Camera device

Abstract

To prevent a stored content of a camera image from becoming unclear.SOLUTION: A camera device CA is portable. The camera device CA includes a camera body 1, a communication unit 55 that transmits a camera image showing an image captured by the camera body 1 to an external device 300, and a control unit 60 that acquires information showing a communication state with the external device 300, the communication unit 55 is capable of communicating with a mobile terminal 100 different from the external device 300, and the control unit 60 controls the mobile terminal 100 such that the mobile terminal 100 stores the camera image when the communication state deteriorates.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a camera device. [Background technology]

[0002] Camera devices worn by a user have been known for some time. The camera device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a small camera device attached to a frame made of an iron-based material of eyeglasses worn by an observer who performs action movements or the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-060139 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the camera device attached to the glasses moves with the user. Therefore, when images captured by the camera device (camera images) are wirelessly transmitted to a remote external device (management device) and the management device stores the camera images while monitoring the scene captured in the camera images, communication conditions may deteriorate depending on the user's location. In this case, the quality of the camera images stored in the management device may deteriorate due to a decrease in communication speed, or communication may be interrupted, preventing the management device from receiving the camera images and storing them, potentially obscuring the stored contents of the camera images.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to prevent the stored contents of a camera image from becoming unclear. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a camera device. The camera device of the first aspect is a portable camera device that includes a camera body, a communication unit that transmits camera images representing images captured by the camera body to an external device, and a control unit that acquires information representing a communication status with the external device, the communication unit being capable of communicating with a mobile device other than the external device, and the control unit controlling the mobile device to store the camera images when the communication status deteriorates.

[0007] In this first aspect, even if the communication state with the external device deteriorates, the camera image is stored in the mobile terminal, thereby preventing the stored contents of the camera image from becoming unclear.

[0008] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a camera device of the first aspect, further comprising an alarm unit that notifies information about the camera device, and the control unit controls the alarm unit so that when the mobile terminal performs a storage operation to store the camera image, the alarm unit notifies that the storage operation is being performed.

[0009] In this second aspect, people around the camera device can confirm that the mobile terminal is performing a storage operation, that is, that the communication state has deteriorated.

[0010] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, in the camera device of the first aspect, when the communication condition deteriorates, the control unit transmits the camera image to the mobile terminal and the external device via the communication unit, and sets the camera image transmitted to the external device to a lower image quality than the camera image transmitted to the mobile terminal.

[0011] In this third aspect, camera images can be effectively transmitted to an external device in which communication conditions have deteriorated, and camera images can be stored in both the external device and the mobile terminal.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the camera device of the first aspect, wherein the control unit controls the camera body based on an instruction for the camera device input from the mobile terminal.

[0013] In this fourth aspect, the camera device can be operated from a mobile terminal.

[0014] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a camera device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the communication unit transmits the camera image to the external device via the mobile terminal, and the communication status indicates the communication status between the mobile terminal and the external device.

[0015] In this fifth aspect, the camera device can communicate with an external device via the mobile terminal.

[0016] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the camera device of the first aspect, wherein the camera device includes a notification unit that notifies a state of the camera device.

[0017] In this sixth aspect, it is possible to notify people around the camera device of the state of the camera device.

[0018] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a camera device according to the fifth aspect, wherein the operating modes of the control unit include a first mode in which the control unit accepts instructions from the external device and a second mode in which the control unit does not accept instructions from the external device, and the control unit controls the notification unit to notify in which mode the control unit is operating, between the first mode and the second mode.

[0019] In this seventh aspect, people around the camera device can confirm in which mode, the first mode or the second mode, the control section is operating.

[0020] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a camera device according to any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, wherein the camera body has a housing that can be attached to a person's head or an object worn on the head, and the alarm unit is provided in the housing.

[0021] In this eighth aspect, people around the camera device can easily check the notification unit.

[0022] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is the camera device of the eighth aspect, wherein the camera device further comprises a reception unit provided in the housing, the reception unit receiving instructions for controlling the camera device.

[0023] In this ninth aspect, the camera device can be operated from the reception unit.

[0024] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a camera device of the ninth aspect, wherein when the reception unit receives a predetermined instruction to cause the notification unit to notify the status of the camera device, the control unit controls the notification unit so that the notification unit notifies the status of the camera device.

