Control unit, method for controlling the same, and program

Abstract

To provide a control unit that allows a user to effectively use a display screen when an LV image cannot be acquired from an external device.SOLUTION: A control unit comprises: a display; an acquisition unit that communicates with an external device and acquires a live view image; and a display control unit that displays the live view image in a first area of the display, and displays an operating member in a second area of the display. When the acquisition unit cannot acquire the live view image from the external device, the display control unit reduces the first area for displaying the live view image, and increases the second area and displays it in an area obtained from the reduction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] There are applications that can connect wirelessly to cameras and control them remotely. These applications run on remote devices such as smartphones, tablet devices, and PCs, and allow users to control the cameras remotely.

[0003] Furthermore, some of this application software can acquire live view images (hereinafter referred to as LV images) from the camera and display them on the screen of a remote terminal.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for checking in advance how a screen will change due to a change in the acquisition conditions of a camera image. In this technique, when a remote terminal receives a request from a user to change the acquisition conditions of a camera image, before the camera can acquire an image under the requested acquisition conditions, the image from the camera is processed and displayed. Then, after the camera can acquire an image under the requested acquisition conditions, the image received from the camera is displayed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-236245 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] By the way, application software that enables remote control as described above may have a screen configuration that simultaneously displays the LV image and the operation members on the screen of the remote terminal, allowing the user to remotely operate the camera while checking the LV image.

[0007] However, on the other hand, when an LV image cannot be acquired from the camera and therefore cannot be displayed, there is a problem that the display area for the LV image becomes an unnecessary area.

[0008] The technology described in Patent Document 1 also makes it possible to check in advance how an image will change when image acquisition conditions are changed, but it does not mention problems that arise when an LV image cannot be acquired from the camera.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a control device that can effectively utilize the display screen when an LV image cannot be acquired from an external device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The control device of the present invention comprises a display means, an acquisition means for communicating with an external device and acquiring a live view image, and a display control means for displaying the live view image in a first area of ​​the display means and displaying an operation member in a second area of ​​the display means, wherein if the acquisition means is unable to acquire the live view image from the external device, the display control means reduces the first area in which the live view image is displayed and expands and displays the second area in the reduced area. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a control device that can effectively utilize a display screen when an LV image cannot be acquired from an external device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a control device. [Diagram 5] 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a control device in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control device in a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a control device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0014] (First embodiment) <System configuration> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of a communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 shows that a plurality of cameras 200, which are external devices, and a control device 300 are communicatively connected via communication 400. In this embodiment, a mobile phone, for example, is used as the control device 300.

[0015] In FIG. 1, the multiple cameras 200 are cameras to be connected by the control device 300. In this embodiment, the communication 400 employs Wi-Fi (registered trademark), but is not limited to this. For example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or a unique wireless communication method may be used instead. Alternatively, wired communication may be used instead of wireless communication. In other words, any communication method, such as RS-232C, RS-422A, USB, or Ethernet (registered trademark), can be used in this embodiment. However, the method must be capable of transmitting and receiving images and camera settings.

[0016] <Camera configuration> 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the camera 200 in this embodiment. Here, a case where the camera 200 is connected to the control device 300 will be described, but the external device connected to the control device 300 is not limited to a camera. For example, an information processing device such as a tablet device or a personal computer may be connected to the control device 300 as an external device.

[0017] 2, control unit 201 controls each unit of camera 200 in accordance with input signals and a program described below. Note that instead of control unit 201 controlling the entire camera 200, multiple pieces of hardware may share the processing to control the entire camera 200.

[0018] The imaging unit 202 converts the subject light imaged by the lens included in the imaging unit 202 into an electric signal, performs noise reduction processing, etc., and outputs the processed signal as digital image data. The image data obtained by imaging is stored in a buffer memory, and then undergoes predetermined arithmetic processing by the control unit 201 and is recorded on the recording medium 210.

[0019] The non-volatile memory 203 is an electrically erasable / recordable non-volatile memory, and stores programs executed by the control unit 201, which will be described later.

[0020] The working memory 204 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data captured by the imaging unit 202, as an image display memory for the display unit 206, as a working area for the control unit 201, and the like.

[0021] Operation unit 205 is used to receive instructions from the user for camera 200. Operation unit 205 includes, for example, operation members such as a power button used by the user to instruct ON / OFF of power to camera 200, a release switch to instruct shooting, and a playback button to instruct playback of image data. Operation unit 205 also includes a touch panel disposed on display unit 206, which will be described later.

