WO2004023795A1 - Electronic camera, electronic camera system, and imaging method - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic camera is connected to a mobile telephone by a communication medium. The communication medium is, for example, a radio communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The mobile telephone operates as a remote control transmitter/receiver of the electronic still camera. When the mobile telephone transmits an operation signal to the electronic still camera, the electronic still camera performs camera operation according to the operation signal received. The electronic still camera subjects the imaged image data to a resizing processing according to the display resolution of the LCD display section of the mobile telephone and transmits the reduced image data after the resizing processing to the mobile telephone. The mobile telephone receives the reduced image data and displays it on the LCD display section.

Description

 Description Electronic camera, electronic camera system, and photographing method This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 200-250-7887 (filed on Aug. 29, 2002) and its contents. Is hereby incorporated by reference. Technical field

 The present invention relates to an electronic camera having a communication function. Background art

 2. Description of the Related Art A camera with a communication function that allows a camera to perform a release operation or the like by operating a remote control transmitter is known. The camera shoots when the photographer operates the remote control transmitter to give a release instruction. In a camera according to the conventional technology, an image shot by the camera in response to a release instruction from the remote control transmitter cannot be confirmed on the remote control transmitter side. Disclosure of the invention

 The present invention provides an electronic camera configured to transmit image data captured to an external device that is a remote control transmitter, an electronic camera system using the electronic camera, and a shooting method.

 An electronic camera according to the present invention includes: an imaging device that captures a subject image and outputs an image signal; a communication circuit that performs communication with an external device; and a release instruction input from the external device through the communication circuit. The image processing circuit generates image data of a predetermined data size using the image signal from the imaging device, and the communication circuit outputs the image data generated by the image processing circuit to an external device. And a control circuit for controlling.

Thus, image data captured according to an instruction from the external device can be transmitted to the external device. The electronic camera further includes a recording circuit for recording image data generated by the image processing circuit on a recording medium, and recording by the recording circuit in response to an editing instruction from an external device input via a communication circuit. And a data editing circuit for editing image data. In this case, the recording circuit may record the image data edited by the data editing circuit on a recording medium.

 The edit instruction may be a delete instruction. In this case, the data editing circuit can delete the image data to be recorded on the recording medium according to the delete instruction.

 The editing instruction may be a data addition instruction. In this case, the data editing circuit associates the additional data input from the external device via the communication circuit in accordance with the data addition instruction with the image data to be recorded on the recording medium. Can be added.

 The instruction input from the external device to the electronic camera may include size information of a data size required by the external device. In this case, the image processing circuit can also generate an image data of a required data size in an external device using the image signal from the imaging device according to the size information.

 The electronic camera may further include a storage circuit that stores data indicating a start of shooting. In this case, the control circuit can further control the communication circuit to output data indicating the start of imaging in the storage circuit to the external device in response to the release instruction.

 The data indicating the start of shooting may be audio data.

 When the electronic camera is provided with the storage circuit, the control circuit may give priority to the output of data indicating the start of photographing over the output of image data generated by the image processing circuit.

An electronic camera system according to the present invention includes an imaging device that captures a subject image and outputs an image signal, a first communication circuit that communicates with an external device, and an input that is input via the first communication circuit. An image processing circuit for generating image data of a predetermined data size using an image signal from the imaging device in response to a release instruction, and a first communication circuit for outputting image data generated by the image processing circuit. An electronic camera that includes a first control circuit that controls the electronic camera, a second communication circuit that performs communication with the electronic camera, an operation member that issues an instruction to the electronic camera, and an input that is input through the second communication circuit. Image ,

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A portable external device including a display device that displays an image based on data and a second control circuit that controls a second communication circuit so as to output an operation signal from an operation member.

 Thus, the image data captured by the electronic camera can be transmitted to the portable external device according to an instruction from the portable external device.

 When there are at least two portable external devices, the electronic camera may be provided with a storage circuit for storing information for each portable external device that performs communication via the first communication circuit. At this time, the first control circuit transmits the image data generated by the image processing circuit to at least one or more portable external devices corresponding to the information stored in the storage circuit. The first communication circuit can be controlled to output to an external device.

 The image capturing method according to the present invention includes: receiving an image capturing instruction from an external device with a communication function; electronically capturing an image of a subject in response to the received image capturing instruction; and transmitting transmission image data for transmitting to the external device based on the image capturing signal. Generate and transmit the generated transmission image data to the external device in order.

 Thus, image data captured according to an instruction from an external device with a communication function can be transmitted to the external device.

 An electronic camera according to the present invention includes an imaging device that captures a subject image and outputs an image signal, a communication circuit that performs communication with a mobile phone, and an instruction from the mobile phone that is input via the communication circuit. Accordingly, an image processing circuit that generates moving image data for composition determination using an image signal from the imaging device, and a communication circuit that outputs the moving image data for composition determination generated by the image processing circuit to the mobile phone. And a control circuit to perform the control.

 Thus, the composition determining moving image data captured by the instruction from the mobile phone can be transmitted to the mobile phone.

When information indicating that the mobile phone has received the composition determining moving image data is input to the electronic camera via the communication circuit, the image processing circuit uses the new image signal from the imaging device to perform the next composition. It is also possible to generate moving image data for determination. The control circuit in this case is a new composition determination moving image data generated by the image processing circuit. The communication circuit can be controlled so as to output to the mobile phone.

 The control circuit of the electronic camera can also control the communication circuit so as to output voice data indicating the start of shooting to the mobile phone in response to a release instruction from the mobile phone input via the communication circuit. In this case, the image processing circuit further generates an image data using a new image signal from the imaging device, and the electronic camera further records the image data generated by the image processing circuit on a recording medium. The recording circuit may include a recording circuit and a recording control circuit that controls the recording circuit to record voice memo data input from the mobile phone via the communication circuit on the recording medium in association with the image data.

 There may be at least two mobile phones. In this case, the image processing circuit further generates image capturing confirmation image data using a new image signal from the imaging device, and the control circuit is generated by the image processing circuit. It is also possible to control the communication circuit so as to output the moving image data for composition determination and the image data for photographing confirmation to a mobile phone registered in advance.

 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an electronic force camera system according to one embodiment.

 FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the electronic still camera.

 FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of a mobile phone.

 FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a flow of data transmission and reception performed by the electronic camera system. FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example in which a through image is displayed on the LCD display unit of the mobile phone.

 FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example in which a freeze image is displayed on the LCD display section of the mobile phone.

 FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of a photographing process performed by the CPU of the electronic still camera.

 FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine when a zoom operation is performed.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine when a release operation is performed. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine when a power-off operation is performed.

 FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine when the remote control operation mode is turned off.

 FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a remote control operation process performed by the CPU of the mobile phone.

 FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine when a zoom operation is performed while a through image is displayed.

 FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine when a release operation is performed while a through image is displayed.

 FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine for ending the remote control operation. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an electronic camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, an electronic still camera 100 and a mobile phone 200 are connected by a communication medium 300. The communication medium 300 is, for example, wireless communication such as Blue too th (registered trademark). In the present embodiment, mobile phone 200 operates as a remote control transceiver of electronic still camera 100, and performs wireless data transmission between electronic still camera 100 and mobile phone 200. The mobile phone 200 transmits an operation signal to the electronic still camera 100, and the electronic still camera 100 performs a camera operation according to the received operation signal. When the image data captured by the electronic still camera 100 is transmitted to the mobile phone 200, the mobile phone 200 receives the image data and displays the image data on the LCD display unit.

The electronic still camera 100 has a power switch 111, a release button 112, a zoom-up switch 113, a zoom-down switch 114, an image data deletion switch 115, and image data. It has a display extension switch 116, a remote control operation mode on / off switching switch 117, and an LCD display section 118. Power supply The switch 111 is an operation member for turning on / off the power of the electronic still camera 100. The release button 112 is an operation member that causes the electronic still camera 100 to start a shooting operation. The zoom up switch 113 is an operation member for increasing the zoom magnification of a photographic lens (not shown). The zoom down switch 114 is an operation member for lowering the zoom magnification of the photographing lens. The image data deletion switch 1 15 is an operation member for deleting captured image data.

 The image data display extension switch 1 16 is an operation to extend the time during which the image (freeze image) for shooting confirmation that is taken after the operation of the release button 1 1 2 is displayed on the LCD display section 1 18 It is a member. The display time of the freeze image is usually, for example, 3 seconds, but is further extended by 10 seconds by operating the image data display extension switch 116. The remote control operation mode on / off switching switch 1 17 is an operation member for switching whether or not to set the camera to the remote control operation mode. The electronic still camera 100 is operated by the remote control when the remote control operation mode is set, and is operated by the operation unit of the camera when the remote control operation mode is not set. The switches and the buttons of the electronic still camera 100 are collectively referred to as an operation member 110.

The mobile phone 200 includes a power switch 21 1, a first function switch 2 12, a second function switch 2 13, a third function switch 2 14, and an LCD display unit 21. And 5. The power switch 211 is an operation member for turning on / off the power of the mobile phone 200. The first to third function switches 2 12 to 2 14 are operation members for performing operations on the electronic still camera 100. The function of each function switch is displayed on the LCD display section 2 15. The LCD display unit 215 displays an image based on the image data transmitted from the electronic still camera 100 and also displays the functions of the first function switch 221 to the third function switch 221. _: it is assumed that the operating member 2 1 0 are collectively each Suitsuchi of the mobile phone 2 0 0. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the electronic still camera 100. In FIG. 2, the electronic still camera 100 includes a photographing zoom lens 13 1, an image sensor 13 2, an A / D conversion circuit 13 3, an image processing circuit 13 4, and a buffer memory 13. 5 and C It has a PU 136, a frame memory 137, an LCD display section 118, a zoom lens driving device 138, a transmission / reception circuit 150, and an operation member 110. The operation member 110 includes the above-described release button 112 and the like. When the operation member 110 is operated, an operation signal by each switch and button is sent to the CPU 136. The electronic still camera 100 is provided with a removable recording medium 140.

 When the power switch 111 is turned on, the CPU 136 performs a predetermined ON operation of the electronic still camera 100 to start the control program. The CPU 136 controls, for example, an operation timing for charge storage and readout of the stored charge with respect to the image sensor 132 constituted by a CCD or the like. When a zoom operation signal is input from the zoom up switch 1 13 and the zoom down switch 1 14 (FIG. 1), the CPU 13 6 drives the lens to the zoom lens driving device 1 3 8 according to the operation signal. Outputs the command and changes the focal length of the zoom lens 13 1.

 When a release operation signal from the release button 1 1 2 (FIG. 1) is input to the CPU 1336, the CPU 1336 starts a photographing operation. When the camera is set to the remote control operation mode, the photographing operation is started by the release signal received by the transmission / reception circuit 150. A subject image is formed on the imaging surface of the imaging device 132 by the photographing zoom lens 131, and the imaging device 132 accumulates signal charges according to the brightness of the subject light. The signal charges accumulated in the image sensor 13 2 are discharged by an evening timing signal from the CPU 13 6, and are converted from an analog image signal into a digital signal by the A / D conversion circuit 13. The digitally converted signal is led to an image processing circuit 134, where it undergoes predetermined image processing such as contour compensation, gamma correction, and color temperature adjustment, and is temporarily stored in a buffer memory 135.

The image data after the image processing is processed into image data for display by the image processing circuit 134 and stored in the frame memory 137. The display data stored in the frame memory 1337 is displayed as a shooting result (image for checking shooting) on an external monitor such as the LCD display section 118. The image processing circuit 134 further performs a process of compressing the image data after the image processing in the buffer memory 135 at a predetermined ratio by a recording method such as JPEG. The compressed image data is transferred to the CPU 1 36 ,

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Therefore, a predetermined file name is given and recorded on the recording medium 140.

 When the electronic still camera 100 is set to the remote control operation mode, the image processing circuit 134 has the cellular phone 200 based on the image data after the image processing stored in the buffer memory 135. Generates reduced image data according to the display resolution of the LCD display unit 2 15. The reduced image data is put on a transmission wave by the transmission / reception circuit 150 and transmitted from the antenna 150A to the mobile phone 200. When the camera is set to the remote control operation mode, the transmission / reception circuit 150 performs predetermined data communication with the mobile phone 200 in addition to the transmission of the reduced image data. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of the mobile phone 200. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, the mobile phone 200 has a voice input / output circuit 231, a CPU 232, a memory 23, a transmission / reception circuit 23, a frame memory 23, and a memory slot 2. 36, an LCD display section 215, and an operation member 210. The operation member 210 includes the above-described first to third function switches 211 to 214 and the like. When the operation member 210 is operated, an operation signal from each switch is sent to the CPU 232.

