Control unit, imaging apparatus, control method, and program

Abstract

To reduce the amount of communication data between an imaging apparatus and a control unit.SOLUTION: A control unit has: communication means that communicates with an imaging apparatus; transmission means that transmits a control instruction to the imaging apparatus; receiving means that receives, from the imaging apparatus, a second image having a reduced amount of data compared to that of a first image photographed by the imaging apparatus; display means that displays a list of the second images received from the imaging apparatus; and control means that notifies the imaging apparatus of the second image selected from the list.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system in which a control device controls an imaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] A system is known in which multiple image capture devices are connected to a control device via a network and the control device remotely controls the multiple image capture devices. In such a system, large amounts of data are exchanged, such as live view images sent from the image capture devices to the control device, control instructions sent from the control device to the image capture devices, and image data transferred from the image capture devices to a server, and measures are needed to prevent communication bandwidth from being overwhelmed.

[0003] As one such measure, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for displaying a list of images stored in an imaging device and transferring an image selected by a user to a server with priority. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-137725 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the above Patent Document 1, in order to enable the control device to view and select images stored in the imaging device, the control device needs to obtain the images stored in the imaging device from the imaging device, which puts a strain on the communication bandwidth.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to realize a technique for reducing the amount of communication data between an imaging device and a control device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the control device of the present invention has a communication means for communicating with an imaging device, a transmission means for transmitting control instructions to the imaging device, a reception means for receiving from the imaging device a second image having a reduced amount of data compared to a first image captured by the imaging device, a display means for displaying a list of the second images received from the imaging device, and a control means for notifying the imaging device of the second image selected from the list.

[0008] In addition, the imaging device of the present invention has a communication means for communicating with a control device, a receiving means for receiving control instructions from the control device, a transmitting means for transmitting to the control device a second image having a reduced amount of data compared to a first image captured by the imaging device, a storage means for storing the first image captured in response to the control instruction, and a control means for executing a predetermined process on the first image associated with the notified second image in response to receiving notification of the second image from the control device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the amount of communication data between the imaging device and the control device can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a control device and an image management device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control process of the control device of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control process of the imaging apparatus of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating examples of lists of image files stored in the control device and the imaging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7]10 is a flowchart illustrating a control process of a control device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control process of the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control process of a control device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control process of the imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0012] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the imaging device of the present invention is applied to a digital camera, the control device is applied to a personal computer (desktop PC, notebook PC, tablet PC, etc.), and the image management device is applied to a server computer. Note that the imaging device of this embodiment is not limited to a digital camera and can be applied to any device having a camera function and a communication function. Furthermore, the control device of this embodiment can be applied to any device having a communication function and a display function.

[0013] <System configuration> First, the system configuration of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0014] In the system of this embodiment, an imaging device 100, a control device 200, and an image management device 250 are connected via a network 50, and IP addresses and the like are registered in the imaging device 100, the control device 200, and the image management device 250, enabling communication with each other. Note that although there is one imaging device 100 in this embodiment, there may be multiple imaging devices.

[0015] The imaging device 100 is controlled by control instructions received from the control device 200. The imaging device 100 saves an original image (first image) captured in accordance with a shooting instruction from the control device 200, and transmits a live view image captured immediately before or after the shooting instruction or a thumbnail image (second image) of the original image to the control device 200 instead of the original image. In this way, in this embodiment, the amount of communication data over the network 50 is reduced, and live view images or original images associated with the original images saved by the imaging device 100 can be viewed or selected on the control device 200. The imaging device 100 transfers, from among the original images, images selected by the control device 200 as those to be transferred to the image management device 250.

[0016] The control device 200 can remotely control the imaging device 100 by transmitting control instructions to the imaging device 100. The control device 200 transmits shooting instructions to the imaging device 100, and receives and stores live view images or thumbnail images associated with original images captured in accordance with the shooting instructions from the imaging device 100. The control device 200 also selects images to be preferentially transferred to the image management device 250 from the original images captured by the imaging device 100, and notifies the imaging device 100 of the images to be transferred.

[0017] The imaging device 100 transfers to the image management device 250, among the original images, the images selected by the control device 200 as the transfer targets, with priority over other original images.

[0018] In this embodiment, the first image is an original image, the second image is a live view image or a thumbnail image associated with the original image, and the images include moving images or still images.

[0019] The image management device 250 can store the original images transferred from the image capture device 100 .

