JP6529852B2 - Information acquisition apparatus, information acquisition system including the same, control method of information acquisition apparatus, and program for information acquisition apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information acquisition apparatus, an information acquisition system including the same, a control method of the information acquisition apparatus, and a program for the information acquisition apparatus.

  There are many needs to acquire information such as images and sounds at a specific timing after a predetermined time has passed rather than immediately, and to record or confirm the results immediately after acquiring the results. For example, as one of the scenes where photography is performed, there is a scene where a group photograph taken with a large number of people is taken. A self-timer function may be used to take a group photo in which the photographer is also shown. It is convenient for confirmation of a photographed image if, for example, a photographed image is displayed on a smartphone, for example, in the hand of a photographer who has left the camera immediately after photographing using a self-timer function.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a mechanism for distributing the obtained group photo to, for example, a smartphone of a member shown in the photo after the group photo is taken. In this technology, a group photo is uploaded to a server after shooting, and access information to a server that has uploaded the group photo to a member's smartphone and identification information of image data are transmitted. Members can download image data from the server based on these pieces of information.

JP, 2003-179840, A

  If the information device constantly performs wireless communication, power consumption may be increased, and restraint of the device may occur, which may be inconvenient. Therefore, it is preferable that the imaging device does not perform wireless communication when unnecessary. On the other hand, it may be desirable to transmit the obtained image to an external device such as a smartphone after photographing, as in the case of photographing by the above-mentioned self-timer, for example.

  The present invention provides an information acquisition device in which communication with an external device is established without stress when necessary, an information acquisition system including the same, a control method of the information acquisition device, and a program for the information acquisition device. With the goal.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the information acquiring apparatus determines that the acquisition of the information is valid after a predetermined time , and the first communication apparatus performing the first communication with the external device and the information acquiring unit acquiring the information. When the trigger operation which is the release operation is detected, establishment of the first communication with the external device by the first communication device is prepared during the predetermined time, and the acquisition of the information is completed. And a communication control circuit that controls a communication operation of transmitting the information to the external device when the first communication is established.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the information acquisition system determines that the acquisition of the information is valid after a predetermined time , the first communication device performing the first communication with the terminal device, and the information acquisition unit for acquiring information. When the trigger operation that is the release operation is detected, establishment of the first communication with the terminal device by the first communication device is prepared during the predetermined time, and the acquisition of the information is completed, A communication control circuit for controlling a communication operation of transmitting the information to the terminal device when the first communication is established, and a first communication for performing the first communication for receiving the information The terminal device includes: a terminal communication device; and a presentation device that presents the received information.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a control method of an information acquisition device is a control method of an information acquisition device including an information acquisition unit that acquires information and a communication device that communicates with an external device, and a predetermined time Detecting a trigger operation which is a release operation for which acquisition of the information becomes effective later, and when detecting the trigger operation , preparing for establishment of communication with the external device by the communication device during the predetermined time. And transmitting the information to the external device when the acquisition of the information is completed and the communication is established.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a program for an information acquisition device includes an information acquisition unit for acquiring information and a communication device for communicating with an external device, the information acquisition device including the information acquired after a predetermined time Detecting a trigger operation which is a release operation for which acquisition is effective, and when detecting the trigger operation , preparing for establishment of communication with the external device by the communication device during the predetermined time, and the information And the transmission of the information to the external device when the communication is established.

  According to the present invention, when it is required to transmit information acquired later to an external device, an information acquisition device in which communication with the external device is established, an information acquisition system including the same, and a control method of the information acquisition device And provide a program for the information acquisition device.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of an imaging system according to a first embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the use condition of an imaging system. The figure for demonstrating the use condition of an imaging system. The figure for demonstrating the use condition of an imaging system. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the imaging device according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a self-timer imaging process according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of external device connection mode processing according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of reproduction / image transmission processing according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the terminal device according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows the example of a display of the terminal device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the example of a display of the terminal device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of camera application processing according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows the example of a display of the terminal device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of an imaging system according to a second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a self-timer photographing process according to the second embodiment. The flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the terminal device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. A figure showing an example of a display of a terminal unit concerning a 2nd embodiment.

First Embodiment
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. An outline of a configuration example of an imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging system 10 includes an imaging device 100 and a terminal device 200. The imaging device 100 is, for example, a digital camera having a function of communicating with an external device such as the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 is a device capable of communicating with the imaging device 100 and displaying an image received from the imaging device 100, and is, for example, a smartphone. The terminal device 200 may be any device that wirelessly communicates with the imaging device 100, such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, or a PC.

  The outline of the operation of the imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C. The imaging device 100 has a function of capturing, for example, a group photo using a self-timer. As shown in FIG. 2A, the user 910 sets the imaging device 100 on a tripod and directs the imaging device 100 to the subject 920 to adjust the composition. After the user 910 determines the composition, the release operation is performed. That is, the user 910 turns on the release switch. Then, the user 910 leaves the imaging apparatus 100 in order to be an object. At this time, the terminal device 200 is moved and moved. The release operation is not limited to the operation of turning on the release switch, and may be any operation related to the release, such as a touch release that touches the touch panel, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, for example, when a predetermined period has elapsed since the release switch was turned on, the imaging device 100 performs an imaging operation to acquire a group photo. The imaging device 100 transmits the acquired image to the terminal device 200.

  The image to be transmitted at this time may be an image on which specific image processing has been performed, such as a reduced image, as long as composition and expression can be confirmed. Of course, the image may be a perfect duplicate, but tag information indicating which is the original may be added. Also, tag information indicating that the result is self-timer imaging may be added to the image file to be transmitted before transmission.

  As shown in FIG. 2C, the user 910 can confirm the image acquired by the imaging device 100 by the image displayed on the display unit of the terminal device 200. If the user 910 is not satisfied with the acquired image, the user 910 may transmit a re-imaging instruction to the imaging device 100 using the terminal device 200, and may cause the imaging device 100 to perform the imaging operation again. If there is an improvement in the composition, the user 910 goes to the imaging device 100, adjusts the direction and angle of view of the imaging device 100, and performs imaging again.

  At this time, the image stored in the recording medium 162 of the imaging apparatus 100 and the image copied and transmitted and recorded in the terminal storage device 256 in the terminal have a relationship between the original and the copy. Information to that effect may be added to each image data. Further, information to the effect that the image is obtained by self-timer shooting may be added to the image as additional information. Also, based on the date and time acquired by the clock function of the control unit 110, each information such as shooting operation, trigger operation, actual shooting thereafter, transmission time, etc. may be recorded in each image file. Good. This facilitates the search for the original and the transmission copy image, and may simplify sharing for many subjects.

