Electronic apparatus, control method for electronic apparatus, and program

Abstract

To make it possible to automatically set the sound characteristics of a sound-collecting apparatus according to usage conditions.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus that can be attached to an imaging device includes sound collection means for collecting sound, communication means for transmitting audio data of the collected sound to the imaging device via wireless communication, and control means for setting sound characteristics related to the sound collection of the electronic apparatus. When the electronic apparatus is attached to the imaging device, the sound characteristics are set to first sound characteristics, and when the electronic apparatus is not attached to the imaging device, the sound characteristics are set to second sound characteristics.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device that can be attached to an imaging device, a control method for the electronic device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] When shooting a video of a human subject with an imaging device, a method is known in which the subject wears a wireless microphone to pick up the voice and transmit it wirelessly to the imaging device for recording in order to clearly record the voice of the subject. There is also a wireless microphone that has a structure that allows it to be attached to the accessory shoe of the imaging device, and when attached to the imaging device, it can pick up not only the human voice but also environmental sounds when shooting a video with the imaging device.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a method in which an imaging device wirelessly connects to a wireless microphone worn by a human subject to pick up sound via Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like, receives audio signals from the wireless microphone, and records them as sound during video recording. Patent Document 2 discloses a method in which, when an external sound recording device (IC recorder) that picks up sound is attached to the imaging device, the recording conditions of the imaging device are set to those corresponding to the sound recording device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-232849 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2019-208131 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The appropriate settings for the sound characteristics (frequency characteristics, sensitivity, etc.) when worn on a person and used to pick up human voices are different from the appropriate settings for the sound characteristics when attached to an imaging device and used to pick up environmental sounds, and the user had to set the sound characteristics according to the usage state of the wireless microphone. In the technology described in Patent Document 2, when a recording device is connected to an imaging device, the recording conditions of the imaging device are set according to the performance of the recording device, but the sound characteristics settings of the recording device itself, which is the device that collects sound, are not changed. Furthermore, in Patent Document 2, switching according to the usage purpose, whether it is used to collect human voices or environmental sounds, is not performed. Therefore, the present invention aims to automatically set the sound characteristics of the device that collects sound according to the usage state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The electronic device of the present invention is an electronic device that can be attached to an imaging device, and has a sound collection means for collecting sound, a communication means for transmitting audio data of the collected sound to the imaging device via wireless communication, and a control means for setting sound characteristics related to sound collection of the electronic device, wherein the control means sets the sound characteristics to a first sound characteristic when the electronic device is attached to the imaging device, and sets the sound characteristics to a second sound characteristic different from the first sound characteristic when the electronic device is not attached to the imaging device. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The present invention is capable of automatically setting the sound characteristics of a sound-collecting device according to the state of use. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a camera and a wireless microphone. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an external view of a wireless microphone. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a wireless microphone is attached to a camera. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a wireless microphone is attached to a subject person. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the camera in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the wireless microphone in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the wireless microphone according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of camera 100 and wireless microphone 140 in this embodiment. Fig. 2 is an external view of wireless microphone 140. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining a state in which wireless microphone 140 is attached to camera 100. Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining a state in which wireless microphone 140 is worn by a person who is a subject to be photographed. Note that the same components are given the same reference numerals in Figs. 1 to 4.

[0011] The camera 100 is an example of an imaging device, and the wireless microphone 140 is an example of an electronic device that can be attached to an imaging device. The camera 100 and the wireless microphone 140 are capable of wireless communication. The wireless microphone 140 transmits audio data obtained by collecting surrounding sounds to the camera 100 via wireless communication, and the camera 100 receives the audio data transmitted from the wireless microphone 140. In this example, an example in which there is one wireless microphone 140 will be described, but there may be multiple wireless microphones 140. Also, an example in which the number of channels capable of storing audio data is two, channel L and channel R corresponding to the left and right of the camera 100, will be described, but there may be three or more channels.

[0012] The configurations of the camera 100 and the wireless microphone 140 will be described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2. As shown in Figure 1, a photographing lens 120 is attached to the front of the camera 100. The photographing lens 120 is replaceable, and the camera 100 and the photographing lens 120 are electrically connected via a mount contact group 103.

[0013] The camera control unit 101 is a microcomputer that controls the operation of each unit of the camera 100. The camera control unit 101 has a built-in memory for storing various adjustment values ​​and programs for executing various controls. This built-in memory also functions as a buffer memory for temporarily storing various data processed at various locations.

[0014] The image sensor 102 converts light from a subject incident through the lens 122 into an electrical signal, generates image data including still images and videos, and outputs the signal to the camera control unit 101. The focal plane shutter 104 is disposed between the image sensor 102 and the lens 122, and operates under the instructions of the camera control unit 101. The focal plane shutter 104 is composed of a front curtain and a rear curtain, and exposure of the image sensor 102 begins when the front curtain travels and the shutter opens, and ends when the rear curtain travels and the shutter closes.

[0015] The camera operation unit 105 has an operation member operated by the user. The camera operation unit 105 detects an operation performed by the user via a button, switch, dial, connected device, etc. attached to the camera 100, and outputs a signal according to the operation instruction to the camera control unit 101. For example, in the case of still image shooting, the camera operation unit 105 outputs to the camera control unit 101 a SW1 signal that is generated when the user half-presses the release button, and a SW2 signal that is generated when the user fully presses the release button. Also, for example, in the case of video shooting, the camera operation unit 105 outputs to the camera control unit 101 a REC signal that is generated when the user operates the record button. The camera display unit 106 displays shooting information and captured images according to instructions from the camera control unit 101.

