Information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To achieve reduction in power consumption of an information processing apparatus such as a remote controller that displays an image captured by a video camera, and improvement of operability of the information processing apparatus.SOLUTION: The information processing apparatus such as a remote controller is configured to execute communication by using a first communication path corresponding to a communication standard different from an imaging apparatus, and a second communication path. A control unit of the information processing apparatus executes processes of: receiving a captured image via the first communication path in a period of connecting the imaging apparatus and the second communication path; displaying status information indicative of whether an image recording process in the imaging apparatus is being executed or not, while displaying the captured image on a display unit in a period of connecting the imaging apparatus and the first communication path; and displaying the status information without displaying the captured image on the display unit in a period of stopping the connection between the imaging apparatus and the first communication path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program, and more particularly to an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program for controlling a camera's shooting process and image display process by remote control operation. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, digital cameras and digital video cameras have become smaller and lighter, and cameras equipped with communication functions are increasingly being used and developed. For example, there is a system in which a display for displaying images is provided on a remote control capable of communicating with a camera, and the start and stop of image capture by the camera are controlled by operating the remote control, and the captured images can be displayed on the remote control display.

[0003] Incidentally, as a conventional technique that discloses a system that enables camera operation to be controlled using a remote control, for example, there is Patent Document 1 (JP 2015-127920 A).

[0004] In a system in which camera control is performed by a remote control, for example, images captured by the camera are transferred to the remote control and displayed on a display unit (display) on the remote control, and the user who operates the remote control can execute instructions such as starting and stopping recording of images.

[0005] The camera and remote control each have a built-in battery, and use the power supplied from the battery to perform various data processes, such as image capture, image display, and communication between the remote control and the camera.

[0006] However, image transfer, image display processing, and other data communication processing consume a lot of power. Meanwhile, the capacity of the batteries installed in the camera and remote control is limited, so there is a demand to reduce power consumption as much as possible. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-127920 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, for example, and aims to provide an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program that realize reduction in power consumption and easy-to-understand user operation, for example, in a system that controls the operation of a camera using a remote control. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A first aspect of the present disclosure is A program for causing an information processing device to execute information processing, The information processing device includes: A communication unit that communicates with the imaging device; a display unit that displays an image captured by the imaging device; A control unit is provided. the communication unit is configured to communicate with the imaging device using a first communication path and a second communication path that are compatible with different communication standards; The program causes the control unit to During a connection period between the imaging device and the second communication path, executing a process of receiving the captured image via the first communication path; A connection period between the imaging device and the first communication path is executing a process of displaying status information indicating whether or not a recording process is being performed in the imaging device while displaying the captured image on the display unit; The connection outage period between the imaging device and the first communication path is The program executes a process of displaying the status information without displaying the captured image on the display unit.

[0010] Furthermore, a second aspect of the present disclosure is A communication unit that communicates with the imaging device; a display unit that displays an image captured by the imaging device; A control unit is provided. the communication unit is configured to communicate with the imaging device using a first communication path and a second communication path that are compatible with different communication standards; The control unit is During a connection period between the imaging device and the second communication path, Executing control to receive the captured image via the first communication path; A connection period between the imaging device and the first communication path is Execute control to display status information indicating whether or not a recording process is being performed in the imaging device while displaying the captured image on the display unit; The connection outage period between the imaging device and the first communication path is The information processing device executes control to display the status information without displaying the captured image on the display unit.

[0011] Furthermore, a third aspect of the present disclosure is An information processing method executed in an information processing device, The information processing device includes: A communication unit that communicates with the imaging device; a display unit that displays an image captured by the imaging device; A control unit is provided. the communication unit is configured to communicate with the imaging device using a first communication path and a second communication path that are compatible with different communication standards; The control unit: During a connection period between the imaging device and the second communication path, Executing control to receive the captured image via the first communication path; A connection period between the imaging device and the first communication path is Execute control to display status information indicating whether or not a recording process is being performed in the imaging device while displaying the captured image on the display unit; The connection outage period between the imaging device and the first communication path is The information processing method includes controlling the display of the status information without displaying the captured image on the display unit.

