, and sends the information regarding the image size and the image data transfer request signal to the subordinate camera 2. Forward. In response to this, the subordinate camera 2 resizes the image size of the image data acquired by the second imaging unit 24 under the control of the resizing unit 21g based on the information on the image size, and generates the generated resized image data. The data is transferred to the main camera 1 via the second communication unit 26. In response, the main camera 1 synthesizes the image data acquired by the first imaging unit 14 and the resized image data (acquired image of the subordinate camera 2) under the control of the synthesis control unit. In this case, the resized image data is subjected to a composition process such that it is displayed in the designated area designated by the first user 101.

  Thereby, in the photographing system of the present embodiment, by connecting a plurality of photographing devices (main camera 1 and subordinate camera 2), an image acquired by the main camera 1 and an angle different from the main camera 1 or When generating a combined photograph based on a plurality of images with images acquired from different positions, the combined photograph according to the drawing intention of the first user 101 of the main camera 1 can be easily and instantaneously generated. Can be generated.

  Next, modified examples of the camera control process in the imaging system of the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the camera control processing sequence of the present modification. Moreover, FIGS. 11-16 is an effect | action conceptual diagram explaining the effect | action at the time of imaging | photography using the imaging | photography system of this modification.

  It should be noted that the basic configuration of the imaging system of the present modification is exactly the same as that of the above-described one embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the block configuration diagram of FIG. 1 described in the above-described embodiment will be referred to, and each constituent member in the following description will be described using the same reference numerals.

  In FIG. 10, the processing steps of steps S111 to S124 are the processing sequence of the main camera 1 (indicated as the main machine in FIG. 10), and the processing steps of steps S131 to S140 are the subordinate camera 2 (in FIG. This is a processing sequence on the side). The flowchart of FIG. 10 shows a state in which the cameras 1 and 2 are operating in parallel while performing communication connection with each other.

  When the processing sequence of FIG. 10 is started, first, it is assumed that both the main camera 1 and the subordinate camera 2 are turned on and are in a usable start state. In this modification, it is assumed that both cameras 1 and 2 are set to the continuous shooting mode.

  In this state, on the main camera 1 side, first, in step S111, the signal processing control unit 11 controls the communication unit 16 via the communication control unit 11d to establish communication connection with the subordinate camera 2. Communication control processing is started.

  In parallel with this, also in the subordinate camera 2 side, in step S131, the signal processing control unit 21 controls the communication unit 26 via the communication control unit 21d to establish communication connection with the main camera 1. Communication control processing is started.

  Next, on the main camera 1 side, in step S112, the signal processing control unit 11 refers to the clock unit 19 to check whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed, that is, a timeout. If a timeout is confirmed here, the process proceeds to step S113. If no timeout has been confirmed, the process proceeds to step S114.

  In step S113, the signal processing control unit 11 confirms whether to repeat the communication process again, that is, whether to perform the retry process. In this retry process, the number of retries may be arbitrarily set in advance by menu setting or the like, or a prescribed number may be set. Here, when the execution of the retry process is confirmed, the process returns to step S111. When it is confirmed that the prescribed number of retry processes has been completed, the main camera 1 ends the continuous shooting mode. Thereafter, the process returns to the main sequence (not shown) in the normal shooting mode.

  On the subordinate camera 2 side, in step S132, the signal processing control unit 21 refers to the clock unit 29 to check whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (timed out). If a timeout is confirmed here, the process proceeds to step S133. If no timeout has been confirmed, the process proceeds to step S114.

  In step S133, the signal processing control unit 21 confirms whether or not to perform the retry process in the same manner. If execution of the retry process is confirmed here, the process returns to step S131. In addition, when it is confirmed that the prescribed number of retry processes has been completed, the subordinate camera 2 ends the continuous shooting mode. Thereafter, the process returns to the main sequence (not shown) in the normal shooting mode.

  If the time-out is not confirmed in each of the processes in steps S112 and 132 described above and the process proceeds to step S114, the signal processing control unit 11 of the main camera 1 and the signal processing control unit 21 of the subordinate camera 2 are in this step S114. Then, it is confirmed that the communication connection between the devices can be established, that is, the communication establishment state.