[0016] The camera control unit 101 controls the operation of the camera 100 based on the output signal of the camera operation unit 105. When the output signal of the camera operation unit 105 is an SW1 signal, the camera control unit 101 drives the image sensor 102 to capture an image and outputs focus information such as the defocus amount at each distance measurement point. The camera control unit 101 also detects a subject from the image capture result, repeats photometry control (AE operation) to measure the brightness of the subject, and determines the shutter speed, aperture value, and ISO sensitivity to be used during shooting from the photometry result. Here, the shutter speed, aperture value, and ISO sensitivity to be used during shooting are collectively referred to as exposure control values. The determined exposure control value is displayed on the screen of the camera display unit 106. When the output signal of the camera operation unit 105 is an SW2 signal, the camera control unit 101 drives the aperture 123 in the lens 122, sets the sensitivity (ISO sensitivity) of the image sensor 102, and controls the focal plane shutter 104 to irradiate light to the image sensor 102. When the output signal of the camera operation unit 105 is a REC signal, the camera control unit 101 sets the sensitivity (ISO sensitivity) and frame rate of the image sensor 102, drives the image sensor 102 to capture an image, and outputs focus information such as the defocus amount at each distance measurement point. The camera control unit 101 also detects a subject from the image capture result, and irradiates the image sensor 102 with light while repeating photometry control (AE operation) for measuring the brightness of the subject. The lens control unit 121 described below drives a focus lens (not shown) for adjusting the focus in the lens 122 according to an instruction from the camera control unit 101, and repeats autofocus. The camera control unit 101 displays a captured image on the screen of the camera display unit 106 according to image data acquired from the image sensor 102, and controls writing image data (including image data with sound information) to the storage unit 107.

[0017] The camera wireless communication unit 108 performs wireless communication between the camera 100 and an external device, and transmits and receives data such as image data, audio data, compressed image data, and compressed audio data by wireless communication. The camera wireless communication unit 108 also transmits and receives control signals related to shooting such as shooting start and end commands, and other information. The camera wireless communication unit 108 is, for example, a wireless communication module such as an infrared communication module, a Bluetooth communication module, or a wireless LAN communication module. The camera wireless communication unit 108 receives audio data from the wireless microphone 140 by wireless communication, and can use the audio when shooting a video. In this embodiment, the camera wireless communication unit 108 communicates with the wireless microphone 140, but a dedicated receiver for receiving audio data may be prepared and the camera 100 may receive the audio data via the receiver.

[0018] The camera audio input unit 110 collects sounds around the camera 100 using a built-in microphone or an external microphone connected via an audio input terminal, and outputs the audio data obtained by analog-to-digital conversion to the camera control unit 101. The camera control unit 101 performs audio-related processing such as level optimization processing, specific frequency reduction processing, and audio detection processing on the audio data input from the camera audio input unit 110. The camera control unit 101 performs synthesis processing of the audio data that has been subjected to the audio-related processing with image data acquired by the imaging element 102 and audio data acquired from the wireless microphone 140, and controls writing of the image data with the audio information to the storage unit 107. The microphone may be a monaural microphone or a stereo microphone.

[0019] Next, the configuration of the photographing lens 120 will be described. The lens control unit 121 is a microcomputer that controls the operation of each unit of the photographing lens 120. The lens 122 is composed of multiple lenses, and forms a subject image on the image sensor 102. Furthermore, the lens 122 is equipped with an aperture 123 for adjusting the amount of light, and a focus lens (not shown) for adjusting the focus. The lens control unit 121 adjusts the amount of light taken into the camera and the focus according to instructions from the camera control unit 101 by control via the mount contact group 103, and sends distance information at that time, etc. to the camera control unit 101.

[0020] Next, the configuration of the wireless microphone 140 will be described. The microphone control unit 141 is a microcomputer that controls the operation of each unit of the wireless microphone 140. The microphone control unit 141 is an example of a control means and a determination means. The microphone control unit 141 can wirelessly communicate with the camera control unit 101 via the microphone wireless communication unit 142 and the camera wireless communication unit 108, and can transmit and receive setting instructions from the camera, camera information, receiver information, microphone information, and the like in addition to audio data and compressed audio data. The microphone control unit 141 also determines whether the wireless microphone 140 is attached to the camera 100 according to the detection results of the attachment detection unit 146 and the attitude detection unit 147. The microphone control unit 141 also sets the sound characteristics (sensitivity, frequency characteristics, directional characteristics, etc.) of the sound acquired by the microphone audio input unit 145 according to the result of determining whether the wireless microphone 140 is attached to the camera 100.

[0021] The microphone wireless communication unit 142, like the camera wireless communication unit 108, performs wireless communication between the wireless microphone 140 and an external device, and transmits and receives data such as audio data of sounds picked up by the microphone audio input unit 145 and compressed audio data, for example, via wireless communication. The microphone wireless communication unit 142 also transmits and receives various information related to the wireless microphone 140, such as an individual identification number, a battery, and MUTE, in response to an instruction from the microphone control unit 141. The microphone wireless communication unit 142 is, for example, a wireless communication module such as an infrared communication module, a Bluetooth communication module, or a wireless LAN communication module.

