JP2001111977A - Imaging device, mobile communication terminal, method and system, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] An imaging apparatus and a mobile communication terminal communicate with each other,
Only the mobile communication terminal can grasp the states of itself and the imaging device. SOLUTION: When the capacity of a battery built in an imaging device 100 becomes low, information for warning the communication device 3 is notified.
00 is notified. When the communication device 300 detects the arrival of this information, it performs the same calling operation as a normal incoming call, and notifies it by going off-hook.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an imaging device such as an electronic camera, a mobile communication terminal, and a system therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Imaging devices such as electronic cameras for recording and reproducing still images and moving images using a memory card having a solid-state memory element as a recording medium are already commercially available. In addition, communication devices such as mobile phones for communicating voice and images are also on sale.

[0003] By carrying an imaging system including these electronic cameras and mobile phones (mobile communication terminals), it is possible not only to work indoors such as offices and homes but also to promote flexible business outdoors. It is possible to do.

[0004]

In such a conventional imaging system such as an electronic camera or a mobile phone, there is an opportunity to operate a mobile phone which is often used passively because it is a two-way communication device. The frequency was relatively high, and the opportunity and frequency of using electronic cameras, which are active devices, were often relatively low.

Therefore, while the frequency of checking the remaining battery level of the mobile phone is relatively high, the opportunity and frequency of checking the remaining battery level of the electronic camera are relatively low. Only when I noticed that the battery was low,
There was a problem that I missed the opportunity to shoot.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the communication between an imaging device and a mobile communication terminal allows the mobile communication terminal to determine the status of itself and the imaging device. It is an object of the present invention to provide an imaging device, a mobile communication terminal, a method, a system, and a storage medium that can be grasped.

[0007] In order to solve this problem, for example, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention has the following configuration. That is, an image capturing apparatus that captures an image and acquires it as image data, wherein the first transmitting unit transmits the captured image data to an external mobile communication terminal by a wireless communication unit, and detects a state of the apparatus. And a second transmitting means for transmitting information indicating the state to the mobile communication terminal by wireless communication means.

The mobile communication terminal of the present invention has the following configuration.

A mobile communication terminal for receiving information from an imaging device, comprising: image storage means for storing an image transmitted by the first transmission means; display means for displaying the stored image; Notification means for notifying the contents of the information transmitted by the second transmission means.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
The features of the imaging system of the present invention are as follows.

First, an image pickup apparatus having an image pickup means and a first transmission means, a second communication means, a third communication means, an incoming call notifying means for notifying an incoming call from the third communication means, and A communication device having a communication unit for making a call with another communication device via a third communication unit, wherein the incoming notification unit responds to a notification from the first communication unit to the second communication unit. And the call means is connected to the first
Is transmitted from the communication means to the second communication means.

Second, the notification is performed to notify the state of the imaging device, and the notification content is information for notifying the state of the imaging device.

Third, the state of the imaging device is a state of remaining battery power of the imaging device.

Fourthly, the notification of the incoming call is a ringing tone of the communication device, and the transmission of the contents of the call is based on the voice of the communication device.

Fifth, in the control method of the image pickup system according to the present invention, an image pickup apparatus having an image pickup means and a first communication means, a second communication means, a third communication means, A control method for controlling an imaging system including an incoming call notifying unit for notifying an incoming call from a third communication unit and a communication device having a communication unit for making a call with another communication device via the third communication unit. Wherein the incoming call notifying means performs an incoming call notification in response to a notification from the first communication means to the second communication means, and the communication means transmits the second communication means from the first communication means to the second communication means. It is characterized by transmitting the contents of notification to.

Sixth, the notification is performed for notifying the state of the imaging device, and the notification content is information for notifying the state of the imaging device.

Seventh, the present invention is characterized in that the state of the imaging device is a state of remaining battery of the imaging device.

Eighth, the notification of the incoming call is a ringing tone of the communication device, and the transmission of the contents of the call is based on the voice of the communication device.

Ninth, in the storage medium according to the present invention, an image pickup apparatus having an image pickup means and a first communication means, a second communication means, a third communication means, and the third communication means. A storage medium storing a control program for controlling an image pickup system including an incoming call notifying unit for notifying an incoming call from a communication unit and a communication device having a communication unit for making a call with another communication device via the third communication unit. The control program, wherein the incoming call notifying means performs an incoming call notification in response to a notification from the first communication means to the second communication means, and the communication means transmits the call information from the first communication means to the second communication means. It is characterized by comprising a code of a step of transmitting the notification content to the second communication means.

Tenth, the notification is performed to notify the state of the imaging device, and the notification content is information for notifying the state of the imaging device.

Eleventh, the present invention is characterized in that the state of the imaging apparatus is a state of remaining battery of the imaging apparatus.

A twelfth feature is that the notification of the incoming call is a ringing tone of the communication device, and the communication of the content of the call is based on a voice of the communication device. The thirteenth aspect of the imaging apparatus according to the present invention is an imaging apparatus that includes an imaging unit and a first communication unit, and notifies the communication device using the first communication unit. A communication device comprising: a second communication means, a third communication means, an incoming call notifying means for notifying an incoming call from the third communication means, and a communication means for making a call with another communication apparatus via the third communication means. , An incoming call notification is made by the incoming call notifying means in response to the notification from the first communication means to the second communication means, and the first communication means is transmitted from the first communication means to the second communication means by the communication means. It is characterized by transmitting the contents of notification to

Fourteenth, the notification is performed to notify the state of the imaging device, and the notification content is information for notifying the state of the imaging device.

Fifteenth, the invention is characterized in that the state of the imaging device is the state of charge of the battery of the imaging device.

Sixteenth, the notification of the incoming call is a ringing tone of the communication device, and the communication of the contents of the call is based on the voice of the communication device.

In a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an imaging apparatus, comprising: an imaging unit and a first communication unit, wherein the first communication unit is used to notify the communication device. A control method for controlling an apparatus, comprising: a second communication unit, a third communication unit, an incoming call notifying unit for notifying an incoming call from the third communication unit, and another control unit via the third communication unit. A communication device having a communication means for making a telephone call with the communication device, wherein the call notification is performed by the call notification means in response to the notification from the first communication means to the second communication means, The content of the notification from the first communication means to the second communication means is transmitted.

Eighteenthly, the notification is for notifying the state of the imaging device, and the notification content is information for notifying the state of the imaging device.

Nineteenthly, the present invention is characterized in that the state of the image pickup apparatus is a state of remaining battery of the image pickup apparatus.

Twentiethly, the notification of the incoming call is a ringing tone of the communication device, and the transmission of the contents of the call is based on the voice of the communication device.

The storage medium according to the present invention has, at the twenty-first, an image pickup means and a first communication means,
A storage medium storing a control program for controlling an image pickup apparatus that notifies a communication apparatus using the communication means of the first communication means, wherein a second communication means, a third communication means, and an incoming call from the third communication means are stored. In a communication device having an incoming call notifying unit for notifying and a communication unit for making a call with another communication device via the third communication unit, the communication unit responds to the notification from the first communication unit to the second communication unit. A code for a step of causing the incoming call notifying means to perform an incoming call notification and transmitting the notification content from the first communication means to the second communication means by the communication means.

Twenty-second, the notification is performed to notify the state of the imaging device, and the notification content is information for notifying the state of the imaging device.

Twenty-third is characterized in that the state of the imaging device is the state of charge of the battery of the imaging device.