  Next, on the main camera 1 side, in step S115, the signal processing control unit 11 controls the display unit 18 via the display control unit 11h to perform frame setting (see FIG. 11) and the first imaging unit. 14 and the display unit 18 are controlled to execute a live view image display control process.

  Here, the frame setting is a combined photograph display frame in which a plurality of images acquired by a plurality of cameras are displayed in the range of the display screen of the display unit 18 of the main camera 1. This is an arrangement sample. For example, the display form shown in FIG. 11 is a rectangular area (main line 118a) for displaying the main image acquired by the main camera 1 within the display area of the display screen 118 of the display unit 18 of the main camera 1. Area) and a rectangular area (sub area indicated by reference numeral 119a) for displaying the sub image acquired by the subordinate camera 2 and transferred by the communication connection are displayed side by side in a partially overlapped state, for example. It is an example.

  In the main camera 1, for example, data of such frame setting samples is provided in advance in an internal recording area (not shown), the recording unit 20, and the like. Here, only an example of FIG. 11 is shown as a frame setting sample. However, by preparing a plurality of such frame setting display examples in advance, it is possible to generate group photographs of various variations.

  Subsequently, in step S116, the signal processing control unit 11 controls the first imaging unit 14, the display unit 18, the recording unit 20, and the like, and executes a shooting operation. Actually, this photographing operation is executed after waiting for a predetermined release-on signal (photographing instruction signal) generated, for example, in response to a predetermined operation by the user. The live view display at this time is as shown in FIG. 12, for example. In FIG. 12, on the display screen 118 of the display unit 18 of the main camera 1, an image photographed and acquired by the main camera 1 is displayed in the main area 118a. In the sub area 119a, an image based on the image data captured and transferred by the slave camera 2 and transferred by the communication process is displayed. If the state of FIG. 12 is, for example, the time of execution of the process of step S116, image data from the subordinate camera 2 has not yet been received in this state, and therefore, the sub-region 119a of FIG. Only information is displayed, and information such as “photographing” is displayed in the frame.

  When the photographing operation is completed in this way, next, in step S117, the signal processing control unit 11 of the main camera 1 starts the communication process by controlling the communication unit 16 via the communication control unit 11d. This communication process includes, for example, transmitting a photographing completion signal indicating that the photographing operation is completed to the subordinate camera 2.

  On the other hand, after establishing the communication in step S114, on the subordinate camera 2 side, in step S134, the signal processing control unit 21 controls the second imaging unit 24 and the display unit 28 to perform the display control process of the live view image. Run. At the same time, on the subordinate camera 2 side, the signal processing control unit 21 controls the communication unit 26 via the communication control unit 21d to enter a signal reception standby state from the main camera 1. The signal from the main camera 1 in this case is a shooting completion signal transmitted from the main camera 1 in the process of step S117 described above.

  Further, in the process of step S134, the signal processing control unit 21 of the subordinate camera 2 monitors an instruction signal from the operation unit 25 or the touch panel 28b and waits for a photographing instruction signal (release on signal) of the subordinate camera 2. To do. Here, when the signal from the main camera 1 is received, the process proceeds to step S136. If the photographing instruction signal (release on signal) is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S135.

  When the shooting instruction signal (release on signal) is confirmed in the process of step S134 described above and the process proceeds to step S135, in step S135, the signal processing control unit 21 performs the second imaging unit 24 and the display unit 28. , The recording unit 30 and the like are controlled to perform the photographing operation. An example of the photographed image at this time is shown in FIG. In FIG. 13, reference numeral 128 indicates a display screen of the display unit 28 of the subordinate camera 2. When the process of step S135 described above (normal photographing operation process) is performed in the subordinate camera 2, an image based on the image data acquired as a result is displayed on the display screen 128 of the display unit 28, for example, as shown in FIG. Is displayed in all areas. Thereafter, the process returns to step S134.

