JP6799855B2 - Image processing device, shooting method, and shooting control program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to an image processing device capable of taking a picture immediately after starting the image processing device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a shooting method capable of shooting immediately after the image processing device is started, and a shooting control program for executing the shooting method.

An image processing device typified by a digital camera, a digital video camera, or the like converts the acquired image information into a digital signal to create color image data of a still image or a moving image. An image processing device has been proposed in which a wireless communication means is mounted on such an image processing device, and an image taken by the image processing device is wirelessly transferred to a portable wireless communication device such as a smartphone or a mobile phone.

As wireless communication means mounted on such an image processing device, NFC (Near Field Communication), which is a short-range wireless communication technology with a communication distance of about 10 cm, and a long-range wireless communication technology of several meters to several tens of meters are used. A certain Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be mentioned.

As a wireless communication means, an image processing device equipped with Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark), which are telecommunications technologies, has been proposed. When the image processing device is remotely operated by the portable wireless communication device, the connection between the image processing device and the portable wireless communication device is performed by authentication / pairing before the portable wireless communication device is connected to the image processing device. Must be established and the procedure for that must be followed.

That is, in order to establish a connection between the image processing device and the portable wireless communication device, an encryption key, an encryption method, an authentication key, an authentication method, and an SSID ( Authentication / pairing must be performed using connection information such as Service Set Agent) and password.

Considering such background technology, in order to wirelessly transfer the image data taken by the image processing device to the portable wireless communication device, the power of the image processing device is first turned on and the connection between the portable wireless communication devices is established. After completing the connection between the image processing device and the portable wireless communication device after taking the steps to establish it, it is necessary to transfer the acquired image data from the image processing device to the portable wireless device.

By the way, an electronic file processing device that is applied to a digital camera and transfers desired information to a request source based on a transfer request transmitted wirelessly has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1). In such an electronic file processing device, the main power is turned on in response to a wirelessly transmitted start request, and the state information indicating the self-operating state is transferred to the requester based on the transfer request detected in the main power on state. File.

Further, it is provided with a first wireless communication means for performing short-range wireless communication and a second wireless communication means capable of wireless communication for a longer distance than the first wireless communication means, without bothering the user. A wireless communication device capable of performing wireless communication and suppressing power consumption has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 2). In this wireless communication device, since the NFC communication unit is not energized by default, there is no power consumption due to NFC communication until the NFC communication unit is activated.
However, such a wireless communication device must exchange wireless connection information used for authentication / pairing with a communication partner. The Patent Applicant presents the following patent documents as well-known inventions related to the present invention.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-050092 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-139917

However, in the electronic file processing device described in Patent Document 1, since the image processing device (camera) and the mobile terminal device are connected by using NFC, the image processing device (camera) and the mobile terminal device are connected. Since the distance needs to be close to, for example, less than 10 cm, there is a problem that it is difficult to start the image processing device (camera) from a distance exceeding 10 cm. Furthermore, in order to establish the Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection required when transmitting image data from the image processing device (camera) to the mobile terminal device, a procedure for authenticating the image processing device (camera) ID is required. ..

On the other hand, the wireless communication device described in Patent Document 2 is listed on the display provided in the portable wireless communication device in order to authenticate the device between the image processing device and the portable wireless device. It is necessary to select the camera ID of the desired camera from the device list (registered trademark) and perform device authentication. Further, when transmitting image data from the image processing device (camera) by the second wireless communication means to the mobile terminal device, procedures such as ID authentication and password authentication of Wi-Fi (registered trademark) wireless communication are required. ..

As described above, in any of the systems adopting the electronic file processing device described in Patent Document 1 and the wireless communication device described in Patent Document 2, the image processing device starts photographing, and finally the image processing device. It will take a considerable amount of time to establish the communication required to make the image data transferable to the portable wireless communication device.

That is, the electronic file processing device described in Patent Document 1 and the wireless communication device described in Patent Document 2 take several seconds to several tens of seconds to establish wireless communication between the image processing device and the portable wireless communication device. It has a problem that it takes time.

That is, when an object is photographed by using the electronic file processing device or the like described in Patent Document 1, the wireless communication between the wireless communication devices formed between the image processing device and the portable wireless communication device is performed. The object cannot be photographed for the time of several seconds to several tens of seconds required to establish it. The electronic file processing device and the like described in Patent Document 1 have a fundamental technical problem that an object cannot be photographed in a time of several seconds to several tens of seconds required for establishing wireless communication.

Even if the electronic file processing device or the like described in Patent Document 1 takes several seconds to several tens of seconds to establish wireless communication, the optimum moment for photographing an object is extremely limited. As a result, you will miss a photo opportunity. This is an important technical problem to be solved for the image processing apparatus. Further, in order to use the image processing device for security purposes such as crime prevention, there is a need to photograph an object (intruder or the like) immediately after the image processing device is activated.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is an image processing device capable of photographing an object immediately after starting the image processing device, and in particular, a time of several seconds to several tens of seconds required for establishing a wireless communication connection. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus capable of taking a picture.