Twenty-fourth, the notification of the incoming call is a ringing tone of the communication device, and the communication of the content of the call is based on the voice of the communication device. Twenty-fifth, in the communication device according to the present invention, the second communication means, the third communication means, an incoming call notifying means for notifying an incoming call from the third communication means, and the third communication means What is claimed is: 1. A communication apparatus having a communication means for making a communication with another communication apparatus via a communication means, comprising: an imaging means and a first communication means, and notifying the communication apparatus using the first communication means. In the above, when the notification is made from the first communication means to the second communication means, an incoming call notification is made by the incoming call notifying means, and the call means makes the second communication from the first communication means to the second communication means. The content of the notification to the communication means is transmitted.

In a twenty-sixth aspect, the notification is performed to notify the state of the imaging device, and the notification content is information for notifying the state of the imaging device.

In a twenty-seventh aspect, the state of the imaging device is a state of remaining battery of the imaging device.

Twenty-eighth, the notification of the incoming call is a ringing tone of the communication device, and the communication of the call content is based on the voice of the communication device.

In the method for controlling a communication device according to the present invention, twenty-ninth, a second communication means, a third communication means, and an incoming call notifying means for notifying an incoming call from the third communication means. And a control method for controlling a communication device having a communication means for making a call with another communication device via the third communication means, comprising: an imaging means and a first communication means;
In the imaging device that notifies the communication device using the communication means, when the notification is performed from the first communication means to the second communication means, performs an incoming notification by the incoming notification means, The content of the notification from the first communication means to the second communication means is transmitted by the communication means.

In a thirtieth aspect, the notification is performed to notify the state of the imaging device, and the notification content is information for notifying the state of the imaging device.

In a thirty-first aspect, the state of the imaging device is a state of remaining battery power of the imaging device.

In a thirty-second aspect, the notification of the incoming call is a ringing tone of the communication device, and the communication of the content of the call is based on a call voice of the communication device.

In the storage medium according to the present invention, thirty-third, the second communication means, the third communication means, the incoming call notifying means for notifying an incoming call from the third communication means, and the third communication means, A storage medium storing a control program for controlling a communication device having a communication unit for making a call with another communication device via the communication unit of claim 3, wherein the control program has an imaging unit and a first communication unit. In the imaging device that notifies the communication device using the first communication unit, when the notification is performed from the first communication unit to the second communication unit, the reception is performed by the reception notification unit. It is characterized by comprising a code of a step of performing notification and transmitting the notification content from the first communication means to the second communication means by the communication means.

In a thirty-fourth aspect, the notification is performed to notify the state of the imaging device, and the notification content is information for notifying the state of the imaging device.

In a thirty-fifth aspect, the state of the imaging device is a state of remaining battery of the imaging device.

In a thirty-sixth aspect, the notification of the incoming call is a ringing tone of the communication device, and the transmission of the contents of the call is based on a voice of the communication device.

By means of the above means, the opportunity to operate a portable telephone which is often used passively because it is a two-way communication device, the frequency of which is relatively large, and the opportunity to use an electronic camera which is an active device In many cases, the frequency is relatively low. Therefore, the frequency of checking the remaining battery level of the mobile phone is relatively high, while the opportunity and frequency of checking the remaining battery level of the electronic camera are relatively low. It becomes possible to provide an imaging system, a control method thereof, and a storage medium free from the problem that the battery level becomes low and the battery is insufficiently noticed for the first time at the stage of taking an image, and the opportunity of taking an image may be missed.

[0046]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes an imaging device (such as a digital camera), 200 denotes a removable recording medium, and 300 denotes a communication device (a mobile phone or a PHS).

The imaging device 100 is connected to the communication unit 110 via the communication unit 110 and the antenna 112.
Via the antenna 332, it is possible to mutually transmit and receive commands and data including captured images by wireless communication.

Wireless communication between the imaging device 100 and the communication device 300 is performed by a spread spectrum method such as Bluetooth.

The image pickup device 100 transmits image data picked up through the lens 310 to the communication unit 110 and the antenna 11.
2, transmitting the image data to the communication device 300 via the antenna 332 and the communication unit 330, and the communication device 300 records the received image data on the removable recording medium 200, and transmits the image data via the communication unit 326 and the antenna 328. To the communication device or communication base station.

<Description of Configuration of Imaging Apparatus 100> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 of the present invention.

In the figure, 10 is a photographing lens, 12 is a shutter having an aperture function, 14 is an image pickup device for converting an optical image into an electric signal, and 16 is an A / A for converting an analog signal output of the image pickup device 14 into a digital signal. It is a D converter.

Reference numeral 18 denotes an image sensor 14, an A / D converter 16,
This is a timing generation circuit that supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the D / A converter 26, and is controlled by the memory control circuit 22 and the system control circuit 50.

Reference numeral 20 denotes an image processing circuit which performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing on data from the A / D converter 16 or data from the memory control circuit 22.

In the image processing circuit 20, predetermined arithmetic processing is performed using the captured image data, and based on the obtained arithmetic result, the system control circuit 50
0, a TTL (through-the-lens) type AF (auto focus) process, an AE (auto exposure) process, and an EF (flash pre-emission) process for controlling the distance measurement control means 42 are performed. Further, the image processing circuit 20 performs a predetermined calculation process using the captured image data, and performs TTL AWB based on the obtained calculation result.
(Auto white balance) processing is also performed.

Reference numeral 22 denotes a memory control circuit, which includes an A / D converter 16, a timing generation circuit 18, an image processing circuit 20,
Image display memory 24, D / A converter 26, memory 30,
The compression / decompression circuit 32 is controlled.

The data of the A / D converter 16 is transmitted through the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22 or the data of the A / D converter 16 is transmitted directly through the memory control circuit 22 to the image display memory 24 or the memory. 30 is written.

Reference numeral 24 denotes an image display memory; 26, a D / A converter; and 28, an image display unit composed of a TFT type LCD or the like. Image data for display written in the image display memory 24 is a D / A converter. The image is displayed by the image display means 28 via 26. If the image display means 28 sequentially displays captured image data, an electronic finder function can be realized. Further, the image display means 28 can arbitrarily turn on / off the display in accordance with an instruction from the system control circuit 50. When the display is turned off, the power consumption of the imaging device 100 can be significantly reduced. Can be done.

Reference numeral 30 denotes a memory composed of a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory for storing photographed still images and moving images, and a memory sufficient for storing a predetermined number of still images and moving images for a predetermined time. Has quantity.

Accordingly, even in the case of continuous shooting or panoramic shooting in which a plurality of still images are continuously shot, it is possible to write a large amount of images to the memory 30 at high speed. The memory 30 can also be used as a work area for the system control circuit 50.

32 is an adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT)
A compression / decompression circuit for compressing / decompressing image data by, for example, reading an image stored in the memory 30 and performing compression or decompression processing, and storing the processed data in the memory 3
Write to 0.

Reference numeral 40 denotes an exposure control means for controlling the shutter 12 having an aperture function, which also has a flash dimming function in cooperation with the flash 48.
Reference numeral 42 denotes a distance measurement control unit that controls focusing of the photographing lens 10, 44 denotes a zoom control unit that controls zooming of the photographing lens 10, and 46 denotes a protection unit 102 that is a barrier.
Is a barrier control means for controlling the operation of. Reference numeral 48 denotes a flash, which also has an AF auxiliary light projecting function and a flash dimming function.