 When the power switch 211 is turned on, the CPU 232 performs a predetermined ON operation of the mobile phone 200 to start the control program. When the transmission / reception circuit 234 receives a signal indicating that the remote control operation mode is ON from the electronic still camera 100, the CPU 232 uses the mobile phone 200 as a remote control transceiver of the electronic still camera 100. Let it work. The transmission / reception circuit 234 performs predetermined data communication with the electronic still camera 100 when the mobile phone 200 operates as a remote control transceiver. On the other hand, when the electronic still camera 100 is not set to the remote control operation mode, the CPU 232 causes the mobile phone 200 to operate as a telephone. When the mobile phone 200 operates as a telephone, the transmission / reception circuit 234 performs predetermined data communication with the telephone base station. In the present embodiment, since the operation when mobile phone 200 is used as a remote control transmitter / receiver is characterized, the operation mainly as a remote control transmitter / receiver will be described, and the description of the operation of the telephone will be omitted.

The CPU 232 receives a release operation signal or a zoom operation signal from any one of the first function switch 221 to the third function switch 221. When such information is input, a command is sent to the transmission / reception circuit 234, and each operation signal is superimposed on a transmission wave and transmitted from the antenna 234A to the electronic still camera 100. When the reduced image data is transmitted from the electronic still camera 100, the transmission / reception circuit 234 receives the reduced image data via the antenna 234A. The CPU 232 stores the reduced image data demodulated by the transmission / reception circuit 234 in the frame memory 235. As a result, an image based on the stored reduced image data is displayed on the LCD display unit 21 as a photographing result.

 The memory 233 stores a database of owner information of the mobile phone 200 and a telephone number and a name of a call destination registered in the mobile phone 200. Also, an operation program (remote control application program) when the mobile phone 200 operates as a remote control transceiver of the electronic still camera 100 is stored. This operation program is created, for example, as a JAVA (registered trademark) application, and is stored in the mobile phone 200 by any of the following methods.

 1. The mobile phone 200 is connected to a predetermined destination to which the program is provided by telephone, and the program is downloaded from the destination to the memory 233 in the mobile phone 200 via a telephone line.

 2. Connect the personal computer holding the program or the personal computer connected to the web site where the program can be downloaded to the mobile phone 200 with a cable, and connect the memory 2 in the mobile phone 200 via the cable. 3 Download the program to 3.

 3. Store the program from the personal computer that holds the program to a memory card (not shown), insert the memory card into memory slot 236, and load the program into memory 233.

 4. Connect the electronic still camera 100 that holds the program and the mobile phone 200 with the communication medium 300, and download the program from the camera to the memory 2 33 in the mobile phone 200. .

5. The program is held, the personal computer connected to the communication medium 300 and the mobile phone 200 are connected by the communication medium 300, and the memory in the mobile phone 200 is connected from the computer to the computer 2 3 3 Download the program to The audio input / output circuit 2 31 is an input / output interface for audio signals. The audio signal input from the microphone 2311A is converted into predetermined audio data by the audio input / output circuit 231, and the audio data is sent to the transmission / reception circuit 234. The audio data sent to the transmitting / receiving circuit 234 is transmitted from the antenna 234A on a transmission wave. On the other hand, audio data received via the antenna 234 A and demodulated by the transmission / reception circuit 234 is input to the audio input / output circuit 231. This audio data is demodulated into an audio signal by an audio input / output circuit 231, and is reproduced by a speaker 2311B.

 The flow of data transmitted and received in the electronic camera system including the electronic still camera 100 and the mobile phone 200 will be described with reference to FIG. Data communication is performed based on a protocol defined in the Blue too th (registered trademark) system. In FIG. 4, the left side represents the electronic still camera 100, and the right side represents the mobile phone 200. Also, the vertical direction represents time, and progresses downward in FIG. 4 as time passes. The arrow with the step number in the figure indicates the flow of data between the electronic still camera 100 and the mobile phone 200. Note that Figure 4 shows the main parts extracted for clarity, but does not show the actual flow of data.

 When the electronic still camera 100 is set to the remote control operation mode, the electronic still camera 100 transmits a remote control start signal in step S101. In step S102, the mobile phone 200 starts operating as a remote control transceiver, and transmits a signal indicating the start of remote control operation. The electronic still camera 100 performs an AE operation (exposure calculation) and an AF operation (defocus amount calculation and focusing operation) to start imaging before release. In step S103, the cellular phone 200 transmits a signal requesting transmission of a composition-determining moving image (through image) and data indicating the display resolution of the LCD display unit 210. Send owner information data.

The electronic still gamer 100 performs resizing processing on the through image data according to the display resolution of the LCD display unit 2 15 of the mobile phone 200 to generate reduced image data of the through image. Further, the electronic still camera 100 determines the communication speed and the frame rate when transmitting the reduced image data. In step S104, The electronic still camera 100 transmits a through image. In step S105, the mobile phone 200 displays the through image data on the LCD display unit 215, and transmits a signal indicating that the next data reception is ready. The electronic still camera performs an AE operation and an AF operation, and starts capturing an image before a release as a next frame image. The electronic still camera 100 performs a resizing process on the through image data to generate reduced image data of the through image. In step S106, the electronic still camera 100 transmits through image data. In step S107, the mobile phone 200 displays the through image data on the LCD display unit 215, and transmits a signal indicating that the next data reception is ready. The operator operates the first function switch 2 12 or the third function switch 2 14 to perform a zoom operation. FIG. 5 (a) is a diagram showing an example in which a through image is displayed on the LCD display unit 215 of the mobile phone 200. FIG. The through image 5S is displayed on the LCD display 2 15. The LCD display unit 2 15 further includes a zoom icon 51 indicating a wide side near the first function switch 2 12, and a zoom icon 5 indicating a tele side near the third function switch 2 14. The icon 53 indicating the release button is displayed near the second function switch 2 13. In the present embodiment, the function of the zoom-down switch is provided to the first function switch 2 12. Further, a function of a zoom-up switch is added to the third function switch 2 14. Further, a release button function is provided to the second function switch 2 13. In step S108, the mobile phone 200 transmits a zoom operation signal in response to an operation signal from the first function switch 212 or the third function switch 214. The electronic still camera 100 changes the focal length of the zoom lens 13 1 (FIG. 2) according to the zoom operation signal. The electronic still camera 100 performs an AE operation and an AF operation, and starts imaging before a release as a next frame image. The electronic still camera 100 performs resizing processing on the through image data to generate reduced image data of the through image. In step S109, the electronic still camera 100 transmits through image data. In step S110, the mobile phone 200 displays the through image data on the LCD display section 215. And sends a signal indicating that it is ready to receive the next data.

