JP6446842B2 - Imaging apparatus, imaging control system, imaging control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, an imaging control system, an imaging control method, and a program.

  Traditionally, when shooting (during movie shooting), if the battery or memory of your device is low and you are not ready to shoot (continue to shoot), you can replace the other device There is known a technique for performing photographing with (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP 2011-97132 A JP 2008-205690 A

  However, in the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 described above, when the photographing is not ready at the timing when the photographing is instructed, the photographed image of the subject desired by the photographer is obtained at the timing when the photographing is instructed. Difficult to get.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and even when the photographing is not in a state where the photographing is instructed, photographing of the subject desired by the photographer at the photographing instructed timing is possible. The purpose is to be able to obtain images.

In order to achieve the above object, an imaging device of one embodiment of the present invention includes:
A determination means for determining whether or not the own device is ready to shoot,
When it is determined by the determination means that the own device is not ready for shooting at a timing according to the shooting instruction by the operation of the own device, the other imaging device is sent at a timing according to the shooting instruction. Instruction means for instructing shooting,
A second imaging unit that identifies another imaging device that has photographed the same subject as that of the own device after the instruction is given to the plurality of other imaging devices that may be able to photograph the same subject as that of the own device. Means for identifying
Second acquisition means for acquiring a captured image from another imaging device specified by the second specifying means by the own device;
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a photographed image of a subject desired by the photographer at the timing when the photographing is instructed even when the photographing is not ready at the timing when the photographing is instructed.

1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating a system configuration of an imaging control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the hardware of the imaging device which comprises an imaging | photography control system. It is a functional block diagram which shows the functional structure for performing imaging | photography control processing among the functional structures of the imaging device of FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows the functional structure for performing an imaging | photography process among the functional structures of the imaging device of FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of imaging control processing executed by the imaging apparatus of FIG. 2 having the functional configuration of FIG. 3. 5 is a flowchart for describing a flow of imaging processing executed by the imaging apparatus of FIG. 2 having the functional configuration of FIG. 4. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of imaging control processing executed by the imaging apparatus of FIG. 2 having the functional configuration of FIG. 3 in the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of imaging control processing executed by the imaging apparatus of FIG. 2 having the functional configuration of FIG. 3 in the third embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a system configuration of an imaging control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging control system S includes a plurality of imaging devices 1A to 1H. The plurality of imaging devices 1A to 1E are configured to be capable of wireless communication, and are arranged so as to have different shooting ranges with respect to the subject shooting direction.
In such a shooting control system S, for example, when shooting is performed with the imaging device 1A, when shooting is not possible with the imaging device 1A, shooting is performed with the other imaging devices 1′B to 1E instead of the imaging device 1A. To obtain a captured image.

Note that the state in which the imaging apparatus 1 cannot shoot is, for example, a state in which there is no device failure, a battery or memory is insufficient, a state in which shooting cannot be performed such as preparation for shooting, or a captured image is acquired even if shooting is performed. It is not possible.
Further, the imaging devices 1B to 1E that perform imaging instead of the imaging device 1A overlap the imaging range of the imaging device 1A, and in particular, can acquire a captured image including a subject that is desired to be acquired at an angle from the imaging device 1A. It is the imaging device 1 arrange | positioned at the place.

  For example, in the shooting control system S, when shooting is performed with the imaging device 1A, the shooting range of the imaging device 1A includes the subjects OB1 to OB3. That is, when shooting with the imaging apparatus 1A, there is a request to acquire a captured image including the subjects OB1 to OB3 in the direction of the imaging apparatus 1A. Therefore, the imaging device 1 as a substitute for imaging with the imaging device 1A, among the imaging devices 1B to 1H, performs imaging with the imaging devices 1B and 1C in which the imaging direction of the imaging device 1A approximates the imaging range of the imaging device 1A. Go to acquire a captured image.

  Therefore, in the imaging control system S of the present embodiment, when the imaging device 1A that is the own device that wants to perform imaging is in a state that cannot be captured, the captured image that is captured by the imaging device 1A is the other device. It can be acquired from the imaging devices 1B and 1C. That is, in the imaging control system S of the present embodiment, when one of the imaging devices 1A to 1H cannot capture an image, the other imaging device is requested to perform an imaging process, and either imaging device is always used. Shooting is possible. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a captured image by performing alternative shooting.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the imaging apparatus that constitutes the imaging control system S.
The imaging device 1 is configured as a digital camera, for example.

  The imaging apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an imaging unit 16, and an input unit 17. An output unit 18, a storage unit 19, a communication unit 20, and a drive 21.

  The CPU 11 executes various processes according to a program recorded in the ROM 12 or a program loaded from the storage unit 19 to the RAM 13.

  The RAM 13 appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 11 to execute various processes.

  The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are connected to each other via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to the bus 14. An imaging unit 16, an input unit 17, an output unit 18, a storage unit 19, a communication unit 20, and a drive 21 are connected to the input / output interface 15.

  Although not shown, the imaging unit 16 includes an optical lens unit and an image sensor.

The optical lens unit is configured by a lens that collects light, for example, a focus lens or a zoom lens, in order to photograph a subject.
The focus lens is a lens that forms a subject image on the light receiving surface of the image sensor. The zoom lens is a lens that freely changes the focal length within a certain range.
The optical lens unit is also provided with a peripheral circuit for adjusting setting parameters such as focus, exposure, and white balance as necessary.

