Imaging control apparatus, imaging apparatus, program, and imaging system

Abstract

To provide an imaging control device suitable for imaging.SOLUTION: An imaging control device includes a request information acquisition unit configured to acquire request information indicating a request for one first imaging device among a plurality of first imaging devices to perform a remote operation on a second imaging device, and an operation controller configured to control the first imaging device to be in an operable state in which the first imaging device can perform the remote operation on the second imaging device based on the request information acquired by the request information acquisition unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging control device, an imaging device, a program, and an imaging system. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-199299, filed on December 8, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] Various techniques have been proposed for capturing images of athletes in sports competitions, etc. For example, a known imaging system includes multiple cameras capable of capturing images of a subject moving on a course from different directions, and a controller that switches between the output images of the multiple cameras in a set switching order (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2017 / 119034 Summary of the Invention

[0004] One aspect of the present invention is an imaging control device that includes: a distance information acquisition unit that acquires distance information from a first imaging device to a subject; and an operation control unit that controls the first imaging device to an operable state in which it can remotely control a second imaging device based on the distance information acquired by the distance information acquisition unit.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is an imaging control device that includes: a request information acquisition unit that acquires request information indicating a request from one of a plurality of first imaging devices to remotely control a second imaging device; and an operation control unit that controls the first imaging device to an operable state in which it can remotely control the second imaging device based on the request information acquired by the request information acquisition unit.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an imaging device comprising: a distance information acquisition unit that acquires distance information from the device to a subject; and an operation control unit that controls the device to an operable state in which it can remotely operate another imaging device based on the distance information acquired by the distance information acquisition unit.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is an imaging device that includes: a request information acquisition unit that acquires request information indicating a request for the imaging device itself to remotely control another imaging device among a plurality of imaging devices; and an operation control unit that controls the imaging device itself to an operable state in which it can remotely control the other imaging device based on the request information acquired by the request information acquisition unit.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer used in an imaging control device to function as: a distance information acquisition unit that acquires distance information from a first imaging device to a subject; and an operation control unit that controls the first imaging device to an operable state in which it can remotely control a second imaging device based on the distance information acquired by the distance information acquisition unit.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer used in an imaging control device to function as: a request information acquisition unit that acquires request information indicating a request from one of a plurality of first imaging devices to remotely control a second imaging device; and an operation control unit that controls the first imaging device to an operable state in which it can remotely control the second imaging device based on the request information acquired by the request information acquisition unit.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is an imaging system comprising a first imaging device, a second imaging device, and an imaging control device, wherein the imaging control device comprises: a distance information acquisition unit that acquires distance information from the first imaging device to a subject; and an operation control unit that controls the first imaging device to an operable state where it can remotely control the second imaging device based on the distance information acquired by the distance information acquisition unit.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention is an imaging system comprising a first imaging device, a second imaging device, and an imaging control device, wherein the imaging control device comprises: a request information acquisition unit that acquires request information indicating a request from one of a plurality of first imaging devices to the second imaging device for remote control; and an operation control unit that controls the first imaging device to an operable state in which it can remotely control the second imaging device based on the request information acquired by the request information acquisition unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an imaging system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a master camera according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the master camera according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of various settings performed by the master camera before starting image capture. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a remote shooting process performed by the master camera. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of release button processing performed by the master camera according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a setting change process performed by the master camera. [Figure 8A] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on an electronic finder. [Figure 8B] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on an electronic finder. [Figure 8C] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on an electronic finder. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a master camera according to Modification 1. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to Modification 1 that is performed by the master camera when the subject distance is in a first range. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to Modification 1 that is performed by the master camera when the subject distance is in a second range. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to Modification 1 that is performed by the master camera when the subject distance is in a third range. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a master camera according to Modification 2. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to Modification 2 that is performed by the master camera when the subject distance is in a first range. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to Modification 2 that is performed by the master camera when the subject distance is in a second range. [Figure 16] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of manual switching processing performed by the master camera according to Modification 3. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of release button processing performed by the master camera according to Modification 4. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an imaging system according to a fifth modification. [Figure 19] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a remote shooting process performed by a master camera according to Modification 5. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an imaging system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a master camera according to a second embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a basic flow when the control right of the master camera is changed. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the master camera according to the second embodiment at power-on. [Figure 24] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of remote shooting processing performed by the master camera according to the second embodiment. [Figure 25]10 is a flowchart showing an example of release button processing performed by the master camera according to the second embodiment. [Figure 26A] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on an electronic finder according to a second embodiment. [Figure 26B] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on an electronic finder according to a second embodiment. [Figure 26C] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on an electronic finder according to a second embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an imaging system according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, first to third embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] (Regarding the imaging system St according to the first embodiment) FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an imaging system St according to a first embodiment. In FIG. 1, the imaging system St is used in a soccer game. As shown in FIG. 1, a soccer field 1 has a rectangular field 2 on which players play. The field 2 includes touchlines 3 (3a, 3b) in the longitudinal direction and goal lines 4 (4a, 4b) in the width direction. The field 2 has, separated by a halfway line 5, a first territory 6a that is the territory of one team and a second territory 6b that is the territory of the other team.

[0015] The imaging system St includes a master camera 10, remote cameras 30 (30a, 30b), and a relay device 50. The master camera 10 and the remote cameras 30 are communicatively connected via the relay device 50. The relay device 50 is a router that connects the master camera 10 and the remote cameras 30 to a network via a wired LAN (Local Area Network) cable. Note that the connection of each camera via the relay device 50 is not limited to a wired LAN connection, and may be a wireless LAN connection or a Wi-fi (registered trademark) connection.

[0016] Master camera 10 is an example of a first imaging device. Master camera 10 is operated by user Us, who is a cameraman. User Us uses master camera 10 to capture images of subjects, which are players, in an area outside the field behind goal line 4b. That is, master camera 10 is placed in an area behind goal line 4b (on the right side in FIG. 1) as viewed from field 2. Note that instead of user Us directly operating master camera 10, a remote user U may remotely operate master camera 10 via a network.

[0017] The remote camera 30 is an example of a second imaging device. The remote camera 30 includes a plurality of first remote cameras 30a and a plurality of second remote cameras 30b. Note that there may be only one each of the first remote camera 30a and the second remote camera 30b. The first remote camera 30a is disposed in a first area AR1. The first area AR1 is disposed in an area outside the field behind the goal line 4a. In other words, the first remote camera 30a is disposed in an area behind the goal line 4a (on the left side in FIG. 1) as viewed from the field 2.

[0018] The second remote camera 30b is disposed in a second area AR2, which is an area outside the field on the same side as the master camera 10. That is, the second remote camera 30b is disposed in an area behind the goal line 4b (on the right side in FIG. 1) as viewed from the field 2.

[0019] The master camera 10 captures an image of a subject in response to an operation by the user Us, and can also issue an image capture instruction to the remote camera 30 in response to the operation by the user Us. The remote camera 30 captures an image of a subject within an image capture area in response to an image capture instruction from the master camera 10. For example, the remote camera 30 captures an image of a subject using a pan focus function. The pan focus function is a function that can focus on both nearby and distant objects by increasing the depth of field.

[0020] (Configuration of master camera 10) Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the master camera 10 according to the first embodiment. Note that, although Fig. 2 uses the master camera 10 as an example for explanation, the remote camera 30 can also have a similar configuration.

[0021] 2, master camera 10 includes lens 9, imaging unit 11, image processing unit 12, ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, RAM (Random Access Memory) 14, control unit 15, display unit 16, storage medium I / F (Interface) 17, communication I / F 18, various sensors 19, GPS (Global Positioning System) unit 20, electronic viewfinder 21, operation unit 25, storage medium 26, and bus 29. Image processing unit 12 to electronic viewfinder 21 are connected to one another via bus 29. Operation unit 25 is connected to control unit 15.

[0022] The lens 9 is made up of a group of lenses including a focus lens and a zoom lens. The lens 9 includes one or more lenses. The lens 9 is driven by a lens driving device (not shown) under the control of the control unit 15.

[0023] The imaging unit 11 captures an image of a subject and generates pixel data (image data) of the captured image. Specifically, the imaging unit 11 has a plurality of pixels arranged in rows and columns, and generates analog pixel signals of the image by photoelectrically converting the subject image formed on the imaging surface. The analog pixel signals generated by the imaging unit 11 are adjusted and A / D (analog / digital) converted by an analog front-end circuit (not shown). The converted digital pixel signals are output to the image processing unit 12 as image data.

[0024] The image processing unit 12 stores the image data in the RAM 14. The image processing unit 12 also performs various image processing such as white balance adjustment, and causes the display unit 16 and the electronic viewfinder 21 to display predetermined image data.

[0025] The ROM 13 stores an imaging control program for controlling the master camera 10. The imaging control program includes a program related to remote control of the remote camera 30, which will be described later. The RAM 14 stores image data captured by the imaging unit 11, various setting information related to remote control of the remote camera 30, and the like.

[0026] The control unit 15 is an example of an imaging control device. The control unit 15 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and performs overall control of the master camera 10. Control unit 15 controls each unit of master camera 10 by executing an imaging control program pre-stored in ROM 13. For example, when control unit 15 receives an instruction to capture an image via operation unit 25, it stores image data obtained via imaging unit 11 in storage medium 26 as a captured image.

[0027] The control unit 15 also controls autofocus and autoexposure. Specifically, the control unit 15 measures the distance to the subject and controls the focus lens of the lens 9 based on the results of this distance measurement. The autofocus includes single-point autofocus and multi-point autofocus. The control unit 15 also changes the exposure time and controls an aperture mechanism (not shown).

[0028] The display unit 16 is a touch panel display. For example, the display unit 16 is a liquid crystal display. The display unit 16 displays an image generated by the image processing unit 12 in response to an instruction from the control unit 15. The display unit 16 displays, for example, image data captured by the imaging unit 11, an operation screen, etc. The display unit 16 also serves as an operation unit 25 that accepts various operations from the user.

[0029] The storage medium I / F 17 is connected to a removable storage medium such as a card memory, and writes, reads, or erases image data to the storage medium . The storage medium 26 is a storage unit that is detachably connected to the master camera 10, and stores (records), for example, image data that has been image-processed by the image processing unit 12. The storage medium 26 is, for example, an SD card, a microSD card, or the like.

[0030] The communication I / F 18 controls the interface between the network and the internal components, and controls the input of data from an external device (e.g., the remote camera 30) and the output of data to an external device. The communication I / F 18 is connected to a network such as the Internet. The communication I / F 18 may also be a wireless communication interface such as a mobile phone line (e.g., 5G (5th Generation), LTE (Long Term Evolution), PHS (Personal Handy-Phone System), etc.) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0031] The various sensors 19 include a focus sensor 19a, an eye sensor 19b, and a tilt sensor 19c. The focus sensor 19a has multiple photoelectric conversion element arrays that receive light beams from the subject. The photoelectric conversion element arrays output signals that are in phase when the subject is in focus, and output signals that are out of phase when the subject is out of focus. The amount of phase shift corresponds to the amount of deviation from the in-focus state. The focus sensor 19a detects the phase difference by performing a correlation calculation on the outputs of the photoelectric conversion element arrays, and outputs a phase difference signal indicating the phase difference to the control unit 15.

[0032] The eye sensor 19b includes an optical sensor, and detects, based on the amount of light received by the optical sensor, whether the user Us is looking into the electronic viewfinder 21. The eye sensor 19b is provided, for example, beside the electronic viewfinder 21. The tilt sensor 19c detects the angle of the master camera 10 in the vertical direction relative to the horizontal. For example, a pendulum type or a float type may be used as the tilt sensor 19c. In addition to the above, the various sensors 19 also include a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a distance sensor, and the like.

[0033] The GPS unit 20 receives position information from GPS satellites and detects the current position of the master camera 10 on a map. The master camera 10 may also use the detection results of various sensors 19 (e.g., a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a distance sensor, etc.) to detect the current position of the master camera 10. The GPS unit 20 may be a type that is built into the master camera 10, or a type that is externally attached to the master camera 10.

[0034] The electronic viewfinder 21 is a peer-type image display unit that includes a small LCD or organic EL display and is capable of displaying various types of information.

[0035] The operation unit 25 includes an AF (autofocus) button 25a, a release button 25b, and a function button 25c. In addition, the operation unit 25 also includes a cross key, a command dial, a touch panel, a mode switching button, a menu button, a power button, etc. The operation unit 25 inputs an input signal to the control unit 15 in accordance with the content of the operation by the user.

[0036] The AF button 25a is a button that accepts the autofocus function. The autofocus function is a function that keeps the subject in focus even if the subject moves. Note that the subject can also be focused by half-pressing the release button 25b.

[0037] The release button 25b is a button that, when fully pressed, causes image data generated by the image processing unit 12 to be stored in a predetermined storage unit such as the storage medium . The predetermined storage unit includes an external storage device. The function button 25c is a button that accepts remotely controlled instructions to capture images to the remote camera 30. Note that the button that accepts remotely controlled instructions to capture images is not limited to the function button 25c, but may be any button included in the operation unit 25. The button that accepts remotely controlled instructions to capture images can also be any button selected by the user Us. When the function button 25c and the release button 25b are pressed simultaneously, the master camera 10 stores image data in the storage medium 26 and issues an image capture instruction to the remote camera 30. For example, the user Us can store image data in a predetermined storage unit and issue an image capture instruction to the remote camera 30 by fully pressing the release button 25b while pressing the function button 25c. Note that instead of using a button, an image capture instruction may be issued remotely to the remote camera 30 using, for example, voice recognition.