The exposure control means 40 and the distance measurement control means 42
It is controlled using the TL method. Based on the calculation result obtained by calculating the captured image data by the image processing circuit 20,
The system control circuit 50 controls the exposure control means 40 and the distance measurement control means 42. Reference numeral 50 denotes a system control circuit that controls the entire imaging apparatus 100, and reference numeral 52 denotes a memory that stores constants, variables, programs, and the like for operation of the system control circuit 50.

Numeral 54 denotes display means such as a liquid crystal display device and a speaker for displaying an operation state and a message using characters, images, sounds and the like in accordance with the execution of the program in the system control circuit 50. A single or multiple locations are installed at easy-to-view locations near the
It is composed of a combination of D, LED, sound element, etc.

The display means 54 has a part of its functions installed in the optical viewfinder 104. Among the display contents of the display means 54, those displayed on the LCD or the like include a single shot / continuous shooting display, a self-timer display, a compression ratio display, a recording pixel number display, a recording number display, a remaining number of images displayable, a shutter. Speed display, aperture value display, exposure compensation display, flash display, red-eye reduction display, macro shooting display, buzzer setting display, battery remaining battery display,
Battery level display, error display, information display with multiple digits, display of detached state of recording media 200 and 210, communication I / O
F operation display, date / time display, etc.

Of the display contents of the display means 54, those displayed in the optical viewfinder 104 include a focus display, a camera shake warning display, a flash charge display, a shutter speed display, an aperture value display, an exposure correction display, and the like. There is.

Reference numeral 56 denotes an electrically erasable / recordable nonvolatile memory, for example, an EEPROM or the like.

Reference numeral 58 denotes an identification information section which stores various identification information for performing authentication prior to communication when communicating with the communication device 300 via the communication means 110 and the antenna 112.

60, 62, 64, 66, 68 and 70
Is an operation means for inputting various operation instructions of the system control circuit 50, and is constituted by one or a combination of a switch, a dial, a touch panel, pointing by gaze detection, a voice recognition device, and the like.

Here, these operation means will be specifically described. Reference numeral 60 denotes a mode dial switch for turning off the power,
Each function mode such as an automatic shooting mode, a shooting mode, a panoramic shooting mode, a playback mode, a multi-screen playback / erasing mode, and a PC connection mode can be switched and set.

Reference numeral 62 denotes a shutter switch SW1, which is turned on during the operation of a shutter button (not shown) to perform AF (auto focus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB
An instruction to start operations such as (auto white balance) processing and EF (flash pre-emission) processing is given.

Reference numeral 64 denotes a shutter switch SW2, which is turned on when the operation of a shutter button (not shown) is completed, and transfers the signal read from the image sensor 12 to the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22. Exposure processing for writing, development processing using calculations in the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22, reading out image data from the memory 30, compression by the compression / decompression circuit 32, and
An instruction to start the operation of a series of processing called recording processing for writing image data in 00 or 210 is given.

Reference numeral 66 denotes a single shooting / continuous shooting switch, which is a single shooting mode in which a single frame is shot when the shutter switch SW2 is pressed and a standby state is set, and a shutter switch SW2
While the button is pressed, a continuous shooting mode in which shooting is continuously performed can be set.

Reference numeral 68 denotes a compression mode switch which can select a compression ratio of JPEG compression or a CCD RAW mode in which a signal of an image pickup device is digitized as it is and recorded on a recording medium.

Reference numeral 70 denotes an operation unit including various buttons, a touch panel, and the like. A menu button, a set button, a macro button, a multi-screen playback page break button, a flash setting button, a self-timer button, a menu shift + (plus) button, and a menu shift -(Minus) button, move playback image + (plus) button, playback image-(minus)
Button, shooting quality selection button, exposure compensation button, date /
Time setting button, playback mode, multi-screen playback / erasure mode, playback switch that can set each function mode such as PC connection mode, auto focus operation starts when shutter switch SW1 is pressed, and once focus is achieved For example, an AF mode setting switch for setting a one-shot AF mode for maintaining the in-focus state and a servo AF mode for continuously performing autofocus operation while the shutter switch SW1 is pressed, and turning on the image display means 28 Image display ON / OFF switch for setting / OFF,
There is a quick review ON / OFF switch for setting a quick review function for automatically playing back image data taken immediately after shooting.

The functions of the plus button and the minus button are provided with a rotary dial switch so that numerical values and functions can be selected more easily.

Reference numeral 80 denotes a power control means, which is a battery detection circuit, DC
The DC-DC converter includes a DC converter, a switch circuit for switching a block to be energized, and the like. The DC-DC converter detects whether or not a battery is installed, the type of the battery, and the remaining battery level. The DC converter is controlled to supply a necessary voltage to each unit including a recording medium for a necessary period.

82 is a connector, 84 is a connector, 86 is a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a NiCd battery or the like.
It is a power supply means composed of a secondary battery such as a NiMH battery or a Li-ion battery, an AC adapter, or the like.

Reference numeral 102 denotes a protection unit that is a barrier that covers the imaging unit including the lens 10 of the imaging device 100 to prevent the imaging unit from being stained or damaged. Reference numeral 104 denotes an optical finder, which enables photographing using only the optical finder without using the electronic finder function of the image display means 28. In the optical finder 104, some functions of the display means 54, for example,
In-focus display, camera shake warning display, flash charge display, shutter speed display, aperture value display, exposure compensation display, etc. are provided. 110 is a communication means, Bluetooth
It has various short-distance high-speed data communication functions such as spread spectrum communication such as th and infrared communication such as IrDA. 11
Reference numeral 2 denotes an antenna that connects the imaging device 100 to another device by the communication unit 110.

<Description of Configuration of Communication Device 300> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the communication device 300 of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 310 denotes a microphone for converting a sound into an electric signal, and reference numeral 312 denotes an A / D converter for converting an analog output signal of the microphone into a digital signal.

Reference numeral 314 denotes a memory control circuit. The output data of the A / D converter 312 is written to the memory 320 via the memory control circuit 314, and the data read from the memory 320 is stored in the D / A converter. 316. 316 is a D / A converter for converting a digital signal to an analog signal, and 318 is a speaker for converting an electric signal to an audio signal. Reference numeral 320 denotes a memory for storing a voice input by the microphone 310 and / or a still image or a moving image transmitted from the imaging apparatus 100, and includes a predetermined time of voice and / or a predetermined number of still images and a predetermined time of a moving image. Has sufficient storage capacity to store

A D / A 322 converts still image data and moving image data stored in the memory 320 into analog signals.
The converter 324 is an image display unit for displaying an output image signal of the D / A converter 322.

Reference numeral 326 denotes communication means, such as TDMA and CDM.
It has various long-distance wireless communication functions such as A and W-CDMA. An antenna 328 connects the communication device 300 to another communication device and / or a communication base station via the communication unit 326. A communication unit 330 has various short-distance high-speed data communication functions such as spread spectrum communication such as Bluetooth and infrared communication such as IrDA. An antenna 332 connects the communication device 300 to another device by the communication unit 330.

Reference numeral 350 denotes a communication system control circuit for controlling the entire communication device 300, and reference numeral 352 denotes a communication system control circuit 3.
It is a memory for storing 50 operation constants, variables, programs, and the like.

Reference numeral 354 denotes an electrically erasable / recordable nonvolatile memory, for example, an EEPROM or the like. 356
Reference numeral denotes an identification information section which stores various identification information for performing authentication prior to communication when communicating with the imaging apparatus 100 via the communication means 330 and the antenna 332.

