Information processing device, imaging device, information processing system, information processing method and computer readable medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an imaging device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a computer-readable medium. The present invention improves the operability of a camera and a remote controller for displaying an image captured by the camera and reduces power consumption. A system has a camera and a remote controller for displaying a video captured by the camera, wherein when an interval without operation on an operation unit of the remote controller reaches a first set interval, the transmission of the captured video from the camera to the remote controller via Wi-Fi communication and the display processing for the display unit of the remote controller are stopped; and when the interval without operation on the operation unit of the remote controller reaches a second set interval, the Wi-Fi communication is blocked. In addition, the operation unit information valid in each mode is displayed on the display unit of the remote controller.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the PCT application entering the Chinese national phase, with an international filing date of November 4, 2016, national application number 201680073734.X, and invention name “Information processing device, imaging device, information processing system, information processing method and computer-readable medium”. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an imaging device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an imaging device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program for controlling an image capture process or an image display process of a camera by operation of a remote controller. Background Art

[0003] In recent years, digital cameras or digital video cameras have been reduced in size and weight, and cameras having a communication function have been increasingly used and developed.

[0004] For example, there is a system in which a display for displaying an image is provided in a remote controller capable of communicating with a camera, the start or stop of image capture of the camera is controlled by operation of the remote controller, and the captured image can be displayed on the display of the remote controller.

[0005] Note that an example of related art that discloses a system capable of controlling camera operations by using a remote controller includes Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-127920).

[0006] In a system in which a camera is controlled by a remote controller, for example, an image captured by the camera is transmitted to the remote controller and displayed on a display unit (display) on the remote controller side, so that a user as an operator of the remote controller can execute instructions such as starting or stopping processing of image recording.

[0007] Each of the camera and the remote controller is equipped with a battery (battery unit), and various types of data processing (such as image capture processing, image display processing, and further communication processing between the remote controller and the camera) are performed using power supply from the battery.

[0008] However, image transmission, image display processing and other types of data communication processing consume a lot of power. At the same time, the capacity of the battery installed in the camera or remote controller is limited, and it is required to reduce power consumption as much as possible.

[0009] Reference List

[0010] Patent Literature

[0011] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-127920 Summary of the invention

[0012] Technical issues

[0013] For example, the present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems. For example, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing device, an imaging device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program that achieve a reduction in power consumption and also achieves easy-to-understand user operations in a system that controls the operation of a camera using a remote controller.

[0014] Solutions to the Problem

[0015] A first aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device, comprising: a communication unit, which communicates with an imaging device; an operation unit, which inputs operation information for the imaging device; a display unit, which displays an image; and a controller unit, which performs control of receiving a captured image from the imaging device via the communication unit and display processing on the display unit, and the controller unit controls whether to display the captured image from the imaging device on the display unit based on the operation state of the operation unit during the imaging device capturing the image.

[0016] In addition, a second aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing system, comprising: an imaging device; and a remote controller that performs control of the imaging device, wherein the remote controller controls whether a captured image from the imaging device is to be displayed on a display unit based on an operating state of an operating unit of the remote controller during image capture by the imaging device.

[0017] In addition, a third aspect of the present disclosure is an imaging device, comprising: an imaging unit, which performs image capture; a communication unit, which selectively applies multiple different communication paths and performs communication with a remote controller; and a controller unit, which interrupts a part of the multiple communication paths with the remote controller when an inoperative period without user operation on the remote controller reaches a specified time, and when both the first communication path and the second communication path are available to the remote controller, the controller unit displays an icon on the display unit, the icon indicating that both the first communication path and the second communication path are available.

[0018] In addition, a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method, which is performed by an information processing device, which includes: a communication unit that communicates with an imaging device; an operation unit that inputs operation information for the imaging device; a display unit that displays an image; and a controller unit that performs control of receiving a captured image from the imaging device via the communication unit and display processing on the display unit, wherein the controller unit controls whether to display the captured image from the imaging device on the display unit based on the operation state of the operation unit during image capture by the imaging device.

[0019] In addition, the fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a program that causes an information processing device to perform information processing, the information processing device including: a communication unit that communicates with an imaging device; an operating unit that inputs operating information for the imaging device; a display unit that displays an image; and a controller unit that performs control of receiving a captured image from the imaging device via the communication unit and display processing on the display unit, the program causing the controller unit to control whether to display the captured image from the imaging device on the display unit based on the operating state of the operating unit during image capture by the imaging device.

[0020] Note that examples of the program of the present disclosure include programs that can be provided in a computer-readable format from a recording medium or a communication medium to an information processing device or a computer system capable of executing various program codes. Such a program is provided in a computer-readable format, and thus a process corresponding to the program is implemented on the information processing device or the computer system.

[0021] According to the following detailed description based on the embodiments of the present disclosure or the accompanying drawings to be described later, other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent. Note that the "system" in this specification refers to a logical collective configuration of multiple devices, and those devices with corresponding configurations are not necessarily provided in the same housing.

[0022] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0023] According to the configuration of one embodiment of the present disclosure, reduction in power consumption and improvement in operability of a camera and a remote controller that displays an image captured by the camera are achieved.

[0024] Specifically, in a system including a camera and a remote controller that displays a captured image of the camera, when the non-operation period of the operation unit of the remote controller reaches a first prescribed time, the transmission of the captured image from the camera to the remote controller via Wi-Fi communication and the display processing on the display unit of the remote controller are stopped. In addition, when the non-operation period of the operation unit of the remote controller reaches a second prescribed time, the Wi-Fi communication is interrupted. On the display unit of the remote controller, effective operation unit information is displayed in each mode.

[0025] With this configuration, reduction in power consumption and improvement in operability of a camera and a remote controller that displays a captured image of the camera are achieved.

[0026] Note that the effects described in this specification are merely illustrative and not restrictive, and any other effects may be produced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a diagram for describing a usage example of a camera and a remote controller.

[0028] Figure 2 is a diagram for describing an example of display data of a display unit of a remote controller.

[0029] Figure 3 is a diagram for describing icons of display data of a display unit as a remote controller.

[0030] Figure 4 is a diagram for describing an example of display data of a display unit of a remote controller.

[0031] Figure 5 is a diagram for describing an example of display data of a display unit of a remote controller.

[0032] Figure 6 is a diagram for describing an example of communication between a camera and a remote controller.

[0033] Figure 7 A diagram for describing characteristics of Wi-Fi communication and Bluetooth (BT) communication.

[0034] Figure 8 is a diagram for describing a setting example of a communication pattern corresponding to a mode between a camera and a remote controller.

[0035] Fig. 9 It is a diagram for describing the state transition and mode transition of the remote controller.

[0036] Fig.10 is a diagram for describing an example of display data of a display unit of a remote controller.

[0037] Fig.11 is a diagram for describing an example of mode transition of the remote controller and display data of the display unit.

[0038] Fig.12 is a diagram for describing an example of display data of a display unit of a remote controller.

[0039] Fig.13is a diagram for describing an example of display data of a display unit of a video camera.

[0040] Fig.14 is a diagram for describing an example of display data of a display unit of a video camera.

[0041] Fig.15 It is a diagram for describing mode transitions of the remote controller and the camera and transitions of display data of the display unit corresponding to the mode transitions.

[0042] Fig.16 is a diagram for describing an example of display data of a display unit of a remote controller.

[0043] Fig.17 is a diagram for describing another embodiment of a configuration to which the present disclosure is applied.

[0044] Fig.18 : is a diagram for describing a change example of a communication pattern corresponding to a mode in another embodiment to which the configuration of the present disclosure is applied.

[0045] Fig.19 is a diagram for describing a configuration example of a camera and a remote controller.

[0046] Fig. 20 is a diagram for describing a hardware configuration example of a remote controller or a PC. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Hereinafter, the information processing device, imaging device, information processing system, information processing method, and program of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the description will be given in the following order.

[0048] 1. Configuration example of an information processing system including a camera operable by a remote controller

[0049] 2. About Wi-Fi communication and Bluetooth (BT) communication

[0050] 3. About the communication process between the camera and the remote controller and mode transition

[0051] 4. State transition and mode transition of remote controller

[0052] 5. About the configuration of displaying actionable information in each mode on the remote controller

[0053] 6. About the information displayed on the camera display unit

[0054] 7. About the mode transition of the remote controller and camera and the display information corresponding to the mode

[0055] 7-1. Regarding (A) Recording Preparation State (a1) Communication State, Display Information, and Mode Transition in Recording Preparation Image Display Mode

[0056] 7-2. Regarding (B) Recording Execution Status (b1) Communication Status, Display Information, and Mode Transition in Normal Mode of Recording Image Display

[0057] 7-3. Regarding (B) Recording Execution Status (b2) Communication Status, Display Information, and Mode Transition in Stamina Mode Where Recorded Image Is Not Displayed

[0058] 7-4. Regarding (B) Recording execution status (b3) Communication status, display information, and mode transition in Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode where the recorded image is not displayed

[0059] 8. Examples of changes in key settings and display information on the remote controller

[0060] 9. Other Embodiments

[0061] 10. Configuration of information processing equipment

[0062] 11. Conclusion of the configuration of the present disclosure

[0063] [1. Regarding a configuration example of an information processing system including a camera operable with a remote controller]

[0064] First, a description will be given of a configuration example of an information processing system including a camera operable with a remote controller.

[0065] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a usage example of a camera operable with a remote controller.

[0066] The latest cameras or camcorders are becoming increasingly smaller and lighter. Figure 1 As shown in , if a user (videographer / photographer) wears such a camera or video camera so as to fix it to his / her body (e.g., head), the user can perform image capturing without feeling the weight of the camera too much.

[0067] However, if Figure 1 As shown in , the user wears the camera 10 on his / her head, then it may be impossible for the user to operate the operation unit of the main body of the camera 10 and see a display image on the display unit of the main body of the camera 10 .

[0068] By using the remote controller 20 including a display unit (monitor), processing such as start or stop of image capturing of the camera 10 and confirmation of captured images can be performed. The remote controller 20 is installed on the Figure 1shown on the user's arm.

[0069] The camera 10 and the remote controller 20 each include a communication unit that performs, for example, Wi-Fi communication or Bluetooth (BT (registered trademark)) communication, and have a configuration capable of sending and receiving images and various types of information (such as operation information and status information (Status)) through mutual communication.

[0070] Figure 2 The configuration of the remote controller 20 and a display example of the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 are shown.

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 2 , the remote controller 20 includes a display unit 21 and an operation unit 22. Note that the display unit 21 may have a configuration usable as a touch panel type operation unit.

[0072] Note that the video camera 10 also includes a display unit 11 on which various types of information such as an image capturing execution status and a communication status are displayed.

[0073] The display information on the display unit 11 of the video camera 10 will be described later.

[0074] First, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Main display information displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 is described.

[0075] For example, the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 displays Figure 2 The display data shown in (a).

[0076] Figure 2 (a) shows a display example of the display unit 21 displaying an image captured by the camera 10 .

[0077] An image captured by the camera 10 is displayed in the center area of ​​the display unit. Note that an image captured via the imaging unit of the camera 10 can be displayed on the display unit 21 regardless of whether the recording process is in execution or interrupted.

[0078] The user (cameraman / photographer) can control image capture of the video camera 10 (eg, start or stop a recording process or a still image capturing process) while observing the display image of the display unit 21. These processes can be performed by operating the operation unit 22.

[0079] The operation information of the operation unit 22 is transmitted from the communication unit of the remote controller 20 to the communication unit of the video camera 10 , and the controller unit of the video camera 10 performs a process corresponding to the received operation information.

[0080] Note that a UI (User Interface) including operation buttons and the like for those operations described above may also be displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20, and instructions to start or stop image capturing and the like may be input by operations (touch) and the like on those UIs.

[0081] Note that, if Figure 2 As shown in (a) of FIG. 2 , various types of information are displayed in the upper and lower display areas of the display unit 21 in addition to the captured image.

[0082] For example, in the upper area of ​​the display unit 21 , communication status information of each of Wi-Fi communication and Bluetooth (BT (registered trademark)) communication, time information, battery status information, and the like are displayed as communication status information with the camera 10 .

[0083] In addition, in the lower area of ​​the display unit 21, recording process execution / stop state information, recording time information, recording image quality information, and other recording pattern information are displayed.

[0084] The example shown in the figure is an example in which a recording execution / stop identification lamp is used as recording process execution / stop state information. The recording execution / stop identification lamp is set to turn on during recording (white circle) and turn off during recording stop (black circle).

[0085] Reference Figure 3 Described in Figure 2 An example of a display pattern of some icons displayed in the upper part of the display example of the display unit 21 shown in (a).

[0086] Figure 3 Descriptions about the following icons are shown.

[0087] (1)Wi-Fi connection information

[0088] (2) Bluetooth (BT (registered trademark)) connection information

[0089] (3) Camera battery remaining information

[0090] (4) Remote controller battery remaining information

[0091] Those are Figure 2 A portion of icons displayed in the upper portion of the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 shown in FIG.

[0092] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , (1) an icon of Wi-Fi connection information is set to be displayed in a Wi-Fi connection state in which Wi-Fi communication between the remote controller 20 and the camera 10 is available.

