Control apparatus, system, control method, and program

Abstract

To suppress a camera from being an operation state that is not intended by a user.SOLUTION: A control apparatus switches an operation state of an imaging device between a first state that a picked-up image is output to an external part and a second state that the image is not output to the external part, and comprises: acquisition means of acquiring information related to a setting of the imaging device; determination means of generating a determination result by determining the operation state to which the imaging device is moved on the basis of the information related to the setting; and movement means of moving the operation state of the imaging device on the basis of the determination result. The movement means moves the operation state on the basis of the determination result in the case of rebooting the imaging device in the second state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, a system, a control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the development of communication technology, a multi-control technology has been proposed that simultaneously controls multiple cameras and changes the camera settings collectively.

[0003] Also, generally when changing the settings of a camera, depending on the setting content, it is known that the camera needs to be restarted, and the state of the camera always becomes the video output state after the restart.

[0004] Therefore, when collectively performing setting changes involving restart on multiple cameras, even if there are standby cameras that do not output video among them, all cameras will definitely be changed to the video output state after restart, and there is a problem that standby cameras may output unintended video to the outside. Therefore, when performing a setting change involving restart on a standby camera, it is required that the camera be in the state intended by the user.

[0005] As a prior art for automatically changing the state of a camera, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for automatically shifting to a non-video output state when the no-operation state continues for a certain period of time.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, the above conventional technology cannot shift the camera to an operating state where no video is output after restart.

[0008] Therefore, in the present invention, even when a setting change involving restart is performed on a camera in the standby state, the state of the camera is shifted according to the setting content, thereby suppressing the camera from entering an operating state unintended by the user.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0009] To solve this problem, for example, the control device of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, A control device that switches the operating state of an imaging device between a first state in which an imaged image is output externally and a second state in which the image is not output externally, An acquisition means for acquiring information regarding the setting of the imaging device, A determination means for determining the operating state to be shifted based on the information regarding the setting and generating a determination result, A transition means for transitioning the operating state of the imaging device based on the determination result, and when the transition means restarts the imaging device in the second state, the operating state is shifted based on the determination result.

Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the camera from transitioning to an operating state unintended by the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0013] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the present embodiment. This system includes a camera 100 as an imaging device that captures a subject and generates an image and image data, and a camera control device 200 for controlling the camera 100. The term "image" may be used to include moving images, still images, videos, and their data. The camera 100 and the camera control device 200 are connected via a network 300 so as to be able to communicate with each other. Note that the connection form is not particularly limited as long as they can communicate with each other, and the connection form and communication protocol are not particularly limited. For example, the camera 100 and the camera control device 200 may be directly connected using a serial communication cable without going through a network.

[0014] The camera control device 200 controls the camera 100 by transmitting various commands to the camera 100. For example, the camera control device 200 transmits a setting change command for changing the settings of the camera 100 to the camera 100 to change the settings. The camera control device 200 transmits commands such as a distribution request command for requesting the distribution of a video (image) stream and a setting command for setting various parameters to the camera 100 to control the operation of the camera 100. In response to the distribution request command, the camera 100 distributes a video stream to the camera control device 200, and in response to the setting change command, sets or changes various parameters and stores them.

[0015] The camera 100 and the camera control device 200 are connected by a video cable 400. The video output from the camera 100 is input to the camera control device 200. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the video output from the camera 100 is input to the camera control device 200 by connecting the camera 100 and the camera control device 200 with the video cable 400, but the video input method is not limited to this configuration. For example, the camera control device 200 may transmit a distribution request command for requesting the distribution of a video (image) stream to the camera 100 via the network 300, and acquire the video from the camera 100 via the network 300. At this time, the video output destination does not necessarily have to be the camera control device 200, and the camera 100 may output the video to an external video output device instead of the camera control device 200. Also, in this embodiment, the camera control device 200 and the camera 100 are shown as separate devices, but this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, part or all of the functions of the camera control device 200 may be incorporated into the camera 100, or part or all of the functions of the camera 100 may be incorporated into the camera control device 200.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the main configurations of the camera 100 and the camera control device 200 constituting the present system.