The image sensor includes a photoelectric conversion element, AFE (Analog Front End), and the like.
The photoelectric conversion element is composed of, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type photoelectric conversion element or the like. A subject image is incident on the photoelectric conversion element from the optical lens unit. Therefore, the photoelectric conversion element photoelectrically converts (captures) the subject image, accumulates the image signal for a predetermined time, and sequentially supplies the accumulated image signal as an analog signal to the AFE.
The AFE performs various signal processing such as A / D (Analog / Digital) conversion processing on the analog image signal. Through various signal processing, a digital signal is generated and output as an output signal of the imaging unit 16.
Hereinafter, the output signal of the imaging unit 16 is referred to as “captured image data”. Data of the captured image is appropriately supplied to the CPU 11 or an image processing unit (not shown).

The input unit 17 includes various buttons and the like, and inputs various types of information according to user instruction operations.
The output unit 18 includes a display, a speaker, and the like, and outputs images and sounds.
The storage unit 19 is composed of a hard disk, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), or the like, and stores various image data.
The communication unit 20 controls communication performed with other devices (not shown) via a network including the Internet.

  A removable medium 31 made of a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like is appropriately attached to the drive 21. The program read from the removable medium 31 by the drive 21 is installed in the storage unit 19 as necessary. The removable medium 31 can also store various data such as image data stored in the storage unit 19 in the same manner as the storage unit 19.

  In the following description, the other imaging device 1 ′, which is another device, is referred to as another imaging device 1 ′, and the hardware configuration of the other imaging device 1 ′ is referred to as a CPU 11 ′ to a removable medium 31 ′.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration for executing the imaging control process among the functional configurations of the imaging apparatus 1 in FIG. 2.
The imaging control process refers to a series of processes for acquiring a captured image from another apparatus by performing alternative imaging with the other imaging apparatus 1 ′ when the own apparatus cannot perform imaging.

When executing the shooting control process, as shown in FIG. 3, in the CPU 11, the operation detection unit 51, the shooting availability determination unit 52, the shooting management processing unit 53, the communication control unit 54, and the display control unit 55. And it works.
An image storage unit 71 and a shooting management information storage unit 72 are set in one area of the storage unit 19.

The image storage unit 71 stores captured image data.
The shooting management information storage unit 72 stores information related to shooting management (hereinafter referred to as “shooting management information”), such as information on substitutable imaging devices.

  The operation detection unit 51 detects an input operation on the input unit 17. Specifically, the operation detection unit 51 detects an operation of an imaging instruction for the input unit 17.

  The photographing availability determination unit 52 determines whether or not photographing is possible in the own device. Whether the camera is ready to shoot is determined by, for example, AF, continuous shooting, premium bracketing, art bracketing, etc., when the internal processing memory is full and appropriate shooting processing cannot be performed, or shooting performed before Check whether there is a cause such as a malfunction of the device while the recording process is in progress, when there is no remaining recording capacity in the internal or external memory of the device, during long exposure shooting, while the flash is charging with the flash firing required By doing.

The shooting management processing unit 53 executes processes up to the management of shot images acquired as a result of shooting and shooting.
Specifically, the imaging management processing unit 53 controls the imaging unit 16 to perform imaging, records the acquired captured image in the image storage unit 71, and executes imaging recording.
The shooting management processing unit 53 determines whether there is another device capable of alternative shooting. The determination as to whether or not there is another camera capable of alternative shooting is that after the inquiry about whether or not alternative shooting is possible to another machine (other imaging device), it is possible to perform alternative shooting as a result of the inquiry. The response (hereinafter referred to as “alternative shooting possible response”) is acquired. In other words, when an alternative shooting enabled response is acquired, it is determined that there is another machine capable of alternative shooting.
Here, whether or not alternative shooting by another device is possible is performed by determining whether or not the same subject as that of the own device can be shot, for example, and the same subject as that of the own device can be shot. Specifically, whether or not there is a commonality between the shooting position and shooting direction (for example, the shooting position and shooting direction that can shoot the subject position specified by the camera, shooting position, shooting direction, and shooting distance) Is determined on the basis of information on other devices that share a common image), subject information recognized in a shooting frame, and the like.

  In addition, the imaging management processing unit 53 selects another machine that is in a state where alternative imaging is possible. In the present embodiment, the imaging management processing unit 53 selects one other device that is in a state where alternative imaging is possible. The photographing management processing unit 53 selects, for example, another device that is likely to obtain a captured image close to a captured image by another device determined by the user's selection operation on the input unit 17 or the own device.

The communication control unit 54 controls communication in the communication unit 20.
Specifically, the communication control unit 54 controls the communication unit 20 so as to transmit to the other device an inquiry as to whether or not alternative photographing is possible with respect to the other device (other imaging device).
In addition, the communication control unit 54 controls the communication unit 20 so as to receive the alternative photographing possible response.

  In addition, the communication control unit 54 transmits the information (hereinafter referred to as “alternative shooting instruction information”) instructing to perform shooting and recording with the designated imaging device to perform alternative shooting. Control.

In addition, the communication control unit 54 controls the communication unit 20 so as to receive a notification that imaging has been completed by another imaging device (hereinafter referred to as “imaging completion notification”).
Further, the communication control unit 54 controls the communication unit 20 so as to receive a captured image from another imaging device.

