Control apparatus, control method thereof, computer program product, and storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to a control apparatus, a control method thereof, a computer program product, and a storage medium. The control apparatus includes: a communication device communicably connectable to a plurality of external devices; a first determination unit configured to determine a total number of external devices to which the communication device is connected; and a control unit configured to cut off the connection with a predetermined external device according to the total number of connected external devices determined by the first determination unit after the connection with the predetermined external device is established through the communication device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device that communicates with an external device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, it has become common for imaging devices such as digital cameras to have wireless communication functions. By connecting the imaging device to an information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet via wireless communication, the imaging device can be remotely operated using a camera communication application in the information terminal.

[0003] There is also an application that enables multiple camera devices to be registered and enables multiple camera devices among the registered camera devices to be selected, connected, and operated simultaneously. However, connecting a larger number of camera devices results in higher bandwidth usage and lower communication quality, so Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2020-178323 proposes setting an upper limit value for the number of connected devices and rejecting wireless connection requests once the upper limit value is reached.

[0004] Here, consider for example the case where the user newly registers the camera in the information terminal. In this case, it is considered that the user wishes to experimentally connect the newly registered camera and then register the camera after confirming whether the wireless connection can be established.

[0005] However, in this case, using the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2020-178323, if the number of cameras corresponding to the upper limit value has already been connected, the connection request will be rejected, and thus the camera cannot be experimentally connected. In other words, the user cannot confirm whether the newly registered camera can be wirelessly connected. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention has been achieved in view of the above-mentioned problems and provides a control apparatus which can confirm whether another external apparatus can be connected even when a plurality of external apparatuses are connected.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a control device is provided, comprising: a communication device capable of being communicatively connected to multiple external devices; a first judgment unit configured to judge the total number of external devices connected to the communication device; and a control unit configured to cut off the connection with the predetermined external device according to the total number of connected external devices judged by the first judgment unit after a connection with the predetermined external device is established through the communication device.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for a control device, the control device comprising a communication device capable of being communicatively connected to a plurality of external devices, the control method comprising: performing a first judgment for determining the total number of external devices connected to the communication device; and after a connection with a predetermined external device is established through the communication device, performing a control for cutting off the connection with the predetermined external device according to the total number of connected external devices determined in the first judgment.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program product which enables a computer to function as each unit of the above control device.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the above-mentioned control device.

[0011] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera.

[0014] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device.

[0015] Figure 4 : is a flowchart showing a connection control operation of the control device and the camera according to the first embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D Shown in Figure 4 The screen displayed in the display unit in each step.

[0017] Figure 6 : is a flowchart showing a connection control operation of a control device and a camera according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. A plurality of features are described in the embodiments, but are not limited to inventions requiring all such features, and a plurality of such features may be appropriately combined. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same or similar configurations, and their redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0019] First embodiment

[0020] System Configuration

[0021] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 There are shown a plurality of cameras 200 as external devices and a control apparatus 300 which are communicably connected via a communication 400. In the present embodiment, a mobile phone is used as the control apparatus 300, for example.

[0022] exist Figure 1 , the plurality of cameras 200 are cameras to which the control device 300 is connected. The communication 400 uses Wi-Fi (registered trademark) in the present embodiment, but is not limited thereto. For example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or a dedicated wireless communication method may be used instead. Alternatively, wired communication may be used instead of wireless communication. In other words, in the present embodiment, any communication method such as RS-232C, RS-422A, USB, or Ethernet (registered trademark) may be used. However, the method requires the ability to send and receive video and camera setting values.

[0023] “Connection” with an external device including a camera through the communication 400 includes sending an HTTP request as an access request to the external device and receiving a session as an HTTP response.

[0024] Camera Configuration

[0025] Figure 2 300 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the camera 200 according to the present embodiment. Although the case where the camera 200 is connected to the control device 300 will be described here, the external device connected to the control device 300 is not limited to the camera. For example, an information processing device such as a tablet device or a personal computer may be connected to the control device 300 as an external device.

[0026] exist Figure 2 In the present invention, the control unit 201 controls each part of the camera 200 according to an input signal and a program (described later), etc. Note that a plurality of hardware may control the camera 200 as a whole by sharing the processing, instead of the control unit 201 controlling the camera 200 as a whole.

