JP6515966B2 - Imaging device, system, electronic device and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device, a system, an electronic device, and a program.

In response to detection of an operation input instructing start of a predetermined operation in a master camera, there is a technology of transmitting a command instructing start of the predetermined operation to each of slave cameras from the master camera by multicast or broadcast via wireless communication. It is known (for example, refer to patent documents 1).
[Prior art document]
[Patent Document]
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-50017

When operating the camera provided to the remote user to another device, the camera user can not easily recognize that it is not ready for photographing. Therefore, even when the operation user to other devices, the camera sometimes shooting operation is not performed.

In the first aspect of the present invention, the imaging device determines whether the imaging unit capable of imaging based on the imaging instruction signal and the receiving unit that receives the imaging instruction signal from another device and whether imaging is possible or not possible. A determination unit, and a transmission unit that transmits the determination result of the determination unit to the other device.

  Note that the above summary of the invention does not enumerate all the necessary features of the present invention. In addition, a subcombination of these feature groups can also be an invention.

An example of a use environment of system 10 is shown. An example of a system configuration of the camera 100 is shown typically. An example of a functional block configuration which camera MPU133 has is shown. An example of the communication profile setting screen 400 is shown. An example of the interlocking release setting screen 500 is shown. An example of the group name setting screen 600 is shown. An example of the camera mode selection screen 700 is shown. An example of a remote camera check setting screen 800 is shown. An example of the number setting screen 900 is shown. An example of the network setting screen 1000 in a master camera is shown. An example of the network setting screen 1100 in a remote camera is shown. 10 shows a process flow from start to end of the camera 100. An example of the flow which performs the setting regarding interlocking release is shown. An example of an operation flow when a communication event arises in master camera mode is shown. An example of a processing flow when release button 20 is operated with a master camera is shown. An example of an operation flow when a communication event occurs in a remote camera is shown. An example of an operation flow when a timer event occurs in a remote camera is shown. 16 shows another example of a use environment of the system 1800.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through the embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Moreover, not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the solution of the invention.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of a usage environment of the system 10. The system 10 includes a plurality of cameras 100a to 100d and a plurality of wireless adapters 30a to 30d. The cameras 100a to 100d have the same function and configuration as each other. The wireless adapters 30a to 30d have the same function and configuration as each other. The cameras 100a to 100d may be collectively referred to as a camera 100. The wireless adapter 30 a to the wireless adapter 30 b may be collectively referred to as a wireless adapter 30. The wireless adapter 30 is an example of an electronic device having a communication function. The camera 100 is an example of an imaging device. A wireless adapter 30 is connected to each of the cameras 100. The wireless adapter 30 connected to the camera 100 is identified by the suffix of the code attached to the camera 100. The cameras 100 communicate with each other wirelessly through the wireless adapter 30.

  In the system 10, the camera 100a is set to operate as a master camera, and the cameras 100b to 100d are set to operate as a remote camera. The camera 100a starts an imaging operation when the user 50 depresses the release button 20, and instructs the cameras 100b to 100d to shoot using a wireless signal. The cameras 100b to 100d perform imaging in conjunction with an imaging operation of the camera 100a when receiving a wireless signal instructing shooting. Thus, the cameras 100b to 100d perform imaging in conjunction with the imaging operation of the camera 100a. Thus, the camera 100 has a so-called interlocking release function.

  Here, the cameras 100b to 100d may shoot, for example, when the free space of the non-volatile recording medium for recording image data becomes smaller than the data amount of the recording image data generated by imaging. Send a non-photographing signal indicating that it can not be performed as a wireless signal. The cameras 100b to 100d send out a shooting disable signal as a wireless signal regardless of whether a wireless signal instructing shooting is received from the camera 100a. The camera 100a warns the user 50 who operates the camera 100a when it receives an imaging disable signal from at least one of the cameras 100b to 100d regardless of whether the imaging is instructed to the cameras 100b to 100d. According to the system 10, the user 50 can easily know whether or not the cameras 100b to 100d that should perform the photographing operation in conjunction with the camera 100a can be photographed.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows an example of the system configuration of the camera 100 together with an example of the configuration of the wireless adapter 30. As shown in FIG. The camera 100 is a single-lens reflex camera as an example of a lens-interchangeable camera. First, an overview of the system configuration of the camera 100 will be described.

  The camera 100 includes an interchangeable lens 120, a camera body 130, and a wireless adapter 30. The interchangeable lens 120 comprises a lens mount having a lens mount contact 121, and the camera body 130 comprises a camera mount having a camera mount contact 131. When the lens mount and the camera mount are engaged and the interchangeable lens 120 and the camera body 130 are integrated, the lens mount contact 121 and the camera mount contact 131 are connected. The lens MPU 123 is connected to the camera MPU 133 via the lens mount contact 121 and the camera mount contact 131, and controls the interchangeable lens 120 in cooperation with each other while communicating with each other.

  The interchangeable lens 120 includes a lens group 122, a lens driving unit 124, and a lens MPU 123. Object light passes through a lens group 122 as an optical system included in the interchangeable lens 120 along the optical axis and enters the camera body 130. The main mirror 150 can be in a diagonally installed state in which a subject light flux centered on the optical axis of the lens group 122 is slanted, and in a retracted state where it is retracted from the subject light flux.

  When the main mirror 150 is in the oblique state, the main mirror 150 reflects a part of the subject light flux that has passed through the lens group 122. The subject light flux reflected by the main mirror 150 is guided to the finder unit 156 and observed by the user. The user can confirm the composition and the like through the finder unit 156. The finder unit 156 may function as an optical finder. The finder unit 156 may superimpose various information on the subject image and present it to the user together with the subject image based on the subject light flux. The finder unit 156 may function as a so-called electronic view finder.

  An area near the optical axis of the main mirror 150 in the obliquely installed state is formed as a half mirror, and a part of incident subject light flux is transmitted. The subject light flux transmitted through the area near the optical axis of the main mirror 150 is reflected by the sub mirror 151 and guided to the focusing sensor 142. The focusing sensor 142 has a plurality of photoelectric conversion element arrays for receiving a subject light flux. The photoelectric conversion element array outputs a signal in phase when in focus, and outputs a phase-shifted signal in front or rear pin state. The amount of phase shift corresponds to the amount of shift from the focus state. The focusing sensor 142 detects the phase difference by correlating the outputs of the photoelectric conversion element array, and outputs a phase difference signal indicating the phase difference to the camera MPU 133.

  The focus state of the lens group 122 is adjusted using the phase difference signal from the focusing sensor 142 by the control of the camera MPU 133 or the like. For example, the target position of the focus lens included in the lens group 122 is determined by the camera MPU 133 based on the focus state detected from the phase difference signal, and the position of the focus lens is controlled by the control of the lens MPU 123 toward the determined target position. Be done. Specifically, the lens MPU 123 controls the lens driving unit 124 including a focus lens motor as an example to move the focus lens constituting the lens group 122. As described above, when the main mirror 150 is down and obliquely installed, the focus state of the lens group 122 is detected by the phase difference detection method, and the focus adjustment is performed. Focusing sensors 142 are respectively provided corresponding to specific areas of the subject image, and can adjust the focus state in each of the specific areas.

  When the main mirror 150 retracts from the subject light flux, the sub mirror 151 interlocks with the main mirror 150 and retracts from the subject light flux. When the main mirror 150 is in the retracted state, the subject light flux transmitted through the lens group is incident on the light receiving surface of the imaging element 132.

  The imaging element 132 functions as an imaging unit. The imaging element 132 captures an image of a subject by the subject luminous flux that has passed through the lens group 122. As the imaging element 132, for example, a solid-state imaging element such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor can be exemplified. The imaging element 132 has a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements for receiving a subject light flux, and outputs an analog signal corresponding to the accumulated charge amount generated by each of the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements to the A / D converter 134. The A / D converter 134 converts an analog signal output from the imaging element 132 into a digital signal representing image data and outputs the digital signal. The imaging element 132 and the A / D converter 134 are driven by the drive unit 140 which has received an instruction from the camera MPU 133.