[0025] In this tenth aspect, the user can decide the timing at which the notification unit operates.

[0026] An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is a camera device of the ninth aspect, wherein the operating modes of the control unit include a third mode in which the reception unit receives instructions for the camera device and a fourth mode in which the reception unit does not receive instructions for the camera device, and the control unit controls the notification unit so that the notification unit notifies in which mode the control unit is operating, between the third mode and the fourth mode.

[0027] In this eleventh aspect, people around the camera device can confirm in which mode, the third mode or the fourth mode, the control section is operating.

[0028] A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is a camera device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the control unit controls the camera body so that the camera body stops capturing images when the camera image captured by the camera body becomes a predetermined camera image.

[0029] In this twelfth aspect, for example, if the specified image is a blackout image (an image obtained when the shooting range is blacked out, for example, by covering the front side of the lens of the camera body with a hand), then when it is desired to stop the imaging operation of the camera body, it is sufficient to cover the front side of the lens of the camera body with a hand, and the imaging operation of the camera body can be easily stopped. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to the camera device of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the stored contents of the camera image from becoming unclear. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a camera device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the camera body of the embodiment is attached to eyeglasses. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the camera body of the embodiment is attached to eyeglasses. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of the camera device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the first storage process. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the second storage process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, a camera device according to the present disclosure will be described using an example in which the camera body is attached to glasses to function as a wearable camera. The glasses are an example of a head-worn device as a predetermined attachment.

[0033] In this specification, the side of the camera body and mounting parts toward which the lens for photography is directed (the front side in the photography direction) is referred to as the "front," and the side opposite the side toward which the lens is directed is referred to as the "rear." Furthermore, the left side of the camera body and mounting parts in the left-right direction when facing forward in the orientation when used as a wearable camera attached to glasses is referred to as the "left," and the right side is referred to as the "right," and the upper side in the up-down direction in the same orientation is referred to as the "upper," and the lower side is referred to as the "lower."

[0034] <<Embodiment>> The camera device CA of this embodiment is a device that can be used for remote presence of on-site work, such as construction work, facility installation, infrastructure maintenance work, and factory inspections. The use of the camera device CA of this example as a wearable camera is not limited to remote presence of on-site work, but can also be used for a variety of photographic purposes while wearing the glasses GL.

[0035] -Overall configuration of the camera device- As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the camera device CA includes a camera body 1, a mount component 3, a control unit 5, and a first cable .

[0036] Camera body 1 is a component that takes pictures. Camera body 1 has lens 11a for taking pictures on the front. Lens 11a is an ultra-wide-angle lens. An ultra-wide-angle lens here has an angle of view of approximately 120° to 180°. In this example, lens 11a has an angle of view of 180°. When such lens 11a is used, the shooting range is a solid angle of 2π steradians. If the shooting range of camera body 1 does not need to be a solid angle of 2π steradians, lens 11a may have an angle of view of less than 180°.

[0037] The camera body 1 has a first housing 10 that houses components such as an image sensor 11b. A lens housing section 10a that opens to the outside is provided on the front of the first housing 10. A lens holder (not shown) is housed within the opening of the lens housing section 10a. The lens 11a is held by the lens holder and positioned within the opening, and is provided so as to protrude from the opening to the outside of the first housing 10.

[0038] The camera body 1 can be attached to the temple TE of the glasses GL using the mount component 3 so that the lens 11a faces forward of the wearer of the glasses GL (hereinafter also referred to as the user) DU. The temple TE is an element that constitutes the side of the glasses GL. Note that while FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate an example in which the camera body 1 is attached to the left temple TE of the glasses GL, it is also possible to attach the camera body 1 to the right temple TE of the glasses GL by changing the attachment orientation of the mount component 3 or by replacing the mount component 3.

[0039] The control unit 5 is a component that controls the operation of the camera body 1. The control unit 5 has a second housing 50 that houses components such as a circuit board including a control unit 60. A status lamp 51 that indicates the operating status of the camera device CA is provided on the front side of the second housing 50. The control unit 5 is connected to the camera body 1 by wire. A first cable 7 is used to connect the control unit 5 and the camera body 1.

[0040] The control unit 5 supplies power to the camera body 1 via a first cable 7 and is communicatively connected to the camera body 1. The first cable 7 is connected to the bottom of the camera body 1 when the camera body 1 is attached to the glasses GL via the mount part 3. The first cable 7 is held by a cable holder 47 provided on the mount part 3 on the back side of the camera body 1. The first cable 7 is a thin coaxial cable.