[0027] The imaging unit 202 converts the subject light formed into an image by the lens included in the imaging unit 202 into an electric signal, performs noise reduction processing, etc., and outputs the processed signal as digital image data. The image data obtained by this shooting is stored in a buffer memory, subjected to predetermined calculation processing by the control unit 201, and then recorded in the recording medium 210.

[0028] The nonvolatile memory 203 is a nonvolatile memory that can be electrically erased and recorded, and stores a program (to be described later) executed by the control unit 201 and the like.

[0029] The work memory 204 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data captured by the imaging unit 202 , a memory for image display for the display unit 206 , a work area for the control unit 201 , and the like.

[0030] The operation unit 205 is used to accept instructions made by the user in the camera 200. The operation unit 205 includes operation members such as, for example, a power button for the user to instruct the camera 200 to be turned on and off, a release switch for the user to instruct that shooting is to be performed, and a playback button for the user to instruct that image data is to be played back. The operation unit 205 also includes a touch panel arranged on the display unit 206 (to be described later).

[0031] Note that the release switch includes a switch SW1 and a switch SW2. When the release switch is placed in a known "half-pressed" state, the switch SW1 is turned on. As a result, shooting preparation processing such as an automatic focus (AF) process, an automatic exposure (AE) process, an automatic white balance (AWB) process, and a flash pre-emission (EF) process is performed. When the release switch is placed in a known "fully pressed" state, the switch SW2 is turned on. As a result, shooting processing is performed.

[0032] The display unit 206 displays a viewfinder image at the time of shooting, the image data shot, and text for interactive operation. The display unit 206 does not necessarily have to be built in the camera 200. It is sufficient that the camera 200 can be connected to the internal or external display unit 206 and has at least a display control function for controlling the display in the display unit 206.

[0033] The recording medium 210 can record image data output from the imaging unit 202. The recording medium 210 may be configured to be removable from the camera 200, or may be built in the camera 200. In other words, it is sufficient for the camera 200 to have at least a component for accessing the recording medium 210.

[0034] The connection unit 211 is an interface for connecting to an external device. The camera 200 of this embodiment can exchange data with the external device through the connection unit 211. In this embodiment, the connection unit 211 includes an interface for communicating with the external device through a wireless LAN. The control unit 201 can communicate with the external device wirelessly by controlling the connection unit 211. Note that the communication method is not limited to the wireless LAN.

[0035] Note that the camera 200 in the present embodiment can operate as a slave device in the wireless LAN communication infrastructure mode. In the case of operating as a slave device, the camera 200 can join a network formed by a nearby access point (hereinafter referred to as an "AP") by connecting to the AP. The camera 200 according to the present embodiment can also operate as a simplified AP (hereinafter referred to as a "simplified AP"), which is a type of AP with more limited functions. The AP according to the present embodiment is an example of a relay device.

[0036] When the camera 200 operates as a simplified AP, the camera 200 itself forms a network. Devices near the camera 200 can recognize the camera 200 as an AP and join the network formed by the camera 200. A program for causing the camera 200 to function as described above is stored in the nonvolatile memory 203.

[0037] The camera 200 of the present embodiment is a simplified AP, which is a type of AP but does not have a gateway function for transmitting data received from a device to an Internet provider or the like. Therefore, even if the camera receives data from another device that joins a network formed by the camera, the data cannot be transmitted to a network such as the Internet or the like. Alternatively, the connection unit 211 may be a wired communication interface instead of a wireless communication interface. In other words, the connection unit 211 may be a wired communication interface using any communication method such as RS-232C, RS-422A, USB, or Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0038] The foregoing describes the camera 200. Next, the control apparatus 300 will be described as an example of an external device.

[0039] Control device configuration

[0040] Figure 3 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device 300 of the present embodiment. Although a mobile phone is described here as an example of the control device 300, the control device 300 is not limited thereto. For example, the control device 300 may be any information processing device such as a digital camera with a wireless function, a portable media player, a known tablet device, a personal computer, or a smart phone.

[0041] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment, the control unit 301 controls each part of the control device 300 according to an input signal and a program (described later), etc. Note that a plurality of hardware may control the control device 300 as a whole by sharing the processing, instead of the control unit 301 controlling the control device 300 as a whole.

[0042] The imaging unit 302 converts the subject light formed into an image by the lens included in the imaging unit 302 into an electric signal, performs noise reduction processing, etc., and outputs the processed signal as digital image data. The image data obtained by this shooting is stored in a buffer memory, subjected to predetermined calculation processing by the control unit 301, and then recorded in the recording medium 310.