  Image data output by the A / D converter 134 as a digital signal is stored in an SDRAM 136 as an example of volatile memory. At least a part of the memory area of the SDRAM 136 is used as a buffer area for temporarily storing image data. When the imaging element 132 captures images continuously, the image data sequentially output is sequentially stored in the buffer area. A plurality of image data obtained by continuous imaging by the imaging element 132 is sequentially stored in the buffer area as image data of continuous still images or image data of each image constituting a moving image. It is to be noted that image data of an image forming a moving image may be particularly referred to as a frame. The SDRAM 136 also functions as a frame memory that temporarily stores a frame when processing a moving image in the ASIC 135.

  The ASIC 135 processes the image data stored in the SDRAM 136. The ASIC 135 is an integrated circuit in which circuits and the like related to the image processing function are integrated. Examples of the image processing include processing for generating image data for recording, processing for generating image data for display, and image data processing for automatic focusing (AF). The ASIC 135 performs image processing using at least a part of the memory area of the SDRAM 136 as a work area for image processing. The ASIC 135 performs image processing such as defective pixel correction, white balance correction, color interpolation processing, color correction, gamma correction, and edge enhancement processing.

  The ASIC 135 converts the image data into image data of a standardized image format and outputs it. For example, the ASIC 135 performs image processing for generating still image data obtained by encoding still image data in a coding format compliant with a standard such as JPEG. In addition, the ASIC 135 has a plurality of frames, H. Image processing is performed to generate moving image data encoded by an encoding method compliant with the standards such as H.264, MPEG2, Motion JPEG, and the like. The ASIC 135 transfers and records the generated image data such as still image data and moving image data to the external memory 160 as an example of the non-volatile recording medium. The external memory 160 can be exemplified by a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory.

  The ASIC 135 generates image data for display in parallel with the generation of image data for recording. At the time of reproduction, the ASIC 135 generates image data for display from the image data read from the external memory 160. The generated image data for display is converted into an analog signal according to the control of the display control unit 137, and is displayed on the display unit 138 as a display device such as a liquid crystal display. Further, various menu items relating to various settings of the camera 100 can also be displayed on the display unit 138 by the control of the display control unit 137 together with or without displaying the image. The ASIC 135 controls the display control unit 137 to display menu items on the display unit 138.

  The ASIC 135 is also responsible for detecting the amount of contrast for AF processing. Specifically, the ASIC 135 detects the contrast amount from the image data and supplies it to the camera MPU 133. For example, the ASIC 135 detects the amount of contrast from each of a plurality of image data obtained by imaging with the focus lens positioned at different positions in the optical axis direction. The camera MPU 133 adjusts the focus state of the lens group 122 based on the detected contrast amount and the position of the focus lens. For example, the camera MPU 133 determines the target position of the focus lens to increase the contrast amount, and causes the lens MPU 123 to control the position of the focus lens toward the determined target position. As described above, when the main mirror 150 is up and in the retracted state, the focus state of the lens group 122 is detected by the contrast detection method, and the focus adjustment is performed. In this manner, the camera MPU 133 performs focusing of the lens group 122 in cooperation with the ASIC 135 and the lens MPU 123.

  The camera 100 is controlled directly or indirectly by the camera MPU 133 and the ASIC 135, including the control described above. Constants, parameters such as variables, programs, etc. necessary for the operation of the camera 100 are stored in the system memory 139. The system memory 139 is an electrically erasable and storable nonvolatile memory, and is constituted of, for example, a flash ROM, an EEPROM or the like. The system memory 139 stores parameters, programs and the like so as not to be lost even when the camera 100 is not operating. Parameters, programs and the like stored in the system memory 139 are expanded in the SDRAM 136 and used to control the camera 100. The ASIC 135, the SDRAM 136, the system memory 139, the display control unit 137, the camera MPU 133, and the external memory 160 in the camera body 130 are mutually connected by the connection interface 145 such as a bus and exchange various data.

  The operation input unit 141 receives a user operation. The operation input unit 141 includes, in addition to the release button 20, keys such as a power switch and various operation buttons. Further, the operation input unit 141 may include an input member mounted integrally with the display unit 138 as a touch panel or the like. The camera MPU 133 detects that the operation input unit 141 has been operated, and executes an operation according to the operation. For example, when the release button 20 is operated, the camera MPU 133 controls each part of the camera 100 to execute the release operation. For example, when the shooting operation mode is set to the single shooting mode, the camera MPU 133 controls each part of the camera 100 to capture one still image when the release button 20 is pressed. In addition, when the shooting operation mode is set to the continuous shooting mode, the camera MPU 133 controls each unit of the camera 100 to continuously capture a still image while the release button 20 is pressed. Further, when the moving image button as a part of the operation input unit 141 is operated, the camera MPU 133 controls each unit of the camera 100 to read the image sensor 132 by, for example, rolling read. In addition, when the input member mounted as a touch panel is operated, the camera MPU 133 controls each unit of the camera 100 to operate according to the menu item displayed on the display unit 138 and the operation content.

  The elements of the camera body 130 and the interchangeable lens 120 as well as the external memory 160 receive power from the power supply 170. As the power supply 170, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery that can be attached to and detached from the camera body 130, a system power supply, and the like can be exemplified. A secondary battery is an example of a battery, which includes non-rechargeable batteries that can not be substantially recharged.

  The camera MPU 133 detects the state of the power supply and controls each part of the camera 100 according to the state of the power supply. For example, the camera MPU 133 determines the type of power source, such as whether the power source 170 is a secondary battery. In addition, when the power supply 170 is a secondary battery, the camera MPU 133 detects the state of the power supply such as the capacity and remaining capacity of the secondary battery. The camera MPU 133 controls each part of the camera 100 according to the detected remaining capacity. In addition, as a capacity | capacitance of a secondary battery, the discharge capacity as an electric quantity which can be taken out from the fully charged secondary battery, a rated capacity, etc. can be illustrated.

  The communication IF 180 communicates with the wireless adapter 30 according to the control of the camera MPU 133. The communication IF 180 outputs transmission data to be transmitted to another camera 100 to the wireless adapter 30 via the communication connection terminal 181. Also, the communication IF 180 acquires received data that the wireless adapter 30 has received from another camera 100 via the communication connection terminal 181. The communication IF 180 outputs the acquired received data to the camera MPU 133.

  The wireless adapter 30 is a wireless communication accessory provided detachably on the camera body 130. The wireless adapter 30 includes a communication connection terminal 31, a communication IF 32, an MCU 34, a wireless communication unit 36 and a light emitting unit 38.

  The communication connection terminal 31 is connected to the communication connection terminal 181. The communication IF 32 acquires transmission data output from the communication IF 180 via the communication connection terminal 31. The transmission data acquired by the communication IF 180 is output to the wireless communication unit 36 under the control of the MCU 34. The wireless communication unit 36 modulates the acquired transmission data and transmits it as a wireless signal. For example, the wireless communication unit 36 has an antenna and emits a wireless signal to the external space through the antenna. Also, the wireless communication unit 36 receives and demodulates a wireless signal via, for example, an antenna. The received data demodulated and generated by the wireless communication unit 36 is output to the communication IF 32 under the control of the MCU 34. The communication IF 32 outputs the acquired received data to the communication IF 180 via the communication connection terminal 31. In the system 10, data etc. which instruct | indicate imaging | photography to other cameras 100 can be illustrated as transmission data. In addition, as the reception data, data of a photographing impossible signal that other cameras 100 can not photograph can be illustrated. The light emitting unit 38 has an LED and is used to warn the user. For example, the MCU 34 may cause the light emitting unit 38 to emit light based on detection of a remote camera that can not be photographed, the radio wave condition of wireless communication, or the like. The MCU 34 may cause the light emitting unit 38 to emit various information indicating the ON / OFF of the wireless communication function, the radio wave condition, and the like, in addition to the warning to the user, in different combinations of color and light emission pattern.

  FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a functional block configuration of the camera MPU 133. Here, among the functional blocks included in the camera MPU 133, the functional blocks related to the system 10 will be particularly described and shown. The camera MPU 133 includes a state detection unit 300, an imaging control unit 310, a communication control unit 320, a counting unit 330, a notification information generation unit 340, a warning designation information acquisition unit 350, an availability determination unit 360, a security information generation unit 380, and a group. The name acquisition unit 390 is included.

  Control when the camera 100 operates as a remote camera will be described. The availability determination unit 360 determines whether the camera 100 can capture an image. For example, the camera 100 determines, based on the free space of the external memory 160, whether the camera 100 can capture an image. Specifically, the camera 100 determines whether the camera 100 can capture an image by comparing the data amount of image data obtained by imaging with the free space of the external memory 160. For example, the availability determination unit 360 determines that the camera 100 can not capture when the free space of the external memory 160 is smaller than the data amount of image data obtained by imaging.

  For example, in the case where the operation mode of the camera 100 is set to a still image capturing mode for capturing a still image, the availability determining unit 360 determines the data amount of image data obtained by capturing a still image in the external memory 160. Compare with free space. When the operation mode of the camera 100 is set to the single shooting mode, the availability determination unit 360 compares the data amount of image data obtained by capturing one still image with the free space of the external memory 160. Good. When the operation mode of the camera 100 is set to the continuous shooting mode, the availability determination unit 360 sets the data amount of image data obtained by capturing a predetermined number of still images to the free space of the external memory 160. You may compare with. Further, when the operation mode of the camera 100 is set to a moving image capturing mode for capturing a moving image, the availability determining unit 360 determines the data amount of image data obtained by capturing a moving image of a predetermined time length. , May be compared with the free space of the external memory 160. As described above, the availability determining unit 360 compares the data amount of image data predicted from the operation mode set in the camera 100 with the free space of the external memory 160, and indicates that the camera 100 can not be photographed. You may judge.

  In addition, the availability determination unit 360 may determine that the camera 100 can not capture an image when the external memory 160 is not connected. As described above, the availability determination unit 360 may determine whether the camera 100 can capture an image based on the state of the external memory 160.

  The availability determination unit 360 may determine whether the camera 100 can capture an image based on the state of the power supply 170. For example, the availability determination unit 360 may determine whether the camera 100 can capture an image based on the remaining capacity of the power supply 170. The availability determining unit 360 may determine that the camera 100 can not capture when the remaining capacity of the power source 170 is smaller than a predetermined value.

  Further, the availability determining unit 360 may determine that the camera 100 can not capture an image when the interchangeable lens 120 is not attached to the camera body 130. The availability determination unit 360 may determine that the camera 100 can not capture an image when the camera MPU 133 can not communicate with the lens MPU 123.

  In addition, the availability determination unit 360 may determine that the camera 100 can not capture when it is determined that the brightness of the image obtained by imaging is smaller than a predetermined value. If the ASIC 135 determines that the brightness detected by the AE sensor or the like is smaller than a predetermined value in the ASIC 135, the availability determining unit 360 may determine that the camera 100 can not capture an image. For example, when it is determined in the ASIC 135 that the lens cover is attached to the interchangeable lens 120, it may be determined that the camera 100 can not capture an image. For example, if the ASIC 135 determines that the objective optical system of the interchangeable lens 120 is dirty in the ASIC 135, the availability determining unit 360 may determine that the camera 100 can not capture an image.

  The communication control unit 320 causes the wireless adapter 30 to transmit the determination result of the availability determination unit 360 as a wireless signal. The communication control unit 320 causes the wireless adapter 30 to transmit an imaging impossible signal when the availability determination unit 360 determines that the camera 100 can not perform imaging. The communication control unit 320 causes the wireless adapter 30 to transmit a capture enable signal when the availability determination unit 360 determines that the camera 100 can capture an image. Thus, information indicating whether or not the camera 100 can capture an image is transmitted by a wireless signal.

  Note that the imaging impossible signal may include information indicating the type of a state in which the camera 100 can not perform imaging. For example, information indicating that there is no free space in the external memory 160, information indicating that the remaining capacity of the power source 170 is small, information indicating that the interchangeable lens 120 is not attached, and information indicating that the image obtained by imaging is dark , May be included in the non-shooting signal.

  The availability determination unit 360 determines whether or not the camera 100 can capture an image at predetermined time intervals. The communication control unit 320 causes the wireless adapter 30 to transmit the determination result by the availability determination unit 360 from the wireless adapter 30 at a predetermined time interval.

  The communication control unit 320 may cause the wireless adapter 30 to transmit a shooting disable signal including identification information of the camera 100. Character string information set for each camera 100 by the user can be applied as the identification information. The character string information may be stored in advance in the system memory 139 or the like. The identification information may be included in the payload portion of the transmission data. When the camera 100 operating as a remote camera transmits information indicating whether or not shooting is possible together with the identification information, the camera 100 operating as a master camera can identify the camera 100 in a state in which shooting can not be performed. Examples of identification information include hardware addresses such as MAC addresses, individual identification numbers assigned at the time of factory shipment of the camera 100, and the like, in addition to information such as nicknames assigned by the user and IP addresses.

  The imaging control unit 310 controls each unit of the camera 100 to perform imaging when the reception data received by the communication control unit 320 instructs imaging. For example, the imaging control unit 310 causes the imaging to be performed when the reception data indicating that the release button 20 of the camera 100 operating as a master camera is fully pressed is received. Note that identification information of the camera 100 that has instructed shooting is attached to the image data obtained by the imaging and recorded in the external memory 160.

  Next, control in the case where the camera 100 operates as a master camera will be described. The state detection unit 300 detects the state of the release button 20. For example, the state detection unit 300 determines whether the release button 20 is in a pressed state. When the release button 20 is in the pressed state, the state detection unit 300 may detect which of the half-pressed state and the fully-pressed state.

  The imaging control unit 310 causes the lens MPU 123 to control the lens included in the interchangeable lens 120. In addition, the imaging control unit 310 controls the driving unit 140 to drive the imaging element 132. For example, when there is a change in the state of the release button 20, the imaging control unit 310 controls the imaging element 132 by controlling the drive unit 140 according to the state of the release button 20. The communication control unit 320 also transmits information indicating the state of the release button 20 to another camera 100. Specifically, the communication control unit 320 instructs the wireless adapter 30 through the communication IF 180 to transmit information indicating the state of the release button 20 by a wireless signal. As described above, the communication control unit 320 instructs one or more of the other cameras 100b to 100d to shoot using a wireless signal.

  The notification information generation unit 340 generates notification information to be notified to the user. The notification information generation unit 340 stores the notification information in the SDRAM 136. Further, the notification information generation unit 340 supplies the data of the notification information to the display control unit 137, and causes the display unit 138 to display the notification information via the display control unit 137. When the communication control unit 320 receives, from the at least one camera 100 among the one or more other cameras 100, the reception data of the photographing impossible signal from the at least one camera 100 via the wireless adapter 30 and the communication IF 180, Generate notification information to warn the user. The display unit 138 warns the user by performing display based on the notification information. The display destination of the notification information may be the display unit 138. Further, the display destination of the notification information may be the finder unit 156. The finder unit 156 may superimpose the image based on the notification information on the subject image based on the subject light flux and present it to the user. When the finder unit 156 functions as an electronic viewfinder, the display destination of the notification information may be an electronic viewfinder. The communication control unit 320 may also warn the user by causing the light emitting unit 38 included in the wireless adapter 30 to emit light. Thus, the camera 100 warns the user when it is received as a wireless signal that shooting can not be performed from at least one of the one or more other cameras 100.

  In addition, when the information which shows the classification of the state which can not be imaged with the other camera 100 is contained in the imaging impossible signal, the notification information production | generation part 340 may produce | generate the notification information containing the said classification. Then, the display unit 138 may display the type according to the notification information. This allows the user to easily understand the reason why the other cameras 100a can not shoot.