[0038] The bus 29 connects the image processing unit 12, ROM 13, RAM 14, control unit 15, display unit 16, storage medium I / F 17, communication I / F 18, various sensors 19, GPS unit 20, and electronic finder 21, and transfers image data, control signals, etc. output from each unit.

[0039] (Regarding remote control of the remote camera 30 according to the first embodiment) In soccer, the offense and defense frequently change. For example, players may be crowded in a first territory 6a (farther from the master camera 10) on the field 2, or may be crowded in a second territory 6b (closer from the master camera 10) on the field 2. If an image capture command is issued to the remote camera 30 when players are crowded in the first territory 6a, not only the first remote camera 30a but also the second remote camera 30b will capture images. In this case, the image captured by the second remote camera 30b will be of little use because the subject (player) is far away, making the subject appear small within the capture range. This results in useless images being captured.

[0040] Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to cause the first remote camera 30a and the second remote camera 30b to capture images separately. The functional configuration of the master camera 10 according to the first embodiment will be described below. Note that the following description will be given on the assumption that, of the multiple operation modes in which the master camera 10 can operate, the mode is one of a remote shooting mode for remotely controlling the remote camera 30 and a mode related to various settings for remote operation.

[0041] (Functional configuration of master camera 10) FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the master camera 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the master camera 10 includes a distance information acquisition unit 301, an operation control unit 302, a position information acquisition unit 303, a setting unit 304, and a display control unit 305. The distance information acquisition unit 301, the operation control unit 302, the position information acquisition unit 303, and the setting unit 304 are implemented by the control unit 15 (CPU). That is, the control unit 15 executes an imaging control program stored in the ROM 13 to implement the functions of the units 301 to 304. The display control unit 305 is implemented by the control unit 15 and the image processing unit 12. That is, the control unit 15 executes the imaging control program to issue a predetermined instruction to the image processing unit 12, thereby implementing the function of the display control unit 305.

[0042] (Operation status) The distance information acquisition unit 301 acquires distance information from the master camera 10 to the subject. The subject is a player on the field 2, and is the subject on which the focus is set. The distance information is information obtained, for example, based on focus information of the subject in the master camera 10. The focus information is information corresponding to the distance to the subject when the focus is set on the subject. For example, if the subject is 40 meters away, the focus information is information indicating the control amount of the lens 9 corresponding to the distance to the subject when the focus is set 40 meters away. Furthermore, for example, the focus information may be in-focus information or depth information when the focus is set 40 meters away. Note that the distance information may be obtained as a result of image analysis of image data. Hereinafter, the distance between the master camera 10 and the subject on which the master camera 10 is focused may be referred to as the "subject distance."

[0043] The subject is not limited to players playing on the field 2, but may be, for example, a coach or a substitute player outside the field 2. It may also be a player temporarily playing outside the field 2, such as during a throwing motion in a soccer game. Furthermore, instead of obtaining distance information to the subject based on focus information of the subject, the distance to the subject may be obtained using, for example, a time-of-flight method.

[0044] The operation control unit 302 controls the operation state to an operable state based on information about the distance from the master camera 10 to the subject. The operable state is a state in which the master camera 10 can remotely control the remote camera 30. Remote control means causing the remote camera 30 to capture an image in response to an operation of the master camera 10. Specifically, for example, when the function button 25c (a button for remote control) and the release button 25b of the master camera 10 are turned on simultaneously, or when the release button 25b is turned on following the function button 25c, the master camera 10 instructs the remote camera 30 to capture an image.

[0045] It should be noted that if the release button 25b is turned on at the same time as the function button 25c at first, then in subsequent remote operation, an image capture instruction can be given to the remote camera 30 by turning on only the release button 25b. The remote camera 30 captures an image when it receives an image capture instruction from the master camera 10. Capturing an image means storing image data obtained from the imaging unit 11 in the storage medium 26 as a captured image, or transmitting the image data to an external device (such as a storage device) via the communication I / F 18.

[0046] (Regarding the positional relationship between the master camera 10 and the remote camera 30) The position information acquisition unit 303 acquires the position information of each of the master camera 10 and the remote camera 30. The position information of the master camera 10 is obtained from the GPS unit 20 provided in the master camera 10. The position information of the remote camera 30 is obtained from the GPS unit provided in the remote camera 30.

[0047] Furthermore, instead of obtaining position information from the GPS unit 20, a camera (not shown) installed above the soccer field 1 may be used to take pictures of the inside of the stadium, and position information for each of the master camera 10 and the remote camera 30 may be obtained based on the recognized positions of the cameras. In this case, it is only necessary to obtain the relative positional relationship between the master camera 10 and the remote camera 30 within the soccer field 1.

[0048] The operation control unit 302 controls the state to be operable based on each piece of position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 303. Specifically, the operation control unit 302 controls the state to be operable based on the subject distance and the positional relationship between the master camera 10 and the remote camera 30.

[0049] For example, the master camera 10 determines whether the remote camera 30 is within a predetermined range (close or not) from the position of the master camera 10 based on each piece of position information. If it is determined that the remote camera 30 is within the predetermined range, that is, if the remote camera 30 is close to the master camera 10, when the subject distance exceeds a certain value, the distance from the remote camera 30 to the subject also becomes farther away. Therefore, the image captured by the remote camera 30 is a distant image, and therefore has little value. In this case, the operation control unit 302 does not control the remote camera 30 to an operable state in which it can be remotely controlled.

[0050] On the other hand, when the remote camera 30 is close to the master camera 10 and the subject distance is less than a certain value, the distance from the remote camera 30 to the subject also becomes short. Therefore, the image captured by the remote camera 30 is a close image and therefore becomes the necessary image. In this case, the operation control unit 302 controls the remote camera 30 to an operable state where it can be remotely controlled.

[0051] In this embodiment, the operation control unit 302 controls the operation to an operable state based on the setting contents based on the position information set in the setting unit 304 described below.

[0052] (Regarding the remote camera 30 settings for each area AR) The setting unit 304 sets the remote camera 30 for each area AR. The setting unit 304 sets a first remote camera 30a to be placed in a first area AR1. The setting unit 304 also sets a second remote camera 30b to be placed in a second area AR2. Specifically, the setting unit 304 assigns a PIN (Personal Identification Number) code that is common for each area AR to each remote camera 30. The setting unit 304 can accept an operation by the user Us and set the remote camera 30 for each area AR. The number of remote cameras 30 in each area AR can be any number.

[0053] Furthermore, the setting unit 304 can set the remote camera 30 for each area AR based on the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 303. Specifically, the setting unit 304 determines, based on the position information, whether the remote camera 30 (first remote camera 30a) is in a far area AR (first area AR1) or the remote camera 30 (second remote camera 30b) is in a close area AR (second area AR2), and sets the remote camera 30 for each area AR according to the determination result.

[0054] The operation control unit 302 controls the remote camera 30 for each area AR to be in an operable state. Hereinafter, an operable state in which the remote camera 30 in the first area AR1 (first remote camera 30a) can be remotely controlled is referred to as a "first operable state." Also, an operable state in which the remote camera 30 in the second area AR2 (second remote camera 30b) can be remotely controlled is referred to as a "second operable state." For example, when the subject distance is equal to or greater than a certain value, the first remote camera 30a in the first area AR1 can be in the "first operable state," and when the subject distance is equal to or less than the certain value, the second remote camera 30b in the second area AR2 can be in the "second operable state."

[0055] The operation control unit 302 can switch between a first operable state and a second operable state. The operation control unit 302 can also control to the first operable state and the second operable state simultaneously. The operation control unit 302 can also control to a state that is neither the first operable state nor the second operable state.

[0056] The setting contents set by the setting unit 304 may be stored in the storage medium 26 or the like. For example, in a soccer game, the master camera 10 and the remote camera 30 are placed in similar positions in each match. Therefore, by storing the setting contents, the setting unit 304 may read the setting contents selected in response to an operation by the user Us from the stored setting contents and set the read setting contents.

[0057] (Regarding the distance from the master camera 10 to each area AR) In this embodiment, the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 are different in distance from the master camera 10. That is, the setting unit 304 sets each area AR so that the distance from the master camera 10 to the first area AR1 and the distance from the master camera 10 to the second area AR2 are different.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first area AR1 is located farther from the master camera 10 than the second area AR2. For example, the first remote camera 30a, which is located in the first area AR1 at a position closest to the master camera 10, is located farther from the second remote camera 30b, which is located in the second area AR2 at a position farthest from the master camera 10.

[0059] (Regarding remote camera 30 setting changes) In a soccer match, for example, in a one-sided game, the user Us (master camera 10) may change position between the first and second halves of the game. Specifically, the user Us may be located behind one goal line 4b in the first half of the game, and behind the other goal line 4a in the second half of the game. More specifically, the user Us may move from a position in the first half (a position on the second territory 6b side) to a position on the opposite side (the first territory 6a side) with the halfway line 5 as the axis of symmetry. In this case, the positional relationship between each remote camera 30 and the master camera 10 is reversed between the first and second halves of the game.

[0060] Therefore, the setting unit 304 is configured to be able to swap the first remote camera 30a set in the first area AR1 with the second remote camera 30b set in the second area AR2. That is, the setting unit 304 can set the second remote camera 30b in the first area AR1 and the first remote camera 30a in the second area AR2. The remote cameras 30 are swapped in response to an operation by the user Us. The operation by the user Us can be performed by, for example, an operation (one-touch operation). Specifically, in the remote shooting mode or an operation mode related to various settings, any button on the operation unit 25 may be assigned as a swapping button.

[0061] In addition, the setting unit 304 can determine based on the position information that the user Us has moved to the opposite position. When the setting unit 304 determines that the user Us has moved to the opposite position, it may prompt the replacement of the remote camera 30. Specifically, the setting unit 304 may display a selection screen on the display unit 16 for whether to replace the remote camera 30 based on the position information, and perform the replacement according to the selection of the user Us.

[0062] (Regarding the threshold value) Here, whether the operation control unit 302 is set to an operable state is determined according to the range of the subject distance. For example, when the subject distance x is in the range of "5m < x ≤ 40m", the operation control unit 302 controls it to the second operable state, and when the subject distance x is in the range of "60m < x ≤ 100m", the operation control unit 302 controls it to the first operable state. To define these ranges, it is necessary to set threshold values (the first threshold value and the second threshold value). The threshold values are set for each area AR where the remote camera 30 is arranged. Hereinafter, each threshold value will be described.

[0063] (Regarding the first threshold value) The operation control unit 302 controls to an operable state based on whether the subject distance exceeds the first threshold value. Specifically, when the subject distance does not exceed the first threshold value (upper limit value), the operation control unit 302 controls to an operable state. More specifically, the first threshold value for the first area AR1 (the first remote camera 30a) is, for example, 100m. When the subject distance does not exceed 100m, the operation control unit 302 controls to the first operable state. Also, the first threshold value for the second area AR2 (the second remote camera 30b) is, for example, 40m. When the subject distance does not exceed 40m, the operation control unit 302 controls to the second operable state.

[0064] (Regarding the second threshold value) In addition, the operation control unit 302 controls to an operable state based on whether the subject distance exceeds a second threshold smaller than the first threshold. Specifically, the operation control unit 302 controls to an operable state when the subject distance exceeds the second threshold (lower limit value). The second threshold for the first area AR1 (the first remote camera 30a) is, for example, 60 m. The operation control unit 302 controls to the first operable state when the subject distance exceeds 60 m. The second threshold for the second area AR2 (the second remote camera 30b) is, for example, 5 m. The operation control unit 302 controls to the second operable state when the subject distance exceeds 5 m.

[0065] Hereinafter, the range of the subject distance x (60 m < x ≤ 100 m) controlled to the first operable state is referred to as the "first range". Also, the range of the subject distance x (5 m < x ≤ 40 m) controlled to the second operable state is referred to as the "second range". Also, the range of the subject distance x (40 m < x ≤ 60 m) is referred to as the "third range". When the range of the subject distance x is the third range, the operation control unit 302 controls to the first operable state and the second operable state simultaneously. Note that when the range of the subject distance x is the third range, the operation control unit 302 may not control to the first operable state and the second operable state simultaneously, but may cause the master camera 10 to capture the subject.

[0066] In addition, when the subject distance is not in any of the first range, the second range, and the third range, specifically, in the range of "0 m < x ≤ 5 m" or when the subject distance exceeds 100 m. In this case, the operation control unit 302 does not control to an operable state, that is, does not control to any operable state. However, even in this case, the operation control unit 302 may maintain the immediately previous operable state as it is.

[0067] The first threshold and the second threshold are set by receiving an operation from the user Us. For example, the first threshold and the second threshold may be obtained from distance information based on focus information obtained by an operation from the user Us. The first threshold and the second threshold may be received as numerical values ​​from the user Us. The first threshold and the second threshold may be numerical values ​​read from past history. The set thresholds may be changed as appropriate in response to an operation from the user Us.

[0068] Furthermore, if the locations within the stadium where the master camera 10 and the remote camera 30 are to be placed are predetermined, the relative positions of the cameras 10 and 30 do not change, and therefore the first and second thresholds may be stored in RAM 14, storage medium 26, or the like in association with the stadium. In this case, the stored thresholds can be acquired by selecting the stadium. Alternatively, instead of setting a second threshold, the first threshold may be set to, for example, 50 m, and control may be made to the first operable state when the subject distance exceeds 50 m, and control may be made to the second operable state when the subject distance does not exceed 50 m.

