WO2014068851A1

WO2014068851A1 - Radio device, radio system and program

Info

Publication number: WO2014068851A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/005962
Authority: WO
Inventors: 小笠原　昭
Original assignee: 株式会社ニコン
Priority date: 2012-11-05
Filing date: 2013-10-07
Publication date: 2014-05-08
Also published as: JP2016012745A

Abstract

This radio device is equipped with: a reception unit for receiving a radio signal transmitted from another radio device; and a determination unit that, upon receiving a radio signal of a first kind through the reception unit, determines whether or not a request indicated by the radio signal should be accepted on the basis of transmission output strength information contained in the radio signal and the received signal strength of the radio signal. This program for the radio device causes a computer to execute a reception step for receiving a radio signal transmitted from another radio device and a determination step for determining, upon receiving a signal of a first kind in the reception step, whether or not a request indicated by the radio signal should be accepted on the basis of transmission output strength information contained in the radio signal and the received signal strength of the radio signal.

Description

Wireless device, wireless system, and program

The present invention relates to a wireless device, a wireless system, and a program.

A wireless control system that automatically pairs a control device and a plurality of controlled devices is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[Prior art documents]
[Patent Literature]
[Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2009/096191

Depending on the type of request, it may not be preferable to accept a request from a wireless device located in a distant place. Conversely, it may not be preferable to accept a request from a wireless device located in a nearby location. Conventionally, there has been a problem that it is impossible to determine whether or not to accept a request in consideration of the positional relationship with other wireless devices and the type of request.

In the first aspect, the wireless device includes a reception unit that receives a wireless signal transmitted from another wireless device, and a transmission included in the wireless signal when the reception unit receives the first type of wireless signal. A determination unit configured to determine whether to accept a request indicated by the wireless signal based on the output intensity information and the reception intensity of the wireless signal;

In the second aspect, when the wireless device requests pairing to another transmitter that transmits a wireless signal, the wireless device transmits request information indicating that pairing is requested and the transmitter. A control unit that transmits a radio signal including transmission output intensity information.

In the third aspect of the present invention, the wireless device transmits a wireless signal from an antenna and a wireless signal requesting pairing to the transmitting unit when transmitting another wireless signal. And a control unit for transmitting from the antenna with a low transmission output.

In the fourth aspect, there is a program for a wireless device, which is a program for a wireless device, and receives a wireless signal transmitted from another wireless device. When a wireless signal is received, the computer executes a determination step for determining whether to accept a request indicated by the wireless signal based on transmission output intensity information included in the wireless signal and the reception strength of the wireless signal Let

In the fifth aspect, a program for a wireless device having a transmission unit for transmitting a wireless signal, and request information indicating that pairing is requested when requesting pairing to another wireless device And causing the computer to execute a control step of transmitting a radio signal including transmission output intensity information from the transmission unit.

In the sixth aspect, a program for a wireless device having a transmission unit that transmits a radio signal from an antenna, and transmits another radio signal when the transmission unit transmits a radio signal that requests pairing. The computer is caused to execute the control step of transmitting from the antenna with a lower transmission power than the case.

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

An example of the use environment of the radio | wireless system 100 in one Embodiment is shown. An example of a block configuration of the camera 10, the wireless adapter 20, and the wireless remote controller 30 is shown. An example of a wireless packet format is shown. A processing flow from the start to the end of the camera 10 is shown. An example of the operation flow of the wireless adapter 20 is shown. An example of an operation | movement flow when the event regarding transmission of a pairing command arises is shown. An example of the operation flow of command processing in the wireless adapter 20 is shown.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention. However, the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. In addition, not all the combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solving means of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a usage environment of a wireless system 100 according to an embodiment. The wireless system 100 includes a first camera system having a camera 10a, a conversion adapter 40a, and a wireless adapter 20a, a second camera system having a camera 10b, a conversion adapter 40b, and a wireless adapter 20b, a camera 10c, a conversion adapter 40c, and a wireless adapter. A third camera system having 20c and a wireless remote controller 30 are provided. The camera 10 is an example of a camera unit having a shooting function.

The wireless adapter 20a, the wireless adapter 20b, and the wireless adapter 20c have the same functions and configurations. In the description of the wireless system 100, the wireless adapter 20a, the wireless adapter 20b, and the wireless adapter 20c may be collectively referred to as a wireless adapter 20. In addition, when describing the components included in each wireless adapter 20, the end of the reference may be omitted. The camera 10a, the camera 10b, and the camera 10c have the same functions and configurations. In the description of the wireless system 100, the camera 10a, the camera 10b, and the camera 10c may be collectively referred to as the camera 10. In addition, when describing the constituent elements of the camera 10, reference numerals a to c may be omitted.

The wireless remote controller 30 and the wireless adapter 20 are examples of wireless devices. The wireless adapter 20 is a so-called wireless accessory for a camera, and adds a wireless function to the connected camera 10. The wireless adapter 20 communicates with the connected camera 10 and controls the operation of the camera 10. Specifically, the wireless adapter 20 is connected to the camera 10 via the conversion adapter 40. The conversion adapter 40 includes a connector that is detachably connected to the connector of the camera 10 and a connector that is detachably connected to the connector of the wireless adapter 20.

The wireless remote controller 30 performs wireless communication with the wireless adapter 20. The wireless remote controller 30 includes a pairing button 131, a light emitting unit 132, a channel button 133, and a shooting instruction button 135. The wireless adapter 20 includes a pairing button 121, a light emitting unit 122, and a channel button 123. The light emitting unit 122 and the light emitting unit 132 may be light emitting devices such as LEDs. The user can select a channel used by the wireless remote controller 30 for wireless communication with the wireless adapter 20 through the channel button 133. The channel used by the wireless adapter 20 for wireless communication with the wireless remote controller 30 can be selected through the channel button 123.

The user uses the wireless remote controller 30 and the wireless adapter 20 in a paired state. Specifically, the wireless remote controller 30 transmits a wireless signal to the wireless adapter 20 for which pairing has been established. The wireless adapter 20 receives a request indicated by a wireless signal transmitted from the wireless remote controller 30 with which pairing has been established. Pairing is to mutually store identification numbers for identifying other wireless devices that accept requests. By pairing, the wireless adapter 20 and the wireless remote controller 30 can communicate with each other.