[0017] [Configuration of Camera] The camera 100 of this embodiment includes a CPU 101, a RAM 102, a ROM 103, an imaging unit 104, a video output unit 105, a communication unit 106, a mode control unit 107, a mode determination unit 108, and a bus 109. The bus 109 is an internal bus that connects the CPU 101, the RAM 102, the ROM 103, the imaging unit 104, the video output unit 105, the communication unit 106, the mode control unit 107, and the mode determination unit 108 so that they can transmit and receive data to and from each other. Each component is driven by power obtained by rectifying AC power supplied from the outside to a predetermined voltage and power supplied from a built-in battery (not shown).

[0018] The CPU 101 is the abbreviation of Central Processing Unit. The CPU 101 is a system control unit that controls the entire system of the camera 100. The CPU 101 expands and executes a program recorded in a storage such as the ROM 103 in the RAM 102 to control each component and perform arithmetic processing, and executes the flowchart described later. The camera 100 may have other processors such as an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a QPU (Quantum Processing Unit) instead of or in addition to the CPU 101.

[0019] The RAM 102 is the abbreviation of Random Access Memory. The RAM 102 temporarily stores a control program and data as a work memory when the CPU 101 executes a program.

[0020] ROM103 is the abbreviation of Read Only Memory. ROM103 is a non-volatile storage device and is used as a permanent storage area for the OS (Operating System), various programs, and various data necessary for program execution. Also, ROM103 is used as a storage area for various short-term data. Incidentally, even when the camera 100 is restarted, it is possible to obtain the previously set values by referring to ROM103. In addition to ROM103, the camera 100 may have a non-volatile storage device typified by a flash memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), an SD card, etc.

[0021] The imaging unit 104 converts the light received by the imaging element that has received the light from the subject imaged through the imaging optical system including the lens into electric charges, and generates image data such as still images and moving images. The imaging element may be, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor. The imaging element may also be a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor.

[0022] The video output unit 105 is an interface for outputting the video captured by the imaging unit 104 to the outside. The video output unit 105 is composed of, for example, SDI (Serial Digital Interface), and HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) (registered trademark), etc.

[0023] The communication unit 106 is for performing network communication with an external device. In the present embodiment, the communication unit 106 is connected to the network and used for communication with the camera control device 200.

[0024] The mode control unit 107 performs mode switching control to switch the operation mode (operation state). The operation modes include, for example, the normal shooting mode which is the first state and the standby mode which is the second state. The normal shooting mode is an operation mode in which the imaging unit 104 outputs the video data generated by imaging the subject to the outside via either the video output unit 105 or the communication unit 106. The standby mode is an operation mode in which the imaging unit 104 does not output the video data generated by imaging the subject to the outside.

[0025] When the camera 100 is provided with a pan drive unit and a tilt drive unit, during the standby mode, the pan drive and the tilt drive are stopped. The mode control unit 107 sets the operation mode with one of the setting values of "0" and "1", and performs mode switching control by changing the setting value. For example, the setting value "0" indicates the normal shooting mode, and the setting value "1" indicates the standby mode. Note that the present embodiment is not limited to the mode switching control by the setting value, and the mode control unit 107 may switch the operation mode by directly receiving a mode switching instruction via the communication unit 106.

[0026] The mode determination unit 108 performs operation mode transition destination determination control to determine whether the operation mode of the camera 100 to transition to next is the normal shooting mode or the standby mode, and generates a determination result as the result of the determination.

[0027] The functions of the mode control unit 107 and the mode determination unit 108 may be realized as the functions of the CPU 101 that reads and executes a program.

[0028] [Configuration of Camera Control Device] The camera control device 200 will be described. The camera control device 200 of the present embodiment includes a CPU 201, a RAM 202, a ROM 203, a communication unit 204, a video input unit 205, a user input I / F 206, and a bus 208. The bus 208 is an internal bus that connects the CPU 201, the RAM 202, the ROM 203, the communication unit 204, the video input unit 205, and the user input I / F 206 so that data can be transmitted and received to and from each other.

[0029] The CPU 201 is a system control unit that controls the entire system of the camera control device 200. By expanding and executing the programs recorded in the ROM 203 in the RAM 202, the CPU 201 controls each component and performs arithmetic processing, and executes the flowchart described later. The camera control device 200 may have other processors such as an MPU, a GPU, and a QPU instead of or in addition to the CPU 101.

[0030] The RAM 202 temporarily stores the control program and data as a work memory when the CPU 201 executes the program.