[0093] Meanwhile, in a Wi-Fi non-connection state in which Wi-Fi communication between the remote controller 20 and the camera 10 is unavailable, the icon is not displayed.

[0094] The same is true for (2) Bluetooth (BT (registered trademark)) connection information. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the icon is set to be displayed in a Bluetooth (BT (registered trademark)) connection state in which Bluetooth (BT (registered trademark)) communication between the remote controller 20 and the camera 10 is available.

[0095] Meanwhile, in a Bluetooth (BT) non-connection state in which Bluetooth (BT) communication between the remote controller 20 and the camera 10 is unavailable, the icon is not displayed.

[0096] (3) The camera battery remaining amount information is information indicating the battery remaining amount of the battery attached to the video camera 10. Figure 3 As shown in , the display pattern of the battery-shaped icon is set to change based on the remaining battery amount.

[0097] (4) The remote controller battery remaining amount information is information indicating the battery remaining amount of the battery attached to the remote controller 20. Figure 3 As shown in , the display pattern of the battery-shaped icon is set to change based on the remaining battery amount.

[0098] The remote controller 20 acquires information necessary for displaying those states, including remote controller-related information and camera-related information. The remote controller 20 acquires the remote controller-related information from the inside of the remote controller 20, and acquires the camera-related information based on the communication data from the camera 10. The remote controller 20 receives information about the camera 10 through Wi-Fi communication or Bluetooth (BT) communication at any time, and performs display based on the received information.

[0099] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 A display example of the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 will be described.

[0100] Figure 4 A plurality of display examples of the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 in the case where a recording process is performed in the video camera 10 are shown.

[0101] Figure 4 Display examples of the following four states are shown.

[0102] (1a) Captured image display status (Wi-Fi connection status)

[0103] (1b) Captured image is not displayed (Wi-Fi connection status)

[0104] (1c) Wi-Fi connection standby state

[0105] (1d)Wi-Fi connection stopped

[0106] (1a) The captured image display state (Wi-Fi connection state) is a state in which a Wi-Fi connection is established between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20, and the captured image (= recorded processed image) of the camera 10 is sent to the remote controller 20 via Wi-Fi communication and is displayed in the central area of ​​the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20.

[0107] In addition, in the lower portion of the display unit 21, a recording execution lamp is turned on and recording pattern information is displayed.

[0108] In the upper part of the display unit, a Wi-Fi connection icon and a Bluetooth (BT) connection icon are displayed, which indicates that both the Wi-Fi connection and the BT connection between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20 are valid and the Wi-Fi communication and the BT communication are being performed.

[0109] (1b) The captured image non-display state (Wi-Fi connection state) is a state in which a Wi-Fi connection is established between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20, but the transmission of the captured image (=recording process image) of the camera 10 to the remote controller 20 via Wi-Fi communication is stopped. No image is displayed in the central area of ​​the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20.

[0110] In the configuration of the present disclosure, in order to suppress power consumption, even if the recording processing of the camera 10 is being executed, under specified conditions (for example, when the remote controller 20 is not operated by the user for a predetermined period of time), the sending of images from the camera 10 to the remote controller 20 is stopped and the image display processing in the remote controller 20 is stopped.

[0111] By executing such an image transmission stop process and a display stop process, it is possible to suppress consumption of batteries mounted to the video camera 10 and the remote controller 20 and achieve power saving.

[0112] The conditions of the image transmission stop processing, the display stop processing, and the like will be described in detail later.

[0113] Note that, also in this captured image non-display state, the recording execution lamp is turned on in the lower portion of the display unit 21 and the recording pattern information is displayed.

[0114] In the upper part of the display unit, a Wi-Fi connection icon and a Bluetooth (BT) connection icon are displayed, which indicates that both the Wi-Fi connection and the BT connection between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20 are valid and the Wi-Fi communication and the BT communication are being performed.

[0115] For example, based on this information, the user can confirm that recording is being performed or communication is maintained.

[0116] Note that when the user performs some type of operation (for example, operating the operation unit of the remote controller 20 or performing a touch operation 21 on the display unit used as a touch panel) in the "(1b) captured image not displayed state (Wi-Fi connection state)", the remote controller 20 interprets such operation information as an image display request and outputs an image sending request from the remote controller 20 to the camera 10.

[0117] When receiving the request from the remote controller 20 , the camera 10 starts image transmission.

[0118] Through this process, execution from Figure 4 The "(1b) captured image not displayed state (Wi-Fi connected state)" shown in Figure 4 The process of “(1a) captured image display state (Wi-Fi connection state)” shown in FIG.

[0119] A series of transition processing will be described in detail later.

[0120] (1c) The Wi-Fi connection standby state is a display example of the display unit 21 in which the Wi-Fi connection between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20 is in an unconnected state but is in a stage of shifting to a connected state.

[0121] The Wi-Fi connection icon is not displayed.

[0122] It should be noted that the recording light is turned on and the recording process continues.

[0123] When a Wi-Fi connection is established in state (1c), the state changes to Figure 4 “(1a) Captured image display status (Wi-Fi connection status)” shown in FIG.

[0124] The display state of (1c) is a display example in the case where the Wi-Fi connection is temporarily disconnected during execution of the recording process in the video camera 10.

[0125] In this case, while the recording process in the camera 10 continues, a Wi-Fi connection between the remote controller and the camera is attempted. When the connection is restored, the state transitions to Figure 4 “(1a) Captured image display state (Wi-Fi connection state)” shown in , and the recording process continues as it is.

[0126] (1d) The Wi-Fi connection stop state is a display example of the display unit 21 in which the Wi-Fi connection between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20 is in a non-connected state and in a state in which the connection retry process is also not executed.

[0127] The Wi-Fi connection icon is not displayed.

[0128] It should be noted that the recording lamp is turned on and the recording process continues.

[0129] In the system of the present disclosure, a mode [Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode] in which Wi-Fi communication between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20 is voluntarily stopped and only Bluetooth (BT) communication continues is set as one of the power saving modes.

[0130] In this [Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode], the Wi-Fi communication between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20 is stopped, and the transmission of the captured image via the Wi-Fi communication is also stopped.

[0131] In the configuration of the present disclosure, in order to suppress power consumption, even if the recording process of the camera 10 is being executed, under prescribed conditions (for example, when the state in which the remote controller is not operated by the user continues for a predetermined period of time), the Wi-Fi communication between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20 is stopped, the transmission of the captured image is also stopped, and the minimum amount of information is sent / received by using Bluetooth (BT) communication. This mode is called Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode.

[0132] Use of the Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode allows consumption of batteries mounted to the video camera 10 and the remote controller 20 to be further suppressed, and further power saving is achieved.

[0133] This mode transition processing and the like will be described in detail later.

[0134] Note that in Figure 4 In the Wi-Fi connection stop state shown in ( 1 d ), the recording execution lamp is also turned on in the lower part of the display unit 21 and the recording pattern information is displayed so that the user can recognize that the recording process is continuing.

[0135] It should be noted that the Wi-Fi connection icon in the upper portion of the display unit is turned off, and a Bluetooth (BT) connection icon is displayed.

[0136] This indicates that only Bluetooth (BT) communication is valid between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20, and Wi-Fi communication is unavailable, but BT communication is being performed.

[0137] Based on that information, the user can confirm that recording is being performed or the communication status.

[0138] Note that when the user performs some type of operation (for example, operating the operation unit of the remote controller 20 or performing a touch operation on the display unit 21 used as a touch panel) in the "(1d) Wi-Fi connection stop state", the remote controller 20 interprets such operation information as an image display request, performs recovery processing of the Wi-Fi connection between the remote controller 20 and the camera 10, and further outputs an image sending request to the camera 10.

[0139] When receiving the request from the remote controller 20 , the camera 10 starts image transmission via the reconnected Wi-Fi communication path.

[0140] Through this processing, execution from Figure 4 The "(1d) Wi-Fi connection stop state" shown in Figure 4 The process of “(1a) captured image display state (Wi-Fi connection state)” shown in FIG.

[0141] A series of processing will be described in detail later.

[0142] Next, we will refer to Figure 5 A display example in a case where the recording process is not performed in the video camera 10 is described as a display example of the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 .

[0143] Figure 5 A plurality of display examples of the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 in a case where the recording process is not performed in the video camera 10 are shown.

[0144] Figure 5 Display examples of the following three states are shown.

[0145] (2a) Captured image display status (Wi-Fi connection status)

[0146] (2b) Wi-Fi connection standby state

[0147] (2c) Wi-Fi connection stopped

[0148] Note that even in a case where the recording process is not performed in the camera 10 , as long as the camera 10 is powered on, an image is captured via the imaging unit of the camera 10 , and this captured image is transmitted from the camera 10 to the remote controller 20 .

[0149] In (2a) the captured image display state (Wi-Fi connection state), a Wi-Fi connection is established between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20, and the captured image of the camera 10 (without recording processing performed thereon) is sent to the remote controller 20 via Wi-Fi communication and displayed in the central area of ​​the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20.

[0150] However, in this case, the recording execution lamp in the lower portion of the display unit 21 is turned off, and the recording pattern information is also not displayed.

[0151] Based on those information, the user can recognize that the display image is not recorded.

[0152] In the upper part of the display unit, a Wi-Fi connection icon and a Bluetooth (BT) connection icon are displayed, which indicates that both the Wi-Fi connection and the BT connection between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20 are valid and the Wi-Fi communication and the BT communication are being performed.

[0153] (2b) The Wi-Fi connection standby state is a display example in which the display unit 21 shows that the Wi-Fi connection between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20 is in a non-connected state but is in a stage of shifting to a connected state.

[0154] The Wi-Fi connection icon is not displayed.

[0155] The recording lamp is turned off, and recording processing is not performed.

[0156] When a Wi-Fi connection is established in state (2b), the state changes to Figure 5 “(2a) Captured image display status (Wi-Fi connection status)” shown in FIG.

[0157] For example, the display state of (2b) is when the camera 10 displays Figure 5 An example of display when the captured image of (2a) is temporarily disconnected from the Wi-Fi connection.

[0158] In such a case, with the recording process in the camera 10 stopped, the Wi-Fi connection between the remote controller and the camera is retried. When the connection is restored, the state transitions to Figure 5 “(2a) Captured image display status (Wi-Fi connection status)” shown in FIG. 1 and displays the captured image.

[0159] (2c) The Wi-Fi connection stop state is a display example of the unit 21 displaying that the Wi-Fi connection between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20 is in a non-connected state and that the connection retry process is also not executed.

[0160] The Wi-Fi connection icon is not displayed.

[0161] The recording lamp is also turned off, and recording processing is not performed.

[0162] As reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 As described, the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 changes to have various display patterns based on the status.

[0163] The display transition processing will be described in detail later.

[0164] [2. About Wi-Fi communication and Bluetooth (BT) communication]

[0165] Next, Wi-Fi communication and Bluetooth (BT (registered trademark)) communication performed between the video camera 10 and the remote controller 20 will be described.

[0166] like Figure 6 As shown in , the video camera 10 and the remote controller 20 each include a communication unit, and Wi-Fi communication and Bluetooth (BT (registered trademark)) communication are performed via the two communication units.

[0167] Wi-Fi communication has a plurality of communication standards (such as IEEE802.11a / b / g / n standards).

[0168] Wi-Fi communication can be performed by selecting one of two bandwidths, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Wi-Fi communication has the characteristics of a wide available bandwidth, a relatively high communication speed, and a relatively long communicable distance (about 100 m), thus enabling stable transmission of a large amount of data.

[0169] Meanwhile, Bluetooth (BT (registered trademark)) communication has characteristics of one type of available bandwidth (2.4 GHz), a communication speed lower than that of Wi-Fi, and a communicable distance (about 10 m) shorter than that of Wi-Fi.

[0170] However, Bluetooth (BT (registered trademark)) communication consumes less power than Wi-Fi communication, which is advantageous.

[0171] Note that Bluetooth (BT (registered trademark)) communication also has various standards including the BTLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) standard which consumes less power than the existing Bluetooth (BT (registered trademark)) communication. Note that, in some cases, "BTLE" is described as "BLE".

[0172] Note that “Bluetooth (BT (registered trademark)) communication” described in this specification includes not only the existing Bluetooth (BT (registered trademark)) communication, but also Bluetooth (BT (registered trademark)) communication according to the BTLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) standard.

[0173] Figure 7 is a diagram showing power consumption and transmission speed of Wi-Fi communication, BT (existing) communication, and BTLE communication.

[0174] like Figure 7 As shown in , Wi-Fi communication has a high transmission speed but consumes a lot of power.

[0175] Meanwhile, BT and BTLE have the characteristics of low transmission speed and lower power consumption.

[0176] In the system of the present disclosure, power saving is achieved by using Wi-Fi communication and Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication in combination between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20 and controlling both communications.

[0177] [3. Regarding the communication process between the camera and the remote controller and the mode transition]

[0178] Next, we will refer to Figure 8 2 and the following drawings describe communication processing and mode transition performed between the video camera 10 and the remote controller 20 of the present disclosure.

[0179] Figure 8 1 is a diagram for describing a plurality of states and modes set in the remote controller 20 and a pattern of communication with the camera 10 in the corresponding states or modes.