[0041] The control unit 5 is further connected to the mobile terminal 100 via a wired connection. A second cable 8 is used to connect the control unit 5 and the mobile terminal 100. The second cable 8 is a USB (Universal Serial Bus) Type-C cable. A dedicated application (hereinafter referred to as a dedicated app) for controlling the operation of the camera device CA is installed in the mobile terminal 100.

[0042] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 100 has a wireless LAN function such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and a communication function based on a mobile communication standard such as LTE (registered trademark). With this communication function, the mobile terminal 100 can access the Internet.

[0043] The mobile terminal 100 is a portable device, and an example of the mobile terminal 100 is a multi-function mobile phone called a smartphone. The mobile terminal 100 may also be any other mobile device, such as a tablet terminal, as long as it is portable.

[0044] Mobile terminal 100 is connected to control unit 60 of camera device CA via a wired connection so that they can communicate with each other. Mobile terminal 100 includes an input unit (touch panel, etc.) that accepts instructions for camera device CA, a display unit (liquid crystal display, etc.) that displays information, an output unit (speaker, etc.) that outputs sound, etc., a terminal control unit (CPU, etc.) that controls various components of mobile terminal 100, and a terminal storage unit (ROM, RAM, etc.) that stores programs executed by the terminal control unit. A user inputs instructions for camera device CA from the input unit of mobile terminal 100 and operates camera device CA.

[0045] The control unit 5 is further connected to a mobile battery 200 via a wired connection. A third cable 9 is used to connect the control unit 5 and the mobile battery 200. The third cable 9 is a USB Type-C cable. The mobile battery 200 is a power source for supplying power from the control unit 5 to the camera body 1. The mobile battery 200 can also be used as a power source for charging the built-in battery of the mobile terminal 100 via the control unit 5.

[0046] 4, the camera body 1 includes a first power supply circuit 13, an imaging unit 11, a temperature sensor 14, an acceleration sensor 15, a gyro sensor 16, a microphone 18, a first connector 19, a reception unit 20, and a notification unit 21. These components are housed inside a first housing 10. The first housing 10 is a portable device.

[0047] First power supply circuit 13 receives power supplied to camera body 1 via first cable 7, converts the power into a voltage suitable for each component built into camera body 1, and supplies the voltage to each component. Image sensor 11b, temperature sensor 14, acceleration sensor 15, gyro sensor 16, and microphone 18 function by receiving power supplied from first power supply circuit 13.

[0048] The imaging unit 11 is provided in the first housing 10 and captures an image of the periphery of the first housing 10. The imaging unit 11 is connected to the control unit 60 via a wired connection so as to be able to communicate with the control unit 60. The imaging unit 11 includes a lens 11a and an imaging element 11b. The imaging element 11b is provided on the rear side of the lens 11a. The imaging element 11b converts light collected by the lens 11a into an electrical signal by photoelectric conversion, thereby generating an image signal. Examples of the imaging element 11b include a CMOS image sensor and a CCD image sensor. The image signal generated by the imaging element 11b is output to the first connector 19 and transmitted to the control unit 5 via the first cable 7.

[0049] The temperature sensor 14 is a sensor that detects the internal temperature of the camera body 1. Examples of the internal temperature of the camera body 1 include the temperature of the internal space of the first housing 10 and the temperature of the image sensor 11b. The temperature sensor 14 is used to perform control to ensure the operation of the image sensor 11b. A detection signal indicating the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 14 is output to the first connector 19.

[0050] The acceleration sensor 15 is a sensor that detects acceleration on three axes. The acceleration sensor 15 detects the direction of gravitational acceleration acting on the camera body 1. The gyro sensor 16 is a sensor that detects angular velocity on three axes. The gyro sensor 16 detects the angular velocity when the orientation of the camera body 1 changes. A detection signal indicating the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 15 and a detection signal indicating the angular velocity detected by the gyro sensor 16 are output to the first connector 19.

[0051] The microphone 18 is a component that detects and collects sounds around the camera body 1. The microphone 18 converts sound vibrations into electrical signals to generate sound signals. A MEMS microphone or an electret condenser microphone (ECM) is used as the microphone 18. A sound signal indicating the sound detected by the microphone 18 is output to a first connector 19.