  On the other hand, when the signal from the main camera 1 (the shooting completion signal or the like) is received in the process in step S134 and the process proceeds to step S136, in step S136, the signal processing control unit 21 performs the process described above. Image data transfer processing after performing predetermined image signal processing or the like based on the image data to be transferred among the sub-images acquired by the processing of step S135 (acquired images by the subordinate camera 2) is executed. Here, the setting of the image data to be transferred is performed by referring to, for example, the latest image data, that is, the latest photographed image data or the time stamp data (date information, etc.) included in the instruction signal from the main camera 1. What is necessary is just to make it pruned by the part 21e. Alternatively, the image data may be set by selecting and setting in advance by the user. The predetermined image signal processing performed here is, for example, resizing processing for generating a transfer image. It is assumed that various conditions (for example, image size) relating to the processing are in accordance with conditions set in advance by menu setting or the like.

  Thereafter, on the subordinate camera 2 side, in step S137, the signal processing control unit 21 enters a communication standby state, that is, waits for an instruction signal from the main camera 1, for example, an instruction signal for requesting transfer of another sub-image. Become.

  When the subordinate camera 2 executes the above-described processing of step S136, that is, the sub image transfer processing, in response to this, on the main camera 1 side, in step S118, the signal processing control unit 11 executes the sub image receiving processing. The image based on the received sub image data (for example, the same image as that shown in FIG. 13) is displayed in the sub area 119a on the display screen of the display unit 18 of the main camera 1, for example, as shown in FIG. Is displayed.

  Subsequently, in step S119, the signal processing control unit 11 of the main camera 1 confirms whether or not to adopt the sub image data received in the processing of step S118 described above. That is, the first user of the main camera 1 sees the display of FIG. 14, for example, decides whether or not to use the sub-image data, and performs a predetermined operation using the predetermined operation unit 15 or the touch panel 18b. Will do. Here, when the received sub-image is employed, the process proceeds to step S121. If not adopted, the process proceeds to step S120.

  If not adopted and the process proceeds to step S120, in step S120, the signal processing control unit 11 executes the communication process again and transmits a signal requesting the sub camera 2 to transfer another sub-image data. To do. Thereafter, the process returns to step S118 to enter a sub-image reception standby state.

  At this time, the subordinate camera 2 is in a communication standby state in step S137. Therefore, when the slave camera 2 receives the image transfer request signal from the main camera 1 in the process of step S120 in the process of step S137, the process proceeds to the next process of step S138.

  In step S138, the signal processing control unit 21 of the subordinate camera 2 executes the image transfer process again. The image data to be transferred in this re-transfer process is, for example, the image data set by the timing designating unit 21e with reference to the latest date / time information of the image data that has been transferred in the process of step S136 (or used) Image data selected and set in advance by a person). Thereafter, in step S139, the signal processing control unit 21 enters a communication standby state.

  On the other hand, on the main camera 1 side, when the adoption of the received sub image data is confirmed in the process of step S119 described above and the process proceeds to the next step S121, in step S121, the signal processing controller 11 Is an instruction signal corresponding to an operation instruction such as a frame change instruction or an angle of view change instruction for the received sub-image data among the operation instructions based on the instruction signal from the predetermined operation unit 15 or the touch panel 18b. If there is such an instruction signal, the communication process is executed again, and the corresponding instruction data is transmitted to the subordinate camera 2 side.

  At this time, the subordinate camera 2 is in the communication standby state in step S139 described above. Therefore, the subordinate camera 2 receives the instruction data corresponding to the instruction signal by the process of step S121 described above from the main camera 1 in the process of step S139, and proceeds to the process of the next step S140.

  Subsequently, in step S140, the signal processing control unit 21 of the subordinate camera 2 executes the image transfer process again. In this re-transfer process, image signal processing (resizing process or the like) is performed on the transfer target image data according to the instruction data received in the process of step S139, and the generated image data is transferred again. Thereafter, the process returns to step S134.

  In response to this, on the main camera 1 side, in step S122, the signal processing control unit 11 performs image reception processing. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S123.

  Of the operations performed in the process of step S121 in the main camera 1, for example, operation instructions such as a frame change instruction and a view angle change instruction are as follows.

  For example, it is assumed that the display screen 118 of the display unit 18 of the main camera 1 is displayed as shown in FIG. Here, when the first user of the main camera 1 wants to perform a frame change operation, for example, the main region 118a of FIG. 14 is touched, slid, etc., and is overlaid on the sub region 119a. . The instruction data by this operation is immediately sent to the subordinate camera 2 as described above (step S121), and the subordinate camera 2 side receives it (step S139), and appropriately generates corresponding image processing. The processed image data is retransferred from the subordinate camera 2 to the main camera 1 (step S140). The main camera 1 side receives the retransfer image data and switches the display screen 118 of the display unit 18 to a display as shown in FIG. 15, for example (step S122).