[0022] The microphone operation unit 143 has an operation member operated by the user. The microphone operation unit 143 detects an operation performed by the user via a switch such as a push button attached to the wireless microphone 140, and outputs a signal according to the operation instruction to the microphone control unit 141. The microphone display unit 144 displays information such as the communication state, MUTE, battery, etc., in response to an instruction from the microphone control unit 141. The microphone display unit 144 may also display an individual identification number of the wireless microphone 140, etc. The individual identification number may be a serial number, etc.

[0023] The microphone audio input unit 145 collects sounds around the wireless microphone 140 using a built-in microphone, converts the sounds into analog-digital data, and outputs the resulting audio data to the microphone control unit 141. The microphone audio input unit 145 is an example of a sound collection means. The microphone control unit 141 performs audio-related processing, such as level optimization processing, specific frequency reduction processing, and audio data synthesis processing, on the audio data input from the microphone audio input unit 145. Note that the wireless microphone 140 in this embodiment is a stereo microphone that is composed of multiple ECMs (electret condenser microphones) and supports a stereo technique called the MS method (mid-side method). That is, it is a microphone that combines a unidirectional ECM facing the front direction (the direction of the arrow 203 in FIG. 2) and a bidirectional (bidirectional) ECM arranged so that the directivity is directed in the lateral direction (the direction along the X-axis perpendicular to the direction of the arrow 203 in FIG. 2). By synthesizing the sounds from each ECM, it is possible to control the directivity to a predetermined angle. Therefore, the microphone control unit 141, which acquires audio data from the microphone audio input unit 145, creates audio by synthesizing the ECMs at different synthesis ratios, and the wireless microphone 140 can change the directivity of the stereo audio.

[0024] Attachment detection unit 146 detects that wireless microphone 140 is attached (mounted) to camera 100. Attachment detection unit 146 is, for example, a switch provided on the side of an attachment portion to an accessory shoe as shown in Fig. 2, and detects pressure from the accessory shoe. When wireless microphone 140 is attached to accessory shoe 301 of camera 100 as shown in Fig. 3 described later, attachment detection unit 146 is pressed by accessory shoe 301, and it is possible to detect that the wireless microphone is attached to camera 100.

[0025] The attitude detection unit 147 detects the attitude of the wireless microphone 140. The attitude detection unit 147 has an angular velocity sensor that can detect the attitude of the wireless microphone 140. When the wireless microphone 140 is attached to a subject person 401 by the attachment clip unit 201 as shown in FIG. 4, the wireless microphone 140 is attached so that the unidirectional ECM faces upward (vertically) so that the microphone is oriented toward the mouth of the subject person 401 (the direction of the arrow 402 in FIG. 4). On the other hand, when the wireless microphone 140 is attached to the accessory shoe 301 of the camera 100 as shown in FIG. 3, the unidirectional ECM faces the shooting direction of the shooting lens 120 so that the wireless microphone 140 faces the horizontal direction (the direction of the arrows 302 and 303 in FIG. 3). Therefore, for example, by detecting the attitude of the wireless microphone 140 by the attitude detection unit 147, it can be detected whether the wireless microphone 140 is attached (mounted) to the camera 100.

[0026] FIG. 2(a) shows the wireless microphone 140 with the mounting clip portion 201 in a closed state, and FIG. 2(b) shows the wireless microphone 140 with the mounting clip portion 201 in an open state. The mounting clip portion 201 has a width b in the X-axis direction and a thickness h in the Y-axis direction that allows it to be attached to an accessory shoe 301 of the camera 100, and as shown in FIG. 3, the wireless microphone 140 can be attached to the accessory shoe 301. The mounting clip portion 201 is biased in the closing direction as shown in FIG. 2(a) by a torsion spring (not shown) or the like in the rotation direction about the shaft portion 202, and the mounting clip portion 201 opens when point P shown in FIG. 2(b) is pressed and operated. By opening the mounting clip portion 201 and biasing it in the closing direction, the wireless microphone 140 can be attached to a breast pocket or the like without easily coming off when a subject person 401 wears it, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0027] 3 is a diagram showing a state in which wireless microphone 140 is attached to the top surface of camera 100. When wireless microphone 140 is attached to the top surface of camera 100, the front direction for acquiring sound from wireless microphone 140 is the direction indicated by arrows 302 and 303, and faces the same photographic field as the optical axis direction of photographing lens 120. Note that, in the example of this embodiment, camera 100 and wireless microphone 140 are connected by wireless communication, but may be electrically connected via accessory shoe contact group 109.

[0028] 4 is a diagram showing the state in which wireless microphone 140 is attached to person 401 who is to be the subject of photography. When attached to a breast pocket or the like of clothing using attachment clip part 201, the front direction of voice capture of wireless microphone 140 is the direction shown by arrow 402, and it can be attached in a state facing the mouth of the person to be photographed. This makes it easier to capture only the voice of the person to be photographed.

[0029] Hereinafter, the operations of camera 100 and wireless microphone 140 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the control operation of camera 100 when collecting sound and performing a recording operation using wireless microphone 140. Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the control operation of wireless microphone 140 when transmitting sound while camera 100 is performing a recording operation.