Describes the pairing operation. When the pairing button 131 is pressed, the wireless remote controller 30 repeatedly transmits a pairing command that is a wireless signal for requesting pairing over a predetermined period. In addition, when the pairing button 121 is pressed, the wireless adapter 20 repeatedly transmits a pairing command over a predetermined period. When receiving the pairing command from the wireless adapter 20 during the period during which the pairing command is being transmitted, the wireless remote controller 30 stores an identification number for identifying the wireless adapter 20. Similarly, when the wireless adapter 20 receives a pairing command from the wireless remote controller 30 during the period during which the pairing command is being transmitted, the wireless adapter 20 stores an identification number for identifying the wireless remote controller 30. As a result, the wireless adapter 20 and the wireless remote controller 30 are paired. Thus, the user can pair the wireless adapter 20 and the wireless remote controller 30 with a simple operation.

The shooting instruction button 135 receives a shooting instruction from the user. When the wireless remote controller 30 detects that the shooting instruction button 135 has been pressed, the wireless remote controller 30 transmits a shooting command, which is a radio signal instructing shooting, to the wireless adapter 20. Specifically, a shooting command is transmitted to the wireless adapter 20 stored as the pairing partner. When receiving a shooting command from the wireless remote controller 30, the wireless adapter 20 outputs an electrical signal instructing shooting to the camera 10. When the camera 10 acquires the signal from the wireless adapter 20 via the conversion adapter 40, the camera 10 performs a shooting operation. The camera 10 performs the same operation as when the release button 112 is pressed.

Here, the wireless remote controller 30 transmits the transmission output intensity information indicating the transmission output in the pairing command. When receiving the pairing command, the wireless adapter 20 determines the distance to the wireless remote controller 30 from the transmission output intensity included in the pairing command and the reception intensity of the pairing command. Specifically, when the wireless adapter 20 can determine that the distance from the wireless remote controller 30 is equal to or less than a predetermined pairing allowable distance from the transmission output intensity and the reception intensity of the pairing command, Accept a ring request. Specifically, the wireless adapter 20 stores an identification number for identifying the wireless remote controller 30.

The same applies to the pairing command transmitted from the wireless adapter 20 to the wireless remote controller 30. The wireless remote controller 30 performs the same determination as the determination of the distance in the wireless adapter 20. Specifically, the wireless adapter 20 transmits transmission output intensity information indicating a transmission output in a pairing command. When the wireless remote controller 30 receives the pairing command, the wireless remote controller 30 determines the distance from the wireless adapter 20 based on the transmission output strength included in the pairing command and the received strength of the pairing command. When it can be determined that the distance between is less than or equal to the allowable pairing distance, a pairing request is accepted.

In the wireless adapter 20 and the wireless remote controller 30, the distance that can be communicated by wireless signals may be about 30m to 100m. On the other hand, the pairing allowable distance may be about 3 m, for example. The range in which pairing is allowed can be kept in a range that is sufficiently narrower than the range in which communication is possible using a radio signal. The allowable pairing distance is not limited to 3 m, and can be freely determined in each wireless system.

Thus, the wireless adapter 20 and the wireless remote controller 30 can be paired when they are close to each other. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility of being paired with a wireless device that exists in a remote place. For example, in an environment where there are many wireless devices that can be paired around, the possibility of accidental pairing with another undesirable wireless device can be reduced. For example, the possibility of pairing with a wireless device owned by another user can be reduced. In addition, even if a malicious third party tries to pair a user's wireless device with a user's wireless device by taking advantage of the user's pairing operation, the user may be paired. Can be reduced. As described above, according to the wireless system 100, it is possible to reduce the possibility of pairing with a wireless device that is not assumed by the user. The possibility of being disturbed can be reduced.

In the wireless system 100, the wireless remote controller 30 may transmit the shooting command and the pairing command with the same transmission output. The wireless remote controller 30 may transmit a pairing command with a higher transmission output than the shooting command. The wireless adapter 20 may transmit the pairing command with a transmission output higher than the transmission output of the shooting command transmitted from the wireless remote controller 30.

In addition, when the wireless adapter 20 receives a shooting command from the wireless remote controller 30, the wireless adapter 20 may transfer the shooting command to another wireless adapter 20. For example, if the wireless adapter 20a receives a shooting command addressed to the wireless adapter 20c, which is another wireless device, the wireless adapter 20a may transfer the shooting command as a wireless signal. Similarly, when the wireless adapter 20b receives a shooting command addressed to the wireless adapter 20c, the wireless adapter 20b may transfer the shooting command with a wireless signal. The camera 10c performs a photographing operation when the wireless adapter 20c receives the photographing command transferred from the wireless adapter 20a or the wireless adapter 20b.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a block configuration of the camera 10, the wireless adapter 20, and the wireless remote controller 30. The camera 10 includes a lens device 8, an imaging unit 9, an MPU 12, a system memory 13, a buffer memory 14, a display unit 15, an operation member 16, an image processing unit 17, a communication IF 18, a power supply unit 19, and a memory card 11.

The imaging unit 9 converts the subject light beam imaged by the lens device 8 into an electric signal. The imaging unit 9 includes a solid-state imaging device such as a CMOS or a CCD. For example, the imaging unit 9 converts an imaging signal of an analog signal generated from accumulated charges of the solid-state imaging device into a digital signal. Image data as a digital signal is output to the image processing unit 17. The image processing unit 17 performs image processing on the image data by using the buffer memory 14 that is a volatile storage medium as a work memory. For example, the image processing unit 17 performs various image processing such as white balance correction, color interpolation processing, and gamma correction. In addition, the image processing unit 17 performs encoding such as JPEG on the image data as a still image and compresses the image data. Further, the image processing unit 17 performs encoding such as MPEG on image data as a moving image and compresses it.

The display unit 15 displays an image based on image data obtained by imaging. The display unit 15 displays various setting menus for setting the operation of the camera 10. An example of the display unit 15 is a liquid crystal display device. The operation member 16 includes a release button 112 and the like. An operation signal generated by the operation member 16 is output to the MPU 12, and the user operation is detected in the MPU 12.

