JP2009005093A - Photographing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photographing apparatus capable of securing a stable radio connection state at all times when executing communication by radio connection between the photographing apparatus and an external apparatus and contributing to power saving. <P>SOLUTION: The photographing apparatus includes a photographing means for photographing an object and generating image signals, a communication means for transmitting and receiving information to/from the external apparatus by the radio connection, a rocking detection means for detecting the rocking of the photographing apparatus, and a transmission output control means for controlling the transmission output of the communication means corresponding to the size of the rocking detected in the rocking detection means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to radio communication control in an imaging apparatus, and more specifically, an imaging apparatus having a communication unit that transmits and receives information to and from an external apparatus by wireless connection.

  Conventionally, an optical image formed by a photographing optical system is subjected to photoelectric conversion processing by a photoelectric conversion element such as an image pickup element, whereby an optical image of a desired subject is obtained as an electrical image signal, and then the image signal is digitally converted. A so-called digital camera configured to be stored in a storage medium as a digital image data file (hereinafter referred to as an image file) formed by including image data in the form of data and various information data related to the image signal Image taking apparatuses (hereinafter simply referred to as digital cameras or the like) are widely used.

  In such a conventional digital camera or the like, an image file stored in a storage medium is stored in an external device such as an image reproduction device or image processing device such as a small computer, an image printing device such as a printer, or other digital devices. Some have communication means for transmitting and receiving with a camera or the like.

  As a communication means provided in a conventional digital camera or the like, a wired connection interface (connecting a digital camera or the like and an external device via a transmission line such as a connection cable, and transmitting and receiving an image file or the like using this is connected. Hereinafter, abbreviated as a wired connection IF), specifically, a USB connection unit that performs wired communication in conformity with the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard, a wired LAN (Loacal Area Network) connection unit, and the like.

  As a communication means replacing the wired connection IF, a wireless connection interface (hereinafter referred to as an image file or the like) using electromagnetic waves, infrared rays or the like without using an electric wire as a transmission path between the digital camera and the external device. , Which is abbreviated as wireless connection IF), specifically, WUSB connection means for performing wireless connection compliant with wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus; WUSB) standard, Ultra Wide Band (UWB) wireless connection means , Wireless LAN connection means, and optical wireless connection means for performing infrared communication conforming to IrDA (Infrared Data Association) standards.

  In a digital camera or the like equipped with such wireless communication means, when transmitting and receiving an image file by wireless communication, larger power consumption is required than during normal shooting operation.

  Furthermore, in order to perform data communication, it is necessary to maintain the communication state for a certain period of time (while data is being transmitted).

  Therefore, in order to continue communication operation in a digital camera or the like equipped with wireless communication means and keep the wireless connection state, the wireless signal is always transmitted at the maximum output intensity so that the wireless connection is not disconnected midway. A control that continuously executes sending can be considered.

  However, in a conventional digital camera or the like, a small battery or the like having a limited power capacity is usually applied as a power source. Therefore, there is a demand to suppress power consumption as much as possible in order to execute various functions while ensuring as long an operation time as possible with a limited power capacity.

  In view of this, various proposals have been made, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-270537 as a proposal for suppressing power consumption during execution of a wireless communication operation in a digital camera.

  The digital camera disclosed by the above Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-270537 and the like includes a reception intensity detection unit that receives a signal from an external device serving as a communication partner and detects the electric field intensity thereof. The transmission output is set according to the detection result, and the operation mode is switched.

According to this, since the transmission output according to the electric field strength of the signal from the communication partner is set, wireless communication with an appropriate transmission output can be performed, which can contribute to power saving.
JP 2006-270537 A

  On the other hand, as described above, in a conventional digital camera or the like, by using a small battery or the like as a power source, a user can easily carry the digital camera or the like anywhere and use it when desired. It has gained convenience.

  Therefore, when performing communication by wireless connection with an external device using a portable digital camera or the like, the digital camera or the like may be moved even during a communication operation. In this case, the relative positional conditions with the communication partner change, such as a change in the relative distance to the external device that is the communication partner, or the direction of the transmission / reception antenna built in the digital camera or the like changes. Thus, the wireless connection state may be disconnected as the wireless signal transmission / reception state during the communication operation changes.

  However, in the digital camera disclosed by the above Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-270537, the camera side (transmission side) state at the time of executing the communication operation is not taken into consideration. There are also cases where the appropriate transmission output is not set or the operation cannot be performed in an appropriate operation mode.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to execute communication by wireless connection between a portable imaging device provided with wireless communication means and an external device. By confirming the state of the imaging device and performing control to optimize the intensity of the transmission output according to the state, it is possible to always ensure a stable wireless connection state and contribute to power saving. It is to provide a photographing device that can be used.

  In order to achieve the above object, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject and generates an image signal, a communication unit that transmits and receives information to and from an external device via a wireless connection, A swing detection means for detecting swing and a transmission output control means for controlling the transmission output of the communication means in accordance with the swing detected by the swing detection means. To do.

  According to the present invention, when performing communication by wireless connection between a portable imaging device provided with wireless communication means and an external device, the state of the imaging device is confirmed, and the intensity of transmission output is determined according to the state. By performing the control to optimize the camera, it is possible to provide a photographing apparatus that can always ensure a stable wireless connection state and contribute to power saving.