  In the imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment, communication between the imaging device 100 and the terminal device 200 is not normally performed in order to reduce power consumption. On the other hand, after photographing by the self-timer, communication between the imaging device 100 and the terminal device 200 is performed. Here, the setting of communication between the imaging apparatus 100 and the terminal device 200 is performed, and the communication is established after the release switch is turned on and the waiting time until the imaging operation is performed. While the user 910 moves to pose as a subject. As described above, in the present embodiment, the imaging apparatus 100 detects an operation of turning on the release switch of the self-timer, which is to transmit the image information to the terminal apparatus 200 as the external device, as the trigger operation. The imaging device 100 starts communication with the terminal device 200 when the trigger operation is detected.

<Configuration of Imaging System>
A configuration example of the imaging device 100 and the terminal device 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, a configuration example of the imaging device 100 will be described. The imaging apparatus 100 includes a control unit 110 that controls the operation of each unit of the imaging apparatus 100, an imaging unit 120, an image processing circuit 140, an input device 152, a display device 154, a storage device 156, and a medium interface (I / F) 160, a communication device 170, and a bus line 190. Each unit of the imaging device 100 is connected via a bus line 190.

  The imaging unit 120 functions as an information acquisition unit. The imaging unit 120 includes an imaging optical system 122 and an imaging element 124. The imaging optical system 122 includes, for example, optical elements such as a lens and an aperture, and forms an object image on an imaging surface of the imaging element 124. Each optical element of the imaging optical system 122 can be driven by a drive unit (not shown). The imaging element 124 captures a subject image incident through the imaging optical system 122, and generates an image signal based on the subject image.

  The image processing circuit 140 acquires an image signal generated by the imaging element 124 via the bus line 190. The image processing circuit 140 performs various image processing on the acquired image. The image processing circuit 140 creates, for example, a live view image, creates an image to be recorded, and creates an image to be transmitted to the terminal device 200. In addition, the image processing circuit 140 performs resizing of the image and the like as needed.

  The input device 152 is a part for obtaining an instruction from the user 910. The input device 152 includes, for example, a release switch, a dial for selecting a mode, a button switch for performing various adjustments, a cross key, a touch panel, and the like. The input information acquired by the input device 152 is transmitted to, for example, the control unit 110 via the bus line 190.

  The display device 154 is a part that displays various images. The display device 154 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display device 154 displays, for example, a live view image, displays various settings of the imaging device 100, and displays a reproduced image.

  The storage device 156 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory. The storage device 156 stores, for example, various information such as programs, tables, and parameters necessary for the operation of the control unit 110.

  The medium I / F 160 is a connection interface between the recording medium 162 provided detachably to the imaging apparatus 100 and the imaging apparatus 100. For example, an image acquired by the imaging apparatus 100 and processed by the image processing circuit 140 is recorded on the recording medium 162 via the bus line 190 and the medium I / F 160.

  The communication device 170 is a device necessary to communicate with devices outside the imaging device 100. The imaging device 100 communicates with the terminal device 200 via the communication device 170. In the present embodiment, as communication by the communication device 170, for example, a communication method that is high speed but consumes a large amount of power, such as communication using Wi-Fi (registered trademark), is assumed. Further, in the connection by Wi-Fi, the imaging device 100 functions as an access point (AP). Although the case of performing communication in the infrastructure mode is described as an example for communication using Wi-Fi in the description of the present embodiment, communication may be performed in the ad hoc mode.

  The control unit 110 controls the operation of each unit of the imaging device 100. The control unit 110 includes a communication control circuit 112, an imaging control circuit 114, a display control circuit 116, and a recording control circuit 118. The communication control circuit 112 controls communication via the communication device 170. The imaging control circuit 114 controls the operation of the imaging unit 120 related to imaging. The imaging control circuit 114 performs, for example, control relating to exposure, control relating to the operation of the imaging element 124, setting of image processing parameters by the image processing circuit 140, and the like. The display control circuit 116 performs control relating to the display of an image on the display device 154.

  The recording control circuit 118 controls recording of image data and the like on the recording medium 162, for example. Further, the recording control circuit 118 records and deletes various related information and auxiliary information as well as the image data. The recording control circuit 118 selects and discards related information and auxiliary information to be recorded together with the image data. Various measures such as security measures, copyright measures, and measures for facilitating image file handling can be implemented by adding and deleting related information and the like. Communication optimization may be realized by resizing of an image by the image processing circuit 140 and addition and deletion of related information by the recording control circuit 118.

  The communication control circuit 112, the imaging control circuit 114, the display control circuit 116, various circuits such as the recording control circuit 118, and the image processing circuit 140 included in the control unit 110 may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or an application specific integrated circuit (CPU). ASIC) or Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or the like. Each of these circuits may be configured by one integrated circuit or the like, or may be configured by combining a plurality of integrated circuits or the like. Further, among the circuits, the functions of a plurality of circuits may be realized by one integrated circuit or the like. The operation of each circuit is performed, for example, according to a program recorded in the storage device 156 or a recording area in each circuit.

  Next, a configuration example of the terminal device 200 will be described. The terminal device 200 includes a terminal control unit 210 that controls the operation of each unit of the terminal device 200, a terminal input device 252, a terminal display device 254, a terminal storage device 256, a terminal communication device 270, and a bus line 290. Prepare. Each part of the terminal device 200 is connected via a bus line 290.

  The terminal input device 252 is a part for obtaining an instruction from the user 910. The terminal input device 252 includes, for example, a touch panel, a button switch, and the like. The input information acquired by the terminal input device 252 is transmitted to, for example, the terminal control unit 210 via the bus line 290. The terminal display device 254 is a part that displays various images. The terminal display device 254 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The terminal storage device 256 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory. The terminal storage device 256 stores, for example, various information such as programs, tables, and parameters necessary for the operation of the terminal control unit 210.

  The terminal communication device 270 is a device necessary to communicate with an external device of the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 communicates with the imaging device 100 via the terminal communication device 270. In the present embodiment, communication by the terminal communication device 270 is assumed to be communication using, for example, Wi-Fi. Further, in connection by Wi-Fi, the terminal device 200 connects to the imaging device 100 functioning as an access point.

  The terminal control unit 210 controls the operation of each unit of the terminal device 200. The terminal control unit 210 includes a communication control circuit 212, a display control circuit 216, and a recording control circuit 218. The communication control circuit 212 controls communication via the terminal communication device 270. The display control circuit 216 performs control relating to display of an image on the terminal display device 254. The recording control circuit 218 controls recording of various data and the like in the terminal storage device 256, for example.

  Various circuits such as the communication control circuit 212, the display control circuit 216, and the recording control circuit 218 included in the terminal control unit 210 may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). And so on. Each of these circuits may be configured by one integrated circuit or the like, or may be configured by combining a plurality of integrated circuits or the like. Further, among the circuits, the functions of a plurality of circuits may be realized by one integrated circuit or the like. The operation of each circuit is performed, for example, in accordance with a program stored in the terminal storage device 256 or a recording area in each circuit.

<Operation of Imaging Device>
The operation of the imaging device 100 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 shows a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 110.

  In step S101, the control unit 110 determines whether the shooting mode is selected. The shooting mode is a mode in which an image based on a subject image is acquired by the imaging device 100. If the shooting mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S102.