As a result of diligent studies, the inventors of the present invention receive an activation request for activating the image processing device transmitted from the mobile wireless communication device, and cause the image processing device to start shooting in response to the activation request. Receives a connection request between the first wireless communication means for transmitting the activation trigger signal for the purpose, the imaging control means for photographing immediately after receiving the activation trigger signal, and the image processing device transmitted from the portable wireless communication device. By providing a second wireless communication means for transferring image data, after activating the image processing device, shooting can be performed even in the time of several seconds to several tens of seconds required to establish the wireless communication connection. We have found that we can do this, and have completed the present invention. Specifically, the present invention comprises the following technical matters.

(1) An image processing device that can take pictures immediately after startup.
First wireless communication that receives an activation request for activating the image processing device transmitted from the portable wireless communication device and transmits an activation trigger signal for activating the image processing device to start shooting in response to the activation request. Means and
A shooting control means for shooting immediately after receiving the activation trigger signal, and
An image processing device including a second wireless communication means for receiving a connection request with the image processing device transmitted from the portable wireless communication device and transferring image data.

(2) The image processing apparatus according to (1), wherein the image processing control means takes an image until the second wireless communication means receives the connection request or completes the connection.

(3) If the second wireless communication means does not receive the connection request after the shooting is started immediately after the image processing device is activated and before the predetermined time elapses, the shooting control means
The image processing apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein shooting by the image processing apparatus is stopped.

(4) The imaging control means is characterized in that, after receiving the activation trigger signal, the imaging control means includes a detecting means for determining whether or not the image processing device is in a state in which imaging is possible (1). (3) The image processing apparatus according to any one.

(5) The image processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the shooting control means includes a still image shooting mode and / or a moving image shooting mode.

(6) The image data is image data taken immediately after the shooting control means receives the activation trigger signal until the second wireless communication means receives the connection request or until the connection is completed. When,
The image processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the image processing device includes image data taken after the connection between the second wireless communication means and the portable wireless communication device is established.

(7) A shooting method executed by an image processing device that can shoot immediately after startup.
First wireless communication that receives an activation request for activating the image processing device transmitted from the portable wireless communication device and transmits an activation trigger signal for activating the image processing device to start shooting in response to the activation request. Steps and
A shooting control step for shooting immediately after receiving the activation trigger signal, and
A photographing method comprising: a second wireless communication step for receiving a connection request with the image processing device transmitted from the portable wireless communication device and transferring image data.

(8) For the processor of the image processing device that can take pictures immediately after startup
First wireless communication that receives an activation request for activating the image processing device transmitted from the portable wireless communication device and transmits an activation trigger signal for activating the image processing device to start shooting in response to the activation request. Steps and
A shooting control step for shooting immediately after receiving the activation trigger signal, and
A photographing control program for receiving a connection request with the image processing device transmitted from the portable wireless communication device and executing a second wireless communication step for transferring image data.

According to the present invention, an image processing device capable of photographing an object immediately after starting the image processing device can be created, and in particular, even in a time of several seconds to several tens of seconds required for establishing a wireless communication connection. An image processing device capable of photographing can be provided. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a shooting method capable of shooting even in a time of several seconds to several tens of seconds required for establishing a wireless communication connection, and a program for executing the method. ..

It is a block diagram which showed the structure of an image processing apparatus. It is the schematic which showed the structure of the image processing apparatus system which includes the image processing apparatus and the portable wireless communication apparatus. It is a block diagram which showed the structure with a portable wireless communication device. It is a figure which showed the communication operation between an image processing apparatus and a portable wireless communication device. It is a flowchart which showed the operation of an image processing apparatus.

Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Embodiment 1>
(Outline of image processing device 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the image processing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. The image processing device 1 may be an image processing device for still images for shooting a still image, an image processing device for moving images for shooting and recording a moving image, or an image processing device having both functions. There may be.

For example, the image processing device 1 is an image processing device for still images such as a digital camera, which is used for shooting a special event, is capable of high image quality and high-speed continuous shooting, and is excellent in ISO sensitivity and the like. May be good. Further, the image processing device 1 may be a moving image processing device such as a digital video camera that has excellent optical performance and can provide high image quality. Further, the image processing device 1 may be a lightweight and wearable camera that can be directly attached to the body. The image processing device 1 of the present invention can capture a still image or a moving image immediately after starting.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing device 1 includes a focus lens 10, an image sensor 12, a signal processing block 13, a memory 14, a lens driver 15, and a photographing control means 16 (camera CPU). The image of the subject photographed by the focus lens 10 is formed by irradiating the imaging surface of the image sensor 12 with an image, and becomes image data of the photographed subject. The image data of the subject is subjected to processing such as white balance processing, color conversion processing, and YUV format conversion by the signal processing block 13. The image data converted into the YUV format by these processes is recorded in the memory 14. The focus lens 10 is driven by the lens driver 15 to control the aperture amount and the exposure time.

The image data recorded in the memory 14 is subjected to image data compression processing via the shooting control means 16 (camera CPU). The compressed image data is recorded on the recording medium 17. The lens driver 15 controls the lens such as zooming (enlargement or reduction) and autofocus (automatic focusing) of the focus lens 10 according to an instruction from the photographing control means 16 (camera CPU). The LCD 18 (liquid crystal display) is a monitor screen. That is, the LCD 18 (liquid crystal display) displays the operating state of the image processing device 1 and displays the real-time live image captured by the image processing device 1. The brightness of the real-time live image is determined by the aperture amount and exposure time set by the lens driver 15 and the gain of the signal processing circuit 13.