The display control unit 55 controls display output by the output unit 18.
Specifically, if the shooting management processing unit 53 determines that there is another device that can perform alternative shooting, the display control unit 55 displays a message that there is another device that can perform alternative shooting (hereinafter referred to as “alternative shooting”). The output unit 18 is controlled to display and output “message”. On the other hand, the display control unit 55, when the imaging management processing unit 53 determines that there is no other device that can perform alternative shooting, a message that there is no other device that can perform alternative shooting (hereinafter, “photographing is not possible”). The output unit 18 is controlled to display and output “message”.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration for executing the imaging process among the functional configurations of the other imaging apparatus 1 ′ of FIG.
The imaging process is acquired by executing imaging recording based on an instruction from the imaging device 1 when the alternative imaging of the imaging device 1 that is the own device is possible in another imaging device 1 ′ that is another device. A series of processes for transmitting the captured image to the imaging apparatus 1.

When executing the shooting control process, as shown in FIG. 4, a communication control unit 91, an alternative shooting determination unit 92, and a shooting control unit 93 function in the CPU 11 ′.
The image storage unit 101 is set in one area of the storage unit 19 ′.
The image storage unit 101 stores captured images.

The communication control unit 91 controls communication in the communication unit 20.
The communication control unit 91 controls the communication unit 20 ′ so as to receive an inquiry about whether or not alternative photographing is possible, instruction information, and the like.
In addition, the communication control unit 91 controls the communication unit 20 ′ so as to transmit an alternative shooting possible response, a shooting completion notification, a shot image, and the like.

  The alternative shooting determination unit 92 determines whether or not alternative shooting of the imaging apparatus 1 that is the own device is possible. The determination of whether or not the imaging device 1 can perform alternative shooting is performed by, for example, determining whether or not the same subject as the imaging device 1 can be shot, and the same subject as the imaging device 1 can be shot. Specifically, whether or not the camera is in a specific state depends on the commonality of the shooting position and shooting direction (for example, the shooting position at which the subject and the subject position specified by the shooting position, shooting direction, and shooting distance can be shot). It is determined based on other devices having a common shooting direction) or subject information recognized in the shooting frame.

  The imaging control unit 93 controls the imaging unit 16 'to perform imaging, stores the acquired captured image in the image storage unit 101, and executes imaging recording.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of imaging control processing executed by the imaging apparatus 1 of FIG. 2 having the functional configuration of FIG.
The imaging control process is started by an operation for starting the imaging control process on the input unit 17 by the user.

In step S <b> 11, the operation detection unit 51 determines whether or not there is a shooting instruction.
If there is a shooting instruction, YES is determined in step S11, and the process proceeds to step S12.
If there is no shooting instruction, NO is determined in step S11, and the process returns to step S11.

In step S12, the photographing availability determination unit 52 determines whether or not the own device is in a photographing enabled state.
If the own device is in a shootable state, YES is determined in step S12, and the process proceeds to step S13.
If the own device is not in a photographing enabled state, NO is determined in step S12, and the process proceeds to step S14.

  In step S13, the photographing management processing unit 53 performs photographing recording by itself. As a result, a captured image is recorded in the image storage unit 71. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 22. The processing after step 22 will be described later.

  In step S <b> 14, the communication control unit 54 controls the communication unit 20 to inquire whether or not a plurality of other devices capable of wireless communication are in a state where the same subject as that of the own device is in an alternative photographing state. As a result, an inquiry is transmitted from the imaging device 1 to the other imaging device 1 '. Thereafter, an inquiry result is transmitted from another imaging apparatus 1 ′.

In step S15, the imaging management processing unit 53 determines whether there is another machine capable of alternative imaging. The imaging management processing unit 53 determines that there is another apparatus capable of alternative imaging when the alternative imaging possible response is received from another imaging apparatus within a predetermined time.
If there is no other device capable of alternative shooting (when there is no response from any of the imaging devices within a predetermined time), it is determined as NO in Step S15, and the process proceeds to Step S16.
If there is another device capable of alternative shooting, the determination in step S15 is YES, and the process proceeds to step S17.
Note that the predetermined time for waiting for a response from the imaging device is set so that the possibility that the state of the subject at that time changes greatly after the photographer gives an instruction to take a picture at the timing when the subject becomes a desired state. For example, it is about 2 seconds for a normal subject. Further, the photographer may be able to set freely. Further, depending on the type of the designated subject, it may be automatically set to be short (for example, 0.5 seconds) for a fast-moving subject and long (for example, 5 seconds) for a slow-moving subject.

  In step S <b> 16, the display control unit 55 controls the output unit 18 so as to display and output a photographing impossible message. As a result, a non-photographing message such as “There was no other device capable of photographing” is displayed on the output unit 18, for example. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 22.

  In step S <b> 17, the display control unit 55 controls the output unit 18 to display and output the alternative photographing message. As a result, an alternative shooting message such as “There was another machine capable of alternative shooting” is displayed on the output unit 18.

  In step S18, the imaging management processing unit 53 selects one other device that is in a state where alternative imaging is possible. At this time, the shooting management processing unit 53 selects, for example, another device determined by a selection operation performed on the input unit 17 by the user or another device that is likely to obtain a captured image closer to the captured image by the own device. In addition, if an imaging device that responds earlier can acquire a captured image that is close to the captured image by itself, there may be another imaging device that is likely to acquire a captured image closer than that. Alternatively, an imaging device that responds earlier may be selected.

  In step S <b> 19, the communication control unit 54 transmits alternative shooting instruction information to another device.

In step S <b> 20, the communication control unit 54 determines whether there is a shooting completion notification.
If there is no shooting completion notification, NO is determined in step S20, and the process is in a standby state until a shooting completion notification is received.
If there is a shooting completion notification, YES is determined in step S20, and the process proceeds to step S21.

