JP2009135766A - Remote control device, imaging device, and camera system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote control device which can transmit instruction information such as instructions for imaging condition change, image transfer and image reproduction to an imaging device. <P>SOLUTION: A remote control device 38 has a transmitter 42 transmitting instruction information to an imaging device 2 and a receiver 44 receiving response information to the instruction information transmitted from the imaging device 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote control device that transmits instruction information to an imaging device, an imaging device that operates based on instruction information from the remote control device, and a camera system that includes the remote control device and the imaging device.

In general, when performing close-up photography or long exposure with a camera, camera shake may occur when the shutter button is operated with a fingertip, and an image that meets the intended shooting may not be taken. (See, for example, Patent Document 1). By the way, in the above-described remote control device, when the release button of the remote control device is operated, an infrared remote control signal is transmitted to the camera, and in the camera that has received the remote control signal, AE (shooting preparation operation) is performed. Imaging is performed after performing automatic exposure) and AF (autofocus) operations.
JP 2003-195409 A

  In the above-described remote control device, by sending a remote control signal for causing the camera to perform an imaging operation, the camera can perform imaging, AE and AF operations before imaging, but photography such as shutter speed and aperture. When changing the conditions, or when confirming the captured image captured by the camera, it is necessary to go to the camera, which is inconvenient.

  An object of the present invention is based on instruction information from a remote control device capable of transmitting instruction information such as an instruction to change imaging conditions, an instruction to transfer a captured image, and an instruction to reproduce a captured image to the imaging device, It is an object of the present invention to provide an imaging device that transmits response information to a remote control device, and a camera system including these remote control device and imaging device.

  The configuration of the present invention will be described below with reference to the embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

  The remote control device (38) of the present invention includes a transmission unit (42) that transmits instruction information to the imaging device (2), and a reception unit that receives response information for the instruction information transmitted from the imaging device (2). (44).

  The imaging device (2) of the present invention stores an imaging element (24) that images subject light based on the set imaging conditions, and a captured image based on an imaging signal output from the imaging element (24). A storage unit (26) for receiving, an instruction information receiving unit (16) for receiving instruction information from the remote control device (38), and response information transmission for transmitting response information for the instruction information to the remote control device (38). Part (14).

  The camera system of the present invention includes a transmission unit (42) that transmits instruction information to the imaging device (2), and a reception unit that receives response information for the instruction information transmitted from the imaging device (2) ( 44), an image pickup device (24) for picking up subject light based on the set image pickup conditions, and a photographed image based on the image pickup signal output from the image pickup device (24). A storage unit (26) for receiving, an instruction information receiving unit (16) for receiving the instruction information from the remote control device (38), and a response for transmitting response information for the instruction information to the remote control device (38). An image pickup apparatus (2) including an information transmission unit (14) is provided.

  According to the remote control device of the present invention, it is possible to change the imaging conditions in the imaging device using the remote control device, and it is possible to confirm the captured image captured by the imaging device and to instruct the reproduction of the captured image. .

  Further, according to the imaging apparatus of the present invention, the imaging conditions can be changed based on the instruction information from the remote control device, and the captured image captured by the imaging device can be changed to a remote control device or an external monitor. It can be transmitted to an external display device.

  Further, according to the camera system of the present invention, the imaging condition of the imaging device can be changed by the remote control device, and the photographed image can also be confirmed on the remote control device. Furthermore, when an imaging device and an external display device such as an external monitor are connected, the captured image can be reproduced on the external display device such as an external monitor by operating the remote control device.