[0031] The ROM 203 is a non-volatile storage device and is used as a permanent storage area for the OS, various programs, and various data. Also, the ROM 203 is used as a storage area for various short-term data. In addition to the ROM 203, the camera control device 200 may have non-volatile storage devices represented by flash memories, HDDs, SSDs, SD cards, etc.

[0032] The communication unit 204 is for performing network communication with an external device. In this embodiment, the communication unit 204 is connected to a network and is used for communication with the camera 100.

[0033] The video input unit 205 is an interface for receiving video from the aforementioned camera 100 and is composed of SDI, HDMI, etc.

[0034] The user input I / F 206 receives instructions from the user and transmits an instruction signal to the CPU 201. The user input I / F 206 is an interface for connecting to input devices such as a mouse, a keyboard, and a touch panel, and is composed of USB (Universal Serial Bus), etc.

[0035] Description of the basic operations of each device Regarding the basic operation in this system, the operation where the camera control device 200 sends a setting change command to the camera 100 and the camera 100 shifts the operation mode to the normal shooting mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of the camera control device 200. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of the camera 100. FIGS. 3 and 4 show a series of processes from when the camera 100 receives the setting change command sent from the camera control device 200, changes the settings of the camera 100, to when the operating state of the camera 100 is shifted.

[0037] [Basic Operation of Camera Control Device] The operation where the camera control device 200 sends a setting change command to the camera 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. This control flow is executed when the CPU 201 of the camera control device 200 receives a control instruction via the communication unit 204 and the user input I / F 206.

[0038] In S301, the CPU 201 checks whether it has received an instruction indicating the end of this control flow via either the communication unit 204 or the user input I / F 206. If the CPU 201 determines that it has not received an instruction indicating the end, it proceeds to S302 assuming this control continues. On the other hand, if the CPU 201 determines that it has received an instruction indicating the end of this control flow, it ends this control.

[0039] In S302, the CPU 201 transmits a command to inquire the camera 100 about the current setting information via the communication unit 204. The CPU 201 acquires a response including the setting information and writes it to the RAM 202. The setting information includes information related to the output video, information related to the network, and information related to the system, etc. The information related to the output video includes information such as changes in the frame frequency, changes in the output resolution, and those related to the IP stream. The information related to the network includes information such as the IP address and the address setting method. The information related to the system includes information such as the model name and the firmware version. In this embodiment, the CPU 201 mainly uses the information listed as examples, but the acquirable setting information is not limited to this.

[0040] In S303, based on the setting change instruction obtained via either the communication unit 204 or the user input I / F 206, the CPU 201 creates a setting change command and writes it to the RAM 202. The CPU 201 creates the setting change command in accordance with a protocol predetermined as a method for controlling the camera 100, for example. Note that in this embodiment, the setting change command is an instruction for changing the settings of the camera 100. The setting change command includes, for example, an instruction to change the frame frequency, an instruction to change the IP address, and an instruction to change the value for setting the IP stream. Note that in this embodiment, the CPU 201 mainly uses the setting change command including the change instructions listed as examples, but the setting change command is not limited to this. Note that the setting change command may be directly received from a user or the like via the communication unit 204 and the user input I / F 206.

[0041] In S304, the CPU 201 reads out the setting change command written to the RAM 202 in S303 from the RAM 202 and transmits it to the camera 100 via the communication unit 204.

[0042] [Basic Operations of the Camera] The control flow of the camera 100 when it receives the setting change command transmitted from the camera control device 200 in the aforementioned S304 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. This control flow is executed when the CPU 101 detects that a camera control command has reached the communication unit 106.

[0043] In S401, the CPU 101 receives the setting change command via the communication unit 106. The CPU 101 writes the received setting change command to the RAM 102.

[0044] In S402, the CPU 101 executes the setting change process. For example, the CPU 101 reads the setting change command received in S401 from the RAM 102. The CPU 101 creates setting information based on the read setting change command. The CPU 101 overwrites and changes the setting information stored in the ROM 103 with the newly created setting information.

[0045] In S403, the CPU 101 determines whether it is necessary to restart the camera 100 in order to apply the setting information written to the ROM 103 in S402. If the CPU 101 determines that it is necessary to restart the camera 100, it proceeds to S404; if it determines that a restart is not necessary, it proceeds to S406.