[0022] The release switch has a switch SW1 and a switch SW2. When the release switch is pressed halfway, the switch SW1 is turned ON. This causes the camera to execute preparation processes for shooting, such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (pre-flash) processing. When the release switch is pressed all the way, the switch SW2 is turned ON. This causes the camera to execute shooting processes.

[0023] Display unit 206 displays a viewfinder image during shooting, displays captured image data, displays characters for interactive operation, etc. Note that display unit 206 does not necessarily have to be built into camera 200. Camera 200 can be connected to an internal or external display unit 206, and it is sufficient that it has at least a display control function for controlling the display of display unit 206.

[0024] Recording medium 210 can record image data output from imaging unit 202. Recording medium 210 may be configured to be detachable from camera 200, or may be built into camera 200. In other words, camera 200 only needs to have at least a means for accessing recording medium 210.

[0025] The connection unit 211 is an interface for connecting to an external device. The camera 200 of this embodiment can exchange data with the external device via the connection unit 211. Note that in this embodiment, the connection unit 211 includes an interface for communicating with the external device via wireless LAN. The control unit 201 can perform wireless communication with the external device by controlling the connection unit 211. Note that the communication method is not limited to wireless LAN.

[0026] The camera 200 in this embodiment can operate as a slave device in infrastructure mode of wireless LAN communication. When operating as a slave device, it is possible to join a network formed by a nearby access point (hereinafter, AP) by connecting to the AP. Although the camera 200 in this embodiment is a type of AP, it can also operate as a simple AP (hereinafter, simple AP) with more limited functions. The AP in this embodiment is an example of a relay device.

[0027] When camera 200 operates as a simple AP, camera 200 forms a network by itself. Devices surrounding camera 200 recognize camera 200 as an AP and are able to join the network formed by camera 200. It is assumed that a program for operating camera 200 as described above is held in non-volatile memory 203.

[0028] Although the camera 200 in this embodiment is a type of AP, it is a simple AP that does not have a gateway function for transferring data received from a slave device to an Internet provider or the like. Therefore, even if the camera 200 receives data from another device participating in the network that the camera itself has formed, the data cannot be transferred to a network such as the Internet. Alternatively, the connection unit 211 may be an interface for wired communication instead of wireless communication. In other words, the connection unit 211 may be an interface for wired communication regardless of the communication method, such as RS-232C, RS-422A, USB, or Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0029] This concludes the description of camera 200. Next, control device 300, which is an example of an external device, will be described.

[0030] <Control device configuration> 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the control device 300 of this embodiment. Note that, although a mobile phone will be described here as an example of the control device 300, the control device 300 is not limited to this. For example, the control device 300 may be an information processing device such as a digital camera with a wireless function, a portable media player, a so-called tablet device, a personal computer, or a smartphone.

[0031] 3, a control unit 301 controls each unit of the control device 300 in accordance with input signals and a program described later. Note that instead of the control unit 301 controlling the entire control device 300, the entire control device 300 may be controlled by multiple hardware devices sharing the processing.

[0032] The imaging unit 302 converts the subject light imaged by the lens included in the imaging unit 302 into an electric signal, performs noise reduction processing, etc., and outputs the processed signal as digital image data. The image data obtained by imaging is stored in a buffer memory, and then undergoes predetermined arithmetic processing by the control unit 301 and is recorded on the recording medium 310.

[0033] The non-volatile memory 303 is an electrically erasable / recordable non-volatile memory, and stores an OS (operating system) which is basic software executed by the control unit 301, various programs, etc. A program for communicating with the camera 200 is also held in the non-volatile memory 303 and is installed as a camera communication application.

[0034] The processing of the control device 300 in this embodiment is realized by reading a program provided by a camera communication application. The camera communication application has a program for using basic functions of the OS installed in the control device 300 (for example, a wireless LAN function, a Bluetooth function, a function for calling other applications, etc.). The camera communication application also has a remote shooting function for remotely controlling the camera 200 with the control device 300 to shoot while viewing a live view image obtained from the camera 200 on the control device 300. The camera communication application also has a function for remotely viewing image data recorded on a recording medium attached to the camera 200, and a remote viewing function for receiving the image data. The OS of the control device 300 may have a program for realizing the processing in this embodiment.

[0035] The working memory 304 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data generated by the imaging unit 302, an image display memory for the display unit 306, a working area for the control unit 301, and the like.

