JP2009260552A - Controller and control method, program and camera system for the controller - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a controller capable of controlling a plurality of models of cameras. <P>SOLUTION: The controller 1 for controlling the camera 2 from the outside includes: a menu selection part 11a for selecting a menu for setting photographing conditions corresponding to the model of the camera of a control object; a menu display control part 17a for displaying the menu for setting the photographing conditions selected by the menu selection part at a display part 18; an operation part 13 for receiving the input of the photographing condition from the menu displayed at the display part by the menu display control part; and a communication part 19 for performing communication with the camera and transmitting information relating to the photographing condition input by the operation part to the camera. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a controller, a control method thereof, a program, and a camera system, and more particularly to a controller control method and a program for realizing the control method in a camera system including a controller and a camera for controlling a camera from the outside.

  Conventionally, in a camera system composed of a camera and a controller, a controller that can confirm a monitor image, a captured image, and the like acquired by operating the camera by remote operation from outside is displayed on the display unit, and is externally controlled by this controller. Various proposals have been made and put into practical use for a camera system in combination with a camera, a so-called remote control system, and the like.

  For example, the camera system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-330089 is a camera in which an operation member such as a release switch and a liquid crystal display device are provided in a controller, and this controller is controlled by remote operation. When shooting the camera, the state information on the camera side, for example, the remaining memory capacity and battery capacity, image information that can be shot, etc. are displayed on the liquid crystal display device on the controller side, and the release switch on the controller side is operated. Thus, the camera can be operated by remote operation to perform shooting.

In addition, the camera system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-252568 normally controls one camera with one controller. For example, a plurality of cameras are used to target the same subject. When shooting, so-called multi-angle shooting, a plurality of cameras can be identified by a single controller, and each camera can be controlled individually.
JP 2003-330089 A JP 2005-252568 A

  However, a controller in a conventional camera system is usually provided only with a control function corresponding to a specific camera, such as the system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-330089.

  The controller disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-252568 can control a plurality of cameras, but controls a plurality of cameras of the same model. It is not supported to control with one controller.

  By the way, with digital cameras that have become widespread in recent years, various shooting conditions such as setting of various shooting conditions, such as exposure settings such as shutter speed, exposure correction, flash emission conditions, selection of image quality, focus position in the screen, etc. In general, the user can arbitrarily set the setting before performing the photographing operation. However, the various setting items related to the photographing conditions differ depending on the camera model.

  In addition, as a method of setting various shooting conditions in a conventional digital camera, for example, a menu for shooting condition setting for displaying a plurality of setting items in a list format is displayed on a display unit such as a liquid crystal display device, and this menu is displayed. In general, a method of arbitrarily selecting and setting a desired shooting condition item using an interlocked operation member is employed.

  In this case, the shooting condition setting menu displayed on the display unit often has different screen layouts, shooting condition items that can be selected and set, and the like for each camera model.

  Also, the various operation members provided on the outer surface of the camera may have different arrangements, configurations, the number of arrangements, and the like depending on the camera model.

  Therefore, even if a method for selecting and setting shooting conditions from the shooting condition setting menu displayed on the display section is adopted, the operability differs depending on the camera model. It is normal.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to control a plurality of types of cameras in a camera system including a controller that controls a camera from the outside and a camera to be controlled. The present invention provides a controller capable of controlling the controller, a control method for the controller, and a program for realizing the control method, and further provides a camera system including the controller and a camera controlled thereby.

  In order to achieve the above object, a controller according to the present invention includes a menu selection unit that selects a menu for shooting condition setting corresponding to a model of a camera to be controlled, and a menu selection unit that controls a camera from outside. A menu display control unit that causes the display unit to display the shooting condition setting menu selected by the operation unit, an operation unit that receives input of shooting conditions from the menu displayed on the display unit by the menu display control unit, and the camera. And a communication unit that transmits information about the photographing conditions input by the operation unit to the camera.

  The camera system according to the present invention is a camera system comprising a camera and a controller that controls the camera from the outside, wherein the camera communicates information including image data with the controller; A remote control unit that controls the camera in accordance with an instruction command from the controller, and the controller selects a menu for setting shooting conditions corresponding to the model of the camera to be controlled, and the menu selection A menu display control unit for displaying a shooting condition setting menu selected by the display unit on the display unit, an operation unit for receiving input of shooting conditions from the menu displayed on the display unit by the menu display control unit, and the camera. Communicate with each other to display information related to Characterized in that it comprises a communication unit that transmits to the camera.

  The controller control method according to the present invention is a controller control method for controlling a camera from the outside. In the controller control method, a shooting condition setting menu corresponding to the camera model to be controlled is selected, and a plurality of cameras corresponding to a plurality of camera models are selected. The shooting condition setting menu corresponding to the selected camera model is read from the storage unit in which information regarding the menu of the selected camera is stored, displayed on the display unit, and the shooting conditions are input from the menu displayed on the display unit. And the information regarding the inputted photographing condition is transmitted to the camera.

  The controller program according to the present invention includes a step of selecting a shooting condition setting menu corresponding to a camera model to be controlled in a controller program for controlling the camera from the outside, and a plurality of cameras corresponding to a plurality of camera models. A step for reading out the shooting condition setting menu corresponding to the selected camera model from the storage unit in which information on the menu is stored and displaying the menu on the display unit, and inputting the shooting condition from the menu displayed on the display unit. A step of receiving, and a step of transmitting information relating to the inputted photographing condition to the camera.

  According to the present invention, in a camera system comprising a controller for controlling a camera from the outside and a camera to be controlled, a controller capable of controlling a plurality of types of cameras, a control method for the controller, and the control method are realized. And a camera system comprising the controller and a camera controlled thereby.

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

  FIG. 1 is a schematic system configuration diagram of the entire camera system including the controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram showing an outline of internal configurations of the controller and the camera in the camera system of FIG.

  First, the outline of the configuration of the controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the camera system according to the present embodiment including the controller will be described below with reference to FIG.

  The camera system according to this embodiment includes a digital camera or the like (hereinafter simply referred to as a camera) that acquires an optical subject image as image data and stores it in a recording medium, and a controller that externally controls the operation of the camera. The

  As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 1 of the present embodiment includes a display unit 18 and a plurality of operation members such as four-direction selection buttons (21L, 21R, 21D, 21U), a determination button 21a, a menu button 22, and a release button. 23 etc. are provided in each predetermined position on the exterior surface.