 The operator operates the second function switch 2 13 to perform the release operation. In step S111, the mobile phone 200 transmits a release operation signal in response to an operation signal from the second function switch 213. The electronic still camera 100 performs the AE operation and the AF operation to start photographing, and transmits the sound data of the shutter sound in step S112. In addition, the voice data of the shirt evening sound is stored in a memory (not shown) in the CPU 136.

 When the mobile phone 200 reproduces the shutter sound, the operator is notified that shooting has been started after the release operation. The electronic still camera 100 performs resizing processing on the freeze image data to generate a reduced image image of the freeze image. In step S113, the electronic still camera 100 transmits freeze image data. In step S114, the mobile phone 200 displays the freeze image data on the LCD display section 215, and transmits a signal indicating that the next data reception is ready.

 FIG. 5 (b) is a diagram showing an example in which a freeze image is displayed on the LCD display section 2 15 of the mobile phone 200. The freeze image 5 F is displayed on the LCD display section 2 15. The LCD display section 2 15 further includes a delete icon 54 near the first function switch 21 2, a freeze display extension icon 55 near the second function switch 2 13 Voice memo icons 56 are displayed near the function switches 2 14 respectively. In the present embodiment, the function of the image data deletion switch is added to the first function switch 2 12. Further, the function of the image data display extension switch is added to the second function switch 2 13. Further, the function of the voice memo switch is added to the third function switch 2 14.

Here, the voice memo is voice data recorded in association with image data. While operating the third function switch 214, the operator speaks, for example, a description of the shot scene as a voice memo to the microphone 23A (FIG. 3). In step S115, the mobile phone 200 transmits the contents of the voice memo as voice data. The electronic still camera 100 uses the image data file after data compression. And the voice data transmitted from the mobile phone 200 are recorded on the recording medium 140 (FIG. 2) in association with each other. When the time elapsed from the display of the freeze image 5F and the icons 54 to 56 on the LCD display section 215 exceeds a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds), the mobile phone 200 returns to the Stop displaying icons 54 to 56.

 The electronic still camera performs an AE operation and an AF operation, and starts imaging before a release as a next frame image. The electronic still camera 100 performs resize processing on the through image data to generate reduced image data of the through image. In step S116, the electronic still camera 100 transmits through image data. Thereafter, the above-described data transmission is repeated.

 The state in which the freeze image 5F and the above icons 54 to 56 are displayed on the LCD display section 215, that is, the operator performs the first operation before the predetermined time (here, 5 seconds) elapses. When the function switch 2 12 of the mobile phone 200 is operated, the mobile phone 200 transmits a signal instructing to delete the image data file and the audio data recorded on the recording medium 140. Thereby, the electronic still camera 100 deletes the image data corresponding to the freeze image 5F and the associated audio data from the recording medium 140 when the associated audio memo is recorded.

 The state in which the freeze image 5F and the above-mentioned icons 54 to 56 are displayed on the LCD display section 215, that is, the operator sets the second function before the predetermined time (here, 5 seconds) elapses. When the switch 21 is operated, the mobile phone 200 extends the display time of the freeze image 5F and the icons 54 to 56 (for example, for an additional 5 seconds).

The flow of photographing processing performed by the CPU 1336 of the electronic still camera 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S301, when the CPU 1336 receives an ON operation signal from the remote control operation mode ON Z-OFF switching switch 117, it turns on the remote control operation mode and proceeds to step S302. In step S302, the CPU 136 activates the communication system and proceeds to step S303. When the communication system is started, the remote control start signal is transmitted from the transmission / reception circuit 150. In step S303, the CPU 1336 sets the sleep setting to 5 minutes, and proceeds to step S304. The sleep setting is This determines the time until the camera enters the standby mode (power saving mode) when no operation signal is input from the mobile phone 200 to the camera 100. If the sleep setting is set to 5 minutes, the camera enters standby mode if no operation signal is input for 5 minutes.

 In step S304, the CPU 136 causes the LCD display section 118 to display a screen indicating that the mobile phone 200 is being connected, and proceeds to step S305. In step S305, the CPU 130 determines whether or not there is a connection request from the mobile phone 200. When the transmission / reception circuit 150 receives a signal for starting the remote control operation from the mobile phone 200, the CPU 1336 makes an affirmative decision in step S305, proceeds to step S306, and executes the remote control operation. If the start signal has not been received, a negative determination is made in step S305 and the determination process is repeated.

 In step S306, the CPU 136 transmits information related to communication on the camera side from the transmission / reception circuit 150, and proceeds to step S307. The communication information is predetermined information defined by a communication protocol. In step S307, the CPU 136 determines whether or not communication has been established with the mobile phone 200. The CPU 1336 makes an affirmative decision in step S307 when the communication connection is established, proceeds to step S308, and makes a negative decision in step S307 when it is not connected to perform the decision processing. repeat.

 In step S 308, the CPU 136 receives the information on the remote controller side transmitted from the mobile phone 200 in the transmission / reception circuit 150, and proceeds to step S 309. In step S 309, the CPU 136 stores information on the remote control side, such as the display resolution of the LCD display section 215 of the mobile phone 200 and the owner information of the mobile phone 200, in the knowledge memory 1. The value is stored in 3 5 and the process proceeds to step S 310. In step S310, the CPU136 transmits a signal indicating that the information on the remote controller has been received from the transmission / reception circuit 150, and proceeds to step S311. In step S311, CPU 1336 causes LCD display section 118 to display a screen indicating connection to mobile phone 200, and proceeds to step S312.

In step S312, the CPU 1336 determines whether or not a request for transmitting a through image has been made and whether or not there is an interruption due to a zoom operation. CPU 1 3 6 In the case where a through image has been requested and a zoom interrupt has not occurred, a positive determination is made in step S312, and the flow advances to step S313. On the other hand, if a through image has not been requested, a negative determination is made in step S312 and the determination process is repeated. If a negative determination is made in step S312, the imaging of the next frame image is started. If a zoom interrupt has occurred, the flow jumps to a zoom operation subroutine shown in FIG. 7 described below.

