Control device and method for controlling the same, and program

Abstract

To provide a control device that, even when it is connected with a plurality of external devices, can check if another external device can be connected thereto.SOLUTION: A control device comprises: a communication unit that can communicably connect to a plurality of external devices; a first determination unit that determines the number of the external devices connected by the communication unit; and a control unit that, after the communication unit connects to a predetermined external device, cuts off the connection with the predetermined external device according to the number of the connected external devices determined by the first determination unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In recent years, it has become common for imaging devices such as digital cameras to be equipped with a wireless communication function. By connecting the imaging device to an information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet via wireless communication, it becomes possible to remotely control the imaging device by operating a camera communication application in the information terminal.

[0003] Some of these applications allow users to register multiple imaging devices, select and connect multiple imaging devices from among the registered imaging devices, and operate them simultaneously. However, as the number of connected imaging devices increases, the bandwidth becomes congested and communication quality deteriorates. Therefore, Patent Document 1 proposes setting an upper limit on the number of connected devices, and rejecting wireless connection requests when the upper limit is reached. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-178323 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Here, for example, consider a case where a user registers a new imaging device in an information terminal. In this case, the user wants to perform a test connection to the imaging device to be newly registered and check whether a wireless connection is possible before registering the imaging device.

[0006] However, in such a case, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, if the upper limit number of imaging devices are already connected, the connection request is rejected, so the user cannot test connect an imaging device. In other words, the user cannot check whether the imaging device to be newly registered can be connected wirelessly.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a control device that is capable of checking whether or not another external device can be connected even when it is connected to multiple external devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The control device of the present invention is characterized by comprising a communication means capable of communicatively connecting to a plurality of external devices, a first determination means for determining the number of the external devices connected via the communication means, and a control means for, after connecting to a specific external device via the communication means, disconnecting the connection to the specific external device in accordance with the number of connected external devices determined by the first determination means. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a control device that can check whether or not another external device can be connected even when the control device is connected to a plurality of external devices. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [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] 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of connection control between the control device and the camera in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing screens displayed on the display unit at each step in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of connection control between the control device and the camera in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] 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.

[0012] (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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] Furthermore, the connection with an external device including a camera through communication 400 includes transmitting an HTTP request as an access request to the external device and receiving a session as an HTTP response.

[0015] <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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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, it is sufficient that camera 200 has at least a means for accessing recording medium 210.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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).

[0028] This concludes the description of camera 200. Next, control device 300, which is an example of an external device, will be described.

[0029] <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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of connection control between the control device 300 and the camera 200. The operation in FIG. 4 is realized by the control unit 301 of the control device 300 executing a control program stored in the non-volatile memory 303.

[0043] In step S401, the control unit 301 determines whether or not a registration operation has been performed on the operation unit 305. If a registration operation has been performed, the control unit 301 advances the process to step S402, and if not, the control unit 301 repeats the process of step S401.

[0044] In step S 402 , the control unit 301 transmits a connection request to the camera 200 via the connection unit 311 .

[0045] In step S403, the control unit 301 determines whether or not the control unit 301 has been able to connect to the camera 200 in step S402. If the control unit 301 has been able to connect, the control unit 301 advances the process to step S404, and if not, the control unit 301 advances the process to step S407.

[0046] In step S404, the control unit 301 saves the connection information for the camera 200 connected in step S402 in the working memory 204, and registers the camera 200 as a camera that can be connected to the control device 300. The connection information includes at least any one of information on whether IPv6 or IPv4 is used, connection address information, user authentication information, port number information, information on whether SSL communication is used, nickname information, and information on whether connection was possible.

[0047] In step S405, the control unit 301 determines whether the number of cameras 200 currently connected to the control device 300 is less than N (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2). If the number is less than N, the control unit 301 advances the process to step S406, and if not, the control unit 301 advances the process to step S409.

[0048] In step S406, the control unit 301 causes the connection information stored in the working memory 204 in step S404 to be displayed on the display unit 206. This makes it easy to identify the connected camera 200 and to determine if a connection has not been established.

[0049] In step S407, the control unit 301 determines whether or not a connection information registration operation has been performed on the operation unit 205. If a registration operation has been performed, the control unit 301 proceeds to step S408, and if not, ends the connection control of this flow. Note that if a connection information registration operation has not been performed, the control unit 301 may return the process to step S401. This makes it easy to redo the registration operation if a connection to the camera 200 cannot be established in step S402.

[0050] In step S408, the control unit 301 saves in the working memory 204 the connection information for the camera 200 that sent the connection request in step S402 and information indicating that the camera 200 to which the connection was attempted is not connectable, and proceeds to step S406.