[0069] (Display on Electronic Finder 21) The display control unit 305 displays at least one of the subject distance and an object indicating that the device is in an operable state within the electronic viewfinder 21. The subject distance is displayed, for example, as a number (○○ m). However, the subject distance is not limited to being displayed as a number, and may be displayed, for example, as an image showing a gauge. Specifically, the image showing the gauge is a bar graph image showing the distance to the subject relative to the maximum distance.

[0070] Furthermore, the object indicating the operable state is an object indicating the first area AR1 where the first remote camera 30a is located in the first operable state, and an object indicating the second area AR2 where the second remote camera 30b is located in the second operable state. The object indicating the first area AR1 and the object indicating the second area AR2 are each an image indicating the number (1 or 2) of the area AR. However, the object indicating each area AR is not limited to an image indicating a number, and may be an image indicating a mark, symbol, letter, or the like.

[0071] (Various settings to be made before starting shooting) 4 is a flowchart showing an example of various settings that the master camera 10 makes before starting to capture images. In FIG. 4, the master camera 10 determines whether it has entered a setting mode for making various settings related to remote control of the image capture system St (step S401). The setting mode is a mode that is entered when, for example, the mode switch button on the operation unit 25 is set to a position indicating the setting mode and a predetermined operation button that accepts the start of initial setting is operated.

[0072] The master camera 10 waits until it enters the setting mode (step S401: NO). When it enters the setting mode (step S401: YES), the master camera 10 acquires location information (step S402). Then, the master camera 10 sets the remote cameras 30 for each area AR (step S403). Specifically, the master camera 10 sets a common PIN code for the remote cameras 30 in the same area AR. In setting the remote cameras 30, the master camera 10 also sets destination information (e.g., IP address) for each remote camera 30.

[0073] Next, the master camera 10 sets a first threshold value (upper limit value) for controlling to an operable state for each area AR (step S404). Then, the master camera 10 sets a second threshold value (lower limit value) for controlling to an operable state for each area AR (step S405), and ends a series of processes. Each set content is stored in the RAM 14 or the storage medium 26.

[0074] (Regarding the remote shooting process performed by the master camera 10) FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the remote shooting process performed by the master camera 10. In FIG. 5, the master camera 10 determines whether or not it has entered the remote shooting mode related to the imaging system St (step S501). Note that the remote shooting mode is, for example, a mode that shifts when the mode switching button of the operation unit 25 is set to a position indicating the shooting mode and a predetermined operation button for accepting the start of the remote shooting mode is operated.

[0075] The master camera 10 waits until it enters the remote shooting mode (step S501: NO). When it enters the remote shooting mode (step S501: YES), the master camera 10 acquires focus information (step S502). Next, the master camera 10 determines whether or not the subject distance x is within the first range (60 m < x ≤ 100 m) (step S503).

[0076] When the subject distance is within the first range (step S503: YES), the master camera 10 controls to the first operable state (step S504), and proceeds to step S509. Thereby, the master camera 10 can remotely operate the first remote camera 30a. On the other hand, when the subject distance is not within the first range (step S503: NO), the master camera 10 determines whether or not the subject distance x is within the second range (5 m < x ≤ 40 m) (step S505).

[0077] When the subject distance is within the second range (step S505: YES), the master camera 10 controls to the second operable state (step S506) and proceeds to step S510. As a result, the master camera 10 can remotely operate the second remote camera 30b. On the other hand, when the subject distance is not within the second range (step S505: NO), the master camera 10 determines whether the subject distance x is within the third range (40 m < x ≤ 60 m) (step S507).

[0078] When the subject distance is within the third range (step S507: YES), the master camera 10 controls to the first operable state and the second operable state (step S508). As a result, the master camera 10 can simultaneously remotely operate the first remote camera 30a and the second remote camera 30b. Then, the master camera 10 displays the area AR to which the remote camera 30 to be remotely operated belongs and the subject distance on the electronic viewfinder 21 (step S509).

[0079] In step S507, when the subject distance is not within the third range (step S507: NO), the master camera 10 releases any operable state (step S510). Then, the master camera 10 performs a release button process (see FIG. 6) (step S511). Next, the master camera 10 determines whether it is the end of the remote shooting mode (step S512). The end of the remote shooting mode is, for example, when the power is turned off or the mode switch button of the operation unit 25 is set to a position indicating a mode other than the remote shooting mode.

[0080] When it is not the end of the remote shooting mode (step S512: NO), the master camera 10 returns to step S502 and repeats the processes of steps S502 to S512. When it is the end of the remote shooting mode (step S512: YES), the master camera 10 ends the series of processes.

[0081] (Regarding the release button process according to the first embodiment) 6 is a flowchart showing an example of release button processing performed by the master camera 10 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 6, the master camera 10 determines whether the release button 25b is on (fully pressed) (step S601). If the release button 25b is not on (step S601: NO), the master camera 10 proceeds directly to step S512 (see FIG. 5). If the release button 25b is on (step S601: YES), the master camera 10 determines whether the function button 25c (remote control button) is on (step S602).

[0082] If the function button 25c is not on (step S602: NO), that is, if only the release button 25b is on, the master camera 10 proceeds to step S604. On the other hand, if the function button 25c is on (step S602: YES), that is, if the function button 25c and the release button 25b are on simultaneously, the master camera 10 instructs the remote camera 30, which is the remote control target, to capture an image (step S603). This causes the remote camera 30 to capture an image of the subject within the imaging area. The master camera 10 then captures an image of the focused subject (step S604), and proceeds to step S512 (see FIG. 5).

[0083] (Regarding the setting change process performed by the master camera 10) Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a setting change process performed by the master camera 10. In Fig. 4, the master camera 10 determines whether or not it has entered a setting change mode for making settings related to the imaging system St (step S701). The setting change mode is a mode entered by, for example, setting the mode switch button on the operation unit 25 to a position indicating the setting mode and operating a predetermined operation button that accepts the start of setting change.

[0084] The master camera 10 waits until it enters the setting change mode (step S701: NO). When it enters the setting change mode (step S701: YES), the master camera 10 determines whether it has received an operation to change the threshold (step S702). If it has not received an operation to change the threshold (step S702: NO), the master camera 10 proceeds to step S704. If it has received an operation to change the threshold (step S702: YES), the master camera 10 receives input of the first threshold and the second threshold and changes each threshold (step S703). This makes it possible to change the first range, second range, and third range.

[0085] The master camera 10 then determines whether or not an operation to replace the remote cameras 30 has been accepted (step S704). If an operation to replace the remote cameras 30 has not been accepted (step S704: NO), the master camera 10 proceeds to step S706. If an operation to replace the remote cameras 30 has been accepted (step S704: YES), the master camera 10 replaces the first remote camera 30a set in the first area AR1 with the second remote camera 30b set in the second area AR2 (step S705).

[0086] Next, the master camera 10 determines whether the setting change mode has ended (step S706). The setting change mode ends, for example, when a predetermined button that accepts setting changes is pressed. If the setting change mode has not ended (step S706: NO), the master camera 10 returns to step S702 and repeats the processing of steps S702 to S706. If the setting change mode has ended (step S706: YES), the master camera 10 ends the series of processes.

[0087] (Example of the screen displayed on the Electronic Finder 21) 8A to 8C are explanatory diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the electronic viewfinder 21. Note that the screens shown below may also be displayed on the display unit 16. In FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, finder screens 800, 810, and 820 are displayed on the electronic viewfinder 21. Various information is displayed on the finder screens 800, 810, and 820. In particular, in this embodiment, the finder screens 800 and 810 include distance information 801 and an object 802. The distance information 801 indicates the distance from the master camera 10 to the focused subject (subject distance). The object 802 indicates the number of the area AR to which the remotely controllable remote camera 30 belongs.

[0088] 8A, distance information 801 indicates "70 m," meaning that the subject distance is 70 m. Object 802 indicates "1," meaning that the remote camera 30 to be remotely controlled is the first remote camera 30a, and indicates the first area AR1 to which the first remote camera 30a belongs.

[0089] 8B, distance information 801 indicates "50 m," meaning that the subject distance is 50 m. Objects 802 indicate "1" and "2," meaning that the remote cameras 30 to be remotely controlled are the first remote camera 30a and the second remote camera 30b, and also indicate the first area AR1 to which the first remote camera 30a belongs and the second area AR2 to which the second remote camera 30b belongs.

[0090] 8C, distance information 801 indicates "3 m," meaning that the subject distance is 3 m. Also, object 802 is not displayed, meaning that there is no remote camera 30 to be remotely controlled.

[0091] In this way, by displaying the distance information 801 and the object 802, the user Us can check the subject distance and the remote camera 30 that can be remotely controlled while looking through the electronic viewfinder 21.

[0092] 8A to 8C, both the distance information 801 and the object 802 can be displayed, but at least one of them may be displayed. That is, only the distance information 801 may be displayed, or only the object 802 may be displayed. When the user Us operating the master camera 10 moves from the touch line 3a side to the touch line 3b side, the display positions of "1" and "2" representing the object 802 displayed on the finder screen 820 may be automatically swapped. This makes it possible to align the directions of the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 in real space with the directions of the display positions of "1" and "2" corresponding to the areas AR1 and AR2 on the finder screen 820.

[0093] As described above, the master camera 10 according to the first embodiment controls the remote camera 30 to an operable state where it can be remotely controlled based on information about the distance from the master camera 10 to the subject (subject distance). This allows the remote camera 30 to be remotely controlled to capture or not capture images depending on the subject distance. This prevents the remote camera 30 from capturing images that have little utility, allowing the remote camera 30 to capture images efficiently. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, suitable image capturing can be performed using the remote camera 30.

[0094] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the master camera 10 is controlled to enter an operable state based on its own position information and the position information of the remote camera 30. This allows the remote camera 30 to capture images remotely in accordance with the subject distance and the relative positions of the master camera 10 and the remote camera 30. This makes it possible to more efficiently prevent the remote camera 30 from capturing images that are of little use, thereby allowing the remote camera 30 to capture images more efficiently.

[0095] In the first embodiment, the master camera 10 sets the first remote camera 30a arranged in the first area AR1 and the second remote camera 30b arranged in the second area AR2 for each area, and controls the first remote camera 30a to be operable for each area AR. This allows the remote camera 30 to capture images for each area AR by remote control according to the subject distance. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the remote camera 30 in each area AR from capturing images that are of little use, and therefore the remote camera 30 in each area AR can capture images efficiently.

[0096] In the first embodiment, the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 are arranged at different distances from the master camera 10. This allows the remotely controlled first remote camera 30a and second remote camera 30b to be switched to capture an image depending on the subject distance.

[0097] In the first embodiment, the master camera 10 is configured to be able to switch between the first remote camera 30a set in the first area AR1 and the second remote camera 30b set in the second area AR2. This allows the user Us (master camera 10) to easily set the remote cameras 30 for each area AR by simply switching the remote cameras 30 set in each area AR when the user Us (master camera 10) moves from the goal line 4b side to the goal line 4a side.

[0098] In the first embodiment, the master camera 10 is controlled to enter an operable state based on whether the subject distance exceeds the first threshold. This prevents the remote camera 30 from capturing images when the subject distance exceeds the first threshold. This allows the remote camera 30 to capture images more efficiently.

[0099] In the first embodiment, the master camera 10 is controlled to enter an operable state based on whether the subject distance exceeds a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value. This allows the remote camera 30 to capture an image when the subject distance is within the range from the first threshold value to the second threshold value, and prevents the remote camera 30 from capturing an image when the subject distance exceeds the first threshold value or is equal to or smaller than the second threshold value. This allows the remote camera 30 to capture an image more efficiently.

[0100] In the first embodiment, the first threshold and the second threshold are set for each area AR where the remote camera 30 is located. This allows the remote camera 30 to capture an image in each area AR when the area AR is within the range from the first threshold to the second threshold. This allows the remote camera 30 to efficiently capture an image for each area AR.

[0101] In the first embodiment, at least one of the distance information 801 (see FIGS. 8A to 8C) and the object 802 indicating that the camera is in an operable state is displayed in the electronic viewfinder 21 of the master camera 10. This allows the user Us to grasp the subject distance and the remote cameras 30 that can be remotely controlled while looking through the electronic viewfinder 21 of the master camera 10.

[0102] In the first embodiment, the subject distance is obtained based on focus information of the subject in the master camera 10. This allows the master camera 10 to easily obtain distance information as it focuses on the subject.

[0103] (Modifications of the first embodiment and other embodiments) Next, modifications of the first embodiment and other embodiments will be described. Note that in the following modifications and other embodiments, the contents explained in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. Also, the first embodiment, modifications, and other embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0104] (Variation 1) First, a first modification of the first embodiment will be described. In a shooting game such as soccer, offense and defense are intertwined regardless of the territory 6. For example, a team whose territory is the first territory 6a may launch a counter attack on the second territory 6b. In such a case, if a player (subject) launching the counter attack is located in the first territory 6a, the player will be imaged by the first remote camera 30a located on the first territory 6a side, and the player's back will be imaged. On the other hand, if the player is imaged by the second remote camera 30b located on the second territory 6b side, the player can be imaged from the front.