The communication IF 18 inputs and outputs signals with the wireless adapter 20. The communication IF 18 supplies a signal received from the wireless adapter 20 via the conversion adapter 40 to the MPU 12.

The MPU 12 controls the entire camera 10. Various parameters and programs for operating the MPU 12 and the image processing unit 17 are stored in the system memory 13 which is a non-volatile storage medium. The parameters and programs stored in the system memory 13 are expanded in the buffer memory 14 and read and used by the MPU 12 and the image processing unit 17.

The power supply unit 19 supplies power to each unit of the camera 10. The power supply unit 19 also supplies power to the wireless adapter 20 via the conversion adapter 40.

The wireless adapter 20 includes a communication IF 28, a wireless module 23, an MPU 22, a memory 24, an operation member 26, and a notification unit 25. The operation member 26 includes a pairing button 121 and a channel button 123. The notification unit 25 includes a light emitting unit 122.

The MPU 22 controls the entire wireless adapter 20. The memory 24 is a volatile storage medium and functions as a RAM. The MPU 22 performs various controls using the memory 24.

The MPU 22 generates packet data in the memory 24 and supplies it to the wireless module 23. The wireless module 23 functions as a transmission / reception unit that performs wireless communication with an external communication device. The wireless module 23 modulates the packet data supplied from the MPU 32 and sends it out as a wireless signal from the antenna to the external space. When the MPU 22 detects pressing of the pairing button 121, the MPU 22 generates packet data for requesting pairing in the memory 24, and transmits the packet data from the wireless module 23 as a pairing command using a wireless signal. In addition, while transmitting the pairing command, the MPU 22 causes the light emitting unit 122 to emit light with a predetermined first light emission pattern to notify the user that pairing is in progress.

Further, the radio module 23 demodulates and processes the radio signal received by the antenna, and supplies the obtained packet data to the MPU 22. When the MPU 22 acquires the pairing command packet from the wireless remote controller 30 while transmitting the pairing command, the MPU 22 stores the identification number of the counterpart device in the memory 24 as the identification number of the pairing counterpart. Then, the MPU 22 causes the light emitting unit 122 to emit light with a predetermined second light emission pattern different from the first light emission pattern, and notifies the user that pairing has been completed.

Also, the MPU 22 controls the communication IF 28 based on the packet data, and outputs a signal to the camera 10. For example, when the MPU 22 acquires a shooting command packet addressed to itself, the MPU 22 instructs the camera 10 to perform shooting through the communication IF 28. Further, when the MPU 22 receives a shooting command packet addressed to another wireless adapter 20, the MPU 22 controls the wireless module 23 to transfer the shooting command by a wireless signal.

The communication IF 28 inputs and outputs signals to and from the camera 10 via the conversion adapter 40. Further, the communication IF 28 generates an output signal to the camera 10 based on the signal supplied from the MPU 12 and outputs the output signal to the camera 10. For example, the communication IF 28 outputs a signal for instructing photographing to the camera 10. For example, the communication IF 28 may output a signal indicating that the release button 112 has been fully pressed to the camera 10. Note that the communication IF 28 may generate an output signal to the MPU 12 based on a signal input from the camera 10 via the conversion adapter 40 and supply the output signal to the MPU 12. The MPU 22 may generate a packet based on the output signal, control the wireless module 23, and transmit the packet to another wireless device.

Each element of the wireless adapter 20 including the MPU 22 operates with power supplied from the camera 10 via the conversion adapter 40 when the wireless adapter 20 is connected to the camera 10.

The wireless remote controller 30 includes a wireless module 33, an MPU 32, a memory 34, a notification unit 35, an operation member 36, and a power supply unit 39. The MPU 32 performs overall control of the wireless remote controller 30. The memory 34 is a volatile storage medium and functions as a RAM. The MPU 32 performs various controls using the memory 34. The power supply unit 39 supplies power to each unit of the wireless remote controller 30.

The MPU 32 generates packet data in the memory 34 based on a user operation from the operation member 36 and supplies the packet data to the wireless module 33. The wireless module 33 functions as a transmission / reception unit that performs wireless communication with an external communication device. The wireless module 33 modulates the packet data supplied from the MPU 32 and sends it out as a wireless signal from the antenna to the external space. The radio module 33 demodulates and processes the radio signal received by the antenna, and supplies the obtained packet data to the MPU 32.

For example, when the MPU 32 detects that the pairing button 131 is pressed, the MPU 32 generates packet data for requesting pairing in the memory 34 and transmits the packet data from the wireless module 33 as a pairing command using a wireless signal. In addition, while transmitting the pairing command, the MPU 32 causes the light emitting unit 132 to emit light with a predetermined first light emission pattern to notify the user that pairing is in progress.

When the MPU 32 acquires the pairing command packet from the wireless adapter 20 while transmitting the pairing command, the MPU 32 stores the identification number of the partner device in the memory 34 as the identification number of the pairing partner. Then, the MPU 32 causes the light emitting unit 132 to emit light with the second light emission pattern, and notifies the user that pairing has been completed.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a wireless packet format. The packet format 300 is a common configuration of packet formats transmitted and received between the wireless adapter 20 and the wireless remote controller 30. The packet format 310 is a packet format of the pairing command.

In the packet format 300, Sync is specific data indicating the start of a packet. Vol indicates the data length of the packet. Frm is a serial number of the transmission packet, and is incremented by 1 every time it is transmitted. The SID is an identification number that identifies the transmission source wireless device. The DID is an identification number that identifies a destination wireless device. CMD indicates the type of command. In the pairing command, a predetermined value indicating that the command is a request for pairing is stored in the CMD. In the shooting command command, a predetermined value for identifying a command for requesting shooting is stored in the CMD. Various parameters are stored after the CMD. A checksum (CRC) is added to the end of the packet.

The parameter format varies depending on the CMD. As shown in the packet format 310, the pairing command packet includes a value indicating the transmission strength as a parameter. In addition, the pairing command packet includes, as a parameter, function information indicating the function of the wireless device that transmits the pairing command.