  The warning designation information acquisition unit 350 acquires information specifying whether to warn the user. For example, the warning designation information acquisition unit 350 acquires information for specifying whether to warn the user by extracting information for specifying whether to warn the user from the user setting information stored in the SDRAM 136. Do. The notification information generation unit 340 generates notification information for warning the user, on the condition that warning of the user is specified by the information. Thus, the camera 100 warns the user on the condition that warning to the user is specified. For example, a warning is given to the master camera until it can be wirelessly connected to a predetermined number of cameras 100 to be interlocked release. However, the user may feel bothersome if the warning display is performed when the camera 100 to be interlocked release is prepared instead of the main shooting, or when the operation is merely checked. However, according to the camera 100, since the user or the like can select whether or not to warn, unnecessary warnings can be suppressed.

  The wireless signal includes identification information identifying one or more other cameras 100 that have transmitted the wireless signal. That is, the received data received by the communication control unit 320 includes identification information for identifying the other camera 100. The notification information generation unit 340 generates notification information including information identifying the camera 100 that has transmitted the non-imaging disable signal, and causes the display unit 138 to display the notification information. As described above, the display unit 138 displays information for identifying the camera 100 that has transmitted a wireless signal indicating that imaging can not be performed.

  The counting unit 330 can count the number of cameras that can be photographed among the one or more other cameras 100 and the cameras that can not be photographed among the one or more other cameras 100 based on the wireless signal received from the one or more other cameras 100 Count at least one of the Specifically, the counting unit 330 counts the number of other cameras 100 that can not be photographed based on the identification information of the other cameras 100 included in the reception data of the photographing impossible signal received by the wireless signal. Further, the counting unit 330 counts the number of cameras that can be photographed based on the identification information of the other cameras 100 included in the reception data of the photographing enable signal received by the wireless signal. The notification information generation unit 340 generates notification information indicating the number counted by the counting unit 330. The display unit 138 displays information indicating at least one of the number of cameras that can be photographed and the number of cameras that can not be photographed. The counting unit 330 may count the transmission source information of the wireless signal included in the received data as identification information. In addition, the counting unit 330 may perform counting using the above-described character string information set by the user as identification information.

  The notification information generation unit 340 generates notification information to warn the user when the number of cameras 100 that can be photographed among the one or more other cameras 100 is smaller than a predetermined number. The display unit 138 displays a warning to the user when the number of cameras 100 that can be photographed among the one or more other cameras 100 is smaller than a predetermined number. Thus, the camera 100 warns the user when the number of cameras 100 that can be photographed among the one or more other cameras 100 is smaller than a predetermined number. The predetermined number may be set by the user and stored in advance in the system memory 139 or the like.

  Next, functional blocks relating to security in wireless communication will be described. The group name acquisition unit 390 acquires a group name commonly assigned to one or more other cameras 100. For example, the group name acquisition unit 390 acquires a group name stored in the SDRAM 136. The group name may be set by the user through the operation input unit 141 or the like, and may be stored in advance as data in the system memory 139 or the like. The group name acquisition unit 390 acquires data of a group name expanded from the system memory 139 into the SDRAM 136.

  The security information generation unit 380 generates security information for wireless communication with another camera 100 from the group name acquired by the group name acquisition unit 390. For example, the security information generation unit 380 generates a network name and an encryption key for wireless communication with another camera 100 from the group name. As a network name for wireless communication, an SSID (Service Set Identifier) in IEEE 802.11 can be exemplified. Examples of the encryption key can include secret keys in various encryption schemes such as Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). The security information generation unit 380 generates a network name uniquely determined from the group name. Also, the security information generation unit 380 generates an encryption key that is uniquely determined from the group name. The security information generation unit 380 may generate the network name by applying a first predetermined hash function to the data of the group name. Also, the security information generation unit 380 may generate the encryption key by applying a predetermined second hash function to the data of the group name. These hash functions may be pre-assembled as a software routine in system memory 139. The security information generation unit 380 may generate a network name different from the group name. Also, the group name may be a network name. For example, the group name may be a network name set by the user. In this case, the security information generation unit 380 may generate the encryption key from the network name.

  The communication control unit 320 controls wireless communication using the security information generated by the security information generation unit 380. Specifically, the communication control unit 320 controls wireless communication using the network name and the encryption key generated by the security information generation unit 380. As described above, the security information generation unit 380 generates security information used for wireless communication of the camera 100 from the group name. Therefore, the user can automatically perform the wireless communication setting in the camera 100 only by specifying the group name in the camera 100.

  The function of the functional block relating to the present security can be applied to wireless communication in either of the case where the camera 100 operates as a master camera and the case where the camera 100 operates as a remote camera. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to various wireless communications other than the wireless communication according to the system 10. The function of this functional block can be applied to a communication device that generates security information from a group name assigned in common with a wireless communication partner device.

  In the system 10 including the camera 100 described above, the cameras 100b to 100d operating as remote cameras have information that they can not shoot, for example, when the free space of the external memory 160 becomes smaller than a predetermined value. The radio signal is transmitted to the camera 100a. Specifically, the cameras 100b to 100d transmit information indicating whether or not photographing can be performed by wireless signals at predetermined time intervals. Therefore, even when the cameras 100b to 100d are provided remotely, the user operating the camera 100a operating as a master camera easily knows that at least one of the cameras 100b to 100d can not be photographed. be able to. In particular, by transmitting a wireless signal including information indicating whether or not each of the other cameras 100b to 100d can capture an image and identification information for identifying the camera 100, the user may not be able to capture an image. You can easily know In addition, the camera 100 acquires a group name to be commonly assigned to the other cameras 100, and generates a network name and an encryption key used for wireless communication with the camera 100 from the group names. Therefore, the user can set the complicated wireless security setting extremely easily by setting the group name in each camera 100.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the communication profile setting screen 400. The communication profile setting screen 400 is displayed on the display unit 138 as part of user setting. For example, the communication profile setting screen 400 is displayed on the display unit 138 when the camera MPU 133 detects a user operation to set the communication profile.

  The communication profile setting screen 400 includes an object 410 for selecting a communication profile used when communicating with the outside in the camera 100, an object 420 and an object 430, and an object 440 for creating a new profile. The object 410 is an object for selecting a communication profile for the camera 100 to perform a shooting operation in conjunction. Object 420 and object 430 are objects for selecting another communication profile. As another communication profile, it is possible to illustrate a communication profile for sharing image data by wireless connection with another device such as another camera 100 or a personal computer.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the interlocked release setting screen 500. The interlocked release setting screen 500 is displayed on the display unit 138 as part of user setting. For example, when the camera MPU 133 detects that the object 410 included in the communication profile setting screen 400 is selected, the display unit 138 is displayed.

  The interlocked release setting screen 500 includes an object 510 for setting a group name, an object 520 for setting which camera mode is to be operated in the operation mode of the master camera or the operation mode of the remote camera, and the check of the remote camera. An object 530 for setting whether to perform or not, and an object 540 for setting the number of remote cameras are included.

  The object 510 includes an object 512 of characters indicating the set group name. This example is a screen example when the group name "AAA" is set. The object 520 includes a character object 522 for presenting which of the master camera and the remote camera is set. The present example is a screen example when it is set to operate as a master camera.

  The object 530 includes a character object 532 for presenting the setting result as to whether or not to perform a remote camera check. The present example is a screen example when it is set that the remote camera check is to be performed. The object 540 includes a character object 542 for presenting the number of set remote cameras. This example is an example of a screen when two cameras are set as the number of remote cameras. The objects 530 and 540 become effective when it is selected to operate as a master camera. For example, when the object 530 and the object 540 are selected to operate as a remote camera through the object 520, they are grayed out and the object can not be selected by the cursor. Then, when it is selected to operate as a master camera through the object 520, the gray out is canceled and the object 530 and the object 540 are made selectable by the cursor.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the group name setting screen 600. The group name setting screen 600 is a screen displayed on the display unit 138 as part of user setting. For example, when the camera MPU 133 detects that the object 510 included in the interlocked release setting screen 500 is selected, it is displayed on the display unit 138.

