Imaging device, control method and program

Abstract

To achieve technology for performing control so a to transit to a stand-by state that can execute a function in accordance with whether a device connected through a general-purpose interface is adaptable for the function executable by the general-purpose interface.SOLUTION: An imaging device includes connection means for making connection to an information processing device in a communicable manner through a general-purpose interface, and control means for transiting to a stand-by state that can execute a prescribed function for controlling the imaging device through the general-purpose interface in the case of receiving a request for second information for controlling the imaging device from the information processing device in accordance with transmission of first information showing that the imaging device can be controlled through the general-purpose interface to the information processing device, and notifying a user of a fact that the execution of the prescribed function is impossible without transiting to the stand-by state that can execute the prescribed function in the case of receiving no request for the second information from the information processing device in accordance with the transmission of the first information to the information processing device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for controlling an imaging device via a general-purpose interface. [Background technology]

[0002] UVC (USB Video Class) and UAC (USB Audio Class) are known as functions that can control an imaging device such as a digital camera via a general-purpose interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus). The UVC function and UAC function (hereinafter referred to as UVC / UAC function) are functions that can deliver audio data and image data from the imaging device to an information processing device such as a personal computer (PC) via USB, and control the shooting parameters of the imaging device, for example, in an online conference, without the user having to install a driver.

[0003] Furthermore, when the imaging device is connected to an information processing device compatible with the UVC / UAC function, the imaging device notifies the user by displaying on a display unit or the like that the imaging device has transitioned to a standby state in which the UVC / UAC function can be executed. Patent Document 1 describes that when a display operation for a menu screen is performed during streaming of game images, the distribution of game images is temporarily stopped and the device transitions to a standby state. Patent Document 2 describes that when wireless communication is disconnected during streaming of images and audio, the device transitions to a state in which a screen with a disconnection notification superimposed on the image is displayed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-153813 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2019-169869 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As described above, an imaging device connected to an information processing device compatible with the UVC / UAC function notifies a user that the imaging device has transitioned to a standby state in which the UVC / UAC function can be executed by displaying the transition on a display unit, etc. On the other hand, when an information processing device not compatible with the UVC / UAC function is connected to the imaging device, the imaging device may similarly display the transition to a standby state, which may lead the user to mistakenly believe that the UVC / UAC function can be executed.

[0006] However, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, there is no control as to whether or not to transition the imaging device to a standby state in which a specified function can be executed, depending on whether or not the information processing device connected via the general-purpose interface is adapted to a specified function capable of controlling the imaging device via the general-purpose interface.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to realize a technology that controls whether or not to transition an imaging device to a standby state in which a specified function can be executed, depending on whether an information processing device connected via a general-purpose interface is adapted to a specified function capable of controlling the imaging device via the general-purpose interface. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the imaging device of the present invention has a connection means for communicatively connecting to an information processing device via a general-purpose interface, and a control means for, when a request for second information for controlling the imaging device is received from the information processing device in response to transmitting first information indicating that the imaging device is controllable via the general-purpose interface to the information processing device, transitioning to a standby state in which a predetermined function for controlling the imaging device can be executed via the general-purpose interface, and, when a request for second information for controlling the imaging device is not received from the information processing device in response to transmitting the first information to the information processing device, notifying that the predetermined function cannot be executed, without transitioning to a standby state in which the predetermined function can be executed. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to control whether or not to transition the imaging device to a standby state in which a specified function can be executed, depending on whether or not an information processing device connected via a general-purpose interface is adapted to a specified function capable of controlling the imaging device via the general-purpose interface. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1A is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging device of the present embodiment, FIG. 1B is a front view, and FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1A is a diagram illustrating an operation sequence when the imaging device and information processing device of the present embodiment are connected via a USB, and FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating information transmitted and received between the devices. [Figure 4] FIG. 1A is a flowchart showing the control process of an imaging device when an information processing device of this embodiment is connected via USB; FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the imaging device when the information processing device is not compatible with UVC / UAC functions; and FIG. 1C is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the imaging device before and after the imaging device transitions to a standby state in which the UVC / UAC function can be executed. [Diagram 5]FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a control descriptor according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is an example for realizing the present invention, and should be appropriately modified or changed depending on the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied and various conditions, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. In addition, the present invention may be configured by appropriately combining parts of each embodiment described below.