  A camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The camera system according to the present embodiment includes a camera (imaging device) shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and a remote control device 38 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the back surface of the camera according to the embodiment. The camera 2 includes a photographing lens (not shown) and a camera body 4. Here, the photographing lens may be fixed to the camera body 4 or may be an interchangeable photographing lens. A shutter button 6 for instructing a release operation is provided on the upper part of the camera body 4, and a finder eyepiece window 8 for observing a finder image, display of a captured image, reproduction and imaging conditions, etc. on the back of the camera body 4. LCD display unit 10 for displaying, a cross key 12a for selecting conditions displayed on the LCD display unit 10, a determination button 12b for determining the selected content, and an image stored in a memory card 30 to be described later are reproduced. And a proximity sensor 18 including a light emitting unit 14 that emits infrared light and a light receiving unit 16 that detects infrared light reflected by the detection target.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of the camera according to the embodiment. The camera 2 is provided with a CPU 20. The CPU 20 includes a shutter button 6, a cross key 12 a, an operation button 12 including a determination button 12 b, a playback button 12 c, and the like, and a proximity sensor 18 including a light emitting unit 14 and a light receiving unit 16. A display control unit 22 that controls the display of the LCD display unit 10; an image sensor 24 that includes a CCD or a CMOS that captures an image of subject light through the photographing lens and generates an image signal (analog signal as accumulated charge). The image signal output from the image sensor 24 is A / D converted by an A / D converter (not shown) to generate image data of a captured image, and the image data storage unit 26 temporarily stores the image data. Image processing for performing image processing such as white balance adjustment, contour compensation, and gamma correction on image data based on the imaging signal output from the image element 24 28, the memory card 30 for storing the captured image, the communication control unit 34 to transmit the photographed image to an external display device such as the imaging condition storage unit 32 and an external monitor for storing the imaging condition set is connected.

  Further, the CPU 20 is provided with a determination unit 36. Whether the light received via the light receiving unit 16 is reflected light of infrared light emitted from the light emitting unit 14 to the detection target. Then, it is determined whether the light includes instruction information from a remote control device 38, which will be described later. That is, the light emission pattern when the proximity sensor 18 functions as a proximity sensor is different from the light emission pattern when the transmission unit 42 of the remote control device 38 to be described later transmits a remote control signal. The unit 36 determines whether the received light is reflected light of infrared light emitted from the detection target object or light including instruction information from the remote control device.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the remote control device according to the embodiment. The remote control device 38 is connected to the remote control body 40, a transmission unit 42 that transmits instruction information to the camera 2, a reception unit 44 that receives response information transmitted from the camera 2, a display unit 46 constituted by an LCD, and a camera body 4. A cross key 48a, a determination button 48b, a playback button 48c, and a shutter button 48d having the same functions as those provided and having substantially the same form as those of the camera body are provided.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the remote control device according to the embodiment. The remote control device 38 is provided with a CPU 50. The CPU 50 includes an operation unit 48 including a transmission unit 42, a reception unit 44, a display unit 46, a cross key 48a, an enter button 48b, a playback button 48c, a shutter button 48d, and the like. And a memory 52 for storing response information received via the receiving unit 44 is connected.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5, processing when changing the imaging condition of the camera by remote control operation will be described. First, the power button (not shown) of the camera 2 is operated to turn on the power of the camera 2 (step S20), the remote control mode selection button (not shown) provided on the camera 2 is operated, and the camera 2 enters the remote control mode. When set (step S21), the camera 2 is in a standby state until it receives a command including instruction information transmitted from the remote control device 38 (step S22).

  On the other hand, in the remote control device 38, when the shooting information change mode is selected by the operation of the cross key 48a, the determination button 48b, etc. (step S10), the shooting information currently set in the camera 2 according to the operation is selected. A command including instruction information for acquiring the command is transmitted from the transmission unit 42 to the camera 2 (step S11), and the standby state is maintained until a command including response information from the camera 2 is received (step S12).

  When the camera 2 receives the shooting information acquisition command transmitted from the remote control device 38 in step S11 via the light receiving unit 16 (step S23), the camera 2 reads the current shooting information set in the imaging condition storage unit 32 and reads the remote control. It transmits to the apparatus 38 (step S24), and will be in a standby state (step S25). Here, the shooting information includes shooting modes (including various program exposure modes having different exposure conditions), aperture values, shutter speed values, exposure correction values, shooting operation modes such as single shooting or continuous shooting, AE lock, Information such as ISO value, image quality mode, and WB bracketing is included.

  When receiving the currently set shooting information in the camera 2 via the receiving unit 44 (step S13), the remote control device 38 stores the received shooting information in the memory 52 and displays it on the display unit 46 (step S14). ). When the displayed shooting information is changed by the photographer's operation of the cross key 48a, the enter button 48b, etc. (step S15), the remote control device 38 sends the changed shooting information from the transmission unit 42 to the camera according to the transmission instruction. 2 (step S16), and enters a standby state (step S17).