[0043] The nonvolatile memory 303 is a nonvolatile memory that can be electrically erased and recorded, and stores an OS (operating system) as basic software executed by the control unit 301, various programs, etc. A program for communicating with the camera 200 is also stored in the nonvolatile memory 303, and is assumed to be installed as a camera communication application.

[0044] The processing of the control device 300 according to the present embodiment is realized by loading a program provided by the camera communication application. It is assumed that the camera communication application has a program that uses basic functions of the OS installed in the control device 300 (for example, a wireless LAN function, a Bluetooth function, and a function for calling other applications, etc.). The camera communication application also has a remote shooting function for remotely controlling the camera 200 using the control device 300 while the user views a live view image obtained from the camera 200 in the control device 300. In addition, the camera communication application has a function for viewing image data recorded in a recording medium installed in the camera 200 by remote operation, and a remote viewing function for receiving the image data, etc. The OS of the control device 300 may have a program for realizing the processing according to the present embodiment.

[0045] The work memory 304 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data generated by the imaging unit 302 , a memory for image display for the display unit 306 , a work area for the control unit 301 , and the like.

[0046] The operation unit 305 is for accepting instructions made by the user in the control device 300. The operation unit 305 includes operation members such as a power button via which the user instructs power on and off of the control device 300 and a touch panel arranged on the display unit 306, for example.

[0047] The display unit 306 displays image data, and text display for interactive operation, etc. The display unit 306 does not necessarily have to be built in the control device 300. It is sufficient that the control device 300 can be connected to the display unit 306 and has at least a display control function for controlling display in the display unit 306.

[0048] The recording medium 310 can record image data output from the imaging unit 302, image data received from the camera 200, etc. The recording medium 310 can be configured to be removable from the control device 300, or can be built in the control device 300. In other words, it is sufficient for the control device 300 to have at least a component for accessing the recording medium 310.

[0049] The connection unit 311 is an interface for connecting to an external device. The control device 300 of this embodiment can exchange data with the external device through the connection unit 311. In this embodiment, the connection unit 311 includes an interface for communicating with the external device through a wireless LAN. The control unit 301 can communicate with the external device wirelessly by controlling the connection unit 311.

[0050] Note that the camera 200 according to the present embodiment can operate at least as a slave device in the wireless LAN communication infrastructure mode and can join a network formed by nearby APs. The camera 200 can also operate as a simplified AP, and the control device 300 can join the simplified AP of the camera 200.

[0051] The PSTN connection unit 312 is an interface used when performing public wireless line communication. The control device 300 can make voice calls and data communications with other devices through the PSTN connection unit 312. When making a voice call, the control unit 301 inputs an audio signal through the microphone 313 and outputs the audio signal through the speaker 314.

[0052] This embodiment assumes that the PSTN connection unit 312 includes an interface for communicating using 3G. Note that the communication system is not limited to 3G, and other communication systems known as "4G" such as LTE, WiMAX, ADSL, or FTTH may also be used. Additionally, the connection unit 311 and the PSTN connection unit 312 do not necessarily have to be configured as independent hardware, and it is also possible for these units to share a single antenna, for example.

[0053] Figure 4 2 is a flowchart showing operations performed by the control device 300 and the camera 200 in connection control. Figure 4 The operations in the control device 300 are implemented by the control unit 301 executing the control program stored in the non-volatile memory 303.

[0054] In step S401, the control unit 301 determines whether a registration operation is performed in the operation unit 305. If a registration operation is performed, the control unit 301 moves the sequence to step S402, and if a registration operation is not performed, repeats the process of step S401.

[0055] In step S402 , the control unit 301 transmits a connection request to the camera 200 through the connection unit 311 .

[0056] In step S403, the control unit 301 determines whether the connection with the camera 200 is successfully established in step S402. If the connection is established, the control unit 301 moves the sequence to step S404, and if the connection is not established, the control unit 301 moves the sequence to step S407.

[0057] In step S404, the control unit 301 saves connection information indicating the connection with the camera 200 connected in step S402 in the work memory 204, and registers the camera 200 as a camera that can connect to the control device 300. The connection information includes at least one of IPv6 information or IPv4 information, connection address information, user authentication information, port number information, information on whether to use SSL communication, nickname information, and information on whether connection is possible.