[0020] In this embodiment, the image management device 250 is an FTP server that transmits and receives files to and from an FTP client in accordance with FTP (File Transfer Protocol). The imaging device 100 is connected as an FTP client so as to be able to communicate with the FTP server. Note that the communication protocol in this embodiment is not limited to FTP, and may be FTPS (File Transfer Protocol over SSL / TLS), SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol), or the like.

[0021] The network 50 is a communication path that connects at least one imaging device 100, a control device 200, and an image management device 250 so that they can communicate with each other, using a wireless antenna or a wired cable.

[0022] <Device configuration> Next, the configuration and functions of the imaging device 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the imaging device 100 of this embodiment.

[0024] The imaging device 100 has a control unit 101, a non-volatile memory 102, a volatile memory 103, an optical unit 104, an imaging unit 105, an A / D conversion unit 106, an image processing unit 107, an operation unit 108, a display unit 109, a communication unit 110, and a recording medium 111.

[0025] The control unit 101 is an arithmetic processor (CPU or MPU) that controls the entire imaging device 100, and controls the components described below by executing a control program stored in the nonvolatile memory 102. The control unit 101 also controls the imaging device 100 based on control instructions received from the control device 200. The control instructions include image capture instructions and file operation instructions described below. Note that instead of the control unit 101 controlling the entire device, the entire device may be controlled by multiple hardware devices sharing the processing load.

[0026] The control unit 101 includes a system timer that measures the time used for various controls and the time of an internal clock.

[0027] The nonvolatile memory 102 is a ROM, and is used as a storage area for storing constants, programs, etc. for the operation of the control unit 101. The programs are programs for executing the control processing described below.

[0028] The volatile memory 103 is a RAM, and is used as a working area for expanding constants and variables for the operation of the control unit 101, programs read from the nonvolatile memory 102, etc. The volatile memory 103 is also used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data captured by the imaging unit 105, which will be described later.

[0029] The optical unit 104 includes a group of lenses including a zoom lens and a focus lens, and a shutter with an aperture function.

[0030] The imaging unit 105 includes an image sensor configured with a CCD, CMOS, etc. that converts the optical image of the subject formed by the optical unit 104 into an electrical signal. The imaging unit 105 generates still image data and video data configured with analog signals.

[0031] The A / D conversion unit 106 converts the analog signal generated by the imaging unit 105 into a digital signal. The A / D conversion unit 106 generates still image data or video data composed of a digital signal from still image data or video data composed of an analog signal.

[0032] The image processing unit 107 performs various types of image processing on the image data output from the A / D conversion unit 106. The image processing unit 107 also generates image files (original images) by compressing and encoding the processed still image data in a format such as JPEG, or by encoding the moving image data in a moving image compression format such as MP4, and records the generated image files on the recording medium 111. The image processing unit 107 also decodes still image files read from the recording medium 111, or decodes moving image files read from the recording medium 111.

[0033] Furthermore, the image processing unit 107 generates a live view image from the image data output from the A / D conversion unit 106, and also generates a thumbnail image from the image data that has been subjected to image processing. The live view image and thumbnail image are images in which the amount of data is reduced and the size (width, height) is reduced compared to the original image.

[0034] Furthermore, the control unit 101 performs AE processing and AF processing by controlling the optical unit 104 based on the results of predetermined calculation processing using the image data that has been subjected to image processing.

[0035] The operation unit 108 is an operation member such as a switch, button, or touch panel that receives various operations from the user and notifies the control unit 101. The operation unit 108 includes at least a still image capture button, a video capture button, a mode dial, and a power switch.

[0036] The still image capture button is an operation member for instructing the control unit 101 to perform still image capture processing. The video capture button is an operation member for instructing the control unit 101 to perform video capture processing.

[0037] The mode dial is an operating member for switching the operation mode of the imaging device 100. The mode dial can switch the operation mode of the imaging device 100 between a still image capture mode, a video capture mode, and a playback mode.

[0038] The power switch is an operating member for switching the power of the imaging device 100 on and off.

[0039] When the still image shooting button is pressed halfway, it notifies the control unit 101 of an instruction to perform shooting preparation processing. In still image shooting mode, when the still image shooting button is pressed halfway, the control unit 101 starts shooting preparation processing (AE processing and AF processing) for a still image. When the still image shooting button is pressed all the way, it notifies the control unit 101 of an instruction to perform shooting processing. When the still image shooting button is pressed all the way, the control unit 101 executes still image shooting processing to record image data captured by the imaging unit 105 on the recording medium 111. Note that the shooting preparation processing is not limited to when the still image shooting button is pressed halfway, and at least one of the AE processing and the AF processing may be executed by operating an operation member for AE or an operation member for AF that is different from the still image shooting button included in the operation unit 108.