[0180] like Figure 8 As shown in , the remote controller 20 transitions between three states.

[0181] (X) Power off state

[0182] (A) Recording preparation status

[0183] (B) Recording execution status

[0184] In addition, in the (A) recording preparation state, the remote controller 20 is set to the (a1) recording preparation image display mode.

[0185] Furthermore, in the (B) recording execution state, the remote controller 20 is set to any one of the following three modes.

[0186] (b1) Recording image shows normal mode

[0187] (b2) Durability mode in which recorded images are not displayed

[0188] (b3) Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode without displaying recorded images

[0189] The remote controller 20 transitions between different modes in the event that a user operation or a preset mode transition condition is provided.

[0190] like Figure 8 As shown in , a communication pattern performed between the remote controller 20 and the camera 10 is specified to correspond to each mode. According to the occurrence of mode transition, the communication pattern changes in some cases.

[0191] When the remote controller 20 is set to one of the following two modes,

[0192] (a1) Recording preparation image display mode, or

[0193] (b1) Recording the normal mode of image display,

[0194] Images and status information are transmitted from the camera 10 to the remote controller 20 through Wi-Fi communication, and operation information of the remote controller 20 is transmitted to the camera 10 by using Wi-Fi communication and BT communication in combination.

[0195] Note that the image data sent from the camera 10 via Wi-Fi communication is an unrecorded captured image in the "(a1) recording preparation image display mode" and is a recorded captured image (recorded image) in the "(b1) recording image display normal mode".

[0196] Status information transmitted from the video camera 10 through Wi-Fi communication includes, for example, information on whether recording is performed, information on image quality (HD, SD, etc.) of captured images, recording time period information, and battery remaining amount information of a battery mounted to the video camera.

[0197] In addition, by using Wi-Fi communication and BT communication in combination, operation information of the remote controller 20 is transmitted to the camera 10. For each piece of operation information, a communication path of Wi-Fi communication or BT communication to be used is specified in advance based on the operation type.

[0198] For example, power-on / power-off information and the like of the camera 10 are transmitted by using a BT communication path.

[0199] Operation information of a recording start / stop process and the like is transmitted to the video camera 10 by using a Wi-Fi communication path.

[0200] Other operation information is also sent to the camera 10 via any communication path specified based on the type of operation.

[0201] Note that, in a case where a communication path of one of Wi-Fi communication and BT communication is disconnected, operation information is transmitted via the other connected communication path in some cases.

[0202] Next, the following will describe the situation in which the remote controller 20 is set to Figure 8 Description of the communication configuration in the case of the following mode ((b2) endurance mode in which the recorded image is not displayed) shown in the middle.

[0203] In the case where the remote controller 20 is set to this endurance mode, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in , status information is transmitted from the camera 10 to the remote controller 20 through Wi-Fi communication, and operation information of the remote controller 20 is transmitted to the camera 10 by using Wi-Fi communication and BT communication in combination.

[0204] In the “(b2) endurance mode in which recorded images are not displayed”, images are not transmitted from the camera 10 to the remote controller 20 .

[0205] In this endurance mode, image transmission from the camera 10 to the remote controller 20 is stopped, and image display in the remote controller 20 is also stopped.

[0206] By stopping image transmission and display processing, battery consumption is reduced and power saving is achieved

[0207] Note that the status information sent from the camera 10 via Wi-Fi communication includes, for example, information on whether recording is performed, information on the image quality (HD, SD, etc.) of the recorded image, recording time period information, and battery remaining amount information of the battery installed in the camera.

[0208] In addition, by using Wi-Fi communication and BT communication in combination, operation information of the remote controller 20 is transmitted to the camera 10. For each piece of operation information, a communication path of Wi-Fi communication or BT communication to be used is specified in advance based on the operation type.

[0209] For example, power-on / power-off information and the like of the camera 10 are transmitted by using a BT communication path.

[0210] Operation information of a recording start / stop process and the like is transmitted to the video camera 10 by using a Wi-Fi communication path.

[0211] Other operation information is also sent to the camera 10 via any communication path specified based on the type of operation.

[0212] Note that, in the event that a communication path of one of the Wi-Fi communication and the BT communication is disconnected, the operation information is transmitted via the other connected communication path.

[0213] Next, the following will describe the situation in which the remote controller 20 is set to Figure 8 Description of the communication configuration in the case of the following mode ((b3) Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode in which the recording image is not displayed) shown at the bottom.

[0214] When the remote controller 20 is set to this mode, Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , status information is transmitted from the camera 10 to the remote controller 20 not by Wi-Fi communication but by BT communication, and operation information of the remote controller 20 is also transmitted to the camera 10 by using only BT communication.

[0215] In other words, in "(b3) Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode in which recorded image is not displayed", images are not sent from the camera 10 to the remote controller 20. In addition, the Wi-Fi connection between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20 is disconnected, and all data transmission via the Wi-Fi communication path is stopped.

[0216] All communications between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20, such as status information transmission from the camera 10 to the remote controller 20 and operation information transmission from the remote controller 20 to the camera 10, are performed only by using the BT communication path.

[0217] As mentioned above Figure 7 As described, BT communication has less power consumption than Wi-Fi communication.

[0218] Therefore, in "(b3) Bluetooth (BT) only communication mode in which recorded image is not displayed", further power saving is achieved by using only BT communication.

[0219] Note that in this embodiment, BT communication is already referenced Figure 7 Any of the existing BT communication and BTLE (or BLE) communication described.

[0220] Note that the status information sent from the camera 10 via BT communication includes, for example, information on whether recording is performed, information on the image quality (HD, SD, etc.) of the recorded image, recording time period information, and battery remaining amount information of the battery installed in the camera.

[0221] In addition, all operation information of the remote controller 20 is transmitted by using BT communication.

[0222] For example, power-on / power-off information of the video camera 10 , operation information of recording start / stop processing and the like, and other operation information are all transmitted to the video camera 10 by using the BT communication path.

[0223] [4. Regarding state transition and mode transition in the remote controller]

[0224] Next, we will refer to Fig. 9 State transition and mode transition in the remote controller 20 are described.

[0225] As mentioned above Figure 8 As described, the states set for the remote controller 20 are the following three states.

[0226] (X) Power off state

[0227] (A) Recording preparation status

[0228] (B) Recording execution status

[0229] In addition, in the (A) recording preparation state, the remote controller 20 is set to the (a1) recording preparation image display mode.

[0230] Furthermore, in the (B) recording execution state, the remote controller 20 is set to any one of the following three modes.

[0231] (b1) Recording image shows normal mode

[0232] (b2) Durability mode in which recorded images are not displayed

[0233] (b3) Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode without displaying recorded images

[0234] In response to a user operation or the occurrence of a predetermined mode transition condition, the remote controller 20 transitions between a plurality of states or modes.

[0235] Such a transition process is performed under the control of the controller unit of the remote controller 20 .

[0236] The controller unit of the remote controller 20 performs control to change the device mode based on, for example, input of operation information to the operation unit of the remote controller 20 or duration of a non-operation state in which no operation information is input. In addition, in response to the change of the device mode, the controller unit performs a change process of the communication form using the communication unit.

[0237] Fig. 9 20 is a diagram for describing state transition and mode transition in the remote controller 20 .

[0238] Fig. 9 The steps at which state transitions and mode transitions occur are shown as steps S11 to S16 .

[0239] Hereinafter, the processing of each step will be described in sequence.

[0240] (Step S11)

[0241] Step S11 is a mode transition step from (a1) recording preparation image display mode of (A) recording preparation state to (b1) recording image display normal mode of (B) recording execution state.

[0242] This mode transition is performed by a key operation performed by the user on a recording start / stop key (also referred to as a REC key or a start-stop (SS) key) of the remote controller 20 .

[0243] Note that in the (a1) recording preparation image display mode of the (A) recording preparation state, the captured image of the camera 10 is sent to the remote controller 20 via Wi-Fi, and processing of displaying the captured image (≠recorded image) on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 is performed.

[0244] Note that such a display image is an image on which recording processing is not performed.

[0245] In the (a1) recording preparation image display mode of the (A) recording preparation state, when the user performs a recording start operation on the remote controller 20 (i.e., a key operation on the recording start / stop key (REC key)), the mode changes to the (b1) recording image display normal mode of the (B) recording execution state.

[0246] In this state transition process, the following processes are performed:

[0247] (1) A process of sending a recording start request from the remote controller 20 to the camera 10;

[0248] (2) Starting the recording process of the camera 10;

[0249] (3) a process of sending a captured image (=recorded image) of the camera 10 to the remote controller 20; and

[0250] (4) Processing of displaying a captured image (=recorded image) on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 .

[0251] Note that the display image sent at this moment is an image on which recording processing is not performed.

[0252] (Step S12)

[0253] Step S12 is a mode transition step from (b1) the recorded image display normal mode in the (B) recording execution state to (b2) the recorded image non-display endurance mode in the (B) recording execution state.

[0254] This mode transition occurs when no user operation on the remote controller 20 is performed for a prescribed time (eg, 10 seconds) in the (b1) recorded image display normal mode.

[0255] In this state transition process, the following processes are performed:

[0256] (1) A process of sending a recorded image transmission stop request from the remote controller 20 to the camera 10;

[0257] (2) a process of stopping transmission of the captured image (=recorded image) of the camera 10 to the remote controller 20; and

[0258] (3) Processing of stopping the display of the captured image (=recorded image) on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 .

[0259] Note that even though this mode transition occurs, the video camera 10 continues the recording process.

[0260] Through this processing, the transmission of the captured image from the camera 10 to the remote controller 20 is stopped, and the display of the captured image on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 is also stopped.

[0261] Through this processing, consumption of the batteries of the video camera 10 and the remote controller 20 is reduced, and power saving is achieved.

[0262] (Step S13)

[0263] Step S13 is a mode transition step from the (b2) endurance mode in which the recorded image is not displayed in the (B) recording execution state to the (b1) recorded image normal display mode in the (B) recording execution state.

[0264] This mode transition occurs when the user inputs an image display instruction to the remote controller 20 in the (b2) endurance mode in which the recorded image is not displayed.

[0265] Note that in the endurance mode (b2) in which the recorded image is not displayed, during the user's input operation on the remote controller 20, most of the key operations using keys other than special keys (such as the recording start / stop key (REC key (=SS key))) or touch operations on the display unit used as a touch panel are interpreted as image display instruction input, and this mode transition of step S13 occurs.

[0266] Through this mode transition processing, the following processing is performed:

[0267] (1) a process of requesting transmission of a captured image (=recorded image) from the remote controller 20 to the camera 10,

[0268] (2) a process of sending a captured image (=recorded image) of the camera 10 to the remote controller 20, and

[0269] (3) Processing of displaying a captured image (=recorded image) on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 .

[0270] Note that the display image sent at this moment is an image for which recording processing has not been performed.

[0271] (Step S14)

[0272] Step S14 is a mode transition step from the (B) recording execution state (b2) endurance mode in which the recorded image is not displayed to the (B) recording execution state (b3) Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode in which the recorded image is not displayed.

[0273] This mode transition occurs when no user operation on the remote controller 20 is performed within a prescribed time (for example, 60 seconds) in the endurance mode in which the recorded image is not displayed (b2).

[0274] In this state transition process, the following processes are performed:

[0275] (1) Processing of stopping the Wi-Fi connection between the remote controller 20 and the camera 10;

[0276] (2) a process of switching a transmission path for status information from the camera 10 from a Wi-Fi communication path to a BT communication path; and

[0277] (3) A process of switching the transmission path for operation information from the remote controller 20 to the camera 10 to only the BT communication path (without using the Wi-Fi communication path).

[0278] Note that even when this mode transition occurs, the camera 10 continues to record the process.

[0279] Through this process, the Wi-Fi connection between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20 is stopped.

[0280] Through this processing, consumption of the batteries of the video camera 10 and the remote controller 20 is further reduced, and further power saving is achieved.

[0281] (Step S15)

[0282] Step S15 is a mode transition step from the Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode in which the recorded image is not displayed in (b3) of the (B) recording execution state to the (B) recording execution state in which the recorded image is normally displayed in (b1).

[0283] This mode transition occurs when the user inputs an image display instruction to the remote controller 20 in the above-mentioned (b3) Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode in which the recorded image is not displayed.

[0284] Note that in the Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode (b3) in which the recorded image is not displayed, during the user's input operation to the remote controller 20, most of the key operations using keys other than special keys (such as the recording start / stop key (REC key (=SS key))) or touch operations on the display unit used as a touch panel are interpreted as image display instruction input, and this mode transition of step S15 occurs.

[0285] With this mode change, the following processing is performed:

[0286] (1) Processing of a captured image (=recorded image) transmission request from the remote controller 20 to the camera 10;

[0287] (2) a process of sending a captured image (=recorded image) of the camera 10 to the remote controller 20; and

[0288] (3) Processing of displaying a captured image (=recorded image) on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 .

[0289] Note that the display image sent at this moment is an image for which recording processing has not been performed.

[0290] (Step S16)

[0291] Step S16 is a mode transition step from any of the (B) recording execution state (b1) recording image display normal mode, (B) recording execution state (b2) recording image non-display endurance mode and (B) recording execution state (b3) Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode without recording image display to the (A) recording preparation state (a1) recording preparation image display mode.