[0046] In S404, the CPU 101 changes the setting value indicating the current operation mode to the normal shooting mode and writes it to the ROM 103.

[0047] In S405, the CPU 101 executes the operation mode transition process. For example, the CPU 101 performs restart control on each component. When the restart control of each component is completed, the CPU 101 instructs the mode control unit 107 to perform mode switching control. After receiving the mode switching control instruction from the CPU 101, the mode control unit 107 reads the setting value indicating the current operation mode from the ROM 103 and changes the operation mode based on the read setting value. Here, the mode control unit 107 changes the operation mode to the normal shooting mode.

[0048] In S406, the CPU 101 reads the setting information from the ROM 103 and transmits it to the camera control device 200 via the communication unit 106.

[0049] As described above, when a restart is necessary, the camera 100 can shift the operation mode to the normal shooting mode based on the setting change command transmitted from the camera control device 200.

[0050] [Explanation of the Characteristic Operations of the Present Embodiment] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the characteristic operations of the camera 100 in the first embodiment. The operations when the camera 100 dynamically changes the operation mode based on the setting change command transmitted by the camera control device 200, which is a characteristic operation in this system, will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 5. This control flow is realized by the CPU 101 of the camera 100 reading the program stored in the ROM 103 and expanding it in the RAM 102, and executing the control and arithmetic processing of each part. Note that the processing shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and the order is not limited.

[0051] S501 to S502 perform the same processing as S401 to S402 in FIG. 4, respectively.

[0052] In S503, the CPU 101 reads the setting information written in S502 from the ROM 103. Then, the CPU 101 determines whether a restart of the camera 100 is necessary in order to apply the read setting information. If the CPU 101 determines that a restart is necessary, it proceeds to S504; if it determines that a restart is not necessary, it proceeds to S509.

[0053] In S504, the CPU 101 reads the setting value indicating the current operation mode from the ROM 103. If the CPU 101 determines that the read setting value indicates the standby mode, it proceeds to S505; if it determines that the read setting value indicates the normal shooting mode, it proceeds to S509.

[0054] In S505, the CPU 101 reads out the setting information (information on the setting) written out in S502 from the ROM 103. The CPU 101 passes the read setting information to the mode determination unit 108. The mode determination unit 108 determines whether the setting information is for changing the value of the video data outputted through the video output unit 105. If the mode determination unit 108 determines that the setting information is for changing the value of the video data, the process proceeds to S506, and if the mode determination unit 108 determines that the value of the video data is not changed, the process proceeds to S507. In this embodiment, the step to proceed to next is determined based on whether the value of the video data is changed in conjunction with the setting information. However, if the setting change command received in S501 includes a setting value indicating the operation mode, the mode determination unit 108 may determine the operation mode to be shifted to after rebooting based on the setting change command (information on the setting). For example, if the mode determination unit 108 receives a setting change command for changing the operation mode to the standby mode, the process proceeds to S507, and if the mode determination unit 108 receives a setting change command for changing the operation mode to the normal shooting mode, the process proceeds to S506. In this embodiment, the settings that change the value of the video data output via the video output unit 105 in a linked manner include settings for changing the output resolution and the system frequency, but are not limited to these as long as they change the value of the video data even slightly. Settings that change the value of the video data include, for example, settings for updating the firmware of the camera 100 and settings for restoring the setting values.

[0055] In S506, the CPU 101 reads out a setting value indicating the operation mode from the ROM 103, changes the setting value to a value indicating the normal shooting mode, and writes the changed setting value to the ROM 103. In other words, the CPU 101 writes the normal shooting mode, which is the determination result of the operation mode, as the setting value.

[0056] In S507, CPU 101 reads out a setting value indicating the operation mode from ROM 103, changes the setting value to a value indicating the standby mode, and writes the changed setting value to ROM 103. In other words, CPU 101 writes the standby mode, which is a determination result of the operation mode, as a setting value.

[0057] S508 to S509 perform the same operations as S405 to S406.

[0058] In the first embodiment, when the camera 100 restarts in the standby mode, it determines the operation mode to be shifted based on the setting information or the setting change command, and shifts to the normal shooting mode or the standby mode based on the result of the determination. Thereby, the first embodiment can suppress the camera 100 from shifting to an operation mode unintended by the user. As a result, the first embodiment can suppress the unnecessary shift to the normal shooting mode after restart and suppress the output of an image to the outside contrary to the user's intention.