  When the camera 2 receives the changed shooting information via the light receiving unit 16 (step S26), the camera 2 completes the setting inside the camera by writing the received shooting information in the imaging condition storage unit 32 (step S27). A command including response information indicating completion of the setting change of the photographing information is transmitted to the remote control device 38 (step S28). And it will be in a standby state again until the command containing the instruction information from the remote control device 38 is received (step S22).

  When receiving a command including setting change completion response information via the receiving unit 44 in the remote control device 38 (step S18), the received information is stored in the memory 52, and shooting information on the camera side is displayed on the display unit 46. The fact that the setting change has been completed is displayed (step S19).

  According to the camera system according to the present embodiment, the imaging conditions of the camera can be changed by the remote control device. In addition, when the imaging condition of the camera is changed according to the instruction information from the remote control device, response information indicating completion of the change of the imaging condition is transmitted from the camera to the remote control device and displayed on the display unit of the remote control device. Therefore, it can be confirmed on the remote control device that the change of the imaging condition is completed.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6, the process in the case of instructing photographing using the remote control device will be described. First, the power button (not shown) of the camera 2 is operated to turn on the power of the camera 2 (step S40), the remote control mode selection button described above is operated, and the camera 2 is set to the remote control mode (step S41). ) The camera 2 is in a standby state until it receives a command including instruction information from the remote control device 38 (step S42).

  On the other hand, when the shutter button 48d is operated on the remote control device 38 (step S30), a release command for causing the camera 2 to take an image is transmitted from the transmission unit 42 to the camera 2 (step S31), and a standby state is entered (step S31). Step S32).

  In the camera 2, when a release command is received via the light receiving unit 16 (step S43), an image is captured (step S44), and a captured image obtained by the imaging is transmitted from the light emitting unit 14 to the remote control device 38 (step S43). S45). And it will be in a standby state again until it receives the command containing the instruction information from the remote control device 38 (step S42).

  In the remote control device 38, when the captured image is received via the receiving unit 44 (step S33), the captured image is stored in the memory 52 and displayed on the display unit 46 (step S34).

  According to the camera system according to the present embodiment, it is possible to confirm the photographed image on the remote control device immediately after the photographing operation is finished.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7, the reproduction operation process of the captured image by the remote control device 38 will be described.

  First, the power button (not shown) of the camera 2 is operated to turn on the power of the camera 2 (step S60), the remote control mode selection button described above is operated, and the camera 2 is set to the remote control mode (step S61). ) The camera 2 is in a standby state until it receives a command including instruction information from the remote control device 38 (step S62).

  On the other hand, in the remote control device 38, when the playback button 48c is operated and the image playback mode is selected (step S50), the camera is instructed to perform the image operation of the captured image (the image recorded on the memory card 30). An image reproduction command to be transmitted is transmitted from the transmission unit 42 to the camera 2 (step S51), and a standby state is received until a command including response information from the camera 2 is received (step S52).

  When the camera 2 receives the image reproduction command via the light receiving unit 16 (step S63), the camera 2 determines whether or not an external display device such as an external monitor is connected via the communication control unit 34 (step S64). . When connected, the captured image stored in the memory card 30 is read out, and the captured image is transmitted to an external display device such as an external monitor via the communication control unit 34, and the captured image is reproduced. This is performed (step S66). When the reproduction of the captured image is completed, the standby state is maintained until a command including instruction information from the remote control device 38 is received (step S67).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S64 that an external display device such as an external monitor is not connected to the camera 2 via the communication control unit 34, the captured image stored in the memory card 30 is sent to the remote control device 38. It transmits (step S65) and is in a standby state until it receives a command including instruction information from the remote control device 38 (step S67).

  When the remote control device 38 receives a captured image via the receiving unit 44 (step S53), the remote control device 38 stores the captured image in the memory 52 and displays the image on the display unit 46 (step S54). In the remote control device 38, when the captured image different from the one received in step S53 or the captured image not displayed on the external display device such as an external monitor in step S66 is reproduced, By operating the cross key 48a, the enter button 48b, etc., the playback frame number assigned to the captured image to be played back is selected, and a command including the selected frame number is transmitted to the camera 2 (step S55). A standby state is entered (step S56).