[0052] The first connector 19 is a component to which the first cable 7 is connected. A coaxial thin-wire connector is used for the first connector 19. The first connector 19 transmits the image signal output from the image sensor 11b, the detection signals output from the temperature sensor 14, the acceleration sensor 15, and the gyro sensor 16, and the sound signal output from the microphone 18 to the control unit 5 via the first cable 7.

[0053] The reception unit 20 receives instructions for controlling the camera device CA. In this embodiment, the reception unit 20 is, for example, a capacitance-type or pressure-sensitive touch sensor, and detects a touch operation (operation by contact) on the surface of the first housing 10. When the reception unit 20, which is a touch sensor, detects a touch operation on the surface of the first housing 10, it outputs a signal corresponding to the detected touch operation to the control unit 60, which will be described later.

[0054] The reception unit 20 receives, through touch operations on the surface of the first housing 10, instructions to cause the imaging unit 11 to start an imaging operation, instructions to cause the imaging unit 11 to end an imaging operation, instructions to switch the operation mode of the camera device CA between on and off, and the like. An example of the operation mode of the camera device CA is a privacy protection mode. When the privacy protection mode is on, the imaging operation of the imaging unit 11 can be started and ended by a touch operation using the reception unit 20. When the privacy protection mode is off, the reception unit 20 does not receive touch operations, and the imaging operation of the imaging unit 11 cannot be started and ended by a touch operation using the reception unit 20.

[0055] The types of touch operations include, for example, a single tap operation, a double tap operation, a long press operation, etc. For example, the type of instruction accepted by the accepting unit 20 may be set according to the type of touch operation, such that a single tap operation is used to issue an instruction to end or start an imaging operation by the imaging unit 11, and a double tap operation is used to issue an instruction to switch the operation mode of the camera device CA.

[0056] The notification unit 21 notifies the state of the camera device CA. The notification unit 21 includes a light source such as an LED. The LED is configured with an LED capable of emitting light of multiple colors, such as a two-color LED or a three-color LED. The light source, which is the notification unit 21, is provided on the surface of the first housing 10. The notification unit 21 notifies the state of the camera device CA by changing the light emission color of the light source, changing the time interval at which the light source blinks, changing the continuous lighting time of the light source, etc., depending on the state of the camera device CA. The state of the camera device CA may be, for example, whether the imaging unit 11 is performing an imaging operation, whether the imaging unit 11 has stopped an imaging operation, or the current operating mode or state of the camera device CA (whether the privacy protection mode is on or off).

[0057] In addition to the status lamp 51, the control unit 5 includes a first USB port 52, a first protection circuit 53, a second power supply circuit 54, a second USB port 55, a second protection circuit 56, a PD controller 63, a first memory 57, a second memory 58, a second connector 59, and a control unit 60. These components are housed inside the second housing 50.

[0058] The first USB port 52 is a cable insertion port for connecting the mobile battery 200. A third cable 9 is inserted into the first USB port 52, and the mobile battery 200 is connected via the third cable 9. A USB Type-C port is used as the first USB port 52.

[0059] The first USB port 52 is connected to a power supply line (VBUS) via a first protection circuit 53 and a diode 61. The power supply line is connected to a second power supply circuit 54. The first protection circuit 53 is a circuit that performs overvoltage protection, also known as OVP. The second power supply circuit 54 converts the power supplied via the power supply line into a voltage suitable for each component built into the control unit 5 and supplies it, and also converts it into a voltage suitable for operating the camera body 1 and outputs it to the first cable 7.

[0060] The second USB port 55 is a cable insertion port for connecting the mobile terminal 100. A second cable 8 is inserted into the second USB port 55, and the mobile terminal 100 is connected via the second cable 8. A USB Type-C port is used as the second USB port 55.

[0061] The second USB port 55 is connected to a power line connected to the second power supply circuit 54 via a second protection circuit 56 and a switch 62. The second protection circuit 56 is a circuit that provides overvoltage protection, also known as OVP. The second USB port 55 is also connected to the control unit 60. The transfer modes of the second USB port 55 are compatible with USB 2.0 HS (Hi Speed) and USB 3.0 SS (Super Speed).