  In step S102, the control unit 110 executes reproduction / image transmission processing. The reproduction / image transmission process reproduces an image recorded in the recording medium 162 of the imaging device 100 and displays the image on the display device 154 or transmits an image recorded in the recording medium 162 to the terminal device 200 or the like. Processing. The reproduction and image transmission processing will be described later. After the reproduction and image transmission process, the process returns to step S101.

  If it is determined in step S101 that the shooting mode is set, the process proceeds to step S103. In step S103, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the external device connection mode is in effect. The external device connection mode is a mode in which communication is performed with the terminal device 200, such as a smartphone. In the external device connection mode, the user can control the imaging device 100 using the terminal device 200. Further, in the external device connection mode, the user can confirm the image acquired by the imaging device 100 using the terminal device 200. If it is determined that the mode is the external device connection mode, the process proceeds to step S104.

  In step S104, the control unit 110 performs external device connection mode processing. The external device connection mode process will be described later. After the external device connection mode process, the process returns to step S101.

  If it is determined in step S103 that the external device connection mode is not set, the process proceeds to step S105. In step S105, the control unit 110 causes the imaging unit 120 to capture an image of a subject. In step S106, the control unit 110 causes the image processing circuit 140 to perform image processing for live view on the acquired image, and causes the display device 154 to display a live view image.

  In step S107, the control unit 110 determines whether the setting change has been made. The setting change is performed by, for example, input using the menu button of the input device 152 or the touch panel. If the setting change has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S109. On the other hand, when the setting change is performed, the process proceeds to step S108.

  In step S108, the control unit 110 changes the setting based on the input. The setting change performed here is, for example, various settings relating to the operation of the imaging device 100, such as settings relating to exposure correction, settings relating to auto focus, settings relating to image processing, and the like. After the setting change, the process proceeds to step S109.

  In step S109, the control unit 110 determines whether a release operation has been performed. When the release operation is not performed, the process returns to step S105. On the other hand, when the release operation is performed, the process proceeds to step S110. The recording control circuit 118 may be configured to be able to write the timing at which the release operation has been performed, the time of day, or the like in the image file as the related information.

  In step S110, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the self-timer mode is in effect. If it is not in the self-timer mode, the process proceeds to step S111. In step S111, the control unit 110 causes the imaging unit 120 to perform an imaging operation to acquire an image. The control unit 110 causes the image processing circuit 140 to perform necessary image processing on the obtained image, and causes the recording medium 162 to record the image after the image processing. Further, the control unit 110 causes the image processing circuit 140 to perform necessary image processing on the obtained image, and causes the display device 154 to display the image as a rec view image. Thereafter, the process returns to step S101.

  If it is determined in step S110 that the self-timer mode is set, the process proceeds to step S112. At step S112, control unit 110 performs a self-timer photographing process. The self-timer photographing process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S201, the control unit 110 starts communication with the terminal device 200. The communication performed here is assumed to be, for example, a communication method that is high speed but consumes a large amount of power, such as communication using Wi-Fi. Further, in the connection by Wi-Fi, the imaging device 100 functions as an access point (AP). In step S201, the control unit 110 causes the communication device 170 to start wireless communication so that the imaging device 100 functions as an access point, and performs processing such as authentication required to establish communication with the terminal device 200.

  In step S202, the control unit 110 determines whether or not a predetermined state in which an imaging operation is performed is reached. Here, the predetermined state is, for example, a state where a predetermined time has elapsed since the release switch was pressed. Further, the predetermined state may be, for example, a state in which a person as a subject is increased, or a state in which a person as a subject is smiling. Each is in a state suitable for acquiring a group photo. In the present embodiment, the self-timer function refers to shooting when such a predetermined state is reached, including those released after a specific time in consideration of whether preparation for taking a picture after specific time will be completed. Shall refer to the function to be performed. If not, the process repeats step S202 and stands by. On the other hand, when it is in the predetermined state, the process proceeds to step S203.

  As described above, in an apparatus that requires a specific time for establishing communication, the self-timer is used when considering that the time required for establishing this communication is mixed in with the time when other operations are being performed. It is considered that the waiting time is effective as the time when another operation is performed. Here, the time required to establish communication often varies depending on the communication environment. Therefore, it is important for rapid information communication to perform communication preparation in consideration of the average time required to establish communication and the specific communication establishment time in consideration of the communication environment. Also, to establish communication here, the time required for data or files to be sent after the communication is started, such as launching of required applications, establishing of pairing, channel selection, etc. The various operations required may be included.

  In step S203, the control unit 110 causes the imaging unit 120 to perform an imaging operation. The control unit 110 causes the image processing circuit 140 to perform necessary image processing on the obtained image, and causes the recording medium 162 to record the image after the image processing.

  Also, when recording an image on the recording medium 162, the recording control circuit 118 of the control unit 110 is information such as the timing at which imaging was performed, the effect of self-timer imaging, and a tag indicating that it is original data. May be recorded together. These pieces of information can be used as information or the like for searching or specifying original data. In addition, such information can be used effectively when distributing an image.

  In step S204, the control unit 110 determines whether communication with the terminal device 200 has been established. If communication has not been established, the process proceeds to step S207. On the other hand, when communication is established, the process proceeds to step S205.

  In step S205, the control unit 110 determines whether or not a camera application for displaying a captured image or the like has been activated in the terminal device 200. If not activated, the process proceeds to step S207. On the other hand, when it is determined that the camera application is activated, the process proceeds to step S206.

  In step S206, the control unit 110 causes the image processing circuit 140 to perform necessary image processing on the image obtained by imaging, and creates a confirmation image. Control unit 110 transmits the created confirmation image to terminal device 200. The transmitted confirmation image is displayed on the terminal device 200. The user can use the terminal device to look at the confirmation image and determine whether the image obtained by imaging is appropriate. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S208.

  The process proceeds to step S207 when communication between the imaging device 100 and the terminal device 200 is not established or when an application is not activated in the terminal device 200. In step S <b> 207, the control unit 110 transmits the confirmation image to the terminal device 200 by a method other than the method such as Wi-Fi between the imaging device 100 and the terminal device 200, for example.

  For example, when the terminal device 200 is connected to a Wi-Fi router, the imaging device 100 connects to the router, and the imaging device 100 transmits a confirmation image to the terminal device 200 via the router. Further, for example, if the terminal device 200 can download an image from a server via the Internet, the imaging device 100 may upload a confirmation image to the server.

  A router to which the terminal device 200 may be connected or a server to which the terminal device 200 can download may be registered in the imaging device 100 in advance. Also, when the imaging apparatus 100 and the terminal device 200 are connected using another communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), for example, the information of such a router or server uses the Bluetooth etc. It may be transmitted from the device 200 to the imaging device 100.