  In step S21, the communication control unit 54 controls the communication unit 20 so as to receive a captured image from another device.

In step S22, the photographing management processing unit 53 determines whether or not to end photographing.
If the shooting is not terminated, NO is determined in step S22, and the process returns to step S11.
If the shooting is to be ended, YES is determined in step S22, and the shooting control process is ended.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of imaging processing executed by the imaging apparatus 1 of FIG. 2 having the functional configuration of FIG.
The photographing process is started by an operation for starting the photographing process on the input unit 17 ′ by the user.

In step S41, the communication control unit 91 determines whether or not there is an inquiry as to whether or not alternative shooting is possible.
If there is no inquiry about whether or not alternative shooting is possible, the shooting process is terminated.
If there is an inquiry as to whether or not alternative shooting is possible, YES is determined in step S41, and the process proceeds to step S42.

In step S42, the alternative shooting determination unit 92 determines whether or not alternative shooting is possible. Specifically, the alternative shooting determination unit 92 determines whether or not alternative shooting is possible based on the commonality of the shooting position and shooting direction, subject information recognized in the shooting frame, and the like.
If alternative shooting is not possible, the shooting process ends.
If alternative photographing is possible, YES is determined in step S42, and the process proceeds to step S43.

  In step S43, the communication control unit 91 controls the communication unit 20 'so as to transmit an alternative photographing possible response.

In step S44, the communication control unit 91 determines whether instruction information has been received.
If the instruction information has not been received, the imaging process ends.
When the instruction information is received, it is determined as YES in Step S44, and the process proceeds to Step S45.

  In step S45, the imaging control unit 93 controls the imaging unit 16 'so as to perform imaging, records the acquired captured image in the image storage unit 101, and executes imaging recording.

  In step S46, the communication control unit 91 controls the communication unit 20 'so as to transmit a shooting completion notification.

  In step S47, the communication control unit 91 controls the communication unit 20 'to transmit the captured image.

Therefore, the shooting control system S can obtain a shot image of the subject desired by the photographer at the timing when the shooting is instructed even when the shooting is not ready at the timing when the shooting is instructed.
In addition, in terms of the operation feeling of the own device, it is possible to always shoot with another device and leave a photographed image regardless of the situation of the own device, and it is possible to shoot without stress.

<Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, an inquiry is made as to whether or not alternative shooting is possible in another device after it is determined that the own device is not in a shooting enabled state. In the present embodiment, the other apparatus capable of performing alternative shooting is managed in advance using management information, and an instruction for alternative shooting is given based on the management information.

Here, the functional configuration for executing the imaging control process and the imaging process will be described, but only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.
Regarding the functional configuration for executing the imaging control processing, the functional configurations of the imaging management information storage unit 72, the communication control unit 54, and the imaging management processing unit 53 are particularly different.

  The shooting management information storage unit 72 stores management information including information of other devices in a state where alternative shooting is possible.

  The communication control unit 54 controls the communication unit 20 so as to transmit an inquiry to the other device (other imaging device) as to whether or not alternative photographing is possible.

After making an inquiry as to whether or not alternative shooting is possible, the shooting management processing unit 53 performs shooting management of information on other devices in a state where alternative shooting is possible in accordance with an alternative shooting available response (hereinafter also referred to as “response to inquiry”). The management information is updated by being stored in the information storage unit 72.
In addition, the imaging management processing unit 53 refers to the management information stored in the imaging management information storage unit 72 to check whether there is another device that can perform alternative imaging.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the imaging control process executed by the imaging apparatus 1 of FIG. 2 having the functional configuration of FIG. 3 in the second embodiment.
In the present embodiment, the first embodiment differs from the steps S11, S12, S14, and S15 to S22 in FIG. 5 and the steps S63, S64, and S65 in FIG. 7 of the present embodiment. , Steps S67 to S74 are common. That is, the difference is that the process after step S67 is performed after the process (step S66) for examining the management information obtained in the processes of steps S61 and S62. Accordingly, the description of the common process is omitted, and only the different processes are described.
Note that the shooting process in the other device is the same as the shooting process in FIG.

In step S62, in accordance with the response to the inquiry, the imaging management processing unit 53 stores information on other devices in a state where alternative imaging is possible in the imaging management information storage unit 72 and updates the management information.
In step S66, the imaging management processing unit 53 checks the latest management information with reference to the imaging management information storage unit 72.

  Therefore, in the imaging control system, it is possible to perform alternative shooting based on the management information of other cameras that can be used for alternative shooting acquired in advance before the shooting instruction. Since no time is required, alternative shooting can be performed at a timing corresponding to the shooting instruction.

<Third Embodiment>
In this embodiment, without confirming the possibility of alternative shooting in another machine, uniformly instructing shooting in another machine, analyzing the acquired shot image, and replacing the shot image of the own machine with the shot image Configure to get.