[0030] When the power switch (or power button) of camera 100 in camera operation unit 105 is turned on, power is supplied to each unit of camera 100 from a battery (not shown). Then, after initialization and reading of various settings are performed and preparation for shooting operation is completed, camera 100 starts the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. Similarly, when the power switch (or power button) of wireless microphone 140 in microphone operation unit 143 is turned on, power is supplied to each unit of wireless microphone 140 from a battery (not shown). Then, initialization and reading of various settings are performed and preparation for wireless connection with camera 100 is completed, and wireless microphone 140 starts the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6.

[0031] First, the operation of camera 100, which wirelessly connects to wireless microphone 140 to acquire audio data and perform recording operation, will be described with reference to FIG. In step S501, the camera control unit 101 of the camera 100 performs various settings related to wireless connection for putting the camera 100 into a state in which wireless communication with the wireless microphone 140 is possible, based on a user operation on the camera operation unit 105, etc. In this embodiment, a plurality of wireless microphones 140 can be wirelessly connected to one camera 100, and the camera control unit 101 performs settings for each of the wireless microphones 140. If settings related to wireless connection have already been performed and the wireless connection is maintained, the processing of this step S501 may be omitted.

[0032] In step S502, the camera control unit 101 determines whether or not wireless communication with the microphone control unit 141 of the wireless microphone 140 is possible. If the camera control unit 101 determines that wireless communication with the microphone control unit 141 is possible (YES), the process proceeds to step S504. On the other hand, if the camera control unit 101 determines that wireless communication with the microphone control unit 141 is not possible (NO), error information is stored in the built-in memory of the camera control unit 101, and the process proceeds to step S503. At this time, if the microphone control unit 141 has also determined that there is error information, the microphone control unit 141 stores the error information in the built-in memory of the microphone control unit 141.

[0033] In step S503, the camera control unit 101 displays a warning on the camera display unit 106 based on the error information stored in the built-in memory. After the camera control unit 101 displays a warning related to the wireless connection on the camera display unit 106, the process returns to step S501.

[0034] In step S504, the camera control unit 101 acquires microphone information related to the wirelessly connected wireless microphone 140 from the microphone control unit 141, and stores the microphone information in the built-in memory of the camera control unit 101. The microphone information related to the wireless microphone 140 includes, for example, the individual identification number of the wireless microphone 140, information about the battery, MUTE, etc. The camera control unit 101 may display the status of the wireless microphone 140 on the camera display unit 106 based on the information stored in the built-in memory.

[0035] In step S505, the camera control unit 101 performs sound recording settings based on user operations on the camera operation unit 105, etc., for synthesizing the sound data acquired from the wireless microphone 140 wirelessly connected in step S501 with the image data obtained by capturing the sound. If the sound recording settings are not set in this step S505, default settings stored in the built-in memory of the camera control unit 101 are applied. The sound recording settings include channel settings for storing the sound data of the wireless microphone 140, and record / mute settings in a predetermined state during recording. For example, when two wireless microphones 140 are wirelessly connected to the camera 100, settings are made as to which channel the sound data of each wireless microphone 140 is to be stored.

[0036] In step S506, the camera control unit 101 captures an image using the image sensor 102 and outputs focus information such as the defocus amount at each distance measurement point. The lens control unit 121 drives a focus lens (not shown) in the lens 122 to repeat autofocusing according to instructions from the camera control unit 101 input via the mount contact group 103.

[0037] In step S507, the camera control unit 101 repeats subject detection from the imaging results of the image sensor 102. The subject detection method is performed using facial parts such as the face, pupils, and mouth, and sizes can be compared. Note that the subject detection method is not limited to face detection.

[0038] In step S508, camera control unit 101 checks the state of the REC signal output from camera operation unit 105, and determines whether the record button is on (REC ON) or off (REC OFF). If camera control unit 101 determines that the record button is on (REC ON) (YES), the process proceeds to step S509. On the other hand, if camera control unit 101 determines that the record button is off (REC OFF) (NO), the process returns to step S501, and camera control unit 101 repeats the processes of steps S501 to S508 until the record button is turned on.

[0039] In step S509, the camera control unit 101 controls the driving of the image sensor 102 and a focus lens (not shown) in the lens 122 to capture an image and start recording. The image data acquired by the image sensor 102 is temporarily sent to an internal memory of the camera control unit 101. The camera control unit 101 also controls the camera display unit 106 to display the fact that recording is in progress.

[0040] In step S510, the camera control unit 101 starts acquiring audio data from the wireless microphone 140 that is wirelessly connected. The camera control unit 101 notifies the microphone control unit 141 of the wirelessly connected wireless microphone 140 of the start of acquiring audio data, and instructs it to start transmitting the audio data. The microphone control unit 141 starts transmitting audio data of the sound picked up by the microphone audio input unit 145 to the camera control unit 101 based on the set sound characteristics, etc., in accordance with the instruction from the camera control unit 101. The audio data from the wireless microphone 140 that is received by the camera control unit 101 via the camera wireless communication unit 108 is temporarily sent to the built-in memory of the camera control unit 101.