  When the imaging apparatus 100 and the terminal device 200 are connected using another communication method such as Bluetooth, for example, the confirmation image may be transmitted using the communication method. For example, when Bluetooth is used, the verification image is adjusted so that the file size becomes smaller, for example, a black-and-white photograph from which color information has been deleted, an image whose resolution has been lowered, etc. It may be a captured image. For confirmation of the obtained image, there is often no problem even if the image quality is low. After the transmission of the confirmation image, the process proceeds to step S208.

  In step S208, the control unit 110 controls the communication end operation for ending the communication such as Wi-Fi started in step S201. Thus, the self-timer imaging process ends. Since the communication is disconnected after transmission of the confirmation image, power consumption is suppressed. The communication may be cut off after the transmission of the confirmation image, for example, at the time of canceling the self-timer mode.

In addition, after the user confirms the imaging result with the confirmation image, the communication may be continued in consideration of the transmission of the live image and the prompt transmission of the recaptured image so that the user can cope with the case where he / she wants to recapture. Good. That is, for example, when it is detected that the user does not like the confirmed image, the control unit 110 may sequentially acquire and transmit the imaging result. In this way, the user can correct the expression, the pose, and the standing position. Such images obtained one after another in real time are called live images. Acquisition, transmission, and reproduction of the live image may be performed at the time of retry. Here, an example is shown in which the live image is transmitted after the still image photographing, but of course, the live image may be photographed and transmitted before the still image photographing. In addition, all of the live images may be recorded.
In this case, the imaging device 100 may be configured to start again from the process of step S202, for example, when receiving an instruction for reshooting (reshooting) from the terminal device 200.

  Next, the external device connection mode process performed in step S104 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In step S301, the control unit 110 starts communication with the terminal device 200. The communication performed here is assumed to be, for example, communication using Wi-Fi. In addition, the imaging device 100 functions as an access point in connection by Wi-Fi. In step S201, the control unit 110 causes the communication device 170 to start wireless communication so that the imaging device 100 functions as an access point, and performs processing such as authentication required to establish communication with the terminal device 200.

  In step S302, the control unit 110 determines whether communication has been established. When communication is not established, the process repeatedly waits for step S302. When the communication is established, the process proceeds to step S303.

  In step S <b> 303, the control unit 110 causes the imaging unit 120 to capture an object and start obtaining an image. In step S304, the control unit 110 causes the image processing circuit 140 to perform image processing for live view on the acquired image, and transmits the obtained live view image to the terminal device 200. The control unit 110 may cause the display device 154 to display a live view image along with the transmission of the live view image.

  In step S305, the control unit 110 determines whether an instruction to change the setting has been received from the terminal device 200. If the setting change instruction has not been received, the process proceeds to step S307. On the other hand, when the setting change instruction is received, the process proceeds to step S306. In step S306, the control unit 110 changes the setting based on the received setting change instruction. The setting change performed here is, for example, various settings relating to the operation of the imaging device 100, such as settings relating to exposure correction, settings relating to auto focus, settings relating to image processing, and the like. After the setting change, the process proceeds to step S307.

  In step S307, control unit 110 determines whether or not a release instruction has been received from terminal device 200. If the release instruction has not been received, the process returns to step S303. On the other hand, when the release instruction is received, the process proceeds to step S308.

  In step S308, the control unit 110 causes the imaging unit 120 to perform an imaging operation to acquire an image. The control unit 110 causes the image processing circuit 140 to perform necessary image processing on the obtained image, and causes the recording medium 162 to record the image. The control unit 110 also causes the image processing circuit 140 to perform necessary image processing on the obtained image, and transmits the image to the terminal device 200.

  Further, when recording an image on the recording medium 162, the recording control circuit 118 of the control unit 110 indicates the timing at which the imaging was performed, the effect of the external device connection mode processing, and the original data. Information such as tags may be recorded together. These pieces of information may be used as information for searching or identifying original data. In addition, such information can be used effectively when distributing an image.

  Furthermore, at the time of image transmission, an image file of a transmission image may be created, and the image file may be transmitted. At this time, information indicating that the image is a copy image, information on timing concerning transmission, information for specifying an original image, or the like may be written in the image file of the image for transmission as auxiliary information of the image. By attaching the information to the image, the information can be effectively used when sharing the image on the Internet (at the time of image distribution) or when searching for the image. Such information may be exploited, for example, when finding the original image of the transmitted image found on the Internet. Also, based on the difference between the shooting time and the transmission time, it can be specified which is the original data. In addition, there is a risk of transmission data being disseminated, for example on the Internet. Therefore, the recording control circuit 118 may delete unnecessary information such as personal information.

  Thereafter, the external device connection mode process ends, and the process returns to step S104. It should be noted that the external device connection mode process may be terminated whenever an input to end the external device connection mode process is made via the input device 152 or the terminal device 200.

  Next, the reproduction / image transmission process performed in step S102 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S401, the control unit 110 determines whether an instruction to reproduce an image has been input. When an instruction to play back an image is input, the process proceeds to step S402.

  In step S402, the control unit 110 determines whether an image to be reproduced is selected. For example, a list of thumbnail images of the images recorded in the recording medium 162 is displayed on the display device 154, and the user selects an image from among these thumbnail images. When the image to be reproduced is not selected, the process returns to step S402 and stands by. When an image to be reproduced is selected, the process proceeds to step S403. In step S403, the control unit 110 causes the display device 154 to display the selected image. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S407.

  If it is determined in step S401 that the image reproduction instruction has not been input, the process proceeds to step S404. In step S404, the control unit 110 starts communication with the terminal device 200. In step S405, the control unit 110 determines whether communication with the terminal device 200 has been established. If communication has not been established, the process returns to step S405 and stands by. When the communication is established, the process proceeds to step S406. In step S406, the control unit 110 transmits the image requested from the terminal device 200 to the terminal device 200. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S407.

  The original image file corresponding to the image data to be transmitted may be written with auxiliary information such as the fact that the transmission image is created and transmitted based on the image, the timing of transmission, or the like. As described above, auxiliary information (related information) for searching or specifying original image data may be written in an image file or a management file. In addition, if information related to the terminal device 200 that has requested the image, information indicating the relationship of the image, tag information indicating which is the original, etc. are written in the original image file, such information is specified in the original image And can be used to organize multiple images.

  In step S407, the control unit 110 determines whether to end the reproduction / image transmission process. For example, when an instruction to end reproduction / image transmission processing is input, it is determined that the reproduction / image transmission processing is ended. If not, the process returns to step S401. On the other hand, when the process ends, the reproduction / image transmission process ends, and the process returns to step S102. It should be noted that the reproduction / image transmission process may be terminated whenever an input to end the reproduction / image transmission process is made via the input device 152 or the terminal device 200.

<Operation of terminal device>
The operation of the terminal device 200 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In step S501, the terminal control unit 210 causes the terminal display device 254 to display a mode selection screen. Here, the mode selection screen is, for example, a main screen on which a list of icons representing the functions of the terminal device 200 is displayed. An example of the outline of the mode selection screen is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the terminal display device 254 includes an e-mail icon 412 for activating an application related to transmission and reception of E-mail which is a function of the terminal device 200 and a telephone icon for activating an application related to a telephone function. Along with the icons for other functions 413, an external camera icon 411 for activating a camera application for realizing a camera mode function in cooperation with the imaging apparatus 100 is displayed. When the user touches an icon relating to a desired function, the touch panel of the terminal input device 252 detects this touch. Thus, various functions are selected.