[0012] The system of this embodiment includes an imaging device 100 such as a digital camera and an information processing device 200 such as a personal computer (PC). The imaging device 100 and the information processing device 200 are communicatively connected via a general-purpose interface such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB). When the imaging device 100 and the information processing device 200 are connected via the USB, the imaging device 100 operates as a USB device, and the information processing device 200 operates as a USB host.

[0013] Furthermore, when the imaging device 100 and information processing device 200 of this embodiment are compatible with functions such as UVC (USB Video Class) and UAC (USB Audio Class) standardized by USB (hereinafter referred to as UVC / UAC functions), the information processing device 200 can control the shooting parameters of the imaging device 100, and the imaging device 100 can perform shooting based on the shooting parameters set by the information processing device 200 and transmit image data and audio data to the information processing device 200.

[0014] In this embodiment, whether or not the imaging device 100 transitions to a standby state in which the UVC / UAC function can be executed is controlled depending on whether or not the information processing device 200 connected to the imaging device 100 via USB is compatible with the UVC / UAC function. Also, in this embodiment, if the information processing device 200 connected to the imaging device 100 via USB is not compatible with the UVC / UAC function, the imaging device 100 does not transition to a standby state in which the UVC / UAC function can be executed, and notifies the user that the UVC / UAC function cannot be executed.

[0015] In this embodiment, an example of a USB as a general-purpose interface will be described, but an interface other than the USB may also be used.

[0016] <Configuration of imaging device 100> First, the configuration and functions of an image capturing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0017] In this embodiment, an imaging device such as a digital camera will be described; however, the present invention is not limited to this and may also be an information and communication terminal such as a smart device, which is a type of mobile phone, or a tablet device with a camera function, a web camera such as a surveillance camera, or a medical camera.

[0018] The control unit 101 is a central processing unit (CPU) that controls the entire imaging device 100, and realizes communication processing and control processing, which will be described later, by executing a program stored in a non-volatile memory 103, which will be described later. Note that instead of the control unit 101 controlling the entire device, the entire device may be controlled by multiple hardware devices sharing the processing.

[0019] The imaging unit 102 includes a group of lenses including a zoom lens and a focus lens, and a shutter with an aperture function. The imaging unit 102 also includes an imaging element configured with a CCD or CMOS element or the like that converts a subject image into an electric signal, and an A / D converter that converts an analog image signal output from the imaging element into a digital signal. Under the control of the control unit 101, the imaging unit 102 converts the subject image light formed by the lens included in the imaging unit 102 into an electric signal using the imaging element, performs noise reduction processing, and outputs image data consisting of a digital signal.

[0020] The control unit 101 performs resizing processes such as pixel interpolation and reduction, and color conversion processes on image data captured by the imaging unit 102. The control unit 101 also compresses and encodes the still image data that has been subjected to image processing in a format such as JPEG, and encodes the moving image data in a moving image compression format such as MP4 to generate an image file, which is then recorded on the recording medium 107. In the imaging device 100 of this embodiment, image data is recorded on the recording medium 107 in accordance with the DCF (Design Rule for Camera File system) standard.

[0021] The non-volatile memory 103 is an electrically erasable and recordable memory, and for example, an EEPROM is used. Constants, programs, etc. for the operation of the control unit 101 are recorded in the non-volatile memory 103. The programs referred to here are programs for executing communication processing and control processing, which will be described later in this embodiment.

[0022] The working memory 104 is used as a working area for expanding constants and variables for the operation of the control unit 101, programs read from the non-volatile memory 103, etc. The working memory 104 is also used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data captured by the imaging unit 102, and an image display memory for the display unit 106.