The four-direction selection button is an operation member for instructing selection of a desired item on the shooting condition setting menu screen displayed on the display unit 18. For example, an index indicating the selected item is directed leftward. A left direction selection button 21L to be moved;
A right direction selection button 21R for moving an index indicating the selected item to the right direction;
A downward selection button 21D for moving an index indicating the selected item downward;
An upward selection button 21U for moving an index indicating the selected item upward;
There is.

  The determination button 21a is an operation member for instructing an item selected and instructed by the four-way selection button.

  The menu button 22 is an operation member that is operated when the display unit 18 is used to display a shooting condition setting menu screen corresponding to the camera to be controlled.

  The release button 23 is an operation member that is operated when the controller 1 is used to execute a photographing operation by a camera to be controlled.

  The controller 1 of the present embodiment can switch and control a plurality of types of cameras.

  Here, examples of the target camera controlled by the controller 1 of the present embodiment include a single-lens reflex digital camera with interchangeable lenses and a normal compact digital camera.

  As a form of the single-lens reflex digital camera, for example, it is a form shown by reference numerals 2A and 2B in FIG.

  Among these, the camera indicated by reference numeral 2A is referred to as a first camera, and the camera indicated by reference numeral 2B is referred to as a second camera.

  The first camera 2A includes, for example, an interchangeable lens 43 that is detachably disposed on the front surface of the camera body 40, and an operation member 41 such as a camera display unit 38A and a plurality of operation buttons is provided on the back surface of the camera body 40. The camera main body 40 has an information display unit 42 on the upper surface.

  Similarly to the first camera 2A, the second camera 2B includes an interchangeable lens 43 on the front surface of the camera body 40, and has a camera display unit 38B and an operation member 41 on the back surface. However, in the second camera 2B, the information display unit 42 in the first camera 2A is omitted. For this purpose, in the second camera 2B, information displayed by the information display unit 42 in the first camera 2A is displayed on the display screen of the camera display unit 38B.

  As a form of the compact digital camera, as shown by reference numeral 2C in FIG. 1, for example, a photographing lens (not shown in FIG. 1) is integrated in the camera body, and the camera is mounted on the back of the camera body 40. The display unit 38C and the operation member 41 are provided.

  Here, examples of the operation member 41 include four-direction selection buttons (41L, 41R, 41D, and 41U), a determination button 41a, a menu button 41b, a release button 41c, and the like, as shown in FIG. These operation members 41 are respectively provided at predetermined positions on the exterior surface of the camera body 40.

The four-direction selection button is an operation member for instructing selection of a desired item on the shooting condition setting menu screen displayed on the camera display unit 38 (A, B, C), and is selected, for example. A left direction selection button 41L for moving an index indicating an item to the left;
A right direction selection button 41R for moving the index indicating the selected item to the right,
A downward selection button 41D for moving the index indicating the selected item downward;
An upward selection button 41U for moving an index indicating the selected item upward;
There is.

  The determination button 41a is an operation member for instructing an item selected and instructed by the four-way selection button.

  The menu button 41b is an operating member that is operated when a menu screen for setting shooting conditions is displayed on the camera display unit 38 (A, B, C).

  The release button 41c is an operation member that is operated when performing a shooting operation using the camera 2 (A, B, C).

  Note that the three forms of the camera shown in FIG. 1 are merely examples, and the controller 1 of the present embodiment can also correspond to cameras of different forms.

  The camera system is configured by combining the controller 1 of the present embodiment and the various types of cameras 2 (A, B, C) as described above. In this case, the controller 1 and the camera 2 (A, B, C) communicate with each other about various data such as image data and control signals based on a predetermined communication format. Thereby, the controller 1 can control each camera 2 (A, B, C) etc. from the outside.

  As a communication format performed between the controller 1 and the camera 2 (A, B, C) or the like, for example, IrDA (Infrared Data Association) which is a standard of optical wireless communication using infrared rays, Bluetooth, and the like are used. A wireless format conforming to a wireless communication standard such as (Bluetooth: registered trademark) standard, Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi) standard, or WUSB (Wireless USB) standard is applied. In addition to this, a wired communication format such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard can also be applied.

  Next, the outline of each internal structure of the controller 1 of this embodiment and the camera to be controlled by the controller 1 will be described below with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 2, the controller 1 includes a control unit 11, a ROM 12, an operation unit 13, a RAM 14, a recording / reproducing unit 15, a recording medium unit 16, a display control unit 17, a display unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a bus line 20. , Antenna 54 and the like.

  The control unit 11 comprehensively controls the entire controller 1 based on a program. A ROM 12, an operation unit 13, and the like are connected to the control unit 11.

  The control unit 11 includes an operation control unit 11b that receives an instruction signal from the operation unit 13 interlocked with each of the operation members (21, 22, 23, etc.) and issues a corresponding control signal, and a menu selection instruction signal. A menu selection unit 11a for selecting the menu data 12a in the ROM 12 is incorporated as a function executed by the control unit 11.

  Here, the menu data 12a is data for displaying a menu for setting shooting conditions corresponding to the model of the camera to be controlled by the controller 1.

  The menu selection instruction signal is an instruction signal generated from the operation control unit 11b when the menu button 22 is manually operated by an operator, for example.

  The menu selection instruction signal is also an instruction signal automatically output from the menu selection unit 11a based on the camera model information received by the controller 1 through communication with the camera 2 to be controlled. In this case, the menu selection unit 11a selects menu data corresponding to the camera model based on the received camera model information.

  As described above, the generation of the menu selection instruction signal is an instruction signal generated by manual operation by the operator or automatically generated in the course of a series of processes when the camera 1 is controlled by the controller 1. . The operation when the menu selection unit 11a selects a menu for setting shooting conditions corresponding to the model of the camera to be controlled by the menu selection instruction signal will be described later.

  The ROM 12 includes a non-volatile memory and the like, and a storage unit having a storage area for storing a control program for controlling the control unit 11 and menu data 12a that is information related to a plurality of menus respectively corresponding to a plurality of types of cameras. It is.

  The operation unit 13 is linked to the various operation members (21, 22, 23, etc.) operated by the operator, and notifies the operation control unit 11b of the control unit 11 of an instruction signal corresponding to the operated operation member. It is a circuit part to do.

  For example, the operation unit 13 is operated when the operator inputs an imaging condition using an operation member from an imaging condition setting menu displayed on the display unit 18 by a menu display control unit 17a described later. The circuit unit receives a signal from the member and outputs a predetermined instruction signal to the operation control unit 11b.