[0012] Furthermore, a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is An information processing system having an information processing device and an imaging device, The information processing device includes: a communication unit that communicates with the imaging device using a first communication path and a second communication path that are compatible with different communication standards; a display unit that displays an image captured by the imaging device; An information processing device side control unit is provided, The information processing device side control unit During a connection period between the imaging device and the second communication path, Executing control to receive the captured image via the first communication path; A connection period between the imaging device and the first communication path is Execute control to display status information indicating whether or not a recording process is being performed in the imaging device while displaying the captured image on the display unit; The connection outage period between the imaging device and the first communication path is executes control to display the status information without displaying the captured image on the display unit; The imaging device includes: a communication unit that executes communication with the information processing device by using the first communication path and the second communication path; An imaging device side control unit is provided, The imaging device side control unit Controlling execution of a recording process in the imaging device; and The information processing system executes control to transmit an image captured by the imaging device to the information processing device via the first communication path.

[0013] The program of the present disclosure is, for example, a program that can be provided by a storage medium or a communication medium in a computer-readable format to an information processing device or a computer system capable of executing various program codes. By providing such a program in a computer-readable format, processing according to the program is realized on the information processing device or the computer system.

[0014] Further objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure and the accompanying drawings. In this specification, a system refers to a logical collective configuration of multiple devices, and each device is not necessarily located in the same housing. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to a configuration of an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce power consumption and improve operability of an information processing device such as a remote control that displays images captured by a video camera. Specifically, for example, an information processing device such as a remote control is configured to communicate using a first communication path compatible with a communication standard different from that of the imaging device, and a second communication path, and a control unit of the information processing device receives a captured image via the first communication path during a period when the imaging device is connected to the second communication path, and during a period when the imaging device is connected to the first communication path, displays the captured image on a display unit while displaying status information indicating whether or not a recording process is being performed in the imaging device, and during a period when the connection between the imaging device and the first communication path is stopped, executes a process of displaying the status information without displaying the captured image on the display unit. This configuration makes it possible to reduce power consumption and improve operability of an information processing device such as a remote control that displays images captured by a video camera. It should be noted that the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and additional effects may also be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of use of a video camera and a remote control. [Diagram 2] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of display data on a display unit of a remote control. FIG. [Diagram 3] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating icons that are display data on a display unit of a remote control. [Figure 4] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of display data on a display unit of a remote control. FIG. [Diagram 5] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of display data on a display unit of a remote control. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication between a video camera and a remote control. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram explaining the characteristics of Wi-Fi communication and Bluetooth (BT) communication. [Figure 8] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating examples of settings of communication modes between a video camera and a remote control according to a mode. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating state transitions and mode transitions of the remote control. [Figure 10] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of display data on a display unit of a remote control. FIG. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of a mode transition of a remote control and display data of a display unit. [Figure 12] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of display data on a display unit of a remote control. FIG. [Figure 13] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of display data on a display unit of a video camera. [Figure 14] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of display data on a display unit of a video camera. [Figure 15] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating mode transitions of a remote control and a video camera and transitions of display data on a display unit in response to the mode transitions. [Figure 16] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of display data on a display unit of a remote control. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment to which the configuration of the present disclosure is applied. [Figure 18]13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an example of a mode-compatible communication mode change in another embodiment to which the configuration of the present disclosure is applied. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a video camera and a remote control. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a remote control and a PC. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, the information processing device, the information processing system, the information processing method, and the program of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The description will be made according to the following items. 1. Example of the configuration of an information processing system with a camera that can be operated remotely 2. About Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (BT) communication 3. Communication processing and mode transition between the video camera and the remote control 4. State transitions and mode transitions on the remote control 5. Configuration for displaying information on the remote control that can be operated in each mode 6. Information displayed on the video camera display 7. Remote control and video camera mode transitions and mode-related display information 7-1.(A) Communication status, display information, and mode transition in (a1) recording preparation image display mode in recording preparation state 7-2.(B) Communication status, display information, and mode transition in (b1) Recording image display normal mode during recording execution 7-3.(B) Communication status, display information, and mode transition in (b2) Recording image non-display stamina mode during recording 7-4.(B) Communication status, display information, and mode transition in (b3) non-recorded image Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode during recording 8. Examples of changing the remote control key settings and display information 9. Other Examples 10. Configuration of information processing device 11. Summary of the Disclosure

[0018] [1. Example of the configuration of an information processing system with a camera that can be operated remotely] First, a configuration example of an information processing system having a camera that can be remotely operated will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a use of a camera that can be remotely controlled.

[0019] Today's cameras and video cameras have become smaller and lighter, and as shown in Figure 1, even if the camera is fixed to the user's (camera person's) head or other body, it does not feel too heavy.

[0020] However, as shown in FIG. 1, when video camera 10 is attached to the user's head, the user cannot operate the control section of video camera 10, nor can the user see the image displayed on the display section of video camera 10. The processes of starting and stopping the recording of the video camera 10 and checking the captured images can be executed using a remote control 20 with a display unit (monitor) worn on the user's arm as shown in FIG.