Here, the functional configuration for executing the imaging control process and the imaging process will be described, but only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.
Regarding the functional configuration for executing the imaging control processing, the functional configuration of the imaging management processing unit 53 is particularly different.
The photographing management processing unit 53 analyzes a photographed image received from another device and detects a subject.
As a result of the detection, the shooting management processing unit 53 records the captured image in the image storage unit 71 when the same subject as the subject captured by the own device is detected. That is, the shooting management processing unit 53 performs image analysis on the received shot image to detect a subject. Then, it is detected whether the detected subject is a subject when the subject is photographed. For example, the subject captured by the subject device is detected by performing matching with a live view image on the subject device or a previously registered subject. Then, the shooting management processing unit 53 records the shot image including the subject shot by the own device in the image storage unit 71.
On the other hand, as a result of detection, when the same subject as the subject captured by the own device is not detected, the display control unit 55 controls the output unit 18 so as to display and output an imaging impossible message.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of imaging control processing executed by the imaging apparatus 1 of FIG. 2 having the functional configuration of FIG. 3 in the third embodiment.
In the present embodiment, the steps in steps S11 to S13 and step S22 in FIG. 5 and the steps in steps S91 to S93 and step S102 in FIG. 8 in this embodiment are common to the first embodiment. That is, it is different in that steps S94 to S101 are performed. Accordingly, the description of the common process is omitted, and only the different processes are described.
Note that the shooting process in the other machine has the same steps in steps S44 to S47.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of imaging control processing executed by the imaging apparatus 1 of FIG. 2 having the functional configuration of FIG. 3 in the third embodiment.

In step S96, the communication control unit 54 determines whether there is a shooting completion notification from another imaging device 1 ′.
If there is a shooting completion notification, YES is returned in step S96, and the process proceeds to step S98. The processing after step S98 will be described later.
If there is no shooting completion notification, NO is returned in step S96, and the process proceeds to step S97.

  In step S97, the display control unit 55 controls the output unit 18 so as to display and output a photographing impossible message. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S102.

  In step S98, the communication control unit 54 controls the communication unit 20 to receive a captured image from another device.

  In step S99, the photographing management processing unit 53 detects the same subject as the own device from the received photographed image. That is, the shooting management processing unit 53 performs image analysis on the received shot image to detect a subject. Then, it is detected whether the detected subject is a subject when the subject is photographed. For example, the subject captured by the subject device is detected by performing matching with a live view image on the subject device or a previously registered subject.

In step S100, the imaging management processing unit 53 determines whether the same subject as that of the own device has been detected.
When the same subject as that of the own device is not detected, NO is determined in the step S100, and the process returns to the step S97.
If the same subject as that of the own device is detected, YES is determined in the step S100, and the process proceeds to a step S101.

  In step S <b> 101, the shooting management processing unit 53 causes the image storage unit 71 to record the captured image in which the same subject as that of the own device is detected. In addition, when there are a plurality of photographed images in which the same subject as that of the own device is detected, the image storage unit 71 can be selectively recorded.

  Therefore, the shooting control system S can obtain a shot image at the timing at which shooting is instructed even when the shooting control system S is not ready for shooting at the timing at which shooting is instructed.

The imaging apparatus 1 configured as described above includes a photographing availability determination unit 52 and a communication control unit 54.
The photographing availability determination unit 52 determines whether or not the subject device is ready for photographing at a timing corresponding to a photographing instruction by an operation of the subject device.
The communication control unit 54 instructs the other imaging apparatus to shoot at a timing according to the shooting instruction when the shooting availability determination unit 52 determines that the own device is not in a shooting enabled state. The communication unit 20 is controlled.
As a result, the imaging apparatus 1 can instruct the other imaging apparatus to perform imaging at a timing according to the imaging instruction by the operation of the own apparatus. Therefore, the imaging device 1 can obtain a captured image at a timing according to the imaging instruction even when the imaging apparatus 1 is not ready for imaging at the timing at which the imaging is instructed.

In addition, the imaging apparatus 1 includes a shooting management processing unit 53.
The photographing management processing unit 53, when the photographing availability determination unit 52 determines that the own device is not in a state capable of photographing, one or a plurality of other imaging devices that may be able to photograph the same subject as the own device Select.
The communication control unit 54 controls the communication unit 20 to instruct the one or more other imaging devices selected by the shooting management processing unit 53 to perform shooting.
As a result, the imaging apparatus 1 can obtain a captured image close to the photographer's intention at a timing according to the shooting instruction even when the imaging apparatus 1 is not ready for shooting at a timing according to the shooting instruction. It is possible to select one or a plurality of other imaging apparatuses that can possibly shoot the same subject, and it is possible to obtain more captured images.

In addition, when the photographing availability determination unit 52 determines that the own device is not ready for photographing, the photographing management processing unit 53 identifies another imaging device that is capable of photographing the same subject as the own device. To do.
The communication control unit 54 controls the communication unit 20 to instruct the other imaging device specified by the imaging management processing unit 53 to perform imaging.
As a result, the imaging apparatus 1 is capable of instructing other imaging apparatuses that are likely to be able to capture the same subject as the own apparatus in order to efficiently instruct the imaging (to reduce waste as much as possible). Since the other imaging device that is ready to shoot the same subject is identified and the other identified imaging device is instructed to shoot, it is possible to acquire a photographed image that approximates the photographing with the own device. .

In addition, the imaging management processing unit 53 sequentially specifies and updates other imaging apparatuses that are in a state where the same subject as that of the own apparatus can be captured from the stage before imaging is instructed.
When instructed to shoot, the communication control unit 54 controls the communication unit 20 to instruct the other imaging device most recently specified and updated to shoot.
As a result, the imaging device 1 manages other imaging devices that can be photographed in advance, so that it is not necessary to identify other imaging devices during photographing, and the immediacy is high and the device itself is more It is possible to acquire a photographed image that approximates photographing.

In addition, the shooting management processing unit 53 sequentially acquires the shooting position or shooting direction of the own device and another imaging device, and sets the shooting position or shooting direction to the same shooting position or shooting direction as the own device at a timing according to the shooting instruction. A certain other imaging device is identified as another imaging device in a state in which the same subject as that of the own device can be photographed.
As a result, the imaging apparatus 1 can acquire a captured image that more closely resembles imaging with the own device.