The image processing device 1 includes an electric circuit 11 having a built-in battery B. The electric circuit 11 generates a plurality of DC voltages. The plurality of generated DC voltages are directly applied to each member constituting the image processing apparatus via a power switch (not shown).

Each member and each means included in the image processing device 1 is composed of hardware or software. When each means is composed of software, each means is executed by at least one processor (CPU or the like) included in the image processing device 1 executing a program indicating processing by each means. become.

(1st wireless communication means / 2nd wireless communication means)
The image processing device 1 includes a wireless communication means 19. The wireless communication means 19 may be composed of a plurality of wireless communication means. As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing device 1 includes a first wireless communication means 192 and a second wireless communication means 194.

In the image processing device 1 shown in FIG. 1, the first wireless communication means 192 activates the image processing device 1 transmitted from the portable wireless communication device 2 when the power of the image processing device 1 is off. It is an RF module for receiving a start request for. Further, after receiving the activation request, the first wireless communication means 192 transmits an activation trigger signal for causing the image processing device to start imaging in response to the activation request to the imaging control means 16 (camera CPU). RF module for. The first wireless communication means 192 included in the image processing device 1 of the present invention not only receives the activation request, but also activates the image processing device 1 and starts shooting independently of the activation request. It has a technical feature in that an activation trigger signal is transmitted to the imaging control means 16.

The activation trigger signal is a signal that causes the activated image processing device 1 to start shooting. The activation trigger signal may be transmitted to the photographing control means 16 (camera CPU) after the first wireless communication means 192 receives the activation request transmitted from the portable wireless communication device 2. Further, the activation trigger signal may be transmitted to the photographing control means 16 (camera CPU) at the same time when the first wireless communication means 192 receives the activation request transmitted from the portable wireless communication device 2. In order to generate the activation trigger signal, the RF module constituting the first wireless communication means 192 may be provided with a separate port, or by providing wiring separately from the RF module constituting the first wireless communication means 192. , The activation trigger signal may be generated.

The first wireless communication means 192 must maintain a state in which a signal transmitted from the portable wireless communication device 2 located outside can always be received even when the power of the image processing device 1 is off. It doesn't become. Therefore, the first wireless communication means 192 included in the image processing device 1 needs to be power-saving. The first wireless communication means 192 is not particularly limited as long as it is a power-saving RF module, but it is a wireless communication means for a very short distance of several centimeters to several tens of centimeters, and electromagnetic induction coupling is used. Illustrate NFC (Near Field Communication), FeliCa (registered trademark), MIFARE (registered trademark), highly versatile Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark) with excellent power saving in standby time, etc. Can be done.

In addition to the live image transfer, the second wireless communication means 194 transfers the image data captured and recorded by the image processing device 1 to the portable wireless communication device 2 from immediately after the activation until the second wireless communication is established. RF module for. The second wireless communication means 194 must transfer the image data captured by the image processing device 1 to the portable wireless communication device 2. Therefore, the second wireless communication means 194 is preferably an RF module capable of transmitting a relatively high speed and a high data capacity. The second wireless communication means 194 is not particularly limited as long as it is an RF module capable of transmitting a relatively high speed and a high data capacity, but is not particularly limited, but is highly versatile Bluetooth (registered trademark). Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and the like having a high communication speed can be exemplified.

The combination of the first wireless communication means 192 and the second wireless communication means 194 included in the image processing device 1 can be appropriately set depending on the application and performance of the image processing device.

For example, the first wireless communication means 192 is NFC (registered trademark), the second wireless communication means 194 is a combination of Bluetooth (registered trademark), and the first wireless communication means 192 is NFC (registered trademark). (Ii) The wireless communication means 194 is a combination of Wi-Fi (registered trademark), the first wireless communication means 192 is a Zigbee (registered trademark), and the second wireless communication means 194 is a combination of Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication means 192 is Zigbee (registered trademark), the second wireless communication means 194 is a combination of Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and the first wireless communication means 192 is Bluetooth (registered trademark). Means 194 is a combination of Bluetooth (registered trademark), first wireless communication means 192 is Bluetooth (registered trademark), and second wireless communication means 194 is a combination of Wi-Fi (registered trademark), first wireless communication means. 192 is Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and the second wireless communication means 194 can exemplify a combination of Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and the like. In the image processing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, from the viewpoint of versatility and processing speed, the first wireless communication means 192 is Bluetooth (registered trademark) and the second wireless communication means 194 is Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The combination is adopted.

(Shooting control means)
The image processing device 1 includes a photographing control means 16. The shooting control means 16 is a means for starting shooting immediately after receiving the activation trigger signal transmitted from the first wireless communication means 192. As described above, since the image processing device 1 of the present invention can start shooting at the same time as or immediately after the activation request by the activation trigger signal, the wireless communication between the second wireless communication means 194 and the portable wireless communication device 2 It is possible to take a picture even in the time of several seconds to several tens of seconds required to establish a communication connection. That is, the image processing device 1 of the present invention can obtain image data by taking a picture at a time when the conventional image processing device cannot control the shooting immediately after the start-up.