[0040] In addition, in the video shooting mode, when the video shooting button is pressed for the first time, the control unit 101 performs shooting preparation processing (AE processing and AF processing) on the image data (frames) captured by the imaging unit 105, continues the video shooting processing to record a video for a predetermined period of time on the recording medium 111, and stops the video shooting processing when the video shooting button is pressed again.

[0041] The display unit 109 displays image data (live view image) captured by the imaging unit 105, image data read from the recording medium 111, and a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for interactive operations. The display unit 109 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0042] The communication unit 110 is communicably connected to an external device via a wireless antenna or a wired cable, and transmits and receives various information. The communication unit 110 can also be connected to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. The various information includes live view images and thumbnail images transmitted from the imaging device 100 to the control device 200, and control instructions transmitted from the control device 200 to the imaging device 100.

[0043] The recording medium 111 is a memory card, a hard disk, or the like, and records image files generated by the image processing unit 107. The control unit 101 reads data from the recording medium 111 and writes data to the recording medium 111.

[0044] The control unit 101 can execute the still image shooting process and video shooting process in response to a shooting instruction received from the control device 200. The control unit 101 can also perform file operations on still images and videos in response to a file operation instruction received from the control device 200. If the file operation instruction is an instruction to prioritize image transfer, the control unit 101 can transfer the still images recorded by the still image shooting process and the videos recorded by the video shooting process to the image management device 250.

[0045] It should be noted that the imaging device 100 does not necessarily have to include the operation unit 108 or the display unit 109 as long as it can be remotely controlled by the control device 200 .

[0046] Next, the configurations and functions of the control device 200 and image management device 250 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0047] The control device 200 and the image management device 250 each include a control unit 301 , a non-volatile memory 302 , a volatile memory 303 , an operation unit 308 , a display unit 309 , a communication unit 310 , and a recording medium 311 .

[0048] The control unit 301 has a processor (CPU) that performs calculation and control processing of the control device 200 and the image management device 250, and controls each component of the control device 200 and the image management device 250 by executing a control program stored in the non-volatile memory 302.

[0049] The control unit 301 includes a system timer that measures the time used for various controls and the time of an internal clock.

[0050] The volatile memory 303 is a main storage device such as a RAM. Constants and variables for the operation of the control unit 301, control programs read from the non-volatile memory 302, and the like are loaded into the volatile memory 303. The volatile memory 303 also stores image data received from the imaging device 100 via the communication unit 310. The volatile memory 303 has a storage capacity sufficient to hold this information.

[0051] The nonvolatile memory 302 is an auxiliary storage device such as an EEPROM, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a memory card, etc. The nonvolatile memory 302 stores an OS (operating system), which is basic software executed by the control unit 301, and control programs including applications that cooperate with the OS to realize applied functions.

[0052] The communication unit 310 is an interface (I / F) that complies with a wired communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or an interface that complies with a wireless communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The communication unit 310 is connected to the imaging device 100 via a network 50 such as a wired LAN or a wireless LAN, and is capable of transmitting and receiving data. The control unit 301 realizes communication with an external device by controlling the communication unit 310. Note that the communication method is not limited to Ethernet (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and a communication standard such as IEEE1394 may also be used.

[0053] The operation unit 308 is an operation member such as various switches, buttons, a touch panel, etc. that accepts various operations by the user and outputs operation information to the control unit 301. The operation unit 308 also provides a user interface for the user to operate the control device 200 and the image management device 250.

[0054] The display unit 309 displays images received from the imaging device 100, displays a GUI for interactive operations, etc. The display unit 309 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 309 may be integrated with the control device 200 or the image management device 250, or may be an external device connected to the control device 200 or the image management device 250.

[0055] As will be described later, the control device 200 displays a list of live view images and thumbnail images received and saved from the imaging device 100 on the display unit 309, allowing the user to view them and select images from the list via the operation unit 308.

[0056] The image management device 250 does not necessarily have to include the operation unit 308 or the display unit 309 as long as it can store the images transferred from the image capture device 100 .

[0057] <Control processing> Next, the control processing of the image capture device 100 and the control device 200 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0058] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control process of the control device 200 according to the first embodiment.

[0059] 4 is realized by the control unit 301 loading a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 302 into the volatile memory 303, executing the program, and controlling each component of the control device 200. The same applies to FIGS. 7 and 9, which will be described later.