The photographing management processing unit 53 can photograph the same subject as the subject photographing device with another photographing device having the photographing position and the photographing direction capable of photographing the subject position specified by the photographing position, photographing direction, and photographing distance of the own device. It is identified as another imaging device in a state.
As a result, the imaging apparatus 1 can acquire a captured image that more closely resembles imaging with the own device.

In addition, the shooting management processing unit 53 shoots the same subject as that of the own device with another imaging device having a shooting position and a shooting direction capable of shooting the subject position specified by the shooting position, shooting direction, and shooting distance of the own device. Identify other imaging devices in a possible state.
As a result, the imaging apparatus 1 can acquire a captured image that more closely resembles imaging with the own device.

In addition, the communication control unit 54 controls the communication unit 20 so as to receive a captured image captured by the other imaging device in response to an imaging instruction for the other imaging device.
As a result, the imaging apparatus 1 can acquire a captured image captured by the other apparatus that has instructed imaging.

The shooting availability determination unit 52 is in a state where the internal processing memory is full in AF, continuous shooting, premium bracket, art bracket, etc., and proper shooting processing cannot be performed, The camera is not ready to shoot when there is no recording capacity in the internal or external memory, long exposure shooting, flash charging with flash firing required, device malfunction, etc. .
Thereby, in the imaging device 1, it can determine with the self-apparatus not being in the state which can be image | photographed, and can image | photograph with another imaging device instead.

Also, after the communication unit 20 is controlled by the communication control unit 54 so that the communication control unit 54 instructs the other imaging devices that may be able to photograph the same subject as the own device to the photographing management processing unit 53. Identify another imaging device that has photographed the same subject as the subject device.
Further, the communication control unit 54 controls the communication unit 20 so as to receive a captured image from another imaging device specified by the imaging management processing unit 53 by itself.
Thereby, in the imaging device 1, in order to obtain a captured image captured by another imaging device as close as possible to the timing according to the imaging instruction, other imaging is performed without missing the timing of the imaging instruction. By instructing the apparatus to shoot, it is possible to acquire only a captured image that is close to the image of the own device.

The communication control unit 94 controls the communication unit 20 so as to acquire a captured image from another imaging device specified by the imaging management processing unit 53.
Thereby, in the imaging device 1, only the picked-up image approximated to imaging | photography of an own machine can be acquired.

The imaging control system S includes a plurality of imaging devices 1, 1,.
Further, the imaging device 1 of the imaging control system S includes an imaging availability determination unit 52 and a communication control unit 54.
The photographing availability determination unit 52 determines whether or not the imaging apparatus on which the operation of the imaging instruction has been performed is in a state capable of imaging at a timing corresponding to the imaging instruction by any one of the plurality of imaging apparatuses.
When it is determined that the imaging apparatus on which the operation of the shooting instruction has been performed is not ready for shooting, the communication control unit 54 and the imaging apparatus on which the operation of the shooting instruction has been performed at a timing according to the shooting instruction Instructs another imaging device to shoot.
Thereby, in the imaging control system S, imaging can be instructed to another imaging apparatus at a timing according to the imaging instruction by the operation of the own device. Therefore, the shooting control system S can obtain a shot image at a timing corresponding to the shooting instruction even if the shooting control system S is not ready for shooting at the timing at which shooting is instructed.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, The deformation | transformation in the range which can achieve the objective of this invention, improvement, etc. are included in this invention.

In the above-described embodiment, the imaging unit 16 is controlled to immediately take a picture when the own machine returns to a state in which the picture can be taken within a predetermined time after the other machine is instructed to shoot. can do.
Thereby, in the imaging control system S, it is possible to perform imaging after waiting for the own device to return.

  In the above-described embodiment, the alternative shooting is simply performed in response to a shooting instruction to the input unit 17 such as a shutter button. For example, a substitute button is separately provided to perform the alternative shooting. You may comprise.

In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, each imaging device 1 is installed so as to have a different shooting position and shooting direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and shooting that can shoot the same shooting range as the own device is possible. You may comprise so that each imaging device 1 may be installed so that it may become a position and an imaging | photography direction.
Further, each imaging device 1 is configured to change the shooting direction and the shooting position so as to approximate the shooting range to the shooting range of the own device based on a shooting instruction or the like from the imaging device 1 as its own device. Also good.

In the above-described embodiment, the imaging apparatus 1 to which the present invention is applied has been described using a digital camera as an example, but is not particularly limited thereto.
For example, the present invention can be applied to general electronic devices having a photographing control function and a photographing function. Specifically, for example, the present invention can be applied to a notebook personal computer, a printer, a television receiver, a video camera, a portable navigation device, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a portable game machine, and the like.

The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or can be executed by software.
In other words, the functional configuration of FIGS. 3 and 4 is merely an example, and is not particularly limited. That is, it is sufficient that the imaging apparatus 1 has a function capable of executing the above-described series of processing as a whole, and what functional blocks are used to realize this function is limited to the examples of FIGS. Not.
In addition, one functional block may be constituted by hardware alone, software alone, or a combination thereof.

When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software is installed on a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium.
The computer may be a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware. The computer may be a computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs, for example, a general-purpose personal computer.