  When the camera 2 receives the command including the playback frame number at the light receiving unit 14 (step S68), the camera 2 determines whether or not an external display device such as an external monitor is connected via the communication control unit 34 (step S69). ). If connected, the captured image corresponding to the playback frame number is read from the memory card 30, and the captured image is transmitted to an external display device such as an external monitor via the communication control unit 34 to reproduce the captured image. An operation is performed (step S71). When the reproduction operation is completed, the process again stands by until a command including instruction information from the remote control device 38 is received (step S67).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S69 that an external display device such as an external monitor is not connected to the camera 2 via the communication control unit 34, the captured image corresponding to the playback frame number is read from the memory card 30, The captured image is transmitted to the remote control device 38 (step S70). And it will be in a standby state again until the command containing the instruction information from the remote control device 38 is received (step S67).

  When receiving the captured image corresponding to the playback frame number via the receiving unit 44 (step S57), the remote control device 38 stores the captured image in the memory 52 and displays the image on the display unit 46 (step S58).

According to the camera system according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reproduce the captured image stored in the camera in the remote control device. In addition, when an external display device such as an external monitor is connected to the camera, a captured image stored in the camera can be reproduced on the external display device such as an external monitor by operating the remote control device.
Note that one or a plurality of playback frame numbers may be transmitted. When there are a plurality of playback frame numbers, the playback of captured images is not limited to displaying one captured image on a display unit or an external display device, A plurality of captured images may be displayed at a time as shown.

  Further, the display in the reproduction operation on the remote display device 38 or an external display device such as an external monitor is not limited to the photographed image, but may be a file name relating to the photographed image, photographing date / time, photographing information, and the like. These pieces of information may be displayed together with the captured image.

  Further, when a photographed image is reproduced by the remote control device 38, the photographed image displayed on the display unit 46 may be processed by operating the operation unit 48.

  In the above-described embodiment, the remote control device 38 may be configured by a touch panel system in which the operation unit 48 is provided in the display unit 46.

  In this embodiment, whether to display a reproduced image on the external display device or to display on the display unit on the remote control device is switched depending on whether or not the external display device is connected to the camera (S64). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the camera and the remote control device may be configured so that the display unit can be selected to be displayed on the remote control device side.

  In the above-described embodiment, instruction information is transmitted from the remote control device to the camera. However, in addition to the camera 2, response information from the camera 2 can be received as shown in FIG. A slave camera 54 including a light emitting unit 58 capable of transmitting instruction information to the light receiving unit 56 and the camera 2 may be used, and the slave camera 54 may be used as an imaging device having a remote control function. In this case, the captured image of the camera 2 can be confirmed by the slave camera 54, and the captured image is transmitted from the camera 2 to an external display device such as an external monitor in accordance with an instruction from the slave camera 54. It can be displayed. Furthermore, the imaging conditions of the camera 2 as well as the slave camera 54 can be changed by operating a cross key, an enter button, etc. (not shown) of the slave camera 54. Further, a release command can be transmitted to the camera 2 by operating a shutter button (not shown) of the slave camera 54, and a captured image captured by the camera 2 based on the release command is confirmed by the slave camera 54. can do.

  In the above-described embodiment, the camera has been described as an example of the imaging device. However, a mobile phone with a camera, a PDA, or the like may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the proximity sensor using infrared light has been described as an example of the transmission unit and the reception unit of the camera 2. However, the reception of instruction information from the remote control device 38 and the response to the remote control device 38 are described. Transmission of information and the like is not limited to the proximity sensor, and a dedicated transmission unit / reception unit for transmission / reception with the remote control device 38 may be provided in the camera 2. The signal used for communication is not limited to infrared rays, and any communication means may be used as long as information communication described in the above embodiment is possible.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the back surface of the camera which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of the camera which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the external appearance of the remote control apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of the remote control apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the imaging condition change process of the camera by the remote control apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the display process in the remote control apparatus of the picked-up image based on the release operation | movement by the remote control apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and a release operation. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of the reproduction | regeneration operation | movement of the image by operation of the remote control apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the camera system at the time of using the slave camera which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Camera, 14 ... Light emission part, 16 ... Light-receiving part, 18 ... Proximity sensor, 24 ... Image sensor, 26 ... Image data memory | storage part, 32 ... Imaging condition memory | storage 34, communication control unit, 38 remote control device, 42 transmission unit, 44 reception unit, 46 display unit, 48 operation unit.