[0036] The operation unit 305 is used to receive instructions from a user for the control device 300. The operation unit 305 includes, for example, operation members such as a power button for a user to instruct the control device 300 to be turned on / off, and a touch panel disposed on the display unit 306.

[0037] The display unit 306 displays image data, characters for interactive operations, etc. The display unit 306 does not necessarily have to be built into the control device 300. The control device 300 only needs to be able to connect to the display unit 306 and have at least a display control function for controlling the display of the display unit 306.

[0038] The recording medium 310 can record image data output from the imaging unit 302 and image data received from the camera 200. The recording medium 310 may be configured to be detachable from the control device 300, or may be built into the control device 300. In other words, the control device 300 only needs to have at least a means for accessing the recording medium 310.

[0039] The connection unit 311 is an interface for connecting to an external device. The control device 300 of this embodiment can exchange data with the external device via the connection unit 311. In this embodiment, the connection unit 311 includes an interface for communicating with the external device via wireless LAN. The control unit 301 can perform wireless communication with the external device by controlling the connection unit 311.

[0040] In this embodiment, the camera 200 can operate as a slave device in at least the infrastructure mode of wireless LAN communication, and can participate in a network formed by surrounding APs. The camera 200 may also operate as a simple AP, and the control device 300 may participate in the simple AP of the camera 200.

[0041] The public network connection unit 312 is an interface used when performing public wireless communication. The control device 300 can perform telephone calls and data communications with other devices via the public network connection unit 312. When making a call, the control unit 301 inputs and outputs audio signals via a microphone 313 and a speaker 314.

[0042] In this embodiment, the public network connection unit 312 includes an interface for performing communication using 3G. Note that, in addition to 3G, other communication methods such as LTE, WiMAX, ADSL, FTTH, and so-called 4G may be used. Also, the connection unit 311 and the public network connection unit 312 do not necessarily need to be configured as independent hardware, and for example, one antenna may be used for both.

[0043] In the following description, the control device 300 may be described as being the subject of processing, but in reality, the control unit 301 executes programs stored in the non-volatile memory 303 to achieve various processes. Similarly, in places where it is described as if the camera 200 is the subject of processing, the control unit 201 executes programs stored in the non-volatile memory 203 to achieve various processes.

[0044] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a camera control application displayed on the display unit 306 by the control device 300. The camera control application 410 in this embodiment simultaneously connects multiple cameras 200 to the control device 300 and enables operation of each camera. Furthermore, the camera control application 410 is capable of receiving a live view image (hereinafter, LV image) of the camera and various data by communicating with the camera 200 and displaying it on the display unit 306. The following is a description with reference to Fig. 4.

[0045] 4 shows an example of a screen display of a camera control application. In this example, the control device 300 executes the camera control application 410 to be communicably connected to the camera 200. The control device 300 then receives the video captured by the camera 200 and various current settings of the camera 200, and displays them on the screen of the display unit 306.

[0046] The LV area 401 is an area that displays LV images acquired from the camera 200 to be operated, among the connected cameras. The sub-LV area 402 is an area that displays images acquired from other connected cameras. In this example, the control device 300 is simultaneously connected to multiple cameras 200, and the LV images of each camera 200 are displayed side-by-side in the sub-LV area 402. The user can select the camera 200 to be operated by touching the sub-LV image displayed in this sub-LV area 402.

[0047] Operation area 403 is an area that displays a group of operation buttons arranged on the screen of camera control application 410. In this example, various current setting values ​​of camera 200 that camera control application 410 has received from camera 200 by communication are displayed on the operation buttons. When the user touches an operation button, the screen transitions to a screen for executing an operation or making changes, and the setting values ​​can be changed on that screen. In addition, operation area 403 is a scroll area, and the user can scroll to display and operate operation buttons that do not fit within the area.

[0048] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the control device 300. The operation of the flowchart in Fig. 5 is realized by the control unit 301 expanding a program recorded in the non-volatile memory 303 into the working memory 304 and executing it. Each diagram in Fig. 6 will be described together with the flowchart in Fig. 5.

[0049] In step S501, the control unit 301 determines whether or not communication has been established with the camera 200 via the connection unit 311. If communication has been established, the control unit 301 advances the process to step S502, and if not, the control unit 301 advances the process to step S503.

[0050] In step S502, the control unit 301 receives data from the camera 200 via the connection unit 311. This data includes the status and capabilities of the camera 200, settings, and LV images.