 In step S313, the CPU 1336 resizes the through image data in accordance with the number of display pixels (resolution) of the LCD display section 215 of the mobile phone 200, and The reduced image data is generated, and the process proceeds to step S314. In step S314, the CPU 136 transmits the through image (reduced image) data from the transmission / reception circuit 150, and proceeds to step S315. In step S315, the CPU 1336 stores the image data for display in the frame memory 1337, and returns to step S312. When the display image data is stored in the frame memory 1337, a through image is displayed on the LCD display section 118 of the electronic still camera 100. If the display on the LCD display section 118 is turned off by the monitor display off switch (not shown), the processing in step S315 is omitted.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine when a zoom operation is performed. In step S401, the CPU 1336 receives the zoom operation signal transmitted from the mobile phone 200 in the transmission / reception circuit 150, and proceeds to step S402. In step S402, the CPU 1336 outputs a lens drive command to the zoom lens drive device 1338 according to the zoom operation signal, and changes the focal length of the zoom lens 131. In step S403, the CPU 1336 performs a resizing process on the through image data according to the number of pixels (resolution) of the LCD display unit 215 of the mobile phone 200 to reduce the size of the through image. The CPU 1336 generates data and proceeds to step _{S404. In} step S404, the CPU 1336 transmits the through image (reduced image) data from the transmission / reception circuit 150 to step S31 in FIG. Return to 2.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine when a release operation is performed. The release operation signal from the mobile phone 200 is received by the transmission / reception circuit 150 within the range enclosed by the frame a in FIG. 6, and the release operation signal is received by the CPU 13 6 CPU 1336 jumps to the subroutine for the release operation shown in FIG. In step S501, the CPU 1336 receives the release operation signal transmitted from the mobile phone 200 in the transmission / reception circuit 150, and proceeds to step S502. In step S502, the CPU 136 transmits a release confirmation signal from the transmission / reception circuit 150, and proceeds to step S503.

 In step S503, the CPU 136 performs the exposure calculation based on the subject brightness detected by the photometry circuit (not shown) (AE processing), and also calculates the defocus amount by the focus detection adjustment device (not shown). Detect and drive the shooting zoom lens 13 1 to the in-focus position according to the defocus amount (AF processing). The AE processing and the AF processing calculate an exposure control value for photographing and perform a focusing operation for photographing. In step S504, the CPU 136 transmits the shutter sound data from the transmission / reception circuit 150, and proceeds to step S505.

 In step S505, the CPU 136 starts shooting and proceeds to step S506. In step S506, the CPU 1336 turns on a shooting confirmation lamp (not shown) provided on the shooting lens side of the housing of the electronic still camera 100, and proceeds to step S507. move on. As a result, a person who is photographed by the electronic still camera 100 is notified of the start of photographing. In step S507, the CPU 136 instructs the image processing circuit 134 to generate freeze image data from the image data after image processing, and proceeds to step S508. If the display on the LCD display section 118 is turned off by a monitor display off switch (not shown), the process in step S507 is omitted.

In step S508, the CPU 136 performs resizing processing on the frozen image data according to the number of display pixels (resolution) of the LCD display section 215 of the mobile phone 200 to reduce the size of the frozen image. The image data is generated, and the process proceeds to step S509. In step S509, the CPU 136 transmits the freeze image (reduced image) data and the name of the data file from the transmission / reception circuit 150, and proceeds to step S510. In step S510, the CPU 1336 stores the freeze image data in the frame memory 1337 as display image data, and proceeds to step S511 <display image data in the frame memory 1337. Electronic Still Camera 1 00 Freeze image is displayed on the LCD display section 1 1 8. If the display of the LCD display section 118 is turned off by a monitor display off switch (not shown), the processing in step S510 is omitted. The CPU 136 further records the compressed image data on the recording medium 140.

 In step S511, the CPU136 determines whether there is a request to delete image data. When a signal requesting image data deletion is received by the transmission / reception circuit 150, the CPU 1336 makes an affirmative decision in step S511 and proceeds to step S512 to request the image data deletion. If no signal is received, a negative determination is made in step S 5 11 and the process proceeds to step S 5 14. In step S512, the CPU 136 receives the name of the image data file to be deleted by the transmission / reception circuit 150, and proceeds to step S513. In step S513, the CPU 136 deletes the received image data file from the recording medium 140 and returns to step S312 in FIG. If the audio data for recording the audio memo is recorded in association with the image data file to be deleted, this audio data is also deleted.

 In step S 514, the CPU 136 determines whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) has elapsed since the freeze image was displayed in step S 510. When more than 3 seconds have elapsed, the CPU 1336 makes an affirmative decision in step S 5 14 and returns to step S 3 12 in FIG. 6; otherwise, it denies step S 5 14 Judge and return to step S 5 1 1.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine when a power-off operation is performed. When an off operation signal of the power switch 11 1 is input to the CPU 13 6 within the range surrounded by the frame b in FIG. 6, the CPU 13 36 enters the power off operation subroutine shown in FIG. Jump. In step S601, when the power-off operation signal is input, the CPU 1336 proceeds to step S602. In step S602, the CPU 136 transmits a communication disconnection request signal from the transmission / reception circuit 150, and proceeds to step S603. In step S603, the CPU 1336 returns the sleep setting to the value before the remote control operation mode was turned on and proceeds to step S604, and in step S604, the CPU 1336 Turns off the power supply circuit (not shown) and terminates the power-off processing. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine when the remote control operation mode is turned off. The remote control operation mode on / off switch 1 17 is turned off or the communication disconnection request signal transmitted from the mobile phone 200 is transmitted / received by the transmission / reception circuit 150 in the range surrounded by the frame b in FIG. CPU 1336 jumps to the subroutine according to FIG. In step S701, the CPU 1336 determines whether an off operation signal has been input from the remote control operation mode on / off switch 1 17 or whether the communication disconnection request signal has been received by the transmission / reception circuit 150. I do. The CPU 136 proceeds to step S702 when the OFF operation is input, and proceeds to step S703 when the communication disconnection request signal is received. In step S702, the CPU 136 instructs the transmission / reception circuit 150 to transmit a communication disconnection request signal to the mobile phone 200, and proceeds to step S703.