The photographing control means 16 can perform photographing until the second wireless communication means 194 receives the connection request with the image processing device 1 transmitted from the portable wireless communication device 2, or until the connection is completed. In the image processing device 1 of the present invention, the imaging performed from the reception of the activation trigger signal by the imaging control means 16 to the reception of the connection request or the completion of the connection is referred to as "automatic imaging at activation". The shooting mode of the image processing device performed by automatic shooting at startup is called "automatic shooting mode at startup".

The shooting control means 16 executes shooting in the "automatic shooting mode at startup" while the set predetermined time elapses. If the second wireless communication means 194 does not receive the connection request before the set predetermined time elapses, the shooting control means 16 cancels the "automatic shooting at startup". When the image processing device 1 and the portable wireless communication device 2 cannot be connected, the set predetermined time has elapsed, so that the normal shooting mode is not used for shooting. In the image processing device 1 of the present invention, by setting the predetermined time and determining whether or not the predetermined time has elapsed, the device exits the "automatic shooting mode at startup" and is connected to the mobile wireless communication device 2. Can be established to determine whether to shift to the normal shooting mode or to stop the "automatic shooting at startup".

The predetermined time is not particularly limited as long as it is sufficient for the second wireless communication means 194 included in the image processing device 1 to receive the connection request from the portable wireless communication device 2. , Can be set as appropriate. The predetermined time is preferably 30 seconds to 120 seconds. When the predetermined time is 30 seconds or more, the "automatic shooting at startup" time is shortened and the normal shooting mode can be shifted to. Therefore, when the predetermined time is 120 seconds or less, the second communication means 194 This is preferable because sufficient time can be taken to determine the connection request from the portable wireless communication device 2. The predetermined time can be appropriately set according to the application and performance of the image processing device 1. If the connection with the mobile wireless communication device 2 by the second wireless communication means 194 is established within the set predetermined time, the live view image is automatically transferred to the mobile wireless communication device 2 and is normal. A predetermined time is set so as to shift to the shooting mode.

The photographing control means 16 may include a detecting means for determining whether or not the image processing device 1 is in a state capable of photographing after receiving the activation trigger signal. The detection means detects whether or not the battery B has a sufficient charge amount for the image processing device 1 to perform "automatic shooting at startup". In addition, the detection means detects whether or not the battery B has a sufficient charge amount for shooting in the normal shooting mode after the automatic shooting at startup in the "automatic shooting mode at startup" is completed. To do.

Further, the photographing control means 16 may include a detecting means for determining whether or not the recording medium 17 has a sufficient capacity for recording the obtained image data. The detection means determines whether or not the recording medium 7 has a sufficient capacity for recording image data obtained by shooting in the “automatic shooting mode at startup”. Whether or not the detection means has a sufficient capacity for recording the image data obtained by shooting in the normal shooting mode after the recording medium 17 finishes shooting in the "automatic shooting mode at startup". To judge.

When the shooting control means 16 employs the "automatic shooting mode at startup", the shooting mode is not particularly limited, and the shooting mode included in the image processing device 1 can be adopted. For example, when the image processing device 1 is mainly an image processing device for still images, single mode shooting and interval mode shooting can be adopted. Further, when the image processing device 1 is mainly an image processing device for moving images, a moving image shooting mode can be adopted.

<Embodiment 2>
(Outline of image processing device system D)
FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an image processing device system D including an image processing device 1, a mobile wireless communication device 2, and a mobile information terminal 3. The image processing device 1 wirelessly communicates with the portable wireless communication device 2. The first wireless communication means 192 included in the image processing device 1 receives an activation request transmitted from the portable wireless communication device 2 even when the power of the image processing device 1 is off, so that the image processing device 1 Is an RF module for remotely activating. The power supply of the image processing device 1 is supplied from the battery B to each electric circuit via the power supply circuit 11. By turning off the power of the image processing device 1, the photographing control means 16 (camera CPU) enters the power saving mode only for updating the time of the clock. The clock time is measured by a timer or the like.

The first wireless communication means 192 enters a standby mode in which wireless communication with the portable wireless communication device 2 can be started. By entering the standby mode of the first wireless communication means 192, the power consumption of the image processing device 1 as a whole can be suppressed to the minimum value. As described above, the first wireless communication means 192 maintains the standby mode and prepares for wireless communication with the portable wireless communication device 2. The first wireless communication means 192 remotely activates the image processing device 1 by receiving an activation request transmitted from the portable wireless communication device 2. In order for the image processing device 1 to be able to receive the signal from the portable wireless communication device 2, it is necessary that the portable wireless communication device 2 exists in the wireless communication area of the image processing device 1. ..

The second wireless communication means 194 is an RF module for transferring image data created by the image processing device 1 or recorded on the recording medium 17 to the portable wireless communication device 2. When the image processing device 1 is in the shooting mode, the image data is a moving image such as a real-time live image. When the image processing device is in the reproduction mode, the image data is a still image or a moving image recorded on the recording medium 17. The second wireless communication means 194 is an RF module for transmitting image data to a portable wireless device 2 that has requested to transfer image data, or a portable information terminal device 3 such as a PDA or a personal computer. That is, the image data transferred to the portable wireless communication device 2 by the image processing device 1 of the present invention means that the second wireless communication means makes the connection request immediately after the photographing control means receives the activation trigger signal. It includes image data taken until it is received or until the connection is completed, and image data taken after the connection between the second wireless communication means and the portable wireless communication device is established.