[0105] Therefore, in Modification 1, a configuration will be described in which, instead of or in addition to the configuration shown in the first embodiment, control is performed to bring the device into an operable state depending on the moving direction of the subject or the moving direction of the ball.

[0106] (Functional Configuration of Master Camera 10 According to Modification 1) Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of master camera 10 according to Modification 1. As shown in Fig. 9, master camera 10 according to Modification 1 includes subject information acquisition unit 310. Subject information acquisition unit 310 is realized by control unit 15 (CPU).

[0107] (Regarding subject orientation and movement direction) The subject information acquisition unit 310 acquires subject information. The subject information includes at least one of the orientation of the subject captured by the master camera 10 and the direction of movement of the subject. The orientation of the subject is the direction of the body and face of the player playing on the field 2. The direction of movement of the subject is the direction in which the player runs or walks. The subject information is obtained by performing image analysis on the image data. The operation control unit 302 controls the subject to an operable state based on the subject information acquired by the subject information acquisition unit 310.

[0108] For example, even if the subject distance is within the first range (the subject is located in the first position 6a), if at least one of the subject's orientation and movement direction is toward the master camera 10 (the second position 6b), the operation control unit 302 controls the subject to the second operable state. In this modified example, when the subject distance is within the first range and both the orientation and movement direction of the subject are toward the second base 6b, the operation control unit 302 controls to the second operable state. When the orientation and movement direction of the subject are different, such as when a player runs forward with his face facing backward, the operation control unit 302 may control to the second operable state based on either one of them.

[0109] Furthermore, even when the subject distance is within the second range (when the subject is in the second position 6b), if at least one of the orientation and movement direction of the subject is opposite to the master camera 10 (toward the first position 6a), the operation control unit 302 controls the state to the first operable state. Note that in this modification, when the subject distance is within the second range and both the orientation and movement direction of the subject are toward the first position 6a, the operation control unit 302 controls the state to the first operable state. Furthermore, when the subject distance is within a third range and the operation control unit 302 simultaneously controls the state to the first operable state and the second operable state, the operation control unit 302 may change the state to control either the first operable state or the second operable state depending on the orientation and movement direction of the subject.

[0110] (Regarding the direction of the ball) The subject information acquisition unit 310 acquires the moving direction of the ball captured by the master camera 10. The ball is an example of a moving object. The moving direction of the ball is obtained by image analysis of the image data. The operation control unit 302 controls the ball to an operable state based on the moving direction of the ball acquired by the subject information acquisition unit 310.

[0111] For example, even when the subject distance is within the first range (when the subject is in the first territory 6a), if the moving direction of the ball is toward the master camera 10 (toward the second territory 6b), the operation control unit 302 controls to the second operable state. Note that in this modified example, when the subject distance is within the first range, if the orientation of the subject, the moving direction of the subject, and the moving direction of the ball are all toward the second territory 6b, the operation control unit 302 controls to the second operable state.

[0112] Furthermore, even when the subject distance is within the second range (when the subject is in the second territory 6b), if the moving direction of the ball is opposite to the master camera 10 (towards the first territory 6a), the operation control unit 302 controls to the first operable state. Note that in this modified example, when the subject distance is within the second range, if the orientation of the subject, the moving direction of the subject, and the moving direction of the ball are all towards the first territory 6a, the operation control unit 302 controls to the first operable state.

[0113] (Regarding the processing of the master camera 10 during remote photography according to Modification 1) Next, the processing of the master camera 10 performed during remote shooting according to Modification 1 will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. Note that Figures 10 to 12 will be described separately for the cases where the subject distance is in the first range, the second range, and the third range.

[0114] (Regarding the processing of Modification 1 performed by the master camera 10 when the subject distance is in the first range) 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to Modification 1 performed by master camera 10 when the subject distance is in the first range. In FIG. 10, master camera 10 determines whether the subject distance is in the first range (step S1001). Master camera 10 waits until the subject distance falls within the first range (step S1001: NO).

[0115] When the subject distance falls within the first range (step S1001: YES), master camera 10 acquires subject information (step S1002) and acquires the moving direction of the ball (step S1003). Note that in Figures 10 to 12, the subject information and the moving direction of the ball are acquired when the subject distance falls within the first range, but this is not limiting and they may be acquired at all times.

[0116] Then, master camera 10 determines whether the orientation of the subject (all of the orientation of the subject, the direction of movement of the subject, and the direction of movement of the ball) is toward the second territory 6b (step S1004). If the orientation of the subject is not toward the second territory 6b (step S1004: NO), that is, if at least one of the orientation of the subject, the direction of movement of the subject, and the direction of movement of the ball is not toward the second territory 6b, master camera 10 is controlled to the first operable state (step S1005).

[0117] On the other hand, if the subject's orientation, etc., is toward the second territory 6b (step S1004: YES), that is, if the subject's orientation, the subject's movement direction, and the ball's movement direction are all toward the second territory 6b, the master camera 10 is controlled to the second operable state (step S1006). That is, the master camera 10 is controlled to the second operable state even though the subject distance is within the first range. Then, the master camera 10 displays the area AR to which the remote camera 30 to be remotely controlled belongs and the subject distance on the electronic viewfinder 21 (step S1007).

[0118] Next, master camera 10 determines whether the subject distance is within the first range (step S1008). If the subject distance is within the first range (step S1008: YES), master camera 10 returns to step S1002 and repeats the processes of steps S1002 to S1008. On the other hand, if the subject distance is not within the first range (step S1008: NO), master camera 10 ends the series of processes.

[0119] (Regarding the processing of Modification 1 performed by the master camera 10 when the subject distance is in the second range) 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to Modification 1 performed by the master camera 10 when the subject distance is in the second range. In FIG. 11, the master camera 10 determines whether the subject distance to the subject is in the second range (step S1101).

[0120] The master camera 10 waits until the subject distance falls within the second range (step S1101: NO). When the subject distance falls within the second range (step S1101: YES), the master camera 10 acquires subject information (step S1102) and acquires the moving direction of the ball (step S1103).

[0121] Then, master camera 10 determines whether the orientation of the subject (all of the orientation of the subject, the direction of movement of the subject, and the direction of movement of the ball) is toward the first territory 6a (step S1104). If the orientation of the subject is not toward the first territory 6a (step S1104: NO), that is, if at least one of the orientation of the subject, the direction of movement of the subject, and the direction of movement of the ball is not toward the first territory 6a, master camera 10 is controlled to the second operable state (step S1105).

[0122] On the other hand, if the subject's orientation, etc., is toward the first territory 6a (step S1104: YES), that is, if the subject's orientation, the subject's movement direction, and the ball's movement direction are all toward the first territory 6a, the master camera 10 is controlled to the first operable state (step S1106). That is, the master camera 10 is controlled to the first operable state even though the subject distance is within the second range. Then, the master camera 10 displays the area AR to which the remote camera 30 to be remotely controlled belongs and the subject distance on the electronic viewfinder 21 (step S1107).

[0123] Next, master camera 10 determines whether the subject distance is within the second range (step S1108). If the subject distance is within the second range (step S1108: YES), master camera 10 returns to step S1102 and repeats the processes of steps S1102 to S1108. On the other hand, if the subject distance is not within the second range (step S1108: NO), master camera 10 ends the series of processes.

[0124] (Regarding the processing of Modification 1 performed by the master camera 10 when the subject distance is in the third range) 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to Modification 1 performed by master camera 10 when the subject distance is in the third range. In Fig. 12, master camera 10 determines whether the subject distance is in the third range (step S1201).

[0125] The master camera 10 waits until the subject distance falls within the third range (step S1201: NO). When the subject distance falls within the third range (step S1201: YES), the master camera 10 acquires subject information (step S1202) and acquires the moving direction of the ball (step S1203).

[0126] Then, master camera 10 determines whether the orientation of the subject (all of the orientation of the subject, the direction of movement of the subject, and the direction of movement of the ball) is toward the first territory 6a (step S1204). If the orientation of the subject is toward the first territory 6a (step S1204: YES), that is, if the orientation of the subject, the direction of movement of the subject, and the direction of movement of the ball are all toward the first territory 6a, master camera 10 is controlled to the first operable state (step S1205) and proceeds to step S1209. This prevents second remote camera 30b from capturing images even when the subject distance is within the third range, thereby reducing the capture of images with little utility.

[0127] On the other hand, if the subject's orientation, etc. is not toward the first territory 6a (step S1204: NO), that is, if at least one of the subject's orientation, subject's movement direction, and ball movement direction is not toward the first territory 6a, the master camera 10 determines whether the subject's orientation, etc. (all of the subject's orientation, subject's movement direction, and ball movement direction) is toward the second territory 6b (step S1206). If the subject's orientation, etc. is not toward the second territory 6b (step S1206: NO), that is, if at least one of the subject's orientation, subject's movement direction, and ball movement direction is not toward the second territory 6b, the master camera 10 controls the state to the first operable state and the second operable state (step S1207), and proceeds to step S1209.

[0128] On the other hand, if the subject's orientation, etc., is toward the second territory 6b (step S1206: YES), that is, if the subject's orientation, the subject's moving direction, and the ball's moving direction are all toward the second territory 6b, the master camera 10 is controlled to the second operable state (step S1208). This prevents the first remote camera 30a from capturing images even when the subject distance is within the third range, thereby reducing the capture of images with little utility.

[0129] The master camera 10 then displays the area AR to which the remote camera 30 to be remotely controlled belongs and the subject distance on the electronic viewfinder 21 (step S1209). Next, the master camera 10 determines whether the subject distance is within a third range (step S1210). If the subject distance is within the third range (step S1210: YES), the master camera 10 returns to step S1202 and repeats the processes of steps S1202 to S1210. On the other hand, if the subject distance is not within the third range (step S1210: NO), the master camera 10 ends the series of processes.

[0130] In this embodiment, when the subject distance is within the first range or the second range, if the subject's orientation, the subject's movement direction, and the ball's movement direction are all toward the second territory 6b or the first territory 6a, the operation control unit 302 controls the camera to the second operable state or the first operable state. However, this is not limited to this embodiment. For example, when the subject distance is within the first range, if any one of the subject's orientation, the subject's movement direction, and the ball's movement direction is toward the second territory 6b, the operation control unit 302 may simultaneously control the camera to the first operable state and the second operable state. This allows the camera to capture the subject facing forward even when the subject (player) is photographed small by the second remote camera 30b in the second area AR2, thereby increasing the usefulness of the photographed image.

[0131] As described above, master camera 10 according to Modification 1 is controlled to an operable state based on subject information including at least one of the orientation and movement direction of the subject captured by master camera 10. This allows control to the second operable state according to the orientation and movement direction of the subject, even if the subject distance is within the first range. Therefore, in a shooting game such as soccer, where offense and defense are intertwined regardless of the position 6, the optimal remote camera 30 can be caused to capture the image according to the movement direction of the players, etc.

[0132] (Variation 2) Next, a second modification of the first embodiment will be described. In the first modification, the control is made to the operable state depending on the moving direction of the subject and the moving direction of the ball. Here, even when the control is made to the first operable state, it may be desirable to capture an image with the second remote camera 30b depending on the direction in which the master camera 10 is facing the subject.

[0133] Therefore, in Modification 2, a configuration will be described in which, instead of or in addition to the configuration of Modification 1 described above, master camera 10 is controlled to be in an operable state depending on the direction in which master camera 10 faces the subject.

[0134] (Functional Configuration of Master Camera 10 According to Modification 2) FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the master camera 10 according to the second modification. 13, the master camera 10 according to the second modification includes an orientation information acquisition unit 320. The orientation information acquisition unit 320 is realized by the control unit 15 (CPU).

[0135] The orientation information acquisition unit 320 acquires orientation information indicating the orientation in which the master camera 10 is pointing toward the subject. The orientation information is information on the horizontal azimuth angle. The orientation information is obtained, for example, from the detection results of a gyro sensor included in the various sensors 19. The operation control unit 302 controls the operation to an operable state based on the orientation information acquired by the orientation information acquisition unit 320.

[0136] For example, even if the subject distance is within the first range (for example, when the subject is located in the first position 6a), if the azimuth angle is within a predetermined range (first azimuth range), the operation control unit 302 controls to the second operable state. The first azimuth range can be set to any azimuth by the user Us.

[0137] Similarly, even if the subject distance is within the second range (for example, if the subject is located in the second position 6b), if the azimuth angle is within a predetermined range (second azimuth range), the operation control unit 302 controls the device to the first operable state. The second azimuth range can be set by the user Us to any azimuth.

[0138] When the subject distance is within the third range, the operation control unit 302 controls to the first operable state or the second operable state regardless of the azimuth information. However, even when the subject distance is within the third range, if the azimuth angle is within a predetermined range (third azimuth range), the operation control unit 302 may control to only the first operable state. Similarly, even when the subject distance is within the third range, if the azimuth angle is within a predetermined range (fourth azimuth range), the operation control unit 302 may control to only the second operable state. The third azimuth range and the fourth azimuth range can be set to any azimuth by the user Us.

[0139] In addition to controlling the state to the first operable state or the second operable state based on the subject distance and azimuth information, the state can also be controlled to the first operable state or the second operable state based on the position information of the master camera 10. By using the position information of the master camera 10 in addition to the subject distance and azimuth information, it is possible to determine whether the subject is located in the first position 6a or the second position 6b, with the halfway line 5 as the boundary. Therefore, for example, when it is determined that the subject is located in the first position 6a, the state can be controlled to the first operable state, and when it is determined that the subject is located in the second position 6b, the state can be controlled to the second operable state.