 In step S703, the CPU 136 returns the sleep setting to the value before the remote control operation mode was turned on, and proceeds to step S704. In step S704, the CPU 1336 switches to the operation mode set by the operator and ends the processing according to FIG.

 The flow of the remote control operation process performed by the CPU 232 of the mobile phone 200 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S801, the CPU 232 controls the mobile phone 200 to operate the remote control transceiver when a start signal of the remote control application program is input by operating an application start switch (not shown). Then, the process proceeds to step S802. In step S 802, the CPU 232 activates the communication system and proceeds to step S 803. When the communication system is started, a signal indicating the start of remote control operation is transmitted from the transmission / reception circuit 234.

In step S803, the CPU 232 transmits a connection request signal from the transmission / reception circuit 234, and proceeds to step S804. In step S804, the CPU 232 determines whether a connection partner has been found. The connection partner is registered in advance and stored in the memory 233. When the transmission / reception circuit 2 3 4 receives the information on the communication transmitted from the registered connection partner, the CPU 2 3 2 makes an affirmative decision in step S 804 and proceeds to step S 805, where Communication from the other party If the information to be received cannot be received, a negative determination is made in step S804, and the flow advances to step S806. The communication information is predetermined information defined by a communication protocol.

 In step S805, the CPU 232 communicates with the found connection partner (here, the electronic still camera 100), and proceeds to step S808. In step S806, the CPU 232 causes the LCD display section 215 to display a connection error screen indicating that connection with the connection partner (electronic still camera 100) is not possible, and proceeds to step S807. . In step S807, the CPU 232 determines whether a retry operation has been instructed. If it is instructed to perform a retry operation, a positive determination is made in step S807, the process returns to step S803, and the connection request signal is transmitted again. On the other hand, if the retry operation has not been instructed, a negative decision is made in step S807, and the processing in FIG. 11 ends. In this case, the remote control does not operate.

 In step S808, the CPU 232 transmits information on the remote controller from the transmission / reception circuit 234, and proceeds to step S809. The information on the remote controller side is the display resolution of the LCD display section 2 15 of the mobile phone 200, the owner information of the mobile phone 200, and the like. In step S809, the CPU 232 transmits a signal indicating that information from the mobile phone 200 has been received by the electronic still camera 100 from the electronic still camera 100, and transmits and receives this signal. The circuit 23 determines whether or not it has been received. If a signal from the electronic still camera 100 is received, the CPU 2 32 makes an affirmative decision in step S809 and proceeds to step S810, and does not receive a signal from the electronic still camera 100. In this case, a negative determination is made in step S808, and the process returns to step S808.

In step S810, the CPU 2 32 displays a screen indicating that the camera is connected to the electronic still camera 100 on the LCD display section 2 15 and proceeds to step S8 11 _c . The name of the electronic still camera 100 is also displayed.

In step S811, the CPU 232 transmits a request for transmitting a through image from the transmission / reception circuit 234, and proceeds to step S812. In step S812, the CPU 232 determines whether or not the through image data from the electronic still camera 100 has been received by the transmission / reception circuit 234. The CPU 232 receives through image data. If the image data is received, a positive determination is made in step S812, and the process proceeds to step S813. If no image data is received, a negative determination is made in step S812 and the process returns to step S811.

 In step S813, the CPU 232 stores the received image data in the frame memory 235, and returns to step S811. When the display image data is stored in the frame memory 235, a single image is displayed on the LCD display section 215 of the mobile phone 200.

 FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine in the case where a zoom operation is performed while a through image is being displayed on the LCD display unit 2 15 of the mobile phone 200. When an operation signal from any one of the first function switch 2 12 and the third function switch 2 14 described above is input to the CPU 2 32 within the range surrounded by the frame A in FIG. The CPU 232 jumps to the subroutine for zoom operation according to FIG.

 In step S 901, when the zoom operation signal is input, the CPU 232 proceeds to step S 902. In step S902, the CPU 232 transmits a zoom-down signal from the transmission / reception circuit 234 when an operation signal is input from the first function switch 2 12, and the third function switch 2 When an operation signal is input from 14, a zoom-up signal is transmitted from the transmission / reception circuit 23 4, and the flow advances to step S 903. In step S903, the CPU 232 transmits a request for transmitting a through image from the transmission / reception circuit 234, and transmits the through image data after zooming from the electronic still camera 100 to the transmission / reception circuit 234. And the process proceeds to step S904. <In step S904, the CPU 232 stores the received image data in the frame memory 235 and stores the received image data in the step S811 in FIG. Return to When the display image data is stored in the frame memory 235, the zoomed-through image is displayed on the LCD display section 215 of the mobile phone 200.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine in the case where a release operation is performed while a through image is being displayed on the LCD display unit 2 15 of the mobile phone 200. When the operation signal from the second function switch 2 13 described above is input to the CPU 2 32 within the range surrounded by the frame A in FIG. 11, the CPU 2 32 Jump to the subroutine for release operation.

 In step S1001, when the zoom operation signal is input, the CPU 232 proceeds to step S1002. In step S1002, the CPU 232 transmits a release signal from the transmission / reception circuit 234 when an operation signal is input from the second function switch 213, and proceeds to step S103. move on. In step S1003, the CPU 232 receives the release confirmation signal transmitted from the electronic still camera 100 in the transmission / reception circuit 234, and proceeds to step S1004.

 In step S1004, the CPU 232 displays, for example, a message "Shooting!" On the LCD display section 215, and proceeds to step S1005. In step S105, the CPU 232 receives the one-shot sound transmitted from the electronic still camera 100 in the transmission / reception circuit 234, and proceeds to step S106. move on. In step S 106, the CPU 232 sends the received audio data to the audio input / output circuit 231 to reproduce the shutter sound, and, for example, displays a “shooting” message on the LCD display unit. Display at 2 15 and proceed to step S 1 0 7.

 In step S 107, the CPU 232 transmits the freeze image data transmitted from the electronic still camera 100 and the name of the data file to the transmission / reception circuit 1.

It is received at 234 and the process proceeds to step S108. In step S1008, the CPU 232 stores the received image data in the frame memory 235, and proceeds to step S109. When the display image data is stored in the frame memory 235, a freeze image is displayed on the LCD display section 215 of the mobile phone 200. C P U 2

3 2 further displays a delete icon 54, a freeze display extension icon 55, and a voice memo icon 56 (FIG. 5B), respectively.