[0059] In the first embodiment, when the setting of the output value of the video data is not changed, the camera 100 shifts to the standby mode after restart. Thereby, the camera 100 can further suppress the unnecessary shift to the normal shooting mode and suppress the output of an unintended image to the outside.

[0060] In the first embodiment, the camera 100 determines the operation mode to be shifted according to whether the output value of the image is changed. Thereby, the first embodiment can more appropriately determine the operation mode to be shifted according to the change in the camera 100 settings. As a result, the first embodiment can more suppress the change to an unnecessary operation mode.

[0061] In the first embodiment, since the camera 100 writes and stores the setting value indicating the operation mode in the ROM 103 which is a non-volatile storage device, the operation mode can be shifted based on the setting value even after restart.

[0062] [Second Embodiment] Next, the second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, it was described that the camera 100 dynamically changes the operation mode of the camera 100 based on the setting content of the setting change command transmitted from the camera control device 200. In contrast, in this embodiment, the camera control device 200 has a function equivalent to that of the mode determination unit 108, which is a component of the camera 100 described in the first embodiment, thereby configuring a system that can dynamically change the operation mode of the camera even in a camera that does not have a function equivalent to that of the mode determination unit 108.

[0063] FIG. 6 is a block configuration diagram showing the main configurations of the camera 100 and the camera control device 200 that constitute the system of the second embodiment.

[0064] [Configuration of Camera 100 in the Second Embodiment] The camera 100 of this embodiment includes a CPU 101, a RAM 102, a ROM 103, an imaging unit 104, a video output unit 105, a communication unit 106, and a mode control unit 107. Also, the mode determination unit 108 is an internal bus that connects the above blocks. Each component is driven by power obtained by rectifying AC power supplied from the outside to a predetermined voltage or power supplied from a built-in battery (not shown). Since each component of the camera 100 is the same as that described in the first embodiment, the description is omitted.

[0065] [Configuration of Camera Control Device 200 in the Second Embodiment] The camera control device 200 of this embodiment includes a CPU 201, a RAM 202, a ROM 203, a communication unit 204, a video input unit 205, a user input I / F 206, and a mode determination unit 207. Also, 208 is an internal bus that connects the above blocks. Each component is driven by power supplied from AC power supplied from the outside rectified to a predetermined voltage, and power supplied from a built-in battery (not shown), etc. Since the CPU 201, the RAM 202, the ROM 203, the communication unit 204, the video input unit 205, and the user input I / F 206 are the same as the configurations described in the first embodiment, the description is omitted.

[0066] The mode determination unit 207 performs operation mode transition destination determination control for determining whether the operation mode of the camera 100 should be the normal shooting mode or the standby mode.

[0067] [Explanation of Characteristic Operations of the Second Embodiment] As a characteristic operation of this embodiment, regarding the operation of dynamically changing the operation mode of the camera 100 according to the setting content to be changed when the camera control device 200 changes the settings of the camera 100, it will be described using the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0068] [Characteristic Operations of the Camera Control Device 200 in the Second Embodiment] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the characteristic operations of the camera control device 200 in the second embodiment. The operation of the camera control device 200 creating and transmitting a setting change command and an operation mode change command to the camera 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. This flow is realized by the CPU 201 reading the program stored in the ROM 203 and expanding it in the RAM 202, and executing control and arithmetic processing for each part. Note that the processing shown in FIG. 7 is merely an example, and the order is not limited.

[0069] S701 to S703 are the same as the operations of S301 to S303 described in the first embodiment.

[0070] In S704, the CPU 201 reads the setting change command created in S703 from the RAM 202. The CPU 201 reads from the ROM 203 a setting table that associates the setting change command previously stored in the ROM 203 with the necessity of restarting the camera 100. Based on the setting table, the CPU 201 determines whether it is necessary to restart the camera 100 in order to apply the setting change command created in S703 to the camera 100. If the CPU 201 determines as a result that it is not necessary to restart the camera 100, it proceeds to S709; if it determines that it is necessary to restart the camera 100, it proceeds to S705. Note that in this embodiment, the necessity of restarting the camera 100 is determined using the setting table previously stored in the ROM 203, but the determination method is not limited to this. For example, the CPU 201 may inquire of the camera 100 via the communication unit 106 as to whether it is necessary to restart the camera 100, or may receive such information from another external device.