  The group name setting screen 600 includes an object 610 for selecting characters used as a group name, and an object 620 for presenting a group name. As characters that can be used as a group name, predetermined symbols such as numerals, alphabets and hyphens can be exemplified. Objects 610 include objects that indicate these numbers, letters and symbols. The object 610 includes a cursor object that moves in response to a user operation.

  In the object 610, when a user operation for inputting a group name is performed, a character corresponding to the position of the cursor is selected as a character to be added to the group name. The object 620 includes a character object indicating a group name including characters selected by a user operation. In this example, "AA" is already input as part of a group name, and the character "A" is selected in the object 610. In the group name setting screen 600, when the user operation for determining the group name is performed, the screen changes to the interlocked release setting screen 500.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the camera mode selection screen 700. The camera mode selection screen 700 is a screen displayed on the display unit 138 as part of user setting. For example, when the camera MPU 133 detects that the object 520 included in the interlocked release setting screen 500 is selected, the display unit 138 is displayed.

  Camera mode selection screen 700 includes an object 710 for selecting a master camera mode which is an operation mode operating as a master camera, and an object 720 for selecting a remote camera mode which is an operation mode operating as a remote camera. . The present example is a screen example in a state where the master camera mode is selected. When a user operation for determining the camera mode is performed on the camera mode selection screen 700, transition to an interlocked release setting screen 500 is made.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of the remote camera check setting screen 800. The remote camera check setting screen 800 is displayed on the display unit 138 as part of user setting. For example, when the camera MPU 133 detects that the object 530 included in the interlocked release setting screen 500 is selected, the display unit 138 is displayed.

  The remote camera check setting screen 800 includes an object 810 for selecting to perform the number check of remote cameras, and an object 820 for selecting not to check the number of remote cameras. The present example is a screen example in a state where it is selected to check the number of remote cameras. When the user's operation to confirm the check setting of the remote camera is made on the remote camera check setting screen 800, transition to the interlocked release setting screen 500 is made.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of the number setting screen 900. The number setting screen 900 is displayed on the display unit 138 as part of user setting. For example, when the camera MPU 133 detects that the object 540 included in the interlocked release setting screen 500 is selected, the display unit 138 is displayed.

  The number setting screen 900 includes an object for setting the number of remote cameras. This example is a screen example in a state where 2 is selected as the number of remote cameras. As shown in this example, one to ten remote cameras can be set. If the number of remote cameras capable of shooting is smaller than the number set on this screen, the user is warned. It should be noted that the user is warned as a further condition that the number of remote cameras is to be checked via the remote camera check setting screen 800. When the user operation for determining the setting of the number of remote cameras is performed on the number setting screen 900, the screen changes to the interlocked release setting screen 500.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of a network setting screen 1000 of the camera 100 operating in the master camera mode. The network setting screen 1000 is displayed on the display unit 138 as part of user setting. For example, the network setting screen 1000 is displayed on the display unit 138 when the camera MPU 133 detects a predetermined user operation to display the current network setting.

  The network setting screen 1000 presents an object 1010 for selecting or presenting a wireless device used for network communication, an object 1020 for presenting ON / OFF of a communication function, an object 1030 for presenting a type of network connection, and option information in network communication. Object 1040 is included.

  The object 1010 includes a character object 1012 presenting information identifying the wireless adapter 30 used for network communication. For example, the object 1012 indicates the model name of the wireless adapter 30. The object 1020 includes a character object 1022 indicating whether the communication function is enabled. This example is a screen example of a state in which the communication function is enabled (ON). The user can select whether to enable the communication function through the setting menu displayed by selecting the object 1020. When the communication function of the wireless adapter 30 is set to be invalid (OFF) by the user operation, an object to the effect that the communication function is invalidated is displayed on the object 1022.

  The object 1030 includes an object 1032 of an icon for presenting or setting the type of connection setting. An object 1032 in this example indicates that it is a network setting for interlocked release. An object 1040 includes a character object 1042 indicating option information. For example, as the option information, a physical address such as a MAC address assigned to the wireless adapter 30 can be exemplified.

  In this example, an object 1050 is a character object 1052 indicating a group name set on the group name setting screen 600, a character object 1054 indicating a camera mode and an operation state, and the number of remote cameras in a photographing enabled state. It includes a character object 1055, a character object 1056 indicating the number of remote cameras in an imaging disabled state, and an object 1058 of an icon indicating a radio wave condition.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of a network setting screen 1100 of the camera 100 operating in the remote camera mode. The network setting screen 1100 is displayed on the display unit 138 as part of user setting. For example, the network setting screen 1000 is displayed on the display unit 138 when the camera MPU 133 detects a predetermined user operation to display the current network setting.

  The network setting screen 1100 includes an object 1110 presenting a wireless device used for network communication, an object 1120 presenting ON / OFF of a communication function, an object 1130 setting a type of network connection, an object presenting option information in network communication 1140 and an object 1150 that presents an operating status. The object 1110, the object 1120, the object 1130, and the object 1140 present contents similar to those of the object 1010, the object 1020, the object 1030, and the object 1040, respectively, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

  Since the object 1150 is an object corresponding to the object 1050, the difference from the contents of the object 1050 will be described here. The object 1154 is an object corresponding to the object 1054. Here, a message indicating that the remote camera mode is set and a message indicating that the camera is operating as a remote camera are displayed. When the master camera is being searched, characters such as “during searching” may be displayed instead of the characters “during operation” in this example. In the network setting screen 1100 for the remote camera, objects corresponding to the object 1055 and the object 1056 are not included.

  FIG. 12 shows a processing flow from activation to termination of the camera 100. This flow is started, for example, when the power switch as a part of the operation input unit 141 is switched to the ON position. This flow is executed by the camera MPU 133 mainly controlling the respective units of the camera 100.

  In step S1202, initial setting of the camera 100 is started. For example, parameters, programs, and the like for controlling the camera 100 are expanded from the system memory 139 to the SDRAM 136. The camera MPU 133 sets the operating conditions of each unit of the camera 100 based on, for example, the state of an imaging mode dial or the like as a part of the operation input unit 141 according to the expanded parameters, programs, and the like. As the operation condition, it is possible to exemplify an imaging mode regarding an object type designating a person, a landscape and the like, an imaging condition including an exposure time and an imaging sensitivity, and a recording condition such as the number of recording pixels. Further, detection of the wireless adapter 30 connected to the camera body 130 and communication setting with the detected wireless adapter 30 are also performed as part of the initial setting.

  Subsequently, in step S1204, the camera MPU 133 causes the display unit 138 to display the content set by the initial setting. For example, the camera MPU 133 causes the display unit 138 to display information such as an imaging mode, an imaging condition, a recording condition, and a detection result of the wireless adapter 30 in various formats such as icon display.

  Subsequently, in step S1206, the camera MPU 133 determines the event that has occurred. Here, a setting event which is an event generated by a setting operation, a reproduction event which is an event generated by a reproduction operation, a release event which is an event generated by a release operation, a communication event generated by communication, and an event generated with the expiration of a timer will be described. The setting event occurs when a user operation on a button as a part of the operation input unit 141, a key such as a selector, or the like corresponds to a user operation for which operation setting is to be performed. The reproduction event occurs when a user operation on a key or the like as a part of the operation input unit 141 corresponds to a user operation to perform reproduction processing. The release event occurs when a user operation on the release button 20 is detected. A timer event occurs when the timer has expired.

  When a setting event occurs, a setting process based on a user operation is performed (step S1212). As the setting process, the setting process, the display process, and the like described in relation to the screens illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 11 can be exemplified.

  If a reproduction event occurs, reproduction processing is performed (step S1214). As reproduction processing, processing for displaying a thumbnail on the display unit 138 using image data such as still image data and moving image data recorded in the external memory 160, an image on the display unit 138 using image data instructed by the user Can be illustrated.