[0292] This mode transition occurs when the user performs an input operation for recording stop (ie, a key operation of the recording start / stop key (REC key (=SS key)) of the remote controller 20) in any of the above modes (b1) to (b3).

[0293] For example, this is what happens for a recording stop button.

[0294] With this mode change, the following processing is performed:

[0295] (1) a process of sending a recording process stop request from the remote controller 20 to the camera 10;

[0296] (2) stopping the recording process of the camera 10;

[0297] (3) a process of sending a captured image (≠ recorded image) of the camera 10 to the remote controller 20; and

[0298] (4) Processing of displaying a captured image (≠recorded image) on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 .

[0299] Note that the display image transmitted after such mode transition is an image on which recording processing has not been performed.

[0300] [5. About the configuration of displaying operable information in each mode on the remote controller]

[0301] As reference Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As described, the remote controller causes a plurality of states or modes to transition therebetween in response to user operations, etc. Depending on the setting mode of the remote controller, the types of processing that the user can operate on the remote controller differ.

[0302] As referenced above Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As described, the remote controller setup modes include the following modes:

[0303] (A) (a1) recording preparation image display mode of recording preparation state;

[0304] (B) Recording execution status (b1) Recording image shows normal mode;

[0305] (B) (b2) a durable mode in which the recording image is not displayed in the recording execution state; and

[0306] (B) Recording execution status (b3) Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode where the recording image is not displayed.

[0307] For example, the recording start / stop key (REC key (=SS key)) is effective in any of the above-mentioned modes. In other words, a process corresponding to the user operation is executed.

[0308] However, for example, in the Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode in which the (b3) recorded image is not displayed in the (B) recording execution state, the Wi-Fi communication with the camera 10 is interrupted. In this mode, even if the user performs a key operation whose operation information is set to be transmitted to the camera 10 via the Wi-Fi communication, the operation information is not transmitted to the camera 10, and even if the user repeats the key operation in some cases, the processing desired by the user is not performed.

[0309] Note that, as referenced above Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As described, for example, in the case where the setting mode of the remote controller is any one of the following modes:

[0310] (B) (b2) a durable mode in which the recording image is not displayed in the recording execution state; and

[0311] (B) Recording execution status (b3) Recording image is not displayed Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode,

[0312] When the recording start / stop key (REC key (=SS key)) is operated, a process corresponding to the key, that is, a recording stop process is executed.

[0313] However, most key operations using keys other than special keys such as the recording start / stop key (REC key (=SS key)) are interpreted as image display start requests. Therefore, mode transition processing to the (b1) recording image display normal mode of the (B) recording execution state is performed.

[0314] Even if the user wants to execute the original process assigned to each key of the remote controller, that process is not executed, but the above-described mode transition process is executed.

[0315] When such processing is performed, the user may feel uncertain, for example, the user wonders whether a malfunction has occurred.

[0316] A configuration that solves such a problem will be described below.

[0317] Specifically, it is a configuration in which operable information in each mode is displayed on the display unit of the remote controller and thus the user can be informed of valid usable keys.

[0318] Reference Fig.10 A specific example is described.

[0319] Fig.10 An example of display of the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 in the following two modes is shown:

[0320] (A) (a1) recording preparation image display mode of the recording preparation state; and

[0321] (B) (b2) The endurance mode in which the recording image of the recording execution state is not displayed.

[0322] like Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the (a1) recording preparation image display mode, “mode setting key operable state identification information 31” is displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote controller.

[0323] like Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 2 , the mode setting keys 32 a and 32 b are user-operable keys provided on one side of the display unit 21 .

[0324] For example, the image capturing mode (such as the moving image capturing mode or the still image capturing mode) can be switched by operating the mode setting keys 32a and 32b.

[0325] The mode setting key operable state identification information 31 displayed on the display unit 21 is display information for notifying the user that the operation of the mode setting keys 32a and 32b is valid. In other words, this display information serves as valid operation unit identification information.

[0326] The user views the "mode setting key operable state identification information 31" displayed on the display unit 21, and can therefore know that the mode setting keys 32a and 32b are valid, and that the operation of those keys enables switching of the image capture mode (such as a moving image capture mode or a still image capture mode).

[0327] In addition, Fig.10 The right side of FIG. 2 shows a display example of the display unit 21 of the remote controller in the endurance mode in which the recorded image is not displayed (b2). In addition to the "mode setting key operable state identification information 31", the "recording start / stop key operable state identification information 35" is also displayed on the display unit 21.

[0328] As described above, the "mode setting key operable state identification information 31" is information indicating that the mode setting keys 32a and 32b are valid.

[0329] “Recording start / stop key operable state identification information 35” is also displayed to inform the user that the recording start / stop key (REC key (SS key)) 33 provided on one side of the display unit 21 is valid.

[0330] The recording start / stop key (REC key (SS key)) 33 is a key for executing the start of recording processing and the stop of recording processing.

[0331] The user views the "recording start / stop key operable state identification information 35" displayed on the display unit 21, and can therefore know that the recording start / stop key (REC key (SS key)) 33 is valid and that operation of the key enables starting or stopping the recording process.

[0332] In this manner, identification information on valid usable keys in each mode is displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 .

[0333] The user views those identification information and can thereby confirm which key of the remote controller 20 is usable, and then perform a key operation after such confirmation.

[0334] Note that, if Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the remote controller 20 includes a recording / communication state display lamp 34 adjacent to a recording start / stop key (REC key (SS key)) 33 .

[0335] The recording / communication state display lamp 34 is a lamp indicating the execution state of the recording process of the video camera 10 or the Wi-Fi communication available state between the remote controller 20 and the video camera. The display switches as follows.

[0336] (a) Blue: Indicates that recording is stopped and Wi-Fi communication is enabled

[0337] (b) Open in red: Indicates the recording execution status

[0338] (c) Off: Indicates that the recording is stopped and Wi-Fi communication is disabled

[0339] Fig.11 A display example of identification information on valid usable keys displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 in each of the following four modes is shown:

[0340] (A) (a1) recording preparation image display mode of recording preparation state;

[0341] (B) Recording execution status (b1) Recording image shows normal mode;

[0342] (B) (b2) a durable mode in which the recording image is not displayed in the recording execution state; and

[0343] (B) Recording execution status (b3) Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode where the recording image is not displayed.

[0344] In the (a1) recording preparation image display mode of the (A) recording preparation state, the following identification information is displayed:

[0345] "Mode setting key operable state identification information".

[0346] The user views the “mode setting key operable state identification information” displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 , and thus can know that the mode can be changed by the operation of the mode setting key of the remote controller 20 .

[0347] The recording / communication status display light 34 is set to turn on in blue, which indicates a recording stop state and a Wi-Fi communication valid state.

[0348] In addition, in the (b1) recording image display normal mode of the (B) recording execution state, the following identification information is displayed:

[0349] "Mode setting key operable state identification information".

[0350] The user views the “mode setting key operable state identification information” displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 , and thus can know that the mode can be changed by the operation of the mode setting key of the remote controller 20 .

[0351] The recording / communication status display light 34 is set to turn on in red, which indicates a recording execution state.

[0352] In the (B) recording execution state, in the (b2) endurance mode where the recorded image is not displayed, the following identification information is displayed:

[0353] “Mode setting key operable state identification information”; and

[0354] "Record the start / stop key operable state identification information".

[0355] The user views the “mode setting key operable state identification information” displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 , and thus can know that the mode can be changed by the operation of the mode setting key of the remote controller 20 .

[0356] In addition, the user views the “recording start / stop key operable state identification information” displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 , and thus can know that the start or stop of the recording process can be performed by the operation of the recording start / stop key of the remote controller 20 .

[0357] The recording / communication status display light 34 is set to turn on in red, which indicates a recording execution state.

[0358] In the Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode where the (B) recording execution state (b3) recording image is not displayed, the following identification information is displayed:

[0359] "Record the start / stop key operable state identification information".

[0360] The user views the “recording start / stop key operable state identification information” displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 , and can thereby know that the start or stop of the recording process can be performed by the operation of the recording start / stop key of the remote controller 20 .

[0361] Note that operation information of the recording start / stop key of the remote controller 20 is transmitted to the video camera 10 through Bluetooth (BT) communication.

[0362] The controller unit of the remote controller 20 displays, on the display unit 21 , valid operation unit identification information corresponding to the valid operation unit that changes based on the available communication path with the camera 10 .

[0363] The recording / communication status display light 34 is set to turn on in red, which indicates a recording execution state.

[0364] While the recording process of the camera 10 is being executed, the controller unit of the remote controller 20 performs control indicating that the recording process is being executed (i.e., sets the recording / communication status display light 34 to red to indicate the recording execution status), regardless of whether the process of displaying the captured image exists.

[0365] The user can confirm that the recording process is being performed through the display of the lamp regardless of the presence or absence of the display of the image.

[0366] As described above, the remote controller 20 performs communication with the camera 10 by using Wi-Fi communication and Bluetooth (BT (registered trademark)) communication. In addition, the remote controller 20 interrupts Wi-Fi communication with the camera 10 based on the continuation of a period of no operation on the operation unit of the remote controller 20.

[0367] The controller unit of the remote controller 20 displays, on the display unit 21 , valid operation unit identification information corresponding to the valid operation unit that changes based on the available communication path with the camera 10 .

[0368] For example, during a period in which Wi-Fi communication with the camera 10 is stopped, the controller unit displays on the display unit 21 valid operation unit device information corresponding to an operation unit that can transmit operation information to the camera 10 via Bluetooth (BT (registered trademark)).

[0369] Note that the recording start / stop key of the remote controller 20 can be used when the remote controller 20 is in any of the following modes:

[0370] (A) (a1) recording preparation image display mode of recording preparation state;

[0371] (B) Recording execution status (b1) Recording image shows normal mode;

[0372] (B) (b2) a durable mode in which the recording image is not displayed in the recording execution state; and

[0373] (B) Recording execution status (b3) Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode where the recording image is not displayed.

[0374] When the remote controller 20 is in any of the above-described modes, the recording start / stop key of the remote controller 20 can be used.

[0375] However, in Fig.11In the example shown, in each of the (A) recording preparation state (a1) recording preparation image display mode and the (B) recording execution state (b1) recording image display normal mode, the "recording start / stop key operable state identification information" is not displayed.

[0376] This is because, when the captured image is displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20, information superimposed and displayed on the image is reduced and the image is easier to see.

[0377] In other words, in the non-display period in which the captured image is not displayed on the display unit 21, the controller unit of the remote controller 20 performs processing such as displaying more valid operation unit device information than in the display period in which the captured image is displayed.

[0378] Note that, in a mode in which a captured image is displayed, a configuration in which "recording start / stop key operable state identification information" is displayed may also be adopted.

[0379] Alternatively, in the case of displaying an image, a configuration may be adopted in which processing such as using a small icon whose display area for the "recording start / stop key operable state identification information" is reduced is performed.

[0380] Note that in Fig.11 In the following modes shown, namely, the Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode in which (B) the recording execution state and (b3) the recorded image is not displayed, the Wi-Fi communication between the remote controller 20 and the camera 10 is interrupted.

[0381] In this mode, when executing Fig.11 When the processing of step S15 shown in the figure (i.e., image display indication processing) or the processing of step S16 (i.e., key operation such as executing the recording stop key) is performed, mode transition processing to (b1) recording image display normal mode of (B) recording execution state or (a1) recording preparation image display mode of (A) recording preparation state respectively occurs.

[0382] In the above-described mode shift process, a Wi-Fi communication process between the remote controller 20 and the camera 10 is performed.

[0383] This Wi-Fi connection process takes about 5 to 6 seconds.

[0384] The user needs to wait for about 5 to 6 seconds, but if the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 does not display anything, the user may doubt whether a malfunction has occurred or whether an operation error has occurred.

[0385] In order to prevent this from happening, at the time of the mode change involving the Wi-Fi connection process, information indicating that the Wi-Fi connection process is being executed is displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 .

[0386] Fig.12 A specific example is shown.

[0387] For example, Fig.12 As shown in , information indicating that the Wi-Fi connection is being performed is displayed. After the Wi-Fi connection is successfully established, the image display switches to the image transmitted from the camera 10.

[0388] Executing such a process provides a configuration for notifying a user that a Wi-Fi connection process is being executed when a mode change involving the Wi-Fi connection process occurs.

[0389] [6. About the information displayed on the display unit of the camera]

[0390] Next, information displayed on the display unit 11 of the video camera 10 will be described.

[0391] The camera 10 is also set to a plurality of states or modes so as to correspond to the corresponding states or modes set for the remote controller 20 .

[0392] The setting and transition processing of those states or modes are performed under the control of the controller unit of the video camera 10 .

[0393] The controller unit of the video camera 10 performs control of changing the mode based on, for example, input of operation information to the operation unit of the remote controller 20 or duration of a non-operation state in which no operation information is input. In addition, in response to the mode change, the controller unit performs a change process of a communication form using a communication unit, a change process of display information of the display unit 11 of the video camera 10, and the like.