  The RAM 14 is a temporary memory that is a non-volatile memory or the like and serves as a work area for temporarily storing various data.

  The recording / playback unit 15 stores the image data received by the communication operation in the recording medium unit 16, reads the image data received by the communication operation or the image data stored in the recording medium unit 16, and performs expansion processing. The circuit unit contributes to the recording operation and the reproducing operation of the image data, such as a process of passing to the RAM 14, the display control unit 17, and the like.

  The recording medium unit 16 includes a recording medium such as a flash memory or a hard disk, and is a component that records image data output from the recording / reproducing unit 15 on a predetermined recording medium.

  The display control unit 17 is a circuit unit that performs control related to display on the display unit 18. The display control unit 17 is a circuit unit that displays an image based on image data input to the RAM 14 from the recording / reproducing unit 15, the communication unit 19, or the like.

  In addition, the display control unit 17 includes a menu display control unit 17a that reads out the menu data 12a selected and instructed by the menu selection unit 11a and stored in the RAM 14 under the control of the control unit 11, and displays the menu. .

  The display unit 18 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display device (LCD) and the like, and is a display device that displays an image based on the image data output from the display control unit 17, the menu data 12a, and the like, a shooting condition setting menu, and the like. . In this case, when the display unit 18 displays an image based on the image data, the image data may be image data stored in the recording medium unit 16 or may be transmitted from the camera 2 and communicated with the communication unit 19. The image data received by may be used.

  The communication unit 19 is a circuit unit that communicates with the camera 2 configured separately from the controller 1 and exchanges image data, control signals, and the like via the antenna 54.

  The communication unit 19 transmits information related to the imaging conditions input by the operation unit 13, such as a control signal for setting change information, to the camera 2 via the antenna 54. Also, image data transmitted from the camera 2 is received by the communication unit 19 via the antenna 54. For this purpose, an antenna 54 is connected to the communication unit 19.

  The antenna 54 is an input / output unit for various data and control signals when communicating with the camera 2 configured separately from the controller 1.

  The bus line 20 includes signal lines and data lines that electrically connect the internal components of the controller 1 to each other.

  Further, the controller 1 may include a touch panel unit 24, an imaging unit 25, a lens unit 26, and the like as necessary. Since these components are not essential components for configuring the present invention, they are surrounded by a dotted line in FIG.

  The touch panel unit 24 is a circuit unit that can be used as a part of the operation unit 13, and is superimposed on the display screen of the display unit 18. In addition, as a structure in the case of applying the touch panel part 24, it is good also as a structure which adjoins the said operation member (21, 22, 23, etc.), and abolished the said operation member (21, 22, 23, etc.) Only 24 may be adopted as an operation member that replaces the operation member (21, 22, 23, etc.).

  The imaging unit 25 includes an imaging element, an image processing circuit, and the like, as in a normal camera, and has a shooting function that photoelectrically converts a light image of a subject formed by the lens unit 26 into electrical image data. It is what.

  The lens unit 26 is configured by an optical lens or the like, and forms an optical image of a subject on the light receiving surface of the imaging unit 25.

  Note that when the controller 1 includes the imaging unit 25 and the lens unit 26, the image data output from the imaging unit 25 is temporarily stored in the RAM 14. At this time, the RAM 14 functions as a temporary memory for captured image data.

  Further, the recording / reproducing unit 15 has a function of recording the acquired image data in the recording medium unit 16 at the time of a photographing operation that operates using the imaging unit 25 and the lens unit 26.

  Next, an outline of the configuration of the camera 2 to be controlled by the controller 1 will be described below.

  As described above, the controller 1 can control various types of cameras such as the cameras 2 (A, B, C), that is, a plurality of types of cameras, respectively. .

  In this case, the internal configuration of the camera 2 (A, B, C) to be controlled by the controller 1 is basically substantially the same. That is, the camera 2 (A, B, C) includes a camera control unit 31, a camera ROM 32, a camera operation unit 33, a camera RAM 34, a camera recording / playback unit 35, a camera recording medium unit 36, and a camera display control as shown in FIG. A unit 37, a camera display unit 38 (A, B, C), a camera communication unit 39, a bus line 40, a camera antenna 44, a camera imaging unit 45, a lens unit 43, and the like.

  The camera control unit 31 comprehensively controls the entire camera 2 (A, B, C) based on a program, and communicates with the controller 1 configured separately from the camera 2. It has a remote control unit 31a that controls the control. A camera ROM 32, an operation SW unit 12, an optical system control unit, and the like are connected to the camera control unit 31.

  The camera ROM 32 includes a nonvolatile memory and stores a control program for controlling the camera control unit 31, menu data unique to the camera 2 (A, B, C), and the like.

  Here, the menu data includes display data constituting the menu screen and a menu display in a predetermined form (the form shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 described above) using the display data. Including a display program and the like.

  The camera operation unit 33 is a circuit unit that detects an operation instruction signal generated when an operator operates an arbitrary operation member among a plurality of operation members and notifies the camera control unit 31 of the operation instruction signal.

  The camera RAM 34 is a temporary memory that temporarily stores the image data output from the camera imaging unit 45 and serves as a work area when various digital processes are performed on an image obtained by shooting.

  The camera recording / reproducing unit 35 stores the image data compressed by the recording / reproducing unit 35 in the camera recording medium unit 36 during the photographing operation, while being stored in the camera recording medium unit 36 in a compressed form during the reproducing operation. This is a circuit unit that contributes to the recording operation and the reproducing operation of the image data, such as a process of reading out the image data and delivering it to the camera RAM 34, the camera display control unit 37, and the like.

  The camera recording medium unit 36 includes a recording medium such as a flash memory or a hard disk. During the photographing operation, image data and the like acquired by photographing under the control of the recording / reproducing unit 35 are recorded.

  The camera display control unit 37 is a circuit unit that performs control for displaying images and menus displayed on the camera display unit 38 (A, B, C).

  The camera display unit 38 (A, B, C) includes, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like, and a display device that displays an image or a menu screen based on image data or menu data output from the display control unit 37. It is.

  The camera communication unit 39 is a circuit unit for communicating image data, control signals, and the like between the camera 2 (A, B, C) and the controller 1. For example, it is an interface that transmits image data or the like recorded in the camera recording medium section 36 of the camera 2 (A, B, C) to the controller 1 or receives a control signal or the like from the controller 1. A camera antenna 44 is connected to the camera communication unit 39.