[0041] In step S511, the camera control unit 101 performs a synthesis process of image data acquired by the imaging element 102 and stored in the built-in memory with audio data acquired from the wireless microphone 140. In this synthesis process, the camera control unit 101 adjusts the level of the audio data acquired from the wirelessly connected wireless microphone 140 and stored in the built-in memory based on the recording level setting. Then, the camera control unit 101 synthesizes the level-adjusted audio data with the image data acquired by the imaging element 102 and stored in the built-in memory so that the time from the start matches, and stores the synthesized data as image data with sound information in the built-in memory of the camera control unit 101. At this time, the camera control unit 101 may add imaging device information, setting information, etc. to the image data with sound information and store the synthesized data in the built-in memory.

[0042] In step S512, the camera control unit 101 saves in the storage unit 107 the image data with sound information obtained by the synthesis process in step S511 and stored in the internal memory.

[0043] In step S513, camera control unit 101 checks the state of the REC signal output from camera operation unit 105, and determines whether the record button is on (REC ON) or off (REC OFF). If camera control unit 101 determines that the record button is off (REC OFF) (YES), the process proceeds to step S514. On the other hand, if camera control unit 101 determines that the record button is on (REC ON) (NO), the process returns to step S511, and camera control unit 101 repeats the processes of steps S511 to S513 until the record button is turned off.

[0044] In step S514, the camera control unit 101 ends the acquisition of audio data from the wirelessly connected wireless microphone 140. In addition, the camera control unit 101 notifies the microphone control unit 141 of the wirelessly connected wireless microphone 140 of the end of the acquisition of audio data, and instructs it to end the transmission of the audio data.

[0045] In step S515, camera control unit 101 ends recording after saving all image data with sound information stored in the built-in memory in storage unit 107. Also, camera control unit 101 controls camera display unit 106 not to display that recording is in progress.

[0046] Next, the operation of wireless microphone 140 to wirelessly connect and transmit audio data will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Here, the control of detecting whether wireless microphone 140 is attached to accessory shoe 301 and setting sound characteristics related to sound collection will be described. Note that the operation of wireless microphone 140 shown in Fig. 6 is performed in parallel with the operation of camera 100 shown in Fig. 5.

[0047] In step S601, the microphone control unit 141 of the wireless microphone 140 performs various settings related to wireless connection to put the wireless microphone 140 into a state in which wireless communication with the camera 100 is possible, based on a user operation on the microphone operation unit 143, etc.

[0048] In step S602, the microphone control unit 141 determines whether or not wireless communication with the camera control unit 101 of the camera 100 is possible. If the microphone control unit 141 determines that wireless communication with the camera control unit 101 is possible (YES), the process proceeds to step S604. On the other hand, if the microphone control unit 141 determines that wireless communication with the camera control unit 101 is not possible (NO), error information is stored in the built-in memory of the microphone control unit 141, and the process proceeds to step S603.

[0049] In step S603, based on the error information stored in the internal memory, microphone control unit 141 displays a warning on microphone display unit 144. After microphone control unit 141 displays a warning on microphone display unit 144, the process returns to step S601.

[0050] In step S604, the microphone control unit 141 transmits microphone information related to the wireless microphone 140 to the camera control unit 101 of the wirelessly connected camera 100. For example, the microphone control unit 141 transmits information such as the individual identification number of the wireless microphone 140, the battery, and MUTE. Having received the microphone information related to the wireless microphone 140, the camera control unit 101 stores the received information in an internal memory of the camera control unit 101. At this time, the microphone control unit 141 may display a status or a communication status based on the microphone information related to the wireless microphone 140 on the microphone display unit 144.

[0051] In step S605, the microphone control unit 141 determines whether or not to start transmitting audio data to the camera control unit 101 of the wirelessly connected camera 100. If the microphone control unit 141 determines that the transmission of audio data to the camera control unit 101 should be started (YES), the process proceeds to step S606. On the other hand, if the microphone control unit 141 determines that the transmission of audio data to the camera control unit 101 should not be started (NO), the process returns to step S604, and the transmission of information such as the state of the wireless microphone 140 is continued. Here, when a notification of the start of acquisition of audio data to be transmitted from the camera control unit 101 to the microphone control unit 141 is received in step S510 of FIG. 5, the microphone control unit 141 determines to start transmitting audio data.

[0052] In step S606, the microphone control unit 141 judges whether the wireless microphone 140 is attached (mounted) to the camera 100. The microphone control unit 141 makes the judgment based on the detection result of the attachment detection unit 146, that is, whether the switch serving as the attachment detection unit 146 is pressed or not. If the attachment detection unit 146 is pressed, the microphone control unit 141 judges that the wireless microphone 140 is attached (mounted) to the accessory shoe 301 of the camera 100 as shown in FIG. 3. If the attachment detection unit 146 is not pressed, the microphone control unit 141 judges that the wireless microphone 140 is not attached (not worn) to the accessory shoe 301 of the camera 100, for example, that the wireless microphone 140 is worn by a person as shown in FIG. 4. If the microphone control unit 141 judges that the wireless microphone 140 is attached (mounted) to the camera 100 (YES), the process proceeds to step S607. If the microphone control unit 141 determines that the wireless microphone 140 is not attached (mounted) to the camera 100 (NO), the process proceeds to step S608.

[0053] In step S607, the microphone control unit 141 sets the sound characteristics of the wireless microphone 140 to sound characteristics (environment) of suitable conditions in order to acquire environmental sounds, etc. on the camera 100 as the mounting state on the camera 100. After the microphone control unit 141 sets the sound characteristics of the wireless microphone 140, the process proceeds to step S609.