[0051] In step S503, the control unit 301 determines whether the display setting of the LV area 401 has been changed by a user operation on the display unit 306. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the display setting of the LV area 401 can be set to display or hide the LV area. If the display setting has been changed, the control unit 301 proceeds to step S504, and if not, the control unit 301 proceeds to step S505.

[0052] In step S504, the control unit 301 saves the changed settings in the work memory 304.

[0053] In step S505, the control unit 301 determines whether or not there is a plurality of cameras to be connected. If there is a plurality of cameras, the control unit 301 advances the process to step S506, and if not, the control unit 301 advances the process to step S514.

[0054] In step S506, the control unit 301 determines whether or not an LV image has been acquired from any of the cameras to be connected. Whether or not an LV image has been acquired is determined by the control unit 301 making the following judgment based on the communication state with the camera 200 and the data acquired in step S502. If all of the following conditions are Yes, the judgment is Yes, otherwise, the judgment is No. · Communication with the camera 200 is established. · The camera 200 has the capability of transmitting LV images. The camera 200 is in a state where it can transmit an LV image. The control device 300 can receive the LV image.

[0055] If the answer is Yes, the control unit 301 advances the process to step S507, and if the answer is No, the control unit 301 advances the process to step S513.

[0056] In step S507, the control unit 301 reads the display setting of the LV area from the working memory 304, and determines whether the LV area is set to be displayed or hidden. If the LV area display is set, the control unit 301 advances the process to step S508, and if the LV area non-display is set, the control unit 301 advances the process to step S512.

[0057] In step S508, the control unit 301 displays a screen showing the LV area 401.

[0058] In step S509, control unit 301 determines whether an LV image has been acquired from the target camera 200. The determination of whether an LV image has been acquired is made based on whether all of the conditions used in the determination of step S506 are Yes. If an LV image has been acquired, control unit 301 advances the process to step S510, and if not, advances the process to step S511.

[0059] In step S510, control unit 301 displays a black image 601, shown in Fig. 6(a), indicating that an LV image cannot be acquired in LV area 401. In this way, even if an LV image cannot be acquired from the target camera 200, LV area 401 can be kept displayed. This allows the user to select the target camera by touching the sub LV image without changing the position of the sub LV image in the vertical direction of the screen.

[0060] In step S511, the control unit 301 displays in the LV area 401 the LV image from the camera 200 that is the operation target.

[0061] In step S512, the control unit 301 displays a hidden screen of the LV area 401 shown in FIG. 6(b) (reducing the LV area 401). On this screen, the LV area 401 is hidden, and the sub LV area 402 and operation area 403 are displayed shifted upward by the area of ​​the LV area 401. This makes it possible to increase the display area of ​​the operation area 403, and to increase the number of operation buttons that can be displayed without scrolling. This allows the user to view and operate more operation buttons at one time. Also, the size of the sub LV image is not changed in the sub LV area 402. This allows the user to select a sub LV image with the same feel as when the LV area 401 is displayed.

[0062] In step S513, similarly to step S512, the control unit 301 displays the non-display screen of the LV area 401 shown in Fig. 6(b) . This allows the user to omit an operation for increasing the display area of ​​the operation area 403 when there is no LV image to be displayed in the LV area 401.

[0063] In step S514, the control unit 301 displays a text message 602 based on the condition determined in step S505. An example of a screen displaying a text message is shown in Fig. 6(c). This allows the user to know the reason why the LV area 401 has been hidden and what to do to display the LV area 401. Note that although a text message is displayed in this embodiment, an icon or image based on the determined condition may also be displayed.

[0064] In step S515, similar to step S509, control unit 301 determines whether an LV image has been acquired from the target camera 200. The determination of whether an LV image has been acquired is performed using the same conditions as in step S506. If an LV image has been acquired, control unit 301 advances the process to step S516, and if not, advances the process to step S521.

[0065] In step S516, similar to step S507, the control unit 301 reads the display setting of the LV area from the working memory 304 and determines whether the LV area is set to be displayed or hidden. If the LV area display is set, the control unit 301 advances the process to step S517, and if the LV area non-display is set, the control unit 301 advances the process to step S519.

[0066] In step S517, the control unit 301 displays a screen showing the LV area 401.

[0067] In step S518, the control unit 301 displays in the LV area 401 the LV image from the camera 200 that is the operation target.