 In step S109, the CPU 232 determines whether or not the delete switch has been operated. When the operation signal is input from the first function switch 2 12, the CPU 2 3 2 makes an affirmative decision in step S 1 0 9 and makes a decision in step S 1 0 1

Proceed to 0, and if an operation signal is not input from the first function switch 2 12, make a negative decision in step S 1 0 9 and proceed to step S 10 14. Step S

At 110 0, the CPU 232 displays, for example, "Are you sure you want to delete it?" Is displayed on the LCD display section 2 15 and the process proceeds to step S 101. In step S1011, the CPU 232 confirms deletion of image data. When an operation signal is input again from the first function switch 2 12, the CPU 2 32 determines affirmatively in step S 1 0 1 1 and proceeds to step S 1 0 1 2 to again execute the first function switch. If no operation signal is input from the switch 2 1 2, a negative decision is made in step S 1 0 1 1 and the process returns to step S 8 1 1 in FIG. To return to step S811, stop displaying the delete icon 54, the freeze display extension icon 55, and the voice memo icon 56. In step S101, the CPU 232 transmits the image deletion request and the name of the file to be deleted from the transmission / reception circuit 234, and proceeds to step S101. In step S101, the CPU 232 displays, for example, a message of "deletion completed" on the LCD display section 215, and returns to step S8111 in FIG. To return to step S811, stop displaying the delete icon 54, the freeze display extension icon 55, and the voice memo icon 56.

 In step S104, the CPU 232 determines whether a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed since the freeze image was displayed in step S108. If 5 seconds or more have elapsed, the CPU 232 makes an affirmative decision in step S101 and returns to step S8111 in Fig. 11 and returns to step S101 if 5 seconds have not elapsed. A negative determination is made at 4 and the process returns to step S1009. To return to step S811, stop displaying the delete icon 54, the freeze display extension icon 55, and the voice memo icon 56. The reason why the predetermined time is set to be 5 seconds longer than the predetermined time on the electronic still camera 100 side described above (3 seconds in step S 5 14) is that a plurality of persons as subjects want to see a freeze image display. This is because it is considered preferable to increase the display time in advance in the event that the user thinks it should.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine for ending the remote control operation. The application termination switch (not shown) is operated or the communication disconnection request signal transmitted from the electronic still camera 100 is transmitted and received within the range enclosed by the frame B in FIG. When received at, CPU 232 jumps to a subroutine according to FIG. In step S111, CPU 2 32 It is determined whether an end operation signal has been input from the illustrated application end switch or a communication disconnection request signal has been received by the transmission / reception circuit 234. The CPU 232 proceeds to step S1102 when the termination operation is input, and proceeds to step S1103 when the communication disconnection request signal is received. In step S1102, the CPU 232 instructs the transmission / reception circuit 234 to transmit a communication disconnection request signal to the electronic still camera 100, and proceeds to step S1103. In step S1103, the CPU 232 ends the application and ends the processing in FIG. In the electronic camera system described above, when a release operation signal is input, the release operation has priority. For example, a release operation was performed on the mobile phone 200 while transmitting through image data from the electronic still camera 100 to the mobile phone 200 (the second function switch 213 was operated). In this case, the CPU 232 of the mobile phone 200 immediately transmits the release operation signal from the transmission / reception circuit 234. When the transmission / reception circuit 150 receives the release operation signal, the electronic still camera 100 stops transmitting the through image data and starts shooting. As a result, the photographing is performed at the desired timing, and the response of the electronic still camera 100 to the release operation is improved.

 According to the embodiment described above, the following operation and effect can be obtained.

 (1) An image (through image, freeze image) captured by the electronic still camera 100 in response to an operation signal from the mobile phone 200, which is a remote control transceiver, is displayed on the LCD display section 2 of the mobile phone 200. The resizing process is performed in accordance with the display resolution of 15, and the electronic still camera 100 transmits the resized image to the mobile phone 200. Therefore, the image can be confirmed on the mobile phone 200 side, and the electronic still camera 100 transmits the image to the mobile phone 200 with the data size required for display, so the time required for data transmission Can be minimized.

 (2) Since a mobile phone 200 that operates with a Java application is used as a remote control transceiver, there is no need to prepare a remote control dedicated device, and costs can be reduced as compared with the case where a remote control dedicated device is prepared.

(3) When the electronic still camera 100 shoots in response to an operation signal from the mobile phone 200, which is a remote control transceiver, the sound of the shutter sound from the electronic still camera The data was transmitted to the mobile phone 200, and the shutter sound was reproduced on the mobile phone 200. As a result, it is possible to notify the remote control operator who is far from the electronic still camera 100 of the timing of starting the shooting.

 (4) The electronic still camera is used until a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) elapses after the freeze image is displayed (step S1008) on the LCD display section 205 of the mobile phone 200. The image data file recorded on the recording medium 140 of 100 is deleted by a remote control operation from the cellular phone 200. This makes it possible to delete unnecessary image data while remote from the electronic still camera 100 when shooting with the remote control.

 (5) The electronic still camera 10 is displayed until a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) elapses after the freeze image is displayed (step S1008) on the LCD display section 210 of the mobile phone 200. The data of the voice memo is recorded on the recording medium 140 in association with the image recorded on the recording medium 140 of No. 0. Thus, a voice memo can be left while being away from the electronic still camera 100.

 If an error occurs in the communication between the connected electronic still camera 100 and the mobile phone 200, for example, it may be provided on the surface of the housing of the electronic still camera 100 on the photographing lens side. The electronic still camera 100 flashes a shooting confirmation lamp (not shown) or the like to notify the photographer. The communication abnormality includes, for example, a case where the distance between the electronic still camera 100 and the mobile phone 200 is widened and radio waves cannot reach. In addition, as the flashing lamp, an operation lamp such as a self-timer may be used instead of the shooting confirmation lamp.

 In addition, when a communication error occurs between the electronic still camera 100 and the mobile phone 200, the LCD display unit 215 of the mobile phone 200, the CD display unit 1 of the electronic still camera 100, and the like. A message indicating the occurrence of a communication error may be displayed at 18.

 Furthermore, when a communication error occurs between the electronic still camera 100 and the mobile phone 200, a message indicating that a communication error has occurred is reproduced from the speaker 2311B of the mobile phone 200. It may be.