  The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the internal configuration of the photographing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of data transmission processing by wireless connection in the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment.

  The photographing apparatus of the present embodiment receives an optical image of a subject formed by a photographing optical system including an optical lens, for example, by a photoelectric conversion element such as an image pickup element, and performs photoelectric conversion processing on the received light. A digital image data file (hereinafter simply referred to as an image file) consisting of image data in the form of digital image data obtained from the image signal and various information data (hereinafter referred to as related information) related to the image signal. A display means for displaying an image based on the image file generated by the imaging means, an image information storage means for storing the image file in a storage medium, the imaging apparatus, and an external apparatus A communication means having a wired communication function and a wireless communication function for transmitting and receiving image files by performing data communication with Digital camera or the like is appropriate that.

  In addition, as an external device that performs data communication such as an image file with the imaging device using the communication means (wired or wireless), specifically, for example, an image reproducing device or an image processing device such as a small computer In addition to image capturing devices such as external storage devices and other digital cameras, there are image printing devices such as printers.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment includes a lens 1, an imaging element 2, an imaging circuit 3, an A / D converter (in FIG. 1, simply “A / D”). 4), signal processing circuit 5, frame memory 6, FIFO memory 7, TFT liquid crystal drive circuit 9, TFT panel 10, backlight unit 11, video output circuit 12, and video output. Terminal 13, storage buffer 14, storage medium interface (hereinafter referred to as storage medium I / F) 15, storage medium 16, lens actuator 17, lens actuator drive circuit 18, and external wired data interface (hereinafter referred to as “storage medium interface”). , External wired data I / F) 22, key matrix 23, LCD display circuit 24, LCD panel 25, battery 26, power supply circuit 27, and battery. Up power supply 28, battery state detection circuit 29, first CPU 31, second CPU 32, EEPROM (Flash ROM) 19, external wireless data interface (hereinafter referred to as external wireless data I / F) 20, wireless antenna 21, The image sensor actuator 33, the image sensor actuator drive circuit 34, the swing detection function unit 35, and the like are mainly configured.

  The lens 1 is provided to form an optical subject image and form it on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 2.

  The image sensor 2 is an element that receives an optical subject image formed by the lens 1 and performs photoelectric conversion processing to output an electrical image signal. The image pickup device 2 is a solid-state image pickup device that can perform high-speed reading, and includes, for example, a CCD (charge coupled device), a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor), or other various types of image pickup devices. Can be applied.

  The imaging circuit 3 is an electronic circuit that receives an output signal from the imaging device 2 and performs various analog signal processing on the image signal.

  The A / D converter 4 is a circuit for receiving an analog image signal output from the imaging circuit 3 and converting it into a digital image signal.

  The signal processing circuit 5 is a circuit that receives the digital image signal output from the A / D converter 4 and performs various digital signal processing.

  The frame memory 6 is a temporary storage unit that receives the image signal processed by the signal processing circuit 5 and temporarily stores the processed image signal and various data related to the image signal. As the frame memory 6, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as SDRAM is applied.

  In the photographing apparatus 100, a subject is photographed and an image signal is acquired by the lens 1, the imaging element 2, the imaging circuit 3, the A / D converter 4, the signal processing circuit 5, the frame memory 6, and the like. The main part of the imaging | photography means which produces | generates an image file is comprised.

  The FIFO memory 7 is a memory provided to temporarily store the image signal when outputting the image signal to various display devices.

  The TFT liquid crystal driving circuit 9 is a circuit that receives the image signal output from the FIFO memory 7 and controls the TFT panel 10.

  The TFT panel 10 is a display unit for displaying an image based on an image signal, various kinds of information in the photographing apparatus 100, and the like under the control of the TFT liquid crystal driving circuit 9, and is capable of color display.

  The backlight unit 11 is provided on the back side of the TFT panel 10 and illuminates the TFT panel 10 from the back side.

  The video output circuit 12 receives the image signal from the FIFO memory 7, converts it into, for example, an NTSC format video signal, and outputs it to the external display device connected to the video output terminal 13 via the video output terminal 13. It is a circuit for doing.

  The video output terminal 13 is a connection terminal for connecting a signal line such as a video cable that electrically connects the photographing apparatus 100 and an external display apparatus.

  In the photographing apparatus 100, the above-mentioned FIFO memory 7, TFT liquid crystal drive circuit 9, TFT panel 10, backlight unit 11 and the like are display means for displaying an image based on the image file generated by the photographing means. The main part is composed.

  The storage buffer 14 stores image signals and the like temporarily stored in the frame memory 6 as image data in the storage medium 16 or reads image data from the storage medium 16 and temporarily stores them in the frame memory 6. This is a buffer (temporary storage area) used at times.

  The storage medium I / F 15 is a circuit for controlling storage processing of image data and the like to the storage medium 16 and reading processing of image data and the like from the storage medium 16.

  The storage medium 16 is a non-volatile storage medium for storing image data and other various data, such as a memory card having a thin plate shape or a card shape. The storage medium 16 may have various forms such as a form that is detachable with respect to a device such as the photographing apparatus 100 or a form that is fixed to an electric circuit inside a device such as the photographing apparatus 100. Any of these forms can be applied to the photographing apparatus 100.