[0062] A signal line for charging called a CC line is mounted on second USB port 55. The CC line of second USB port 55 is connected to control unit 60 via PD controller 63. PD controller 63 controls the supply of power conforming to the USB PD standard from control unit 60 to mobile terminal 100 connected to second USB port 55.

[0063] The status lamp 51 is configured with an LED capable of emitting light of multiple colors, such as a two-color LED or a three-color LED. The status lamp 51 is connected to the control unit 60. The lighting pattern of the status lamp 51 is switched by the control unit 60 according to the operating state of the camera device CA, such as during shooting, in a sleep state (standby state), or in an abnormal state.

[0064] The first memory 57 is a volatile memory that temporarily stores moving image data with audio. For example, a DRAM is used for the first memory 57. The second memory 58 is a non-volatile memory that records moving image data with audio. For example, a NAND flash memory is used for the second memory 58.

[0065] The second connector 59 is a component to which the first cable 7 is connected. A coaxial thin-wire connector is used for the second connector 59. The second connector 59 receives the image signal, each detection signal, and sound signal transmitted from the camera body 1 via the first cable 7, and outputs them to the control unit 60.

[0066] The control unit 60 controls the camera device CA. Controlling the camera device CA means controlling the devices (imaging unit 11, notification unit 21, etc.) provided in the camera device CA. The control unit 60 controls the mobile terminal 100 by transmitting a control signal to the mobile terminal 100 via the second cable 8.

[0067] The control unit 60 functions as a signal processing unit that processes image signals and sound signals. The control unit 60 temporarily stores, in the first memory 57, image data indicated by the image signal and sound data indicated by the sound signal input via the second connector 59. The control unit 60 then adds the sound data to the image data stored in the first memory 57 to generate audio-accompanied video data, which is continuously recorded in the second memory 58 and sequentially transmitted to the mobile terminal 100 via the second USB port 55.

[0068] Before storing the image data in first memory 57, or when generating audio-accompanying video data, control unit 60 performs distortion correction on the image data based on the internal parameters of camera body 1 to convert the image into an image free of distortion due to lens aberration, etc. Control unit 60 also performs a cut-out process to cut out a predetermined range from the distortion-corrected image data.

[0069] This cropping process corrects the tilt of the cropped area and crop position of the image data based on the rotational movement around the optical axis of lens 11a of camera body 1 and the translational movement. This type of correction, also known as electronic gimbaling, cancels out displacement of the captured image caused by dynamic changes in the attitude and shaking of camera body 1. The rotational movement and translational movement of camera body 1 are determined from the detection signals from acceleration sensor 15 and gyro sensor 16.

[0070] The control unit 60 also switches the image output mode between a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is a mode in which the control unit 60 outputs image data with a narrower angle of view than the second mode. The image data output in the first mode corresponds to shooting data with an angle of view of, for example, about 60° to 90°. The second mode is a mode in which the control unit 60 outputs image data of the entire shooting range of the camera body 1. The image data output in the second mode corresponds to shooting data with an angle of view of, for example, about 120° to 180°.

[0071] The above-described cropping process does not need to be performed when the image output mode is the second mode. In the second mode, tilt correction and shake correction by the electronic gimbal are not performed. When the camera device CA is used as a wearable camera by attaching the camera body 1 to the temple TE of the eyeglasses GL, it is generally assumed that the image output mode will be the first mode in order to enable tilt correction and shake correction by the electronic gimbal.

[0072] The control unit 60 may have a function of recognizing sound data. In this case, the control unit 60 may be configured to recognize the voice uttered by the user DU and switch the image output mode when the recognized voice is a predetermined word. Also, the user DU may be able to switch the image output mode by setting the output mode using a dedicated app.

[0073] The control unit 60 also controls thermal shutdown. The imaging element 11b has a predetermined guaranteed operating temperature. Therefore, the control unit 60 performs processing to suspend imaging when the temperature indicated by the detection signal from the temperature sensor 14 exceeds a predetermined temperature, so that the imaging element 11b does not exceed the guaranteed operating temperature. The control unit 60 is realized using an ASIC or the like.