[0023] The operation unit 105 is made up of operation members such as various switches, buttons, and a touch panel that accept various operations from the user. For example, as shown in Fig. 1(b) and Fig. 1(c), the operation unit 105 includes a shutter button 105a for taking an image, a playback button 105b for playing back a captured image, and a four-way key 105c consisting of up, down, left, and right buttons for performing various settings of the camera. The operation unit 105 also includes a touch panel 105d that is integrally formed with the display unit 106 described later.

[0024] The shutter button 105a is turned on during operation by pressing it halfway (instruction to prepare for shooting) and generates a first shutter switch signal SW1. In response to the first shutter switch signal SW1, the control unit 101 controls the imaging unit 102 to start operations such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (pre-flash) processing. In addition, when the operation of the shutter button 105a is completed, in other words, when the shutter button is pressed all the way down (instruction to shoot), the shutter button is turned on and generates a second shutter switch signal SW2. In response to the second shutter switch signal SW2, the control unit 101 starts a series of operations for shooting processing from reading out a signal from the imaging unit 102 to writing image data to the recording medium 107.

[0025] The display unit 106 displays a viewfinder image during shooting, displays a shot image, displays characters for interactive operation, and the like. The display unit 106 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 106 may be integrated with the imaging device 100, or may be an external device connected to the imaging device 100. The imaging device 100 only needs to be able to connect to the display unit 106 and have a function for controlling the display of the display unit 106.

[0026] The recording medium 107 records image data output from the imaging unit 102 and audio data output from the audio input unit 109. Furthermore, the control unit 101 reads out image files and audio files stored in the recording medium 107 in the playback mode. The recording medium 107 may be a memory card or a hard disk drive that is attached to the imaging device 100, or may be a flash memory or a hard disk drive built into the imaging device 100. It is sufficient that the imaging device 100 is at least able to access the recording medium 107.

[0027] The connection unit 108 is an interface for connecting to an external device such as the information processing device 200 so as to be able to communicate with the device. The imaging device 100 of this embodiment can transmit and receive data to and from the external device via the connection unit 108. The imaging device 100 of this embodiment can capture images based on control information received from the information processing device 200, and can transmit image data generated by the imaging unit 102 and audio data generated by the audio input unit 109 to the information processing device 200 via the connection unit 108. The connection unit 108 of this embodiment includes a wired connection interface such as USB. The control unit 101 realizes communication with the external device by controlling the connection unit 108. For example, the UVC / UAC function standardized by USB can be used as a protocol for communicating data. Note that the connection unit 108 is not limited to USB, and can include wireless communication interfaces such as an infrared communication interface, Bluetooth (registered trademark), and Wireless USB. Furthermore, a wired connection interface such as HDMI (registered trademark) and IEEE1394 may be used.

[0028] The audio input unit 109 is one or more microphones built into the imaging device 100 or connected via an audio terminal, and collects audio around the imaging device 100, converts the generated analog audio signal into a digital signal, and outputs the digital signal to the control unit 101. The control unit 101 performs various audio processes on the digital signal generated by the audio input unit 109 to generate audio data. The control unit 101 can transmit the audio data generated by the audio input unit 109 to an external device via the connection unit 108.

[0029] <Configuration of information processing device 200> Next, the configuration and functions of the information processing device 200 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0030] In this embodiment, an information processing device such as a PC will be described; however, the present invention is not limited to this and may also be an information and communication terminal such as a smart device, which is a type of mobile phone, or a tablet device with communication functions, or a wearable computer such as a wristwatch-type smart watch or eyeglass-type smart glasses.

[0031] The information processing device 200 of this embodiment includes a control unit 201, an imaging unit 202, a non-volatile memory 203, a working memory 204, an operation unit 205, a display unit 206, a recording medium 207, and an audio input unit 210. The basic functions of these elements are similar to those of the imaging device 100, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0032] The information processing device 200 of this embodiment includes a control unit 201, an imaging unit 202, a non-volatile memory 203, a working memory 204, an operation unit 205, a display unit 206, a recording medium 207, and a connection unit 208. The basic functions of these elements are similar to those of the imaging device 100, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0033] The non-volatile memory 203 also stores an operating system (OS), which is basic software executed by the control unit 201, and applications that cooperate with the OS to realize applied functions. The non-volatile memory 203 also stores applications for realizing communication processing and control processing between the non-volatile memory 203 and the imaging device 100.