  The camera antenna 44 is an input / output part for data and control signals when communicating with the controller 1.

  The bus line 40 includes signal lines and data lines that electrically connect the internal components of the camera 2 (A, B, C) to each other.

  The lens unit 43 is a component that includes a zoom lens, a focus lens, a diaphragm mechanism, a shutter mechanism, and the like.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the lens portions 43 of the first camera 2A and the second camera 2B are interchangeable lenses configured to be detachable from the camera body, and the lens portion 43 of the third camera 2C. Is a camera-integrated lens.

  The camera imaging unit 45 includes optical members such as zoom control performed according to an operator's zoom operation, focus control for moving the focus lens to a focus position detected based on an output signal (contrast signal) of the image sensor, and the like. It has an optical system control unit that performs various controls such as drive control and exposure control that controls the aperture mechanism, shutter mechanism, and the like of the lens unit 43 based on the output signal (luminance signal) of the image sensor. Further, the camera imaging unit 45 is an imaging device that photoelectrically converts a light image of a subject formed by the lens unit 43, an imaging processing unit that processes electric signals output from the imaging device and outputs image data, and AD It has a processing system circuit such as a conversion unit, and outputs image data converted into a digital signal.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as described above, only the first camera 2A is composed of, for example, a small monochrome liquid crystal display device and the like, and information for displaying various setting information currently set in the first camera 2A. A display unit 42 is provided.

  A display example of a menu display displayed on the camera display unit 38 (A, B, C) in each camera 2 (A, B, C) of the present embodiment configured as described above is shown below.

  3, 4, and 5 show display examples of a menu screen and the like displayed on the camera display unit in each camera of the camera system of FIG. 1.

  First, FIG. 3 is an illustration of two modes of the display screen displayed on the camera display unit 38A of the first camera 2A and one mode of the display screen displayed on the information display unit 42.

  When a predetermined operation member is pressed while the first camera 2A is activated with the power on, an information display screen indicated by reference numeral 38Aa in FIG. 3 is displayed on the camera display unit 38A. On this information display screen 38Aa, various setting information currently set in the first camera 2A is displayed in a predetermined table format.

  The camera setting information displayed here includes, for example, shooting mode information, clock information such as date, sensitivity information (ISO), white balance information (WB), shot image finishing mode information, flash mode information, and flash correction value. Information, used recording medium information, shooting drive mode information (single shooting, continuous shooting, self-timer setting, etc.), photometry method information, automatic focus adjustment method information (AF method), image processing mode information (sharpness, contrast, gradation) , Setting of filter effect, etc.), image quality mode information, information on the number of shootable images, and the like.

  Further, although specific display is omitted in FIG. 1, for example, in the blank area on the upper side of the information display screen 38 </ b> Aa in FIG. 3, the shutter speed value, aperture value, and exposure obtained as a result of the photometry operation and the distance measurement operation are displayed. In addition to the correction value, an icon indicating the name of the registered shooting mode, battery remaining amount information, and the like are displayed.

  The main information of the setting information displayed on the information display screen 38Aa is also displayed on the information display unit 42. For example, in the display example of the information display unit 42 shown in FIG. 3, the shooting mode, white balance information (WB), flash mode information, shooting drive mode information (continuous shooting setting), photometry method information, automatic focus adjustment method information (AF method) ), Image quality mode information, shootable number information, and the like.

  As described above, when the operator operates a predetermined operation member while the camera display unit 38A displays the information display screen 38Aa, the setting of the predetermined setting item among the above-described various setting information is directly changed. Can be done. In this case, functions are assigned so that specific setting items correspond to the respective operation members. Since this configuration and operation are employed in a general digital camera or the like and are not directly related to the main part of the present invention, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  When the menu button 41b is pressed while the information display screen 38Aa is displayed on the first camera 2A, the display on the camera display unit 38A is switched to the display on the menu screen 38Ab in FIG. If the four-way selection button is arbitrarily operated while the menu screen 38Ab is displayed, the index indicating the selection item moves in conjunction with the button operation.

  Then, after the index display is matched with the desired item, that is, after the desired item is selected, when the determination button 41a is pressed in that state, a setting change screen (not shown) for the selected item is selected. Switch to.

  When the menu button 41b is pressed again from this state, the setting change screen returns to the display of the menu screen 38Ab. When the menu button 41b is further pressed on the menu screen 38Ab, the display of the camera display unit 38A is displayed. Returns to the display of the information display screen 38Aa. The setting information thus performed is also reflected on the display of the information display unit 42.

  Next, FIG. 4 is an illustration of two modes of display screens displayed on the camera display unit 38B of the second camera 2B.

  When a predetermined operation member is pressed while the second camera 2B is activated with the power on, an information display screen indicated by reference numeral 38Ba in FIG. 4 is displayed on the camera display unit 38B. This information display screen 38Ba corresponds to the information display screen 38Aa in the first camera 2A described above, and various setting information set in the second camera 2B at that time is displayed in a predetermined table format. The

  The camera setting information displayed here is substantially the same as the information display screen 38Aa in the first camera 2A described above. However, the display itself is simplified by slightly reducing the number of items displayed for the example shown in FIG. This indicates that there is a difference in information displayed between the first camera 2A and the second camera 2B.

  As described above, when the operator operates a predetermined operation member while the camera display unit 38B displays the information display screen 38Ba, the setting of the predetermined setting item can be directly changed. The same as the first camera 2A.

  When the menu button 41b is pressed while the information display screen 38Ba is displayed on the second camera 2B, the display on the camera display unit 38B is switched to the display on the menu screen 38Bb in FIG. If the four-way selection button is arbitrarily operated while the menu screen 38Bb is displayed, the index indicating the selection item moves in conjunction with the button operation.

  Then, after selecting the desired item by matching the index display with the desired item, the selection button 41a is pressed to switch to the setting change screen (not shown) of the selected item. It is the same as 1 camera 2A.

  When the menu button 41b is pressed in this state, the display on the camera display unit 38B returns to the display on the menu screen 38Bb. Further, when the menu button 41b is pressed, the display on the camera display unit 38B returns to the display on the information display screen 38Ba, as in the first camera 2A described above.

  FIG. 5 is an illustration of three modes of display screens displayed on the camera display unit 38C of the third camera 2C.