[0071] In S705, the CPU 201 reads the setting information of the camera 100 acquired from the camera 100 in S702 from the RAM 202. Based on the setting information, the CPU 201 determines whether the current operation mode of the camera 100 is the standby mode. If the CPU 201 determines as a result that the operation mode of the camera 100 is the standby mode, it proceeds to S706; if it determines that it is the normal shooting mode, it proceeds to S707. Note that the CPU 201 may also acquire a setting value from the camera 100 and determine based on the setting value whether the current operation mode of the camera 100 is the standby mode.

[0072] In S706, CPU 201 reads out the setting change command (information on the setting) created in S703 from RAM 202. CPU 201 passes the read setting change command to mode determination unit 207. Mode determination unit 207 reads out from ROM 203 a command table of setting change commands that affect the value of video data output via video output unit 105 of camera 100, which has been stored in ROM 203 in advance. Mode determination unit 207 judges whether the setting change command passed from CPU 201 changes the value of video data output via video output unit 105 of camera 100 based on the command table. If mode determination unit 207 judges that the value of the video data is to be changed, it writes the result of the judgment in RAM 202 and then proceeds to S707. On the other hand, if mode determination unit 207 judges that the value of the video data is not to be changed, it writes the result of the judgment in RAM 202 and then proceeds to S708.

[0073] In this embodiment, the step to proceed to next is determined based on whether the value of the video data is changed in conjunction with the above, but the step to proceed to next may be determined based on a setting change command set directly by the user via the user input I / F 206. For example, the mode determination unit 207 may proceed to S708 when it acquires a setting change command from the user to change the operation mode to the standby mode. On the other hand, the mode determination unit 207 may proceed to S707 when it acquires a setting change command from the user to change the operation mode to the normal shooting mode. In this embodiment, the setting in which the value of the video data outputted via the video output unit 105 of the camera 100 is changed in conjunction with the above includes a setting to change the output resolution and a setting to change the system frequency, but is not limited to these as long as the setting changes the value of the video data even slightly. The setting in which the value of the video data is changed may be, for example, a setting to update the firmware of the camera 100 and a setting value restore setting.

[0074] Also, in this embodiment, in order to determine whether the setting change command passed from the CPU 201 changes the value of the video data output via the video output unit 105 of the camera 100, the mode determination unit 207 uses a command table pre-stored in the ROM 203, but the determination method is not limited to this. The mode determination unit 207 may, for example, inquire of the camera 100 via the communication unit 106 whether the setting change command passed from the CPU 201 to the camera 100 changes the value of the video data output via the video output unit 105 of the camera 100, or may receive that information from another external device in a similar manner.

[0075] In S707, the CPU 201 creates a setting change command for changing the operation mode of the camera 100 to the normal shooting mode and writes it to the RAM 202.

[0076] In S708, the CPU 201 creates a setting change command for changing the operation mode of the camera 100 to the standby mode and writes it to the RAM 202.

[0077] In S709, the CPU 201 reads out the setting change commands created in S703, S707, and S708 from the RAM 202 and transmits them to the camera 100 via the communication unit 204. Note that the CPU 201 may create the setting change command and the operation mode to be shifted as separate data and transmit them to the camera 100 separately.

[0078] As described above, the camera control device 200 can create a setting change command for dynamically changing the operation mode of the camera 100 based on the setting content of the setting change command and transmit it to the camera 100.

[0079] [Characteristic Operations of Camera 100 in the Second Embodiment] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the characteristic operation of the camera 100 in the second embodiment. The operation when the camera 100 changes its operation mode based on the setting change command transmitted by the camera control device 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. This flowchart is realized by the CPU 101 reading out the program stored in the ROM 103 and expanding it in the RAM 102, and executing control and arithmetic processing for each part. Note that the processing shown in FIG. 8 is merely an example, and the order is not limited.

[0080] In S801, the CPU 101 receives a setting change command via the communication unit 106. The CPU 101 writes the received setting change command to the RAM 102.

[0081] In S802, the CPU 101 executes a setting change process. For example, the CPU 101 reads out the setting change command received in S801 from the RAM 102. The CPU 101 creates setting information based on the read setting change command, and overwrites the setting information stored in the ROM 103 with the newly created setting information.