[0060] In the first embodiment, when the control device 200 is displaying live view images sequentially transmitted from the imaging device 100 on the display unit 309, in response to transmitting a shooting instruction to the imaging device 100, the control device 200 receives from the imaging device 100 a live view image of an original image immediately before the image is captured and a shooting ID, which is identification information of the shooting instruction for the original image, and stores the live view image and the shooting ID in association with each other in the volatile memory 303. The imaging device 100 can identify the original image corresponding to the shooting ID notified by the control device 200 from the shooting ID associated with the live view image. The imaging device 100 sequentially transmits live view images to the control device 200, and when it receives notification from the control device 200 of the shooting ID associated with a live view image selected as a transfer target, it transfers the original image corresponding to the notified shooting ID, of the original images stored in the imaging device 100, to the image management device 250 in preference to other original images.

[0061] In step S400, the control unit 301 connects to the imaging device 100. In this embodiment, the control unit 301 transmits, via the communication unit 110 over the network 50, to the imaging device 100, a shooting instruction requesting the start of still image shooting or the start or end of video shooting, or a file operation instruction requesting file operation of an original image, and receives a response from the imaging device 100, thereby establishing a connection with the imaging device 100.

[0062] In step S401 , the control unit 301 receives a live view image from the imaging device 100 via the communication unit 310 .

[0063] In step S402, the control unit 301 displays the live view image received in step S401 on the display unit 309. The control unit 301 updates the live view image displayed on the display unit 309 to the live view image received from the imaging device 100 in step S401.

[0064] In step S403, the control unit 301 accepts a user operation via the operation unit 308.

[0065] In step S404, the control unit 301 determines whether the user operation received in step S403 is a list display of live view images saved in step S406 (described later). If the control unit 301 determines that the user operation received in step S403 is a list display of live view images, the process proceeds to step S408. If the control unit 301 determines that the user operation received in step S403 is not a list display of live view images, the process proceeds to step S405.

[0066] In step S405, the control unit 301 determines whether the user operation accepted in step S403 is a shooting instruction. If the control unit 301 determines that the user operation accepted in step S403 is a shooting instruction, the process proceeds to step S406. If the control unit 301 determines that the user operation accepted in step S403 is not a shooting instruction, the process proceeds to step S411.

[0067] In step S406, the control unit 301 stores the live view image displayed on the display unit 309 at the time the shooting instruction was received in step S405 (the live view image immediately before the shooting instruction) and the shooting ID corresponding to the shooting instruction in the volatile memory 303 (Figure 6(a)).

[0068] In step S407, the control unit 301 transmits the data including the imaging ID and imaging instructions stored in step S406 to the imaging device 100 via the communication unit 310.

[0069] In step S408, the control unit 301 displays on the display unit 309 a list of the live view images saved in step S406.

[0070] In step S409, the control unit 301 accepts a user operation via the operation unit 308 to select one of the live view images from the list of live view images displayed on the display unit 309.

[0071] In step S410, the control unit 301 causes the communication unit 310 to transmit data including the shooting ID and file operation instruction saved in step S406, which is associated with the live view image selected in step S409, to the imaging device 100. The file operation is the transfer or editing of the original image saved in the imaging device 100. For example, if the file operation is a priority transfer, the imaging device 100 transfers the original image corresponding to the shooting ID sent to the imaging device 100 in step S410 to the image management device 250 in priority to other original images.

[0072] In step S411, the control unit 301 determines whether to end the remote control of the imaging device 100 (capturing an image or operating a file). For example, if the connection with the imaging device 100 established in step S400 is disconnected, the control unit 301 determines to end the remote control of the imaging device 100. If the control unit 301 determines to end the remote control of the imaging device 100, it proceeds to step S412. If the control unit 301 determines not to end the remote control of the imaging device 100, it returns the process to step S401.

[0073] In step S412, the control unit 301 discards the live view image and the shooting ID stored in step S406, and ends the process.

[0074] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a control process of the image capturing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0075] 5 is realized by the control unit 101 loading a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 102 into the volatile memory 103, executing it, and controlling each component of the imaging device 100. The same applies to FIGS. 8 and 10, which will be described later.

[0076] In step S500, the control unit 101 receives data from the control device 200 via the network 50 using the communication unit 110. The data received here is data including a shooting instruction or a file operation instruction received from the control device 200, or a live view image capture instruction received periodically from the system timer.

[0077] In step S501, the control unit 101 determines whether the data received in step S500 includes a file operation instruction. If the control unit 101 determines that the data received in step S500 includes a file operation instruction, the process proceeds to step S507. If the control unit 101 determines that the data received in step S500 does not include a file operation instruction, the process proceeds to step S502.