[0034] The connection unit 208 includes a communication interface for wired or wireless communication with an external device such as the imaging device 100. The information processing device 200 of this embodiment can transmit and receive data to and from the external device via the connection unit 208. The information processing device 200 of this embodiment can transmit control information to the imaging device 100 and receive image data and audio data generated by the imaging device 100 from the information processing device 200 via the connection unit 208. The connection unit 208 of this embodiment includes a wired communication interface such as USB. The control unit 201 realizes communication with the external device by controlling the connection unit 208. The connection unit 208 may be directly connected to the imaging device 100 or may be connected via the external device. For example, the UVC / UAC function standardized by USB can be used as a protocol for communicating data. Note that the connection unit 208 is not limited to USB, and can include wireless communication interfaces such as an infrared communication interface, Bluetooth (registered trademark), and Wireless USB. Furthermore, a wired connection interface such as HDMI (registered trademark) and IEEE1394 may be used.

[0035] The audio output unit 211 is a speaker that converts the analog audio signal generated by the audio input unit 207 into sound and outputs it to the outside.

[0036] The public network connection unit 211 is an interface used when performing wireless communication via a wide area network (WAN) such as 4G / LTE or 5G. The information processing device 200 can make a call or perform data communication with other devices via the public network connection unit 211. When making a call, the control unit 201 inputs and outputs a voice signal via the voice input unit 210 and the voice output unit 209. In this embodiment, the public network connection unit 211 is not limited to 4G / LTE or 5G, and other communication methods such as local 5G, WiMAX, ADSL, and FTTH may be used. Note that the connection unit 208 and the public network connection unit 211 do not necessarily need to be configured as independent hardware, and for example, one antenna can be used for both.

[0037] <Operation sequence of the imaging device 100 and the information processing device 200> Next, with reference to FIG. 3, an operation sequence when the imaging device 100 and the information processing device 200 of this embodiment are connected via USB will be described.

[0038] Note that the processing in FIG. 3(a) will be described assuming that the imaging device 100 and the information processing device 200 are the control entities; however, in reality, the processing is realized by the control unit 101 of the imaging device 100 shown in FIG. 1 executing a program stored in the non-volatile memory 103 to control each component, and the control unit 201 of the information processing device 200 shown in FIG. 2 executing a program stored in the non-volatile memory 203 to control each component.

[0039] FIG. 3A is a sequence diagram showing the operation when the imaging device 100 and the information processing device 200 of this embodiment are connected via USB.

[0040] In S300, the imaging device 100 and the information processing device 200 are connected via USB. The imaging device 100 transmits information including the type and configuration of a USB device, called a descriptor, to the information processing device 200. The OS of the information processing device 200 can recognize the type and configuration of the imaging device 100 as a USB device by analyzing the descriptor received from the imaging device 100.

[0041] In S301, the information processing device 200 transmits a request to the imaging device 100 to obtain a descriptor.

[0042] In S302, the imaging device 100 transmits a descriptor to the information processing device 200.

[0043] FIG. 3(b) illustrates an example of the data structure of a descriptor.

[0044] The descriptors include a device descriptor 311 , a configuration descriptor 312 , and a control descriptor 313 .

[0045] The device descriptor 311 describes information such as the USB standard to which the imaging device 100 conforms, the device class, the protocol, the vendor ID, and the product ID.

[0046] In the configuration descriptor 312, information such as the power (bus power) supplied to the image capture device 100 and the power consumption of the image capture device 100 is described.

[0047] The control descriptor 313 describes first information indicating that the imaging device 100 can be controlled by the information processing device 200 when the imaging device 100 and the information processing device 200 are compatible with the UVC / UAC function.