  Specifically, an image (image acquired by the main camera 1) being displayed in the main area 118a in FIG. 14 is displayed in the sub area 119b in FIG. 15, and an image being displayed in the sub area 119a (sub camera) in FIG. 2) is displayed in the sub-region 119b of FIG. In this case, the example shown in FIG. 15 shows a form in which the frame sizes of the main area 118b and the sub area 119b are changed. That is, the setting is such that the layout of each area in the display screen 118 changes to a predetermined form by performing a frame changing operation. The form by the frame change operation is not limited to such a form, and may be a form in which the display image in each area is simply replaced without changing the frame size. A configuration in which the form can be arbitrarily selected is easily conceivable.

  Further, when the first user of the main camera 1 wants to perform the angle-of-view change adjustment operation of the sub image while the display as shown in FIG. 14 is performed, for example, the sub-region 119a of FIG. And pinch out operations. Then, the instruction data is immediately sent to the subordinate camera 2 in the same manner (step S121). In response thereto, the subordinate camera 2 performs appropriate image processing as appropriate, and the newly generated image data is converted into the subordinate camera. 2 is retransferred to the main camera 1 (step S140). Then, the main camera 1 receives the retransfer image data and switches the display screen 118 of the display unit 18 to a display as shown in FIG. 16, for example (step S122).

  That is, the image (image acquired by the subordinate camera 2) being displayed in the sub area 119a in FIG. 14 changes as in the sub area 119c in FIG. In this case, in the example shown in FIG. 16, an image having the same effect (effect of narrowing the angle of view) as that obtained by zooming the image being displayed in the sub-region 119a of FIG. The form displayed on the sub-region 119c is shown.

  As described above, in steps S121 to S122 and steps S139 to S140 of FIG. 10, the signal processing control unit 11 confirms an instruction signal corresponding to an operation instruction such as a frame change instruction or a view angle change instruction, and the instruction signal After performing the display control according to the above and switching the display as described above (see FIG. 15, FIG. 16, etc.), the process proceeds to the next step S123.

  If the instruction signal or the like is not confirmed in step S121 on the main camera 1, the process immediately proceeds to step S123.

  In step S123, the signal processing control unit 11 confirms whether or not to adopt the sub-image data received in the process of step S122 described above. That is, the first user of the main camera 1 sees the display in FIGS. 15 and 16, for example, decides whether or not to use the sub image data, and uses the predetermined operation unit 15 or the touch panel 18 b to perform the predetermined use. Perform the operation. Here, when the received sub-image is adopted, the process proceeds to step S125. If not adopted, the process proceeds to step S124, communication processing is performed again in step S124, and then the process returns to step S122 described above.

  In step S <b> 126, the signal processing control unit 11 displays a final image as a result of the series of combined photograph generation / synthesis processing as described above on the display screen 118 of the display unit 18 of the main camera 1. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S126.

  In step S126, the signal processing control unit 11 controls the recording unit 20 to execute a recording operation. Thereafter, the process returns to step S115.

  As described above, in this modified example, the timing of the shooting operation, the timing of the image composition processing, and the like are slightly different from those of the above-described embodiment, and the first user of the main camera 1 takes the image shot by the subordinate camera 2. To generate a group photo of a desired form. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment.

  Each processing sequence described in each of the above-described embodiments can allow a procedure to be changed as long as it does not contradict its nature. Therefore, for each of the above-described processing sequences, for example, the order of the processing steps is changed each time the processing order is changed, the processing steps are executed simultaneously, or a series of processing sequences are executed. It may be.

  Of the techniques described here, the control mainly described in the flowchart can often be set by a program, and these programs are stored in, for example, a recording medium or a recording unit.

  The above program may be configured to be recorded in advance in a recording medium or recording unit attached to or incorporated in each device at the time of product shipment of the device, for example, or obtain the recording medium on which the program is recorded at a later date. The configuration may be such that the data is read into the device, or may be acquired by connecting the device to the Internet and downloading it directly.