[0068] In step S519, similarly to step S512, the control unit 301 displays the non-display screen of the LV area 401 shown in Fig. 6(b) . This allows the user to omit an operation for increasing the display area of ​​the operation area 403 when there is no LV image to be displayed in the LV area 401.

[0069] In step S520, the control unit 301 displays a text message 602 as shown in FIG. 6(c) based on the condition determined in step S506.

[0070] In step S521, the control unit 301 performs the same process as in step S519.

[0071] In step S522, the control unit 301 performs the same process as in step S520.

[0072] In step S523, the control unit 301 determines whether or not a user operation has been performed on the display unit 306. If an operation has been performed, the control unit 301 advances the process to step S524, and if an operation has not been performed, the control unit 301 returns the process to step S501.

[0073] In step S524, control unit 301 transmits an event for operating camera 200 to camera 200 via connection unit 311 or public network connection unit 312 in response to an operation of an operation button displayed in operation area 403. Thereafter, the process returns to step S501.

[0074] As described above, according to this embodiment, when an LV image cannot be obtained from the camera, the area for displaying the LV image can be made non-displayable and the area for arranging the operation buttons can be expanded in that area, thereby making it possible to effectively utilize the display screen.

[0075] Furthermore, when an LV image cannot be acquired from the camera and the LV area is unnecessary, the user can omit the operation for expanding the area of ​​the visible operation buttons.

[0076] Second embodiment The configurations of the communication system, camera, and control device in the second embodiment are similar to those in the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 4, and therefore will not be described.

[0077] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the control device 300 in the second embodiment. The operation of the flowchart in Fig. 7 is realized by the control unit 301 expanding a program recorded in the non-volatile memory 303 into the working memory 304 and executing it. Fig. 8 will be described together with the flowchart in Fig. 7. Steps in the flowchart in Fig. 7 that perform the same processing as the steps in Fig. 5 are given the same step numbers as in Fig. 5 and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0078] In step S701, the control unit 301 displays a screen in which the LV area 401 and the sub LV area 402 shown in FIG. 8 are displayed in a reduced size (the LV area 401 is reduced). By displaying in a reduced size, the user can see and operate more operation buttons at once, as in the effect described in step S512. On this screen, a text message 802 based on the condition determined in step S506 is displayed together with a black image 801 in the reduced LV area 401. This provides the effects described in steps S510 and S514. Note that here, the sub LV area 402 is displayed in a reduced size as shown in the sub LV area 803, but it may be hidden and the camera to be operated may be selected by a display object other than the sub LV area 402.

[0079] In step S702, the control unit 301 performs the same process as in S701.

[0080] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to effectively utilize the display screen, and it is also possible to omit the operation for widening the area of ​​the operation buttons.

[0081] The disclosure of this specification includes the following control device, control method thereof, program, and storage medium.

[0082] (Item 1) A display means; An acquisition means for communicating with an external device and acquiring a live view image; a display control means for displaying the live view image in a first area of ​​the display means and displaying an operation member in a second area of ​​the display means; The control device is characterized in that, when the acquisition means is unable to acquire the live view image from the external device, the display control means reduces the first area in which the live view image is displayed, and expands and displays the second area in the reduced area.

[0083] (Item 2) 2. The control device according to item 1, wherein the display control means does not display the first area when the acquisition means is unable to acquire the live view image from the external device.

[0084] (Item 3) 2. The control device according to item 1, wherein the display control means reduces the first area when the acquisition means is unable to acquire the live view image from the external device.

[0085] (Item 4) The control device according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that whether or not the live view image has been acquired is determined based on whether or not communication between the external device and the control device has been established.

[0086] (Item 5) The control device according to any one of items 1 to 4, characterized in that whether or not the live view image has been acquired is determined based on whether or not the external device has the ability to transmit the live view image.

[0087] (Item 6) The control device according to any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that whether or not the live view image has been acquired is determined based on whether or not the external device is in a state in which the live view image can be transmitted.

[0088] (Item 7) 7. The control device according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein whether or not the live view image has been acquired is determined based on whether or not the acquisition means is able to receive the live view image.

[0089] (Item 8) 8. The control device according to any one of items 1 to 7, further comprising a setting unit for setting whether or not the first area is to be displayed.

[0090] (Item 9) 9. The control device according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the operation member is a member for operating the external device.

[0091] (Item 10) The control device according to any one of items 1 to 9, characterized in that the display control means displays on the display means a display based on a condition determined as to whether or not the live view image has been acquired.