[0140] If the user Us moves to an area outside the field on an extension of the halfway line 5, the distance from the master camera 10 to the first area AR1 and the distance from the master camera 10 to the second area AR2 may be approximately the same. In this case, the area AR (remote camera 30) suitable for remote control may be identified by using azimuth information indicating the direction in which the master camera 10 is facing the subject. Specifically, the operation control unit 302 may control the remote camera 30 to the first operable state when the azimuth angle is within a predetermined range indicating the first base 6a, and to the second operable state when the azimuth angle is within a predetermined range indicating the second base 6b.

[0141] (Regarding the processing of the master camera 10 during remote photography according to Modification 2) Next, the processing of the master camera 10 performed during remote shooting according to Modification 2 will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. Note that Figures 14 and 15 will be described separately for the case where the subject distance is in a first range and the case where the subject distance is in a second range.

[0142] (Regarding the processing of Modification 2 performed by the master camera 10 when the subject distance is in the first range) 14 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to Modification 2 performed by the master camera 10 when the subject distance is in the first range. In FIG. 14, the master camera 10 determines whether the subject distance is in the first range (step S1401).

[0143] The master camera 10 waits until the subject distance falls within the first range (step S1401: NO). When the subject distance falls within the first range (step S1401: YES), the master camera 10 acquires orientation information (step S1402). Note that in FIGS. 14 and 15, the orientation information is acquired when the subject distance falls within the first range, but this is not limiting and the information may be acquired at all times.

[0144] Then, the master camera 10 determines whether the azimuth angle indicated by the azimuth information is within the first azimuth range (step S1403). If the azimuth angle is not within the first azimuth range (step S1403: NO), the master camera 10 is controlled to the first operable state (step S1404).

[0145] On the other hand, if the azimuth angle is within the first azimuth range (step S1403: YES), the master camera 10 is controlled to the second operable state (step S1405). That is, the master camera 10 is controlled to the second operable state even though the subject distance is within the first range. Then, the master camera 10 displays the area AR to which the remote camera 30 to be remotely controlled belongs and the subject distance on the electronic viewfinder 21 (step S1406).

[0146] Next, master camera 10 determines whether the subject distance is within the first range (step S1407). If the subject distance is within the first range (step S1407: YES), master camera 10 returns to step S1402 and repeats the processes of steps S1402 to S1407. On the other hand, if the subject distance is not within the first range (step S1407: NO), master camera 10 ends the series of processes.

[0147] (Regarding the processing of Modification 2 performed by the master camera 10 when the subject distance is in the second range) 15 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to Modification 2 performed by master camera 10 when the subject distance is in the second range. In Fig. 15, master camera 10 determines whether the subject distance is in the second range (step S1501).

[0148] The master camera 10 waits until the subject distance falls within the second range (step S1501: NO). When the subject distance falls within the second range (step S1501: YES), the master camera 10 acquires azimuth information (step S1502).

[0149] Then, the master camera 10 determines whether the azimuth angle indicated by the azimuth information is in the second azimuth range (step S1503). If the azimuth angle is not in the second azimuth range (step S1503: NO), the master camera 10 is controlled to the second operable state (step S1504).

[0150] On the other hand, if the azimuth angle is within the second azimuth range (step S1503: YES), the master camera 10 is controlled to the first operable state (step S1505). That is, the master camera 10 is controlled to the first operable state even though the subject distance is within the second range. Then, the master camera 10 displays the area AR to which the remote camera 30 to be remotely controlled belongs and the subject distance on the electronic viewfinder 21 (step S1506).

[0151] Next, master camera 10 determines whether the subject distance is within the second range (step S1507). If the subject distance is within the second range (step S1507: YES), master camera 10 returns to step S1502 and repeats the processes of steps S1502 to S1507. On the other hand, if the subject distance is not within the second range (step S1507: NO), master camera 10 ends the series of processes.

[0152] As described above, the master camera 10 according to the second modification is controlled to be in an operable state based on the azimuth information indicating the direction in which the master camera 10 faces the subject. As a result, even if the subject distance is within the first range, the master camera 10 can be controlled to be in the second operable state according to the azimuth angle of the master camera 10, so that the most appropriate remote camera 30 can be used to capture the image. Furthermore, even if the distance from the master camera 10 to the first area AR1 and the distance from the master camera 10 to the second area AR2 are approximately the same, it is possible to have the most suitable remote camera 30 take the image depending on the azimuth angle.

[0153] (Variation 3) Next, a third modification of the first embodiment will be described. When shooting soccer games, the user Us may wish to capture not only goal scenes, but also the team's goalkeeper celebrating in his own territory or the opposing player looking disappointed in his own territory 6. That is, even when the control is in the first operable state, the user Us may wish to control it to the second operable state depending on the situation. Therefore, in the third modification, a configuration that enables manual switching of the operable state will be described.

[0154] In the third modification, the operation unit 25 includes a manual switching button for switching the operable state. Any preset button can be used as the manual switching button in the remote shooting mode. Also, in the remote shooting mode, manual switching can be accepted by pressing (long pressing) a button that accepts other functions for a predetermined period of time or by pressing (continuously pressing) multiple times within a predetermined period of time. The button assigned as the manual switching button can also be any button selected by the user Us. Instead of the manual switching button, the operable state can be switched by voice recognition.

[0155] There are four manual switching modes: (1) Switching between a first operable state and a second operable state. (2) Switching from either the first operable state or the second operable state to both operable states. (3) Switching from both operable states to the first operable state. (4) Switching from both operable states to the second operable state.

[0156] In Modification 3, a case will be described in which, of the above (1) to (4), (1) and (2) can be performed. For example, a manual switching button (first manual switching button) corresponding to (1) and a manual switching button (second manual switching button) corresponding to (2) are assigned, respectively. Then, manual switching is performed by accepting the press of either button. However, a single manual switching button may also be assigned. In this case, switching may be performed in the order of (1) → (2) → (1) → (2) → (1) → ... according to the number of times the single manual switching button is pressed.

[0157] The same applies to the case where all of the above (1) to (4) are to be manually switched. Specifically, manual switching buttons corresponding to the above (1) to (4) may be assigned, respectively, and manual switching may be performed by accepting the pressing of any of the buttons. Also, one manual switching button may be assigned, and switching may be performed in the order of (1) → (2) → (3) → (4) → (1) → ... according to the number of times the one manual switching button is pressed.

[0158] (Manual Switching Process Performed by Master Camera 10 According to Modification 3) 16 is a flowchart showing an example of manual switching processing performed by the master camera 10 according to Modification 3. Note that in FIG. 16, description of control of the operable state is omitted. 16, the master camera 10 determines whether or not it is in the remote shooting mode (step S1601). The master camera 10 waits until it enters the remote shooting mode (step S1601: NO).

[0159] When the master camera 10 enters the remote shooting mode (step S1601: YES), it determines whether it is in either the first operable state or the second operable state (step S1602). If it is not in either of the operable states (step S1602: NO), the master camera 10 proceeds to step S1607. If it is in either of the operable states (step S1602: YES), it determines whether the first manual switching button has been pressed (step S1603).

[0160] If the first manual switching button is not pressed (step S1603: NO), the master camera 10 proceeds to step S1605. If the first manual switching button is pressed (step S1603: YES), the master camera 10 switches between the first operable state and the second operable state (step S1604).

[0161] The master camera 10 then determines whether the second manual switching button has been pressed (step S1605). If the second manual switching button has not been pressed (step S1605: NO), the master camera 10 proceeds to step S1607. If the second manual switching button has been pressed (step S1605: YES), the master camera 10 controls the first operable state and the second operable state (step S1606).

[0162] The master camera 10 then displays the area AR to which the remote camera 30 to be remotely controlled belongs and the subject distance on the electronic viewfinder 21 (step S1607). Next, the master camera 10 performs release button processing (see FIG. 6) (step S511). The master camera 10 then determines whether or not the remote shooting mode has ended (step S1608). If the remote shooting mode has not ended (step S1608: NO), the master camera 10 returns to step S1602 and repeats the processing of steps S1602 to S1608. If the remote shooting mode has ended (step S1608: YES), the master camera 10 ends the series of processes.

[0163] As described above, the master camera 10 according to the third modification enables manual switching of the operable state. This allows the user Us to switch to at least one of the first operable state and the second operable state at any timing desired. This allows, for example, when shooting a soccer game, the user Us to use the remote camera 30 to capture not only goal scenes, but also the team's goalkeeper celebrating in his own half and the opposing players feeling dejected in his own half. This allows for more suitable imaging using the remote camera 30.

[0164] (Variation 4) Next, a fourth modification of the first embodiment will be described. In the third modification described above, the operable state is switched by pressing the manual switching button. In the fourth modification, instead of or in addition to this configuration, a configuration will be described in which a specific signal is input when the release button 25b is pressed, causing the remote camera 30 to capture an image even when the operable state is not reached.

[0165] In the fourth modification, the master camera 10 is capable of receiving a specific signal (release signal). The specific signal is received by pressing a specific switch (release switch) connected to the master camera 10. The specific switch is connected to a terminal provided on the master camera 10 via a predetermined cable. The terminal provided on the master camera 10 may be, for example, a 10-pin terminal, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal, or an HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal.

[0166] The inoperable state is a state in which remote control of the remote camera 30 cannot be performed. Hereinafter, the inoperable state is referred to as the "inoperable state." In Modification 4, even in the inoperable state, if a specific signal is input when the release button is pressed, the master camera 10 instructs the remote camera 30 to capture an image.

[0167] (Regarding release button processing performed by the master camera 10 according to the fourth modification) Next, a fourth modification of the release button process shown in step S511 of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of release button processing performed by the master camera 10 according to Modification 4. In Fig. 17, the master camera 10 determines whether the release button 25b is turned on (fully pressed) (step S1701). If the release button 25b is not turned on (step S1701: NO), the master camera 10 proceeds directly to step S512 (see Fig. 5).

[0168] When the release button 25b is turned on (step S1701: YES), the master camera 10 determines whether the function button 25c is on (step S1702). If the function button 25c is not on (step S1702: NO), the master camera 10 proceeds to step S1704.

[0169] On the other hand, if the function button 25c is on (step S1702: YES), that is, if the function button 25c and the release button 25b are on at the same time, the master camera 10 issues an image capture instruction to one of the remote cameras 30 (e.g., the first remote camera 30a) that is the target of remote control (step S1703). This allows the one remote camera 30 to capture an image of a subject within the imaging area of ​​the one remote camera 30.

[0170] The master camera 10 then determines whether the specific switch is on (step S1704). If the specific switch is not on (step S1704: NO), the master camera 10 proceeds to step S1706. On the other hand, if the specific switch is on (step S1704: YES), that is, if the specific switch and the release button 25b are turned on simultaneously, the master camera 10 issues an image capture instruction to the other remote camera 30 that is not the target of remote control (e.g., the second remote camera 30b) (step S1703). This allows the second remote camera 30b to capture an image of the subject within its imaging area, even though it is not controlled to the second operable state.

[0171] The master camera 10 then captures an image of the focused subject (step S1706) and proceeds to step S512 (see FIG. 5). In the above-described flowchart, the simultaneous pressing of the function button 25c, a specific switch, and the release button may be accepted. When simultaneous pressing is accepted, the master camera 10 may issue an image capture command to both the remote camera 30 that is the remote control target and the other remote camera 30 that is not the remote control target. In this case, the master camera 10 also captures an image of the subject with its own device.

[0172] As described above, even when the master camera 10 according to the fourth modification is in an inoperable state, a specific signal is input when the release button 25b is pressed, thereby causing the remote camera 30 to capture an image. This allows the remote camera 30 to capture an image at any timing desired by the user Us, even when the master camera 10 is not in an operable state. Therefore, for example, when photographing a soccer game, the user Us can use the remote camera 30 to capture not only goal scenes, but also the team's goalkeeper celebrating in his own half or the opposing player looking disappointed in his own half. This allows for more suitable imaging using the remote camera 30.

[0173] (Variation 5) Next, a fifth modification of the first embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, an imaging system St in which a remote camera 30 is arranged in each of a plurality of areas AR has been described. In the fifth modification, an imaging system St in which one remote camera 30 is arranged will be described. Note that in the fifth modification, a case in which the imaging system St is used for track and field events will be described.

[0174] (Regarding the imaging system St according to the fifth modification) FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an imaging system St according to Modification 5. In FIG. 18, the imaging system St is a system for capturing images of an athlete As in a 100-meter sprint in track and field. The athlete As runs in a predetermined lane 201 from a start line 202 to a finish line 203. A user Us, who is a cameraman, is positioned 40 meters behind the finish line 203 as viewed from the lane 201, and captures an image of the athlete As, who is the subject, using a master camera 10. That is, the master camera 10 is positioned 40 meters behind the finish line 203 as viewed from the lane 201.

[0175] One remote camera 30 is placed at an intermediate position (approximately 50 m) between the start line 202 and the finish line 203, outside the lane 201. Note that multiple remote cameras 30 may be placed. The master camera 10 can also obtain position information of the position where the remote camera 30 is placed from a GPS unit provided in the remote camera 30. The master camera 10 may calculate and display the distance between the remote camera 30 and its own device using the position information of the remote camera 30 and its own device.