  In step S502, the terminal control unit 210 determines whether the camera mode is selected. Here, the camera mode is a mode that communicates with the imaging device 100 and performs various functions in cooperation with the imaging device 100. If the camera mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S503. In step S503, the terminal control unit 210 performs various processes so that the terminal device 200 operates in the selected mode other than the camera mode. The description of the process performed here is omitted. After these processes, the process returns to step S501.

  If it is determined in step S502 that the camera mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S504. In step S504, the terminal control unit 210 activates a camera application necessary to perform various functions in cooperation with the imaging apparatus 100. When the camera application is activated, an image as schematically shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the terminal display device 254, for example.

  In step S505, the terminal control unit 210 determines whether a camera to be linked is designated. If not specified, the process proceeds to step S506. In step S506, the terminal control unit 210 designates a camera to cooperate with, and records the designated result in the terminal storage device 256. For example, the imaging device 100 is recorded as a cooperative camera. Thereafter, the process returns to step S505. The designation of the linked camera can also be performed by the user selecting the communication setting icon 421 as shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S505 that a camera is designated, the process proceeds to step S507. In step S507, the terminal control unit 210 starts communication with the designated camera. For example, when the imaging device 100 is designated, communication with the imaging device 100 is started. In the processing of the imaging device 100, for example, the operation of step S201 described with reference to FIG. 4, the operation of step S301 described with reference to FIG. 5, or the operation of step S404 described with reference to FIG. Are connected by, for example, Wi-Fi.

  In step S508, the terminal control unit 210 determines whether communication has been established. If it is determined that communication has not been established, the process proceeds to step S509. In step S509, the terminal control unit 210 gives a warning that communication can not be established. For example, a warning that communication can not be established is displayed on the terminal display device 254. Thereafter, the process returns to step S501.

  If it is determined in step S508 that communication has been established, the process proceeds to step S510. In step S510, the terminal control unit 210 performs camera application processing. Camera application processing will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In step S601, the terminal control unit 210 determines whether it is in the self-timer mode. If it is the self-timer mode, the process proceeds to step S602. That is, when the imaging device 100 is performing the self-timer imaging process described with reference to FIG. 4, the terminal device 200 performs a process corresponding thereto. The process related to the self-timer mode may be configured to be started based on the information received from the imaging device 100. Further, the process related to the self-timer mode may be configured to be started by selecting the self-timer cooperation icon 424 as shown in FIG.

  In step S602, the terminal control unit 210 determines whether a confirmation image has been received from the imaging device 100. If a confirmation image has not been received, the process returns to step S602, and waits until a confirmation image is received. When the confirmation image is received, the process proceeds to step S603.

  In step S603, the terminal control unit 210 causes the terminal display device 254 to display a confirmation image.

  At this time, the image file of the confirmation image may be recorded in the terminal storage device 256. In such a case, the recording control circuit 218 of the terminal control unit 210 may also record information such as the timing at which the image file is received together with the image file. Further, the recording control circuit 218 may record tag information indicating that the self-timer photographing is to be performed or that the image data is an original or a copy. These pieces of information are used as information for searching or specifying an original image, or information for confirming the relationship between a plurality of images (parent-child relationship etc.) when the image is placed on the Internet It can be used effectively as it is used as an image distribution system or as an image distribution system. For example, when viewing on a small screen, a reduced copy image may be used, and when printing is desired, an original image is preferable. The user may search and acquire necessary images as needed. Thus, it is convenient if the relationship between the original and the copy, etc. is associated with each file as related information. In particular, since many subjects have their needs at the time of self-timer shooting, etc., such related information is effective when it is required to respond finely to such needs. In addition, by specifying the original image, it is also possible to improve the reliability and originality of the data.

  As described above, when the transmission and reception of the photographed image is performed, the timing of the photographing, the timing of the transmission and the reception, and the like become the user action log, and these logs facilitate image management and image utilization. Further, in the case of self-timer photographing and photographing in which time delay is assumed, the relationship between the timing at which the operation is performed and the photographing timing is also important information. Such a relationship may also be recorded in association with the image.

  For example, the terminal control unit 210 of the terminal device 200 has a clock function capable of outputting time information. When the terminal device 200 has a connection to a line of a mobile phone or a hot spot, and further has GPS information etc., even if only the terminal device 200 side has the information on the shooting location and the accurate date and time information etc. is there. In such a case, information on the shooting location, accurate date and time information, etc. may be associated with the received image, or the information on the shooting location and accurate date and time information are transmitted to the imaging device 100 that is the image transmission source. It may be done. As described above, the recording control circuit 118 of the imaging device 100 acquires the data acquired from the terminal device 200 as related information of the transmitted image in order to correct, for example, the clock information of the control unit 110 of the imaging device 100. You may add it.

  The above-described operation improves the searchability of images. In particular, the terminal device 200 can receive various radio waves and have accurate position and time information. If such information can be used as the related information of the photographed image, it becomes possible to search for an image at an accurate position or time. In addition, it is possible to cope with the case where the time is different at the destination.

  In particular, in a group photo acquired by a self-timer or the like, an image is often shared. In order to prevent personal information and the like associated with the image data from being diffused by sharing the image data, when transmitting, information unnecessary for the recording control circuit 118 of the imaging device 100 according to the contents set in advance. The image may be sent after deleting it. Also in the terminal device 200 on the receiving side, unnecessary personal information is not easy to process, so the related information may be deleted from the received file before recording and displaying.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, a confirmation image is displayed in the display area 431. Thereafter, the process returns to step S601. After the confirmation image is displayed for a certain period, it may be switched to another screen such as a menu screen, or it may be switched to another screen by an operation by the user such as touching back icon 433 as shown in FIG. Good. Alternatively, the user may be configured to perform re-shooting by touching the retry icon 432 as shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S601 that the self-timer mode is not set, the process proceeds to step S604. In step S604, the terminal control unit 210 determines whether or not the external device connection mode is in effect. When in the external device connection mode, the process proceeds to step S605. That is, when the imaging device 100 is performing the external device connection mode process described with reference to FIG. 5, the terminal device 200 performs a process corresponding thereto.

  In step S605, the terminal control unit 210 determines whether a live view image has been received from the imaging device 100. The live view image received here is the image transmitted in step S304 of the external device connection mode process. If a live view image has not been received, the process proceeds to step S 607. On the other hand, when the live view image is received, the process proceeds to step S606. In step S606, the terminal control unit 210 causes the terminal display device 254 to display the received live view image. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S607.