[0021] The video camera 10 and the remote control 20 are each equipped with a communication unit that performs, for example, Wi-Fi communication or Bluetooth (BT) (registered trademark) communication, and are configured to be able to communicate with each other and send and receive various information such as images, operation information, and status information.

[0022] FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the remote control 20 and an example of a display on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the remote control 20 has a display unit 21 and an operation unit 22. The display unit 21 may be configured so as to be usable as a touch panel type operation unit. The video camera 10 also has a display unit 11, which displays various information such as the shooting status and communication status. The information displayed on the display unit 11 of the video camera 10 will be described later.

[0023] First, main display information displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. On the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20, for example, display data shown in FIG. The display example of the display unit 21 shown in FIG. 2(a) is a state in which an image captured by the video camera 10 is displayed. The central area of ​​the display unit displays an image captured by video camera 10. Note that display unit 21 can display an image captured via the imaging unit of video camera 10 whether the recording process is in progress or stopped.

[0024] A user (photographer) can control the video camera 10, for example, by starting or stopping a recording process or taking a still image while observing an image displayed on the display unit 21. These processes can be performed by operating the operation unit 22. Operation information of the operation unit 22 is transmitted from the communication unit of the remote control 20 to the communication unit of the video camera 10, and the control unit of the video camera 10 executes processing according to the received operation information.

[0025] It is also possible to display a UI (user interface) consisting of operation buttons for these operations on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20, and input instructions for starting and stopping image capture, etc., by operating (touching) this UI.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2(a), in addition to the captured image, various pieces of information are displayed on the display unit 21 in the upper and lower display areas. For example, the upper area of ​​the display unit 21 displays communication status information with the video camera 10, such as Wi-Fi communication, Bluetooth (BT) communication, time information, battery status information, and the like.

[0027] In the lower area of ​​the display unit 21, information on the execution of recording processing, stop state information, recording time information, image quality information of recorded images, other recording mode information, and the like are displayed. In the example shown in the figure, the recording process execution / stop state information is an example in which a recording execution / stop identification lamp is used, which is set to be lit (white circle) when recording is in progress and turned off (black circle) when recording is stopped.

[0028] An example of a display mode of some of the icons displayed at the top of the display example of the display unit 21 shown in FIG. 2(a) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows the explanation for the following icons: (1) Wi-Fi connection information (2) Bluetooth (BT) connection information (3) Camera battery remaining capacity information (4) Remote control battery remaining capacity information These are some of the icons displayed on the upper part of the display unit 21 of the remote control 20 shown in FIG.

[0029] (1) As for the Wi-Fi connection information, as shown in FIG. 3, in a Wi-Fi connection state in which Wi-Fi communication is possible between the remote control 20 and the camera 10, an icon is set to a displayed state. On the other hand, in a Wi-Fi non-connected state in which Wi-Fi communication is not possible between the remote control 20 and the camera 10, the icon is not displayed.

[0030] (2) The same applies to Bluetooth (BT) connection information. As shown in FIG. 3, in a Bluetooth (BT) connection state in which Bluetooth (BT) communication is possible between the remote control 20 and the camera 10, the icon is set to a display state. On the other hand, in a Bluetooth (BT) non-connected state in which Bluetooth (BT) communication is not possible between the remote control 20 and the camera 10, the icon is not displayed.

[0031] (3) The camera battery remaining amount information is information that indicates the remaining amount of the battery installed in the video camera 10, and as shown in FIG. 3, this setting changes the display mode of the battery type icon depending on the remaining amount of the battery.

[0032] (4) The remote control battery remaining amount information is information that indicates the remaining amount of the battery attached to the remote control 20, and as shown in FIG. 3, the display mode of the battery type icon changes according to the remaining amount of the battery.

[0033] Remote control 20 acquires the information necessary for these status displays from within remote control 20 for remote control-related information, and acquires the video camera-related information based on communication data from video camera 10. Video camera 10 information is received as needed via Wi-Fi communication or Bluetooth (BT) communication, and is displayed based on the received information.