Reference numeral 360 denotes display means such as a liquid crystal display and a speaker for displaying an operation state and a message using characters, images, sounds, and the like in accordance with the execution of the program in the communication system control circuit 350. A single or a plurality of them are installed at easily visible positions near the 300 operation means, and are constituted by a combination of, for example, LCDs, LEDs, sound elements, and the like.

Reference numeral 362 denotes an operation means for inputting various operation instructions of the communication system control circuit 350, and is constituted by one or a combination of a switch, a dial, a touch panel, pointing by gaze detection, a voice recognition device, and the like. .

According to the operation means 362, the communication device 300
You can perform operations such as power on / off, call execution (off-hook) / stop (on-hook), telephone number input, telephone number search, communication mode switching, etc.

Reference numeral 364 denotes an incoming call notifying means. When there is an incoming call from another communication device or communication base station, a ringing tone,
The communication device 30 is provided by voice and sound such as music and / or icons, moving images, still images, images such as light emission, and / or vibrations.
0 can be notified of the incoming call.

Reference numeral 366 denotes a connector 392 for the recording medium 200.
Is a recording medium attachment / detachment detection unit for detecting whether or not the recording medium is attached. Reference numeral 380 denotes a power control unit, which includes a battery detection circuit, DC
A DC converter, a switch circuit for switching a block to be energized, and the like. The DC / DC converter detects whether or not a battery is installed, the type of the battery, and the remaining battery level. Control the DC converter to supply a required voltage to each unit including the recording medium for a required period.

382 is a connector, 384 is a connector, 3
86 is a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery or NiCd
It is a power supply means including a battery, a secondary battery such as a NiMH battery, a Li-ion battery, and a Li polymer, and an AC adapter. Reference numeral 390 denotes an interface with a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk, and 392 denotes a connector for connecting to a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk.

Although the present embodiment has been described as having one interface and connector for attaching a recording medium, the interface and connector for attaching a recording medium may be configured as a single or a plurality of interfaces and connectors. I do not care. In addition, a configuration may be adopted in which interfaces and connectors of different standards are provided in combination.

Further, as the interface and the connector, those conforming to standards such as a PCMCIA card, a CF (Compact Flash) card, and an MMC (Multimedia Card) may be used.

Further, when the interface 390 and the connector 392 are configured using a standard such as a PCMCIA card or a CF (Compact Flash) card, a LAN card, a modem card, a USB card, an IEEE 139
By connecting various communication cards such as a 4-card, a P1284 card, a SCSI card, a communication card such as a PHS, etc., image data and management information attached to the image data can be exchanged with other computers and peripheral devices such as a printer. You can transfer each other.

Reference numeral 200 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 200 includes a recording unit 202 including a semiconductor memory and a magnetic disk, an interface 204 with the communication device 300, and a communication device 300.
A connector 206 for making connection with the device and identification information 208 are provided.

<Description of Operation of Imaging Apparatus 100> The operation of the imaging apparatus 100 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing of the main routine of the imaging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment.

Upon power-on such as battery replacement, the system control circuit 50 initializes flags and control variables, etc.
Initialization processing of each unit of the imaging apparatus 100 is performed (step S1).
01).

The system control circuit 50 determines the set position of the mode dial 60 (step S102). If the power of the mode dial 60 has been set to OFF, the display of each display means is changed to the end state, and the lens is turned off. Unit 30
When 0 has a barrier or the like as a protection means, it is closed to protect the imaging unit, necessary parameters including flags and control variables, setting values, and setting modes are recorded in the non-volatile memory 56, and power supply control is performed. Predetermined end processing such as shutting off unnecessary power of each part of the imaging apparatus 100 including the image display means 28 by the means 80 (step S103), step S102
Return to

When it is determined that the mode dial 60 is set to the photographing mode (step S102), the system control circuit 50 uses the power control means 80 to capture the remaining capacity of the power source 86 composed of a battery or the like and the operating conditions. Apparatus 1
It is determined whether or not there is a problem in the operation of Step 00 (Step S1).
04) If there is a problem, communication means 110, antenna 1
After a predetermined warning notification is given to the communication device 300 via the communication device 12 (step S105), the process returns to step S102.

If it is determined that there is no problem with the power supply 86 (step S104), the operation state of the memory 30 which is a buffer for storing captured image data is changed to
0, in particular, there is a problem in the operation of recording and reproducing image data in the memory 30 (step S10).
6) If there is a problem, communication means 110, antenna 11
After a predetermined warning is notified to the communication device 300 via the communication device 2 (step S105), the process returns to step S102.

If it is determined that there is no problem in the operation state of the memory 30 (step S106), the communication device 110 and the communication device 300 are sent to the communication device 300 via the antenna 112.
A predetermined state notification indicating the various setting states of 00 is performed (step S107).

Now, as described above, when it is determined that the system is normally operable, the system control circuit 50
It is determined whether or not the shutter switch SW1 has been pressed (step S108). If the shutter switch SW1 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S102.
We will go on.

When the process proceeds to step S109, the system control circuit 50 performs a distance measuring process to focus the photographing lens 10 on the subject, performs a photometric process to determine an aperture value and a shutter time, and performs a white balance process. Then, the color temperature is adjusted (step S109). In addition, in this photometric processing, if it is determined that it is necessary, flash setting is also performed.

In the distance measurement / photometry processing in step S109, the shooting start flag and / or the AE lock flag and / or the white balance mode setting flag stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 are determined. , AE control and / or AWB
It is determined whether or not the control can be executed, and each process is performed according to the determination result. The details of the distance measurement and photometry processing in step S109 will be described later with reference to FIG.

When the distance measurement / photometry processing (step S109) is completed, the system control circuit 50
The state of the flash flag stored in the internal memory 0 or the memory 52 is determined (step S110). If the flash flag has been set, the flash 48 is charged (step S111), and the process proceeds to step S112. If the flash flag has been released, the process of step S111 is skipped,
Proceed to step S112.

At step S112, the system control circuit 50 determines whether the shutter switch SW2 or the shutter switch SW1 has been pressed. Here, if the shutter switch SW2 is not pressed (step S112) and the shutter switch SW1 is also released (step S113), the process returns to step S102.

If it is determined that the shutter switch SW2 has been pressed (step S112), the system control circuit 50 transmits the signal via the image sensor 12, the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, the memory control circuit 22, or A / D
A photographing process including an exposure process for writing photographed image data into the memory 30 is executed directly from the converter via the memory control circuit 22 (step S114). The details of the photographing process in step S114 will be described later with reference to FIG.

The system control circuit 50 uses the memory control circuit 22 and, if necessary, the image processing circuit 20 to read out the photographed image data written in the memory 30 and perform various processings (step S115). If necessary, after performing compression processing for performing image compression processing in accordance with the mode set using the compression / decompression circuit 32 (step S116), the image data having undergone the predetermined processing is stored in the memory 30. It is stored again (step S117).

If the system control circuit 50 determines that the shutter switch SW2 has been released (step S119), it performs predetermined processing to read out the image data stored in the memory 30, and the communication unit 110 and the antenna 112 Image communication with the communication device 300 via the. (Step S119) When it is determined that the image communication has been completed (step S120), the process returns to step S102.