The transmission strength in the packet of the pairing command is an example of transmission output strength information. The transmission strength is used to determine the distance from the wireless device that has received the wireless signal to the wireless device that has transmitted the wireless signal. For example, the wireless device that has received the wireless signal determines the distance to the wireless device that has transmitted the wireless signal based on the transmission output strength indicated by the transmission strength in the packet and the reception strength of the wireless signal.

As an example, information corresponding to the effective transmission output [dBm] is stored in the transmission intensity. The receiving-side wireless device determines the distance based on the received electric field strength. As the received electric field intensity, RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) read in dBm units can be applied. A fixed value offset may be added to the RSSI. Moreover, since RSSI depends on the antenna of the receiving side wireless device, the actual physical electric field strength is different from RSSI. The numerical value detected as RSSI depends on the design of the radio stage and the type of antenna. However, even when RSSI is used, a relative difference in received electric field strength can be detected relatively correctly. Therefore, a standard received electric field strength at a location separated by a distance allowing the pairing is determined, and a reference value as an adjustment value for the standard received electric field strength is determined in each wireless device. Also, in each wireless device, the difference between the standard electric field strength and the electric field strength of the radio signal transmitted by the own device is included in the pairing command as the transmission strength. As a result, the value obtained by subtracting the transmission strength indicated by the received pairing command from the reference value set for each wireless device is the place where the wireless device that transmitted the pairing command is separated from its own device by the allowable pairing distance. This corresponds to the received electric field strength. Therefore, in the wireless device on the receiving side of the pairing command, the value obtained by subtracting the transmission strength from the reference value determined for each wireless device is used as a threshold value. It can be determined that the device is within a range that allows pairing.

The type of wireless device or the reference value for each individual can be determined experimentally so that the threshold corresponds to an appropriate pairing allowable distance. Since the threshold can be adjusted for each type or individual, even when newly designing a different type of device, the transmission strength value and its own It becomes possible to adjust the reference value of the received electric field strength. The transmission strength of the newly designed wireless device is adjusted so that the allowable pairing distances determined by the judgment criteria of the existing wireless device are equal, and the reference value of the received electric field strength is the effective transmission of the existing wireless device. What is necessary is just to adjust so that the pairing permissible distance of the own machine side determined from output information may become equivalent to the existing radio | wireless apparatus. In the wireless adapter 20, the reference value and the value stored in the transmission intensity are stored in the system memory in the MPU 22. In the wireless remote controller 30, the reference value and the value stored in the transmission intensity are stored in the system memory in the MPU 32.

As described above, when the wireless remote controller 30 transmits a pairing command to the wireless adapter 20, the MPU 32 wirelessly transmits a pairing command including request information indicating request for pairing and transmission output intensity information from the wireless module 33. The module 33 is transmitted. In the wireless adapter 20, when the wireless module 23 receives the pairing command transmitted from the wireless remote controller 30, the MPU 22 based on the transmission output intensity information included in the pairing command and the reception intensity of the wireless signal, It is determined whether or not a request indicated by the wireless signal is accepted. Specifically, the MPU 22 performs the wireless communication on the condition that the distance to the wireless remote controller 30 indicated by the transmission output intensity information included in the pairing command and the reception intensity of the wireless signal is equal to or less than a predetermined distance. It is determined that the request indicated by the signal is accepted. Then, the MPU 22 receives a pairing request on the condition that the request is accepted, and receives a request indicated by the wireless signal when the wireless module 23 receives a wireless signal instructing photographing. Specifically, the MPU 22 instructs the camera 10 to shoot when the wireless module 23 receives a wireless signal instructing shooting from the wireless remote controller 30 that has already received a pairing request.

The pairing command is an example of a first type of wireless signal that the wireless remote controller 30 requests from the wireless adapter 20. The radio signal for instructing photographing is an example of a second type of radio signal that the radio remote controller 30 requests from the radio adapter 20. Note that the transmission output intensity information may also be included in radio signals other than the pairing command. Then, the wireless adapter 20 or the wireless remote controller 30 may determine whether or not to accept a request for wireless signals other than the pairing command based on the transmission output intensity information. The transmission output strength information may also be included in a command that does not need to determine whether to accept a request based on the transmission output strength information.

The function information in the packet of the pairing command includes, for one or more operations, transmission function information indicating whether or not it has a function of transmitting a radio signal instructing each operation, and an operation by receiving the instruction by a radio signal. Reception function information indicating whether or not it has a function to be executed. The transmission function information and the reception function information have a plurality of bits corresponding to a plurality of different operations. The bit value 1 in the transmission function information indicates that it has a function of transmitting a radio signal instructing the corresponding operation, and the bit value 0 indicates that it does not have a function of transmitting a radio signal instructing the corresponding operation. . The bit value 1 in the reception function information indicates that the corresponding operation instruction is received by a radio signal and the function is executed, and the bit value 0 is the corresponding operation instruction is received by a radio signal and the operation is executed. It shows that it does not have the function to do. Based on the function information included in the pairing command, the wireless device that has received the pairing command determines whether or not the wireless device can operate in cooperation with the wireless device that has transmitted the pairing command. If it is determined that the request can be made, a pairing request is accepted. Thus, it is determined that the wireless device that has received the pairing command can operate in cooperation with the other wireless device based on the function information included in the pairing command transmitted by the other wireless device. As a further condition, it is determined that the request indicated by the radio signal is accepted.

An example of the operation performed in cooperation is a photographing operation. For example, when requesting pairing, the wireless remote controller 30 transmits a pairing command including transmission function information in which the bit corresponding to the shooting operation is set to 1. When the wireless adapter 20 requests pairing, the wireless adapter 20 transmits a pairing command including reception function information in which the bit corresponding to the shooting operation is set to 1. A function in which a wireless device that has received a pairing command transmits a wireless signal instructed by the communication function information included in the pairing command when the photographing operation can be executed in the device or a device connected to the device. It is determined that the mobile device can operate in cooperation with the wireless device that has transmitted the pairing command. For example, the wireless adapter 20 has a function of instructing the camera 10 to perform a shooting operation when a pairing command is received, and the bit corresponding to the shooting operation in the transmission function information included in the pairing command is set to 1. The request for pairing is accepted on the condition that For example, the wireless adapter 20 compares the bit string of the reception function information included in the pairing command by the own device with the bit string of the transmission function information included in the received pairing command, and the value of the bit position corresponding to the shooting operation If they are the same, a request for pairing is accepted. In addition, other information indicating whether or not the own device has a function of instructing the camera 10 to perform a shooting operation is set in advance in the wireless adapter 20, and the wireless adapter 20 is set in advance. Whether or not to accept a pairing request may be determined based on the information and the value of the bit position corresponding to the shooting operation in the transmission function information included in the received pairing command.