[0074] In the camera device CA, when the mobile battery 200 is connected to the control unit 5, the camera body 1 and the control unit 5 are activated. Then, the imaging section 11 of the camera body 1 automatically captures an image, and audio-accompanying video data according to the image output mode of the control section 60 is transmitted to the mobile terminal 100. The audio-accompanying video data received by the mobile terminal 100 is transferred to a remote external device 300 via the Internet using a dedicated app function. The external device 300 is connected to the mobile terminal 100 so as to be able to communicate wirelessly. The external device 300 is a PC (Personal Computer) that communicates wirelessly bidirectionally with the mobile terminal 100.

[0075] The person in charge of remote attendance at the work site can view the situation at the work site in real time by accessing the external device 300 to which the audio-accompanied video data has been transferred. In addition, if the audio-accompanied video data is uploaded to a cloud server when it is transferred from the mobile terminal 100, the person in charge of remote attendance and the user DU can also check the audio-accompanied video data after the fact.

[0076] -First Amnestic Treatment- 5, in step S1, the control unit 60 of the camera device CA causes the camera body 1 to start an image capturing operation. As a result, the control unit 60 acquires a camera image (image data) indicating an image captured by the camera body 1.

[0077] In step S2, the control unit 60 of the camera device CA transmits the camera image to the mobile terminal 100 via the second cable 8.

[0078] In step S3, when the mobile terminal 100 acquires the camera image from the camera device CA, the mobile terminal 100 transmits the camera image to the external device 300 wirelessly.

[0079] In step S4, the external device 300 stores the camera image from the mobile terminal 100.

[0080] During an image capturing operation by the camera body 1, a camera image captured by the camera body 1 is sent from the camera device CA to the external device 300 via the mobile terminal 100, and the camera image is stored by the external device 300.

[0081] -Second Amnestic Treatment- The second storage process is carried out in parallel with the first storage process.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 6, in step S11, the mobile terminal 100 acquires the radio wave intensity of the signal received from the base station.

[0083] In step S11, the mobile terminal 100 transmits the acquired radio wave intensity to the camera device CA via the second cable 8. As a result, the control unit 60 of the camera device CA acquires the radio wave intensity of the mobile terminal 100. The radio wave intensity of the mobile terminal 100 is a first example of information indicating the communication state with the external device 300.

[0084] In step S13, the control unit 60 of the camera device CA determines whether the acquired radio wave intensity from the mobile terminal 100 is less than a predetermined radio wave intensity.

[0085] If the radio wave strength of the mobile terminal 100 is less than the predetermined radio wave strength (Yes in step S13), the process proceeds to step S14. The radio wave strength of the mobile terminal 100 being less than the predetermined radio wave strength indicates that the communication state with the external device 300 has deteriorated.

[0086] If the radio wave strength of mobile terminal 100 is not less than the predetermined radio wave strength (No in step S13), the process ends. In this case, the external device 300 continues to store the camera images sent from camera device CA, but mobile terminal 100 does not store them. The fact that the radio wave strength of mobile terminal 100 is not less than the predetermined radio wave strength indicates that the communication state with external device 300 has not deteriorated.

[0087] In step S14, control unit 60 of camera device CA transmits, via second cable 8, to mobile terminal 100, a control command instructing mobile terminal 100 to store the camera image sent from camera device CA.

[0088] In step S15, upon receiving the control command, mobile terminal 100 stores the camera image sent from camera device CA. In this case, the camera image is stored in both mobile terminal 100 and external device 300.

[0089] In this case, when transmitting camera images to mobile terminal 100 and external device 300 via the communication unit (second USB port 55), control unit 60 may lower the image quality of the camera images transmitted to external device 300 than that of the camera images transmitted to mobile terminal 100, for example by lowering the frame rate. This allows camera images to be transmitted to external device 300 effectively even when the communication state is poor. By transmitting camera images to external device 300 at a lower image quality than that of the camera images transmitted to mobile terminal 100, mobile terminal 100 stores high-image-quality camera images, and external device 300 stores low-image-quality camera images. Also, in this case, when transmitting camera images to mobile terminal 100 and external device 300 via the communication unit (second USB port 55), control unit 60 may transmit camera images of approximately the same image quality to external device 300 and mobile terminal 100 without performing the above-mentioned process of lowering the image quality of the camera images transmitted to external device 300, for example by lowering the frame rate.

[0090] In addition, when the communication state with the external device 300 deteriorates, the mobile terminal 100 may be configured to store the camera images sent from the camera device CA, but the external device 300 may not store them.