  In step S 607, the terminal control unit 210 determines whether an operation related to the operation of the imaging device 100 or an operation for changing the setting of the imaging device 100 has been performed via the terminal input device 252. If an operation or the like has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S609. On the other hand, when an operation or the like is performed, the process proceeds to step S608. The operation for setting change may be configured to be started by selecting a setting icon 423 as shown in FIG. 9, for example. In addition, an operation relating to imaging may be performed, for example, by selecting an imaging icon 422 as shown in FIG. 9.

  In step S <b> 608, the terminal control unit 210 transmits, via the terminal communication device 270, information related to an operation related to the operation of the imaging device 100 performed via the terminal input device 252 or an operation for changing the setting of the imaging device 100. To the imaging device 100. The transmitted information is received by the imaging apparatus 100 and reflected as a setting change performed in step S306 of the external device connection mode process, or recognized in step S307 as a trigger of the imaging operation performed in step S308. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S609.

  In step S609, the terminal control unit 210 determines whether a captured image has been received. The photographed image received here is an image transmitted in step S308 of the external device connection mode process. If it is determined that the photographed image has not been received, the process returns to step S601. On the other hand, when it is determined that the captured image has been received, the process proceeds to step S610. In step S610, the terminal control unit 210 causes the terminal display device 254 to display the received captured image. Thereafter, the process returns to step S601.

  As described above, in the case where the terminal device 200 has a connection to a line of a mobile phone or a hot spot, and further has GPS information etc., the terminal among the terminal device 200 and the imaging device 100 where transmission and reception of photographed images are performed In some cases, only the device 200 has information on the shooting location, accurate date and time information, and the like. The terminal device 200 may record such information in association with the transmitted image, or may return the information to the imaging device 100 that is the transmission source of the image. Correction of clock information of the imaging device 100 may be performed based on such time information and the like. Therefore, the imaging device 100 may additionally append the data acquired from the terminal device 200 as related information of the transmitted image to the image data included in the imaging device 100. However, when personal information is included in the received information when communicating with another person's device, the personal information may not be spread. Therefore, the transmission operation may be performed after the recording control circuit 218 of the terminal device 200 deletes unnecessary information according to the contents set in advance. The recording control circuit 118 of the control unit 110 may also perform control to delete unnecessary personal information from the auxiliary information of the received file and to record or display it. The same applies to the information transmitted from the terminal device 200 to the imaging device 100 and to the information transmitted from the imaging device 100 to the terminal device 200.

  If it is determined in step S604 that the external device connection mode is not set, the process proceeds to step S611. In step S611, the terminal control unit 210 determines whether it is in the reproduction mode. When in the reproduction mode, the process proceeds to step S612. That is, when the imaging device 100 is performing the reproduction / image transmission process described with reference to FIG. 6, the terminal device 200 performs a process corresponding thereto. The start of the reproduction mode may be performed, for example, by selecting a reproduction icon 425 as shown in FIG.

  In step S612, the terminal control unit 210 determines whether an image has been received. The image received here is an image transmitted in step S406 of the reproduction / image transmission process. If it is determined that an image has not been received, the process returns to step S612 and stands by until an image is received. On the other hand, when it is determined that the image is received, the process proceeds to step S613. In step S613, the terminal control unit 210 causes the terminal display device 254 to display the received captured image. Thereafter, the process returns to step S601.

  As described above, in the case where the terminal device 200 has a connection to a line of a mobile phone or a hot spot, and further has GPS information etc., the terminal among the terminal device 200 and the imaging device 100 where transmission and reception of photographed images are performed In some cases, only the device 200 has information on the shooting location, accurate date and time information, and the like. The terminal device 200 may record such information in association with the transmitted image, or may return the information to the imaging device 100 that is the transmission source of the image. Correction of clock information of the imaging device 100 may be performed based on such time information and the like. Therefore, the imaging device 100 may additionally append the data acquired from the terminal device 200 as related information of the transmitted image to the image data included in the imaging device 100. However, when personal information is included in the received information when communicating with another person's device, the personal information may not be spread. Therefore, the transmission operation may be performed after the recording control circuit 218 of the terminal device 200 deletes unnecessary information according to the contents set in advance. The recording control circuit 118 of the control unit 110 may also perform control to delete unnecessary personal information from the auxiliary information of the received file and to record or display it. The same applies to the information transmitted from the terminal device 200 to the imaging device 100 and to the information transmitted from the imaging device 100 to the terminal device 200.

  If the reproduction mode is not selected in step S611, the process proceeds to step S614. In step S614, the terminal control unit 210 determines whether an operation to end the camera application process has been performed. An operation to end the camera application process may be performed, for example, by selecting a back icon 426 as shown in FIG. If an operation to end the camera application process has not been performed, the process returns to step S601. On the other hand, when an operation to end the camera application processing is performed, the camera application processing is ended.

  According to the present embodiment, communication between the imaging device 100 and the terminal device 200 may be established without the user feeling stress while suppressing power consumption. That is, in photographing by the self-timer, the user often wants to confirm an image obtained at a place away from the imaging apparatus 100 after photographing. On the other hand, communication between the imaging apparatus 100 and the terminal device 200 by Wi-Fi, for example, requires high power consumption, and it is desirable to disconnect the communication when unnecessary. Also, in order to establish communication between the imaging device 100 and the terminal device 200, it takes a certain amount of time. The time required to establish this communication is, for example, about 10 seconds. And the standby time in the self-timer is also about 10 seconds. Therefore, in the imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment, the communication between the imaging device 100 and the terminal device 200, which are normally disconnected for power saving, is waited in the self-timer when shooting is performed by the self-timer. Establish using time. With such a configuration, power saving can be realized by disconnecting the communication normally, and the communication connection can be established for the user without the need for waiting time when necessary.

  As described above, when the imaging device 100 according to the present embodiment detects a trigger operation to transmit an image to the terminal device 200 later, the imaging device 100 starts communication, and when communication is established, the image is transmitted to the terminal device 200. Send to Here, as the trigger operation, the time when the release switch is turned on in the self-timer mode is described as an example, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, communication may be started when the self-timer mode is selected and the self-timer mode is selected. Moreover, not only the self-timer but, for example, the external device connection mode processing in which the remote control operation of the imaging device 100 by the terminal device 200 is performed is selected as the trigger operation, and the external device connection mode processing is selected May be started. In addition, after the retouching or the like is performed on the captured image by the imaging device 100, the edited image may be transmitted to the terminal device 200. Therefore, when the function such as retouching is activated and the function such as retouching is selected, communication may be started. In addition, detection of various situations where it may be required to transmit an image to the terminal device 200 later may be detection of trigger operation.