[0092] (Item 11) 11. The control device according to any one of items 1 to 10, characterized in that it is capable of communicating with a plurality of the external devices.

[0093] (Item 12) 12. The control device according to item 11, characterized in that, when the live view images of all of the plurality of external devices cannot be acquired, the first area is hidden.

[0094] (Item 13) Item 12. The control device according to item 11, wherein the display control means displays live view images acquired from a plurality of the external devices in a third area of ​​the display means.

[0095] (Item 14) 14. The control device according to item 13, characterized in that the external device to be operated by the control device is selected based on a live view image displayed in the third area.

[0096] (Item 15) 15. The control device according to item 13 or 14, wherein even when the first area is hidden, the third area is not hidden.

[0097] (Item 16) 15. The control device according to item 13 or 14, wherein when the first area is reduced, the third area is also reduced.

[0098] (Item 17) 17. The control device according to item 16, characterized in that, when the first area is reduced, information based on the fact that the live view image cannot be acquired is displayed in the first area.

[0099] (Item 18) 18. The control device according to any one of items 1 to 17, wherein the external device is an imaging device.

[0100] (Item 19) A method for controlling a control device having a display means, comprising the steps of: an acquisition step of communicating with an external device and acquiring a live view image; a display control step of displaying the live view image in a first area of ​​the display means and displaying an operation member in a second area of ​​the display means, A control method for a control device, characterized in that, in the display control step, if the live view image cannot be acquired from the external device in the acquisition step, the first area in which the live view image is displayed is reduced, and the second area is expanded and displayed in the reduced area.

[0101] (Item 20) A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the control device according to any one of items 1 to 18.

[0102] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for realizing one or more functions of the above-mentioned 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) for realizing one or more functions.

[0103] 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 200: camera, 300: control device, 400: communication, 201, 301: control unit, 202, 302: imaging unit, 203, 303: non-volatile memory, 204, 304: working memory, 205, 305: operation unit, 206, 306: display unit

Claims

1. A display means; An acquisition means for communicating with an external device and acquiring a live view image; a display control means for displaying the live view image in a first area of ​​the display means and displaying an operation member in a second area of ​​the display means, The control device is characterized in that, when the acquisition means is unable to acquire the live view image from the external device, the display control means reduces the first area in which the live view image is displayed, and expands and displays the second area in the reduced area.

2. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the display control means makes the first area non-displayable when the acquisition means is unable to acquire the live view image from the external device.

3. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the display control means reduces the first area when the acquisition means is unable to acquire the live view image from the external device.

4. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein whether or not the live view image has been acquired is determined based on whether or not communication between the external device and the control device has been established.

5. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein whether or not the live view image has been acquired is determined based on whether or not the external device has a capability of transmitting the live view image.

6. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein whether or not the live view image has been acquired is determined based on whether or not the external device is in a state in which the live view image can be transmitted.

7. 2 . The control device according to claim 1 , wherein whether or not the live view image has been acquired is determined based on whether or not the acquisition means has received the live view image.

8. 2. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising a setting unit for setting whether or not the first area is to be displayed.

9. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the operation member is a member for operating the external device.

10. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the display control means causes the display means to display a display based on a condition determined as to whether the live view image has been acquired.

11. The control device according to claim 1 , capable of communicating with a plurality of the external devices.

12. The control device according to claim 11 , wherein, when the live view images of all of the plurality of external devices cannot be acquired, the first area is made non-displayable.

13. The control device according to claim 11 , wherein the display control means displays live view images acquired from a plurality of the external devices in a third area of ​​the display means.

14. The control device according to claim 13 , wherein the external device to be operated by the control device is selected based on a live view image displayed in the third area.

15. The control device according to claim 13 , wherein even when the first area is made non-displayable, the third area is not made non-displayable.

16. The control device according to claim 13 , wherein when the first area is reduced, the third area is also reduced.

17. The control device according to claim 16 , wherein, when the first area is reduced, information based on the fact that the live view image cannot be acquired is displayed in the first area.

18. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the external device is an imaging device.

19. A method for controlling a control device having a display means, comprising the steps of: an acquisition step of communicating with an external device and acquiring a live view image; a display control step of displaying the live view image in a first area of ​​the display means and displaying an operation member in a second area of ​​the display means, A control method for a control device, characterized in that, in the display control step, if the live view image cannot be acquired from the external device in the acquisition step, the first area in which the live view image is displayed is reduced, and the second area is expanded and displayed in the reduced area.

20. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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