[0034] A display example of the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 shows a number of examples of displays on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20 when the video camera 10 is performing a recording process. FIG. 4 shows examples of the following four states. (1a) Photographed image display state (Wi-Fi connection state) (1b) No image capture state (Wi-Fi connected) (1c) Wi-Fi connection standby (1d) Wi-Fi connection is down

[0035] (1a) The captured image display state (Wi-Fi connection state) is a state in which a Wi-Fi connection is established between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20, the captured image (=recorded image) of the video camera 10 is transmitted to the remote control 20 via Wi-Fi communication, and the image is displayed in the central area of ​​the display unit 21 of the remote control 20. Furthermore, at the bottom of the display section 21, a recording execution lamp is lit and recording mode information is displayed. A Wi-Fi connection icon and a Bluetooth (BT) connection icon are displayed at the top of the display, indicating that both the Wi-Fi connection and the BT connection between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 are valid and that Wi-Fi communication and BT communication are being carried out.

[0036] (1b) The captured image non-display state (Wi-Fi connected state) is a state in which a Wi-Fi connection is established between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20, but transmission of captured images (=recorded images) by the video camera 10 to the remote control 20 via Wi-Fi communication is stopped. No image is displayed in the central area of ​​the display unit 21 of the remote control 20.

[0037] In the configuration of the present disclosure, in order to reduce power consumption, even if recording processing is being performed by video camera 10, if a predefined condition is met, for example, if the user does not operate remote control 20 for a predetermined period of time, image transmission from video camera 10 to remote control 20 is stopped, and image display processing on remote control 20 is stopped.

[0038] By performing such image transmission stop processing and display stop processing, consumption of the batteries mounted on the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 is suppressed, realizing power saving. The conditions for stopping image transmission and display processing will be described in detail later.

[0039] Even in this state where no captured image is displayed, the recording execution lamp is lit at the bottom of the display unit 21, and recording mode information is displayed. A Wi-Fi connection icon and a Bluetooth (BT) connection icon are displayed at the top of the display, indicating that both the Wi-Fi connection and the BT connection between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 are valid and that Wi-Fi communication and BT communication are being carried out. Based on this information, the user can confirm that recording is in progress, communication is being maintained, and so on.

[0040] In addition, when the user performs some operation, such as operating the operation section of remote control 20 or touching display section 21 functioning as a touch panel, in the "(1b) captured image no display state (Wi-Fi connection state)", remote control 20 interprets this operation information as an image display request, and outputs an image transmission request from remote control 20 to video camera 10.

[0041] When the video camera 10 receives a request from the remote control 20, it starts transmitting images. This process transitions from the "(1b) captured image non-display state (Wi-Fi connected state)" shown in FIG. 4 to the "(1a) captured image display state (Wi-Fi connected state)" shown in FIG. This series of transition processes will be described in detail later.

[0042] (1c) Wi-Fi connection waiting state is a display example of the display unit 21 when the Wi-Fi connection between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 is not yet established and is about to transition to a connected state. The Wi-Fi connection icon will be hidden. However, the recording lamp remains on and recording continues. In the (1c) state, if a Wi-Fi connection is established, the state transitions to "(1a) captured image display state (Wi-Fi connected state)" shown in FIG.

[0043] The display state of (1c) is an example of what is displayed when, for example, the Wi-Fi connection is temporarily interrupted while the video camera 10 is performing a recording process. In such a case, the recording process in the video camera 10 continues, and an attempt is made to establish a Wi-Fi connection between the remote control and the video camera. When the connection is restored, the state transitions to "(1a) Captured image display state (Wi-Fi connected state)" shown in FIG. 4, and the recording process continues.

[0044] (1d) Wi-Fi connection stopped state is a display example of the display unit 21 in a state where a Wi-Fi connection is not established between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 and no connection attempt process is being performed. The Wi-Fi connection icon will be hidden. However, the recording lamp remains on and recording continues.

[0045] In the system disclosed herein, one of the power saving modes is a mode [Bluetooth (BT) only communication mode] in which Wi-Fi communication between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 is intentionally stopped and communication continues only via Bluetooth (BT). In this Bluetooth (BT) only communication mode, Wi-Fi communication between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 is stopped, and transfer of captured images via Wi-Fi communication is also stopped.

[0046] In the configuration of the present disclosure, in order to reduce power consumption, even when video camera 10 is performing a recording process, if a predefined condition is met, for example, if the user does not operate the remote control for a predetermined period of time, Wi-Fi communication between video camera 10 and remote control 20 is stopped, transfer of captured images is also stopped, and the minimum necessary information is transmitted and received using Bluetooth (BT) communication. This mode is called a Bluetooth (BT) only communication mode.

[0047] By using this Bluetooth (BT) only communication mode, it is possible to further reduce the consumption of the batteries mounted on the video camera 10 and the remote control 20, thereby achieving further power saving. This mode transition process will be described in detail later.