[0058] In step S405, the control unit 301 determines whether the number of cameras 200 currently connected to the control device 300 is less than N (where N is an integer of 2 or more). If the number is less than N, the control unit 301 moves the sequence to step S406, and if the number is not less than N, the control unit 301 moves the sequence to step S409.

[0059] In step S406, the control unit 301 displays the connection information saved in the working memory 204 in step S404 on the display unit 206. This makes it easier to identify the connected camera 200 and to determine when connection cannot be made.

[0060] In step S407, the control unit 301 determines whether an operation for registering the connection information is performed in the operation unit 205. In the case where the registration operation is performed, the control unit 301 moves the sequence to step S408, and in the case where the registration operation is not performed, ends the connection control in the current flow. Note that in the case where the operation for registering the connection information is not performed, the control unit 301 may return the sequence to step S401. This makes it easy to re-perform the registration operation in the case where the connection with the camera 200 is not established in step S402.

[0061] In step S408 , the control unit 301 saves connection information indicating connection with the camera 200 that has transmitted the connection request in step S402 and information indicating that the camera 200 attempting to connect cannot be connected in the work memory 204 , and then moves to step S406 .

[0062] In step S409, the control unit 301 disconnects the camera 200 connected in step S402, and then moves the sequence to step S410. This makes it possible to confirm whether or not connection can be made with the camera 200 that has sent a connection request in step S402 even when a plurality of cameras 200 are connected, while also reducing the influence on communication quality by reducing the connection time.

[0063] In step S410, the control unit 301 displays an indication that the connection with the connected camera 200 is cut off because at least N cameras 200 have been connected in step S402 in the display unit 206. This enables confirmation of the reason why the connection is cut off.

[0064] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D Shown in Figure 4 The screen displayed by the display unit 206 in each step.

[0065] Figure 5A 1 shows a display example of a screen for performing a registration operation displayed in step S401. After registration, a nickname 501 for making it easier to identify the registered camera 200, an address 502 of the connected camera 200, information 503 indicating whether to connect as a general user, a user name 504 / password 505 used during connection authentication, and a registration button 506 are displayed.

[0066] Figure 5B A display example of a setting screen displayed in step S407 indicating whether or not registration of connection information is required is shown. A message 507 is displayed which provides an indication that connection with the camera 200 cannot be made and accepts an operation of whether or not to register connection information.

[0067] Figure 5C A display example of a screen displayed in step S410 is shown. Since at least N cameras 200 are already connected (in this case, at least four cameras 200 are connected), a message 508 indicating that the connection with the camera 200 connected to confirm whether the connection is possible is cut off is displayed.

[0068] Figure 5D A display example of the registration information screen displayed in step S406 is shown. The connection information 509 of the connected camera and the connection information 510 of the registered camera are displayed. In this screen example, the nickname and whether the connection can be made are displayed as the connection information, but instead, only one of the above connection information or a plurality of connection information may be displayed.

[0069] As described above, according to the present embodiment, even if the number of cameras already connected to the control device reaches the prescribed number, it is possible to confirm whether connection with a camera to be newly registered is possible while reducing the influence on communication quality by reducing the connection time.

[0070] Second embodiment

[0071] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation performed by the communication system according to the second embodiment. Figure 6 Connection control between the control device 300 and the camera 200 according to the second embodiment is described. Figure 6 The operations in the control device 300 are implemented by the control unit 301 executing the control program stored in the non-volatile memory 303.

[0072] In step S601, the control unit 301 determines whether a registration operation is performed in the operation unit 305. If a registration operation is performed, the control unit 301 moves the sequence to step S602, and if a registration operation is not performed, the control unit 301 moves the sequence to step S603.

[0073] In step S602, the control unit 301 saves the connection information received in the registration operation in step S601 in the working memory 304. Note that the connection information includes at least one of IPv6 information or IPv4 information, connection address information, user authentication information, port number information, information on whether to use SSL communication, and nickname information.

[0074] In step S603 , the control unit 301 displays the connection information saved in the work memory 304 in step S602 on the display unit 306 .

[0075] In step S604, the control unit 301 determines whether the number of cameras 200 currently connected to the control device 300 is less than N (where N is an integer greater than 2). If the number is less than N, the control unit 301 moves the sequence to step S605, and if the number is not less than N, the control unit 301 moves the sequence to step S608.

[0076] In step S605, the control unit 301 determines whether a connection operation is performed in the operation unit 305. If a connection operation is performed, the control unit 301 moves the sequence to step S606, and if a connection operation is not performed, the control unit 301 returns the sequence to step S601.