  If a release event occurs, processing relating to an imaging operation is performed (step S1216). This process will be described with reference to FIG. If a communication event has occurred, processing related to communication is performed (step S1218). This process will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 16. If a timer event occurs, the processing defined in relation to the expired timer is performed (step S1220). This process will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the processes of step S1212, step S1214, step S1216, step S1218, and step S1220 are completed, the process proceeds to step S1222. In step S1222, it is determined whether the power is turned off. For example, it is determined that the power is turned off when a state where there is no user instruction continues for a predetermined period after the camera 100 starts operating, or when the power switch is turned off. If it is determined that the power is not turned off, the process proceeds to step S1206. If it is determined that the power is turned off, necessary processing is performed before the power is turned off (step S1224). As this process, the process etc. which store the changed parameter in the system memory 139 can be illustrated. As the changed parameters, it is possible to illustrate the group name and the like, and the parameters changed in the setting process described in relation to the screens illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 11 and the like. When the process of step S1224 is completed, the present flow ends.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of a flow for performing settings relating to interlocked release. This flow is executed as a part of processing of step S1212 in FIG. This flow is started when the contents set according to the screens illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 9 are determined.

  When this flow starts, in step S1302, processing for reflecting the check setting for the remote camera in the operation is performed. Specifically, the camera MPU 133 stores a value corresponding to the presence or absence of the check set through the remote camera check setting screen 800 as a variable indicating whether to check the remote camera.

  Subsequently, in step S1304, processing for reflecting the set number of remote cameras in operation is performed. Specifically, the camera MPU 133 stores, as a variable indicating the number of remote cameras, a value indicating the number of remote cameras set through the number setting screen 900. The number of remote cameras indicates the number of remote cameras that should be in an imaging state.

  Subsequently, in step S1306, processing for reflecting the set camera mode in operation is performed. Specifically, the camera MPU 133 stores the value indicating the set camera mode in the variable indicating the camera mode.

  Subsequently, in step S1308, processing for reflecting the set group name in the operation is performed. Specifically, the camera MPU 133 stores a value indicating the set group name in the variable indicating the group name.

  Subsequently, in step S1310, it is determined whether the group name has been changed. If the group name is changed, the security information generation unit 380 calculates the SSID and the encryption key used in wireless communication (step S1312), and the process proceeds to step S1316. If the group name has not been changed, it is determined whether the camera mode has been changed (step S1314). If the camera mode has been changed, the process advances to step S1316.

  In step S1316, it is determined whether the set camera mode is the master camera mode or the remote camera mode. If the set camera mode is the master camera mode, it is determined whether the camera can operate as a master camera (step S1318). For example, when a remote camera is detected, it is determined that the camera can operate as a master camera. Whether or not the remote camera is detected may be determined based on whether or not there is a remote camera that has responded to the communication as the master camera. For example, when there is a camera 100 that has responded as a remote camera to the transmitted beacon signal, it is determined that the remote camera has been detected.

  If it is determined in step S1318 that the camera can operate as a master camera, it is determined whether the communication environment is good (step S1320). The quality of the communication environment may be determined based on a bit error rate or the like. If it is determined that the communication environment is good, wireless LAN communication is started in the ad hoc mode (step S1322).

  If it is determined that the communication environment is bad, the user is notified that communication with the remote camera can not be started (step S1324). If it is determined in step S1318 that the camera can not operate as a master camera, the process advances to step S1324 to notify the user that communication with the remote camera can not be started. In step S1324, the light emission of the light emitting unit 38 may be controlled by the wireless adapter 30 to notify that communication can not be started. For example, by controlling the color of light, the intensity of light, and the light emission pattern, it is notified that communication can not be started. In addition, in the camera 100, it may be notified through the display of the finder unit 156 that communication can not be started. Further, it may be notified through the display of the display unit 138 that communication can not be started.

  If it is determined that the camera mode set in step S1316 is the remote camera mode, it is determined whether the camera can operate as a remote camera (step S1326). For example, when a master camera is detected, it is determined that the camera can operate as a remote camera. For example, when a beacon signal from a master camera is detected, it is determined that the camera can operate as a remote camera. If it is determined that the camera can operate as a remote camera, the process advances to step S1320. If it is determined that the camera can not be operated as a remote camera, the process advances to step S1324 to notify the user that communication with the master camera can not be started.

  In step S1322, when operating in the master camera mode, communication is started in the communication mode for the master camera. Specifically, communication is started in a communication mode as a master in wireless communication. For example, communication is started in a communication mode in which a beacon signal in a wireless LAN is transmitted. When operating in the remote camera mode, communication is started in the communication mode for the remote camera. Specifically, communication is started in a communication mode as a slave in wireless communication. For example, communication is started in a communication mode in which a beacon signal in a wireless LAN is received. The camera 100 operating as a remote camera can wirelessly connect to a master camera assigned the same group name as itself.

  When the processing of step S1322 and step S1324 is completed, the present flow ends. If it is determined in step S1314 that the camera mode has not been changed, this flow ends. If neither the group name nor the camera mode has been changed, this flow ends without changing the communication mode.

  When it is determined in step S1318 that the transmitted beacon signal includes the camera 100 that has responded as the remote camera, it is determined that it can operate as the master camera. As described above, when the remote camera starts communication with a specific master camera, a new signal can be received by receiving no signal from the camera 100 that is trying to operate as the master camera. The master camera can be prevented from joining the same network. Thereby, in the system 10, the master camera can be limited to one.

  In step S1318, when it is detected that the master camera already exists, it may be determined that the camera can not operate as the master camera. For example, when a beacon from another master camera is detected within a predetermined period, it may be determined that the camera can not operate as a master camera. In this way, when trying to newly operate as a master camera, by starting communication as a master camera on the condition that there is no other master camera, the new master camera becomes the same network. It can prevent joining. Thereby, in the system 10, the master camera can be limited to one.

  In step S1318, when a rejection signal for rejecting a new master camera is detected from an existing master camera or the like, it may be determined that the camera can not operate as a master camera. For example, when a refusal signal is received from an already existing master camera in response to a transmitted beacon signal or the like, it may be determined that the camera can not operate as a master camera. In this manner, the camera 100 operating as a master camera transmits a rejection signal to the camera 100 that is about to operate as a master camera anew, thereby preventing a new master camera from joining the same network. it can. Thereby, in the system 10, the master camera can be limited to one.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of an operation flow when a communication event occurs while operating in the master camera mode. This flow is started when a packet is received from another camera 100 as a process of a part of step S1218 of FIG.

  When this flow starts, in step S1402, it is determined whether a new remote camera has been detected. For example, when the transmission source of the received packet is a camera 100 other than the camera 100 stored as the remote camera of the communication partner, the communication control unit 320 determines that a remote camera is newly detected.

  The communication control unit 320 determines whether the number of remote cameras stored as the communication partner has reached the upper limit (step S1404). For example, the communication control unit 320 makes the determination based on the value of the variable representing the number of remote cameras stored as the communication partner. If the number of remote cameras stored as the communication counterpart has not reached the upper limit, the communication control unit 320 transmits a permission notification indicating that the operation as the remote camera is permitted (step S1406). Subsequently, a variable representing the number of remote cameras stored as the communication partner is incremented (step S1408), and the process proceeds to step S1412. At this time, the display control unit 137 may cause the display unit 138 or the like to indicate that a new remote camera has been permitted.

  If it is determined in step S 1404 that the number of remote cameras stored as the communication partner has reached the upper limit, the communication control unit 320 sends a disapproval notification that the operation as the remote camera is not permitted. The transmission is performed (step S1410), and the process proceeds to step S1412. Thereby, the user can limit the number of cameras to be interlocked release to the intended number. The communication control unit 320 may transmit a disapproval notification to the newly detected remote camera. For example, the communication control unit 320 may transmit a disapproval notification only to the newly detected remote camera. For example, an unauthorized notification may be sent to a newly detected remote camera as a destination. In addition, the display control unit 137 may cause the display unit 138 or the like to display that the new remote camera has been rejected. If a new remote camera is not detected in step S1402, the process advances to step S1412.