  Here, the technique of preparing for communication before acquiring information so that the acquired information can be confirmed immediately after acquisition has been described using the example of self-timer imaging in an easy-to-understand manner. However, it is natural that it is not restricted to this. For example, not only shooting of a still image but also shooting of a moving image may be performed. Further, the present technology can be used not only for imaging but also for recording. For example, when the present invention is applied to a self-recording application where recording starts after a predetermined time when the user moves away from the instrument or the stage, all the parts described above as images may be reworded as sound. Also, not only Wi-Fi communication but also Bluetooth communication may be performed. Also, in the application of shooting after a specific time, for example, when taking a flight by flying a drone to a destination, establishment of communication is started in consideration of the time until the specific destination is reached. The technology according to the present embodiment can be applied to applications. In this case, there may also be the concept of "self". That is, you may assume the use which photographs oneself from the sky. Of course, it is necessary to move to observe and photograph an object far away, and communication may be attempted by effectively utilizing this movement time.

Second Embodiment
The second embodiment will be described. Here, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the same parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted. In the second embodiment, the imaging device 100 and the terminal device 200 communicate using two types of methods. That is, a first communication such as Wi-Fi and a second communication such as Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy are used. Although the description is omitted here for the addition of the auxiliary information to the image file, etc., the technology described in the first embodiment may be applied to the present embodiment.

  In the second communication, power consumption is relatively small, and power consumption is small even when the imaging device 100 and the terminal device 200 are always connected. Therefore, it is assumed that the second communication is configured to be always connected once it is set. However, the second communication has a relatively slow communication speed, and is not suitable for the communication of data having a large file size, such as an image. On the other hand, the first communication has relatively high power consumption but relatively high communication speed. In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the first communication such as Wi-Fi is performed only when necessary, and otherwise the first communication is disconnected. In the present embodiment, the second communication is always connected, and the second communication is used to exchange information necessary for setting the first communication and the like.

  An outline of a configuration example of an imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment is shown in FIG. As shown in this figure, the imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is different from the communication apparatus 170 according to the first embodiment in that the first communication apparatus 171 for performing the first communication, and the second communication apparatus 171. And a second communication device 172 for communicating. Similarly, instead of the terminal communication device 270 according to the first embodiment, the terminal device 200 performs a second communication with a first terminal communication device 271 for performing a first communication. Terminal communication device 272 of FIG. The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  The self-timer imaging process performed by the imaging apparatus 100 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S701, the control unit 110 determines whether the second communication is established. If the second communication has not been established, the process proceeds to step S704. On the other hand, when the second communication is established, the process proceeds to step S702.

  In step S702, the control unit 110 transmits setting information of the first communication to the terminal device 200 using the second communication. In step S703, the control unit 110 transmits an instruction to activate the camera application to the terminal device 200 using the second communication. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S704.

  The operations of steps S704 to S711 are the same as steps S201 to S208 of the self-timer photographing process according to the first embodiment. That is, in step S704, control unit 110 starts the first communication with terminal device 200.

  In step S705, the control unit 110 determines whether or not a predetermined state in which an imaging operation is performed is reached. If not, the process repeats step S705 and waits. On the other hand, when it is in the predetermined state, the process proceeds to step S706. In step S706, the control unit 110 causes the imaging unit 120 to perform an imaging operation to acquire an image. The control unit 110 causes the image processing circuit 140 to perform necessary image processing on the obtained image, and causes the recording medium 162 to record the image.

  In step S 707, control unit 110 determines whether or not the first communication with terminal apparatus 200 has been established. If the first communication has not been established, the process proceeds to step S710. On the other hand, when the communication is established, the process proceeds to step S 708. In step S708, control unit 110 determines whether or not a camera application for displaying a captured image or the like has been activated in terminal device 200. If not activated, the process proceeds to step S710. On the other hand, when it is determined that the camera application is activated, the process proceeds to step S709.

  In step S709, the control unit 110 causes the image processing circuit 140 to perform necessary image processing on the image obtained by imaging, and creates a confirmation image. Control unit 110 transmits the created confirmation image to terminal device 200. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S711.

  The process proceeds to step S710 when communication between the imaging device 100 and the terminal device 200 is not established or when an application is not activated in the terminal device 200. In step S710, the control unit 110 transmits the confirmation image to the terminal device 200 by a method other than the first communication such as Wi-Fi. For example, the imaging device 100 may transmit the confirmation image to the terminal device 200 via the second communication. In addition, the imaging device 100 may transmit the confirmation image by the same method as that of the first embodiment. After the transmission of the confirmation image, the processing proceeds to step S711.

  In step S711, control unit 110 ends the first communication. Thus, the self-timer imaging process ends.

  The operation of the terminal device 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S801, the terminal control unit 210 determines whether communication setting information has been received from the imaging device 100. Here, the communication setting information is the information transmitted in step S702 of the self-timer photographing process. If the communication setting information has not been received, the process proceeds to step S802. In step S802, the terminal control unit 210 performs the same operation as the operation according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the process returns to step S801.

  If it is determined in step S801 that the communication setting information has been received, the process proceeds to step S803. In step S803, the terminal control unit 210 sets the first communication based on the received communication setting information, and starts communication with the imaging apparatus 100 by the first communication.

  In step S804, the terminal control unit 210 determines whether an application activation instruction has been received. Here, the application activation instruction is the information transmitted in step S703 of the self-timer imaging process. If the application activation instruction has not been received, the process returns to step S801. On the other hand, when the application activation instruction is received, the process proceeds to step S805.

  In step S805, the terminal control unit 210 activates the camera application based on the application activation instruction. When the camera application is activated, a menu screen of the camera application as shown in FIG. 9 may be displayed, or, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, a mode selection display which is a main screen as shown in FIG. The display 441 may be displayed to the effect that the cooperative operation related to the self timer (ST) is being performed. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S806.

  In step S806, the terminal control unit 210 determines whether the first communication with the imaging apparatus 100 has been established. When the first communication is established, the process proceeds to step S807.

  In step S807, the terminal control unit 210 performs the camera application process described with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the process returns to step S801.

  If it is determined in step S806 that the first communication has not been established, the process proceeds to step S808. In step S808, the terminal control unit 210 performs processing for presenting a warning to the effect that the first communication can not be established to the user. Thereafter, the process returns to step S801.

  According to the present embodiment, the imaging device 100 and the terminal device 200 always perform the second communication using a low power consumption scheme such as Bluetooth. By setting the first communication between the imaging apparatus 100 and the terminal device 200 by the second communication, the first communication is appropriately established only when necessary. As a result, power consumption by the first communication with relatively high power consumption can be suppressed. In addition, the first communication is surely performed when necessary.

  In addition, since the camera application in the terminal device 200 is activated by the second communication, execution of the necessary application is ensured even when the camera application is not activated in the terminal device 200.

  Among the techniques described in the above embodiments, the control mainly described in the flowchart can be realized using a program. This program can be stored in a recording medium or a recording unit. There are various methods of recording on the recording medium or the recording unit, and may be recorded at the time of product shipment, or the distributed recording medium may be used and recorded, and downloading via the Internet is used and recording It may be done.

  In addition, the function of the imaging device 100 in the above-described embodiment may be applied to an information portable terminal having an imaging function, such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The portable information terminal also includes a wearable terminal. Further, the imaging device 100 is not limited to a camera for consumer use and the like, and can be applied to a monitoring camera, a camera for a microscope, an industrial device for examination and the like, and an observation device for various medical treatments. The terminal device 200 may also be applied to various terminals, including wearable terminals.