[0077] In step S606 , the control unit 301 transmits a connection request to the camera 200 through the connection unit 311 .

[0078] In step S607, the control unit 301 determines whether the connection with the camera 200 is successfully established in step S606. If the connection is successfully established, the control unit 301 returns the sequence to step S601, and if the connection is not successfully established, the control unit 301 moves the sequence to step S613.

[0079] In step S608, the control unit 301 determines whether a connection confirmation operation is performed in the operation unit 305. If the connection confirmation operation is performed, the control unit 301 moves the sequence to step S609, and if the connection confirmation operation is not performed, the control unit 301 returns the sequence to step S601.

[0080] In step S609 , the control unit 301 transmits a connection request to the camera 200 through the connection unit 311 .

[0081] In step S610, the control unit 301 determines whether the connection with the camera 200 is successfully established in step S609. If the connection is successfully established, the control unit 301 moves the sequence to step S611, and if the connection is not successfully established, the control unit 301 moves the sequence to step S613.

[0082] In step S611, the control unit 301 displays an indication of successful connection on the display unit 306 (notifies the user).

[0083] In step S612, the control unit 301 disconnects the camera 200 connected in step S609, and then returns the sequence to step S601. This makes it possible to confirm whether or not connection can be made with the camera 200 that has sent a connection request in step S609 even when a plurality of cameras 200 are connected, while also reducing the influence on communication quality by reducing the connection time.

[0084] In step S613, the control unit 301 displays an indication of connection failure in the display unit 306 (notifies the user), and saves the information saved in the work memory 304 in step S602 with information indicating that the camera 200 attempting connection cannot be connected added.

[0085] As described above, according to this embodiment, in the same manner as the first embodiment, even if the number of cameras already connected to the control device reaches the prescribed number, it is possible to confirm whether connection with a newly registered camera is possible while reducing the impact on communication quality by reducing the connection time.

[0086] Other embodiments

[0087] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by the following method, namely, providing software (program) for performing the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments to a system or installation through a network or various storage media, and the system or installed computer or central processing unit (CPU), microprocessing unit (MPU) reads and executes the program.

[0088] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A control device, comprising: a communication device capable of being communicatively connected to a plurality of external devices; a first determining unit configured to determine a total number of external devices connected to the communication device; as well as A control unit is configured to cut off the connection with the predetermined external device according to the total number of connected external devices determined by the first determination unit after the connection with the predetermined external device is established through the communication device.

2. The control device according to claim 1, in, The control unit disconnects the connection with the predetermined external device after establishing the connection with the predetermined external device through the communication device, when the first determination unit determines that the total number of connected external devices is at least a predetermined number.

3. The control device according to claim 1, in, In response to an operation for registering the predetermined external device in the control apparatus, a connection with the predetermined external device is established.

4. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising: A notification unit is configured to notify a user that a connection with the predetermined external device has been cut off.

5. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising: A holding unit is configured to hold connection information, the connection information being information related to the connection with the external device.

6. The control device according to claim 5, further comprising: a second determining unit configured to determine whether a connection with the predetermined external device is successfully established; The holding unit further holds information on whether connection with the predetermined external device is possible based on the determination made by the second determination unit.

7. The control device according to claim 6, in, The holding unit holds the connection information in response to an instruction from a user in a case where connection with the predetermined external device cannot be made.

8. The control device according to claim 6, further comprising: A display device is configured to display the connection information held in the holding unit.

9. The control device according to claim 8, in, The display device further displays information indicating whether connection with the predetermined external device can be made.

10. The control device according to claim 5, in, The connection information includes at least one of IPv6 or IPv4 information, connection address information, user authentication information, port number information, information on whether to use SSL communication, nickname information, and information on whether a connection can be made.

11. The control device according to claim 1, in, The connection with the external device includes sending an HTTP request as an access request to the external device and receiving a session as an HTTP response.

12. A control method for a control device, the control device comprising a communication device capable of being communicatively connected to a plurality of external devices, the control method comprising: performing a first determination for determining a total number of external devices connected to the communication device; as well as After a connection with a predetermined external device is established through the communication device, control for cutting off the connection with the predetermined external device is performed according to the total number of connected external devices determined in the first determination.

13. A computer program product comprising a program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 12. 14 . A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 12 .

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