The user of the image processing device 1 activates the image processing device 1 whose power is off by a activation request transmitted from a remotely existing portable wireless communication device 2 to turn on the power. Further, the image processing device 1 starts shooting immediately after starting the image processing device 1, and creates and saves image data.

Then, the user of the image processing device 1 transfers the created image data transferred to the mobile wireless communication device 2 or the mobile information terminal device 3 such as a personal computer to the LCD (liquid crystal display) display screen of the mobile wireless communication device 2 and the personal computer. It can be observed on the display screen of the mobile information terminal device 3 and the like. Further, the user of the image processing device 1 controls the shooting operation of the image processing device 1 by receiving the instruction regarding the shooting operation transmitted from the portable wireless communication device 2 in the shooting control means 16 (camera CPU). Can be done. That is, the image processing device 1 of the present invention can be remotely controlled wirelessly by using it in combination with a versatile portable wireless communication device 2 such as a smartphone, and shooting can be started immediately after activation. It is also possible to easily form a capable image processing device system D.

(Mobile wireless communication device)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of the portable wireless communication device 2 included in the image processing system 2 of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the mobile wireless communication device 2 includes an RF module 21 for mobile communication, a mobile wireless communication device CPU 24, an LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor 28, and a first wireless communication means 322 which is a wireless communication means 32. It includes a second wireless communication means 324 and a memory 34.

When the transmitted / received data is voice, the RF module 21 can output the received voice from the speaker 22 and can capture the transmitted voice from the microphone 23. The image data transmitted from the image processing device 1 is controlled by the portable wireless communication device CPU 24 and received by the RF module which is the second wireless communication means 324.

The image data transmitted (transferred) from the image processing device 1 to the portable wireless communication device 2 is stored by being written to the SDRAM 26 via the memory control (circuit) 25. The LCD driver 27 drives the image data transmitted (transferred) from the image processing device 1 by the memory control (circuit) 25, and the image data based on the read image data is sent to the LCD monitor 28. Is displayed. The touch sensor 282 provided on the LCD monitor 28 is a means for inputting an instruction necessary for operating the portable wireless communication device 2.

The instruction input to the touch sensor 282 is transmitted to the portable wireless communication device CPU 24, and the requested operation by the portable wireless communication device 2 is executed. When the necessary operation by the portable wireless communication device 2 is executed, the image processing device 1 can be operated remotely. The mobile wireless communication device 2 is an information communication device typified by a so-called smartphone, mobile phone, etc., and is a wireless communication device carried by a user mainly for the purpose of making a call, voice data communication, and transmitting / receiving image data. Is. Information communication devices typified by mobile phones and the like include PDA and notebook PC, and include all mobile information terminals having a wireless communication function.

The portable wireless communication device 2 can remotely control the image processing device 1 by performing wireless communication with the image processing device 1. The first wireless communication means 322 can perform wireless communication with the first wireless communication means 192 included in the image processing device 1. The second wireless communication means 324 can perform wireless communication with the second wireless communication means 194 included in the image processing device 1.

The mobile wireless communication device CPU 24 executes a wireless communication setting control task in order for the mobile wireless device 2 to perform wireless communication with the image processing device 1. Specifically, the portable wireless communication device CPU 24 is for performing a wireless communication setting task for wireless communication with the first wireless communication means 192 included in the image processing device 1 and wireless communication with the second wireless communication means 194. Perform wireless communication setup tasks. These setting tasks are recorded in the memory 34.

In the image processing apparatus 1 adopted in the image processing apparatus system D of the second embodiment, the first wireless communication processing means 192 is Bluetooth (registered trademark), and the second wireless communication means 194 is Wi-Fi ( It is a registered trademark). Corresponding to these wireless communication means 19, the first wireless communication means 322 provided in the portable wireless communication device 2 is Bluetooth (registered trademark), and the second wireless communication means 324 is Wi-Fi (registered trademark). ).

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a communication operation between the image processing device 1 and the portable wireless device 2. In FIG. 4, a digital camera is adopted as the image processing device 1, and a smartphone is adopted as the portable communication device 2. The smartphone is equipped with Bluetooth (registered trademark) as the first wireless communication means. The digital camera remains powered off. The smartphone exists in the wireless communication area of the digital camera and remotely controls the digital camera.

Digital cameras are also equipped with Bluetooth (registered trademark) as the first wireless communication means. When Bluetooth (registered trademark) of a digital camera and Bluetooth (registered trademark) of a smartphone transmit and receive a predetermined signal, wireless communication can be performed between the digital camera and the smartphone. The smartphone has an ID. This ID is an ID (registered ID) registered in advance in the digital camera. At the same time that the registered ID is transmitted from Bluetooth (registered trademark), the activation request and the activation trigger signal are transmitted to the digital camera.