In the example described above, the data of the one-shot sound from the electronic still camera 100 The shutter sound transmitted to the handset 200 and received by the mobile phone 200 is reproduced. Instead of the shutter sound, for example, the data of a voice message of “photographed” may be reproduced on the mobile phone 200.

 In the above description, a combination (one-to-one) of one electronic still camera 100 and one mobile phone 200 has been described as an example, but a one-to-many combination may be used. . For example, if one electronic still camera 100 and five mobile phones 200 are registered in advance as connection partners, any mobile phone among the five mobile phones 200 will transmit The electronic still camera 100 can shoot even with a release operation signal. In this case, the through image data and the freeze image data are transmitted to a plurality of mobile phones 200 that are registered and connected in advance as communication partners and are connected for communication.

 When used in combination with a plurality of mobile phones 200, the owner information of each mobile phone 200 is transmitted from the plurality of mobile phones 200 to the electronic still camera 100. When the electronic still camera 100 records the photographed image data on the recording medium 140, the electronic still camera 100 may record the owner information on the recording medium in association with the photographed image data. When owner information is transmitted from a plurality of mobile phones 200 to the electronic still camera 100, people who own these mobile phones 200 may be photographed by the electronic still camera 100 as subjects. High. By recording the owner information along with the captured image data, it becomes possible to generate a list of people who were taken together.

 In the above-described example, the captured image data is recorded only on the recording medium 140 of the electronic still camera 100. However, the captured image data is transmitted to the mobile phone 200, and the mobile phone 200 is transmitted. It may be recorded even in 0.

 An example in which a mobile phone 200 is used as a remote control transceiver has been described.However, a plurality of electronic still cameras 100 having a transmission and reception circuit 150 are used, and one of the cameras is used as a remote control transceiver. You may.

In the above description, operations such as zoom operation, release operation, image data deletion and the like operated from the remote control transceiver have been described as examples. However, the electronic still camera 100 including the menu operation can be transmitted from the remote control transceiver. Can do all the operations that

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Claims

The scope of the claims  1. an imaging device that captures a subject image and outputs an image signal;  A communication circuit for communicating with an external device;  An image processing circuit that generates image data of a predetermined size using an image signal from the imaging device in accordance with a release instruction from the external device input via the communication circuit;  A control circuit for controlling the communication circuit so as to output the image data generated by the image processing circuit to the external device.  2. The electronic camera according to claim 1,  A recording circuit for recording the image data generated by the image processing circuit on a recording medium;  A data editing circuit that edits image data recorded by the recording circuit in response to an editing instruction from the external device input via the communication circuit;  The recording circuit records the image data edited by the data editing circuit on the recording medium.  3. The electronic camera according to claim 2,  The edit instruction is a delete instruction,  The data editing circuit deletes the image data according to the deletion instruction. 4. The electronic camera according to claim 2,  The editing instruction is a data addition instruction,  The data editing circuit adds the additional data input from the external device via the communication circuit in accordance with the data addition instruction in association with an image data to be recorded on the recording medium.  5. The electronic camera according to claim 1,  The instruction input from the external device includes size information of a data size required by the external device, The image processing circuit generates image data of a data size required by the external device using an image signal from the imaging device according to the size information. 6. The electronic camera according to claim 1,  A storage circuit that stores data indicating a start of shooting;  The control circuit further controls the communication circuit to output, to the external device, data indicating the start of shooting in the storage circuit in response to the release instruction. 7. The electronic camera according to claim 6,  The data indicating the start of photographing is audio data. 8. The electronic camera according to claim 6 or 7,  The control circuit gives priority to the output of the data indicating the start of shooting, over the output of the image data generated by the image processing circuit.  9. An imaging device that captures a subject image and outputs an image signal, a first communication circuit that communicates with an external device, and in response to a release instruction input via the first communication circuit, An image processing circuit for generating image data of a predetermined data size using an image signal from the imaging device; and a first controlling the first communication circuit to output the image data generated by the image processing circuit. An electronic camera including a control circuit of  A second communication circuit that communicates with the electronic device, an operation member that issues an instruction to the electronic device, a display device that displays an image based on image data input via the second communication circuit, And a portable external device including a second control circuit that controls the second communication circuit so as to output an operation signal from the operation member.  10. The electronic camera system according to claim 9,  There are at least two portable external devices,  The electronic camera further includes a storage circuit that stores information for each portable external device that performs communication via the first communication circuit,  The first control circuit transmits the image data generated by the image processing circuit to at least one or more portable external devices corresponding to the information stored in the storage circuit. Controlling the first communication circuit so as to output to the external device. 1 1. Receiving a shooting instruction from an external device with a communication function, Electronically image the subject according to the received shooting instruction,  Generating transmission image data for transmission to the external device based on the imaging signal;  An imaging method for sequentially executing a procedure of transmitting the generated transmission image data to the external device.  1 2. An imaging device that captures a subject image and outputs an image signal,  A communication circuit for communicating with a mobile phone;  An image processing circuit that generates composition-determining moving image data using an image signal from the imaging device in response to an instruction from the mobile phone input via the communication circuit;  A control circuit for controlling the communication circuit so as to output the composition determining moving image data generated by the image processing circuit to the mobile phone. 13. The electronic camera according to claim 12,  When information indicating that the mobile phone has received the composition determining moving image data is input via the communication circuit, the image processing circuit uses the new image signal from the imaging device to perform the next composition. The control circuit controls the communication circuit to output the new composition determining moving image data generated by the image processing circuit to the mobile phone.  14. The electronic camera according to claim 12,  The control circuit controls the communication circuit so as to output voice data indicating the start of photographing to the mobile phone in response to a release instruction from the mobile phone input via the communication circuit.  15. The electronic camera according to claim 14,  The image processing circuit further generates image data using a new image signal from the imaging device,  A recording circuit for recording the image data generated by the image processing circuit on a recording medium; The recording circuit is controlled so that voice memo data from the mobile phone input through the communication circuit is recorded on the recording medium in association with the image data. A recording control circuit. 16. The electronic camera according to claim 15, wherein  There are at least two mobile phones,  The image processing circuit further generates imaging confirmation image data using a new image signal from the imaging device,  The control circuit controls the communication circuit to output the composition determining moving image data and the shooting confirmation image data generated by the image processing circuit to a mobile phone registered in advance. .