  If the menu button 41b is pressed while the third camera 2C is powered on and activated in the shooting operation mode, the first menu screen indicated by reference numeral 38Ca in FIG. Is displayed. On the first menu screen 38Ca, for example, a shooting menu for displaying a list of setting items related to shooting operations, image quality settings, basic operation settings of the third camera 2C, shooting scene selection settings (SCN), and switching of the mute mode Items such as settings are displayed. These items are selected by a four-way selection button and executed by a decision button 41a.

  Although not shown, if the menu button 41b is pressed when the power of the third camera 2C is on and activated in the playback operation mode, the camera display unit 38C has the symbol shown in FIG. Although it is substantially the same as 38Ca, a menu screen including a reproduction menu item for displaying a list of setting items related to the reproduction operation is displayed instead of the shooting menu setting item.

  When the camera menu 38C is displayed on the first menu screen 38Ca and the shooting menu is selected according to the procedure described above and a predetermined execution instruction is given, the display on the camera display 38C is switched to the second menu screen 38Cb. Change.

  When the second menu screen 38Cb is displayed, if the four-way selection button is arbitrarily operated, the index indicating the selection item moves in conjunction with the button operation.

  Then, after the desired item is selected by matching the indicator display with the desired item, the selection button 41a is pressed to switch to a setting change screen (not shown) for the selected item.

  When the menu button 41b is pressed in this state, the display on the camera display unit 38C returns to the display on the menu screen 38Cb. When the menu button 41b is further pressed, the display of the camera display unit 38B returns to the display of the first menu screen 38Ca.

  When the menu button 41b is pressed while the camera display unit 38C is displaying the information display screen 38Ca, the display of the camera display unit 38C is switched to the display of the second menu screen 38Cb of FIG. . If the four-way selection button is arbitrarily operated while the menu screen 38Cb is displayed, the index indicating the selection item moves in conjunction with the button operation. For example, if a desired item is selected by moving the index in the vertical direction, and the index is moved to the right when the desired item has an index, a setting change screen (not shown) for setting the selected item Switch to.

  When the menu button 41b is operated on the setting change screen, the screen returns to the second menu screen 38Cb. When the menu button 41b is operated again, the screen returns to the first menu screen 38Ca. Further, the menu button 41b is operated to perform normal shooting. Return to the shooting preparation state in the operation mode.

  Also, when the shooting scene selection setting item (SCN) is selected using the four-way selection button (41D) in the state of the first menu screen 38Ca and the determination button 41a is pressed, the scene selection menu screen 38Cc is displayed. Switch to the display. Here, selecting a desired scene mode (a shooting operation mode in which a plurality of shooting conditions set in advance assuming a specific shooting environment) is selected using the four-way selection button and the determination button 41a. Can do. To return to the display of the first menu screen 38Ca, the menu button 41b is operated.

  Note that there are various actions other than the actions described above, which are performed by operating the operation member with respect to the camera 2 (A, B, C), but they are not directly related to the present invention. Since it is a part, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Next, in the camera 2 (A, B, C), a display example of the monitor display displayed on the camera display unit 38 (A, B, C) in the shooting operation mode is shown below.

  6, 7, and 8 are examples of monitor display of each camera in the camera system of FIG. 1.

  First, FIG. 6 is a display example of the monitor display of the first camera 2A. Here, the monitor display refers to an image displayed on the display unit when the camera is operating in the shooting operation mode.

  For example, in the monitor display 38Ad of the first camera 2A shown in FIG. 6, the subject image based on the image data obtained by the image sensor of the imaging unit 45 is displayed on the entire surface of the display unit 38A, and various kinds of images are superimposed on the subject image. Information is displayed. In this case, various types of information include, for example, the shutter speed value, aperture value, exposure correction value, shooting mode, remaining battery information, number of storable images, etc. obtained as a result of the photometry operation and distance measurement operation. Various information set in the first camera 2A at the time is displayed using characters, icons, and the like. Further, the monitor display 38Ad also displays an AF target mark that serves as an index such as a focus adjustment position and a photometric range, a graph that displays a luminance range of a displayed subject image, and the like.

  FIG. 7 is a display example of the monitor display of the second camera 2B. Also in the second camera 2B, the monitor display 38Bd having substantially the same form as that of the first camera 2A is displayed, but the form is slightly different from the monitor display 38Ad of the first camera 2A.

  FIG. 8 is a display example of the monitor display of the third camera 2C. In the third camera 2C, a monitor display 38Cd that is simplified compared to the monitor displays 38Ad and 38Bd in the first camera 2A and the second camera 2B described above is displayed.

  As described above, in the camera 2 (A, B, C), the menu display (see FIGS. 3 to 5) for performing various operation settings and the monitor display during the shooting operation (see FIGS. 6 to 8). ) Is different for each model. That is, each camera 2 (A, B, C) has its own menu data, monitor display data, and display programs corresponding to these in order to realize different menu display and monitor display for each model. have.

  The controller 1 has menu data, monitor display data, and display program corresponding to each model of each camera 2 in the menu data 12 a in the ROM 12. Accordingly, when the controller 1 of the present embodiment communicates with the camera 2 to perform remote operation of the camera 2, the camera 2 in communication among the menu data 12a and the like stored in the ROM 12 and the display program thereof is used. A menu screen substantially the same as the menu display displayed on the camera display unit 38 can be displayed at substantially the same timing as the camera 2.

  In the camera system having the above-described configuration, an example of the operation when the camera is remotely operated using the controller will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an action when the camera is operated in the photographing operation mode by remote operation of the controller in the camera system having the controller of the present embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 9A, the processing steps in the communication shooting mode of the camera 2 are indicated by step Sn (n is an integer). In the flowchart of FIG. 9B, the processing steps in the communication mode of the controller 1 are stepped. It shall be shown by Tn (n is an integer).

  The cameras 2 to be controlled by the controller 1 through communication are the first camera 2A, the second camera 2B, the third camera 2C, and the like described above. In this case, the same control is performed. Therefore, in the following description of the flowchart, the camera to be controlled is denoted by reference numeral 2.

  First, on the camera 2 side, when an operator operates a power button (not shown) among the operation members of the camera 2, the power state of the camera 2 is turned on. Thereafter, a predetermined operation member for switching the operation mode among the operation members of the camera 2 is operated by the operator, and the operation mode of the camera 2 is switched to the communication photographing mode.