[0048] Even in the Wi-Fi connection stopped state shown in FIG. 4(1d), the recording execution lamp is lit at the bottom of the display unit 21, and recording mode information is displayed, so that the user can recognize that recording processing is continuing. However, the Wi-Fi connection icon at the top of the display will be turned off, and the Bluetooth (BT) connection icon will be displayed. Only Bluetooth (BT) communication is valid between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20, and Wi-Fi communication is not possible, but it shows that BT communication is being performed. Based on this information, the user can check whether recording is in progress and the communication status.

[0049] In addition, when the user performs some operation, such as operating the operation section of remote control 20 or touching display section 21 functioning as a touch panel, in the "(1d) Wi-Fi connection stopped state", remote control 20 interprets this operation information as a request to display an image, executes a process to restore the Wi-Fi connection between remote control 20 and video camera 10, and further outputs a request to send an image to video camera 10.

[0050] When the video camera 10 receives the request from the remote control 20, it starts transmitting images via the reconnected Wi-Fi communication path. This process causes a transition from the "(1d) Wi-Fi connection stopped state" shown in FIG. 4 to the "(1a) captured image display state (Wi-Fi connected state)" shown in FIG. This series of processing will be described in detail later.

[0051] Next, as a display example of the display unit 21 of the remote control 20, a display example in the case where the video camera 10 is not performing a recording process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows a number of examples of displays on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20 when the video camera 10 is not performing a recording process.

[0052] FIG. 5 shows examples of the following four states. (2a) Photographed image display state (Wi-Fi connection state) (2b) Wi-Fi connection standby (2c) Wi-Fi connection is down

[0053] Even if the video camera 10 is not performing a recording process, as long as the power of the video camera 10 is ON, images are captured via the imaging section of the video camera 10, and these captured images are transmitted from the video camera 10 to the remote control 20.

[0054] (2a) In the captured image display state (Wi-Fi connection state), a Wi-Fi connection is established between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20, and the captured image of the video camera 10 (= the captured image that has not been recorded) is transmitted to the remote control 20 via Wi-Fi communication, and the image is displayed in the central area of ​​the display unit 21 of the remote control 20.

[0055] In this case, however, the recording execution lamp at the bottom of the display unit 21 is turned off, and no recording mode information is displayed. From this information, the user can recognize that the displayed image is not recorded.

[0056] A Wi-Fi connection icon and a Bluetooth (BT) connection icon are displayed at the top of the display, indicating that both the Wi-Fi connection and the BT connection between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 are valid and that Wi-Fi communication and BT communication are being carried out.

[0057] (2b) Wi-Fi connection waiting state is an example of a display on the display unit 21 when the Wi-Fi connection between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 is not yet established and is about to transition to a connected state. The Wi-Fi connection icon will be hidden. The recording lamp is off and no recording is taking place. In the case where a Wi-Fi connection is established in the (2b) state, the state transitions to the "(2a) captured image display state (Wi-Fi connected state)" shown in FIG.

[0058] The display state of (2b) is an example of a display when, for example, the Wi-Fi connection is temporarily interrupted while the captured image of FIG. 5(2a) is being displayed on the video camera 10. In such a case, the recording process in the video camera 10 is stopped, and a Wi-Fi connection between the remote control video is attempted. When the connection is restored, the state transitions to "(2a) Captured image display state (Wi-Fi connection state)" shown in FIG. 5, and the captured image is displayed.

[0059] (2c) Wi-Fi connection stopped state is a display example of the display unit 21 in a state where a Wi-Fi connection is not established between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 and no connection attempt process is being performed. The Wi-Fi connection icon will be hidden. The recording lamp is off and no recording is taking place.

[0060] As described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the display unit 21 of the remote control 20 is changed to various different display modes depending on the state. These display transition processes will be described in detail later.

[0061] [2. About Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (BT) communication] Next, Wi-Fi communication and Bluetooth (BT) communication performed between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 will be described.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 6, the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 each have a communication unit, and Wi-Fi communication and Bluetooth (BT) communication are performed via these two communication units.

[0063] There are several Wi-Fi communication standards, such as IEEE802.11a / b / g / n. With Wi-Fi communication, it is possible to select one of two bands, 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, and it has the characteristics of a wide bandwidth, relatively fast communication speed, and a relatively long communication distance (about 100 m), as well as the ability to transmit large amounts of data stably.