  It should be noted that an image file (image data and related information data) generated by the photographing means by the storage buffer 14, storage medium I / F 15, storage medium 16 and the like described above is stored as a predetermined form of data in the storage medium 16. The main part of the image information storage means to be stored is configured.

  The lens actuator 17 is a drive source for driving the lens 1 to perform an autofocus operation or a zooming operation.

  The lens actuator drive circuit 18 is a circuit that controls and drives the lens actuator 17 based on the control of the first CPU 31.

  The lens actuator 17 and the lens actuator drive circuit 18 move the lens 1 in the direction of the optical axis thereof to move the lens 1 in the direction of the optical axis to perform automatic focus adjustment (autofocus (AF)) operation and zooming operation of the subject image. It constitutes the main part.

The external wired data I / F 22 is a connection part (interface) for performing transmission (transmission / reception) of image data and the like between the photographing apparatus 100 and an external apparatus (not shown) via a connection cable or the like. For example, a device having a wired communication function compliant with the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard, the IEEE 1394 standard, or the like is applied. As shown in FIG.
The photographing apparatus 100 is exemplified as a system having a wired communication function compliant with the USB standard.

  Using this external wired data I / F 22 and a connection cable (not shown) connected thereto, wired communication control means (such as a USB communication control function unit 31c described later) provided in the system control unit 31a of the first CPU 31 Thus, the main part of wired communication means for establishing data communication by wired connection between the photographing apparatus 100 and an external apparatus (not shown) and transmitting an image file between the two is configured.

  The key matrix 23 is used as a general term for operation input means including various operation switches and operation buttons provided in the photographing apparatus 100.

  That is, specific operation members included in the key matrix 23 include, for example, a power button for switching the power state of the photographing apparatus 100 to an on or off state, a release button for starting the photographing operation, and a zoom for changing the photographing magnification during the photographing operation. A zoom button (TW button) that functions as a button and functions as a display switching button for playback image enlargement or reduction display during playback operation, a plurality of operation buttons that are assigned to various functions such as calling a menu screen, and a menu screen These are members of an input operation system such as a four-way selection key (also referred to as a cross key) for selecting and setting, an OK button for determining and instructing an item selected using various operation buttons.

  The key matrix 23 includes a plurality of operation members described above, a switch member that generates a predetermined instruction signal in conjunction with each of the operation members, an electric circuit that transmits an instruction signal from each switch member, and the like. It is comprised including.

  An instruction signal generated by operating each operation member of the key matrix 23 by a user is output to the first CPU 31.

  The LCD display circuit 24 is a circuit that controls the LCD panel 25 based on the control of the first CPU 31 and displays various information on the LCD panel 25.

  The LCD panel 25 is configured by, for example, a small liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like, and is stored in the storage medium 16 with imaging conditions and various setting information set in the imaging apparatus 100, for example, operation mode information such as an imaging mode. It is an information display member that displays information about the number of images that can be taken, information about exposure such as shutter speed and aperture value at the time of shooting, and the like.

  The battery 26 is a main power source in the photographing apparatus 100. As the battery 26, for example, a primary battery such as a dry battery or a secondary battery such as a rechargeable storage battery is applied.

  The photographing apparatus 100 includes a power supply terminal that receives a commercial power supply that is supplied by cable connection, although not particularly illustrated. When the power connection cable is connected to the power terminal, the power of the commercial power is supplied to the power circuit 27 via the power connection cable and the power terminal. In other words, in this case, the commercial power source is configured as a main power source that is different from the battery 26. And the said battery 26 and commercial power supply are selectively utilized depending on the case.

  The backup power source 28 is provided to constantly supply power to the internal memory, the internal clock, and the like of the photographing apparatus 100, and holds information such as various setting values and date / time information in the photographing apparatus 100, for example. This is a sub power supply for enabling the date display to be always performed using the LCD panel 25 or the like.

  The power supply circuit 27 receives power from the battery 26, the backup power supply 28, and a commercial power supply connected to the power supply terminal based on a command from the first CPU 31, and supplies it appropriately to each electric circuit inside the photographing apparatus 100. It is a circuit that performs control.

  The battery state detection circuit 29 is a circuit that detects the state of the battery 26, such as the voltage in the battery 26, calculates the remaining battery level of the battery 26, and outputs the result to the first CPU 31.

  The first CPU 31 is arranged as a main CPU. The first CPU 31 is a main control unit that controls each circuit in the photographing apparatus 100 in an integrated manner, and controls each component to realize various functions.

  For this purpose, the first CPU 31 of the photographing apparatus 100 includes a system control unit 31a for controlling the entire system by appropriately controlling (controlling) each component in the photographing apparatus 100.

  Various electrical circuits and the like are formed inside the system control unit 31a. For example, a WUSB communication control function unit 31b, a USB communication control function unit 31c, a communication partner determination control unit 31d, a communication error management function unit 31e, In addition to the rocking level management function unit 31f, the radio wave intensity management function unit 31g, etc., although not shown, a circuit as imaging condition setting means for setting various imaging conditions when the imaging operation is performed by the imaging means Unit, a circuit unit as an image file generation unit that generates an image file by combining the image data of the image signal acquired by the photographing operation and various kinds of information (related information data) related to the image data, and the image file A circuit unit that performs storage operation control for storing the image file generated by the generation unit in an appropriate form in the storage medium 16, and the image file. Various control circuits for controlling various operations and various functions in the photographing apparatus 100, such as a circuit unit for executing a display operation for presenting an image based on the image and related information in a form that can be visually displayed using a display unit Is configured inside.