[0394] Reference Fig.13 An example of display information displayed on the display unit 11 of the video camera 10 is described.

[0395] Fig.13 Two examples of the following displayed information are shown:

[0396] (A) An example of display information in which both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (BT) communication paths are set to be available; and

[0397] (B) An example of display information in which only the Bluetooth (BT) communication path is set to be available.

[0398] In the “(A) Display information example in which both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (BT) communication paths are set to be available”, the communication status identification icon 51 indicating a valid communication path between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20 is an icon indicating that both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (BT) communication paths are available.

[0399] Meanwhile, in the “(B) display information example in which only the Bluetooth (BT) communication path is set available”, the communication status identification icon 52 indicating a valid communication path between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20 is an icon indicating that only the Bluetooth (BT) communication path is available.

[0400] Fig.13 The communication status identification icon 51 shown in (A) is one icon generated by combining a Wi-Fi icon and a Bluetooth (BT) icon.

[0401] Using such icons enables reducing the display space and effectively using the limited display space, compared with a case where a Wi-Fi icon and a Bluetooth (BT) icon are displayed separately.

[0402] Fig.14 is a diagram for describing main icons displayed on the display unit 11 of the video camera 10 .

[0403] Fig.14 Descriptions about the following icons are shown.

[0404] (1) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (BT (registered trademark)) connection information

[0405] (2) Bluetooth (BT (registered trademark)) connection information

[0406] (3) GPS information

[0407] (4) Camera battery remaining information

[0408] These icons are displayed on Fig.13 1. A portion of an icon on the display unit 11 of the video camera 10 is shown in FIG.

[0409] The icon shown in (1) is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (BT (registered trademark)) connection information. As described above, this icon is an icon displayed when both Wi-Fi communication and Bluetooth (BT) communication between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20 are available.

[0410] In a case where both Wi-Fi communication and Bluetooth (BT) communication between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20 are unavailable, the icon is not displayed.

[0411] The icon shown in (2) is Bluetooth (BT (registered trademark)) connection information. This icon is an icon displayed when only Bluetooth (BT) communication is available between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20.

[0412] In a Bluetooth (BT) non-connected state in which Bluetooth (BT) communication is unavailable between the camera 10 and the remote controller, the icon is not displayed.

[0413] The icon shown in (3) is the icon displayed when GPS information is available.

[0414] If GPS information is not available, this icon is not displayed.

[0415] The icon shown in (4) is camera battery remaining amount information, and indicates the battery remaining amount of the battery attached to the video camera 10. This icon is arranged so that the display pattern of the battery-shaped icon changes based on the battery remaining amount.

[0416] In addition to the above, if Fig.13 As shown in , many icons indicating various types of information are also displayed on the display unit 11 of the video camera 10.

[0417] For example, various types of information are displayed, such as the captured image type (MP4, 30P), shake compensation mode (Std), current time information, elapsed time information from the start of image capture, captured image type (moving image / still image), and viewing angle information (normal (N) / wide angle (W)).

[0418] [7. Regarding mode transition of the remote controller and camera and display information corresponding to the mode]

[0419] Next, a description will be given about mode transitions of the remote controller 20 and the camera 10 , and display information displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 and on the display unit 11 of the camera 10 in each mode.

[0420] Fig.15 2 is a diagram showing changes in display information related to mode transitions of the remote controller 20 and the camera 10 .

[0421] Fig.15 The upper part of shows an example of mode transition of the remote controller 20 and display information of the display unit 21 in the corresponding mode.

[0422] at the same time, Fig.15 The lower part of shows an example of mode transitions of the video camera 10 and display information of the display unit 11 in the corresponding modes.

[0423] As a condition for the mode transition of the remote controller 20, Fig.15The steps S11 to S16 shown in the upper part are the same as those mentioned above. Fig. 9 and Fig.11 The transformation steps described are the same.

[0424] And in Fig.15 In the video camera 10 shown in the lower part, according to the mode transition of the remote controller, a mode transition similar to the mode transition of the remote controller 20 occurs, and the video camera 10 is set to a mode similar to that of the remote controller 20 .

[0425] Fig.15 The above reference Figures 8 to 11 The following four modes are described. The four modes are as follows:

[0426] (A) (a1) recording preparation image display mode of recording preparation state;

[0427] (B) Recording execution status (b1) Recording image shows normal mode;

[0428] (B) (b2) a durable mode in which the recording image is not displayed in the recording execution state; and

[0429] (B) Recording execution status (b3) Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode where the recording image is not displayed.

[0430] Hereinafter, a description will be given about (1) communication status, (2) display information (remote controller, camera), and (3) mode transition in each mode.

[0431] [7-1. Regarding (A) Recording Preparation State (a1) Communication State, Display Information, and Mode Transition in Recording Preparation Image Display Mode]

[0432] First, a description will be given of the communication state, display information, and mode transition in (a1) recording preparation image display mode regarding (A) recording preparation state.

[0433] (1) Communication status

[0434] In the (a1) recording preparation image display mode of the (A) recording preparation state, the camera 10 and the remote controller 20 may use both Wi-Fi communication and Bluetooth (BT) communication.

[0435] (2) Display information

[0436] (2a) Display information of the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20

[0437] The captured image (≠recorded image) transmitted from the camera 10 via Wi-Fi is displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 .

[0438] In addition, the recording execution lamp in the lower portion of the display unit 21 turns off, which indicates that recording is not executed.

[0439] A Wi-Fi connection icon and a Bluetooth (BT) connection icon are displayed in the upper portion of the display unit 21. This indicates that both the Wi-Fi communication and the BT communication between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20 are valid and available.

[0440] In addition, the following identification information is displayed on the captured image (≠ recorded image):

[0441] "Mode setting key operable state identification information".

[0442] The user views the “mode setting key operable state identification information” displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 , and thus can know that the mode can be changed by operating the mode setting key of the remote controller 20 .

[0443] (2b) Display information of the display unit 11 of the camera 10

[0444] The display unit 11 of the camera 10 displays the above reference Fig.14 The Wi-Fi / BT connection icon described in (1) above indicates that both the Wi-Fi connection and the Bluetooth (BT) connection are valid. This indicates that both the Wi-Fi communication and the BT communication between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20 are available.

[0445] (3) Mode change

[0446] In the (a1) recording preparation image display mode of the (A) recording preparation state, mode transition (of step S11) occurs by a key operation performed by the user on the recording start / stop key (REC key (SS key)) of the remote controller 20 .

[0447] Step S11 is a mode transition step from (a1) recording preparation image display mode of (A) recording preparation state to (b1) recording image display normal mode of (B) recording execution state.

[0448] In this mode transition process, the following processes are performed:

[0449] (p) a process of sending a recording start request from the remote controller 20 to the camera 10;

[0450] (q) starting the recording process of the camera 10;

[0451] (r) a process of sending a captured image (=recorded image) of the camera 10 to the remote controller 20; and

[0452] (s) Processing of displaying a captured image (=recorded image) on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 .

[0453] Note that the display image sent at this moment is an image for which recording processing has not been performed.

[0454] [7-2. Regarding (B) Recording Execution Status (b1) Communication Status, Display Information, and Mode Transition in Recording Image Display Normal Mode]

[0455] Next, a description will be given of the communication state, display information, and mode transition in (b1) recording image display normal mode regarding (B) recording execution state.

[0456] (1) Communication status

[0457] In the (b1) recorded image display normal mode of the (B) recording execution state, the camera 10 and the remote controller 20 may use both Wi-Fi communication and Bluetooth (BT) communication.

[0458] (2) Display information

[0459] (2a) Display information of the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20

[0460] The captured image (=recorded image) transmitted from the camera 10 via Wi-Fi is displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 .

[0461] In addition, a recording execution lamp in the lower portion of the display unit 21 is turned on, which indicates that recording is executed.

[0462] A Wi-Fi connection icon and a Bluetooth (BT) connection icon are displayed in the upper portion of the display unit 21. This indicates that both the Wi-Fi communication and the BT communication between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20 are valid and available.

[0463] In addition, the following identification information is displayed on the captured image (= recorded image):

[0464] "Mode setting key operable state identification information".

[0465] The user views the “mode setting key operable state identification information” displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 , and thus can know that the mode can be changed by operating the mode setting key of the remote controller 20 .

[0466] (2b) Display information of the display unit 11 of the camera 10

[0467] Reference above Fig.14The Wi-Fi / BT connection icon indicating that the Wi-Fi connection and the Bluetooth (BT) connection are valid, which is described in (1), is displayed on the display unit 11 of the camera 10. This indicates that both the Wi-Fi communication and the BT communication between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20 are available.

[0468] (3) Mode change

[0469] In the (b1) recorded image display normal mode of the (B) recording execution state, the mode transition (of step S12) occurs after 10 seconds have passed in a state where the remote controller 20 is not operated by the user.

[0470] Step S12 is a mode transition step from (b1) the recorded image display normal mode in the (B) recording execution state to (b2) the recorded image non-display endurance mode in the (B) recording execution state.

[0471] In this mode transition process, the following processes are performed:

[0472] (p) a process of sending a request to stop recording an image from the remote controller 20 to the camera 10;

[0473] (q) a process of stopping transmission of a captured image (=recorded image) of the camera 10 to the remote controller 20; and

[0474] (r) Processing of stopping the display of the captured image (=recorded image) on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 .

[0475] Note that even though this mode transition occurs, the video camera 10 continues the recording process.

[0476] In addition, in the (b1) recording image display normal mode of the (B) recording execution state, when the user performs an input operation for stopping recording (i.e., a key operation of the recording start / stop key (REC key (=SS key)) of the remote controller 20), a mode transition (of step S16) occurs, and the mode is transferred to the (a1) recording preparation image display mode of the (A) recording preparation state.

[0477] With this mode change, the following processing is performed:

[0478] (p) a process of sending a recording process stop request from the remote controller 20 to the camera 10;

[0479] (q) a process of stopping the recording process of the camera 10;

[0480] (r) a process of sending a captured image (≠recorded image) of the camera 10 to the remote controller 20; and

[0481] (s) Processing of displaying a captured image (≠recorded image) on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 .

[0482] Note that the display image transmitted after such mode transition is an image on which recording processing has not been performed.

[0483] [7-3. Regarding (B) Recording Execution Status (b2) Communication Status, Display Information, and Mode Transition in Endurance Mode Where Recorded Image Is Not Displayed]

[0484] Next, a description will be given of the communication state, display information, and mode transition in the endurance mode in which (b2) the recorded image is not displayed, regarding (B) the recording execution state.

[0485] (1) Communication status

[0486] In the (b2) endurance mode in which the recorded image is not displayed in the (B) recording execution state, the camera 10 and the remote controller 20 may use both Wi-Fi communication and Bluetooth (BT) communication.

[0487] (2) Display information

[0488] (2a) Display information of the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20

[0489] In this mode, a captured image (=recorded image) is not transmitted from the camera 10 .

[0490] Therefore, the captured image (=recorded image) is not displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 .

[0491] It should be noted that the recording execution lamp in the lower portion of the display unit 21 is turned on, which indicates that recording is executed.

[0492] A Wi-Fi connection icon and a Bluetooth (BT) connection icon are displayed in the upper portion of the display unit 21. This indicates that both the Wi-Fi communication and the BT communication between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20 are valid and available.

[0493] In this mode, the display of the captured image on the display unit 21 is stopped. It should be noted that the following identification information is displayed:

[0494] "Mode setting key operable state identification information".

[0495] The user views the “mode setting key operable state identification information” displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 , and thus can know that the mode can be changed by operating the mode setting key of the remote controller 20 .

[0496] Furthermore, on the display unit 21, “recording start / stop key operable state identification information” is displayed.

[0497] The user watches the "recording start / stop key operable status identification information" displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20, and can therefore know that the recording start / stop key (REC key (SS key)) of the remote controller 20 is valid and can execute the start or stop of the recording process through key operation.

[0498] (2b) Display information of the display unit 11 of the camera 10

[0499] Reference above Fig.14 The Wi-Fi / BT connection icon indicating that the Wi-Fi connection and the Bluetooth (BT) connection are valid, which is described in (1), is displayed on the display unit 11 of the camera 10. This indicates that both the Wi-Fi communication and the BT communication between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20 are available.

[0500] (3) Mode change

[0501] In the (b2) endurance mode in which the recorded image is not displayed in the (B) recording execution state, the mode transition (at step S14 ) occurs after 60 seconds have passed in a state in which the remote controller 20 is not operated by the user.

[0502] Step S14 is a mode transition step from the (B) recording execution state (b2) endurance mode in which the recorded image is not displayed to the (B) recording execution state (b3) Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode in which the recorded image is not displayed.

[0503] (p) Processing of stopping the Wi-Fi connection between the remote controller 20 and the camera 10

[0504] (q) Processing of switching the transmission path for status information from the camera 10 from the Wi-Fi communication path to the BT communication path

[0505] (r) Processing of switching the transmission path for operation information from the remote controller 20 to the camera 10 to only the BT communication path (without using the Wi-Fi communication path)

[0506] Note that even though this mode transition occurs, the video camera 10 continues the recording process.