[0048] In this embodiment, when the information processing device 200 is compatible with the UVC / UAC function and receives a control descriptor 313 from the imaging device 100, the information processing device 200 analyzes information described in the control descriptor 313. Then, when the information processing device 200 determines that the imaging device 100 is compatible with the UVC / UAC function, the information processing device 200 transmits a request for control information (second information) for controlling the imaging device 100 to the imaging device 100. Based on the control information received from the imaging device 100, the application of the information processing device 200 displays a UI screen on which shooting parameters for controlling the imaging device 100 can be set. A user can set shooting parameters for controlling the imaging device 100 via the UI screen.

[0049] Furthermore, if the information processing device 200 does not support the UVC / UAC function, the information processing device 200 does not transmit a request for control information to the imaging device 100 even if it receives a control descriptor from the imaging device 100. The imaging device 100 of this embodiment can determine that the information processing device 200 is not compatible with the UVC / UAC function when a request for control information is not transmitted from the information processing device 200 after transmitting the control descriptor 313 to the information processing device 200. As a result, the imaging device 100 of this embodiment controls whether or not the imaging device 100 transitions to a standby state in which the UVC / UAC function can be executed, depending on whether or not the information processing device 200 is compatible with the UVC / UAC function. Furthermore, if the information processing device 200 is not compatible with the UVC / UAC function, the imaging device 101 of this embodiment notifies the user that the UVC / UAC function cannot be executed without transitioning to a standby state in which the UVC / UAC function can be executed.

[0050] In addition, if the imaging device 100 is not compatible with the UVC / UAC function, the imaging device 100 does not need to transmit the control descriptor 313 to the information processing device 200. However, in this case, regardless of whether the information processing device 200 is compatible with the UVC / UAC function, the imaging device 100 does not receive a request for control information from the information processing device 200. Therefore, it is not possible to determine whether the information processing device 200 is compatible with the UVC / UAC function. Therefore, in this embodiment, regardless of whether the imaging device 100 is compatible with the UVC / UAC function, the imaging device 100 transmits the control descriptor 313 to the information processing device 200. Then, the imaging device 100 determines whether the information processing device 200 is compatible with the UVC / UAC function depending on whether the imaging device 100 has received a request for control information from the information processing device 200.

[0051] In S303, if the information processing device 200 is compatible with the UVC / UAC function, the information processing device 200 analyzes the information described in the control descriptor 313 received from the imaging device 100 in S302. Then, if the information processing device 200 determines that the imaging device 100 is compatible with the UVC / UAC function, it transmits a request for control information that can be set in the imaging device 100 to the imaging device 100. The control information includes information on configurable parameters such as brightness, magnification, color tone, and sharpness for adjusting the image quality of an image, and zoom, focus, pan, tilt, and the like for controlling a shooting operation.

[0052] In S304, the imaging device 100 transmits to the information processing device 200 control information that can be set in the imaging device 100 based on the request for control information received from the information processing device 200 in S303.

[0053] In this embodiment, when the imaging device 100 is compatible with the UVC / UAC function, the imaging device 100 transmits to the information processing device 200 a control descriptor 313 including information on the initial value, maximum value, and minimum value of the imaging parameters controllable in the imaging device 100. When the imaging device 100 is not compatible with the UVC / UAC function, the imaging device 100 transmits to the information processing device 200 a control descriptor 313 including information on the initial value, maximum value, and minimum value of the imaging parameters controllable in the imaging device 100 set to 0. In this way, the imaging device 100 notifies the information processing device 200 that the imaging device 100 is not compatible with the UVC / UAC function by transmitting to the information processing device 200 information on the initial value, maximum value, and minimum value of the shooting parameters set to 0. This allows the information processing device 200 to recognize that the imaging device 100 is not compatible with the UVC / UAC function. Details of the control descriptor will be described later with reference to FIG. 5.

[0054] <Control process of imaging device> Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a control process of the imaging device 100 when the information processing device 200 of this embodiment is connected via USB will be described.

[0055] FIG. 4A is a flowchart showing a control process of the imaging apparatus 100 when the information processing apparatus 200 of this embodiment is connected via USB.