  The wireless communication means in the photographing apparatus 100 is provided for establishing a wireless connection with an external device (not shown) having a wireless communication function and transmitting / receiving data signals such as image files. is there.

  As a method for realizing the wireless communication function in the photographing apparatus 100, for example, WUSB connection by a wireless communication function compliant with the wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus; WUSB) standard, or ultra wide band (UWB) wireless. Connection, optical wireless connection by an infrared communication function based on IrDA (Infrared Data Association) standard, and the like can be applied. The photographing apparatus 100 is illustrated as a system having a wireless communication function compliant with the WUSB standard as shown in FIG.

  More specifically, the photographing apparatus 100 includes wireless communication including a wireless antenna 21, an external wireless data I / F 20, and a WUSB communication control function unit 31b as wireless communication control means provided in the system control unit 31a of the first CPU 31. Have means.

  The WUSB communication control function unit 31b of the system control unit 31a of the first CPU 31 performs on / off control of the external wireless data I / F 20 or the like that is a part of the wireless communication unit, and controls the data communication function by wireless connection. A circuit configured as means.

  The wireless antenna 21 is a wireless signal such as an electromagnetic wave of a predetermined form that is transmitted from an external device when performing wireless data communication between the photographing apparatus 100 and an external device (not shown). And a wireless signal input / output unit for transmitting a wireless signal for data communication, which is a wireless signal such as an electromagnetic wave of a predetermined form transmitted from the photographing apparatus 100.

  The wireless antenna 21 is connected to the external wireless data I / F 20 so that transmitted and received wireless signals can be input / output to / from the first CPU 31 via the external wireless data I / F 20.

  The external wireless data I / F 20 is interposed between the wireless antenna 21 and the first CPU 31 and converts a wireless signal input to the wireless antenna 21 into an electric signal of a predetermined form and outputs it to the first CPU 31, or It is a part of wireless communication means for converting a signal from the WUSB communication control function unit 31b into a wireless signal and outputting it to the wireless antenna 21 and functions as a wireless communication connection unit (interface).

  The external wireless data I / F 20 is controlled by the WUSB communication control function unit 31b (wireless communication control means) of the system control unit 31a of the first CPU 31.

  In addition, a radio wave intensity variable function unit 20a is provided inside the external wireless data I / F 21. This radio wave intensity variable function unit 20a is a circuit having a function of appropriately changing the intensity of the transmission output (transmission radio wave) according to the state when the imaging apparatus 100 performs a communication operation. The radio field strength variable function unit 20a is controlled by the radio field strength management function unit 31g of the system control unit 31a of the first CPU 31. Accordingly, the wireless radio wave intensity management function unit 31g, the radio wave intensity variable function unit 20a, and the like wirelessly respond to the magnitude (swing amount) of the swing detected by the swing detection means (swing detection function unit 35) described later. It serves as transmission output control means for controlling the transmission output of the communication means.

  The wireless radio wave intensity management function unit 31g receives an input signal from a fluctuation detection function part 35, which will be described later, and sets the intensity of the transmission output according to the fluctuation level of the photographing apparatus 100 itself, and the external wireless data I / F 20 This is a circuit for performing control management of the intensity of transmission radio waves transmitted and output from the wireless antenna 21 via the.

  On the other hand, the USB communication control function unit 31c is a circuit configured as wired communication control means for controlling on / off control of the external wired data I / F 22, etc., which is a part of the wired communication means, and controlling the data communication function by wired connection. It is. The USB communication control function unit 31c is electrically connected to the external wired data I / F 22.

  As described above, in the photographing apparatus 100, the wired connection between the photographing apparatus 100 and the external device is controlled by the USB communication control function unit 31c (wired communication unit) or the WUSB communication control function unit 31b (wireless communication unit). Alternatively, while ensuring a wireless connection, the image file stored in the image information storage means (storage medium 16) of the photographing apparatus 100 is transmitted to the external device, or a data signal from the external device is received and imaged. Information storage means (storage medium 16) can be stored.

  The communication partner determination control unit 31d of the system control unit 31a of the first CPU 31 serves as an external device information acquisition unit that acquires information for specifying an external device that is a communication partner. The information for specifying the external device is information transmitted from the external device side of the communication partner when performing communication operation with the external device via the communication means, for example, the external device serving as the communication partner Information such as whether the device is a portable device or a stationary device is included.

  The communication error management function unit 31e of the system control unit 31a of the first CPU 31 serves as a communication error information acquisition unit that acquires communication error information during a communication operation performed via the communication unit. This communication error information is included in information notified from the external apparatus side as the communication partner during execution of the communication operation.

  On the other hand, the photographing apparatus 100 includes a so-called blur correction unit that is a mechanism for suppressing image quality deterioration due to a blur phenomenon that occurs in an image due to the shaking of the photographing apparatus 100 itself during execution of a photographing operation. .

  The blur correction unit in the photographing apparatus 100 includes a swing detection function unit 35, an image sensor actuator drive circuit 34, an image sensor actuator 33, a swing level management function unit 31f, and the like.