[0176] Here, whether the operation control unit 302 is set to an operable state is determined according to the range of the subject distance. As seen from the master camera 10, the distance (subject distance) to the athlete As (subject) at the starting line 202 is 140 m. Also, the distance (subject distance) to the athlete As (subject) who has run near the location where the remote camera 30 is placed is 90 m. The remote camera 30 captures images from the starting line 202 to 50 m. For this reason, the operation control unit 302 controls to an operable state while the subject, the athlete, runs from 140 m away to 90 m in front, that is, when the subject distance x is in the range of "90 m < x ≤ 140 m". To determine these ranges, threshold values (the first threshold value and the second threshold value) are set. Hereinafter, each threshold value will be described.

[0177] (Regarding the first threshold value) The operation control unit 302 controls to an operable state when the subject distance does not exceed the first threshold value (upper limit value), that is, when the subject distance is less than or equal to the first threshold value. The first threshold value is, for example, 140 m. The operation control unit 302 controls to an operable state when the subject distance does not exceed 140 m. That is, when the athlete As as the subject is located near the starting line 202, the operation control unit 302 controls to an operable state. On the other hand, when the subject distance exceeds 140 m, that is, when the athlete As is not located near the starting line 202, the operation control unit 302 does not control to an operable state. Note that the first threshold value is not limited to 140 m and may be a value greater than 140 m.

[0178] (Regarding the second threshold value) Also, the operation control unit 302 controls to an operable state when the subject distance exceeds the second threshold value (lower limit value). The second threshold value is, for example, 90 m. Specifically, the operation control unit 302 controls to an operable state when the subject distance exceeds 90 m. On the other hand, when the subject distance becomes 90 m or less, that is, when the athlete approaches the finish line 203, the operation control unit 302 does not control to an operable state.

[0179] By setting the first threshold value and the second threshold value in this way, when the subject distance x is in the range of "90m < x ≤ 140m", it is possible to control to an operable state. In the following, the range of the subject distance x (90m < x ≤ 140m) controlled to the operable state is referred to as the "tele-imaging range".

[0180] (Regarding the display on the electronic viewfinder 21) In Modification 5, the display control unit 305 displays the subject distance, a first object indicating an operable state, and a second object indicating a non-operable state on the electronic viewfinder 21 of the master camera 10. Note that the display control unit may display at least one of these on the electronic viewfinder 21.

[0181] The first object is, for example, the lighting of a predetermined mark (e.g., ○) in a predetermined color (e.g., green). The second object is, for example, the lighting of a color different from the predetermined color of the predetermined mark (e.g., red). Note that when it is not in the operable state, the second object may not be displayed.

[0182] (Regarding the remote shooting process performed by the master camera 10 according to Modification 5) FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the remote shooting process performed by the master camera 10 according to Modification 5. In FIG. 19, the master camera 10 determines whether it has entered the remote shooting mode related to the imaging system St (step S1901).

[0183] The master camera 10 waits until it enters the remote shooting mode (step S1901: NO). When it enters the remote shooting mode (step S1901: YES), the master camera 10 acquires focus information (step S1902). Then, the master camera 10 determines whether the subject distance x is within the tele-imaging range (90m < x ≤ 140m) (step S1903).

[0184] If the subject distance is within the remote imaging range (step S1903: YES), the master camera 10 is controlled to enter an operable state (step S1904), which enables the master camera 10 to remotely control the remote camera 30. The master camera 10 then displays the first object and the subject distance on the electronic viewfinder 21 (step S1905), and proceeds to step S511.

[0185] On the other hand, if the subject distance is not within the remote imaging range (step S1903: NO), the master camera 10 is controlled to an inoperable state (step S1906). Then, the master camera 10 displays the second object and the subject distance in the electronic viewfinder 21 (step S1907). Then, the master camera 10 performs release button processing (see FIG. 6) (step S511). Next, the master camera 10 determines whether the remote imaging mode has ended (step S1908).

[0186] If the remote shooting mode has not ended (step S1908: NO), the master camera 10 returns to step S1902 and repeats the processes of steps S1902 to S1908. If the remote shooting mode has ended (step S1908: YES), the master camera 10 ends the series of processes.

[0187] As described above, the imaging system St according to the fifth modification can remotely control one remote camera 30 to capture an image according to the subject distance from the master camera 10 to the subject. Therefore, in a 100m sprint in track and field, it is possible to have the remote camera 30 capture images of the first half and not capture images of the second half. This makes it possible to prevent the remote camera 30 from capturing images of little use in the second half, and also allows the remote camera 30 to capture images optimally.

[0188] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment described above, one master camera 10 is used to remotely control the remote camera 30. In the second embodiment, instead of or in addition to this configuration, a configuration will be described in which multiple master cameras 10 (10a, 10b) are used to remotely control the remote camera 30.

[0189] (Regarding the imaging system St according to the second embodiment) 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an imaging system St according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 20, the imaging system St includes a first master camera 10a, a second master camera 10b, and a remote camera 30. The first master camera 10a is, for example, a telephoto camera that captures images of subjects (players) in the first territory 6a. The second master camera 10b is, for example, a wide-angle camera that captures images of subjects in the second territory 6b. For example, when a player is playing in the first territory 6a, the user Us captures the player using the first master camera 10a, and when the player is playing in the second territory 6b, the user Us captures the player using the second master camera 10b.

[0190] A plurality of remote cameras 30 are placed behind each goal. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the remote cameras 30 are not divided into areas. That is, in the second embodiment, a common PIN code is assigned to all of the remote cameras 30.

[0191] (Changes to the master camera 10 in the second embodiment) During a soccer game, a user Us frequently switches between the first master camera 10a and the second master camera 10b. The master camera 10 that can remotely control the remote camera 30 is the master camera 10 that has the control right for remote control. For example, when the control right is held by the first master camera 10a, the second master camera 10b cannot remotely control the remote camera 30.

[0192] Here, changing the control right requires temporarily disconnecting the communication connection between the master camera 10 with the control right and the remote camera 30. Specifically, for example, to change the control right from the first master camera 10a to the second master camera 10b, it is necessary to temporarily disconnect all communication connections between the first master camera 10a and the remote camera 30, such as by turning off the power of the first master camera 10a and turning on the second master camera 10b. As a result, depending on, for example, the performance of the master camera 10 and the communication environment, a long waiting time may be required before communication is established after the disconnection, which may prevent the control right from being changed quickly and may prevent the user U from taking the desired photo.

[0193] Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to quickly change the control right. The functional configuration of the master camera 10 according to the second embodiment will be described below.

[0194] (Functional Configuration of Master Camera 10 According to Second Embodiment) Fig. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the master camera 10 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 21, the master camera 10 includes a request information acquisition unit 330 and an operation control unit 302. The request information acquisition unit 330 and the operation control unit 302 are realized by the control unit 15 (CPU).

[0195] (Operation status) The request information acquisition unit 330 acquires request information. The request information is information indicating a request for one of the master cameras 10 (for example, the first master camera 10a) to remotely control the remote camera 30.

[0196] The operation control unit 302 controls the first master camera 10a to an operable state in which the first master camera 10a can remotely control the remote camera 30 based on the request information acquired by the request information acquisition unit 330. The operable state is also referred to as a "state with control authority."

[0197] Here, both the first master camera 10a and the second master camera 10b are connected (communication-connected) to the remote camera 30. However, only one of the master cameras 10 can be remotely controlled. In other words, either the first master camera 10a or the second master camera 10b has the right to remotely control the remote camera 30.

[0198] Furthermore, a priority level is set for the master camera 10 when connecting to the remote camera 30. The priority level has two levels, for example, "high" and "low." For example, to transfer the control right from the second master camera 10b to the first master camera 10a, the priority level of the first master camera 10a must be raised and it must connect to the remote camera 30. Therefore, when the first master camera 10a is controlled to be in an operable state, it issues a connection request to the remote camera 30 with a higher priority level. As a result, the control right is transferred from the second master camera 10b to the first master camera 10a. The request information includes information requesting a connection with a higher priority level than the other master cameras 10.

[0199] (Requested Information) The request information includes information that indicates that the user Us is using the master camera 10. Specifically, the request information includes information based on the operation of the operation unit 25 provided in each of the multiple master cameras 10. The request information includes information based on at least one operation of the first reception unit that receives an instruction to make the camera operable, and the second reception unit that receives an operation to capture an image.

[0200] The first reception unit is a preset one button. Hereinafter, the one button will be referred to as the "control right switching button." The control right switching button can be, for example, function button 25c. That is, the control right switching button and the remote control button can be one button. In this case, when the one button is pressed, a command to switch the control right is accepted, and when the one button and release button 25b are pressed simultaneously, an instruction to capture an image is issued to remote camera 30. The control right switching button is not limited to function button 25c, and any button provided in operation unit 25 may be assigned to the control right switching button. After accepting the switching of the control right, an instruction to capture an image may be issued to remote camera 30 by pressing release button 25b.

[0201] The second reception unit may be any button that receives an operation for capturing an image, such as the AF button 25a, a command dial that receives a shutter speed change, or an aperture setting button. The buttons assigned as the first reception unit and the second reception unit may be any buttons selected by the user Us. The control right switching button is preferably set to a button located on the shoulder of the master camera 10 to prevent accidental operation due to contact with another object.

[0202] The request information includes information based on the detection results of the various sensors 19 provided in each of the multiple master cameras 10. The detection results of the various sensors 19 may be any detection results that indicate that the user Us is using one of the master cameras 10, specifically, the detection results of at least one of the focus sensor 19a, the eye sensor 19b, and the tilt sensor 19c. The operation control unit 302 can determine whether the user Us has adjusted the focus using the detection result of the focus sensor 19a. The operation control unit 302 can also determine whether the user Us has looked into the electronic viewfinder 21 using the detection result of the eye sensor 19b. The operation control unit 302 can also determine whether the user Us is holding the master camera 10 using the detection result of the tilt sensor 19c.

[0203] Note that some users Us may desire to switch the control right by operating only one button or only one sensor. For example, some users Us may desire to switch the control right by operating only the control right switching button. In this case, the operation control unit 302 may control the operation to an operable state based only on the operation of the control right switching button. In other words, the operation control unit 302 may not control the operation to an operable state based on the operation of any button other than the control right switching button or the detection results of the various sensors 19. This allows the user Us to consciously switch the control right by operating a button. Furthermore, the buttons and sensors for switching the control right can be set arbitrarily according to the user's selection.

[0204] The request information also includes information based on the power-on of any one of the multiple master cameras 10. For example, suppose the first master camera 10a is powered on while the second master camera 10b has the control right. In this case, if the second master camera 10b is considered to be in use, the second master camera 10b retains the control right. On the other hand, if the second master camera 10b is considered not to be in use, the control right is transferred to the first master camera 10a, that is, the first master camera 10a obtains the control right.

[0205] (Regarding inoperable state) In this embodiment, the master camera 10 does not retain the control right of its own device by allowing another master camera 10 to obtain the control right. Specifically, when a master camera (e.g., a second master camera 10b) other than one master camera 10 (e.g., a first master camera 10a) among the multiple master cameras 10 becomes operable, the operation control unit 302 controls the first master camera 10a to an inoperable state in which it cannot be remotely controlled. The inoperable state is also referred to as a "state without control right."

[0206] However, there are cases where the master camera 10 retains the control right even if another master camera 10 attempts to obtain the control right. Specifically, for example, if the operation unit 25 provided in the first master camera 10a is being operated continuously, the operation control unit 302 does not control the first master camera 10a to an inoperable state by the operation of the operation unit 25 provided in the second master camera 10b.

[0207] Furthermore, when it is deemed that the user Us is using the master camera 10 for which it has control, the operation control unit 302 allows the user Us to retain the control of the master camera 10 for which it has control, even when it is deemed that the user Us is using the master camera 10 for which it does not have control. Specifically, for example, when detection is continued from at least one of the focus sensor 19a, eye sensor 19b, and tilt sensor 19c provided in the first master camera 10a, the operation control unit 302 does not control the first master camera 10a to an inoperable state due to detection from at least one of the focus sensor 19a, eye sensor 19b, and tilt sensor 19c provided in the second master camera 10b.

[0208] (Display on Electronic Finder 21) The display control unit 305 displays at least one of an object indicating an operable state and an object indicating an inoperable state on the electronic viewfinder 21 of the master camera 10. An object indicating an operable state is a predetermined mark (e.g., a circle) lit in a predetermined color (e.g., green). An object indicating an inoperable state is, for example, a predetermined mark lit in a color (e.g., red) different from the predetermined color. Note that only objects indicating an operable state may be made displayable, and when an object is in an inoperable state, the object indicating an operable state may not be displayed.

[0209] (About the protocol) The master camera 10 and the remote camera 30 are connected via TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) and PTP / IP (Picture Transfer Protocol / Internet Protocol). TCP / IP is a communication protocol used on the Internet. PTP / IP is an extended specification of PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol), a protocol for transferring digital images, and is a standard for transferring image data over a LAN. In this embodiment, a connection in communication related to a switch of control rights refers to a state in which both TCP / IP and PTP / IP are connected, and a disconnection in communication related to a switch of control rights refers to a state in which PTP / IP is disconnected and TCP / IP is connected.