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

  The present invention is not limited to a photographing device that is an electronic device specialized for a photographing function such as a digital camera, and other forms of electronic devices having a photographing function, such as a mobile phone, a recording device, an electronic notebook, and a personal computer. The present invention can also be applied to various electronic devices with photographing functions, such as computers, game devices, televisions, watches, navigation devices using GPS (Global Positioning System). Furthermore, the present invention can be similarly applied to an electronic device having a function of acquiring an image using an imaging element and displaying the acquired image on a display device, for example, an observation device such as a telescope, binoculars, and a microscope.

1 ... Main camera, 2 ... Subordinate camera,
11 …… Signal processing control unit,
11b …… Area specific part,
11c: Image size designation part,
11d …… Communication control unit,
11e: Timing designation part,
11f …… Synthesis control unit,
11h …… Display control unit,
12 ... Image sensor,
13 ... Photography lens,
14: Imaging unit,
15 …… Operation part,
16 …… First camera communication unit,
17 …… Acceleration sensor,
18 …… Display section,
18b …… Touch panel,
19 …… Clock part,
20 …… Recording part,
21 …… Signal processing control unit,
21d …… Communication control unit,
21e …… Timing designating part,
21g …… Resize part,
21h …… Display control unit,
22 …… Image sensor,
23 …… Lens
24. Imaging unit,
25 …… Operation part,
26 …… Second camera communication section,
28 …… Display section,
28b …… Touch panel,
29 …… Clock part,
30 …… Recording part,
118, 128 ... display screen,
118a …… Main area,
119a, 119b, 119c …… Sub area 129 …… Display icon

Claims (5)

An imaging system for capturing images by connecting a first imaging device and a second imaging device via a communication connection,
The first photographing device is
A first imaging unit for acquiring first image data;
An operation unit for designating a desired area of an image based on the first image data acquired by the first imaging unit;
An area specifying unit for acquiring area information related to the specified area specified by the operation unit;
A first communication unit that communicates with other imaging devices;
An instruction information setting unit that sets at least instruction information related to an image size corresponding to the area information acquired by the area specifying unit;
A synthesis control unit that synthesizes a plurality of image data ;
A display unit for displaying an image ,
The second photographing device is
A second imaging unit for acquiring second image data;
A resizing unit for resizing the image size of the second image data acquired by the second imaging unit based on a specified condition;
A second communication unit that communicates with the first imaging device,
The first photographing device sends a request to transfer the second image data processed based on an instruction of information relating to the image size set by the instruction information setting unit and an instruction of information relating to the image size. To the second photographing device via the communication section of
The second imaging device receives a request to transfer an instruction and the image data of the information related to the image size, the image data is resized processed by the resize part based on the instruction information about the image size to forward to the first imaging device via the second communication unit,
Then, the display unit, the image based on the transferred image data from the second the second imaging device is acquired by the imaging device, wherein the view by in the specified area designated by the operating unit Shooting system.   The composition control unit performs image composition processing based on the image data acquired by the first imaging unit and the image data acquired by the second imaging unit and transferred from the second imaging device. The imaging system according to claim 1. An imaging unit for acquiring image data;
An operation unit for designating a desired area of the image based on the image data acquired by the imaging unit;
An area specifying unit for acquiring area information related to the specified area specified by the operation unit;
A communication unit for communicating with other photographing devices;
An instruction information setting unit that sets at least instruction information related to an image size corresponding to the area information acquired by the area specifying unit, as information to instruct the other imaging device;
A synthesis control unit that synthesizes a plurality of image data;
With
When the image data having the image size based on the instruction information related to the image size transmitted to the other photographing device via the communication unit is received, the synthesis control unit is the area specifying unit of the image data. An imaging apparatus, wherein control for combining the received image data with a specified area is performed. A display unit for displaying images;
The display unit according to claim 3, characterized in that an image based on image data transferred from the another photographing unit is acquired by the other imaging devices is displayed in the specified area designated by the operating unit shooting device according to.   The said display part displays the information regarding the state of the said other imaging device on the specified area, when the image data from the said other imaging device is not received. Photography equipment.

Images