Next, the distance measurement and photometry processing in step S109 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The system control circuit 50 reads out the charge signal from the image sensor 14 and sequentially reads the captured image data into the image processing circuit 20 via the A / D converter 16 (step S201). Using the sequentially read image data, the image processing circuit 20 executes TTL (through the lens).
Predetermined calculations used for AE (auto exposure) processing, EF (flash pre-emission) processing, and AF (auto focus) processing are performed. In each process, a specific portion of the total number of photographed pixels, which is necessary, is extracted by cutting out necessary portions, and is used for calculation. This allows
In each process of TTL, AE, EF, AWB, AF,
Optimal calculations can be performed for different modes such as the center-weighted mode, the average mode, and the evaluation mode.

Using the operation result of the image processing circuit 20,
The system control circuit 50 performs AE control using the exposure control means 40 until the exposure (AE) is determined to be appropriate (step S202) (step S203).

Using the measurement data obtained by the AE control,
The system control circuit 50 determines whether or not a flash is necessary (step S204), and if necessary, sets a flash flag and charges the flash 48 (step S205). If it is determined that the exposure (AE) is appropriate (step S202), the measurement data and / or the setting parameters are stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52.

Using the operation result of the image processing circuit 20 and the measurement data obtained by the AE control, the system control circuit 5
0 indicates that the AWB control is performed by adjusting the color processing parameters using the image processing circuit 20 until the white balance (AWB) is determined to be appropriate (step S206) (step S206).
207).

If it is determined that the white balance (AWB) is appropriate (step S206), the measured data and / or the set parameters are stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52.

Using the measurement data obtained by the AE control and the AWB control, the system control circuit 50 uses the ranging control means 42 until the ranging (AF) is determined to be in focus (step S208). Control is performed (step S209).

If it is determined that the distance measurement (AF) is in focus (step S208), the measured data and / or the set parameters are stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 5
2 and the distance measurement / photometry processing routine (step S
109) is ended.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the photographing process (step S114) in FIG.

The system control circuit 50 opens the shutter 12 having the aperture function by the exposure control means 40 in accordance with the metering data stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 of the system control circuit 50 in accordance with the aperture value. 10 is exposed (steps S301, S302). Further, it is determined whether or not the flash 48 is necessary based on the flash flag (step S303), and if necessary, the flash is emitted (step S304).

The system control circuit 50 waits for the end of exposure of the image pickup device 12 according to the photometric data (step S30).
5) If it is determined that the exposure has been completed, the shutter 12 is closed (step S306). Then, the charge signal is read from the image pickup device 14, and the memory 3 is read via the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, the memory control circuit 22 or directly from the A / D converter 16 via the memory control circuit 22.
0 is written in the captured image data (step S30).
7). When a series of processing is completed in this way, the photographing processing routine S114 ends.

<Description of Operation of Communication Device 300> Next, the operation of the communication device 300 in this embodiment will be described.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show the communication device 30 of this embodiment.
9 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of a main routine of No. 0. Hereinafter, the operation of the communication device 300 will be described with reference to FIGS.

Upon power-on such as battery replacement, the communication system control circuit 350 initializes flags and control variables (step S401), and releases the camera notification flag (step S402). The setting state of the camera notification flag is stored in the internal memory of the communication system control circuit 350 and / or the memory 352.

The communication system control circuit 350 determines the setting state of the power switch included in the operation means 362, and if it is determined that the power switch is set to power off (step S403), the display of each display means is displayed. Change to the end state, record necessary parameters including flags and control variables, setting values, and setting modes in the non-volatile memory 354,
After performing a predetermined end process such as shutting off unnecessary power of each unit of the communication device 300 including the image display unit 324 by the power control unit 380 (step S404), step S4 is performed.
03, and waits for the operator to turn on the power switch.

When it is determined that the power switch included in the operation means 362 has been set to power ON (step S40)
3), the communication system control circuit 350
At 80, it is determined whether the remaining capacity of the power source 386 constituted by a battery or the like or the operating condition has a problem in the operation of the communication device 300 (step S405). After a predetermined warning is displayed by voice (step S406), the process returns to step S403.

If there is no problem with the power supply 386 (step S405), the communication system control circuit 350 sends the communication means 110, the antenna 112,
It is determined whether a notification of a command, data, or the like has been received via the antenna 332 and the communication unit 330 (step S407).

If no notification of a command, data, or the like has been received from the imaging apparatus 100 (step S407), the communication system control circuit 350 transmits the information from another communication apparatus or communication base station via the antenna 328 and the communication means 326. It is determined whether there is an incoming call (step S40).
8).

If it is determined that there is an incoming call from another communication device or communication base station (step S40)
8) The communication system control circuit 350 releases the camera notification flag (step S409), and proceeds to step S421. If it is determined that there is no incoming call from another communication device or communication base station (step S408), the process returns to step S403.

On the other hand, the communication system control circuit 350 sends the communication means 110, the antenna 112,
When it is determined that a notification of a command, data, or the like has been received via the antenna 332 and the communication unit 330 (step S4)
07), the received notification is stored in the memory 320 and / or the memory 352, and it is determined whether or not the content of the received notification is a warning notification from the imaging device 100 (step S410).

If it is determined that the content of the received notification is a warning notification from the imaging device 100 (step S41)
0), the communication system control circuit 350 sets a camera notification flag (step S411), and proceeds to step S421.
Proceed to.

Further, the content of the received notification is
If it is determined that the notification is not a warning notification from 0 (step S410), the communication system control circuit 350 determines whether the content of the received notification is image communication from the imaging device 100 (step S412).

If it is determined that the content of the received notification is image communication from the imaging device 100 (step S41)
2), the communication system control circuit 350
Communication means 110, antenna 112, antenna 33
2. The image data received via the communication means 330 is sequentially stored in the memory 320, and the stored image data is sequentially read out to read out the interface 390 and the connector 39.
2. Recording on the recording unit 202 of the recording medium 200 via the connector 206 and the interface 204 (Step S4)
13).

The image data stored in the memory 320 can be displayed on the image display means 324 via the D / A converter 322. In this case, the communication device 300
After the various switches provided in the image display unit 324 are operated and the memory control unit 314 performs predetermined interpolation or thinning processing and predetermined color processing in accordance with the specifications of the image display unit 324, the image received by the image display unit 324 Display data.

After a series of image recording operations is completed, the process returns to step S403.

If it is determined that the content of the received notification is not image communication from the imaging device 100 (step S41)
2), the communication system control circuit 350 determines whether or not the content of the received notification is a status notification from the imaging device 100 (step S414). If it is determined that the content of the received notification is a status notification from the imaging device 100 (step S414), the communication system control circuit 350
Are the communication means 110, the antenna 11
2, received via the antenna 332, the communication means 330,
After reading out various information indicating the state of the imaging device 100 stored in the memory 320 and / or the memory 352 from the memory 320 and / or the memory 352 and outputting the image and / or the sound by the display unit 360 (S415),
It returns to step S403. Note that various information indicating the state of the imaging device 100 may be displayed as a message such as characters using the image display unit 324.

Further, the content of the received notification is
If it is determined that the notification is not a status notification from 0 (step S
414), and return to step S403.

Now, the process proceeds to step S421,
The communication system control circuit 350 starts the notification of the incoming call to the user of the communication device 300 using the ringing sound, the vibration and the like by the incoming call notifying unit 364.

If the off-hook (call start) switch included in the operation means 362 is not set (step S4)
22), the communication system control circuit 350 determines whether the camera notification flag is set (step S).
423).