  The shaking detection function unit 35 is a sensor that detects and digitizes the shaking state of the photographing apparatus 100. For example, a shaking detection sensor using a rotation detection sensor that detects posture, an acceleration sensor that detects fall, and the like, It is a fluctuation detecting means constituted by a circuit or the like for processing a signal from the sensor. The swing detection function unit 35 is connected to the system control unit 31 a of the first CPU 31.

  The swing level management function unit 31f serves as a swing detection unit that recognizes and manages the state of the photographing apparatus 1, that is, the vibration level, in response to a signal from the swing detection function unit 35.

  The image pickup device actuator drive circuit 34 controls the image pickup device actuator 33 based on the control by the swing level management function unit 31f of the first CPU 31 to move the image pickup device 2 within the plane along the image pickup surface. It is.

  The imaging element actuator 33 is a drive source that drives the imaging element 2 so as to move in the direction along the imaging plane, and includes, for example, a drive motor.

  Then, the imaging element 2 is arbitrarily moved in the direction along the imaging plane by the imaging element actuator 33, the imaging element actuator drive circuit 34, and the like. It constitutes the main part of the shake correction means for suppressing the shake state of the subject image formed on the surface.

  As described above, the first CPU 31 is configured by a plurality of integrated circuits for mainly performing various operation controls in the photographing apparatus 100.

  On the other hand, the second CPU 32 is composed of a plurality of integrated circuits that execute signal processing control mainly handling image signals and various data in the photographing apparatus 100.

  That is, the second CPU 32 performs various types of signal processing, such as the image compression / decompression unit 32a, based on the image data that is taken in from the photographing unit or the image information storage unit and temporarily stored in the frame memory 6. In addition to the storage medium access unit 32b and the like, various circuits and the like for performing processing on the internal state of the storage medium 16 and various files stored in the storage medium 16 through the storage medium access unit 32b It is configured.

  The image compression / decompression unit 32a reads out image data or the like stored in the frame memory 6 and performs, for example, JPEG compression processing or the like, or decompression processing of compressed image data read from the storage medium 16 or the like It is.

  The storage medium access unit 32 b is a circuit unit for controlling access to the storage medium 16 by the storage medium interface 15.

  In addition, about the structure of the part which is not related to this invention, the detailed illustration and description are abbreviate | omitted as what is substantially the same structure as imaging | photography apparatuses, such as a general digital camera.

  Next, a sequence of data transmission processing executed when the image capturing apparatus 100 configured as described above transmits an image file or the like to an external apparatus using wireless communication means will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. .

  First, when the power button in the key matrix 23 of the imaging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is operated by the user, the imaging apparatus 100 is activated (power on).

  Next, when the user performs an operation mode selection switching operation by a predetermined operation of the key matrix 23, the photographing apparatus 100 switches to a wireless transmission mode in which a transmission operation can be performed using wireless means.

  When the photographing apparatus 100 is activated in the wireless transmission mode, the first CPU 31 first executes a wireless function initialization process in the wireless communication means in the internal circuit of the photographing apparatus 100 in step S1 of FIG. This initialization process is the same as that performed in the photographing apparatus having a normal wireless communication means. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S2.

  In step S <b> 2, the first CPU 31 receives the output signal from the swing detection function unit 35 and executes the swing detection process. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S <b> 3, the first CPU 31 confirms whether or not the state of the photographing apparatus 100 is a portable state, that is, a handheld state, based on the detection result in the swing detection process in step S <b> 2 described above. If it is confirmed that the photographing apparatus 100 is in a portable state (hereinafter referred to as a handheld state), the process proceeds to step S4.

  In step S4, the first CPU 31 executes a radio field intensity setting process for controlling the radio field intensity management function unit 31g and the like to set the radio wave output intensity when performing wireless communication to a maximum value that can be set. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S5.

  In step S <b> 5, the first CPU 31 starts the execution of the wireless communication operation by controlling the wireless communication means, and executes a process of detecting an output signal from an external device that is a communication partner. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S6.

  In step S6, the first CPU 31 controls the wireless communication means to execute a predetermined confirmation communication process for establishing a wireless communication connection with the external device detected in the process of step S5 described above. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S7.

  In step S7, the first CPU 31 checks whether or not a wireless connection with the external device has been established. If it is confirmed that the wireless connection with the external device is established, the process proceeds to the next step S8.

  In step S8, the first CPU 31 controls the wireless communication means to execute an actual wireless communication operation, that is, a data transmission operation for transmitting data such as an image file on the photographing apparatus 100 side to the external device. When this data transmission operation is completed, a series of data transmission processing sequence is terminated.

  If it is confirmed in step S7 that the wireless connection with the external device is not established, the process proceeds to step S9.

  In step S9, the first CPU 31 controls the second CPU 32, display means, etc. to execute a predetermined connection error display process, and then ends a series of data transmission process sequences.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S3 described above that the photographing apparatus 100 is not in the handheld state, the process proceeds to step S10.

  In step S10, the first CPU 31 executes a radio field intensity setting process for controlling the radio field intensity management function unit 31g and the like to set the intensity of the radio wave output when performing wireless communication to an intermediate level value. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S11.

  In step S11, the first CPU 31 executes a process of detecting an output signal from an external device that is a communication partner, similarly to the process of step S5 described above. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S12.