[0056] The processing in FIG. 4 is realized by the control unit 101 of the imaging device 100 shown in FIG. 1 executing a program stored in the non-volatile memory 103 to control each component.

[0057] In step S400, the connection unit 108 of the control unit 101 is connected to the connection unit 208 of the information processing device 200, and the control unit 101 is connected to the control unit 201 of the information processing device 200 via USB. Until the processing of step S402 described later, the imaging device 100 has not transitioned to a standby state in which the UVC / UAC function can be executed, and as shown in Fig. 4(c), the display unit 106 of the imaging device 100 does not display that the imaging device 100 is in a standby state in which the UVC / UAC function can be executed.

[0058] In step S401, the control unit 101 transmits a descriptor including the control descriptor 313 to the information processing device 200 in response to receiving a request for a descriptor from the information processing device 200 connected in step S400.

[0059] In step S402, the control unit 101 uses a timer to measure the time that has elapsed since the control unit 101 transmitted the descriptor to the information processing device 200 in step S401.

[0060] In step S403, the control unit 101 determines whether or not a request for control information has been received from the information processing device 200 within a predetermined time since the timer was started in step S402. If the control unit 101 determines that a request for control information has been received from the information processing device 200 within the predetermined time since the timer was started in step S402, the control unit 101 proceeds to step S404. If the control unit 101 determines that a request for control information has not been received from the information processing device 200 within the predetermined time since the timer was started in step S402, the control unit 101 proceeds to step S406.

[0061] If the information processing device 200 is compatible with the UVC / UAC function, the information processing device 200 that has received the control descriptor 313 from the imaging device 100 transmits a request for control information to the imaging device 100. If the information processing device 200 is not compatible with the UVC / UAC function, the information processing device 200 does not transmit a request for control information to the imaging device 100. This allows the control unit 101 to determine whether the information processing device 200 is compatible with the UVC / UAC function based on whether the control unit 101 receives a request for control information from the information processing device 200 within a predetermined time after transmitting the control descriptor 313 to the information processing device 200. The predetermined time is set to 300 milliseconds, 500 milliseconds, or the like, but may be set by the user to any time.

[0062] In step S404, the control unit 101 resets the time measured by the timer.

[0063] In step S405, the control unit 101 transitions to a standby state in which the UVC / UAC function shown in FIG. 4C can be executed.

[0064] Fig. 4(b) illustrates an example of a screen displayed on the imaging device 100 when the information processing device 200 of this embodiment is not compatible with the UVC / UAC function. Fig. 4(c) illustrates an example of a screen displayed on the imaging device 100 before and after the imaging device 100 of this embodiment transitions to a standby state in which the UVC / UAC function can be executed.

[0065] When the imaging device 100 has not transitioned to a standby state in which the UVC / UAC function can be executed, the control unit 101 displays a screen 411 of FIG. 4(c) indicating that the imaging device 100 has not transitioned to a standby state in which the UVC / UAC function can be executed on the display unit 106. The state before the imaging device 100 transitions to a standby state in which the UVC / UAC function can be executed corresponds to the processes of steps S400 to S402 in FIG. 4(a). When the control device 100 receives a request for control information from the information processing device 200 in step S405 and transitions to a standby state in which the UVC / UAC function can be executed, the control unit 101 displays a screen 412 of FIG. 4(c) indicating that the imaging device 100 has transitioned to a standby state in which the UVC / UAC function can be executed on the display unit 106.

[0066] In step S406, the control unit 101 determines that the information processing device 200 is not compatible with the UVC / UAC function. Then, the control unit 101 does not transition to a standby state in which the UVC / UAC function can be executed, displays on the display unit 106 a message indicating that the UVC / UAC function cannot be executed as shown in Fig. 4(b), and resets the timer that started counting in step S402.

[0067] <Control Descriptor Description> Next, the control descriptor 313 of this embodiment will be described.