[0078] In step S502, the control unit 101 determines whether the data received in step S500 includes a shooting instruction. If the control unit 101 determines that the data received in step S500 includes a shooting instruction, the process proceeds to step S503. If the control unit 101 determines that the data received in step S500 does not include a shooting instruction, the process proceeds to step S505.

[0079] In step S503, the control unit 101 captures an original image.

[0080] In step S504, the control unit 101 associates the photography ID received in step S500 with the original image photographed in step S503 and stores them in the recording medium 111 (FIG. 6(b)).

[0081] In step S505, the control unit 101 captures a live view image in response to an instruction to capture a live view image periodically received from the system timer.

[0082] In step S506, the control unit 101 transmits the live view image captured in step S506 to the control device 200 via the communication unit 110 and the network 50.

[0083] In step S507, the control unit 101 performs a file operation on the original images in accordance with the file operation instruction received in step S500. For example, if the file operation is a priority transfer, the control unit 101 changes the transfer order of the original images stored in the imaging device 100 so that the original image corresponding to the shooting ID received from the control device 200 in step S500 is transferred with priority over other original images, and transfers the original images stored in the imaging device 100 to the image management device 250 in accordance with the transfer order.

[0084] In step S508, the control unit 101 determines whether or not to end the remote control (capturing an image or operating a file) by the control device 200. For example, if the connection with the control device 200 established in step S400 is disconnected, the control unit 101 determines to end the remote control of the imaging device 100. If the control unit 101 determines to end the remote control by the control device 200, it ends the processing. If the control unit 101 determines not to end the remote control by the control device 200, it returns the processing to step S500.

[0085] Fig. 6 shows an example of a list of image files stored in the control device 200 and the imaging device 100. In Fig. 6, each row represents one image, and each column represents information associated with the image.

[0086] FIG. 6( a ) shows an example of a list of live view images stored in the control device 200 .

[0087] The file ID 600 is identification information that can uniquely identify a live view image. The file name 601 is the name of the original image associated with the live view image. The shooting ID 602 is information that can identify the shooting instruction corresponding to the original image. The time 603 is information that indicates the shooting time of the original image. The width 604 is the width of the live view image. The height 605 is the height of the live view image. The address 606 is the address of the storage area that stores the live view image.

[0088] FIG. 6B shows an example of a list of original images stored in the image capturing device 100.

[0089] The file ID 610 is identification information that can uniquely identify the original image. The file name 611 is the name of the original image. The shooting ID 612 is information that can identify the shooting instruction for the original image. The time 613 is information that indicates the shooting time of the original image. The width 614 is the width of the original image. The height 615 is the height of the original image. The address 606 is the address of the storage area where the original image is saved.

[0090] 6, shooting IDs 602 and 612 are information used in the first embodiment. File names 601 and 611 are information used in the second embodiment. File IDs 600 and 610 are information used in the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the live view image in FIG. 6(a) is replaced with a thumbnail image.

[0091] As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce the amount of communication data on the network 50. Furthermore, it is possible to view or select a live view image of an original image stored in the imaging device 100 immediately before it is captured, on the control device 200, and to perform file operations on the original image stored in the imaging device 100 that is associated with the selected live view image.

[0092] In step S506 of FIG. 5, live view images captured by the imaging device 100 are sequentially transmitted to the control device 200, but they may be transmitted by live streaming, and in step S406 of FIG. 4, the control device 200 may decode the live stream images to generate live view images and store the shooting ID in the volatile memory 103.

[0093] [Embodiment 2] Next, the control processing of the image capture device 100 and the control device 200 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0094] In the second embodiment, when the control device 200 is displaying live view images sequentially transmitted from the imaging device 100 on the display unit 309, in response to transmitting an image capture instruction to the imaging device 100, the control device 200 receives from the imaging device 100 a live view image of an original image immediately after capture and the file name of the original image, and stores the live view image in association with the file name. The imaging device 100 can identify the original image associated with the file name notified by the control device 200 from the file name associated with the live view image. The imaging device 100 sequentially transmits live view images to the control device 200, and upon receiving notification from the control device 200 of the file name of the original image associated with the live view image selected to be transferred, the control device 200 transfers, from among the original images stored in the imaging device 100, the original image corresponding to the file name to the image management device 250 in preference to other original images.

[0095] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a control process of the control device 200 according to the second embodiment.