[0051] In step S409, the control unit 301 disconnects the camera 200 connected in step S402, and proceeds to step S410. This makes it possible to check whether or not a connection can be made to the camera 200 that sent the connection request in step S402, while minimizing the impact on communication quality by shortening the connection time, even when there are many connected cameras 200.

[0052] In step S410, since the number of cameras 200 already connected in step S402 is equal to or greater than N, the control unit 301 causes the display unit 206 to display that the connection to the connected camera 200 has been disconnected. This allows the cause of the connection being disconnected to be confirmed.

[0053] FIG. 5 shows screens displayed on the display unit 206 in each step of FIG.

[0054] 5(a) shows an example of the screen for performing the registration operation displayed in step S401. After registration, a nickname 501 for easily identifying the registered camera 200, an address 502 of the camera 200 to be connected, information 503 on whether to connect as a general user, a user name / password 505 to be used during connection authentication, and a registration button 506 are displayed.

[0055] 5B shows an example of the setting screen for whether or not to register the connection information, which is displayed in step S407. A message 507 is displayed to inform the user that a connection could not be established with the camera 200, and to prompt the user to select whether or not to register the connection information.

[0056] 5(c) shows an example of the screen displayed in step S410. Since the number of cameras 200 already connected is N or more (here, four or more), a message 508 is displayed to inform the user that the connection to the camera 200 that was connected and confirmed to be connectable has been disconnected.

[0057] 5(d) shows an example of the registration information screen displayed in step S406. Connection information 509 of the connected camera and connection information 510 of the registered camera are displayed. Note that in this example screen, the nickname and whether or not connection was possible are displayed as the connection information, but one or more of the above-mentioned connection information may be displayed.

[0058] As described above, according to this embodiment, even if the number of cameras already connected to the control device has reached a specified number, it is possible to check whether or not a connection can be made to a newly registered camera while minimizing the impact on communication quality by shortening the connection time.

[0059] Second embodiment Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication system in the second embodiment. Connection control between the control device 300 and the camera 200 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The operation in Fig. 6 is realized by the control unit 301 of the control device 300 executing a control program stored in the non-volatile memory 303.

[0060] In step S601, the control unit 301 determines whether or not a registration operation has been performed on the operation unit 305. If a registration operation has been performed, the control unit 301 advances the process to step S602, and if not, the control unit 301 advances the process to step S603.

[0061] In step S602, the control unit 301 stores the connection information received in the registration operation in step S601 in the working memory 304. Note that the connection information includes at least any one of information on whether the connection is IPv6 or IPv4, connection address information, user authentication information, port number information, information on whether SSL communication is used, and nickname information.

[0062] In step S603, the control unit 301 causes the display unit 306 to display the connection information stored in the work memory 304 in step S602.

[0063] In step S604, the control unit 301 determines whether the number of cameras 200 currently connected to the control device 300 is less than N (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2). If the number is less than N, the control unit 301 advances the process to step S605, and if not, the control unit 301 advances the process to step S608.

[0064] In step S605, the control unit 301 determines whether or not a connection operation has been performed on the operation unit 305. If a connection operation has been performed, the control unit 301 advances the process to step S606, and if not, the control unit 301 returns the process to step S601.

[0065] In step S 606 , the control unit 301 transmits a connection request to the camera 200 via the connection unit 311 .

[0066] In step S607, the control unit 301 determines whether or not the control unit 301 was able to connect to the camera 200 in step S606. If the control unit 301 was able to connect, the process returns to step S601, and if not, the process proceeds to step S613.

[0067] In step S608, the control unit 301 determines whether or not a connection confirmation operation has been performed on the operation unit 305. If a connection confirmation operation has been performed, the control unit 301 advances the process to step S609, and if not, the control unit 301 returns the process to step S601.

[0068] In step S609, the control unit 301 transmits a connection request to the camera 200 via the connection unit 311.

[0069] In step S610, the control unit 301 determines whether or not in step S609 a connection was established with the camera 200. If a connection was established, the control unit 301 advances the process to step S611, and if not, the process advances to step S613.

[0070] In step S611, the control unit 301 causes the display unit 306 to display (notify the user) that the connection has been successful.

[0071] In step S612, the control unit 301 disconnects the camera 200 connected in step S609, and returns the process to step S601. This makes it possible to check whether or not a connection can be made to the camera 200 that sent the connection request in step S609, while minimizing the impact on communication quality by shortening the connection time, even when there are many connected cameras 200.

[0072] In step S613, the control unit 301 causes the display unit 306 to display (notify the user) that the connection has failed, and adds information that the camera 200 that was attempted to be connected cannot be connected to the information stored in the working memory 304 in step S602, and stores this information.