[0068] FIG. 5(a) illustrates an example of a data configuration of a control descriptor 313 transmitted to the information processing device 200 when the imaging device 100 of this embodiment is compatible with the UVC / UAC function. The control descriptor 313 includes, for example, at least one of brightness, magnification, color tone, and sharpness, which are shooting parameters for adjusting the image quality of an image, as information indicating that the imaging device 100 can be controlled. In the example of FIG. 5(a), information on the initial value, minimum value, and maximum value of brightness, magnification, and color tone is described in the control descriptor 313. The information processing device 200 analyzes the information of the control descriptor 313 received from the imaging device 100. Then, the information processing device 200 determines that the imaging device 100 is compatible with the UVC / UAC function because there are shooting parameters that can be controlled in the imaging device 100, and transmits a request for control information to the imaging device 100.

[0069] 5B illustrates an example of the data configuration of the control descriptor 313 transmitted to the information processing device 200 when the imaging device 100 of this embodiment is not compatible with the UVC / UAC function. When the imaging device 100 is not compatible with the UVC / UAC function, 0 is written in the initial value, minimum value, and maximum value information for all of the brightness, magnification, color tone, and sharpness included in the control descriptor 313. The information processing device 200 analyzes the information of the control descriptor 313 received from the imaging device 100. Then, the information processing device 200 determines that the imaging device 100 is not compatible with the UVC / UAC function because there are no shooting parameters that can be controlled in the imaging device 100, and does not transmit a request for control information to the imaging device 100.

[0070] According to this embodiment, when the imaging device 100 is connected to the information processing device 200 via USB, if the information processing device 200 is compatible with the UVC / UAC function, the imaging device 100 transitions to a standby state in which the UVC / UAC function can be executed. If the information processing device 200 is not compatible with the UVC / UAC function, the imaging device 100 does not transition to a standby state in which the UVC / UAC function can be executed, and notifies the user that the UVC / UAC function cannot be executed. This can prevent the user from misunderstanding that the UVC / UAC function can be executed.

[0071] [Other embodiments] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0072] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention.

[0073] The disclosure of this specification includes the following imaging device, control method, and program. [Configuration 1] 1. An imaging device, comprising: A connection means for communicatively connecting to an information processing device via a general-purpose interface; when a request for second information for controlling the imaging device is received from the information processing device in response to transmitting first information indicating that the imaging device is controllable via the general-purpose interface to the information processing device, transitioning to a standby state in which a predetermined function for controlling the imaging device can be executed via the general-purpose interface; and a control means for notifying the information processing device that the specified function cannot be executed without transitioning to a standby state in which the specified function can be executed when the information processing device does not receive a request for the second information in response to transmitting the first information to the information processing device. [Configuration 2] when the control means receives a request for the first information from the information processing device, the control means transmits the first information to the information processing device; when receiving a request for the second information from the information processing device in response to transmitting the first information to the information processing device, transitioning to a standby state in which the predetermined function can be executed; The imaging device described in configuration 1 is characterized in that, if a request for the second information is not received from the information processing device in response to transmitting the first information to the information processing device, the imaging device does not transition to a standby state in which the specified function can be executed, and notifies the user that the specified function cannot be executed. [Configuration 3] 3. The imaging device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the control means starts measuring time using a timer after transmitting the first information to the information processing device. [Configuration 4] The imaging device described in configuration 3, wherein the control means resets the timer when it receives a request for the second information from the information processing device within a predetermined time after starting the timer to time the imaging device, and transitions to a standby state in which the predetermined function can be executed. [Configuration 5] The imaging device described in configuration 3 or 4, characterized in that the control means performs the notification when it does not receive a request for the second information from the information processing device within a predetermined time after starting timekeeping by the timer. [Configuration 6] 6. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, further comprising a display unit for notifying that the predetermined function cannot be executed. [Configuration 7] 7. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the general-purpose interface includes a USB (Universal Serial Bus). [Configuration 8] 8. The imaging device according to configuration 7, wherein the predetermined function is UVC (USB Video Class) standardized by the USB. [Configuration 9] 9. The imaging device according to configuration 8, wherein the first information includes shooting parameters that can control the imaging device. [Configuration 10] 10. The imaging device according to configuration 9, wherein the shooting parameters include at least one of brightness, magnification, color tone, and sharpness of an image generated by the imaging device. [Configuration 11] the control means transmits, when the imaging device is capable of executing the predetermined function, the first information in which initial values, minimum values ​​and maximum values ​​of the shooting parameters are described to the information processing device; The imaging device described in configuration 9 or 10, characterized in that if the imaging device is not capable of executing the specified function, the first information in which 0 is written for the initial value, minimum value and maximum value of the shooting parameter is transmitted to the information processing device. [Configuration 12] A control method for an imaging device, comprising: A step of communicatively connecting to an information processing device via a general-purpose interface; when a request for second information for controlling the imaging device is received from the information processing device in response to transmitting first information indicating that the imaging device is controllable via the general-purpose interface to the information processing device, transitioning to a standby state in which a predetermined function for controlling the imaging device can be executed via the general-purpose interface; a step of notifying that the specified function cannot be executed, without transitioning to a standby state in which the specified function can be executed, when a request for the second information is not received from the information processing device in response to transmitting the first information to the information processing device. [Configuration 13] A program for causing a computer to function as the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 100: imaging device, 101: control unit, 108: connection unit, 200: information processing device, 201: control unit, 208: connection unit