  In step S12, the first CPU 31 performs substantially the same processing as the processing in step S6 described above, that is, controls the wireless communication means to establish a wireless communication connection with the external device detected in the processing in step S11 described above. Predetermined confirmation communication processing is executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, the first CPU 31 checks whether or not a wireless connection with the external device has been established, similar to the process in step S7 described above. Here, when it is confirmed that the wireless connection with the external apparatus is established, the process proceeds to step S8, and the same process is performed thereafter.

  If it is confirmed in step S13 that the wireless connection with the external device is not established, the process proceeds to step S14.

  In step S <b> 14, the first CPU 31 checks whether or not the currently set radio field intensity setting value is the maximum value. If it is confirmed that the radio wave intensity is set to the maximum value, the process proceeds to step S9, and the same process is performed thereafter.

  If it is confirmed in step S14 that the radio wave intensity is not set to the maximum value, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S15, the first CPU 31 executes a radio field intensity setting process for controlling the radio field intensity management function unit 31g and the like to increase the set value of the intensity of the radio wave output when performing wireless communication. Thereafter, the processing returns to step S12, and the same processing is performed thereafter.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that the data transmission process by wireless connection performed with the external apparatus using the wireless communication unit of the image capturing apparatus 100 is the same as the process performed in the conventional image capturing apparatus. Detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, when performing data transmission processing by wireless connection between the imaging device 100 and the external device, the state of the imaging device 100 is used by the fluctuation detection function unit 35. If it is confirmed from the detection result that the photographing apparatus 100 is in a handheld state, the radio wave intensity of the transmission output is set to a state larger than a normal value, for example, a maximum value that can be set. Wireless data communication processing is executed. Further, when the photographing apparatus 100 is not in a handheld state but is in a stationary state, for example, the data transmission process is performed with an output radio wave intensity of a normal intermediate level value.

  When the photographing apparatus 100 is in a handheld state, for example, the photographing apparatus 100 may be moved even during wireless communication operation. In this case, there is a possibility that the relative distance between the imaging device 100 and the external device of the communication partner may change, or the orientation of the wireless antenna 21 of the imaging device 100 may change. It is determined that there is a high possibility that a change in the transmission condition of the wireless signal during the communication operation will occur due to a change in the positional condition relative to the other party.

  Therefore, when the image capturing apparatus 100 performs a data transmission process by wireless connection in a handheld state, it is possible to always ensure a stable transmission state by setting the output radio wave intensity to the maximum value.

  On the other hand, when the photographing apparatus 100 is in a stationary state and it is estimated that the relative positional conditions with the external apparatus do not change during the wireless communication operation, a stable transmission state is ensured even with a normal output radio wave intensity. can do.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

  The configuration of the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment is the same as the configuration of the imaging apparatus of the first embodiment described above, and only the data transmission processing sequence is different. Therefore, in the present embodiment, description of the configuration of the photographing apparatus itself is omitted, and only the data transmission processing sequence by wireless connection will be described below among the operations of the photographing apparatus.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart of data transmission processing by wireless connection in the photographing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  First, in the sequence of data transmission processing by wireless connection in the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment, a series of processing steps when the imaging apparatus 100 is in a handheld state, and each process of steps S1 to S9 in FIG. Is exactly the same as in the first embodiment described above. Therefore, the same step numbers as those in FIG.

  Next, when it is confirmed that the photographing apparatus 100 is not in a handheld state, a series of processing steps when branching to the processing of step S10, that is, each processing of step S10 to step S15, is the first described above. Although it is substantially the same as embodiment, step S11A of this embodiment differs in the following points with respect to step S11 (refer FIG. 2) in the above-mentioned 1st Embodiment.

  That is, in the present embodiment, in step S11A of FIG. 3 in the sequence when the photographing apparatus 100 is not in the handheld state, a process for detecting an output signal from the external apparatus that is the communication partner is executed, and the external apparatus The process of initializing the external device stationary flag representing the state of is executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S12.

  Here, the external device stationary flag is information indicating whether or not the state of the external device that is a communication partner with which the photographing apparatus 100 performs wireless communication processing by wireless connection is a portable state (held state). An explicit flag. The information is included in a signal received from the external device during the confirmation communication processing sequence with the external device executed in step S12, for example, and is set based on the received signal. The flag setting process is executed in a process sequence after step S16 described later.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the processing steps other than step S11A (FIG. 3) in the sequence when the photographing apparatus 100 is not in the handheld state are the same as those in the first embodiment (FIG. 2). is there. Therefore, the same step numbers as those in FIG.

  Next, in step S13 of FIG. 3, when it is confirmed that the wireless connection with the external device is established, the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S <b> 16, the first CPU 31 confirms whether or not the external device to be communicated with is a stationary state based on the information related to the external device acquired in the confirmation communication process executed in the process of step S <b> 12 described above. If it is confirmed that the external device is not in the stationary state, the process proceeds to step S8 described above, and thereafter the same process is executed.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S16 that the external device is in a stationary state, the process proceeds to step S17.

  In step S <b> 17, the first CPU 31 confirms whether or not the external device stationary flag is set to an on state. Here, if it is confirmed that the external device stationary flag is set to the ON state, the process proceeds to step S8 described above, and thereafter the same process is executed.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed in the process of step S17 described above that the external device stationary flag is not set to the ON state, the process proceeds to step S18.

  In step S <b> 18, the first CPU 31 executes a process for setting the external device stationary flag to an on state. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S19.