[0054] In step S608, the microphone control unit 141 sets the sound characteristics of the wireless microphone 140 to sound characteristics (person) that are appropriate conditions for a wireless microphone that is not attached to the camera 100 and that captures human voice. After the microphone control unit 141 sets the sound characteristics of the wireless microphone 140, the process proceeds to step S609.

[0055] Here, an example of the setting of sound characteristics (sensitivity, frequency characteristics, directivity, etc.) performed by microphone control unit 141 will be described. First, when setting sound characteristics (environment) in step S607, wireless microphone 140 is attached to camera 100 as shown in FIG. 3, and the distance from the position of accessory shoe 301 of camera 100 to the subject is often to some extent. Therefore, in setting sound characteristics (environment) of wireless microphone 140, the sensitivity of the microphone is set to -42 dB, which is close to that of a general microphone, and the acquisition area as frequency characteristics is set to a wide frequency range, such as 20 Hz to 20 kHz, in order to widely acquire surrounding environmental sounds. In addition, the directivity is set to a directivity of 90 degrees, etc., in order to acquire sounds in a normal environmental area.

[0056] On the other hand, when setting the sound characteristics (person) in step S608, the wireless microphone 140 is placed close to the person's mouth as shown in Fig. 4, and a loud sound is picked up. Therefore, in setting the sound characteristics (person) of the wireless microphone 140, the microphone sensitivity is set to -45 dB or the like, which is lower than the sensitivity set in the above-mentioned step S606. Also, since it is possible to acquire sound in accordance with only human voices, the acquisition region as the frequency characteristic is set to 100 Hz to 6 kHz, which is a narrower frequency range than the setting in the above-mentioned step S606. Also, since it is sufficient for the directional characteristics to clearly acquire only the voice of the person wearing the microphone, a narrower directional characteristic is set to a range of 45 degrees or the like, which is narrower than the setting in the above-mentioned step S606.

[0057] In step S609, the microphone control unit 141 transmits to the camera control unit 101 of the camera 100 the audio data obtained by collecting sound by the microphone audio input unit 145 based on the set sound characteristics and the like.

[0058] In step S610, the microphone control unit 141 determines whether or not to end the transmission of audio data to the camera control unit 101 of the wirelessly connected camera 100. If the microphone control unit 141 determines that the transmission of audio data to the camera control unit 101 is to be ended (YES), the process proceeds to step S611. On the other hand, if the microphone control unit 141 determines that the transmission of audio data to the camera control unit 101 is not to be ended (NO), the process returns to step S606, and the processes of steps S606 to S610 are executed. Here, when a notification of the end of acquisition of audio data to be transmitted from the camera control unit 101 to the microphone control unit 141 is received in step S514 of FIG. 5, the microphone control unit 141 determines that the transmission of audio data is to be ended.

[0059] In step S611, the microphone control unit 141 stops transmitting audio data to the camera control unit 101 of the camera 100, and ends the processing shown in FIG.

[0060] According to the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not the wireless microphone 140 is attached to the accessory shoe 301 of the camera 100, and based on the result of the determination, the sound characteristics related to sound collection by the wireless microphone 140 are automatically set. If the wireless microphone 140 is attached to the camera 100, the sound characteristics are set to be suitable for capturing environmental sounds, and if the wireless microphone 140 is not attached to the camera 100, the sound characteristics are set to be suitable for capturing human voices. In this way, even if the user does not set the sound characteristics suitable for the usage state of the wireless microphone 140, the sound can be collected and audio data can be acquired by automatically setting the sound characteristics suitable for the usage state.

[0061] In this embodiment, the sound characteristics suitable for capturing environmental sounds are set by detecting that the wireless microphone 140 is attached to the accessory shoe 301 of the camera 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sound characteristics suitable for capturing environmental sounds may be set by detecting when the wireless microphone 140 is attached to an accessory adapter having a tripod screw for attaching to a tripod and an accessory shoe shape for attaching a wireless microphone or the like.

[0062] Second embodiment The second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the operation of the wireless microphone 140 when transmitting audio while the camera 100 is recording is different from that of the first embodiment, but the rest is the same as the first embodiment, so a description of the similar parts will be omitted.

[0063] Hereinafter, with reference to Fig. 7, an operation of the wireless microphone 140 in the second embodiment for wirelessly connecting and transmitting audio data to the camera 100 will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the control operation of the wireless microphone 140 in the case of transmitting audio when the camera 100 is performing a recording operation. In the second embodiment, the wireless microphone 140 sets sound characteristics using posture detection, and transmits audio to the camera 100. Note that the operation of the wireless microphone 140 shown in Fig. 7 is performed in parallel with the operation of the camera 100 shown in Fig. 5, as in the first embodiment.

[0064] The following processing in steps S701 to S705 is similar to the processing in steps S601 to S605 shown in FIG. 6 in the first embodiment, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In step S701, the microphone control unit 141 of the wireless microphone 140 performs various settings related to wireless connection to put the wireless microphone 140 into a state in which wireless communication with the camera 100 is possible.