  On the other hand, when the operator operates a power button (not shown) among the operation members of the controller 1 on the controller 1 side, the power state of the controller 1 is turned on. Thereafter, a predetermined operation member for switching the operation mode among the operation members of the controller 1 is operated by the operator, and the operation mode of the controller 1 is switched to the communication mode.

  Here, the operation mode of the controller 1 includes a communication mode in which communication with the camera 2 is performed to control the operation of the camera 2, a local mode in which the controller 1 operates alone, and the like.

  When the controller 1 operates in the communication mode, for example, communication with the camera 2 is performed to cause the camera 2 to perform a photographing operation by remote control, or image data stored in the camera recording medium unit 36 of the camera 2 is used as the controller. It is possible to perform control such as transfer to the one side.

  Further, in the local mode of the controller 1, for example, the controller 1 is caused to function as a so-called image viewer by controlling to reproduce and display an image based on the image data stored in the recording medium unit 16. Further, when the controller 1 includes the lens unit 26, the imaging unit 25, and the like, it is possible to perform control such as performing a shooting operation using these to function as a normal digital camera.

  As described above, when the camera 2 is activated in the communication shooting mode, the remote control unit 31a of the camera control unit 31 is necessary for communication with the controller 1 in step S11 of FIG. A communication mode setting process for automatically performing various settings is executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S12.

  In the communication mode setting process in step S11, various settings relating to detailed communication may be performed by the operator manually inputting or selecting desired settings for each setting item. .

  Subsequently, in step S12, the remote control unit 31a starts the communication process by controlling the camera communication unit 39, and confirms whether communication with the controller 1 that is the communication partner has been established. Here, the communication process is repeated until the establishment of communication between the camera 2 and the controller 1 is confirmed. If it is confirmed that the communication between the two is established, the process proceeds to the next step S13.

  On the other hand, when the controller 1 is activated in the communication mode as described above, in step T11 of FIG. 9B, the control unit 11 controls the communication unit 19 to start communication processing, and becomes a communication partner camera. 2 is confirmed whether or not the communication with 2 is established. Here, the communication process is repeated until the establishment of communication between the controller 1 and the camera 2 is confirmed. When it is confirmed that the communication between the two is established, the process proceeds to the next step T12.

  Thus, in the above-described step S12 and step T11, the camera 2 and the controller 1 exchange each other's device information, for example, data specifying the model, etc., so that each other is a device suitable as a communication partner. A confirmation process is performed.

  In this communication establishment process, the camera control unit 31 of the camera 2 transmits information data such as model information of the camera 2 itself to the controller 1. On the other hand, the control unit 11 of the controller 1 adds version information of menu data corresponding to the camera model information received from the camera 2 in the menu data 12a of the ROM 12 in addition to information data such as device information of the controller 1 itself. Etc. are transmitted to the camera 2.

  In response, on the camera 2 side, in step S13, the remote control unit 31a determines whether or not to transmit the latest menu data to the controller 1.

  As described above, the menu data is stored in advance in the camera ROM 32, for example. The remote control unit 31a reads menu data from the camera ROM 32 as necessary, and causes the display unit 18 to display a menu based on the menu data.

  Since this menu data is electronic data, it may be updated as appropriate. Accordingly, there may be a situation where there are individuals having different versions of menu data even with the same camera model.

  Therefore, in the camera system of the present embodiment, when communication is performed between the camera 2 and the controller 1 and they are used in conjunction with each other, the above-described processing of step S12 and step T11, that is, communication establishment is performed. In the processing, it is confirmed whether or not the menu data of the controller 1 and the menu data (for example, the latest version menu data) of the camera 2 in communication match.

  In the process of step S13, when the remote control unit 31a determines that the latest menu data should be transmitted from the camera 2 to the controller 1 when the menu data versions do not match, for example. The process proceeds to step S14. If it is confirmed that the version of the menu data to be transmitted is the same and it is determined that the transmission of the menu data is not necessary, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S <b> 14, the remote control unit 31 a executes a process of transmitting the latest version of the menu data stored in the camera ROM 32 to the controller 1 via the camera communication unit 39 and the camera antenna 44. At the same time, the camera control unit 31 controls the camera display unit 38 via the camera display control unit 37 to display a menu on the display screen of the camera display unit 38. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S15.

  On the other hand, on the controller 1 side, in step T11 described above, the control unit 11 executes the communication establishment process. When the process proceeds to step T12, the communication partner camera 2 with which communication is established in step T12. Execute the process to identify the model.

  This camera model specifying process is a process of specifying the model of the camera 2 to be a communication partner based on the information obtained from the camera 2 side in the communication process of step T11 described above. This camera model specifying process is mainly performed by the menu selection unit 11a in the control unit 11.

  Alternatively, the camera model of the communication partner may be set by the operator manually performing a predetermined operation on the controller 1 side. In this case, in step T12, the menu selection unit 11a of the control unit 11 of the controller 1 controls the display unit 18 via the menu display control unit 17a of the display control unit 17, and the camera as shown in FIG. A model selection menu is displayed on the screen of the display unit 18.

  The operator selects and designates the camera model of the communication partner using the four-way selection button and the enter button 41a while looking at the camera model selection menu.

  When the controller 1 specifies the model of the camera 2 to be a communication partner by any one of the above means, the control unit 11 controls the antenna 54 and the communication unit 19 to control the menu from the camera 2 in step T13. Check if data is being sent. If menu data is received from the camera 2, the process proceeds to step T14. On the other hand, if the menu data is not transmitted from the camera 2, the process proceeds to step T15.

  In step T14, the control unit 11 executes a process of storing the latest menu data received in the above-described step T13 in the RAM 14 or the like. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T15.

  In step T <b> 15, the operation control unit 11 b of the control unit 11 confirms whether an operation instruction generated by operating the menu button 22 among the operation members of the controller 1 has occurred. Here, when the operation instruction by the menu button 22 is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step T16.

  When the operation instruction of the menu button 22 is confirmed, the menu selection unit 11a of the control unit 11 controls the display unit 18 via the menu display control unit 17a, and is specified by the process in step T12 described above. A menu corresponding to the model of the selected camera 2 is displayed.

  The menu displayed here is the same as or substantially the same as the menu screen displayed on the camera display unit 38 of the camera 2 in communication at step S14 described above.

  Then, the operation control unit 11b monitors an instruction signal from the operation member and confirms whether or not a setting change operation (referred to as a menu operation) has been performed on any item while the menu is displayed. If it is confirmed that the menu operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step T17.