  When the imaging apparatus 100 is, for example, a surveillance camera, it may be assumed that wireless communication with an external device is started when there is a change in an image, for example, when a person enters the imaging range of the surveillance camera. . Further, when the imaging device 100 is, for example, a camera for a microscope, the following operation is assumed, for example. That is, for example, in the case of time-lapse setting where shooting is performed every one hour, wireless communication is started in time with the timing of the shooting, and it is assumed that the communication is disconnected every time an image is transmitted to an external device. obtain. The wireless communication may be started immediately before, immediately after shooting, or between shooting and shooting. However, it is preferable that the image can be transmitted immediately after shooting. In addition, in the case of industrial equipment for examination, observation equipment for medical use, etc., in a scene where only observation is performed, a photographed image is displayed on a display etc. by wired communication, and image data is transmitted to an external device by a specific operation. It may be assumed that wireless communication is initiated when it is desired to do so. Thus, for example, when there is a change in the image, at a predetermined time related to the timing of photographing in the time lapse setting, or when a specific operation to transmit image data to an external device is performed, the trigger operation is performed. It can mean when it took place. In any of the above cases, for example, when the power supply is a battery, these operations have the effect of lengthening the operation time by suppressing the power consumption. In addition, these operations are effective even when it is desired to shorten the period during which wireless communication is performed as much as possible, such as when wireless communication to be started causes crosstalk or noise.

  If the concept of this time-lapse is expanded, it can be effectively used in a scene where imaging is performed at specific time intervals, such as cell culture and growth records of animals and plants. Also in this case, it is not necessary to always enable communication, as it is only necessary to obtain an appropriate image at a specific timing. However, in the case of photographing a large number of images and viewing them collectively later, it is not necessary to establish a communication in advance for checking an image immediately as in the present invention. Also, the information transmitted and received here does not have to be an image. For example, it is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to any information that can be acquired by a sensor and converted into an electrical signal, such as temperature, voice, and changes thereof. The present invention can be effectively used for applications and needs where information acquisition is performed under specific conditions, such as a capsule endoscope and a robot for examination, and the information should be transmitted to the outside immediately.

  In addition, although Wi-Fi communication which consumes a large amount of power is taken as an example and described here, the amount of communication power and the like have balance with the battery capacity, and the size can not be generally discussed. That is, the above-described technology can be applied to communication via a cellular phone line and communication by Bluetooth, which can be considered for a portable information terminal. Communication by Wi-Fi may be performed via various networks along the way.

  In addition, the handling of image files mainly described based on transmission and reception of still images is not limited to files of still images as long as the information is recorded or transmitted, and moving image, voice, and other sensors It can be applied to various data such as information obtained in.

The above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention includes the following inventions.
An information acquisition unit for acquiring information;
A first communication device for performing a first communication with an external device;
When a trigger operation to transmit information from the information acquisition unit to the external device later is detected, preparation for establishment of the first communication with the external device by the first communication device is started. A control circuit for transmitting information based on the acquired information to the external device when the first communication is established, and controlling a communication operation including selection of an auxiliary signal for communication with the external device; Information acquisition device.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 imaging system, 100 ... imaging device, 110 ... control part, 112 ... communication control circuit, 114 ... imaging control circuit, 116 ... display control circuit, 118 ... recording control circuit, 120 ... imaging part, 122 ... imaging optical system, 124: imaging device, 140: image processing circuit, 152: input device, 154: display device, 156: storage device, 160: medium interface (I / F), 162: recording medium, 170: communication device, 171: first Communication device 172 second communication device 190 bus line 200 terminal device 210 terminal control unit 212 communication control circuit 216 display control circuit 218 recording control circuit 252 terminal input Device 254 terminal display device 256 terminal storage device 270 terminal communication device 271 first terminal communication device 272 second terminal communication device 2 0 ... bus line.

Claims (11)

An information acquisition unit for acquiring information;
A first communication device for performing a first communication with an external device;
When a trigger operation which is a release operation in which acquisition of the information becomes effective after a predetermined time is detected, establishment of a first communication with the external device by the first communication device is prepared during the predetermined time. A communication control circuit configured to control a communication operation of transmitting the information to the external device when the acquisition of the information is completed and the first communication is established.   The information according to claim 1, wherein the information transmitted when the first communication is established is information obtained from preparation of establishment of the first communication to establishment of the first communication. Information acquisition device.   The information acquisition device according to claim 1, wherein the communication control circuit controls a communication end operation for ending the first communication after the communication operation.   The information according to claim 1, wherein the information transmitted when the first communication is established is added with related information that can distinguish between the information before being transmitted and the information after being transmitted. Acquisition device.   The information acquisition device according to claim 1, wherein the first communication is by Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. And a second communication device for performing a second communication established with the external device regardless of the trigger operation.
The communication control circuit controls a communication setting operation for transmitting setting information related to the first communication to the external device by the second communication when the trigger operation is detected.
The information acquisition device according to claim 1. And a second communication device for performing a second communication established with the external device regardless of the trigger operation.
The communication control circuit controls an operation of transmitting information for activating the application to the external device to the external device through the second communication when the trigger operation is detected.
The information acquisition device according to claim 1. An information acquisition unit for acquiring information;
A first communication device for performing a first communication with the terminal device;
When a trigger operation which is a release operation in which acquisition of the information becomes effective after a predetermined time is detected, establishment of a first communication with the terminal device by the first communication device is prepared during the predetermined time. A communication control circuit configured to control a communication operation of transmitting the information to the terminal device when the acquisition of the information is completed and the first communication is established;
A first terminal communication device for performing a first communication to receive the information;
An information acquisition system comprising: a presentation device that presents the received information; and the terminal device. The information acquisition apparatus further includes a second communication apparatus that performs a second communication established with the terminal apparatus regardless of the trigger operation.
The communication control circuit controls an operation of transmitting information that causes the terminal device to start an application to the terminal device by the second communication when the trigger operation is detected.
The terminal device is
It further comprises a second terminal communication device for performing the second communication,
When the information for activating the application is received, the application is activated.
The information acquisition system according to claim 8 . It is a control method of an information acquisition device provided with an information acquisition part which acquires information, and a communication device which communicates with an external device,
Detecting a trigger operation which is a release operation for which acquisition of the information becomes effective after a predetermined time ;
Preparing the establishment of communication with the external device by the communication device during the predetermined time period when the trigger operation is detected;
Transmitting the information to the external device when the acquisition of the information is completed and the communication is established. An information acquisition apparatus comprising: an information acquisition unit that acquires information; and a communication device that communicates with an external device.
Detecting a trigger operation which is a release operation for which acquisition of the information becomes effective after a predetermined time ;
Preparing the establishment of communication with the external device by the communication device during the predetermined time period when the trigger operation is detected;
A program for causing the information to be transmitted to the external device when the acquisition of the information is completed and the communication is established.