[0065] In step S702, the microphone control unit 141 determines whether or not wireless communication with the camera control unit 101 of the camera 100 is possible. If the microphone control unit 141 determines that wireless communication with the camera control unit 101 is possible (YES), the process proceeds to step S704, and if the microphone control unit 141 determines that wireless communication with the camera control unit 101 is not possible (NO), the process proceeds to step S703. In step S703, microphone control unit 141 displays a warning on microphone display unit 144, and after displaying the warning, the process returns to step S701.

[0066] In step S704, the microphone control unit 141 transmits microphone information related to the wireless microphone 140 to the camera control unit 101 of the camera 100 that is wirelessly connected. In step S705, the microphone control unit 141 determines whether or not to start transmitting audio data to the camera control unit 101 of the wirelessly connected camera 100. If the microphone control unit 141 determines that the transmission of audio data should be started (YES), the process proceeds to step S706, and if the microphone control unit 141 determines that the transmission of audio data should not be started (NO), the process returns to step S704.

[0067] In step S706, the microphone control unit 141 determines whether the front direction of the wireless microphone 140 faces upward. The microphone control unit 141 detects the orientation of the wireless microphone 140 by the orientation detection unit 147, and makes a determination based on the detection result. The front direction of the wireless microphone 140 facing upward refers to, for example, the direction of the arrow 402 in the example shown in FIG. 4. If the microphone control unit 141 determines that the front direction of the wireless microphone 140 faces upward (YES), the processing proceeds to step S708 as the state in which sound is acquired when the subject is a person. Also, if the microphone control unit 141 determines that the front direction of the wireless microphone 140 does not face upward, that is, faces in a horizontal direction other than upward (NO), the processing proceeds to step S707 as the state in which environmental sound is acquired. Here, the subject is considered to be a person when the front direction of wireless microphone 140 faces upward because, when a person wears it in a breast pocket as shown in Fig. 4, the sound acquisition direction faces upward (the direction of arrow 402 in Fig. 4) instead of horizontally. Also, the reason why the state in which wireless microphone 140 faces horizontally is considered to be a state in which environmental sound is acquired is because, when attached to camera 100 as shown in Fig. 3, the sound acquisition direction faces horizontally (the direction of arrows 302 and 303 in Fig. 3).

[0068] The following processing in steps S707 to S711 is similar to the processing in steps S607 to S611 shown in FIG. 6 in the first embodiment, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In step S707, the microphone control unit 141 sets the sound characteristics of the wireless microphone 140 to sound characteristics (environment) that satisfy conditions suitable for acquiring environmental sounds, etc., and after setting the sound characteristics, the process proceeds to step S709. In step S708, the microphone control unit 141 sets the sound characteristics of the wireless microphone 140 to sound characteristics (person) that are suitable for capturing a human voice, and after setting the sound characteristics, the process proceeds to step S709. In step S709, the microphone control unit 141 transmits to the camera control unit 101 of the camera 100 the audio data obtained by collecting sound by the microphone audio input unit 145 based on the set sound characteristics and the like.

[0069] In step S710, the microphone control unit 141 determines whether or not to end the transmission of audio data to the camera control unit 101 of the wirelessly connected camera 100. If the microphone control unit 141 determines that the transmission of audio data is to end (YES), the process proceeds to step S711, and if the microphone control unit 141 determines that the transmission of audio data is not to end (NO), the process returns to step S706. In step S711, the microphone control unit 141 stops transmitting audio data to the camera control unit 101 of the camera 100, and ends the processing shown in FIG.

[0070] According to the second embodiment, whether the wireless microphone 140 is attached to the camera 100 is determined based on the posture detection result by the microphone posture detection unit 147, and the sound characteristics related to sound collection by the wireless microphone 140 are automatically set based on the determination result. When the front direction of the wireless microphone 140 faces upward, sound characteristics suitable for acquiring human voices are set as if the wireless microphone 140 is not attached to the camera 100. On the other hand, when the front direction of the wireless microphone 140 faces a direction other than upward, sound characteristics suitable for acquiring environmental sounds are set as if the wireless microphone 140 is attached to the camera 100. In this way, even if the user does not set sound characteristics suitable for the use state of the wireless microphone 140, sound can be collected and voice data can be acquired by automatically setting sound characteristics suitable for the use state.

[0071] In the first and second embodiments described above, the sensitivity, frequency characteristics, and directional characteristics are all different in the sound characteristic settings, but this is not limited thereto, and at least one of them may be different. For example, only the sensitivity may be different. Also, for example, a monaural setting of front sensitivity may be performed by setting only the directional characteristics differently. Also, in an example of the sound characteristic settings, a setting according to the environmental sound has been described, but when the camera 100 is attached, the frequency characteristics may be set to reduce the driving sound in consideration of the driving sound of the lens 122 and the aperture 123 of the photographing lens 120.

[0072] In the above-described first and second embodiments, a case has been described in which one wireless microphone 140 is wirelessly connected to the camera 100. However, even if a plurality of wireless microphones 140 are wirelessly connected to the camera 100, each wireless microphone 140 can similarly perform detection and set sound characteristics to obtain optimal sound.

[0073] (Another embodiment of the present invention) 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 embodiment 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) for implementing one or more of the functions.

[0074] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments are merely examples of the implementation of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by these. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features.