[0210] (Regarding change of control right of master camera 10) FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram showing the basic flow when the control right of the master camera 10 is changed. FIG. 22 illustrates a case where the control right is changed from the second master camera 10b to the first master camera 10a. In FIG. 22, it is assumed that the remote camera 30 is connected (communication connected) to the first master camera 10a and the second master camera 10b with the same priority (low priority) (step S2201). In step S2201, each master camera 10 and the remote camera 30 are connected via TCP / IP and PTP / IP. It is also assumed that the second master camera 10b has the control right (step S2202) and the first master camera 10a does not have the control right (step S2203).

[0211] In this state, when the first master camera 10a acquires request information, for example, by pressing the control right switching button, it raises the priority and sends a connection request to the remote camera 30 (step S2204). When the remote camera 30 receives the connection request from the first master camera 10a, it raises the priority of the first master camera 10a, connects to the first master camera 10a, and disconnects from the second master camera 10b (step S2205). As a result, the second master camera 10b disconnects communication with the remote camera 30 (step S2206). In step S2206, PTP / IP is disconnected between the second master camera 10b and the remote camera 30, but TCP / IP is connected.

[0212] The first master camera 10a then obtains control of the remote camera 30 and connects to the remote camera 30 with high priority (step S2207). If the first master camera 10a continues to be connected with high priority, the second master camera 10b will be unable to obtain control again. For this reason, after obtaining control, the first master camera 10a temporarily disconnects from the remote camera 30 (step S2208). As a result, the remote camera 30 disconnects from the first master camera 10a (step S2209). In step S2209, PTP / IP is disconnected between the first master camera 10a and the remote camera 30, but TCP / IP is still connected.

[0213] When the first master camera 10a disconnects from the remote camera 30, it lowers the priority and sends a connection request to the remote camera 30 (step S2210). When the remote camera 30 receives the connection request from the first master camera 10a, it lowers the priority of the first master camera 10a and connects to the first master camera 10a (step S2211). As a result, the first master camera 10a, having obtained the control right, connects to the remote camera 30 with a low priority (step S2212).

[0214] Here, if the PTP / IP connection with the remote camera 30 is disconnected, or if both the PTP / IP and TCP / IP connections are disconnected, the master camera 10 makes a connection request at regular intervals, enabling reconnection even in the event of a temporary disconnection. Therefore, if the second master camera 10b were to make a connection request immediately after the disconnection in step S2206, it may accidentally make a PTP / IP connection request before the first master camera 10a. This may result in the second master camera 10b accidentally obtaining control, while the first master camera 10a is unable to obtain control.

[0215] Therefore, the second master camera 10b is configured to make a connection request with low priority at regular intervals after a predetermined time has elapsed since the disconnection in step S2206 (step S2213). This prevents the second master camera 10b from accidentally obtaining control. Note that, when disconnecting the PTP / IP connection with the second master camera 10b in step S2205, the remote camera 30 transmits information to the second master camera 10b indicating that it will wait for a connection request for a predetermined time. This allows the second master camera 10b to determine whether the disconnection in step S2206 was due to the first master camera 10a obtaining control or due to some other reason, such as a communication failure.

[0216] If the first master camera 10a and the second master camera 10b can mutually obtain control rights, each master camera 10 may be set to not connect to the remote camera 30 at regular intervals. This prevents one master camera 10 from accidentally taking control rights over to the other master camera 10.

[0217] Next, the remote camera 30 connects with the first master camera 10a that has the control right and the second master camera 10b that does not have the control right at the same priority (low priority) (steps S2214 and S2215). As a result, each master camera 10 and the remote camera 30 are connected via TCP / IP and PTP / IP.

[0218] When switching the control right from the first master camera 10a to the second master camera 10b, the processes performed by each master camera 10 can be swapped. That is, the processes performed by the second master camera 10b described above can be performed by the first master camera 10a, and the processes performed by the first master camera 10a can be performed by the second master camera 10b. This allows the control right to be switched between the first master camera 10a and the second master camera 10b.

[0219] According to the above-described flowchart, the user Us can easily and instantly switch the control right to the master camera 10 that he / she is holding, for example, by simply pressing the control right switching button. In addition, because some protocols (PTP / IP) are disconnected and connected while other protocols (TCP / IP) are maintained in a connected state, the control right of the master camera 10 can be quickly switched again regardless of the performance of the master camera 10, the communication environment, etc.

[0220] (Processing performed by the master camera 10 according to the second embodiment at power-on) FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the master camera 10 according to the second embodiment at power-on. Note that in FIG. 23, the first master camera 10a is described as the executing entity. In FIG. 23, the first master camera 10a determines whether the power has changed from off to on (step S2301). Note that when the power is off, both TCP / IP and PTP / IP are disconnected. The first master camera 10a waits until the power changes from off to on (step S2301: NO).

[0221] If the power is turned on (step S2301: YES), the first master camera 10a starts a TCP / IP and PTP / IP connection with the remote camera 30, and determines whether the second master camera 10b is connected to the remote camera 30 (step S2302). If the second master camera 10b is not connected to the remote camera 30 (step S2302: NO), that is, for example, if the power of the second master camera 10b is off, the first master camera 10a proceeds to step S2306.

[0222] On the other hand, if the second master camera 10b is connected to the remote camera 30 (step S2302: YES), the first master camera 10a determines whether an operation indicating that the second master camera 10b is in use has been performed on the second master camera 10b (step S2303). This operation indicating that the second master camera 10b is in use includes at least one of an operation to accept that the second master camera 10b is in an operable state and an operation to capture an image. If an operation indicating that the second master camera 10b is in use has been performed on the second master camera 10b (step S2303: YES), the first master camera 10a controls the second master camera 10b to an inoperable state (step S2304) and proceeds to step S2307.

[0223] On the other hand, if there is no operation indicating that the second master camera 10b is in use (step S2303: NO), the first master camera 10a determines whether the second master camera 10b has obtained a sensor detection result indicating that the camera is in use (step S2305). This sensor detection result indicating that the camera is in use includes the detection result of at least one of the focus sensor 19a, eye sensor 19b, and tilt sensor 19c provided in the second master camera 10b. If the second master camera 10b has obtained a sensor detection result indicating that the camera is in use (step S2305: YES), the first master camera 10a proceeds to step S2304 and controls the camera to an inoperable state.

[0224] On the other hand, if the second master camera 10b does not obtain a sensor detection result indicating that the camera is in use (step S2305: NO), the first master camera 10a is controlled to be in an operable state (step S2306). In step S2306, a connection request is made to the remote camera 30 with high priority, and then the PTP / IP connection is temporarily disconnected. A connection request is made again with low priority, and reconnection with the remote camera 30 is performed with low priority.

[0225] Then, the first master camera 10a displays an object indicating the current connection status with the remote camera 30 in the electronic finder 21 (step S2307), and ends the series of processes. An example of a display in the electronic finder 21 will be described later with reference to Figures 26A to 26C.

[0226] Through the above-described process, the first master camera 10a can connect to the remote camera 30 when the power is turned on.

[0227] (Regarding remote photographing processing performed by the master camera 10 according to the second embodiment) Fig. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the remote shooting process performed by the master camera 10 according to embodiment 2. Note that Fig. 24 describes the process performed by the first master camera 10a at times other than when the power is turned on.

[0228] 24, the first master camera 10a determines whether the imaging system St has entered a remote imaging mode (step S2401). The first master camera 10a waits until the remote imaging mode is entered (step S2401: NO). When the remote imaging mode is entered (step S2401: YES), the first master camera 10a determines whether the camera is in an inoperable state (no control right) (step S2402).

[0229] If the first master camera 10a is not in an inoperable state (step S2402: NO), that is, if the first master camera 10a is in an operable state (if the control right is available), the first master camera 10a determines whether the PTP / IP connection between the first master camera 10a and the remote camera 30 has been disconnected as the second master camera 10b has obtained the control right (step S2403).

[0230] If the PTP / IP connection with the remote camera 30 has not been disconnected (step S2403: NO), the first master camera 10a proceeds to step S2407. On the other hand, if the PTP / IP connection with the remote camera 30 has been disconnected (step S2403: YES), the first master camera 10a controls itself to an inoperable state (step S2404), that is, it loses control, and proceeds to step S2411. Note that in step S2404, after the PTP / IP connection with the remote camera 30 has been disconnected, a connection request with low priority is made at regular intervals after a predetermined time has elapsed, and reconnects to the remote camera 30 with low priority.

[0231] If the first master camera 10a is in an inoperable state in step S2402 (step S2402: YES), that is, if the first master camera 10a does not have the control right, the first master camera 10a determines whether a predetermined operation has been performed (step S2405). The predetermined operation includes at least one of an operation for making the camera operable and an operation for capturing an image. If a predetermined operation has been performed (step S2405: YES), the first master camera 10a proceeds to step S2408.

[0232] On the other hand, if the predetermined operation has not been performed (step S2405: NO), the first master camera 10a determines whether a predetermined sensor detection result has been obtained (step S2406). The predetermined sensor detection result includes at least one detection result from the focus sensor 19a, the eye sensor 19b, and the tilt sensor 19c. If the predetermined sensor detection result has not been obtained (step S2406: NO), the first master camera 10a remains in an inoperable state (step S2407), i.e., the first master camera 10a does not obtain control rights and proceeds to step S2411.

[0233] On the other hand, if a predetermined sensor detection result is obtained (step S2406: YES), the first master camera 10a determines whether or not an operation indicating that the second master camera 10b is in use has been performed (step S2408). If an operation indicating that the second master camera 10b is in use has been performed (step S2408: YES), the first master camera 10a proceeds to step S2407 and maintains the inoperable state.

[0234] On the other hand, if there is no operation indicating that the second master camera 10b is in use (step S2408: NO), the first master camera 10a determines whether or not the second master camera 10b has obtained a sensor detection result indicating that the camera is in use (step S2409).If the second master camera 10b has obtained a sensor detection result indicating that the camera is in use (step S2409: YES), the first master camera 10a proceeds to step S2407 and maintains the inoperable state.

[0235] On the other hand, if the second master camera 10b does not obtain a sensor detection result indicating that the camera is in use (step S2409: NO), the first master camera 10a is controlled to be in an operable state (step S2410). In step S2410, a connection request is made to the remote camera 30 with high priority, and then the PTP / IP connection is temporarily disconnected. A connection request is made again with low priority, and reconnection with the remote camera 30 is performed with low priority.

[0236] Then, the first master camera 10a displays an object indicating the current connection status with the remote camera 30 in the electronic finder 21 (step S2411). Next, the first master camera 10a performs release button processing (see FIG. 25) (step S2412).

[0237] The master camera 10 then determines whether the remote shooting mode has ended (step S2413). If the remote shooting mode has not ended (step S2413: NO), the master camera 10 returns to step S2402 and repeats the processes of steps S2402 to S2413. If the remote shooting mode has ended (step S2413: YES), the master camera 10 ends the series of processes.

[0238] (Regarding release button processing according to the second embodiment) 25 is a flowchart showing an example of release button processing performed by the master camera 10 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 25, the first master camera 10a determines whether the release button 25b is turned on (fully pressed) (step S2501). If the release button 25b is not turned on (step S2501: NO), the first master camera 10a proceeds to step S2413 (see FIG. 24).

[0239] When the release button 25b is turned on (step S2501: YES), the first master camera 10a determines whether it is in an operable state (step S2502). If it is not in an operable state (step S2502: NO), that is, if the first master camera 10a does not have the control right, the first master camera 10a proceeds to step S2505. On the other hand, if it is in an operable state (step S2502: YES), that is, if the first master camera 10a has the control right, the first master camera 10a determines whether the function button 25c (remote control button) is on (step S2503). Note that the state in which the function button 25c is on also includes a state in which the function button 25c is half-pressed.

[0240] If the function button 25c is not on (step S2503: NO), that is, if only the release button 25b is on, the first master camera 10a proceeds to step S2505. On the other hand, if the function button 25c is on (step S2503: YES), that is, if the function button 25c and the release button 25b are on simultaneously, the first master camera 10a instructs the remote camera 30 to capture an image (step S2504). This causes the remote camera 30 to capture an image of the subject within the imaging area. The first master camera 10a then captures an image of the focused subject (step S2505) and proceeds to step S2413 (see FIG. 24).

[0241] (Example of a screen displayed on the electronic viewfinder 21 in the second embodiment) 26A to 26C are explanatory diagrams showing examples of screens according to the second embodiment displayed on the electronic viewfinder 21. In Figs. 26A, 26B, and 26C, finder screens 830, 840, and 850 are displayed on the electronic viewfinder 21. Various types of information are displayed on the finder screens 830, 840, and 850. In the second embodiment, the finder screens 800 and 810 include objects 831 (831a, 831b, and 831c).

[0242] Object 831a in Fig. 26A indicates that it is in an operable state. Object 831b in Fig. 26B indicates that it is in an inoperable state. Object 831c in Fig. 26C indicates that it is in an operable state, but that it has not been able to connect to some of the remote cameras 30 via PTP / IP. Note that, for example, object 831a is displayed in green, object 831b in red, and object 831c in a combination of a red semicircle and a green semicircle, but is not limited to this form.

[0243] By displaying such an object 831, the user Us can check whether or not the device is in an operable state, and the PTP / IP connection state when the device is in an operable state, while looking through the electronic finder 21.