  In step S1412, the communication control unit 320 determines whether the received packet is a packet indicating whether or not photographing is possible. The communication control unit 320 determines whether it is a packet of a photographing enable signal or a packet of a photographing disable signal. If it is a packet indicating whether or not shooting is possible, the counting unit 330 specifies the remote camera that has transmitted the packet from the transmission source of the packet or the like (step S1414). Subsequently, the counting unit 330 updates the status information of the remote camera including the number of remote cameras that can be photographed (step S1416). The status information of the remote camera may include the number of remote cameras that can not be photographed. Specifically, the counting unit 330 counts the number of remote cameras that can be shot and the number of remote cameras that can not be shot based on the status of each remote camera currently stored, the identified remote camera, and the information about whether to shoot or not. Count

  Subsequently, the notification information generation unit 340 generates information indicating the state of the remote camera and causes the display unit 138 to display the information (step S1418). Thus, information indicating the state of the remote camera is displayed in real time. The information indicating the state of the remote camera is stored in the SDRAM 136 and is used when the network setting screen 1000 is displayed. For example, it is used when displaying the object 1055 and the object 1056.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether the remote camera is set to be checked (step S1420). Specifically, it is determined whether the remote camera is set to be checked based on the value of the variable indicating whether the remote camera is to be checked or not. If it is set to check the remote cameras, it is determined whether the number of remote cameras that can be photographed is smaller than the set number. The set number is the number set in step S1304.

  If the number of shootable remote cameras is smaller than the set number, the user is warned of the state of the remote cameras (step S1424). For example, the notification information generation unit 340 causes the display unit 138 to display an object representing a warning. Further, the communication control unit 320 causes the light emitting unit 38 included in the wireless adapter 30 to emit light. The communication control unit 320 may issue a warning regarding the remote camera by causing the light emitting unit 38 to emit light in a color or light emission pattern different from the case where the warning is given based on the communication environment such as radio wave conditions.

  If it is determined in step S1422 that the number of shootable remote cameras is equal to or greater than the set number, the flow is ended without warning the user. Also, if it is determined in step S1420 that the remote camera is not checked, this flow ends without warning the user. The flow also ends if it is determined in step S1412 that the received packet is not a packet that can be photographed or not.

  Although the communication control unit 320 transmits the disapproval notification to the newly detected remote camera in relation to step S1410, the communication control unit 320 is not able to transmit to the remote cameras other than the newly detected remote camera. A notice of permission may be sent. For example, the communication control unit 320 may transmit a disapproval notification to a remote camera other than the newly detected remote camera as a destination. At this time, a disapproval notification may be transmitted to at least some remote cameras other than the newly detected remote camera. The non-permission notification transmitted here may be a notification requesting to stop the operation as the remote camera.

  When the remote camera receives the disapproval notification, each remote camera may determine whether to stop the operation as the remote camera. If it is determined that the operation as the remote camera is to be stopped, a notification to the effect that the operation as the remote camera is to be stopped may be transmitted to the master camera. When the master camera receives the notification from at least one remote camera, the communication control unit 320 may transmit a permission notification to the newly detected remote camera. Note that the non-permission notification may be transmitted to all the remote cameras by broadcast or the like. In addition, although the display unit 138 or the like displays that the new remote camera has been rejected in relation to step S1410, the display control unit 137 does not have to display that the new remote camera has been rejected.

  FIG. 15 shows an example of a processing flow when the release button 20 is operated while operating in the master camera mode. This flow is started when the state of the release button 20 changes as a part of processing of step S1216 in FIG.

  When this flow is started, the state detection unit 300 identifies the type of pressing event of the release button 20. Specifically, it is determined whether the release button 20 is a half depression event indicating that the release button 20 has been depressed to the first stage or a full depression event indicating that the release button 20 has been depressed deeper than the first stage.

  If it is a full-press event, the imaging control unit 310 instructs each unit of the camera body 130 to perform an imaging operation (step S1504). If it is a half depression event, the imaging control unit 310 instructs a focus adjustment operation (step S1506). Subsequently, the communication control unit 320 transmits a packet indicating the state of the release button 20 by multicast (step S1508). The communication control unit 320 may continue to transmit a packet indicating that the release button 20 is in the depressed state until the release button 20 is fully depressed.

  FIG. 16 shows an example of an operation flow when a communication event occurs while operating in the remote camera mode. This flow is started when a packet is received from the master camera as a part of processing of step S1218 in FIG.

  In step S1602, it is determined whether the received packet is a packet for permitting or not permitting operation as a remote camera. If the received packet is a permission notification packet, the notification information generation unit 340 generates information indicating that the remote camera is operating and causes the display unit 138 to display that the remote camera is operating ( Step S1604). If the received packet is not a permission notification packet, the notification information generation unit 340 generates information indicating that it can not operate as a remote camera, and displays the information on the display unit 138 (step S1606). This information may be displayed on the display unit 138 in real time. Also, it may be displayed on the network setting screen 1100 described in relation to FIG. If the received packet is another packet, the process advances to step S1608.

  In step S1608, it is determined whether the received packet is a packet indicating the state of the release button 20 of another camera 100. In the case of a packet indicating the state of the release button 20 of another camera 100, the imaging control unit 310 operates each part of the camera 100 according to the state of the release button 20 indicated by the packet. For example, when the packet indicates that the state of the release button 20 is full-pressed, the imaging control unit 310 starts the photographing operation by controlling the drive unit 140 and the like. When the packet indicates that the state of the release button 20 is half-pressed, the imaging control unit 310 may start the focusing operation.

  Subsequently, the camera MPU 133 determines whether the operation to be performed in the camera 100 includes a photographing operation (step S1612). When the photographing operation is included, the possibility judgment unit 360 waits for the photographing completion (step S1614), and judges photographing possibility (step S1616). Specifically, the availability determining unit 360 records the recording image data obtained by imaging in the external memory 160, and then based on the free space of the external memory 160 and the data amount of the image data to be predicted. , Determine whether to shoot. Subsequently, the communication control unit 320 causes the master camera to transmit a packet including availability information indicating availability for imaging (step S1618), and the process proceeds to step S1620. If it is determined in step S1612 that the operation to be performed does not include a photographing operation, or if it is determined in step S1608 that the packet is not a packet indicating the state of the release button 20, the process proceeds to S1620.

  In step S1620, communication control unit 320 determines whether communication with the master camera has been disconnected. Specifically, when the communication control unit 320 can not receive the beacon signal from the master camera for a predetermined period, the communication control unit 320 determines that the communication with the master camera is disconnected. When it is determined that the communication with the master camera is disconnected, the notification information generation unit 340 generates state information indicating that the master camera is being searched, and the display unit 138 displays that the master camera is being searched. (Step S1622). The state information is stored in the SDRAM 136 and used to display the object 1154 described in connection with FIG. When the process of step S1622 is completed, the process of this flow ends. If it is determined in step S 1620 that the communication with the master camera has not been disconnected, this flow is ended while the display as the remote camera is displayed.

  FIG. 17 shows an example of an operation flow when a timer event occurs while operating in the remote camera mode. This flow is started as a part of processing of step S 1220 in FIG.

  The availability determination unit 360 determines whether the camera 100 can capture an image. For example, when it is determined that new image data can not be recorded in the external memory 160 based on the free space of the external memory 160, it is determined that shooting can not be performed. The availability determination unit 360 may determine that the camera 100 is in a state where imaging is possible when all predetermined conditions for determining that imaging can not be performed are denied. Subsequently, in step S1704, the communication control unit 320 transmits a packet of the imaging disable signal or the imaging enable signal to the master camera. Subsequently, a timer for determining a determination interval for determining whether to capture an image is reset (step S1706), and the present flow ends.