  The recording medium including such a program is not only constituted by the removable medium 31 of FIG. 2 distributed separately from the apparatus main body in order to provide the program to the user, but also in a state of being incorporated in the apparatus main body in advance. It is comprised with the recording medium etc. which are provided in. The removable medium 31 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk (including a floppy disk), an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or the like. The optical disc is composed of, for example, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc (Blu-ray Disc), and the like. The magneto-optical disk is configured by an MD (Mini-Disk) or the like. In addition, the recording medium provided to the user in a state of being preliminarily incorporated in the apparatus main body includes, for example, the ROM 12 in FIG. 2 in which the program is recorded, the hard disk included in the storage unit 19 in FIG.

In the present specification, the step of describing the program recorded on the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in time series along the order, but is not necessarily performed in time series, either in parallel or individually. The process to be executed is also included.
Further, in the present specification, the term “system” means an overall device configured by a plurality of devices, a plurality of means, and the like.

  As mentioned above, although several embodiment of this invention was described, these embodiment is only an illustration and does not limit the technical scope of this invention. The present invention can take other various embodiments, and various modifications such as omission and replacement can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention described in this specification and the like, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

The invention described in the scope of claims at the beginning of the filing of the present application will be appended.
[Appendix 1]
Determination means for determining whether or not the subject device is in a state capable of photographing at a timing according to a photographing instruction by an operation of the subject device;
Instructing means for instructing other imaging devices to shoot at a timing according to the shooting instruction when it is determined by the determining means that the device is not ready for shooting;
An imaging apparatus comprising:
[Appendix 2]
When the determination unit determines that the own device is not ready for shooting, the selection unit includes a selection unit that selects one or a plurality of other imaging devices that may be capable of shooting the same subject as the own device;
The instruction means instructs the one or a plurality of other imaging devices selected by the selection means to shoot;
The imaging apparatus according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein
[Appendix 3]
When it is determined by the determination means that the own device is not in a state capable of photographing, the first identifying means for identifying another imaging device in a state capable of photographing the same subject as the own device;
The instructing unit instructs the other imaging device identified by the first identifying unit to perform photographing;
The imaging apparatus according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein
[Appendix 4]
The first identifying means sequentially identifies and updates other imaging devices that are in a state capable of photographing the same subject as the own device from the stage before photographing is instructed,
The instructing means instructs the other imaging device most recently specified and updated to shoot when instructing the shooting;
The imaging apparatus according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein
[Appendix 5]
The first specifying means sequentially acquires the shooting position or shooting direction of the own device and another imaging device, and is in the same shooting position or shooting direction as the shooting position or shooting direction of the own device at a timing according to the shooting instruction. Identify another imaging device as another imaging device in a state where it can shoot the same subject as its own device,
The imaging apparatus according to appendix 3 or 4, characterized by the above.
[Appendix 6]
The first specifying means can shoot the same subject as the subject's own imaging device with a photographing position and a photographing direction capable of photographing the subject position specified by the photographing position, photographing direction, and photographing distance of the own device. Identify other imaging devices that are
The imaging apparatus according to appendix 5, which is characterized in that.
[Appendix 7]
A first acquisition unit configured to acquire a captured image captured by the other imaging device in response to a shooting instruction to the other imaging device by the instruction unit;
The imaging apparatus according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 6, wherein:
[Appendix 8]
The determination unit is configured to execute the strobe when the recording process of the previous photographing is being performed, when there is no remaining recording capacity in the internal or external memory of the own device, when the photographing is being performed, or in a state where the strobe light is necessary. When charging, it is determined that the device is not ready for shooting.
The imaging apparatus according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 7, wherein:
[Appendix 9]
An imaging control means for controlling the imaging means to immediately take a picture even if the own apparatus returns to a state in which the own apparatus can shoot within a predetermined time after instructing the other imaging apparatus to shoot;
The imaging apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 8, characterized in that:
[Appendix 10]
A second imaging unit that identifies another imaging device that has photographed the same subject as that of the own device after the instruction is given to the plurality of other imaging devices that may be able to photograph the same subject as that of the own device. Comprising the identification means of
The imaging apparatus according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein
[Appendix 11]
Comprising second acquisition means for acquiring a captured image from another imaging device specified by the second specifying means by the own device;
The imaging apparatus according to appendix 10, wherein the imaging apparatus is characterized.
[Appendix 12]
An imaging control system comprising a plurality of imaging devices,
Determining means for determining whether or not the imaging apparatus on which the operation of the imaging instruction is performed is in a state capable of imaging at a timing according to the imaging instruction by any one of the plurality of imaging apparatuses;
When it is determined by the determination means that the imaging apparatus on which the operation of the shooting instruction has been performed is not ready for shooting, the imaging apparatus on which the operation of the shooting instruction has been performed at a timing according to the shooting instruction; Is an instruction means for instructing another imaging device to shoot,
An imaging control system comprising:
[Appendix 13]
There is a shooting control method for controlling shooting by a plurality of imaging devices,
A determination step of determining whether or not the imaging apparatus on which the operation of the imaging instruction has been performed is in a state in which imaging can be performed at a timing according to the imaging instruction by the operation of any of the plurality of imaging apparatuses;
When it is determined by the determination step that the imaging apparatus in which the operation of the shooting instruction is performed is not in a state in which shooting is possible, the imaging apparatus in which the operation of the shooting instruction is performed at a timing according to the shooting instruction Is an instruction step for instructing another imaging device to perform photographing,
An imaging control method comprising:
[Appendix 14]
In the computer that controls the imaging device,
A determination function for determining whether or not the subject device is in a state in which the subject device can be photographed at a timing according to a photographing instruction by the operation of the subject device;
When it is determined by the determination function that the device is not ready for shooting, an instruction function for instructing another imaging device to perform shooting at a timing according to the shooting instruction;
A program characterized by realizing.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Imaging device, 11 ... CPU, 12 ... ROM, 13 ... RAM, 14 ... Bus, 15 ... Input-output interface, 16 ... Imaging part, 17 ... Input unit, 18 ... output unit, 19 ... storage unit, 20 ... communication unit 20 ... drive, 31 ... removable media, 51 ... operation detection unit, 52 ... shootability Determination unit 53... Shooting management processing unit 54... Communication control unit 55... Display control unit 71 71 Image storage unit 72 72 Shooting management information storage unit 91. Communication control unit, 92 ... alternative shooting determination unit, 93 ... shooting control unit, 101 ... image storage unit, S ... shooting processing system