[0064] On the other hand, Bluetooth (BT) communication has only one available band, 2.4 GHz, and its communication speed is slower than Wi-Fi, and its communication distance is also shorter than Wi-Fi (approximately 10 m). However, it has the advantage of consuming less power than Wi-Fi communication.

[0065] There are multiple standards for Bluetooth (BT) communication, including the BTLE (Blutooth Low Energy) standard, which consumes less power than conventional Bluetooth (BT) communication. Note that "BTLE" is sometimes written as "BLE."

[0066] Note that "Bluetooth (BT) communication" described in this specification includes not only conventional Bluetooth (BT) communication, but also Bluetooth (BT) communication conforming to the BTLE (Blutooth Low Energy) standard.

[0067] Figure 7 shows the power consumption and transmission speed for each of the Wi-Fi, BT (conventional), and BTLE communications. As shown in Figure 7, Wi-Fi communication has a fast transmission speed but consumes a lot of power. On the other hand, BT and BTLE have the characteristic that the transmission speed is slow but the power consumption is low.

[0068] In the system of the present disclosure, power saving is achieved by using both Wi-Fi communication and Bluetooth communication between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 and controlling these communications.

[0069] [3. Communication processing and mode transition between video camera and remote control] Next, communication processing and mode transitions executed between video camera 10 and remote control 20 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 8 and subsequent figures.

[0070] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a number of states and modes that can be set on the remote control 20 and the manner of communication with the video camera 10 in each state or mode. As shown in FIG. 8, the remote control 20 includes: (X) Power off state (A) Recording preparation state (B) Recording in progress Transitions occur between these three states.

[0071] Furthermore, the remote control 20 (A) In recording preparation mode, (a1) Recording preparation image display mode, is set to. Also, (B) when recording is in progress, (b1) Recorded image display normal mode, (b2) Recording image non-display stamina mode, (b3) Recorded image non-display Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode, It can be set to one of these three modes.

[0072] The remote control 20 transitions between different modes when a user operation or a preset mode transition condition occurs.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 8, the manner of communication between the remote control 20 and the video camera 10 is defined for each mode, and the manner of communication may change in response to a mode transition. The remote control 20 can be operated in two modes: (a1) Recording preparation image display mode, (b1) Recorded image display normal mode, When set to either of these two modes, Images and status information are transmitted from the video camera 10 to the remote control 20 via Wi-Fi communication. Operation information of the remote control 20 is transmitted to the video camera 10 by using both Wi-Fi communication and BT communication.

[0074] The image data transmitted from the video camera 10 via Wi-Fi communication is In the "(a1) recording preparation image display mode", the image is a captured image that has not been recorded. In "(b1) Recorded image display normal mode", the image is a captured image that has been recorded (recorded image).

[0075] The status information transmitted from the video camera 10 via Wi-Fi communication includes, for example, information on whether recording is in progress, information on the image quality (HD, SD, etc.) of the captured image, recording time information, remaining battery charge information built into the video camera, etc.

[0076] In addition, the operation information of the remote control 20 is transmitted to the video camera 10 using both Wi-Fi communication and BT communication, but for each piece of operation information, it is specified in advance which communication path (Wi-Fi communication or BT communication) to use depending on the type of operation. For example, power ON / OFF information of the video camera 10 is transmitted using the BT communication path. Operation information such as recording start and stop processes is transmitted to the video camera 10 via a Wi-Fi communication path.

[0077] Other pieces of operation information are also transmitted to the video camera 10 via one of the communication paths defined according to the type of operation. In addition, when only one of the communication paths, either the Wi-Fi communication or the BT communication, is disconnected, the operation information may be transmitted via the other communication path that is still connected.

[0078] Next, a communication configuration in the case where the remote control 20 is set to the following modes shown in the middle part of FIG. 8 will be described. (b2) Recording image non-display stamina mode,

[0079] When the remote control 20 is set to the stamina mode, as shown in FIG. Status information is transmitted from the video camera 10 to the remote control 20 via Wi-Fi communication. Operation information of the remote control 20 is transmitted to the video camera 10 by using both Wi-Fi communication and BT communication.

[0080] In this “(b2) recorded image non-display stamina mode”, no images are transmitted from the video camera 10 to the remote control 20 .

[0081] In this stamina mode, the transmission of images from the video camera 10 to the remote control 20 is stopped, and the image display on the remote control 20 is also stopped. By stopping image transmission and display processing, battery consumption is reduced, thereby achieving power saving.

[0082] The status information transmitted from the video camera 10 via Wi-Fi communication includes, for example, information on whether recording is being performed, information on the image quality (HD, SD, etc.) of the recorded image, recording time information, and information on the remaining battery capacity of the video camera.