[0096] In FIG. 7, the same processes as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same step numbers, and overlapping explanations will be omitted.

[0097] The configurations of the imaging device 100, the control device 200, and the image management device 250 of the second embodiment are the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 of the first embodiment.

[0098] In step S700, the control unit 301 determines whether the data received in step S401 includes the file name of the original image. If the control unit 301 determines that the data received in step S401 includes the file name of the original image, the process proceeds to step S701. If the control unit 301 determines that the data received in step S401 does not include the file name of the original image, the process proceeds to step S402.

[0099] In step S701, the control unit 301 stores the file name and live view image received in step S401 in the volatile memory 303 (FIG. 6(a)).

[0100] In step S702, the control unit 301 causes the communication unit 310 to transmit to the imaging device 100 the file name saved in step S701 and a file operation instruction.

[0101] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a control process of the image capturing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment.

[0102] In FIG. 8, the same processes as those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same step numbers, and overlapping explanations will be omitted.

[0103] In step S800, the control unit 101 initializes the file names stored in the volatile memory 103 so that they are empty.

[0104] In step S801, the control unit 101 stores the file name of the original image stored in step S504 in the volatile memory 103 (FIG. 6(b)).

[0105] In step S802, the control unit 101 determines whether the file name saved in the volatile memory 103 is empty. If the control unit 101 determines that the file name saved in the volatile memory 103 is empty, the process proceeds to step S803. If the control unit 101 determines that the file name saved in the volatile memory 103 is not empty, the process proceeds to step S506.

[0106] In step S803, the control unit 101 causes the communication unit 110 to transmit to the control device 200 the file name and the live view image saved in step S801.

[0107] In step S804, the control unit 101 initializes the file name to be saved in the volatile memory 103 to be empty.

[0108] As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to reduce the amount of communication data on the network 50. Furthermore, it is possible to view or select a live view image of an original image stored in the imaging device 100 immediately after it is captured, on the control device 200, and to perform file operations on the original image stored in the imaging device 100 that is associated with the selected live view image.

[0109] In step S803 of FIG. 8, live view images captured by the imaging device 100 are sequentially transmitted to the control device 200. Alternatively, the images may be transmitted by live streaming, and in step S701 of FIG. 7, the control device 200 may decode the live stream images to generate live view images and store the shooting ID in the volatile memory 103.

[0110] [Embodiment 3] Next, control processing of the imaging device 100 and the control device 200 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. In the third embodiment, while the control device 200 is displaying live view images sequentially transmitted from the imaging device 100 on the display unit 309, the control device 200 receives a thumbnail image of the original image and the file name of the original image from the imaging device 100 in response to transmitting a shooting instruction to the imaging device 100, associates the thumbnail image with the file name, and stores the associated thumbnail image in the volatile memory 303. The imaging device 100 can identify the original image associated with the file name notified by the control device 200 from the file name associated with the thumbnail image. An example will be described in which the imaging device 100 sequentially transmits live view images to the control device 200, and upon receiving notification from the control device 200 of the file name of the original image associated with the thumbnail image selected as the transfer target, transfers the original image corresponding to the file name from among the original images stored in the imaging device 100 to the image management device 250 in priority to other original images.

[0111] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a control process of the control device 200 according to the third embodiment.

[0112] In FIG. 9, the same steps as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same step numbers, and overlapping explanations will be omitted.

[0113] The configurations of the imaging device 100, the control device 200, and the image management device 250 of the third embodiment are the same as those described in FIGS. 1 to 3 of the first embodiment.

[0114] In step S900, the control unit 301 determines whether or not the data received in step S401 includes a thumbnail image. If the control unit 301 determines that the data received in step S401 includes a thumbnail image, the process proceeds to step S901. If the control unit 301 determines that the data received in step S401 does not include a thumbnail image, the process proceeds to step S402. In step S901, the control unit 301 stores the thumbnail image received in step S401 and the file ID of the original image corresponding to the thumbnail image in the volatile memory 303 (FIG. 6(a)).

[0115] In step S902, the control unit 301 causes the communication unit 310 to transmit to the imaging device 100 the file ID stored in step S901 and a file operation instruction.

[0116] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control process of the image capturing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment.

[0117] In FIG. 10, the same processes as those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same step numbers, and overlapping explanations will be omitted.

[0118] In step S1001, the control unit 101 causes the communication unit 110 to transmit to the control device 200 the thumbnail image of the original image saved in step S504 and the file ID of the original image.