The main power of the digital camera is turned on by the activation request sent from Bluetooth (registered trademark) of the smartphone. At the same time as the main power is turned on, the digital camera starts automatic shooting at startup in the "automatic shooting mode at startup" based on the startup trigger signal. The digital camera shoots an object according to a preset shooting mode.

The smartphone is equipped with Wi-Fi (registered trademark) as a second wireless communication means. Digital cameras also have Wi-Fi (registered trademark) as a second wireless communication means. The Wi-Fi (registered trademark) of the digital camera and the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) of the smartphone transmit and receive a predetermined signal to establish a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) connection between the digital camera and the smartphone. , Can perform wireless communication. Wi-Fi (registered trademark) connection between a digital camera and a smartphone is performed via the procedures of authentication and pairing of connected devices.

The time required to complete authentication and pairing of connected devices is usually several seconds to several tens of seconds. Since the digital camera can start shooting by the activation trigger signal at the same time as the activation of the camera, it is possible to shoot even during the time required for the authentication and pairing procedure of the connected device. In the digital camera, the shooting performed from the reception of the activation trigger signal to the reception of the connection request by Wi-Fi (registered trademark) of the smartphone or the completion of the connection is performed by the "automatic shooting mode at startup". Automatic shooting at startup.

The digital camera starts the start-up shooting by the start-up trigger signal, and stores the image data obtained by the start-up automatic shooting in the recording medium. After connecting to the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) of the smartphone, if necessary, an image transfer request (playback mode transition instruction) is made to the digital camera in order to transfer the image data obtained by the automatic shooting at startup. The digital camera transfers the image automatically taken at startup to the smartphone in response to the image transfer request sent from the smartphone.

The Wi-Fi (registered trademark) connection between the digital camera and the smartphone has already been established, and automatic shooting at startup is executed by the "automatic shooting mode at startup". The image data is transmitted (transferred) to the smartphone. The smartphone sends a change instruction to the digital camera to exit the automatic shooting mode at startup and shoot in the normal shooting mode. The digital camera detects data such as the battery capacity of the digital camera and the capacity of the recording medium in response to a change instruction sent from the smartphone for shooting in the normal shooting mode.

The digital camera detects data such as the battery capacity of the digital camera and the capacity of the recording medium, and notifies the smartphone of data on whether or not shooting in the normal mode is possible. The smartphone remotely controls the digital camera in consideration of data such as the battery capacity of the digital camera and the capacity of the recording medium, and turns off the power of the digital camera as appropriate. When the power of the digital camera is turned off, the digital camera returns to the sleep state described at the beginning. That is, the digital camera enters the standby mode while maintaining a state in which it can receive the activation request transmitted from Bluetooth (registered trademark) of the smartphone.

As described above, since the digital camera of the second embodiment can start shooting directly by the activation trigger signal received by Bluetooth (registered trademark), it takes several seconds to several seconds for the authentication procedure required for connection with the smartphone. Even in 10 seconds, automatic shooting at startup can be performed by the automatic shooting mode at startup.

<Embodiment 3>
(Shooting method using image processing device 1)
Next, the photographing method of the present invention using the image processing apparatus 1 will be described. That is, the third embodiment is a photographing method using the image processing apparatus of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing device 1.

(Shooting control flowchart)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing device 1 realized by the photographing method of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the photographing method of the present invention realized by the image processing apparatus 1 includes each step of S201 to S213.

In the photographing method of the present invention, the initial setting of the image processing device 1 is the power off (OFF) state, and Bluetooth (registered trademark), which is the first wireless communication means 192, is in the active state (start → Step S201). The image processing device 1 holds a state in which an activation request transmitted from the portable wireless communication device 2 can be received at any time (for example, a digital camera deep sleep state). Note that Bluetooth (registered trademark), which is the first wireless communication means 192, can adopt BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), which is a power saving mode.

The image processing device 1 waits until the activation request is transmitted from the portable radio communication device 2. Until the image processing device 1 receives the activation request, the imaging control means 16 of the image processing device 1 is activated (wakes up) at a predetermined interval of 0.1 to 1.0 second, and the image processing device 1 is activated. It is determined whether or not the battery B of 1 has a sufficient charge amount (step S202).

In step S202, it is determined whether or not the battery B of the image processing device 1 has a sufficient charge amount, and if the battery B has a sufficient charge amount (step S202; YES), the step. Proceed to S203. In step S203, Bluetooth (registered trademark), which is the first wireless communication means 192 of the image processing device 1, has an activation request transmitted from the portable wireless communication device 2 at a predetermined interval of 0.1 to 1.0 seconds. Is received or not.

On the other hand, in step S202, it is determined whether or not the battery of the image processing device 1 has a sufficient charge amount, and if the battery does not have a sufficient charge amount (step S202; NO), the step. Proceed to S206.

In step S203, when the activation request transmitted from the portable wireless communication device 2 is received by Bluetooth (registered trademark) which is the first wireless communication means 192, Bluetooth (registered trademark) is activated. In step S203, if Bluetooth (registered trademark) does not receive the activation request, Bluetooth (registered trademark) does not activate. Then, the image processing device 1 returns to step S201, and the first wireless communication means 192, Bluetooth (registered trademark), is in an active state, and the power of the image processing device is turned off (OFF).