[0507] In addition, in the (b) endurance mode in which the recorded image is not displayed in the (B) recording execution state, when the user gives an image display instruction to the remote controller 20 , a mode transition (at step S15 ) occurs.

[0508] Step S15 is a mode transition step from the (b2) endurance mode in which the recorded image is not displayed in the (B) recording execution state to the (b1) normal mode in which the recorded image is displayed in the (B) recording execution state.

[0509] Note that in the endurance mode (b2) in which the recorded image is not displayed, during the user's input operation on the remote controller 20, most of the key operations using keys other than special keys (such as the recording start / stop key (REC key (=SS key))) or touch operations on the display unit used as a touch panel are interpreted as image display instruction input, and the mode transition of step S15 occurs.

[0510] With this mode change, the following processing is performed:

[0511] (p) processing of a transmission request of a captured image (=recorded image) from the remote controller 20 to the camera 10;

[0512] (q) a process of sending a captured image (=recorded image) of the camera 10 to the remote controller 20; and

[0513] (r) Processing of displaying a captured image (=recorded image) on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 .

[0514] Note that the display image sent at this moment is an image for which recording processing has not been performed.

[0515] In addition, in the endurance mode in which the recording image is not displayed in the (b2) recording execution state, when the user performs an input operation for stopping recording, that is, a key operation on the recording start / stop key (REC key (=SS key)) of the remote controller 20, a mode transition (of step S16) occurs, and the mode is transferred to the (a1) recording preparation image display mode in the (A) recording preparation state.

[0516] With this mode change, the following processing is performed:

[0517] (p) a process of sending a recording process stop request from the remote controller 20 to the camera 10;

[0518] (q) a process of stopping the recording process of the camera 10;

[0519] (r) a process of sending a captured image (≠recorded image) of the camera 10 to the remote controller 20; and

[0520] (s) Processing of displaying a captured image (≠recorded image) on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 .

[0521] Note that the display image transmitted after such mode transition is an image on which recording processing has not been performed.

[0522] [7-4. Regarding (B) recording execution status (b3) communication status, display information and mode transition in Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode where the recording image is not displayed]

[0523] Next, a description will be given of the communication state, display information, and mode transition in the Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode in which (b3) a recorded image is not displayed in the (B) recording execution state.

[0524] (1) Communication status

[0525] In the communication state, display information, and mode in the Bluetooth (BT) only communication mode in which (b3) the recorded image is not displayed in the (B) recording execution state, the camera 10 and the remote controller 20 can communicate using only the Bluetooth (BT).

[0526] (2) Display information

[0527] (2a) Display information of the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20

[0528] In this mode, captured images (=recorded images) are not transmitted from the camera 10 .

[0529] Therefore, the captured image (=recorded image) is not displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 .

[0530] It should be noted that the recording execution lamp in the lower portion of the display unit 21 is turned on, which indicates that recording is executed.

[0531] In the upper part of the display unit 21, the Wi-Fi connection icon is not displayed, and only the Bluetooth (BT) connection icon is displayed. This indicates that only BT communication is available between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20.

[0532] In this mode, the display of the captured image on the display unit 21 is stopped. It should be noted that the following identification information is displayed:

[0533] "Mode setting key operable state identification information".

[0534] The user views the “mode setting key operable state identification information” displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 , and thus can know that the mode can be changed by operating the mode setting key of the remote controller 20 .

[0535] Furthermore, on the display unit 21, “recording start / stop key operable state identification information” is displayed.

[0536] The user watches the "recording start / stop key operable status identification information" displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20, and can therefore know that the recording start / stop key (REC key (SS key)) of the remote controller 20 is valid and can execute the start or stop of the recording process through key operation.

[0537] (2b) Display information of the display unit 11 of the camera 10

[0538] Reference above Fig.14 As described in (2), a Bluetooth (BT) connection icon indicating that the Bluetooth (BT) connection is valid is displayed on the display unit 11 of the camera 10. This indicates that the BT communication between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20 is available.

[0539] (3) Mode change

[0540] In the Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode in which the recorded image is not displayed in (b3) the recording execution state (B), when the user gives an image display instruction to the remote controller 20, a mode transition (of step S15) occurs.

[0541] Step S15 is a mode transition step from the Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode in which the recorded image is not displayed in (b3) of the (B) recording execution state to the (B) recording execution state in which the recorded image is normally displayed in (b1).

[0542] Note that in the Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode (b3) in which the recorded image is not displayed, during the user's input operation on the remote controller 20, most of the key operations using keys other than special keys (such as the recording start / stop key (REC key (=SS key))) or touch operations on the display unit used as a touch panel are interpreted as image display instruction input, and the mode transition of step S15 occurs.

[0543] With this mode change, the following processing is performed:

[0544] (p) processing of a transmission request of a captured image (=recorded image) from the remote controller 20 to the camera 10;

[0545] (q) a process of sending a captured image (=recorded image) of the camera 10 to the remote controller 20; and

[0546] (r) Processing of displaying a captured image (=recorded image) on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 .

[0547] Note that the display image sent at this moment is an image for which recording processing has not been performed.

[0548] In addition, in the Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode (b3) in which the recording image is not displayed in the (B) recording execution state, when the user performs a key operation on the recording start / stop key (REC key (SS key)) of the remote controller 20, a mode transition (step S16) occurs.

[0549] Step S16 is a mode transition step from the (B) recording execution state (b3) Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode in which the recording image is not displayed to the (A) recording preparation state (a1) recording preparation image display mode.

[0550] With this mode change, the following processing is performed:

[0551] (p) a process of sending a recording process stop request from the remote controller 20 to the camera 10;

[0552] (q) a process of stopping the recording process of the camera 10;

[0553] (r) a process of sending a captured image (≠recorded image) of the camera 10 to the remote controller 20; and

[0554] (s) Processing of displaying a captured image (≠recorded image) on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 .

[0555] Note that the display image transmitted after such mode transition is an image on which recording processing has not been performed.

[0556] [8. Examples of changes in key settings and display information of the remote controller]

[0557] Already referenced Fig.10 A configuration capable of displaying operable information for each mode on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 to thereby notify the user of valid usable keys has been described.

[0558] like Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 2 , the mode setting keys 32 a and 32 b are user-operable keys provided on one side of the display unit 21 .

[0559] For example, the image capturing mode such as the moving image capturing mode or the still image capturing mode can be switched by operating the mode setting keys 32 a and 32 b.

[0560] Those mode setting keys 32a and 32b can be used not only as selector switches for the moving image and still image capturing modes but also as zoom setting keys for zooming in and out, for example.

[0561] The remote controller 20 includes a function selector switch for those mode setting keys 32a and 32b. By the operation of this switch, the mode setting keys 32a and 32b can be changed to zoom setting keys.

[0562] In the case where the key arrangement of the remote controller 20 is changed in this manner, information displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 is also changed.

[0563] Reference Fig.16 A specific example is described.

[0564] Fig.16 An example of display of the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 in the following two modes is shown:

[0565] (A) (a1) recording preparation image display mode of the recording preparation state; and

[0566] (B) (b2) The endurance mode in which the recording image of the recording execution state is not displayed.

[0567] like Fig.16 As shown in FIG. 1 , on the display unit 21 of the remote controller in the (a1) recording preparation image display mode, “zoom setting key operable state identification information 41” is displayed.

[0568] like Fig.16 As shown in FIG. 2 , the zoom setting keys 42 a and 42 b are user-operable keys provided on one side of the display unit 21 .

[0569] For example, by operating the zoom setting keys 42a and 42b, the zoom setting of enlargement and reduction can be changed.

[0570] The zoom setting key operable state identification information 41 displayed on the display unit 21 is display information for notifying the user that the operations of the zoom setting keys 42 a and 42 b are valid.

[0571] The user views the “zoom setting key operable state identification information 41 ” displayed on the display unit 21 , and can therefore know that the zoom setting keys 42 a and 42 b are valid, and that zoom adjustment of enlargement and reduction can be performed by the operation of those keys.

[0572] In addition, Fig.16 The right side of shows a display example of the display unit 21 of the remote controller in the endurance mode (b2) in which the recorded image is not displayed. In addition to the "zoom setting key operable state identification information 41", the "recording start / stop key operable state identification information 35" is also displayed on the display unit 21.

[0573] The "recording start / stop key operable state identification information 35" is also displayed to inform the user that the recording start / stop key (REC key (SS key)) 33 provided on the side of the display unit 21 is valid.

[0574] The recording start / stop key (REC key (SS key)) 33 is a key for executing the start of recording processing and the stop of recording processing.

[0575] The user views the "recording start / stop key operable state identification information 35" displayed on the display unit 21, and can therefore know that the recording start / stop key (REC key (SS key)) 33 is valid and that operation of the key enables starting or stopping the recording process.

[0576] In this manner, identification information on valid usable keys in each mode is displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 .

[0577] The user views those identification information and can thereby confirm which key of the remote controller 20 is available and perform a key operation after such confirmation.

[0578] [9. Regarding other embodiments]

[0579] The above-described embodiment is an embodiment using the video camera 10 and the remote controller 20 , but a variation configuration of a communication form according to mode transition of the present disclosure is also applicable to various other communication devices.

[0580] Reference Fig.17 A description is given about a configuration example to which a process of changing a communication form according to mode transition of the present disclosure is applied.

[0581] Fig.17 A capsule 70 equipped with a camera, which can be swallowed by a person and stores therein a camera capable of capturing images, and a PC 80 performing communication with the capsule 70 equipped with the camera are shown.

[0582] The PC 80 and the camera-equipped capsule 70 perform various types of communication processing by using Wi-Fi communication and Bluetooth (BT) communication in combination.

[0583] Specifically, the following processing is performed:

[0584] (a) a process of transmitting an image captured by a camera of a capsule 70 equipped with a camera to a PC 80 via Wi-Fi communication;

[0585] (b) a process of transmitting captured image information or status information (such as position information) of the camera of the capsule 70 equipped with the camera to the PC 80 via Wi-Fi communication or BT communication; and

[0586] (c) Processing of sending a command (command for start or stop of image capturing, zooming, image capturing with a flash, etc.) from the PC 80 to the camera of the camera-equipped capsule 70 via Wi-Fi communication or BT communication.

[0587] Various types of data communications as described above are performed between the camera of the camera-equipped capsule 70 and the PC 80 .

[0588] In such data communication, the above-mentioned communication form is changed according to the mode transition between the camera 10 and the remote controller 20, so that power saving due to reduction in battery consumption can be achieved.

[0589] Reference Fig.18 Describe a specific example of a mode shift.

[0590] Fig.18 Data communication patterns corresponding to the three modes between the camera of the camera-equipped capsule 70 and the PC 80 are shown.

[0591] The three modes are as follows:

[0592] (1) Image transmission execution mode;

[0593] (2) Image transmission stop mode; and

[0594] (3) Image transmission stops and Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode.

[0595] The data communication patterns between the camera of the camera-equipped capsule 70 and the PC 80 in the three modes are set as follows.

[0596] (1) Image transfer execution mode

[0597] In this image transfer execution mode, the following data communications are performed:

[0598] (1a) sending an image captured by a camera of a capsule 70 equipped with a camera to a PC 80 via Wi-Fi communication;

[0599] (1b) transmitting captured image information or status information (such as position information) of the camera of the capsule 70 equipped with a camera to the PC 80 via Wi-Fi communication or BT communication; and

[0600] (1c) A command (a command for start or stop of image capturing, zooming, image capturing with a flash, etc.) from the PC 80 is sent to the camera of the camera-equipped capsule 70 via Wi-Fi communication or BT communication.

[0601] In this mode, an image captured with the camera of the camera-equipped capsule 70 is transmitted to the PC 80 via Wi-Fi communication, and the transmitted image is displayed on the display unit of the PC 80 .

[0602] (2) Image transmission stop mode

[0603] In the image transmission stop mode, the following data communications are performed:

[0604] (2a) transmitting captured image information or status information (such as position information) of the camera of the capsule 70 equipped with the camera to the PC 80 through Wi-Fi communication or BT communication; and

[0605] (2b) A command (a command for start or stop of image capturing, zooming, image capturing with a flash, etc.) from the PC 80 is sent to the camera of the camera-equipped capsule 70 via Wi-Fi communication or BT communication.

[0606] In this mode, images captured with the camera of the camera-equipped capsule 70 are not transmitted to the PC 80 via Wi-Fi communication, and display of the captured images on the PC 80 is also stopped.

[0607] By stopping the image transmission and display processing, consumption of the battery of the camera of the camera-equipped capsule 70 and the PC 80 is reduced, and power saving is achieved.

[0608] (3) Image transmission stop and Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode

[0609] In this image transmission stop and Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode, the following data communication is performed:

[0610] (3a) transmitting captured image information or status information (such as position information) of the camera of the camera-equipped capsule 70 to the PC 80 by using only BT communication; and

[0611] (3b) A command (command for start or stop of image capturing, zooming, image capturing with a flash, etc.) from the PC 80 is sent to the camera of the camera-equipped capsule 70 by using only BT communication.

[0612] In this mode, images captured with the camera of the camera-equipped capsule 70 are not transmitted to the PC 80 via Wi-Fi communication, and display of the captured images on the PC 80 is also stopped.