[0082] In S803, the CPU 101 determines whether it is necessary to restart the camera 100 in order to apply the setting information written to the ROM 103 in S802. If the CPU 101 determines that a restart is necessary, it proceeds to S804; if it determines that a restart is not necessary, it proceeds to S806.

[0083] In S804, the CPU 201 reads out the setting change command received from the camera control device 200 in S801 from the RAM 102, and determines whether the change command for the operation mode of the camera 100 indicates the normal shooting mode. If the CPU 101 determines that the change command indicates the normal shooting mode, it proceeds to S805. On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that the change command does not indicate the normal shooting mode, that is, it indicates the standby mode, it proceeds to S806.

[0084] In S805, the CPU 101 changes the set value indicating the current operation mode to the normal shooting mode and writes it to the ROM 103.

[0085] In S806, the CPU 101 changes the set value indicating the current operation mode to the standby mode and writes it to the ROM 103.

[0086] In S807, the CPU 101 performs restart control on each component. When the restart control for each component is completed, the CPU 101 instructs the mode control unit 107 to perform mode switching control. After receiving the mode switching control instruction from the CPU 101, the mode control unit 107 reads the set value indicating the current operation mode from the ROM 103 and shifts the operation mode based on the read set value.

[0087] In S808, the CPU 101 reads the setting information from the ROM 103 and transmits it to the camera control device 200 via the communication unit 106.

[0088] As described above, the camera 100 can change the operation mode based on the setting change command transmitted by the camera control device 200.

[0089] The camera 100 of the second embodiment shifts the operation mode based on the setting change command including the change command for changing the operation mode transmitted by the camera control device 200. Here, since the camera control device 200 generates the operation mode change command based on whether to change the output value of the video data, it is possible to suppress an unnecessary shift to the normal shooting mode and suppress the output of an image unintended by the user.

[0090] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0091] In addition, supplying a software program that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments directly from a recording medium or to a system or device having a computer capable of executing the program using wired / wireless communication and executing the program is also included in the present invention. Therefore, in order to realize the functional processing of the present invention by a computer, the program code itself supplied to and installed in the computer also realizes the present invention. That is, the computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention is also included in the present invention. In that case, as long as it has the functions of the program, the form of the program is not limited, such as object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to an OS, etc. As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk or magnetic tape, an optical / photo-magnetic storage medium, or a non-volatile semiconductor memory may be used.

[0092] In addition, as a method for supplying the program, a method may be considered in which a computer program forming the present invention is stored in a server on a computer network, and a connected client computer downloads and programs the computer program.

[0093] The disclosure of this specification includes the following control device, system, control method, and program. (Item 1) A control device that switches the operating state of an imaging device between a first state in which an imaged image is output externally and a second state in which the image is not output externally, an acquisition means for acquiring information regarding the setting of the imaging device, Determination means for determining the operation state to be shifted based on the information regarding the setting and generating a determination result; Transition means for transitioning the operation state of the imaging device based on the determination result; comprising: When the transition means restarts the imaging device in the second state, it transitions the operation state based on the determination result. A control device characterized by the above. (Item 2) The acquisition means acquires the information regarding the setting from the outside. The control device according to Item 1, characterized by the above. (Item 3) The acquisition means acquires the information regarding the setting input by the user. The control device according to Item 1 or Item 2, characterized by the above. (Item 4) When the determination means determines that the setting is changed based on the information regarding the setting in the second state, if it is determined that the value of the output of the image is changed, it determines that the operation state to be shifted is the first state, if it is determined that the value of the output of the image is not changed, it determines that the operation state to be shifted is the second state. The control device according to any one of Items 1 to 3, characterized by the above. (Item 5) The determination means stores the determination result in a non-volatile storage device. The control device according to any one of Items 1 to 4, characterized by the above. (Item 6) A system having an imaging device whose operation state switches between a first state in which a captured image is output to the outside and a second state in which the image is not output to the outside, and a control device for changing the setting of the imaging device, wherein the imaging device comprises imaging means for generating image data based on light from an imaging optical system, and transition means for transitioning the operation state of the imaging device, comprising: The control device includes a generation means for generating information related to settings for changing the settings of the imaging device, a determination means for determining the operation state to be shifted based on the information related to the settings and generating a determination result, and a transmission means for transmitting the determination result to the imaging device. When the shift means restarts the imaging device in the second state, it shifts the operation state based on the determination result. A system characterized by this. (Item 7) (Item 7) The system according to item 6, wherein the transmission means transmits the determination result to the imaging device together with the information related to the settings. (Item 8) The generation means generates the information related to the settings based on an input from a user. The system according to item 6 or item 7, characterized by this. (Item 9) When the determination means determines that the settings of the imaging device are changed based on the information related to the settings in the second state, if it is determined that the output value of the image is changed, it determines that the operation state to be shifted is the first state, and if it is determined that the output value of the image is not changed, it determines that the operation state to be shifted is the second state. The system according to any one of items 6 to 8, characterized by this. (Item 10) The control device includes an acquisition means for acquiring information related to the current settings from the imaging device, and the generation means generates the information related to the settings for changing the settings of the imaging device based on the information related to the current settings. The system according to any one of items 6 to 9, characterized by this. (Item 11) A control method for switching the operating state of an imaging device between a first state of outputting a captured image externally and a second state of not outputting the image externally, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring information regarding the settings of the imaging device; a determination step of determining the operating state to be shifted based on the information regarding the settings and generating a determination result; a transition step of transitioning the operating state of the imaging device based on the determination result; wherein when restarting the imaging device in the second state, the transition step shifts the operating state based on the determination result. A control method characterized by the above. (Item 12) A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the control device according to any one of Items 1 to 5.