[0091] Furthermore, if the communication state with the external device 300 deteriorates and then the radio wave strength of the mobile terminal 100 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined radio wave strength, thereby restoring the communication state with the external device 300, the operation of storing camera images by the mobile terminal 100 may be canceled, and the state may be restored so that only the external device 300 stores the camera images, out of the mobile terminal 100 and the external device 300.

[0092] Furthermore, once the communication state deteriorates, even if the communication state subsequently recovers, it is still considered that the environment is prone to deterioration of the communication state, and therefore, even if the communication state with the external device 300 deteriorates and then recovers, the camera images may be stored in both the mobile terminal 100 and the external device 300.

[0093] -Variations- In this embodiment, the first housing 10 of the camera device CA is attached to glasses GL. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The first housing 10 may be attached to a person's head HE or an object attached to the person's head HE. For example, the first housing 10 may be attached to a helmet, a hat, or the like. The first housing 10 may also be attached to a strap attached to the person's head HE, such as a head strap. Thus, the first housing 10 is attached to the person's head HE or an object attached to the person's head HE, and the second housing 50 and the mobile terminal 100 are carried by the person.

[0094] In this embodiment, camera device CA communicates wirelessly with external device 300 via mobile terminal 100. That is, camera device CA communicates wirelessly with external device 300 using the wireless communication function of mobile terminal 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Camera device CA may be provided with a function equivalent to the wireless communication function of mobile terminal 100, and configured to wirelessly communicate with external device 300 using its own wireless communication function without going through mobile terminal 100. In this case, in step S11, control unit 60 of camera device CA acquires the radio wave strength of a signal received from a base station, step S12 is omitted, and in steps S13 and after, control unit 60 of camera device CA determines whether the communication state has deteriorated based on the radio wave strength of its own device.

[0095] When mobile terminal 100 performs a storage operation to store a camera image captured by camera body 1, control unit 60 may control notification unit 21 so that notification unit 21 notifies that the storage operation is being performed. In this case, for example, when mobile terminal 100 performs the storage operation, notification unit 21, which is a light source, blinks.

[0096] The operation modes of control unit 60 may include a first mode in which control unit 60 accepts instructions from external device 300, and a second mode in which control unit 60 does not accept instructions from external device 300. The instructions from external device 300 are instructions from external device 300 to operate camera body 1, such as an instruction to operate camera body 1 so as to zoom in on a portion of a camera image captured by camera body 1, and an instruction to operate camera body 1 so as to adjust the image quality of the camera image to a desired image quality. The lighting color, blinking interval, etc. of notification unit 21, which is a light source, may be changed between when control unit 60 is in the first mode and when it is in the second mode.

[0097] The control unit 60 may be configured to control the notification unit 21 so that when the reception unit 20 receives a predetermined instruction for causing the notification unit 21 to notify the state of the camera device CA, the notification unit 21 notifies the state of the camera device CA. For example, if the predetermined instruction is a double tap operation, when the reception unit 20, which is a touch sensor, receives the double tap operation, the double tap operation triggers the notification unit 21 to notify the state of the camera device CA.

[0098] The operation modes of the control unit 60 may include a third mode in which the reception unit 20 receives instructions for the camera device CA and a fourth mode in which the reception unit 20 does not receive instructions for the camera device CA. The third mode includes a privacy protection mode in which, for example, the reception unit 20 receives an instruction to stop the imaging operation of the camera body 1 by touching the first housing 10 on which the reception unit 20 is provided, thereby stopping the imaging operation of the camera body 1. The lighting color, blinking interval, etc. of the notification unit 21, which is a light source, may be different between the third mode and the fourth mode in the operation mode of the control unit 60. For example, in the third mode (privacy protection mode on), the notification unit 21, which is a light source, is lit in orange, and in the fourth mode (privacy protection mode off), the notification unit 21, which is a light source, is lit in green.

[0099] The control unit 60 may control the camera body 1 so that the camera body 1 stops capturing an image when the camera image captured by the camera body 1 becomes a predetermined image. The predetermined image is, for example, a camera image captured when the front side of the lens 11a of the camera body 1 is covered with a hand to darken the capturing range.

[0100] The reception unit 20 in this embodiment is a touch sensor. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The microphone 18 provided in the first housing 10 may function as the reception unit 20. In this case, the reception unit 20, which is the microphone 18, receives instructions for controlling the camera device CA by voice.