  In step T <b> 17, the control unit 11 controls the communication unit 19 to transmit the instruction information of the menu operation content performed in the process of step T <b> 15 described above to the camera communication unit 39 of the camera 2 in communication. Execute the process. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T18.

  In response, the remote control unit 31a of the camera control unit 31 of the camera 2 confirms whether or not the camera communication unit 39 has received the instruction signal for the menu change operation in step S15. If it is confirmed that the menu change operation instruction signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S16. If the menu change operation instruction signal is not received, the process proceeds to step S17.

  In step S <b> 16, the camera control unit 31 executes a menu change process of the camera display unit 38 in accordance with the menu change operation instruction signal received in the process of step S <b> 15 described above. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S18.

  On the other hand, in the process of step S15 described above, if the reception of the menu change operation instruction signal is not confirmed and the process proceeds to step S17, the camera control unit 31 in step S17 via the display control unit 37. The camera display unit 38 is controlled to display a monitor image on the camera display unit 38, and at the same time, the camera communication unit 39 is controlled to transmit image data representing the monitor image to the controller 1. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S20.

  In response to this, the control unit 11 of the controller 1 controls the communication unit 19 to receive the image data of the monitor image from the camera 2 in step T16, and the display control unit 17 is controlled based on the received image data. Through the control of the display unit 18, a process of displaying a monitor image on the display screen of the display unit 18 is executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T22.

  On the other hand, in the process of step T17 described above, after executing the process of transmitting the instruction information of the menu operation content, when the process proceeds to the process of step T18, the control unit 11 performs the process of reading the menu data from the ROM 12 in step T18. Execute. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T19.

  In step T19, the control unit 11 controls the display unit 18 via the display control unit 17 to reflect the change operation in the process in step T15 described above in the menu data read out in the process in step T18 described above. Execute the menu display process. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T20.

  In step T20, the operation control unit 11b of the control unit 11 monitors the instruction signal from the operation unit 13 and is displayed on the display unit 18 by the operator using the operation member (four-way selection button and determination button 41a). It is confirmed whether or not an operation for changing the shooting condition has been performed among the display items of the menu. If the photographing condition changing operation is confirmed here, the process proceeds to step T21. If the photographing condition changing operation is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step T22.

  In step T21, the control unit 11 controls the communication unit 19 to transmit to the camera 2 shooting condition information changed by the shooting condition changing operation performed in the process of step T20 described above. Execute. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T22.

  In response to this, the camera control unit 31 of the camera 2 controls the camera communication unit 39 to confirm whether or not the imaging condition change instruction signal is received in step S18. If reception of the imaging condition change instruction signal is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S19. If the reception of the photographing condition change instruction signal is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S20.

  In step S19, the control unit 31 executes a shooting condition change process. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S20.

  Returning to the process of the controller 1, after the photographing condition transmission process is executed in the process of step T21 described above, the operation control part 11b of the control part 11 monitors the instruction signal from the operation part 13 in step T22. To check whether or not a shooting operation instruction signal is generated. If the photographing operation instruction signal is confirmed, the process proceeds to step T23. If the photographing operation instruction signal is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step T24.

  In step T23, the control unit 11 controls the communication unit 19 to execute a shooting instruction signal transmission process. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T24.

  On the other hand, in step T24, the operation control unit 11b of the control unit 11 monitors the instruction signal from the operation unit 13 and confirms whether or not an off signal generated by an operation for turning off the power is generated. Here, when the power-off signal is confirmed, a predetermined off process is executed, and then a series of processes is terminated. If the power off signal is not confirmed, the process returns to the above-described step T15 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  On the other hand, in response to the imaging instruction signal transmission process in step T23 of the controller 1 described above, the control unit 31 of the camera 2 controls the camera communication unit 39 in step S20 to determine whether or not an imaging instruction signal has been received. Confirm. If it is confirmed that the photographing instruction signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S21. If reception of the shooting instruction signal is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S22.

  In step S21, the control unit 31 executes a predetermined photographing process. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S22.

  On the other hand, in step S22, the control unit 31 confirms whether or not an off signal is generated due to the power-off operation. Here, when the power-off signal is confirmed, a predetermined off process is executed, and then a series of processes is terminated. If the power off signal is not confirmed, the process returns to the above-described step S15 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the controller 1 controls the camera 2 from the outside. The controller 1 is for setting a plurality of menus and shooting conditions corresponding to a plurality of types of cameras. When the menu corresponding to the model of the camera to be controlled is selected, information about the menu (menu data) is stored in the recording medium unit 16, and the menu is displayed. The operator operates the operation member while looking at this menu, so that the communication unit 19 of the controller 1 communicates with the camera communication unit 39 of the camera 2, and information regarding the input shooting conditions is displayed on the camera 2. To send to. Therefore, this makes it possible to individually control a plurality of types of cameras 2 using a single controller 1. That is, when a plurality of models of cameras 2 are used by remote control, only one controller 1 needs to be prepared. Therefore, the conventional system, that is, the controller corresponding to each of a plurality of models of cameras is used on a one-to-one basis. Compared to the system, the camera system of the present embodiment can contribute to the improvement of the overall operability.

  In addition, since the controller 1 is preliminarily provided with menu data corresponding to a plurality of types of cameras, the menu data is received and displayed each time by communication, such as a monitor image, for example. The display processing can be greatly reduced, so that faster menu display switching can be realized, and more comfortable operability can be obtained.

  The menu data may be stored in the recording medium unit 16 of the controller 1 in advance. For example, in the case of a camera that is newly communicated as a control target, the menu data A menu display program or the like may be downloaded from the camera side to the recording medium unit 16 of the controller.

  Also, if the version of the menu data of the controller 1 and the menu data of the communication partner's camera as the control target are confirmed to be inconsistent and the menu upgrade is inconsistent (for example, the menu on the camera side is the version If the controller and camera do not match the version at the start of communication so that the latest menu data updated by communication is provided to the controller side Thus, the same menu can be displayed on the camera and the controller.

  Since the controller 1 communicates with the camera communication unit 39 of the camera 2 via the communication unit 19 to select and display a corresponding menu based on the received model information of the camera 2, it is always The camera model can be selected reliably and easily and the corresponding menu can be displayed.