  FIG. 18 illustrates another example of a use environment of system 1800. The system 1800 further includes a camera 100 e in addition to the components of the system 10. A wireless adapter 30e is connected to the camera 100e. The camera 100 e has the same function as the cameras 100 a to 100 d described in relation to the system 10. Also, the wireless adapter 30 e has the same function as the function of the wireless adapter 30 described in connection with the system 10. The operation of camera 100 in system 1800 will be described with respect to the difference from the operation of camera 100 in system 10.

  The camera 100 e operates as a master camera with respect to the cameras 100 b to 100 d. That is, in system 1800, camera 100a and camera 100e both operate as master cameras for cameras 100b-100d. The cameras 100b to 100d perform photographing operations in conjunction with the imaging operation of the camera 100e. Therefore, the cameras 100b to 100d perform the photographing operation when at least one of the camera 100a and the camera 100e performs the imaging operation.

  As described in the context of the system 10, the cameras 100b to 100d record the image data obtained by imaging in the external memory 160 along with the identification information of the master camera that has instructed shooting. For this reason, it can be specified based on incidental information of the image data whether the image data is obtained by an imaging operation linked to which imaging operation of the camera 100a or the camera 100e. Therefore, for example, it becomes possible to associate the image data obtained by imaging with the cameras 100b to 100d in synchronization with the imaging operation of the camera 100e with the image data obtained by imaging with the camera 100e. For example, the camera 100e can select and acquire, from the cameras 100b to 100d, image data obtained by imaging in conjunction with the imaging operation of the camera 100e. For example, when the cameras 100b to 100d are requested to transmit image data from the camera 100e, the cameras 100b to 100d may select image data accompanied by incidental information including identification information for identifying the camera 100e and transmit the image data to the camera 100e. it can.

  Although system 10 and system 1800 illustrate multiple cameras 100 operating as remote cameras, there may be one remote camera. That is, one or more cameras 100 may operate as remote cameras. In system 1800, two cameras 100 operate as master cameras. However, it goes without saying that three or more cameras 100 can operate as a master camera.

  Note that the number of cameras 100 less than or equal to a predetermined number may operate as a master camera. An upper limit may be provided for the number of cameras 100 operating as a master camera. The upper limit may be set by the user. For example, the interlocked release setting screen 500 may further include an object for setting the upper limit value. The upper limit may be set to 1 as an initial value, and the upper limit may be set to 2 or more by user setting. That is, when the upper limit value is not changed by the user, only one master camera is permitted. A plurality of master cameras may be permitted by the user changing the upper limit value to 2 or more. A maximum value may be determined in advance as the upper limit value. For example, when the maximum number is 10, the user may be able to set a value of 10 or less as the upper limit value. The upper limit value indicates the number of cameras 100 permitted to operate as a master camera, and the number of cameras 100 having the set upper limit value does not always need to operate as a master camera. For example, when 3 is set as the upper limit value, three or less cameras 100 may operate as a master camera. Instead of the upper limit value, the number of cameras 100 that should operate as a master camera may be set by user setting or the like. In this case, when the number of cameras 100 detected as operating as a master camera is smaller than the set number, one of the cameras 100 may issue a warning.

  The system 10 can be applied to various scenes such as studio shooting and shooting at a live venue or the like, as well as shooting a game such as a sport to be played at a stadium or the like.

  In the above description, the process described as the operation of the camera MPU 133 is realized by the camera MPU 133 controlling each hardware included in the camera 100 according to a program. Further, in the above description, the processing described as the operation of the MCU 34 is realized by the MCU 34 controlling each hardware included in the camera 100 according to a program. Also, the processing implemented by the ASIC 135 in the above description can be implemented by a processor. For example, the processing described as the operation of the ASIC 135 is realized by the processor controlling each hardware included in the camera 100 according to a program. That is, in the processes described in relation to the camera 100 and the wireless adapter 30 of the present embodiment, each processor including a processor, a memory, and the like and a program operate by a processor operating according to a program and controlling each hardware It can be realized by operating in cooperation. That is, the processing can be realized by a so-called computer device. The computer apparatus may load a program that controls the execution of the above-described processing, operate according to the read program, and execute the processing. The computer apparatus can load the program from a computer readable recording medium storing the program.

  In the present embodiment, it has been described that the wireless adapter 30 is provided to the camera body 130 in a removable manner. However, the function of the wireless adapter 30 may be built into the camera body 130. That is, the camera body 130 may have the function of the wireless adapter 30.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the camera 100 in a state in which the interchangeable lens 120 is mounted is taken as an example of the imaging apparatus. However, the imaging device is a concept including the camera body 130 in which the interchangeable lens 120 is not mounted. In addition to single-lens reflex cameras, compact digital cameras that are examples of non-interchangeable cameras, mirrorless single-lens cameras, video cameras, imaging devices for broadcasting, mobile phones with imaging functions, and imaging as imaging devices The present invention can be applied to various devices having an imaging function, such as portable information terminals with functions, and entertainment devices such as game devices with imaging functions. In addition, regardless of whether the imaging device itself or not, it is possible to apply an electronic device that causes one or more other imaging devices to perform shooting operations in conjunction with the imaging of one imaging device. . For example, the wireless adapter 30 is an example of the electronic device. In addition, computer devices such as personal computers, television devices, wireless remote controllers, electronic devices such as mobile phones can be applied.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. It is apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be added to the above embodiment. It is also apparent from the scope of the claims that the embodiments added with such alterations or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The execution order of each process such as operations, procedures, steps, and steps in the apparatuses, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, the specification, and the drawings is particularly “before”, “preceding” It is to be noted that “it is not explicitly stated as“ etc. ”and can be realized in any order as long as the output of the previous process is not used in the later process. With regard to the flow of operations in the claims, the specification and the drawings, even if it is described using “first,” “next,” etc. for convenience, it means that it is essential to carry out in this order. It is not a thing.

Reference Signs List 10 system 20 release button, 30 wireless adapter, 31 communication connection terminal, 32 communication IF, 34 MCU, 36 wireless communication unit, 38 light emitting unit, 50 users, 100 cameras, 120 interchangeable lenses, 121 lens mount contacts, 122 lens groups, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 123 lens MPU, 124 lens drive part, 130 camera main body, 131 camera mount contact, 132 imaging element, 133 camera MPU, 134 A / D converter, 135 ASIC, 136 SDRAM, 137 display control part, 138 display part, 139 system Memory, 140 drive unit, 141 operation input unit, 142 focusing sensor, 145 connection interface, 150 main mirror, 151 sub mirror, 156 finder unit, 160 external memory, 170 power supply, 180 communication IF, 1 Reference Signs List 1 communication connection terminal 300 status detection unit 310 imaging control unit 320 communication control unit 330 counting unit 340 notification information generation unit 350 warning designation information acquisition unit 360 availability determination unit 380 security information generation unit 390 group Name acquisition unit 400 Communication profile setting screen 410, 420, 430, 440, 510, 512, 520, 522, 530, 532, 540, 542, 610, 710, 720, 810, 820, 1010, 1012, 1020, 1022, 1030, 1032, 1040, 1042, 1050, 1052, 1054, 1055, 1056, 1058, 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140, 1150, 1154 objects, 500 interlocking release setting screen, 600 group name setting screen, 00 camera mode selection screen, 800 remote camera check setting screen, 900 number setting screen, 1000 and 1100 network settings screen, 1800 system

Claims (6)

A receiving unit that receives a shooting instruction signal from another device;
An imaging unit that performs imaging based on the imaging instruction signal and records image data in its own recording medium;
A determination unit that determines whether imaging is possible or not;
An image pickup apparatus comprising: a transmission unit that transmits the determination result of the determination unit to the other device regardless of a communication signal with the other device including the photographing instruction signal from the other device. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits a signal indicating that imaging is not possible when the determination unit determines that imaging can not be performed. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that shooting is not possible when the free space of the recording medium becomes smaller than a predetermined value. Equipped with a power supply,
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether imaging is possible or not based on a state of the power supply. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the transmission unit transmits the determination result of the determination unit together with identification information. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the transmission unit transmits the determination result of the determination unit at a predetermined time interval.

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