[0613] In addition, Wi-Fi communication for other data is also stopped.

[0614] By stopping the image transmission and display processing and the Wi-Fi communication stop processing, the consumption of the batteries of the camera-equipped capsule 70 and the camera of the PC 80 is further reduced, and further power saving is achieved.

[0615] In addition to reference Fig.17 and Fig.18 In addition to the described configuration, in various communication systems using Wi-Fi communication and Bluetooth (BT) communication, the communication pattern corresponding to the mode of the present disclosure is changed, so that the consumption of the battery of each device can be reduced and power saving can be achieved.

[0616] [10. Regarding the configuration of the information processing device]

[0617] Next, we will refer to Fig.19 2 and the drawings that follow give a description of a hardware configuration example of each information processing device that constitutes the information processing system of the present disclosure.

[0618] Fig.19 It is shown Figure 1 2 is a block diagram of a configuration example of a video camera 10 and a remote controller 20 shown in FIG.

[0619] The video camera 10 includes a controller unit 101 , an imaging unit 102 , a display unit 103 , an input unit (operation unit) 104 , an output unit 105 , a storage unit 106 , a communication unit 107 , and a timer unit 108 .

[0620] The controller unit 101 performs control of data processing performed in the camera 10, such as image capture control, display control, data transmission / reception control, or mode change control. The controller unit 101 includes a CPU having a program execution function, and performs processing and the like according to an application (program) stored in the storage unit 106.

[0621] Specifically, for example, the above-mentioned processing according to the sequence and the like is performed.

[0622] The imaging unit 102 is an imaging unit for image capturing and performs moving image capturing or still image capturing. In the image capturing process, the image capturing start timing or stop timing is controlled under the control of the controller unit 101.

[0623] The display unit 103 is used to display information on the communication status with the remote controller 20, battery remaining amount information, etc. In addition, the display unit 103 can also be used for processing such as displaying a captured image or reading an image captured from the storage unit 106 for display.

[0624] The input unit 104 is an input unit operable by a user and is an input unit for executing various operation instructions, etc. A display unit in the form of a touch screen is also a part of the input unit.

[0625] The output unit 105 includes an output unit for outputting images, sounds, or other data to an external device. The display unit 103 is also one of the components of the output unit 105.

[0626] The storage unit 106 includes a RAM, a ROM, other recording media, etc. The storage unit 106 is used as a storage area for captured images, and is also used as a storage area for application programs executed by the controller unit 101. In addition, the storage unit 106 is also used as a storage area or a work area for parameters applied to data processing performed by the controller unit 101 and the like.

[0627] The communication unit 107 is a communication unit for performing communication processing with an external device (e.g., the remote controller 20), and is used for data communication via various communication paths (such as wired communication using a communication cable, etc.) in addition to wireless communication (such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (BT)).

[0628] Fig.19 The example shown in exemplifies a communication path with the communication unit 206 of the remote controller 20 .

[0629] As in the above-described embodiments, various types of communications are performed via the communication units of the two devices.

[0630] For example, operation information of the remote controller 20 and the like are sent to the camera 10, and control of image capture start, image capture stop, etc. is performed by the camera 10. In addition, a command for starting or stopping the transmission of a captured image and the like are sent from the remote controller 20 to the camera 10, and the captured image is sent from the camera 10 to the remote controller 20.

[0631] In addition to having a clock function showing current time information, the timer unit 108 has, for example, a timer function for measuring the time elapsed from the start of image capture, etc. In addition, the timer unit 108 is also used to measure a period during which no operation information is input from the remote controller side.

[0632] The remote controller 20 includes a controller unit 201 , a display unit 202 , an input unit (operation unit) 203 , an output unit 204 , a storage unit 205 , a communication unit 206 , and a timer unit 207 .

[0633] The controller unit 201 performs control of data processing performed in the remote controller 20, such as image display control, data transmission / reception control, operation information analysis, or mode change control performed in the remote controller 20. The controller unit 201 includes a CPU having a program execution function and performs processing according to an application (program) stored in the storage unit 205, etc.

[0634] Specifically, for example, the above-mentioned processing according to the sequence and the like is performed.

[0635] For example, as described above, the display unit 202 is used to display an image captured by the camera 10 , information on the communication status with the camera 10 , battery remaining amount information, and the like.

[0636] The input unit 203 is an input unit operable by a user and is an input unit for executing various operation instructions, etc. A display unit in the form of a touch screen is also a part of the input unit.

[0637] The output unit 204 includes an output unit for outputting images, sounds, or other data to an external device. The display unit 202 is also one of the components of the output unit 204.

[0638] The storage unit 205 includes a RAM, a ROM, other recording media, etc. The storage unit 205 is used as a storage area for captured images, and is also used as a storage area for application programs executed by the controller unit 201. In addition, the storage unit 205 is also used as a storage area or a work area for parameters applied to data processing performed by the controller unit 201 and the like.

[0639] The communication unit 206 is a communication unit for performing communication processing with an external device (e.g., the camera 10), and is used for data communication via various communication paths (such as wired communication using a communication cable, etc.) in addition to wireless communication (such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (BT)).

[0640] Fig.19 The example shown in exemplifies a communication path with the communication unit 107 of the camera 10 .

[0641] As in the above-described embodiments, various types of communications are performed via the communication units of the two devices.

[0642] For example, operation information of the remote controller 20 and the like are sent to the camera 10, and control of image capture start, image capture stop, etc. is performed by the camera 10. In addition, a command for starting or stopping transmission of a captured image and the like are sent from the remote controller 20 to the camera 10, and a captured image is sent from the camera 10 to the remote controller 20.

[0643] In addition to having a clock function indicating current time information, the timer unit 207 has, for example, a timer function for measuring the time elapsed from the start of image capture, etc. In addition, the timer unit 207 is also used to measure a period during which no user operation is performed on the remote controller 20.

[0644] Fig. 20 It is shown that it can be used as Figure 1 The remote controller 20 shown in Fig.18 A diagram of a hardware configuration example of an information processing device of a PC is shown in FIG.

[0645] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301 functions as a controller unit or a data processing unit that performs various processes according to a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302 or a storage unit 308. For example, the CPU 301 performs a process that conforms to the sequence described in the above-described embodiment. The RAM (Random Access Memory) 303 stores programs executed by the CPU 301, data, and the like. Those CPU 301, ROM 302, and RAM 303 are connected to each other via a bus 304.

[0646] The CPU 301 is connected to an input / output interface 305 via a bus 304. An input unit 306 including various switches, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, etc., and an output unit 307 including a display, a speaker, etc. are connected to the input / output interface 305. The CPU 301 performs various types of processing so as to correspond to a command input from the input unit 306 and outputs the processing results to the output unit 307, for example.

[0647] The storage unit 308 connected to the input / output interface 305 includes, for example, a hard disk, and stores programs or various types of data executed by the CPU 301. The communication unit 309 functions as a transmission / reception unit for Wi-Fi communication, Bluetooth (BT) communication, or data communication via a network such as the Internet or a local area network and communicates with an external device.

[0648] The drive 310 connected to the input / output interface 305 drives a removable medium 311 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory (for example, a memory card) and performs data recording or reading.

[0649] [11. Conclusion of the configuration of the present disclosure]

[0650] In the above, the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments. However, it is apparent that those skilled in the art may modify and replace the embodiments without departing from the purport of the present disclosure. In other words, the present invention is disclosed in an illustrative form, and it should not be interpreted as limiting. In order to determine the purport of the present disclosure, the scope of the claims should be considered.

[0651] Note that the technology disclosed in this specification can have the following configurations.

[0652] (1) An information processing device comprising:

[0653] a communication unit, the communication unit communicating with the imaging device;

[0654] an operating unit that inputs operating information for the imaging device;

[0655] a display unit that displays an image; and

[0656] A controller unit that performs control of reception of a captured image from an imaging device via a communication unit and display processing on a display unit, the controller unit controlling whether to display the captured image from the imaging device on the display unit based on an operation state of an operation unit during image capture by the imaging device.

[0657] (2) The information processing device according to (1), wherein

[0658] During a period in which the recording process of the imaging device is being executed, the controller unit performs a display indicating that the recording process is being executed regardless of the presence or absence of the display process of the captured image.

[0659] (3) The information processing device according to (1) or (2), wherein

[0660] The controller unit also interrupts a part of the plurality of communication paths with the image forming device when a period of time during which no operation is performed on the operation unit reaches a second prescribed time.

[0661] (4) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (3),

[0662] The communication unit is configured to perform a process of receiving a captured image from the imaging device via the first communication path, and

[0663] When a period in which there is no operation on the operation unit reaches a first prescribed time, the controller unit stops a process of receiving a captured image from the imaging device via the first communication path.

[0664] (5) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (4),

[0665] The communication unit is configured to perform communication with the imaging device by using the first communication path and the second communication path, and

[0666] When a period of time during which there is no operation on the operation unit reaches a second prescribed time, the controller unit interrupts the first communication path with the image forming device.

[0667] (6) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (5),

[0668] When input of an image display instruction is detected during a period in which reception of captured images from the imaging device and display processing on the display unit are stopped, the controller unit resumes reception of captured images from the imaging device and display processing on the display unit.

[0669] (7) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (6),

[0670] When input of an image display instruction is detected during a period in which the first communication path with the imaging device is stopped, the controller unit resumes the first communication path with the imaging device and resumes reception of a captured image from the imaging device via the first communication path and display processing on the display unit.

[0671] (8) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein

[0672] The controller unit displays valid operation unit identification information on the display unit, the valid operation unit identification information indicating the operation unit for which the user input is valid.

[0673] (9) The information processing device according to (8), wherein

[0674] The controller unit displays more valid operation unit identification information in a non-display period in which the captured image is not displayed on the display unit than in a display period in which the captured image is displayed.

[0675] (10) The information processing device according to (8) or (9), wherein

[0676] the communication unit performs communication with the imaging device by using the first communication path and the second communication path,

[0677] The controller unit is configured to interrupt the first communication path with the imaging device based on a continuation of a period in which no operation is performed on the operation unit, and

[0678] The controller unit displays valid operation unit identification information on the display unit, the valid operation unit device information corresponding to the valid operation unit changed based on an available communication path with the image forming apparatus.

[0679] (11) The information processing device according to any one of (8) to (10), wherein

[0680] The controller unit displays valid operation unit identification information about an operation unit capable of transmitting operation information to the image forming device via the second communication path on the display unit during a period in which the first communication path with the image forming device is stopped.

[0681] (12) An information processing system comprising:

[0682] imaging device; and

[0683] A remote controller performs control of the imaging device, the remote controller controlling whether a captured image from the imaging device is to be displayed on a display unit based on an operation state of an operation unit of the remote controller during image capture by the imaging device.

[0684] (13) The information processing system as described in (12), wherein

[0685] The remote controller also interrupts a part of the plurality of communication paths with the imaging device when a period of time during which no operation is performed on the operation unit of the remote controller reaches a second prescribed time.

[0686] (14) The information processing system as described in (12) or (13), wherein

[0687] The remote controller is configured to perform a process of receiving a captured image from the imaging device via the first communication path, and

[0688] When a period of time during which there is no operation on the operation unit of the remote controller reaches a first prescribed time, the remote controller stops a process of receiving a captured image from the imaging device via the first communication path.

[0689] (15) The information processing system as described in any one of (12) to (14), wherein

[0690] The remote controller is configured to perform communication with the imaging device by using the first communication path and the second communication path, and

[0691] When a period of time during which the operation unit of the remote controller is not operated reaches a second prescribed time, the remote controller interrupts the first communication path with the imaging device.

[0692] (16) The information processing system as described in any one of (12) to (15), wherein

[0693] The remote controller displays valid operation unit identification information indicating an operation unit for which a user input is valid on a display unit of the remote controller.

[0694] (17) The information processing system as described in any one of (12) to (16), wherein

[0695] When both the first communication path and the second communication path are available to the remote controller, the image forming apparatus displays an icon indicating that both the first communication path and the second communication path are available on a display unit of the image forming apparatus.

[0696] (18) An imaging device comprising:

[0697] an imaging unit, performing image capturing;

[0698] a communication unit that selectively applies a plurality of different communication paths and performs communication with a remote controller; and

[0699] A controller unit, when an inoperation period without user operation on the remote controller reaches a specified time, the control unit interrupts part of the multiple communication paths with the remote controller, and when both the first communication path and the second communication path are available for the remote controller, the controller unit displays an icon on the display unit, the icon indicating that both the first communication path and the second communication path are available.

[0700] (19) An information processing method, which is performed by an information processing device, the information processing device comprising:

[0701] a communication unit, communicating with the imaging device;

[0702] An operation unit for inputting operation information for the imaging device;

[0703] A display unit that displays an image; and

[0704] A controller unit performs control of reception of a captured image from an imaging device via a communication unit and display processing on a display unit, wherein the controller unit controls whether to display the captured image from the imaging device on the display unit based on an operation state of an operation unit during image capture by the imaging device.