  Further, if the operation unit in the controller 1 includes a touch panel, the controller 1 can easily set or change shooting conditions without providing an operation member equivalent to the camera 2. become. In particular, it is an effective means to correspond an operation unit with a touch panel to a plurality of types of single-lens reflex cameras having a complicated operation system.

  In addition, about each process in the control part (11, 31) demonstrated in the said embodiment, you may comprise a part or all instead of software with hardware. Conversely, the menu display control unit (17a) described as hardware may be configured by software. A specific configuration in this case is a design item.

  Each control process by the control units 11 and 31 is realized by a software program stored in the ROMs 12 and 32 being supplied to the control units 11 and 31 and operating according to the supplied program. Therefore, the software program itself realizes the functions of the control units 11 and 31, and the program itself constitutes the present invention. A recording medium for storing the program also constitutes the present invention. In this case, as the recording medium, in addition to the flash memory, for example, an optical recording medium such as a CD-ROM (-R, -RW, etc.), a DVD-ROM (-R, -RW), or a magneto-optical such as MD, MO, etc. A recording medium, a magnetic medium using a magnetic tape, a semiconductor memory such as an IC card, and the like can be applied.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a digital camera is shown and described. However, the device to which the present invention is applied is not limited to this, for example, a camera attached to a mobile phone or the like. It is also possible to apply to parts.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and it is needless to say that in the implementation stage, various modifications and applications can be made to the constituent elements without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed by the above embodiments. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the above embodiment, the problems described in the column of problems to be solved by the invention can be solved, and the effects described in the effects of the invention can be achieved. In the case of being obtained, a configuration in which this component is deleted can be extracted as an invention. And you may comprise combining the component covering different embodiment suitably.

1 is a schematic system configuration diagram of an entire camera system including a controller according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The block block diagram which shows the outline of each internal structure of the controller and camera in the camera system of FIG. FIG. 2 is a display example of menus and the like displayed on the camera display unit in each camera of the camera system of FIG. The figure which shows the one aspect | mode of a screen. FIG. 7 is a display example of menus and the like displayed on the camera display unit in each camera of the camera system of FIG. 1, and shows two modes of display screens displayed on the camera display unit of the second camera. FIG. 9 is a display example of menus and the like displayed on the camera display unit in each camera of the camera system of FIG. 1, and shows three modes of display screens displayed on the camera display unit of the third camera. FIG. 3 is a view showing monitor display of each camera in the camera system of FIG. 1 and showing monitor display of the first camera. It is an example of the monitor display of each camera in the camera system of FIG. 1, Comprising: The figure which shows the monitor display of a 2nd camera. FIG. 6 is a view showing monitor display of each camera in the camera system of FIG. 1 and showing monitor display of a third camera. The flowchart which shows the effect | action at the time of operating a camera in imaging | photography mode by remote control of a controller in the camera system of FIG. The figure which shows the example of a display of the camera model selection menu displayed on the display part of a controller in the camera system of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Controller 2 ... Camera 11 ... Control part 11a ... Menu selection part 11b ... Operation control part 12 ... ROM
12a …… Menu data 13 …… Operation unit 14 …… RAM
15 ...... Recording / reproducing unit 16 ...... Recording medium unit 16
17 ... Display control unit 17a ... Menu display control unit 18 ... Display unit 19 ... Communication unit 20 ... Bus line 21U ... Up direction selection button 21D ... Down direction selection button 21L ... Left direction selection button 21R …… Right direction selection button 21a …… OK button 22 …… Menu button 23 …… Release button 24 …… Touch panel unit 25 …… Imaging unit 26 …… Lens unit 31 …… Camera control unit 31a …… Remote control unit 32 ... Camera ROM
33 …… Camera operation unit 34 …… Camera RAM
35 …… Camera recording / playback unit 36 …… Camera recording medium unit 37 …… Camera display control unit 38 …… Camera display unit 39 …… Camera communication unit 40 …… Camera body 40 …… Bus line 41 …… Operation member 42… ... Information display section 43 ... (Interchangeable) Lens section 44 ... Camera antenna 45 ... Camera imaging section

Claims (11)

In the controller that controls the camera from the outside,
A menu selection section for selecting a shooting condition setting menu corresponding to the camera model to be controlled;
A menu display control unit that causes the display unit to display the shooting condition setting menu selected by the menu selection unit;
An operation unit for receiving an input of shooting conditions from a menu displayed on the display unit by the menu display control unit;
A communication unit that communicates with the camera and transmits information about the shooting conditions input by the operation unit to the camera;
The controller characterized by comprising.   The controller according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores information on a plurality of menus respectively corresponding to a plurality of types of cameras.   The controller according to claim 1, wherein the menu selection unit selects a corresponding menu based on camera model information received through communication with the camera performed using the communication unit.   The controller according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit is a touch panel.   The controller according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays an image based on image data transmitted from the camera and received by the communication unit.   The controller according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is a camera including an imaging unit.   The controller according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is an image viewer including a recording medium. In a camera system consisting of a camera and a controller that controls the camera from the outside,
The camera includes a camera communication unit that communicates information including image data with the controller, a remote control unit that controls the camera in accordance with an instruction command from the controller,
With
The controller includes a menu selection unit that selects a shooting condition setting menu corresponding to the model of the camera to be controlled, and a menu display control unit that displays the shooting condition setting menu selected by the menu selection unit on the display unit. And an operation unit that receives an input of shooting conditions from the menu displayed on the display unit by the menu display control unit, and information on the shooting conditions input by the operation unit through communication with the camera. A communication unit to send to the camera;
A camera system comprising:   The camera system according to claim 8, wherein the camera communication unit transmits information related to the menu of the camera to the controller. In the control method of the controller that controls the camera from the outside,
Select the shooting condition setting menu corresponding to the camera model to be controlled,
The shooting condition setting menu corresponding to the selected camera model is read out from the storage unit for storing information on a plurality of menus respectively corresponding to a plurality of camera models, and displayed on the display unit.
Accept input of shooting conditions from the menu displayed on the display,
A control method characterized by transmitting information related to inputted shooting conditions to the camera. In the controller program that controls the camera from the outside,
Selecting a menu for setting shooting conditions corresponding to the camera model to be controlled;
Reading out the shooting condition setting menu corresponding to the selected camera model from the storage unit storing information on a plurality of menus corresponding to a plurality of camera models, and displaying the menu on the display unit;
Receiving input of shooting conditions from the menu displayed on the display unit;
Sending information about the input shooting conditions to the camera;
The program characterized by including.

Images