If it is determined that the camera notification flag is not set (step S423), the communication system control circuit 350 determines whether or not the incoming call from another communication device or communication base station has been completed (step S42).
4) If the incoming call has been completed, the communication device 300 using the ringing sound, vibration and the like by the incoming notification unit 364.
The notification of the incoming call to the user is terminated (step S427).
It returns to step S403.

When it is determined that the incoming call has not been completed (step S424), the process returns to step S422 to continue the calling operation.

When it is determined that the camera notification flag has been set (step S423), it can be determined that the incoming call is from the image pickup apparatus 100. Therefore, the communication system control circuit 350 continues the calling until a preset time elapses (step S425).

If the off-hook operation has not been performed even after the predetermined time has elapsed (step S425), the communication system control circuit 350 clears the camera notification flag (step S426), and sets the ringing tone and vibration of the incoming call notification means 364. The notification of the incoming call to the user of the communication device 300 using the communication is ended (step S427), and the process returns to step S403.

If it is determined that the off-hook (call start) switch included in the operation means 362 has been set for the incoming call (step S422), the communication system control circuit 350 determines whether the incoming call notification means 364 has a ringing tone or vibration. The notification of the incoming call to the user of the communication device 300 using the above-described method is terminated (step S428), and it is determined whether the camera notification flag is set (step S429).

If the camera notification flag is not set (S 429), the communication system control circuit 350 sends the communication device 300 via the antenna 328 and the communication means 326.
A line is connected to another communication device that has made an incoming call to the other communication device or another communication device via the communication base station (step S430), and another communication device or another communication device via the communication base station is connected. Is performed (step S431).

In the call operation, the antenna 32 is transmitted from another communication device or another communication device via a communication base station.
8. The audio data received via the communication means 326 is stored in the memory 320, and the audio data read from the memory 320 is subjected to predetermined decoding processing and audio processing by the memory control circuit 314. Through the speaker 318 and converted to an audio signal for transmission. Further, the uttered voice is subjected to predetermined voice processing and encoding by the memory control circuit 314 via the microphone 310 and the A / D converter 316, and stored in the memory 320.
Can be transmitted to another communication device via the communication means 326 and the antenna 328 or to another communication device via the communication base station.

In this way, even if the call from another communication device or another communication device via the communication base station is terminated (step S432), or if the call is not terminated (step S432), it is included in the operation means 362. If the on-hook (call abort) switch is set (step S433), the communication system control circuit 350 disconnects the line with another communication device that is performing the call or with another communication device via the communication base station. Then (step S434), the process returns to step S403.

If the camera notification flag has been set, the process proceeds from step S429 to step S435. Here, the communication system control circuit 350 reads the warning content notified from the imaging apparatus 100 from the memory 320 and / or the memory 352, and
4. The audio signal is converted into an audio signal by the speaker 318 via the D / A converter 316 and is notified to the user of the communication device 300 (step S435), and the process proceeds to step S436.

As described above, the warning notification notified from the imaging device 100 to the communication device 300 is notified to the user of the communication device 300 using the incoming call notification function provided in the communication device 300, and the communication function provided in the communication device 300 is provided. Can be used to notify the user of the communication device 300.

Thus, for example, when the remaining battery power of an imaging device such as an electronic camera in a bag runs short, the communication device 300 can use the incoming call notification function such as a ringer sound provided by a communication device such as a mobile phone. When the user is notified and the off-hook (call start) switch is pressed, the battery level warning message of the electronic camera can be transmitted to the user from the speaker of the communication device such as a mobile phone, which is extremely convenient. A good imaging system can be provided.

Generally, a communication device such as a mobile phone is used more frequently than an imaging device such as an electronic camera.
As shown in the embodiments of the present invention, using a communication device such as a mobile phone to notify the state of an imaging device such as an electronic camera is rational and efficient, and provides a system that is beneficial to the user. I can do it.

The on-hook (call termination) switch included in the operation means 362 is set (step S43).
6) Alternatively, even if the on-hook (call termination) switch is not set (step S436), if a predetermined time has elapsed (step S437),
The contents of the warning notified from the imaging device 100 are stored in the memory 320.
And / or read out from the memory 352 and the speaker 318 via the memory control circuit 314 and the D / A converter 316.
Then, the operation of notifying the user of the communication device 300 by converting into a voice signal ends (S438), the camera notification flag is released (S439), and the process returns to S403.

The embodiment according to the present invention has been described above with reference to FIGS.

In the description of the embodiment, only the warning notification notified from the imaging device 100 to the communication device 300 is notified to the user of the communication device 300 by using the incoming notification function provided in the communication device 300. It has been described that the user of the communication device 300 is notified using the communication function provided in the communication device 300. However, the status notification indicating various state settings of the imaging device 100 is similarly performed using the incoming notification function provided in the communication device 300. The user of the communication device 300 is notified and the communication device 3 is notified.
00 may be notified to the user of the communication device 300 using the call function of the communication device 300.

[0157] Similarly, the image communication from the imaging device 100 is notified to the user of the communication device 300 using the incoming call notification function provided in the communication device 300, and the display function of the communication device 300 is used using the display function provided in the communication device 300. It may be displayed to the user.

In the description of the embodiment, the warning notification notified from the imaging device 100 to the communication device 300 is notified to the user of the communication device 300 by using the incoming call notification function provided in the communication device 300. Although it has been described that the user of the communication device 300 is notified using the call function provided in the communication device 300, the communication device 3 is used without using the incoming call notification function.
Alternatively, a warning may be displayed directly on the display unit 00, or a warning may be notified when the user of the communication device 300 selectively selects a display or a call.

Further, the communication device 300
Is notified to the user of the communication device 300 using the answering machine function of the communication device 300,
Communication device 30 using the communication function of communication device 300
0 may be notified to the user.

[0160] Also, the communication device 300
The communication device 300 transmits the warning notification notified to the communication device 30 using the character communication function of the communication device 300 such as e-mail or E-mail.
0, and may be notified to the user of the communication device 300 by using a character communication function of the communication device 300 such as e-mail or E-mail.

[0161] The communication function of the communication device 300 may be used to instruct the imaging device 100 to perform various operations. In this case, the user of the communication device 300 can execute various operations possible in the imaging device by uttering a predetermined command toward the microphone 310.

For example, remote shooting by talking with “shooting”, remote shooting after a specified time by talking with “shooting after 5 seconds”, setting of flash shooting mode by talking with “flash”, etc. Apparatus 10
It is possible to execute an instruction by a telephone call by combining arbitrary functions of 0.

Also, by using the communication function of the communication device 300 to issue an instruction such as “remaining battery power”, “what lens?” It is also possible to instruct the device 100 to acquire various states and hear the inquired result via the speaker 318 using the communication function of the communication device 300, or to view the result via the display means 360.

As described above, an arbitrary combination of state acquisition commands is issued to the imaging device 100 using the communication function provided in the communication device 300, and the result is obtained using the display function provided in the communication device 300. Is possible.

Then, the communication device 30
0 is always notified to the user of the communication device 300 using the incoming call notification function of the communication device 300, and is always notified to the user of the communication device 300 using the communication function of the communication device 300. However, according to the settings in the imaging device 100 and / or the communication device 300, a warning notification notified from the imaging device 100 to the communication device 300 is transmitted to the communication device 300 using the incoming notification function of the communication device 300. May be selectively notified to the user of the communication device 300 and selectively notified to the user of the communication device 300 using the communication function of the communication device 300.