In addition, when the wireless device that has received the pairing command has a function of transmitting a wireless signal instructing a photographing operation by the device itself or a device connected to the device, the reception function information included in the pairing command is captured. It is determined that it can operate in cooperation with the wireless device that has transmitted the pairing command on the condition that it has a function to execute the operation. For example, when receiving a pairing command, the wireless remote controller 30 has a function of transmitting a wireless signal instructing a photographing operation to another wireless device, and performs a photographing operation in the reception function information included in the pairing command. A pairing request is accepted on condition that the corresponding bit is set to 1. For example, the wireless remote controller 30 compares the bit string of the transmission function information included in the pairing command by the own device with the bit string of the reception function information included in the received pairing command, and the value of the bit position corresponding to the shooting operation If they are the same, a request for pairing is accepted. In addition, the wireless remote controller 30 is preset with other information indicating whether or not the own device has a function of transmitting a wireless signal instructing a photographing operation to another wireless device. 30 determines whether or not to accept a pairing request based on the preset information and the value of the bit position corresponding to the shooting operation in the reception function information included in the received pairing command. May be.

When there are a plurality of wireless remote controllers 30 based on the determination regarding the pairing command, even if a certain wireless remote controller 30 receives a pairing command from another wireless remote controller 30, the wireless remote controller 30 may receive a command from another wireless adapter 20. Does not accept pairing requests. Therefore, pairing is not performed between the wireless remote controllers 30. On the other hand, pairing may be performed between the plurality of wireless adapters 20. For example, when the wireless adapter 20 has a function of transmitting a photographing operation instruction to another wireless adapter 20 with a wireless signal, the wireless adapter 20 includes a pair including transmission function information in which the bit corresponding to the photographing operation is set to 1. Send ring command. In this case, the other wireless adapter 20 accepts the pairing request. Accordingly, for example, the camera 10b and the camera 10c can perform the shooting operation in conjunction with the shooting operation in the camera 10a.

Examples of the operations performed in conjunction with each other include a flashing operation in addition to a photographing operation. The flashing operation may also be paired between a plurality of wireless adapters 20. When paired between a plurality of wireless adapters 20, a flash emission instruction is transmitted as a wireless signal from the wireless adapter 20 connected to one camera 10 to the wireless adapter 20 connected to an external flash light emitting device. The external flash light emitting device performs a flash light emitting operation in response to reception of the wireless signal. Thereby, it becomes possible for the external flash light emitting device to emit the flash light and take an image at the same timing as the camera 10 emits the flash light. As a result, it is possible to perform the radio flash photography.

Note that the function information is not limited to the example described above. As the function information, any information can be applied as long as the wireless device that has received the pairing command can identify whether or not the wireless device that has transmitted the pairing command can be linked. For example, the function information may be device identification information for identifying the own device. The device identification information may be information for identifying the type of device. For example, in each wireless device, device identification information of a device that can operate in cooperation with its own device is set in advance. For example, device identification information of a device that can operate in conjunction with the own device is stored in advance in a system memory in the MPU. In the wireless device that has received the pairing command, on the condition that the device identification information that matches the device identification information included in the function information included in the received pairing command is preset in the own device, It may be determined that the request is accepted.

3 is set to a unique value given to the wireless adapter 20 and the wireless remote controller 30 as the identification number in the packet format illustrated in FIG. In the wireless communication in the wireless system 100, the plurality of wireless adapters 20 and the wireless remote controller 30 communicate using the same communication method, the same communication format, and the same channel. The wireless adapter 20 and the wireless remote controller 30 to be communicated are identified by an identification number. Even when the packet is normally received, the packet is ignored if the value of the DID is not its own identification number. The wireless adapter 20 and the wireless remote controller 30 incorporate control logic that determines that a packet has been received and processes a command only when the DID of the received packet matches its own identification number. Note that a MAC address may be applied as the identification number. However, any information can be applied as the identification number as long as it can identify the device in the wireless system 100. For example, information such as a management number and a name can be applied to the identification number.

FIG. 4 shows a processing flow from the start to the end of the camera 10. This flow is started, for example, when a power switch as a part of the operation member 16 is switched to the ON position. This flow is executed by controlling each part of the camera 10 mainly by the MPU 12.

In step S400, the MPU 12 starts up a control program. Specifically, parameters for controlling the camera 10, OS, and the like are expanded from the system memory 13 to the buffer memory 14, and the control shifts to OS control. In step S <b> 402, the MPU 12 performs initial setting of the camera 10. For example, the MPU 12 sets the operating condition of the camera 10 based on the state of a shooting mode dial or the like as a part of the operation member 16 according to the developed parameters or the like. Examples of operating conditions include imaging conditions and recording conditions. Examples of imaging conditions include exposure time, aperture value, imaging sensitivity, and the like. Examples of the recording conditions include the number of recording pixels. Further, the MPU 12 starts power supply to the wireless adapter 20 when the wireless adapter 20 is connected.

Subsequently, in step S404, the MPU 12 causes the display unit 15 to display the content set in the initial setting. For example, the MPU 12 displays information such as imaging conditions and recording conditions on the display unit 15 in various formats such as icon display.

Subsequently, in step S406, the MPU 12 determines the type of event that has occurred. The various events are caused by an operation event generated by an operation on the operation member 16, a signal reception event through the communication IF 18, or the like. Here, an event generated by a setting operation, an event generated by an operation for performing a reproduction operation, an event generated by an operation of the release button 112, and a communication event generated by reception of a communication command will be particularly described.