[0119] In the third embodiment, the live view image in Fig. 6(a) can be replaced with a thumbnail image. Also, the file ID 600 in Fig. 6(a) is equivalent to the file ID 610 in Fig. 6(b) received from the imaging device 100.

[0120] As described above, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to reduce the amount of communication data on the network 50. Furthermore, it is possible to view or select a thumbnail image of an original image stored in the imaging device 100 on the control device 200, and perform file operations on the original image stored in the imaging device 100 that is associated with the selected thumbnail image.

[0121] [Other embodiments] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes 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 the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0122] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention.

[0123] The disclosure of this specification includes the following control device, imaging device, control method, and program. [Configuration 1] A control device, a communication means for communicating with the imaging device; a transmission means for transmitting a control instruction to the imaging device; a receiving means for receiving, from the imaging device, a second image having a reduced amount of data compared to a first image captured by the imaging device; a display means for displaying a list of the second images received from the imaging device; and a control unit that notifies the imaging device of the second image selected from the list. [Configuration 2] 2. The control device according to configuration 1, further comprising: a storage means for storing the second image received from the imaging device when the control instruction is transmitted. [Configuration 3] an imaging means for capturing an image; the receiving means receives a live view image generated by the imaging means from the imaging device; the display means displays the live view image received from the imaging device; 3. The control device according to configuration 2, wherein the control means updates the live view image displayed on the display means to the live view image received from the imaging device. [Configuration 4] the second image is the live view image, the control instruction is an instruction to capture an image, 4. The control device according to configuration 3, wherein the storage means stores identification information of the shooting instruction transmitted to the imaging device and the live view image immediately before the shooting instruction is transmitted. [Configuration 5] the second image is the live view image, the control instruction is an instruction to capture an image, The control device according to configuration 3, wherein the storage means stores a file name of the first image captured by the imaging device in response to the shooting instruction and the live view image immediately after the shooting instruction is transmitted. [Configuration 6] the second image is a thumbnail image; the control instruction is an instruction to capture an image, The control device according to configuration 3, wherein the storage means stores identification information of the first image captured by the imaging device in response to the shooting instruction and a thumbnail image generated from the first image. [Configuration 7] 7. The control device according to any one of configurations 4 to 6, wherein the control means, when terminating control of the imaging device, discards the second image stored in the storage means. [Configuration 8] 8. The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the second image includes a moving image or a still image. [Configuration 9] An imaging device, communication means for communicating with the control device; a receiving means for receiving a control instruction from the control device; a transmitting means for transmitting a second image, the second image having a reduced amount of data compared to a first image captured by the imaging device, to the control device; a storage means for storing the first image captured in response to the control instruction; and a control means for executing a predetermined process on the first image associated with the notified second image in response to receiving notification of the second image from the control device. [Configuration 10] the second image is a live view image generated by an imaging means, the control instruction is an instruction to capture an image, the transmitting means transmits the live view image to the control device; 10. The imaging device according to configuration 9, wherein the storage means stores identification information of the shooting instruction received from the control device and the first image shot in response to the shooting instruction. [Configuration 11] the second image is a live view image generated by an imaging means, the control instruction is an instruction to capture an image, 10. The imaging device according to configuration 9, wherein the storage means stores the first image captured in response to the imaging instruction and a file name of the first image. [Configuration 12] the second image is a thumbnail image; the control instruction is an instruction to capture an image, 10. The imaging device according to configuration 9, wherein the storage means stores the first image captured in response to the imaging instruction and identification information of the first image. [Configuration 13] the imaging device is connected to an image management device by the communication means; The imaging device described in any one of configurations 9 to 12, characterized in that the specified processing is processing of transferring the first image associated with the second image notified from the control device to the image management device. [Configuration 14] The imaging device described in configuration 13, characterized in that when there are multiple first images to be transferred to the image management device, the control means controls the transfer of the first image associated with the second image notified by the control device with priority. [Configuration 15] the control instruction is an instruction to transfer an image, The imaging device described in configuration 14, characterized in that when the control means receives an instruction to transfer the image from the control device, it controls so that the first image associated with the second image notified by the control device is transferred with priority. [Configuration 16] 16. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 9 to 15, wherein the second image includes a moving image or a still image. [Configuration 17] A control method for a control device, comprising: communicatively connecting to an imaging device; transmitting a control instruction to the imaging device; receiving, from the imaging device, a second image having a reduced amount of data compared to a first image captured by the imaging device; displaying a list of the second images received from the imaging device; and notifying the imaging device of the second image selected from the list. [Configuration 18] A control method for an imaging device, comprising: communicatively connecting with a control device; receiving a control instruction from the control device; transmitting a second image having a reduced amount of data compared to a first image captured by the imaging device to the control device; storing the first image captured in response to the control instruction; and in response to receiving notification of the second image from the control device, executing a predetermined process on the first image associated with the notified second image. [Configuration 19] A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the control device described in any one of configurations 1 to 8. [Configuration 20] A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the imaging device described in any one of configurations 9 to 16. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 100...imaging device, 200...control device, 250...image management device, 101, 301...control unit, 110, 310...communication unit