Then, similarly to the warning notification of the remaining battery level, the number of captured images stored in the memory 30 of the image capturing apparatus 100 and the number of captured images that can be stored in the memory 30 from now on are reduced.
The imaging device 100 may notify the communication device 300 of a warning.

In the description of the embodiment, the combination of the single imaging device 100 and the single communication device 300 has been described. However, one or more arbitrary number of imaging devices and one or more There is no problem if an arbitrary number of communication devices are combined to form an imaging system.

Although the recording medium 200 has been described as being configured to be detachable from the communication device 300, the recording medium 200
There is no problem even if 0 is detachable from the imaging apparatus 100.

Furthermore, the imaging device 100 and the communication device 300
In any case, there is no problem even if the recording medium 200 is configured to be detachable.

In this case, similar to the warning notification of the remaining battery level,
The number of photographed images recorded on the recording medium 200 attached to the imaging device 100 and the number of photographed images that can be recorded on the recording medium 200 from now on are transmitted from the imaging device 100 to the communication device 30.
0 may be notified.

The recording medium 200 is not limited to a memory card such as a PCMCIA card, CF (compact flash) card, MMC (multimedia card), hard disk, etc., but also a micro DAT, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-R or a CD-ROM.
Of course, there is no problem even if it is constituted by an optical disk such as a WR or a phase change optical disk such as a DVD. Further, there is no problem even if the recording medium 200 is a composite medium in which a memory card and a hard disk are integrated. Further, there is no problem if a part of the composite medium is detachable. And
In the description of the embodiment, the recording medium 200 is described as being separated from the communication device 300 and can be arbitrarily connected. However, even if the recording medium 200 is fixed to the communication device 300, it is a matter of course. There is no. In addition, the communication device 300
The recording medium 200 may be configured to be connectable to a single or a plurality of arbitrary numbers.

Also, in the above description, the imaging device has been described as an example of an electronic camera, and a portable telephone as the communication device 300 has been described as an example. Computer, etc.).

In this case, the general-purpose information processing apparatus requires hardware for communicating with the imaging means, but all the control is performed by software.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (or a C / C) of the system or apparatus.
PU and MPU) can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk,
A CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, or the like can be used. The functions of the above-described embodiments are not only realized by the computer executing the readout program code, but also an OS (Operating System) running on the computer is executed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where some or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included. Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided on a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is executed based on the instruction of the program code. The CPU or the like provided in the expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included. As can be easily understood from the above description, according to the present embodiment, the first
An image pickup apparatus having an image pickup unit and a first communication unit; a second communication unit; a third communication unit; an incoming call notifying unit for notifying an incoming call from the third communication unit; and the third communication unit. And a communication device having a communication means for making a call with another communication device through the communication device. The incoming notification device performs an incoming notification in response to a notification from the first communication device to the second communication device. In addition, it is possible to provide an imaging system in which the communication means transmits the notification content from the first communication means to the second communication means.

Secondly, the present invention provides an imaging system wherein the notification is performed to notify the state of the imaging device, and the notification content is information for notifying the state of the imaging device. It becomes possible.

Third, it is possible to provide an image pickup system characterized in that the state of the image pickup apparatus is the state of the remaining amount of the battery of the image pickup apparatus.

Fourth, it is possible to provide an imaging system wherein the notification of the incoming call is a ringing tone of the communication device, and the transmission of the contents of the call is based on the voice of the communication device. Becomes

Fifth, an image pickup apparatus having an image pickup means and a first communication means, a second communication means, a third communication means, and an incoming call notifying means for notifying an incoming call from the third communication means. And a communication device having a communication device for making a call with another communication device via the third communication device, wherein the communication device includes a communication device having a communication device. An incoming call notification according to a notification from the means to the second communication means, and the communication means transmits the contents of the notification from the first communication means to the second communication means. Can be provided.

Sixth, the notification is performed to notify the state of the imaging device, and the notification content is information for notifying the state of the imaging device. Can be provided.

Seventh, the present invention is characterized in that the state of the imaging device is a state of remaining battery of the imaging device.

Eighth, there is provided a control method of an imaging system, wherein the notification of the incoming call is a ringing tone of the communication device, and the communication of the contents of the call is based on the voice of the communication device. It becomes possible.

Ninth, an image pickup apparatus having an image pickup means and a first communication means, a second communication means, a third communication means, and an incoming call notifying means for notifying an incoming call from the third communication means. And a control program for controlling an imaging system including a communication device having a communication unit for making a call with another communication device via the third communication unit. The notification means is the first
A notification of an incoming call in response to a notification from the communication means to the second communication means, and a code for a step of the communication means transmitting the notification content from the first communication means to the second communication means. It is possible to provide a storage medium characterized by performing the following.

[0184] Tenthly, the present invention provides a storage medium wherein the notification is performed to notify the state of the imaging device, and the notification content is information for notifying the state of the imaging device. It becomes possible.

Eleventh, it is possible to provide a storage medium characterized in that the state of the imaging device is the state of charge of the battery of the imaging device.

Twelfth, it is possible to provide a storage medium characterized in that the notification of the incoming call is a ringing tone of the communication device, and the transmission of the contents of the call is based on the voice of the communication device. Becomes

[0187] A thirteenth aspect is an imaging apparatus which has an imaging means and a first communication means, and notifies the communication apparatus using the first communication means. A communication device having communication means, an incoming call notification means for notifying an incoming call from the third communication means, and a communication means for making a call with another communication apparatus via the third communication means, wherein the first communication means From the first communication means to the second communication means by means of the incoming call notification means in response to the notification to the second communication means. It is possible to provide an imaging device characterized by the following.

Fourteenthly, there is provided an imaging apparatus wherein the notification is performed to notify the state of the imaging apparatus, and the notification content is information for notifying the state of the imaging apparatus. It becomes possible.

Fifteenth, it is possible to provide an image pickup apparatus characterized in that the state of the image pickup apparatus is a state of the remaining battery of the image pickup apparatus.

Sixteenth, it is possible to provide an image pickup apparatus characterized in that the notification of the incoming call is a ringing tone of the communication device, and the communication of the call content is based on the voice of the communication device. Becomes

Seventeenth, there is provided a control method for controlling an image pickup apparatus which has an image pickup means and a first communication means, and notifies the communication apparatus using the first communication means.
Communication means, a third communication means, an incoming call notifying means for notifying an incoming call from the third communication means, and a communication means for making a call with another communication apparatus via the third communication means. In response to the notification from the first communication means to the second communication means, an incoming call notification is performed by the incoming notification means, and the communication means transfers the first communication means to the second communication means. Can be provided.

Eighteenth, the notification is performed to notify the state of the imaging apparatus, and the notification content is information for notifying the state of the imaging apparatus. Can be provided.

Nineteenthly, it is possible to provide a control method of the imaging apparatus, wherein the state of the imaging apparatus is a state of the remaining amount of the battery of the imaging apparatus.

Twentiethly, there is provided a method for controlling an imaging device, wherein the notification of the incoming call is a ringing tone of the communication device, and the communication of the contents of the call is based on the voice of the communication device. It becomes possible.

A twenty-first aspect is a storage medium having an imaging means and a first communication means, and storing a control program for controlling an imaging apparatus for notifying a communication apparatus using the first communication means. A second communication unit, a third communication unit, an incoming call notifying unit for notifying an incoming call from the third communication unit, and a communication unit for making a call with another communication device via the third communication unit. In the communication device, in response to the notification from the first communication unit to the second communication unit, an incoming call notification is performed by the incoming notification unit, and the communication unit transmits the second notification from the first communication unit to the second communication unit. It is possible to provide a storage medium having a code of a step of transmitting the contents of notification to the communication means.