The image processing device 1 performs a loop operation in which the flow consisting of start → step S201 → step S202 → step S203 is repeated until the activation request transmitted from the portable wireless communication device 2 is received. If the battery of the image processing device 1 does not have a sufficient charge amount while the image processing device 1 is performing such a loop operation, the charge amount is detected in step S202, and the charge amount is detected in step S206. , Steps S206 to S208 are performed so that a sufficient charge amount can be supplied to the battery.

In step S203, when the image processing device 1 receives the activation request and the activation trigger signal transmitted from the portable wireless communication device 2, step S203; YES), the image processing device 1 is directly activated (waked up) (step S204). ). The image processing device 1 determines whether or not the power supply (camera power supply) of the image processing device 1 can perform a shooting operation (step S205).

In step S205, it is determined whether or not the power supply (camera power supply) of the image processing device 1 is capable of shooting operation, and if it is a shooting operation (step S205; YES), the process proceeds to step S209. On the other hand, if the power supply (camera power supply) of the image processing device 1 is not a shooting operation (step S205; NO), the process proceeds to step S206.

In step S206, the image processing device 1 detects the charge amount of the battery B (power cable) and confirms whether or not it has a sufficient charge amount. When it is determined that charging is necessary because the battery B (power cable) does not have a sufficient charge amount (step S206; YES), the battery charging operation is started (step S207).

In step S206, when the charge amount of the battery B (power cable) is almost zero (step S206; NO), a battery warning is issued (step S208). The image processing device 1 performs a loop operation that repeats a flow consisting of start → step S205 → step S206 → step S207 (step S208). By such a loop operation, it is possible to prevent the image processing device 1 from stopping shooting due to the battery running out due to insufficient charge amount at the time of starting and automatic shooting at startup.

In step S209, the image processing device 1 starts automatic shooting at startup in the “automatic shooting mode at startup”. The automatic shooting mode at startup is a shooting mode that is preset before the image processing device 1 sleeps. For example, if the image processing device 1 is a still image processing device, it is single mode shooting and interval shooting. If the image processing device 1 is a moving image shooting device, it is moving image shooting. The image processing device 1 continuously executes start-up shooting in the "start-up automatic shooting mode" until it receives a connection request transmitted from the second wireless communication means 324 of the portable wireless communication device 2.

In step S210, the image processing device 1 determines whether or not the connection request transmitted from the second wireless communication means 324 of the portable wireless communication device 2 has been received within a predetermined time (step S210). The image processing device 1 adopted in the third embodiment employs Wi-Fi (registered trademark) as the second wireless communication means 194. The predetermined time can be set as appropriate and is not particularly limited, but is preferably 30 seconds to 120 seconds.

In step S210, it is determined whether or not the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) connection request has been received within a predetermined time. When the second wireless communication means 194 receives the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) connection request within a predetermined time (step S210; YES), the automatic start-up shooting in the "automatic start-up shooting mode" is continuously executed. To do.

If the second wireless communication means 194 does not receive the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) connection request within the predetermined time (step S210; NO), it is determined whether or not the predetermined period (for example, 60 seconds) has elapsed. (Step S211). In step S211, if the second wireless communication means 194 receives the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) connection request before the lapse of a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) (step S211; NO), within the predetermined period. It is assumed that the second wireless communication means 194 has received the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) connection request, and the process proceeds to step S212 via step S210.

On the other hand, in step S211 when the second wireless communication means 194 receives the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) connection request after a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) has elapsed (step S211; YES), it is within the predetermined period. The second wireless communication means 194 assumes that the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) connection request has not been received, and returns to the start.

In step S212, the image processing device 1 executes automatic start-up shooting in the “automatic start-up shooting mode”. The automatic shooting at startup continues until the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) connection between the second wireless communication means 194 of the image processing device 1 and the second wireless communication means 324 of the portable wireless communication device 2 is completed. To do.

In step S213, after the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) connection between the second wireless communication means 194 of the image processing device 1 and the second wireless communication means 324 of the portable wireless communication device 2 is completed, the startup in the automatic shooting mode at startup is started. When automatic shooting is completed, shooting is performed in normal mode. That is, the image processing device 1 exits the shooting in the automatic shooting mode at startup and starts normal shooting. Since the imaging method of the present invention uses the image processing device 1 and can directly start imaging by a normal activation trigger signal, it can be activated even in a few seconds to several tens of seconds required for the authentication procedure required for connecting to a smartphone. You can shoot with the automatic shooting mode.

In the photographing method of the present invention, the LCD monitor 28 of the portable wireless communication device 2 that wirelessly communicates with the image processing device 1 may indicate the start and end of each step. For example, the LCD monitor 28 of the mobile wireless communication device 2 has "received a start trigger signal", "started the start-up shooting mode", "completed the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) connection, and completed the connection. You may improve the convenience of the operator by displaying a graphic interface such as "Shooting in normal mode has started."

<Embodiment 4>
The image processing device 1 of the fourth embodiment is an image processing device in which the first wireless communication means 192 is NFC (registered trademark) and the second wireless communication means 194 adopts a combination of Bluetooth (registered trademark). In the image processing device 1 of the fourth embodiment, since the first wireless communication means 192 is NFC (registered trademark), the image processing device 1 and the portable wireless communication device 2 can perform wireless communication by NFC (registered trademark). It is necessary to be located at a short distance of about 10 cm.