When an event occurs in the setting operation, the MPU 12 performs a setting process according to the instruction content (step S410). In this setting process, various operating conditions of the camera 10 including an imaging condition and a recording condition are set according to the instruction content. When the operation setting is changed, the parameter is changed according to the changed operation setting.

When an event occurs in the reproduction operation, the MPU 12 executes an instructed reproduction process based on a user operation on the operation member 16 (step S412). The reproduction processing includes processing for displaying a list of images based on image data such as still images and moving images, processing for accepting selection of image data, processing for displaying images on the display unit 15 based on image data selected by the user, and the like. It can be illustrated.

When an event occurs due to the operation of the release button 112, the MPU 12 performs a focusing operation or a photographing operation according to the pressing level of the release button 112 (step S414). When the release button 112 is pressed halfway, the MPU 12 performs a focusing operation. When the release button 112 is fully pressed, the MPU 12 performs a shooting operation. The full pressing operation is an operation in which the release button 112 is pressed to a position deeper than a predetermined depth, and the half pressing operation is an operation in which the release button 112 is pressed to a position shallower than a predetermined depth. is there.

When an event occurs by receiving a signal from the wireless adapter 20 via the communication IF 18, the MPU 12 executes a process determined according to the received signal (step S416). For example, when receiving a signal requesting shooting, the MPU 12 performs a shooting operation.

If another event occurs, processing is performed according to the event that occurred (step S418). Examples of other events include a time-out event that occurs when there is no operation for a predetermined period, an event that turns off the power, and the like. When a timeout event occurs, the camera 10 is shifted to the sleep state. Even when the camera 10 is in the sleep state, power is supplied from the camera 10 to the wireless adapter 20 when the wireless adapter 20 is connected to the camera 10. When an event for turning off the power occurs, necessary termination processing is performed before turning off the power. As this process, a process of storing information such as changed parameters in the system memory 13 can be exemplified.

When the processes of step S410, step S412, step S414, step S416, and step S418 are completed, the process proceeds to step S420. In step S420, it is determined whether to turn off the power. If it is determined not to turn off the power, the process proceeds to step S406. If it is determined to turn off the power, this flow ends.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the operation flow of the wireless adapter 20. This flow is started when power supply from the camera 10 is started. This flow is executed by controlling each part of the wireless adapter 20 mainly by the MPU 22.

In step S500, the MPU 22 starts up a control program. Specifically, the control program is expanded from the flash memory in the MPU 22 to the memory 24, and the control shifts to the control program. Subsequently, in step S502, an event that has occurred is determined. Here, an event related to transmission of a pairing command, an event generated when a command is received from the wireless remote controller 30, an event generated when the channel button 123 is operated, and an end event will be described.

The event related to the transmission of the pairing command occurs when the operation of the pairing button 121 is detected and when the transmission period of the pairing command times out. If this event occurs, pairing processing is performed (step S510). The process of step S510 will be described with reference to FIG.

If an event occurs due to the reception of the command, the received command is processed (step S512). The process of step S512 will be described with reference to FIG.

When an event is generated by operating the channel button 123, processing for changing the channel of wireless communication is performed (step S514). For example, every time the MPU 22 detects pressing of the channel button 123, the MPU 22 selects channels in a predetermined order. The MPU 22 sets the wireless module 23 to perform wireless communication at the frequency of the selected channel.

When the processing of step S510, step S512, and step S514 is completed, the processing proceeds to step S502. If an end event occurs in step S502, this flow ends. The end event occurs, for example, when the wireless adapter 20 is removed from the camera 10.

FIG. 6 shows an example of an operation flow when an event related to transmission of a pairing command occurs. This flow can be applied to the process of step S510 in FIG. This flow is executed by controlling each part of the wireless adapter 20 mainly by the MPU 22.

When this flow starts, the MPU 22 determines the type of event (step S600). Specifically, it is determined whether the event has occurred due to the operation of the pairing button 121 or the event has occurred due to a timeout of the transmission period of the pairing command. The operation of the pairing button 121 is detected by the change of the pairing button 121 from the off position to the on position.

When an event occurs due to the operation of the pairing button 121, the MPU 22 determines whether or not a pairing command is being transmitted (step S602). If the pairing command is not being transmitted, the MPU 22 starts transmitting the pairing command (step S604), and starts notifying that the pairing command is being transmitted (step S606). The MPU 22 continues transmission of the pairing command for a predetermined transmission period. For example, the MPU 22 transmits a pairing command a predetermined number of times at a constant period. The transmission period of the pairing command may be about 1 second to 1.5 seconds. Further, the MPU 22 causes the light emitting unit 122 to emit light with the first light emission pattern during the transmission period of the pairing command.

If it is determined in step S602 that the pairing command is being transmitted, the MPU 22 extends the transmission period of the pairing command (step S608), and performs a notification operation indicating that the pairing command is being transmitted in step S606. Extend. For example, the MPU 22 further transmits a pairing command a predetermined number of times. The wireless adapter 20 receives the pairing command from the wireless remote controller 30 during the transmission period of the pairing command. Since the wireless adapter 20 transmits the pairing command in a retriggerable manner, the user can easily extend the pairing period.

In step S600, when an event occurs due to timeout of the pairing command transmission period, the MPU 22 stops transmission of the pairing command (step S610). Then, the notification that the pairing command is being transmitted is stopped (step S612). When the processes of step S606 and step S612 are completed, this flow ends.

FIG. 7 shows an example of an operation flow of command processing in the wireless adapter 20. This flow can be applied to the process of step S512 in FIG. This flow is executed by controlling each part of the wireless adapter 20 mainly by the MPU 22.

When this flow starts, the MPU 22 determines whether or not the received command is a pairing command (step S700). The MPU 22 determines whether it is a pairing command based on the CMD value in the packet illustrated in FIG.