[0101] The imaging unit 11 may function as the reception unit 20. In this case, the reception unit 20, which is the imaging unit 11, acquires a predetermined camera image by imaging as an instruction for controlling the camera device CA. The predetermined camera image is, for example, a predetermined marker image, a predetermined code image, a predetermined text image, an image of a predetermined gesture, or a darkened image obtained by darkening the image capturing range by, for example, covering the front side of the lens 11a of the camera body 1 with a hand. A code image is an image that expresses numbers, letters, etc. in a machine-readable form, such as a barcode image or a QR Code (registered trademark) image. When the reception unit 20, which is the imaging unit 11, acquires the predetermined camera image, the control unit 60 executes control of the camera device CA associated with the predetermined camera image (such as terminating the imaging operation of the imaging unit 11 or switching the operating mode of the camera device CA).

[0102] In this embodiment, the notification unit 21 is a light source such as an LED. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The notification unit 21 may be a device that generates vibrations, such as a vibrator. In this case, the notification unit 21 notifies the status of the camera device CA by vibration. The notification unit 21 may also be a device that outputs sound, such as a speaker. In this case, the notification unit 21 notifies the status of the camera device CA by sound. The notification unit 21 may also be a display device such as a liquid crystal display. In this case, the notification unit 21 notifies the status of the camera device CA by an image displayed on the display device. A device other than the camera device CA, such as the mobile terminal 100, may also function as the notification unit 21. In this case, for example, the control unit 60 controls a device other than the camera device CA, such as the mobile terminal 100, so that the other device notifies the status of the camera device CA.

[0103] The first housing 10 may be provided with a light sensor that detects the brightness (illuminance or luminance) around the first housing 10. When the imaging unit 11 is performing an imaging operation, if the detection result of the light sensor is darker than a predetermined brightness (lower than a predetermined illuminance or a predetermined luminance), the control unit 60 may control the imaging unit 11 so that the imaging unit 11 stops the imaging operation, and if the detection result of the light sensor is brighter than the predetermined brightness (greater than the predetermined illuminance or the predetermined luminance), the imaging unit 11 continues the imaging operation.

[0104] Furthermore, while the imaging unit 11 is performing an imaging operation, if the detection result of the light sensor becomes darker than a predetermined brightness and the period of time during which the brightness remains darker than the predetermined brightness continues for a predetermined period of time (if the detection result of the light sensor that is lower than the predetermined illuminance or predetermined luminance continues for a predetermined period of time), the control unit 60 may control the imaging unit 11 so that the imaging unit 11 stops the imaging operation, and in other cases (if the detection result of the light sensor that is lower than the predetermined illuminance or predetermined luminance does not occur, or if such detection result occurs but does not continue for a predetermined period of time), the control unit 60 may control the imaging unit 11 so that the imaging unit 11 continues the imaging operation.

[0105] As described above, preferred embodiments have been described as examples of the technology of the present disclosure. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which appropriate modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible to the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit of the technology of the present disclosure, and that such modifications also fall within the scope of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0106] Note that the above descriptions such as "first," "second," etc. are merely used to distinguish the terms to which they are attached, and do not limit the number or order of the terms. Furthermore, the use of "to" in the above-described ranges of values ​​means a range that includes the values ​​before and after it. In other words, if X and Y are used as substitutes for numerical values, then "X~Y" indicates a range of "greater than or equal to X and less than or equal to Y." [Industrial Applicability]

[0107] As described above, the present disclosure is useful for camera devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] CA camera equipment GL glasses (wearable, head-mounted) TE Temple 1 camera body 5. Control Unit 60 Control Unit 100 mobile devices 300 External equipment

Claims

1. A portable camera device, comprising: The camera body and a communication unit that transmits a camera image representing an image captured by the camera body to an external device; a control unit that acquires information indicating a communication state with the external device; Equipped with the communication unit is capable of communicating with a mobile terminal different from the external device, When the communication state deteriorates, the control unit controls the mobile terminal so that the mobile terminal stores the camera image.

2. a notification unit that notifies information about the camera device, The camera device according to claim 1 , wherein when the mobile terminal performs a storage operation to store the camera image, the control unit controls the notification unit to notify that the storage operation is being performed.

Images