In the image processing device 1 of the fourth embodiment, after the image processing device 1 and the portable wireless communication device 2 are brought into contact with each other once, the second wireless communication means 194 is suitable for remote control by Bluetooth (registered trademark). ..

<Embodiment 5>
The image processing device 1 of the fifth embodiment is an image processing device that includes a plurality of wireless communication means and can use the plurality of wireless communication means properly according to the usage status of the image processing device 1. The image processing device of the fifth embodiment includes three wireless communication means, NFC (registered trademark) as the first wireless communication means, Bluetooth (registered trademark) as the second wireless communication means, and third wireless communication means. It has Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

The image processing device 1 of the fifth embodiment selects the image processing device 1 from the first wireless communication means to the third wireless communication means according to the distance to the portable wireless communication device 2, the communication area, and the capacity of the image data. Adopt appropriate wireless communication means to activate. First, a wireless communication means for activating the image processing device 1 and transmitting an activation trigger signal to the portable wireless communication device 2 in order to start "automatic shooting at startup" is adopted. Next, a wireless communication means for transferring the image data obtained by "automatic shooting at startup" is adopted.

The shooting control means 16 adopts a wireless communication means according to the shooting environment from the first wireless communication means to the third wireless communication means. Even after the shooting control means 16 has adopted an appropriate wireless communication means, if the shooting environment changes, the optimum wireless communication means can be adopted according to the change.

<Embodiment 6>
The sixth embodiment is a shooting control program (software) for realizing the shooting method of the third embodiment. The imaging control program of the sixth embodiment is supplied to a system or an apparatus via a network or various recording media. The imaging control program of the sixth embodiment is read and executed by a system (CPU or the like) of the system or the apparatus via a network or various recording media.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and changes in conditions that do not deviate from the gist are all within the scope of the present invention.

Since the image processing device of the present invention can take a picture even in a time of several seconds to several tens of seconds required for establishing a wireless communication connection, a wearable camera, a digital camera for home and commercial still images, and a moving image It can be used as a digital video camera for shooting. Further, the image processing device of the present invention can be used as an indoor surveillance camera or an outdoor surveillance camera as a remote-operable security camera and a disaster detection camera. The present invention can be widely used not only in the camera-related industry but also in the security-related industry, the optical-related industry, and the medical equipment industry.

1 Image processing device 10 Focus lens 11 Electric circuit 12 Image sensor 13 Signal processing block 14 Memory 15 Lens driver 16 Shooting control means (camera CPU)
17 Recording medium 18 LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
19 Wireless communication means 192 First wireless communication means (RF module)
194 Second wireless communication means (RF module)
B Battery 2 Mobile wireless communication device 21 Mobile communication RF module 24 Wireless mobile device CPU
27 LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Driver 28 LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Monitor 282 Touch Sensor 32 Wireless Communication Means 322 First Wireless Communication Means 324 Second Wireless Communication Means 34 Memory 3 Personal Digital Assistant (PC)

Claims (8)

It is an image processing device that can shoot immediately after startup.
First wireless communication that receives an activation request for activating the image processing device transmitted from the portable wireless communication device and transmits an activation trigger signal for activating the image processing device to start shooting in response to the activation request. Means and
A shooting control means for shooting immediately after receiving the activation trigger signal, and
An image processing device including a second wireless communication means for receiving a connection request with the image processing device transmitted from the portable wireless communication device and transferring image data. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing control means performs image capture until the second wireless communication means receives the connection request or completes the connection. If the second wireless communication means does not receive the connection request even after a predetermined time has elapsed after starting the shooting immediately after starting the image processing device, the shooting control means
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein shooting by the image processing apparatus is stopped. Any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the photographing control means includes a detecting means for determining whether or not the image processing device is in a state capable of photographing after receiving the activation trigger signal. The image processing apparatus according to item 1. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the shooting control means includes a still image shooting mode and / or a moving image shooting mode. The image data includes image data taken immediately after the shooting control means receives the activation trigger signal until the second wireless communication means receives the connection request or until the connection is completed.
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the image processing device includes image data taken after the connection between the second wireless communication means and the portable wireless communication device is established. It is a shooting method executed by an image processing device that can shoot immediately after startup.
First wireless communication that receives an activation request for activating the image processing device transmitted from the portable wireless communication device and transmits an activation trigger signal for activating the image processing device to start shooting in response to the activation request. Steps and
A shooting control step for shooting immediately after receiving the activation trigger signal, and
A photographing method comprising: a second wireless communication step for receiving a connection request with the image processing device transmitted from the portable wireless communication device and transferring image data. For the processor of the image processing device that can shoot immediately after startup
First wireless communication that receives an activation request for activating the image processing device transmitted from the portable wireless communication device and transmits an activation trigger signal for activating the image processing device to start shooting in response to the activation request. Steps and
A shooting control step for shooting immediately after receiving the activation trigger signal, and
A photographing control program for receiving a connection request with the image processing device transmitted from the portable wireless communication device and executing a second wireless communication step for transferring image data.