[0083] In addition, the operation information of the remote control 20 is transmitted to the video camera 10 using both Wi-Fi communication and BT communication, but for each piece of operation information, it is specified in advance which communication path (Wi-Fi communication or BT communication) to use depending on the type of operation. For example, power ON / OFF information of the video camera 10 is transmitted using the BT communication path. Operation information such as recording start and stop processes is transmitted to the video camera 10 via a Wi-Fi communication path.

[0084] Other pieces of operation information are also transmitted to the video camera 10 via one of the communication paths defined according to the type of operation. When only one of the communication paths, that is, the Wi-Fi communication and the BT communication, is disconnected, the operation information is transmitted via the other communication path that is connected.

[0085] Next, a communication configuration in the case where the remote control 20 is set to the following modes shown in the bottom row of FIG. 8 will be described. (b3) Recorded image non-display Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode,

[0086] When the remote control 20 is set to this mode, as shown in FIG. Status information is transmitted from the video camera 10 to the remote control 20 by BT communication, not Wi-Fi communication, Operation information of the remote control 20 is also transmitted to the video camera 10 using only BT communication.

[0087] That is, in this "(b3) Recorded image non-display Bluetooth (BT) only communication mode", Not only is no image transmission from the video camera 10 to the remote control 20 performed, The Wi-Fi connection between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 is cut off, and all data transfer via the Wi-Fi communication path is stopped.

[0088] All communications between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20, such as transmission of status information from the video camera 10 to the remote control 20 and transmission of operation information from the remote control 20 to the video camera 10, are performed using only the BT communication path.

[0089] As described above with reference to FIG. 7, BT communication consumes less power than Wi-Fi communication. Therefore, in this "(b3) recorded image non-display Bluetooth (BT) only communication mode", further power saving is achieved by using only BT communication. In this embodiment, the BT communication is either the conventional BT communication described with reference to FIG. 7 or the BTLE (or BLE) communication.

[0090] The status information transmitted from the video camera 10 via BT communication includes, for example, information on whether recording is being performed, information on the image quality (HD, SD, etc.) of the recorded image, recording time information, remaining battery charge information of the video camera, etc. Moreover, all operation information of the remote control 20 is transmitted using the BT communication path. For example, information on power ON / OFF of the video camera 10, operation information such as recording start and stop processing, and other operation information are all transmitted to the video camera 10 using the BT communication path.

[0091] [4. State transitions and mode transitions on the remote control] Next, state transitions and mode transitions in the remote control 20 will be described with reference to FIG. As previously described with reference to FIG. 8, the states that can be set on the remote control 20 include the following states. (X) Power off state (A) Recording preparation state (B) Recording in progress There are these three states.

[0092] Furthermore, the remote control 20 (A) In recording preparation mode, (a1) Recording preparation image display mode, is set to. Also, (B) when recording is in progress, (b1) Recorded image display normal mode, (b2) Recording image non-display stamina mode, (b3) Recorded image non-display Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode, It can be set to one of these three modes.

[0093] The remote control 20 transitions between these multiple states or modes in response to a user operation or the occurrence of a predetermined transition condition. These transition processes are performed under the control of the control unit of the remote control 20. The control unit of the remote control 20 performs control to change the device mode in response to, for example, input of operation information to the operation unit of the remote control 20 or the duration of a no-operation state in which no operation information is input. Furthermore, the control unit executes a process to change the communication form via the communication unit in response to the change in the device mode.

[0094] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining state transitions and mode transitions in the remote control 20. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 9, steps S11 to S16 are shown as occurrence steps of state transitions and mode transitions. The processing of each step will be explained below in order.

[0095] (Step S11) Step S11 is (A) From the (a1) recording preparation image display mode in the recording preparation state, (B) In the recording execution state, (b1) the recording image display normal mode This is the mode transition step. This mode transition is executed by a user's key operation on the remote controller 20 for starting and stopping recording (REC key, also called start-stop (SS) key).

[0096] In addition, in the (a1) recording preparation image display mode in the (A) recording preparation state, the image captured by the video camera 10 is transmitted to the remote control 20 via Wi-Fi, and a display process of the captured image (≠ recorded image) is being executed on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20. It should be noted that this displayed image is an image that has not been subjected to recording processing.

[0097] (A) In the (a1) recording preparation image display mode of the recording preparation state, when the user performs a recording start operation on the remote control 20, that is, a key operation on the recording start / stop key (REC key), (B) (b1) Recorded image display normal mode during recording transition to.