[0244] As described above, the master camera 10 according to the second embodiment acquires request information and, based on the acquired request information, controls the remote camera 30 to an operable state in which it can be remotely controlled. That is, the master camera 10 acquires control by increasing the priority of the connection. This allows the control right to be quickly switched when acquiring control without turning on the power of the master camera 10 that does not have control or disconnecting all connections with the master camera 10 that has control. Therefore, the user Us can use the master camera 10 he owns to capture images in a suitable manner using the remote camera 30.

[0245] Furthermore, the first master camera 10a according to the second embodiment is controlled to an inoperable state when the second master camera 10b is in an operable state, thereby disabling remote control of the first master camera 10a. This allows only one master camera 10 among the multiple master cameras 10 to obtain control. Therefore, even if an unused master camera 10 is unintentionally operated, the control is not transferred to that master camera 10. This prevents the remote camera 30 from capturing images with little utility. Furthermore, even if the user Us frequently switches between the first master camera 10a and the second master camera 10b to capture images of soccer players, etc., the remote camera 30 can capture images efficiently.

[0246] In the second embodiment, the request information is information based on at least one operation of the operation unit 25 (control right switching button) provided in the master camera 10, which accepts an instruction to make the master camera 10 operable, and the operation unit 25 (for example, the AF button 25a), which accepts an operation to capture an image. This allows the user Us to transfer the control right to the master camera 10 simply by operating the operation unit 25 of the master camera 10 held by the user Us. In other words, the control right of the first master camera 10a can be easily switched between the control right of the first master camera 10a and the control right of the second master camera 10b.

[0247] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, while the operation unit 25 of one master camera 10 having the control right is being operated, the control right is not changed even if the operation unit of the other master camera 10 not having the control right is operated. Specifically, for example, while the operation unit 25 of the first master camera 10a is being continued, the operation of the operation unit 25 of the second master camera 10b is not performed to control the first master camera 10a into an inoperable state in which remote control is not possible. As a result, even if, for example, the function button 25c of the unused second master camera 10b is unintentionally pressed, the control right of the first master camera 10a that is in use can be maintained. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user Us from unintentionally changing the control right.

[0248] In the second embodiment, the request information is based on the detection result of at least one of the focus sensor 19a, the eye sensor 19b, and the tilt sensor 19c provided in each master camera 10. This allows the control right to be transferred to any of the master cameras 10 that are considered to be in use, even if the user Us does not perform any operation related to switching the control right.

[0249] In the second embodiment, when at least one of the focus sensor 19a, eye sensor 19b, and tilt sensor 19c provided in the first master camera 10a continues to detect, the first master camera 10a is not placed in an inoperable state where remote control is disabled due to detection by at least one of the focus sensor 19a, eye sensor 19b, and tilt sensor 19c provided in the second master camera 10b. This allows the first master camera 10a in use to retain control even if, for example, a detection result is unintentionally obtained from the unused second master camera 10b. This prevents the user Us from switching control rights unintentionally.

[0250] In the second embodiment, the request information is information based on the power-on of any one of the multiple master cameras 10. As a result, when the power of a master camera 10 is turned on, the control right can be transferred to that master camera 10 without the user Us performing an operation related to switching the control right.

[0251] (Modification of the second embodiment) Next, a modified example of the second embodiment will be described. In the above-described second embodiment, a configuration has been described in which a master camera 10 that does not have control authority does not issue an image capture instruction. In the modified example of the second embodiment, a configuration will be described in which an image capture instruction can be issued from any master camera 10 regardless of whether it has control authority or not, and whether or not an image can be captured based on the image capture instruction is determined on the remote camera 30 side.

[0252] In Modification 2, all of the multiple master cameras 10 are capable of issuing image capture instructions. However, only one of the master cameras 10 has control authority. The remote camera 30 determines whether the master camera 10 that sent the image capture instruction is the master camera 10 with control authority or the master camera 10 without control authority. In making this determination, the remote camera 30 determines that the master camera 10 with which the PTP / IP connection was established first is the master camera 10 with control authority.

[0253] The determination of the control right will be described in detail below. For example, if the PTP / IP connection with the first master camera 10a, which has the control right, is disconnected in order to switch the control right, the control right is transferred to the second master camera 10b, which is still connected. After the disconnection, the first master camera 10a reconnects to the remote camera 30. As a result of this series of switching operations, the second master camera 10b establishes a PTP / IP connection before the first master camera 10a. Therefore, the remote camera 30 determines that the master camera 10 that established the PTP / IP connection first (the one that has been continuously connected for the longest time) is the master camera 10 with the control right.

[0254] When the remote camera 30 receives an image capture instruction from the master camera 10 that has the control right, the remote camera 30 captures an image. On the other hand, when the remote camera 30 receives an image capture instruction from the master camera 10 that does not have the control right, the remote camera 30 discards the image capture instruction and does not capture an image.

[0255] As described above, according to the modification of the second embodiment, the remote camera 30 can determine whether the control right of the master camera 10 is being switched. In this way, the control right of the master camera 10 can be quickly switched. Therefore, it is possible to perform suitable imaging using the remote camera 30 by using the master camera 10 owned by the user Us.

[0256] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described, which is a combination of the first and second embodiments. Fig. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an imaging system St according to the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 27, in the third embodiment, a configuration will be described in which the first remote camera 30a and the second remote camera 30b are each divided into areas, and further, the master camera 10 is arranged in a plurality of areas AR.

[0257] (Regarding the remote camera 30 settings for each area AR) The setting unit 304 included in the first master camera 10a and the setting unit 304 included in the second master camera 10b each set a remote camera 30 for each area AR. Specifically, each setting unit 304 sets the first remote camera 30a to be placed in the first area AR1. Also, each setting unit 304 sets the second remote camera 30b to be placed in the second area AR2.

[0258] Each setting unit 304 can switch between the first remote camera 30a set in the first area AR1 and the second remote camera 30b set in the second area AR2. That is, each setting unit 304 can set the second remote camera 30b in the first area AR1, and can also set the first remote camera 30a in the second area AR2.

[0259] (About the threshold) Whether or not the operation control unit 302 enables operation is determined according to the range of subject distance. The range of subject distance when controlling the first operable state may be different between the first master camera 10a and the second master camera 10b. Similarly, the range of subject distance when controlling the second operable state may be different between the first master camera 10a and the second master camera 10b.

[0260] For example, for the first master camera 10a, it may be controlled to the second operable state when the subject distance x is in the range of "5m < x ≤ 40m", and may be controlled to the first operable state when the subject distance x is in the range of "60m < x ≤ 100m". On the other hand, for the second master camera 10b, it may be controlled to the second operable state when the subject distance x is in the range of "0m < x ≤ 30m", and may be controlled to the first operable state when the subject distance x is in the range of "40m < x ≤ 100m". The range of the subject distance for the first operable state and the range of the subject distance for the second operable state can be ranges according to the set threshold values (the first threshold value and the second threshold value).

[0261] Note that the range of the subject distance for the first operable state (the first range) may be the same range for the first master camera 10a and the second master camera 10b. Similarly, the range of the subject distance for the second operable state (the second range) may be the same range for the first master camera 10a and the second master camera 10b. Note that the range of the subject distance when performing the control of the first operable state and the range of the subject distance when performing the control of the second operable state may partially overlap.

[0262] As described above, the imaging system St according to the third embodiment divides the first remote camera 30a and the second remote camera 30b into areas, and further arranges the master camera 10 in a plurality of areas AR. Thereby, while quickly changing the control right, it is possible to cause the remote camera 30 to perform imaging by remote operation according to the subject distance from the master camera 10 with the control right.

[0263] Also, by pressing the control right switching button or the like, the control right can be changed. Furthermore, when the function button 25c and the release button 25b are pressed simultaneously, the remote camera 30 can be caused to perform imaging. Therefore, the control right can be changed and imaging by the remote camera 30 can be performed with a simple operation. Thus, according to the third embodiment, suitable imaging using the remote camera 30 can be performed.

[0264] In the above description, the control unit 15 (imaging control device) is described as being included in the master camera 10, but this is not limiting. For example, the control unit 15 may be included in the remote camera 30 or in an external device (e.g., an external server). Specifically, the functional units (distance information acquisition unit 301, operation control unit 302, position information acquisition unit 303, setting unit 304, display control unit 305, subject information acquisition unit 310, orientation information acquisition unit 320, and request information acquisition unit 330) are not limited to being included in the master camera 10, but may also be included in the remote camera 30 or an external server. That is, for example, the master camera 10 may operate based on instructions from an external device. Furthermore, the above-described functional units are not limited to being included in one device. For example, some of the functional units may be included in one device, and the remaining functional units, excluding some of the functional units, may be included in another device. In the above description, the relay device 50 is described as a device independent of the master camera 10 and the remote camera 30, but it may be provided in either the master camera 10 or the remote camera 30.

[0265] In the above description, when the subject distance is in the first range, the operation control unit 302 controls to the first operable state, but when the subject distance is in the first range, the operation control unit 302 may simultaneously control to the first operable state and the second operable state, and may also control not to save image data captured by the remote camera 30 controlled to the second operable state. This prevents image data of little utility value due to a subject being captured small from being recorded, thereby preventing the storage capacity of the storage medium from running out.

[0266] In the above description, the imaging system St is described as being used in soccer and track and field events, but it can also be used in other sports. Examples of other sports include shooting games such as basketball, lacrosse, hockey, and water polo. Other sports may also include territory-capturing games such as rugby and American football, or sports with separate offense and defense such as volleyball, tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Other sports may also include individual sports such as swimming, surfing, skiing, and gymnastics, or interpersonal sports such as boxing, judo, and sumo.

[0267] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0268] The programs for implementing the imaging system St, control unit 15, and master camera 10 described above may be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium, and the programs may be loaded into a computer system for execution. Note that the term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable storage medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable storage medium" also includes devices that retain a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that acts as a server or client when a program is transmitted over a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The program may also be transmitted from a computer system that stores the program in a storage device to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may also be a program that realizes part of the aforementioned functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the aforementioned functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0269] St...imaging system, Us...user, AR1...first area, AR2...second area, 10...master camera, 10a...first master camera, 10b...second master camera, 12...image processing unit, 15...control unit, 16...display unit, 18...communication I / F 19...various sensors, 19a...focus sensor, 19b...eye sensor, 19c...tilt sensor, 20...GPS unit, 21...electronic viewfinder, 25...operation unit, 25a...AF button, 25 b...release button, 25c...function button, 30...remote camera, 30a...first remote camera, 30b...second remote camera, 50...relay device, 301...distance information acquisition unit, 302...operation control unit, 303...position information acquisition unit, 304...setting unit, 305...display control unit, 310...subject information acquisition unit, 320...orientation information acquisition unit, 330...request information acquisition unit, 801...distance information, 802, 831...object

Claims

1. a request information acquisition unit that acquires request information indicating a request for one of the plurality of first image capture devices to remotely control a second image capture device; an operation control unit that controls the first imaging device to an operable state where the first imaging device can remotely control the second imaging device based on the request information acquired by the request information acquisition unit; Imaging control device.

2. 2. The imaging control device according to claim 1, wherein the operation control unit controls the one first imaging device to an inoperable state in which remote operation is not possible when another first imaging device, different from the one first imaging device, among the plurality of first imaging devices, enters the operable state.

3. 2. The imaging control device according to claim 1, wherein the request information is information based on at least one operation of an operation unit provided in each of the plurality of first imaging devices, the operation unit accepting the request to put the imaging device into the operable state, and the operation unit accepting an operation to perform imaging.

4. 4. The imaging control device according to claim 3, wherein the operation control unit does not control the one first imaging device to an inoperable state in which remote operation is not possible by operation of the operation unit provided in another first imaging device different from the one first imaging device, when operation of the operation unit provided in the one first imaging device is continued.

5. 5. The imaging control device according to claim 1, wherein the request information is information based on a detection result of at least one of a focus sensor, an eye sensor, and an inclination sensor that detects the inclination of the imaging device, each of the plurality of first imaging devices being equipped with the focus sensor, an eye sensor, and an inclination sensor that detects the inclination of the imaging device itself.

6. 6. The imaging control device according to claim 5, wherein the operation control unit does not control the one first imaging device to an inoperable state in which remote operation is impossible due to detection of the focus sensor, the eye sensor, or the tilt sensor provided in another imaging device different from the one first imaging device, when detection of the focus sensor, the eye sensor, or the tilt sensor provided in the one first imaging device continues.

7. The imaging control device according to claim 1 , wherein the request information is information based on turning on a power source of any one of the plurality of first imaging devices.

8. a request information acquisition unit that acquires request information indicating a request for one of the plurality of image capture devices to remotely control another image capture device; an operation control unit that controls the local device to an operable state where the local device can remotely control the other imaging device based on the request information acquired by the request information acquisition unit; Imaging device.

9. A computer used in an imaging control device, a request information acquisition unit that acquires request information indicating a request for one of the plurality of first imaging devices to remotely control the second imaging device; an operation control unit that controls the first imaging device to an operable state where the first imaging device can remotely control the second imaging device based on the request information acquired by the request information acquisition unit; program.

10. The imaging system includes a first imaging device, a second imaging device, and an imaging control device, The imaging control device includes: a request information acquisition unit that acquires request information indicating a request for remote control from one of the plurality of first imaging devices to the second imaging device; an operation control unit that controls the first imaging device to an operable state where the first imaging device can remotely control the second imaging device based on the request information acquired by the request information acquisition unit; Imaging system.

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