If it is a pairing command, the MPU 22 determines whether or not pairing with the counterpart device that is the wireless device that has transmitted the pairing command is possible (step S702). For example, the MPU 22 determines that pairing is possible when the function of the counterpart device and the function of the own device can be operated in combination. For example, the pairing command transmitted by the wireless remote controller 30 includes transmission function information in which the bit corresponding to the shooting operation is set to 1. The wireless adapter 20 operates in conjunction with the wireless remote controller 30 when it has a function of instructing the camera 10 to which it is connected to perform a shooting operation, or when it receives a pairing command from the wireless remote controller 30. It is determined that the pairing is possible. On the other hand, when the wireless adapter 20 does not have a function for instructing the camera 10 to which the own device is connected to perform a shooting operation, or when receiving a pairing command from the wireless remote controller 30, the wireless adapter 20 is linked to the wireless remote controller 30. Therefore, it is determined that the pairing is impossible.

When pairing with the counterpart device is possible, the MPU 22 determines whether or not it is a period during which pairing is possible (step S704). Specifically, it is determined whether or not it is within the transmission period of the pairing command.

If it is a period in which pairing is possible, the MPU 22 determines whether the identification number of the counterpart device is registered as the identification number of the pairing counterpart (step S706). Specifically, the MPU 22 determines whether or not the SID value included in the pairing command is stored in the memory 24 as the identification number of the pairing partner. When the identification number of the partner device is not registered as the identification number of the pairing partner, a threshold for determining whether or not to accept the pairing request is calculated (step S708). The MPU 22 calculates, as a threshold value, a value obtained by subtracting the value indicated by the transmission strength included in the pairing command from the reference value determined for the wireless adapter 20.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the received field strength of the pairing command is equal to or greater than a threshold value (step S710). As described above, the threshold value corresponds to the received electric field strength that is received when the wireless device that has transmitted the pairing command exists at a position away from the own device by the allowable pairing distance.

If the received electric field strength is greater than or equal to the threshold, the identification number of the counterpart device included in the pairing command is registered as the identification number of the pairing counterpart (step S712). Specifically, the MPU 22 stores the identification number of the counterpart device in the memory 24. The MPU 22 stores the identification number of the counterpart device in the system memory in the MPU 22. Thus, the wireless adapter 20 performs pairing when the received electric field strength is equal to or greater than the received electric field strength corresponding to the pairing allowable distance. As described above, the MPU 22 receives the pairing command from the other wireless device while the wireless module 23 transmits the pairing command to the other wireless device over a predetermined period. If so, a pairing request is accepted.

Subsequently, the MPU 22 notifies the user of the completion of pairing (step S714), and ends this flow. In step S714, the MPU 22 notifies the pairing completion by causing the light emitting unit 122 to emit light with the second light emission pattern. As described above, when the MPU 22 receives a pairing request, the MPU 22 notifies the user that the pairing has been received. For example, the MPU 22 notifies the user of the completion of pairing by blinking the light emitting unit 122 for a predetermined period. The period during which the light emitting unit 122 emits light in the second pattern may be about 1 second to 2 seconds. The second light emission pattern and the first light emission pattern may be different in at least one of the blinking cycle and the color.

In step S710, if the reception strength is less than the threshold value, the flow ends without pairing.

In step S706, if the identification number of the counterpart device has already been registered as the identification number of the pairing partner, the process proceeds to step S714 to notify the completion of pairing. As described above, when the wireless module 23 receives a pairing command within a predetermined period from the wireless remote controller 30 that has already received a pairing request, the MPU 22 notifies that the pairing request has been received. Same notification as. This process is performed when the user is trying to pair the wireless adapter 20 and the wireless remote controller 30. For this reason, it is sufficient for the user to know whether or not the pairing is successful. It is not confusing for the user to make a notification similar to the case of a new pairing without making a distinction, rather than making a distinction whether it is paired for the first time or already paired.

If it is determined in step S704 that it is not possible to perform pairing, it is determined whether or not the identification number of the partner device is registered as a pairing partner (step S716). If the identification number of the partner device is registered as a pairing partner, a notification that pairing has been completed is sent (step S718). Specifically, the MPU 22 causes the light emitting unit 122 to emit light with the third light emission pattern, and ends this flow. As described above, when the wireless module 23 receives a pairing command during a period other than the predetermined period from the wireless remote controller 30 that has already received the pairing request, the MPU 22 has received the pairing request. A notification different from the above notification is performed.

Thereby, the user can check whether or not the wireless remote controller 30 has been paired with the wireless adapter 20. Since this process is performed without determining the pairing allowable distance, the user can easily confirm whether or not the pairing with the remote wireless adapter 20 has been completed. Also, it can be easily confirmed whether or not the radio signal can be normally received. The first light emission pattern, the second light emission pattern, and the third light emission pattern may be different from each other in at least one of the blinking cycle and the color.

If it is determined in step S716 that the identification number of the partner device is not registered as a pairing partner, this flow ends. If it is determined in step S702 that pairing with the counterpart device is not possible, this flow ends.

If it is determined in step S700 that a command other than the pairing command has been received, the MPU 22 processes other commands (step S720) and ends this flow. The processing in step S720 includes processing for instructing the camera 10 to perform shooting according to the shooting command.

The operation of the wireless adapter 20 has been described with reference to FIGS. An operation similar to the operation of the wireless adapter 20 described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7 can be applied to the operation of the wireless remote controller 30.

As described above, by including the transmission output information in the pairing command, it is possible to reduce the possibility of pairing with a wireless device that exists far away. For the purpose of preventing pairing with a wireless device existing in the distance, the pairing command output from the wireless module 23 or the wireless module 33 is output with a transmission output smaller than other wireless signals. May be. That is, in the wireless adapter 20, when a wireless signal requesting pairing is transmitted to the wireless module 23, the wireless module 23 may transmit the signal from an antenna of the wireless module 23 with a lower transmission output than when transmitting another wireless signal. . In the wireless remote controller 30, when a wireless signal requesting pairing is transmitted to the wireless module 33, the wireless remote controller 30 may transmit the signal from an antenna of the wireless module 33 with a lower transmission output than when transmitting other wireless signals. In this case, the transmission output intensity information may not be included in the pairing command. The transmission output strength information may be included in the pairing command.