Twenty-second, a storage medium is provided in which the notification is performed to notify the state of the imaging device, and the notification content is information for notifying the state of the imaging device. It becomes possible.

Twenty-third, it is possible to provide a storage medium characterized in that the state of the imaging device is the state of charge of the battery of the imaging device.

Twenty-fourth, it is possible to provide a storage medium characterized in that the notification of the incoming call is a ringing tone of the communication device, and the transmission of the contents of the call is based on the voice of the communication device. Becomes

Twenty-fifth, the second communication means and the third
A communication means having a communication means for notifying an incoming call from the third communication means, and a communication means for making a call with another communication apparatus via the third communication means, comprising: An imaging apparatus having a first communication unit and notifying the communication device using the first communication unit, when the notification is performed from the first communication unit to the second communication unit; It is possible to provide a communication apparatus characterized in that an incoming call is notified by the incoming call notifying means, and a notification content from the first communication means to the second communication means is transmitted by the calling means. .

[0200] Twenty-sixth, a communication device is provided, wherein the notification is performed to notify the state of the imaging device, and the content of the notification is information for notifying the state of the imaging device. It becomes possible.

Twenty-seventh, it is possible to provide a communication device characterized in that the state of the imaging device is the state of charge of the battery of the imaging device.

Twenty-eighth, it is possible to provide a communication device wherein the notification of the incoming call is a ringing tone of the communication device and the communication of the contents of the call is based on the voice of the communication device. Becomes

Twenty-ninth, the second communication means and the third
A control method for controlling a communication apparatus having communication means for notifying an incoming call from the third communication means and communication means for making a call with another communication apparatus via the third communication means An imaging apparatus having an imaging unit and a first communication unit, and notifying the communication device using the first communication unit, wherein the communication from the first communication unit to the second communication unit is performed. When the notification is made, an incoming call notification is made by the incoming call notifying means, and the contents of the notification from the first communication means to the second communication means are transmitted by the communication means. It is possible to provide a control method.

A thirtieth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the notification is performed to notify the state of the imaging device, and the notification content is information for notifying the status of the imaging device. Can be provided.

[0205] Thirty-first, it is possible to provide a control method of a communication device, characterized in that the state of the imaging device is the state of charge of the battery of the imaging device.

[0206] Twenty-second, there is provided a control method for a communication device, wherein the notification of the incoming call is a ringing tone of the communication device, and the communication of the content of the call is based on the voice of the communication device. It becomes possible.

The thirty-third, the second communication means and the third
A control program for controlling a communication device having communication means for notifying an incoming call from the third communication means, and a communication means for making a call with another communication device via the third communication means is stored. A storage medium, wherein the control program includes an imaging unit and a first communication unit, and notifies the communication device using the first communication unit. When the notification is made to the second communication means, an incoming call notification is made by the incoming call notifying means, and the notification content from the first communication means to the second communication means is transmitted by the calling means. It is possible to provide a storage medium having a process code.

A thirty-fourth aspect provides a storage medium wherein the notification is performed to notify the state of the imaging device, and the content of the notification is information for notifying the state of the imaging device. It becomes possible.

[0209] Fifty-fifth, it is possible to provide a storage medium characterized in that the state of the imaging device is the state of charge of the battery of the imaging device.

In a thirty-sixth aspect, it is possible to provide a storage medium characterized in that the notification of the incoming call is a ringing tone of the communication device, and the communication of the content of the call is based on the voice of the communication device. Becomes

By the above means, the opportunity to operate a portable telephone which is often used passively because it is a two-way communication device, the frequency of which is relatively large, and the opportunity to use an electronic camera which is an active device In many cases, the frequency is relatively low. Therefore, the frequency of checking the remaining battery level of the mobile phone is relatively high, while the opportunity and frequency of checking the remaining battery level of the electronic camera are relatively low. It becomes possible to provide an imaging system, a control method thereof, and a storage medium free from the problem that the battery level becomes low and the battery is insufficiently noticed for the first time at the stage of taking an image, and the opportunity of taking an image may be missed.

[0212]

As described above, according to the present invention, the imaging device and the mobile communication terminal communicate with each other, so that only the mobile communication terminal can grasp the status of itself and the imaging device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall block configuration diagram of a system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a communication device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a main routine of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a ranging / photometry processing routine of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a shooting processing routine of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a part of a flowchart of a main routine of the communication device in the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a part of a flowchart of a main routine of the communication device in the embodiment.

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Claims (11)

[Claims] An image capturing apparatus that captures an image and obtains the image data as image data, comprising: a first transmitting unit configured to transmit image data obtained by capturing an image to an external mobile communication terminal by a wireless communication unit; An imaging apparatus comprising: a second transmission unit that detects a state and transmits information indicating the state to the mobile communication terminal by wireless communication means. 2. The state transmitted by the second transmitting means includes a remaining amount of a battery and a warning when the remaining amount falls below a predetermined level. An imaging device according to any one of the preceding claims. 3. A mobile communication terminal that receives information from the imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the image storage unit stores an image transmitted by the first transmission unit. A mobile communication terminal, comprising: display means for displaying a stored image; and notification means for notifying the content of information transmitted by the second transmission means. 4. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 3, wherein said display means displays an image stored in said storage means by performing a predetermined operation. 5. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 3, wherein the mobile communication terminal is a portable mobile communication terminal. 6. When the content transmitted by the second transmitting means includes warning information from the image capturing means, a notification equivalent to an incoming call from a base station is performed. Item 6. The mobile communication terminal according to item 5. 7. When an incoming call is received, an incoming call notifying unit for notifying the incoming call, a determining unit for determining whether the incoming call is from a base station or from the imaging device, and an off-hook state is set. In the case, when the determination means determines that the communication is from the base station, the communication is started, and when it is determined that the communication is from the imaging device, the state information is displayed and output. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 6, wherein: 8. A method for controlling an imaging apparatus for capturing an image and obtaining the obtained image data as image data, comprising: a first transmission step of transmitting image data obtained by imaging to an external mobile communication terminal by wireless communication means; A second transmission step of detecting a state of the apparatus and transmitting information indicating the state to the mobile communication terminal by wireless communication means. 9. A method for controlling a mobile communication terminal for receiving information from an imaging device according to claim 8, wherein: an image storing step of storing the image transmitted in the first transmitting step; And a notifying step of notifying the contents of the information transmitted in the second transmitting step. 10. A storage medium for storing a program code of a mobile communication terminal that receives information from the imaging device according to claim 8, wherein the image transmitted by the first transmission unit is stored in a storage medium. A program code of a display step of displaying stored images, and a program code of a notification step of notifying the content of information transmitted by the second transmission means. A storage medium characterized in that: 11. An imaging system comprising a portable imaging device and a mobile communication terminal, wherein the imaging device transmits image data obtained by imaging to the mobile communication terminal by wireless communication means. A first transmitting unit; and a second transmitting unit configured to detect a state of the device and transmit information indicating the state to the mobile communication terminal by a wireless communication unit, wherein the mobile communication terminal includes: An image storage unit that stores the image transmitted by the transmission unit; a display unit that displays the stored image; and a notification unit that notifies the content of the information transmitted by the second transmission unit. Characteristic imaging system.