Claims (12)

A determination means for determining whether or not the own device is ready to shoot,
When it is determined by the determination means that the own device is not ready for shooting at a timing according to the shooting instruction by the operation of the own device, the other imaging device is sent at a timing according to the shooting instruction. Instruction means for instructing shooting,
A second imaging unit that identifies another imaging device that has photographed the same subject as that of the own device after the instruction is given to the plurality of other imaging devices that may be able to photograph the same subject as that of the own device. Means for identifying
Second acquisition means for acquiring a captured image from another imaging device specified by the second specifying means by the own device;
An imaging apparatus comprising: A determination means for determining whether or not the own device is ready to shoot,
When it is determined by the determination means that the own device is not ready for shooting at a timing according to the shooting instruction by the operation of the own device, the other imaging device is sent at a timing according to the shooting instruction. Instruction means for instructing shooting,
An imaging control means for controlling the imaging means so as to immediately take a picture even if the own apparatus returns to a state in which the own apparatus can shoot within a predetermined time after instructing another imaging apparatus to shoot;
An imaging apparatus comprising: When the determination unit determines that the own device is not ready for shooting, the selection unit includes a selection unit that selects one or a plurality of other imaging devices that may be capable of shooting the same subject as the own device;
The instruction means instructs the one or a plurality of other imaging devices selected by the selection means to shoot;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein When it is determined by the determination means that the own device is not in a state capable of photographing, the first identifying means for identifying another imaging device in a state capable of photographing the same subject as the own device;
The instructing unit instructs the other imaging device identified by the first identifying unit to perform photographing;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 3. The first identifying means sequentially identifies and updates other imaging devices that are in a state capable of photographing the same subject as the own device from the stage before photographing is instructed,
The instructing means instructs the other imaging device most recently specified and updated to shoot when instructing the shooting;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 4. The first specifying means sequentially acquires the shooting position or shooting direction of the own device and another imaging device,
Identify another imaging device that is in the same shooting position or shooting direction as the shooting position or shooting direction of the own device as another imaging device that is in a state capable of shooting the same subject as the own device at a timing according to the shooting instruction.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein The first specifying means can shoot the same subject as the subject's own imaging device with a photographing position and a photographing direction capable of photographing the subject position specified by the photographing position, photographing direction, and photographing distance of the own device. Identify other imaging devices that are
The imaging apparatus according to claim 6. A first acquisition unit configured to acquire a captured image captured by the other imaging device in response to a shooting instruction to the other imaging device by the instruction unit;
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image pickup apparatus is an image pickup apparatus. The determination unit is configured to execute the strobe when the recording process of the previous photographing is being performed, when there is no remaining recording capacity in the internal or external memory of the own device, when the photographing is being performed, or in a state where the strobe light is necessary. When charging, it is determined that the device is not ready for shooting.
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image pickup apparatus is an image pickup apparatus. An imaging control system comprising a plurality of imaging devices,
A determination means for determining whether or not the own device is ready to shoot,
When it is determined by the determination means that the own device is not ready for shooting at a timing according to the shooting instruction by the operation of the own device, the other imaging device is sent at a timing according to the shooting instruction. Instruction means for instructing shooting,
A second imaging unit that identifies another imaging device that has photographed the same subject as that of the own device after the instruction is given to the plurality of other imaging devices that may be able to photograph the same subject as that of the own device. Means for identifying
Second acquisition means for acquiring a captured image from another imaging device specified by the second specifying means by the own device;
An imaging control system comprising: A shooting control method for controlling shooting by an imaging device,
A determination step for determining whether or not the device is ready to shoot;
If it is determined by the determination step at a timing according to the shooting instruction by the operation of the own device that the own device is not in a state in which the image can be shot, An instruction step for instructing shooting,
After the instructing step directs photographing to a plurality of other imaging devices that may be able to photograph the same subject as the own device, the second imaging device identifies another imaging device that has photographed the same subject as the own device. Specific steps of
A second acquisition step of acquiring a captured image from the other imaging device specified in the second specification step by the own device;
An imaging control method comprising: In the computer that controls the imaging device,
A determination function for determining whether or not the device is ready to shoot,
When it is determined by the determination function that the own device is not ready for shooting at a timing according to the shooting instruction by the operation of the own device, other imaging devices are sent at a timing according to the shooting instruction. An instruction function to instruct shooting,
After the instruction is given to a plurality of other imaging devices that may be able to shoot the same subject as the own device by the instruction function, a second imaging device that specifies the same subject as the own device is identified. Specific features of
A second acquisition function for acquiring a captured image from the other imaging device specified by the second specific function by itself;
A program characterized by realizing.

Images