In the above description, the processing described as the operation of the MPU 22 is realized by the MPU 22 controlling each hardware included in the wireless adapter 20 according to a program. In other words, the processing described in relation to the wireless adapter 20 of the present embodiment is such that the processor operates in accordance with the program and controls each hardware, so that each hardware including the processor, the memory, and the like cooperates with the program. It can be realized by operating. That is, the process can be realized by a so-called computer device. The computer device may load a program for controlling the execution of the above-described process, operate according to the read program, and execute the process. The computer device can load the program from a computer-readable recording medium storing the program.

In addition to the single-lens reflex camera that is an example of an interchangeable lens camera, the camera 10 may be a compact digital camera, a mirrorless camera, a video camera, or a mobile phone with an imaging function. Further, a portable information terminal with an imaging function, a scanner, and various electronic devices having an imaging function can be applied. The camera 10 is an example of an electronic device, and various electronic devices that do not have an imaging function can be applied as electronic devices to which the wireless adapter 20 is connected. For example, as an electronic device to which the wireless adapter 20 is connected, various devices such as a portable information terminal, an entertainment device, and a television device can be applied. In addition, the electronic device may incorporate the function of the wireless adapter 20.

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

The execution order of each process such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages in the apparatus, system, program, and method shown in the claims, the description, and the drawings is particularly “before” or “prior”. It should be noted that they can be implemented in any order unless the output of the previous process is used in the subsequent process. Regarding the operation flow in the claims, the description, and the drawings, even if it is described using “first”, “next”, etc. for the sake of convenience, it means that it is essential to carry out in this order. is not.

10 camera, 8 lens device, 9 imaging unit, 11 memory card, 12 MPU, 13 system memory, 14 buffer memory, 15 display unit, 16 operation member, 17 image processing unit, 18 communication IF, 19 power supply unit, 20 wireless adapter , 22 MPU, 23 wireless module, 24 memory, 25 notification unit, 26 operation member, 28 communication IF, 30 wireless remote control, 32 MPU, 33 wireless module, 34 memory, 35 notification unit, 36 operation member, 39 power supply unit, 40 Conversion adapter, 100 wireless system, 112 release button, 121, 131 pairing button, 122, 132 light emitting unit, 123, 133 channel button, 135 shooting instruction button, 300 packet format, 310 packet format Door

Claims

A wireless device,
A receiving unit that receives a radio signal transmitted from another wireless device;
Whether or not to accept a request indicated by the radio signal based on the transmission output intensity information included in the radio signal and the reception intensity of the radio signal when the receiving unit receives the first type of radio signal. A wireless device comprising a determination unit for determining.
The determination unit determines whether a distance to the other wireless device is equal to or less than a predetermined distance based on transmission output intensity information included in the first type of wireless signal and reception intensity of the wireless signal. The wireless device according to claim 1, wherein when the distance to the other wireless device is equal to or less than a predetermined distance, it is determined that the request indicated by the wireless signal is accepted.
When the receiving unit receives the first type of wireless signal, the receiving unit receives the second signal received when the determining unit determines to accept the request indicated by the first type of wireless signal. The wireless device according to claim 1, further comprising a request receiving unit that receives a request indicated by a wireless signal of the type.
The wireless device according to claim 3, wherein the first type of wireless signal is a wireless signal from which the other wireless device requests pairing to the wireless device.
The second type of wireless signal is a wireless signal that the other wireless device instructs the wireless device to shoot,
The request accepting unit captures an image on the camera unit when the receiving unit receives the second type of wireless signal from another wireless device that the determining unit has already determined to accept the pairing request. The wireless device according to claim 4, wherein the wireless device is instructed.
A transmission unit that transmits a wireless signal for requesting pairing to the other wireless device over a predetermined period;
The determination unit determines whether or not to accept the pairing request when the reception unit receives the wireless signal requesting pairing from the other wireless device within the predetermined period. The wireless device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a determination is made.
When the determination unit determines to accept the pairing request, the notification unit further notifies the user that the pairing request has been received,
The notification unit receives a radio signal requesting the pairing during a period other than the predetermined period from another radio device for which the reception unit has determined that the determination unit has already accepted the pairing request. The wireless device according to claim 6, wherein, in a case where a notification is received, a notification different from the notification that the pairing request has been received is performed.
When the determination unit determines to accept the pairing request, the notification unit further notifies the user that the pairing request has been received,
The notification unit, when the reception unit receives a wireless signal requesting the pairing within the predetermined period from another wireless device that the determination unit has already determined to accept the pairing request The wireless device according to claim 6, wherein the same notification as the notification indicating that the pairing request has been received is performed.
The first type of wireless signal further includes function information indicating a function of the other wireless device,
When the receiving unit receives the first type of wireless signal, the determining unit may operate the wireless device in cooperation with the other wireless device based on functional information included in the wireless signal. The determination according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein it is further determined whether or not it is possible to determine that the request indicated by the wireless signal is accepted when the wireless device can operate in cooperation with the other wireless device. The wireless device described.
A wireless device,
A transmitter that transmits a radio signal;
A wireless device comprising: a control unit that transmits a wireless signal including request information indicating request for pairing and transmission output intensity information from the transmission unit when pairing is requested to another wireless device.
A wireless device according to any one of claims 3 to 9,
A wireless system comprising the wireless device according to claim 10.
A transmitter for transmitting a radio signal from an antenna;
A wireless device comprising: a control unit that transmits a wireless signal requesting pairing from the antenna at a lower transmission output than when transmitting another wireless signal when the transmitting unit transmits the wireless signal.
A program for a wireless device,
A receiving step of receiving a wireless signal transmitted from another wireless device;
Whether or not to accept a request indicated by the radio signal based on the transmission output intensity information included in the radio signal and the reception intensity of the radio signal when the first type radio signal is received in the reception step. A program for causing a computer to execute a judgment step for judgment.
A program for a wireless device having a transmitter for transmitting a wireless signal,
In order to cause a computer to execute a control step of transmitting a wireless signal including request information indicating request for pairing and transmission output intensity information from the transmission unit when requesting pairing to another wireless device Program.
A program for a wireless device having a transmitter for transmitting a wireless signal from an antenna,
A program for causing a computer to execute a control step of transmitting from the antenna at a lower transmission output than when transmitting other radio signals when transmitting a radio signal requesting pairing to the transmitter.