  In step S19, the first CPU 31 controls the radio field intensity management function unit 31g and the like to perform a field intensity setting process for setting the field intensity of the transmission output by the wireless communication means to the minimum value that can maintain stable wireless communication. Execute. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S20.

  In step S20, the first CPU 31 executes a process of controlling the wireless communication means to disconnect the wireless connection state between the photographing apparatus 100 and the external apparatus. Thereafter, the processing returns to the above-described step S12, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  In step S20, regardless of whether the wireless connection state has been established, the disconnection is performed once because the radio wave intensity is set to the minimum value in step S19. It is a measure to do. In step S20, the wireless connection is once disconnected and reconnected at a low level of radio wave intensity.

  In the above-described first embodiment, the wireless transmission output is switched according to the state of the photographing apparatus 100 in consideration of only the state of the photographing apparatus 100 obtained by the swing detection process of the photographing apparatus 100. In the embodiment, in addition to the state of the photographing device 100, the state of the external device with which the photographing device 100 performs wireless communication is also considered, and the wireless transmission output is switched according to both states. Yes.

  In the present embodiment, specifically, when the photographing apparatus 100 itself is in a stable state rather than a handheld state, the external device that is the communication partner is a stationary device such as a desktop PC or a home server. In some cases, it can be estimated that the external device of the communication partner is also in a stable state. Therefore, it is considered that stable wireless communication can be maintained even if the transmission radio wave intensity at this time is low.

  Therefore, in this case, the transmission output control means sets the output of the transmission radio wave intensity of the communication means to the minimum output that can maintain stable wireless communication. In this case, the minimum output capable of maintaining stable wireless communication is, for example, an output with which a communication error is equal to or less than a predetermined ratio, for example, an output value set in advance by an experience value or the like.

  Note that the communication error information is information acquired by, for example, the communication error management function unit 31e in response to a reception signal from an external device. Therefore, the output of the transmission radio wave intensity may be set by referring to the communication error information.

  On the other hand, when the external device of the communication partner is, for example, another photographing device or a portable (notebook) small PC or a mobile phone, the photographing device 100 on the transmission side is stationary. The communication partner may move. Therefore, in this case, wireless communication is performed by setting the transmission radio wave intensity at a slightly high level (about the intermediate level).

  If the photographing apparatus 100 and the external apparatus are both unstable, the transmission radio wave intensity is set to the maximum level that can be set.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained, and information on the state of the external device as a communication partner is acquired. When the photographing apparatus 100 is in a stationary state and the state of the external device is also in a stationary state, the possibility that the relative positional condition with the external device changes during the wireless communication operation is even lower. In the case of estimation, stable transmission can be achieved by executing the wireless data communication process while setting the output radio wave intensity of the imaging apparatus 100 to be lower than the normal value (intermediate level), for example, the minimum value that can be set. While securing the state, it can contribute to power saving.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

  The configuration of the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment is also the same as the configuration of the imaging apparatus of the first and second embodiments described above, and only the data transmission processing sequence is different. Therefore, also in the present embodiment, the description of the configuration of the photographing apparatus itself is omitted, and only the data transmission processing sequence by wireless connection will be described below among the functions of the photographing apparatus.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of data transmission processing by wireless connection in the photographing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, (a) shows a transmission processing flowchart of the photographing apparatus (camera) on the transmission side. Further, (b) shows only the operation corresponding to the processing sequence of the imaging apparatus of (a) in the external device (host) serving as the receiving side (communication partner).

  First, when the photographing apparatus 100 is activated in the wireless transmission mode, the first CPU 31 receives the output signal from the rocking detection function unit 35 and detects the rocking amount of the photographing apparatus 100 (camera) in step S21 of FIG. 4A. The swing detection process is executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S22.

  In step S <b> 22, the first CPU 31 controls the wireless communication means to execute wireless data preprocessing for transmission data (packets). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S23.

  In step S <b> 23, the first CPU 31 executes the swing detection process of the photographing apparatus 100 (camera) again, and performs a process of comparing the detection result with the detection result of the swing detection process in step S <b> 21 described above. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S24.

  In step S24, the first CPU 31 checks whether or not the swing amount has increased based on the comparison result obtained by the process in step S23 described above. If it is confirmed that the swing amount has increased, the process proceeds to the next step S25. On the other hand, if the swing amount has not increased, the process proceeds to step S31.

  In step S25, the first CPU 31 controls the radio field intensity variable function unit 20a of the external wireless data I / F 20 via the swing level management function unit 31f to perform setting to increase the level of the transmission radio field intensity by one level ( Plus (+) 1 level). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S26.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the process of step S24 that the swing amount has not increased and the process proceeds to step S31, in step S31, the first CPU 31 determines the comparison result obtained by the process of step S23. Based on this, it is confirmed whether or not the swing amount has decreased. If it is confirmed that the swing amount has decreased, the process proceeds to the next step S32. On the other hand, if the swing amount has not decreased, the process proceeds to step S26.

  In step S32, the first CPU 31 controls the radio field strength variable function unit 20a of the external wireless data I / F 20 via the swing level management function unit 31f to make a setting for reducing the level of the transmitted radio field strength by one level ( Minus (-) 1 level) processing is executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S26.

  In step S <b> 26, the first CPU 31 controls the wireless communication means to execute a wireless transmission operation process for transmission data (packets). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S27.