[0705] (20) A program causing an information processing device to execute information processing, the information processing device comprising:

[0706] a communication unit, communicating with the imaging device;

[0707] An operation unit for inputting operation information for the imaging device;

[0708] A display unit that displays an image; and

[0709] a controller unit that performs control of reception of a captured image from the imaging device via the communication unit and display processing on the display unit,

[0710] The program causes a controller unit to control whether a captured image from an imaging device is to be displayed on a display unit based on an operation state of an operation unit during image capture by the imaging device.

[0711] In addition, the series of processing described in the specification can be performed by hardware, software, or a combination of the two. In the case of performing processing by software, the program recording the processing sequence can be installed in the memory of a computer incorporated into dedicated hardware and then executed, or can be installed in a general-purpose computer capable of performing various types of processing and then executed. For example, the program can be recorded in a recording medium in advance. The program can be installed in a computer not only from a recording medium, but also received via a network such as a LAN (local area network) or the Internet, and then installed in a recording medium such as a built-in hard disk.

[0712] Note that the various types of processing described in the specification can be performed not only in the time sequence described, but also in parallel or individually based on the processing capability of the device performing the processing or as needed. In addition, in this specification, a system is a logical set configuration of multiple devices, and is not limited to a system including devices having corresponding configurations in the same housing.

[0713] Industrial Applicability

[0714] As described above, according to the configuration of one embodiment of the present disclosure, reduction in power consumption and improvement in operability of a camera and a remote controller that displays a captured image of the camera are achieved.

[0715] Specifically, in a system including a camera and a remote controller that displays an image captured by the camera, when a period during which an operation unit of the remote controller is not operated reaches a first prescribed time, a process of transmitting a captured image from the camera to the remote controller via Wi-Fi communication and displaying the captured image on a display unit of the remote controller is stopped. In addition, when a period during which an operation unit of the remote controller is not operated reaches a second prescribed time, Wi-Fi communication is interrupted. Valid operation unit information in each mode is displayed on the display unit of the remote controller.

[0716] This configuration allows reduction in power consumption of the camera and a remote controller that displays an image captured by the camera and improves operability.

[0717] Reference numerals list

[0718] 10 Camera

[0719] 11 Display unit

[0720] 20 Remote Controller

[0721] 21 Display unit

[0722] 22 Operating units

[0723] 31 Mode setting key operation status identification information

[0724] 32 Mode setting keys

[0725] 33 Recording start / stop button

[0726] 34 Recording / communication status indicator

[0727] 35 Record the start / stop key operational status identification information

[0728] 41 Zoom setting key operable status identification information

[0729] 42 Zoom setting key

[0730] 51, 52 Communication status identification icons

[0731] 70 Capsules equipped with cameras

[0732] 80 PC

[0733] 101 Controller unit

[0734] 102 Imaging Unit

[0735] 103 Display unit

[0736] 104 Input unit (operation unit)

[0737] 105 Output unit

[0738] 106 Storage Units

[0739] 107 Communication Unit

[0740] 108 Timer Unit

[0741] 201 Controller unit

[0742] 202 Display unit

[0743] 203 Input unit (operation unit)

[0744] 204 Output unit

[0745] 205 Storage Unit

[0746] 206 Communication Unit

[0747] 207 Timer Unit

[0748] 301 CPU

[0749] 302 ROM

[0750] 303 RAM

[0751] 304 Bus

[0752] 305 Input / Output Interface

[0753] 306 Input Unit

[0754] 307 Output Unit

[0755] 308 Storage Unit

[0756] 309 Communication Unit

[0757] 310 Driver

[0758] 311 Removable Media

Claims

1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program code, the program code being used for communication of an information processing device, the information processing device comprising a communication unit, a touch panel type operation unit, and a control unit, the program code being executable by a processor to perform an operation, the operation comprising: communicating with the image pickup device via at least one communication path selected from a plurality of different communication paths including a first communication path and a second communication path via a communication unit; switching between a first communication state in which communication is performed with the image pickup device via a first communication path and a second communication state in which communication is performed with the image pickup device via at least a second communication path during image capture by the image pickup device, depending on an operation of a touch panel type operation unit; and displaying recording start / stop key operable state identification information on the display unit in the first communication state and the second communication state, The power consumption in the first communication state is less than the power consumption in the second communication state. In a case where the information processing device is in a first mode for displaying a captured image on the display unit, the control unit receives the captured image from the image pickup device via the second communication path and displays the captured image on the display unit, and When the information processing device is in the second mode in which the captured image is not displayed on the display unit, the captured image is not received from the image pickup device via the first communication path or the second communication path, and the control unit displays the recording start / stop key operable state identification information on the display unit.

2. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 1, wherein: The operation of the touch panel type operation unit is to receive an image display instruction via the touch panel type operation unit.

3. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 1 or 2, wherein: The program code can be executed by the processor to further perform one or more of the following operations: displaying recorded image quality information on a display unit, Displays communication status information on the display unit, Displaying battery status information on the display unit, and Recording process execution / stop state information for the image pickup device is displayed on a display unit.

4. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 1 or 2, wherein The second communication state is a communication state of communicating with the image pickup device via the first communication path and the second communication path.

5. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 1 or 2, wherein The first communication path is Bluetooth, and / or The second communication path is Wi-Fi.

6. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 1 or 2, wherein The first communication state is an image non-display mode on the display unit.

7. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 1 or 2, wherein The second communication state is an image display mode on the display unit.

8. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 1 or 2, wherein The second communication state is switched to the first communication state by stopping the communication via the second communication path.

9. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program code, the program code being used for communication of an information processing device, the information processing device comprising a communication unit, a touch panel type operation unit, and a control unit, the program code being executable by a processor to perform operations, the operations comprising: communicating with the image pickup device via at least one communication path selected from a plurality of different communication paths including a first communication path and a second communication path via a communication unit; starting, depending on an operation of a touch panel type operation unit, switching between a first communication state in which communication is performed with the image pickup device via a first communication path and a second communication state in which communication is performed with the image pickup device via at least a second communication path during image capture by the image pickup device; and displaying recording start / stop key operable state identification information for the image pickup device on a display unit in a first communication state and a second communication state, The power consumption in the first communication state is less than the power consumption in the second communication state. In a case where the information processing device is in a first mode for displaying a captured image on the display unit, the control unit receives the captured image from the image pickup device via the second communication path and displays the captured image on the display unit, and When the information processing device is in the second mode in which the captured image is not displayed on the display unit, the captured image is not received from the image pickup device via the first communication path or the second communication path, and the control unit displays the recording start / stop key operable state identification information on the display unit.

10. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 9, wherein: The operation of the touch panel type operation unit is to receive an image display instruction via the touch panel type operation unit.

11. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 9 or 10, wherein: The program code can be executed by the processor to further perform one or more of the following operations: displaying recorded image quality information on a display unit, Displays communication status information on the display unit, Displaying battery status information on the display unit, and Recording process execution / stop state information for the image pickup device is displayed on a display unit.

12. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 9 or 10, wherein The second communication state is a communication state of communicating with the image pickup device via the first communication path and the second communication path.

13. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 9 or 10, wherein The first communication path is Bluetooth, and / or The second communication path is Wi-Fi.

14. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 9 or 10, wherein The first communication state is an image non-display mode on the display unit.

15. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 9 or 10, wherein The second communication state is an image display mode on the display unit.

16. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 9 or 10, wherein The second communication state is switched to the first communication state by stopping the communication via the second communication path.

17. An information processing method performed by an information processing device, the information processing device comprising a communication unit, a touch panel type operation unit and a control unit, the information processing method comprising: communicating with the image pickup device via at least one communication path selected from a plurality of different communication paths including a first communication path and a second communication path via a communication unit; switching between a first communication state in which communication is performed with the image pickup device via a first communication path and a second communication state in which communication is performed with the image pickup device via at least a second communication path during image capture by the image pickup device, depending on an operation of a touch panel type operation unit; and displaying recording start / stop key operable state identification information on the display unit in the first communication state and the second communication state, The power consumption in the first communication state is less than the power consumption in the second communication state. In a case where the information processing device is in a first mode for displaying a captured image on the display unit, the control unit receives the captured image from the image pickup device via the second communication path and displays the captured image on the display unit, and When the information processing device is in the second mode in which the captured image is not displayed on the display unit, the captured image is not received from the image pickup device via the first communication path or the second communication path, and the control unit displays the recording start / stop key operable state identification information on the display unit.

18. An information processing method performed by an information processing device, the information processing device comprising a communication unit, a touch panel type operation unit and a control unit, the information processing method comprising: communicating with the image pickup device via at least one communication path selected from a plurality of different communication paths including a first communication path and a second communication path via a communication unit; starting, depending on an operation of a touch panel type operation unit, switching between a first communication state in which communication is performed with the image pickup device via a first communication path and a second communication state in which communication is performed with the image pickup device via at least a second communication path during image capture by the image pickup device; and displaying recording start / stop key operable state identification information for the image pickup device on a display unit in a first communication state and a second communication state, The power consumption in the first communication state is less than the power consumption in the second communication state. In a case where the information processing device is in a first mode for displaying a captured image on the display unit, the control unit receives the captured image from the image pickup device via the second communication path and displays the captured image on the display unit, and When the information processing device is in the second mode in which the captured image is not displayed on the display unit, the captured image is not received from the image pickup device via the first communication path or the second communication path, and the control unit displays the recording start / stop key operable state identification information on the display unit.

19. An information processing device comprising a communication unit, a touch panel type operation unit and a control unit, wherein: The control unit performs control to perform the following operations: communicating with the image pickup device via at least one communication path selected from a plurality of different communication paths including a first communication path and a second communication path via a communication unit; and switching between a first communication state in which communication is performed with the image pickup device via a first communication path and a second communication state in which communication is performed with the image pickup device via at least a second communication path during image capture by the image pickup device, depending on an operation of a touch panel type operation unit, displaying recording start / stop key operable state identification information on the display unit in the first communication state and the second communication state, The power consumption in the first communication state is less than the power consumption in the second communication state. In a case where the information processing device is in a first mode for displaying a captured image on the display unit, the control unit receives the captured image from the image pickup device via the second communication path and displays the captured image on the display unit, and When the information processing device is in the second mode in which the captured image is not displayed on the display unit, the captured image is not received from the image pickup device via the first communication path or the second communication path, and the control unit displays the recording start / stop key operable state identification information on the display unit.

20. An information processing device comprising a communication unit, a touch panel type operation unit and a control unit, wherein: The control unit performs control to perform the following operations: communicating with the image pickup device via at least one communication path selected from a plurality of different communication paths including a first communication path and a second communication path via a communication unit; and starting switching between a first communication state in which communication is performed with the image pickup device via a first communication path and a second communication state in which communication is performed with the image pickup device via at least a second communication path during image capture by the image pickup device, depending on an operation of a touch panel type operation unit, displaying recording start / stop key operable state identification information for the image pickup device on a display unit in a first communication state and a second communication state, The power consumption in the first communication state is less than the power consumption in the second communication state. In a case where the information processing device is in a first mode for displaying a captured image on the display unit, the control unit receives the captured image from the image pickup device via the second communication path and displays the captured image on the display unit, and When the information processing device is in the second mode in which the captured image is not displayed on the display unit, the captured image is not received from the image pickup device via the first communication path or the second communication path, and the control unit displays the recording start / stop key operable state identification information on the display unit.

21. An information processing system comprising: Image pickup device; as well as Remote controller, performs control to perform the following operations: communicating with the image pickup device via at least one communication path selected from a plurality of different communication paths including a first communication path and a second communication path via a communication unit of the remote controller; and switching between a first communication state in which communication is performed with the image pickup device via a first communication path and a second communication state in which communication is performed with the image pickup device via at least a second communication path during image capture by the image pickup device, depending on an operation of a touch panel type operation unit of a remote controller, displaying recording start / stop key operable state identification information on a display unit of the remote controller in the first communication state and the second communication state, The power consumption in the first communication state is less than the power consumption in the second communication state. In a case where the information processing system is in a first mode in which a captured image is displayed on the display unit, the remote controller receives the captured image from the image pickup device via the second communication path and displays the captured image on the display unit, and When the information processing system is in the second mode in which the captured image is not displayed on the display unit, the captured image is not received from the image pickup device via the first communication path or the second communication path, and the remote controller displays the recording start / stop key operable state identification information on the display unit.

22. An information processing system comprising: Image pickup device; as well as Remote controller, performs control to perform the following operations: communicating with the image pickup device via at least one communication path selected from a plurality of different communication paths including a first communication path and a second communication path via a communication unit of the remote controller; and starting switching between a first communication state in which communication with the image pickup device via a first communication path and a second communication state in which communication with the image pickup device via at least a second communication path during image capture by the image pickup device, depending on an operation of a touch panel type operation unit of a remote controller, displaying recording start / stop key operable state identification information for the image pickup device on a display unit of the remote controller in a first communication state and a second communication state, The power consumption in the first communication state is less than the power consumption in the second communication state. In a case where the information processing system is in a first mode in which a captured image is displayed on the display unit, the remote controller receives the captured image from the image pickup device via the second communication path and displays the captured image on the display unit, and When the information processing system is in the second mode in which the captured image is not displayed on the display unit, the captured image is not received from the image pickup device via the first communication path or the second communication path, and the remote controller displays the recording start / stop key operable state identification information on the display unit.

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