[0075] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, etc. (Configuration 1) An electronic device that can be attached to an imaging device, A sound collecting means for collecting sound; A communication means for transmitting audio data of the collected sound to the imaging device by wireless communication; A control means for setting sound characteristics related to sound collection of the electronic device, The electronic device is characterized in that the control means sets the sound characteristic to a first sound characteristic when the electronic device is attached to the imaging device, and sets the sound characteristic to a second sound characteristic different from the first sound characteristic when the electronic device is not attached to the imaging device. (Configuration 2) 2. The electronic device according to configuration 1, wherein the first sound characteristic and the second sound characteristic have different settings for at least one of sensitivity, frequency characteristics, and directional characteristics. (Configuration 3) a determination unit for determining whether the electronic device is attached to the imaging device, 3. The electronic device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the control means sets sound characteristics related to sound pickup of the electronic device based on the determination by the determination means. (Configuration 4) an attachment detection unit that detects whether the electronic device is attached to the imaging device; The electronic device according to configuration 3, wherein the determination means determines whether or not the electronic device is attached to the imaging device based on a detection result of the attachment detection means. (Configuration 5) a position detection unit for detecting a position of the electronic device; 5. The electronic device according to configuration 3 or 4, wherein the determination means determines whether or not the electronic device is attached to the imaging device based on a detection result of the attitude detection means. (Configuration 6) 6. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the directional characteristic of the second sound characteristic is set to have a narrower range than the directional characteristic of the first sound characteristic. (Configuration 7) 7. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein a sensitivity for the second sound characteristic is set lower than a sensitivity for the first sound characteristic. (Configuration 8) 8. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the frequency characteristic of the second sound characteristic is set to have a narrower frequency range than the frequency characteristic of the first sound characteristic. (Method 1) A method for controlling an electronic device that can be attached to an imaging device, comprising: A sound collection step of collecting sound by a sound collection means; a communication step of transmitting audio data of the collected sound to the imaging device via wireless communication; A control step of setting sound characteristics related to sound collection of the electronic device, The control method for an electronic device, characterized in that, in the control step, when the electronic device is attached to the imaging device, the sound characteristic is set to a first sound characteristic, and when the electronic device is not attached to the imaging device, the sound characteristic is set to a second sound characteristic different from the first sound characteristic. (Program 1) A computer of an electronic device that can be attached to an imaging device, A sound collection step of collecting sound by a sound collection means; a communication step of transmitting audio data of the collected sound to the imaging device via wireless communication; and executing a control step of setting sound characteristics related to sound pickup of the electronic device, In the control step, a program is provided that executes a process of setting the sound characteristic to a first sound characteristic when the electronic device is attached to the imaging device, and setting the sound characteristic to a second sound characteristic different from the first sound characteristic when the electronic device is not attached to the imaging device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 100: Camera 140: Wireless microphone 141: Microphone control unit 142: Microphone wireless communication unit 145: Microphone voice input unit 146: Installation detection unit 147: Orientation detection unit

Claims

1. An electronic device that can be attached to an imaging device, A sound collecting means for collecting sound; A communication means for transmitting audio data of the collected sound to the imaging device by wireless communication; A control means for setting sound characteristics related to sound collection of the electronic device, The electronic device is characterized in that the control means sets the sound characteristic to a first sound characteristic when the electronic device is attached to the imaging device, and sets the sound characteristic to a second sound characteristic different from the first sound characteristic when the electronic device is not attached to the imaging device.

2. 2 . The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the first sound characteristic and the second sound characteristic are different in at least one setting among sensitivity, frequency characteristic, and directional characteristic.

3. a determination unit for determining whether the electronic device is attached to the imaging device, 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control means sets sound characteristics relating to sound pickup of the electronic device based on the determination by the determination means.

4. an attachment detection unit that detects whether the electronic device is attached to the imaging device; 4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the determining means determines whether or not the electronic device is attached to the imaging device based on a detection result of the attachment detecting means.

5. a position detection unit for detecting a position of the electronic device; 4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the determining means determines whether or not the electronic device is attached to the imaging device based on a detection result of the attitude detecting means.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein a directional characteristic of the second sound characteristic is set to have a narrower range than a directional characteristic of the first sound characteristic.

7. 2 . The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein a sensitivity for the second sound characteristic is set lower than a sensitivity for the first sound characteristic.

8. 2 . The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the frequency characteristic of the second sound characteristic is set to have a narrower frequency range than the frequency characteristic of the first sound characteristic.

9. A method for controlling an electronic device that can be attached to an imaging device, comprising: A sound collection step of collecting sound by a sound collection means; a communication step of transmitting audio data of the collected sound to the imaging device via wireless communication; A control step of setting sound characteristics related to sound collection of the electronic device, A control method for an electronic device, characterized in that, in the control process, when the electronic device is attached to the imaging device, the sound characteristic is set to a first sound characteristic, and when the electronic device is not attached to the imaging device, the sound characteristic is set to a second sound characteristic different from the first sound characteristic.

10. A computer of an electronic device that can be attached to an imaging device, A sound collection step of collecting sound by a sound collection means; a communication step of transmitting audio data of the collected sound to the imaging device via wireless communication; and executing a control step of setting sound characteristics related to sound pickup of the electronic device, In the control step, a program is provided that executes a process of setting the sound characteristic to a first sound characteristic when the electronic device is attached to the imaging device, and setting the sound characteristic to a second sound characteristic different from the first sound characteristic when the electronic device is not attached to the imaging device.

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