  In response to this, on the receiving host side that is the wireless communication partner of the photographing apparatus 100 (camera), in step S33 in FIG. 4B, the receiving host side control circuit (CPU; not shown) Data (packet) wireless reception processing is executed using the receiving means. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S34.

  In step S34, the control circuit (CPU) on the receiving host side executes processing for confirming the reception error status at the time of reception data reception. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S35.

  In step S <b> 35, the control circuit (CPU) on the reception host side executes processing for notifying the error level to the side of the photographing apparatus 100 (camera) on the transmission side. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S36.

  In step S36, the control circuit (CPU) on the receiving host side checks whether or not reception of all data (packets) has been completed. If the data reception has not been completed, the process returns to the above-described step S33 and the subsequent processes are repeated. On the other hand, when the data reception is completed, a series of reception processing sequence is terminated.

  Next, on the photographing apparatus 100 (camera) side, when the first CPU finishes the wireless data transmission operation process of transmission data (packets) to the external apparatus (host) side in step S27 of FIG. 4A, in the process of next step S27. The first CPU 31 receives the error level data notified from the receiving host in the process of step S35 described above. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S28.

  In step S28, the first CPU 31 checks whether or not the error level received in the process of step S27 described above is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. If it is confirmed that the error level is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to the next step S29. On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the error level is less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S30.

  In step S29, the first CPU 31 controls the radio field intensity variable function unit 20a of the external wireless data I / F 20 via the swing level management function unit 31f to perform setting for increasing the level of the transmission radio field intensity by one level ( Plus (+) 1 level). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S30.

  In step S30, the first CPU 31 confirms whether or not transmission of all data (packets) to be transmitted has been completed. Here, if the data transmission has not ended, the process returns to the above-described step S22 and the subsequent processes are repeated. On the other hand, when the data transmission is completed, the sequence of a series of transmission processes is terminated.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, after the wireless connection communication is started, the fluctuation detection process by the fluctuation detection function unit 35 is executed even during the execution of the communication operation, and the detection result (the fluctuation is detected). )) And the previous detection result, and if the fluctuation amount is increasing or decreasing, the control is performed to increase or decrease the transmitted signal strength level, and the communication error is stable and stable. The transmitted radio wave intensity can be lowered to a minimum level at which wireless communication can be performed. Therefore, stable wireless communication can be performed, and battery consumption during wireless communication can be suppressed, thereby contributing to power saving of the photographing apparatus.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications can of course be implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention. Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, the problem described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved, and the effect described in the effect of the invention Can be obtained as an invention.

It is a block block diagram which shows the outline of the internal structure of the imaging device of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of data transmission processing by wireless connection in the photographing apparatus of the present embodiment. 2 is a flowchart of data transmission processing by wireless connection in the imaging apparatus of FIG. 10 is a flowchart of data transmission processing through wireless connection in the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart of data transmission processing through wireless connection in the imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Lens 2 ... Imaging device 3 ... Imaging circuit 5 ... Signal processing circuit 6 ... Frame memory 9 ... TFT liquid crystal drive circuit 10 ... TFT panel 14 ... Storage buffer 15 ... Storage medium interface 16 ... ... Storage medium 17 ... Lens actuator 18 ... Lens actuator drive circuit 20 ... External wireless data interface 20a ... Radio wave intensity variable function unit 21 ... Radio antenna 23 ... Key matrix 26 ... Battery 27 ... Power supply Circuit 31 ... 1st CPU
31a: System control unit 31b: WUSB communication control function unit 31c: USB communication control function unit 31d: Communication partner determination control unit 31e: Communication error management function unit 31f: Swing level management function unit 31g: Wireless signal strength management function unit 32 ...... second CPU
33... Imaging device actuator 34... Imaging device actuator drive circuit 35... Swing detection function unit 100.

Claims (7)

Photographing means for photographing an object and generating an image signal;
A communication means for transmitting and receiving information to and from an external device by wireless connection;
A swing detecting means for detecting the swing of the photographing device;
Transmission output control means for controlling the transmission output of the communication means according to the magnitude of the fluctuation detected by the fluctuation detection means;
An imaging apparatus comprising:   When the swing magnitude detected by the swing detection means is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the transmission output control means has a smaller transmission output of the communication means than when the swing magnitude is greater than the predetermined value. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein control is performed so that A communication error information acquisition means for acquiring communication error information;
When the magnitude of the swing detected by the swing detection means is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the transmission output control means has a communication error in which the communication error information acquisition means acquires the transmission output of the communication means below a predetermined ratio. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the minimum output is set to be. Further comprising external device information acquisition means for acquiring information identifying the external device via the communication means,
The transmission output control means, when the external device acquired by the external device information acquisition means is specified by the specific information that the external device of the communication partner is not a portable device, than when the portable device is specified The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein control is performed to reduce the transmission output of the communication means.   When it is specified that the external device is not a portable device, the transmission output control means outputs the minimum output at which the communication error acquired by the communication error information acquisition means is equal to or less than a predetermined ratio. The photographing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the photographing apparatus is set as follows.   The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shake detection unit is a camera shake detection sensor provided to detect a camera shake that occurs during photographing.   The photographing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the camera shake detection sensor is a rotation detection sensor or an acceleration sensor.

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