[0094] The invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0095] 100... Camera, 200... Camera control device, 101... CPU, 103... ROM, 104... Imaging unit, 107... Mode control unit, 108... Mode determination unit, 201... CPU, 203... ROM, 207... Mode determination unit.

Claims

1. A control device that switches the operating state of an imaging device between a first state in which a captured image is output externally and a second state in which the image is not output externally, an acquisition means for acquiring information regarding the settings of the imaging device, a determination means for determining the operating state to be shifted based on the information regarding the settings and generating a determination result, a transition means for transitioning the operating state of the imaging device based on the determination result, comprising, when the transition means restarts the imaging device in the second state, the operating state is transitioned based on the determination result A control device characterized by the above.

2. The acquisition means acquires the information regarding the settings from the outside The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. The acquisition means acquires the information regarding the settings input by the user The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

4. When the determination means determines that the settings are changed based on the information regarding the settings in the second state, when it is determined that the output value of the image is changed, it is determined that the operating state to be shifted is the first state, when it is determined that the output value of the image is not changed, it is determined that the operating state to be shifted is the second state The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

5. The determination means stores the determination result in a non-volatile storage device The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

6. A system having an imaging device whose operating state switches between a first state of outputting a captured image externally and a second state of not outputting the image externally, and a control device for changing the settings of the imaging device, wherein the imaging device includes imaging means for generating image data based on light from an imaging optical system, and transition means for transitioning the operating state of the imaging device, and wherein the control device includes generation means for generating information related to settings for changing the settings of the imaging device, determination means for determining the operating state to be transitioned based on the information related to the settings and generating a determination result, and transmission means for transmitting the determination result to the imaging device, and wherein when the transition means restarts the imaging device in the second state, it transitions the operating state based on the determination result characterized in that it is a system.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the transmission means transmits the determination result to the imaging device together with the information related to the settings.

8. The system according to claim 6, wherein the generation means generates the information related to the settings based on an input from a user.

9. When the determination means determines that the settings of the imaging device are changed based on the information related to the settings in the second state, if it determines that the value of the image output is changed, it determines that the operating state to be transitioned is the first state, and if it determines that the value of the image output is not changed, it determines that the operating state to be transitioned is the second state characterized in that it is a system according to claim 6.

10. The control device includes an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the current settings from the imaging device. The generation unit generates information regarding the settings for changing the settings of the imaging device based on the information regarding the current settings. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that.

11. A control method for switching the operating state of an imaging device between a first state in which a captured image is output externally and a second state in which the image is not output externally, an acquisition step of acquiring information regarding the settings of the imaging device; a determination step of determining the operating state to be shifted based on the information regarding the settings and generating a determination result; a transition step of transitioning the operating state of the imaging device based on the determination result; comprising: In the transition step, when restarting the imaging device in the second state, the operating state is transitioned based on the determination result. The control method is characterized in that.

12. A program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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