[0073] As described above, according to this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, even if the number of cameras already connected to the control device has reached a specified number, it is possible to check whether or not a connection can be made to a camera to be newly registered while minimizing the impact on communication quality by shortening the connection time.

[0074] The disclosure of this specification includes the following control device, control method thereof, program, and storage medium.

[0075] (Item 1) A communication means capable of communicatively connecting to a plurality of external devices; a first determination means for determining the number of the external devices connected by the communication means; a control means for disconnecting a connection with a predetermined external device according to the number of connected external devices determined by the first determination means after the connection with the predetermined external device is established by the communication means; A control device comprising:

[0076] (Item 2) The control device according to item 1, characterized in that when the first determination means determines that the number of connected external devices is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the control means connects to the predetermined external device via the communication means and then disconnects the connection to the predetermined external device.

[0077] (Item 3) 3. The control device according to item 1 or 2, wherein the connection with the predetermined external device is performed in response to an operation for registering the predetermined external device in the control device.

[0078] (Item 4) 4. The control device according to any one of items 1 to 3, further comprising a notification unit that notifies a user that the connection with the predetermined external device has been disconnected.

[0079] (Item 5) 5. The control device according to any one of items 1 to 4, further comprising a storage unit for storing connection information that is information related to a connection of the external device.

[0080] (Item 6) The control device described in item 5 further comprises a second determination means for determining whether or not the connection to the specified external device is successful, and the storage means further stores information on whether or not the connection to the specified external device is possible based on the determination of the second determination means.

[0081] (Item 7) 7. The control device according to item 6, wherein the storage means stores the connection information in response to a user instruction when a connection to the specified external device is not possible.

[0082] (Item 8) 8. The control device according to item 6 or 7, further comprising a display unit that displays the connection information stored in the storage unit.

[0083] (Item 9) 9. The control device according to item 8, wherein the display means further displays information as to whether or not connection to the specified external device is possible.

[0084] (Item 10) The control device according to any one of items 5 to 9, characterized in that the connection information includes at least one of the following: information on whether IPv6 or IPv4, information on the connection address, user authentication information, port number information, information on whether SSL communication is to be used, nickname information, and information on whether the connection was possible.

[0085] (Item 11) 11. The control device according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the connection with the external device includes transmitting an HTTP request as an access request to the external device and receiving a session as an HTTP response.

[0086] (Item 12) A method for controlling a control device having a communication means capable of communicatively connecting to a plurality of external devices, comprising: a first determination step of determining the number of the external devices connected by the communication means; a control step of disconnecting the predetermined external device according to the number of the connected external devices determined in the first determination step after the communication means has connected the predetermined external device; A control method for a control device comprising the steps of:

[0087] (Item 13) 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 11.

[0088] (Item 14) A computer-readable storage medium storing 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 11.

[0089] (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.

[0090] 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]

[0091] 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 communication means capable of communicatively connecting to a plurality of external devices; a first determination means for determining the number of the external devices connected by the communication means; a control means for disconnecting a connection with a predetermined external device according to the number of connected external devices determined by the first determination means after the connection with the predetermined external device is established by the communication means; A control device comprising:

2. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the first determination means determines that the number of connected external devices is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the control means connects to the predetermined external device via the communication means and then disconnects the connection to the predetermined external device.

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

4. 2. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit for notifying a user that the connection with the predetermined external device has been disconnected.

5. 2. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a storage unit for storing connection information that is information relating to a connection of the external device.

6. The control device according to claim 5, further comprising a second determination means for determining whether or not a connection to the specified external device has been successful, and the storage means further stores information indicating whether or not a connection to the specified external device is possible based on the determination of the second determination means.

7. 7. The control device according to claim 6, wherein said holding means holds said connection information in response to an instruction from a user when connection to said predetermined external device is impossible.

8. 7. The control device according to claim 6, further comprising a display unit that displays the connection information stored in the storage unit.

9. 9. The control device according to claim 8, wherein the display means further displays information on whether or not connection to the predetermined external device is possible.

10. The control device according to claim 5, characterized in that the connection information includes at least any one of the following: information on whether IPv6 or IPv4, information on the connection address, user authentication information, port number information, information on whether SSL communication is to be used, nickname information, and information on whether connection was possible.

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

12. A method for controlling a control device having a communication means capable of communicatively connecting to a plurality of external devices, comprising: a first determination step of determining the number of the external devices connected via the communication means; a control step of disconnecting the predetermined external device according to the number of the connected external devices determined in the first determination step after the communication means has connected the predetermined external device; A control method for a control device comprising the steps of:

13. 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 11.

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