Claims

1. 1. An imaging device, comprising: A connection means for communicatively connecting to an information processing device via a general-purpose interface; when a request for second information for controlling the imaging device is received from the information processing device in response to transmitting first information indicating that the imaging device is controllable via the general-purpose interface to the information processing device, transitioning to a standby state in which a predetermined function for controlling the imaging device can be executed via the general-purpose interface; and a control means for notifying the information processing device that the specified function cannot be executed without transitioning to a standby state in which the specified function can be executed if the information processing device does not receive a request for the second information in response to transmitting the first information to the information processing device.

2. when the control means receives a request for the first information from the information processing device, the control means transmits the first information to the information processing device; when a request for the second information is received from the information processing device in response to transmitting the first information to the information processing device, the device transitions to a standby state in which the predetermined function can be executed; The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that if a request for the second information is not received from the information processing device in response to transmitting the first information to the information processing device, the imaging device does not transition to a standby state in which the specified function can be executed, and notifies the user that the specified function cannot be executed.

3. 2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means starts measuring time using a timer after transmitting the first information to the information processing apparatus.

4. The imaging device according to claim 3, characterized in that the control means resets the timer when it receives a request for the second information from the information processing device within a predetermined time after starting the timer to time the imaging device, and transitions to a standby state in which the predetermined function can be executed.

5. 4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control means issues the notification when the request for the second information is not received from the information processing apparatus within a predetermined time after the timer starts measuring the time.

6. 2. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit for notifying that the predetermined function cannot be executed.

7. 2. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the general-purpose interface includes a USB (Universal Serial Bus).

8. 8. The imaging device according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined function is UVC (USB Video Class) standardized by the USB.

9. 9. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first information includes a photographing parameter capable of controlling the image pickup apparatus.

10. 10. The imaging device according to claim 9, wherein the shooting parameters include at least one of brightness, magnification, color tone, and sharpness of an image generated by the imaging device.

11. the control means transmits, when the imaging device is capable of executing the predetermined function, the first information in which initial values, minimum values ​​and maximum values ​​of the shooting parameters are described to the information processing device; The imaging device according to claim 9, characterized in that, when the imaging device is not capable of executing the specified function, the first information in which 0 is written for the initial value, minimum value and maximum value of the shooting parameter is transmitted to the information processing device.

12. A control method for an imaging device, comprising: A step of communicatively connecting to an information processing device via a general-purpose interface; when a request for second information for controlling the imaging device is received from the information processing device in response to transmitting first information indicating that the imaging device is controllable via the general-purpose interface to the information processing device, transitioning to a standby state in which a predetermined function for controlling the imaging device can be executed via the general-purpose interface; a step of notifying that the specified function cannot be executed, without transitioning to a standby state in which the specified function can be executed, when a request for the second information is not received from the information processing device in response to transmitting the first information to the information processing device.

13. A program for causing a computer to function as the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images