Claims (18)

A transmission unit that transmits instruction information to the imaging device;
A remote control device comprising: a receiving unit that receives response information to the instruction information transmitted from the imaging device.   The remote control device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays the instruction information or the response information.   The instruction information includes at least imaging information indicating imaging conditions to be set for the imaging apparatus, reproduction operation information for instructing the imaging apparatus to perform a reproduction operation, and image transfer information for instructing the imaging apparatus to transfer a captured image. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein one remote control device is included. A change unit for changing the shooting information in a state where shooting information is displayed as the instruction information on the display unit;
4. The remote control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a transmission instruction unit that instructs the transmission unit to transmit the imaging information changed by the changing unit. 5.   The remote control device according to claim 4, wherein the display unit displays photographing information transmitted from the imaging device and indicating imaging conditions currently set in the imaging device.   The remote control device according to claim 2, wherein the display unit displays a captured image transmitted from the imaging device. An image sensor that images subject light based on set imaging conditions;
A storage unit that stores a captured image based on an imaging signal output from the imaging element;
An instruction information receiving unit for receiving instruction information from the remote control device;
An imaging apparatus comprising: a response information transmission unit that transmits response information to the instruction information to the remote control device.   The instruction information receiving unit includes a light emitting unit that emits light to a detection target and a detection unit of a proximity sensor that includes a detection unit that detects reflected light from the detection target. The imaging device according to claim 7.   8. The instruction information receiving unit is provided with a setting unit that sets the imaging condition based on the imaging information when imaging information indicating the imaging condition transmitted from the remote control device is received. Or the imaging device of Claim 8.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein when the imaging condition is set in the setting unit, the response information transmission unit transmits setting completion information to the remote control device.   When the instruction information receiving unit receives the reproduction operation information instructing the reproduction operation transmitted from the remote control device, the photographed image is read out from the storage unit based on the reproduction operation information and the captured image is reproduced. The imaging apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising an image reproduction unit that performs the image reproduction.   When the instruction information receiving unit receives image transfer information for instructing transfer of a photographic image transmitted from the remote control device, the photographic image is read from the storage unit based on the image transfer information, and the response information 9. The imaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the captured image is transmitted to the remote control device by a transmission unit. A remote control device comprising: a transmission unit that transmits instruction information to the imaging device; and a reception unit that receives response information to the instruction information transmitted from the imaging device;
An image sensor that captures subject light based on the set image capturing conditions, a storage unit that stores a captured image based on an image signal output from the image sensor, and instruction information that receives the instruction information from the remote control device A camera system comprising: a receiving unit; and an imaging device including a response information transmission unit that transmits response information to the instruction information to the remote control device.   The instruction information receiving unit of the imaging apparatus uses the detection unit of a proximity sensor including a light emitting unit that emits light to a detection target and a detection unit that detects reflected light from the detection target. The camera system according to claim 13. The imaging device
The said instruction information receiving part is further provided with the setting part which sets the said imaging condition based on the said imaging information, when the imaging information which shows the imaging condition transmitted from the said remote control apparatus is received. The camera system according to claim 13 or claim 14. The imaging device
When the instruction information receiving unit receives the reproduction operation information instructing the reproduction operation transmitted from the remote control device, the photographed image is read out from the storage unit based on the reproduction operation information and the captured image is reproduced. The camera system according to claim 13, further comprising an image reproducing unit for performing the operation. The imaging device
When the instruction information receiving unit receives the reproduction operation information instructing the reproduction operation transmitted from the remote control device, the instruction information receiving unit reads the captured image from the storage unit based on the reproduction operation information, and The camera system according to claim 13, further comprising an image output unit configured to output the captured image. The imaging device
When the instruction information receiving unit receives image transfer information for instructing transfer of a photographic image transmitted from the remote control device, the photographic image is read from the storage unit based on the image transfer information to the remote control device. The camera system according to claim 13, further comprising an image transmission unit configured to transmit the captured image.

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