Claims

1. A control device, a communication means for communicating with the imaging device; a transmission means for transmitting a control instruction to the imaging device; a receiving means for receiving, from the imaging device, a second image having a reduced amount of data compared to a first image captured by the imaging device; a display means for displaying a list of the second images received from the imaging device; and a control unit that notifies the imaging device of the second image selected from the list.

2. 2. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a storage unit that stores the second image received from the imaging device when the control instruction is transmitted.

3. an imaging means for capturing an image; the receiving means receives a live view image generated by the imaging means from the imaging device; the display means displays the live view image received from the imaging device; The control device according to claim 2 , wherein the control means updates the live view image displayed on the display means to the live view image received from the imaging device.

4. the second image is the live view image, the control instruction is an instruction to capture an image, 4. The control device according to claim 3, wherein the storage means stores identification information of the shooting instruction transmitted to the imaging device and the live view image immediately before the shooting instruction is transmitted.

5. the second image is the live view image, the control instruction is an instruction to capture an image, 4. The control device according to claim 3, wherein the storage means stores a file name of the first image captured by the imaging device in response to the shooting instruction and the live view image immediately after the shooting instruction is transmitted.

6. the second image is a thumbnail image; the control instruction is an instruction to capture an image, 4. The control device according to claim 3, wherein the storage means stores identification information of the first image captured by the imaging device in response to the shooting instruction and a thumbnail image generated from the first image.

7. 5. The control device according to claim 4, wherein the control means, when terminating control of the imaging device, discards the second image stored in the storage means.

8. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the second image includes a moving image or a still image.

9. An imaging device, communication means for communicating with the control device; a receiving means for receiving a control instruction from the control device; a transmitting means for transmitting a second image, the second image having a data amount reduced compared to a first image captured by the imaging device, to the control device; a storage means for storing the first image captured in response to the control instruction; and a control means for executing a predetermined process on the first image associated with the notified second image in response to receiving notification of the second image from the control device.

10. the second image is a live view image generated by an imaging means, the control instruction is an instruction to capture an image, the transmitting means transmits the live view image to the control device; 10. The imaging device according to claim 9, wherein the storage means stores identification information of the imaging instruction received from the control device and the first image captured in response to the imaging instruction.

11. the second image is a live view image generated by an imaging means, the control instruction is an instruction to capture an image, 10. The imaging device according to claim 9, wherein the storage means stores the first image captured in response to the imaging instruction and a file name of the first image.

12. the second image is a thumbnail image; the control instruction is an instruction to capture an image, 10. The imaging device according to claim 9, wherein the storage means stores the first image captured in response to the imaging instruction and identification information of the first image.

13. the imaging device is connected to an image management device by the communication means; 10. The imaging device according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined process is a process of transferring the first image associated with the second image notified by the control device to the image management device.

14. The imaging device described in claim 13, characterized in that when there are multiple first images to be transferred to the image management device, the control means controls so that the first image associated with the second image notified by the control device is transferred preferentially.

15. the control instruction is an instruction to transfer an image, The imaging device according to claim 14, characterized in that, when the control means receives an instruction to transfer the image from the control device, the control means controls the transfer of the first image associated with the second image notified by the control device with priority.

16. The imaging device according to claim 9 , wherein the second image includes a moving image or a still image.

17. A control method for a control device, comprising: communicatively connecting to an imaging device; transmitting a control instruction to the imaging device; receiving, from the imaging device, a second image having a reduced amount of data compared to a first image captured by the imaging device; displaying a list of the second images received from the imaging device; and notifying the imaging device of the second image selected from the list.

18. A control method for an imaging device, comprising: communicatively connecting with a control device; receiving a control instruction from the control device; transmitting a second image having a reduced amount of data compared to a first image captured by the imaging device to the control device; storing the first image captured in response to the control instruction; a step of executing a predetermined process for the first image associated with the notified second image in response to receiving notification of the second image from the control device.

19. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

20. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the imaging device according to any one of claims 9 to 16.

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