[0098] During this state transition process, the following processes are carried out. (1) A request to start recording is sent from the remote control 20 to the video camera 10; (2) starting the recording process by the video camera 10; (3) Transmission of images captured by the video camera 10 (recorded images) to the remote control 20; (4) Display processing of the captured image (=recorded image) on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20; At this point in time, the transmission display image is an image being recorded.

[0099] (Step S12) Step S12 is (B) From (b1) Recorded image display normal mode while recording is in progress, (B) When recording is in progress, (b2) the recording image non-display stamina mode is switched to This is the mode transition step.

[0100] This mode transition occurs when, in (b1) the recorded image display normal mode, a user operation on the remote control 20 is not performed for a specified time (for example, 10 seconds).

[0101] During this state transition process, the following processes are carried out. (1) A request to stop transmitting recorded images is transmitted from the remote control 20 to the video camera 10. (2) Stopping the process of transmitting images (=recorded images) captured by the video camera 10 to the remote control 20; (3) Stopping the display process of the captured image (=recorded image) on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20; Even if this mode transition occurs, the video camera 10 continues the recording process.

[0102] This process stops the transmission of the captured image from the video camera 10 to the remote control 20, and also stops the display of the captured image on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20. This process reduces battery consumption in the video camera 10 and the remote control 20, realizing power saving.

[0103] (Step S13) Step S13 is (B) From the (b2) recording image non-display stamina mode while recording is in progress, (B) In the recording execution state, (b1) the recording image display normal mode This is the mode transition step.

[0104] This mode transition occurs when the user inputs an image display instruction to the remote control 20 in the above-mentioned (b2) recorded image non-display stamina mode. In this (b2) recorded image non-display stamina mode, during input operations performed by the user on the remote control 20, most key operations other than specific keys such as the recording start / stop key (REC key (=SS key)), or most touch operations on the display unit functioning as a touch panel, are interpreted as image display instruction input, and the mode transition of step S13 occurs.

[0105] This mode transition causes the following processing to be executed. (1) A request from the remote control 20 to the video camera 10 to transmit a captured image (= a recorded image); (2) Transmission of images captured by the video camera 10 (recorded images) to the remote control 20; (3) Display processing of the captured image (=recorded image) on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20; At this point in time, the transmission display image is an image being recorded.

[0106] (Step S14) Step S14 is (B) From the (b2) recording image non-display stamina mode while recording is in progress, (B) When recording is in progress, (b3) record image non-display Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode, This is the mode transition step.

[0107] This mode transition occurs when, in the (b2) recorded image non-display stamina mode, no user operation is performed on the remote control 20 for a specified time (for example, 60 seconds).

[0108] During this state transition process, the following processes are carried out. (1) Stopping the Wi-Fi connection between the remote control 20 and the video camera 10; (2) A process of switching the transmission path of status information from the video camera 10 from Wi-Fi to BT; (3) A process of switching all operation information from the remote control 20 to the video camera 10 via BT communication instead of using Wi-Fi; Even if this mode transition occurs, the video camera 10 continues the recording process.

[0109] This process terminates the Wi-Fi connection between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20. This process further reduces battery consumption in the video camera 10 and the remote control 20, achieving further power saving.

[0110] (Step S15) Step S15 is (B) Recording in progress (b3) Recording image not displayed Bluetooth (BT) only communication mode, (B) In the recording execution state, (b1) the recording image display normal mode This is the mode transition step.

[0111] This mode transition occurs when the user inputs an image display instruction to the remote control 20 in the (b3) recorded image non-display Bluetooth (BT) only communication mode. In this (b3) recorded image non-display Bluetooth (BT) only communication mode, during input operations performed by the user on the remote control 20, most key operations other than specific keys such as the recording start / stop key (REC key (=SS key)) or touch operations on the display unit functioning as a touch panel are interpreted as image display command input, and the mode transition of this step S15 occurs.

[0112] This mode transition causes the following processing to be executed. (1) A request from the remote control 20 to the video camera 10 to transmit a captured image (= a recorded image); (2) Transmission of images captured by the video camera 10 (recorded images) to the remote control 20; (3) Display processing of the captured image (=recorded image) on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20; At this point in time, the transmission display image is an image being recorded.

[0113] (Step S16) Step S16 is (B) (b1) Recorded image display normal mode in the recording execution state, or (B) (b2) Recording image non-display stamina mode in the recording execution state, or (B) Recording in progress (b3) Recording image not displayed Bluetooth (BT) only communication mode, From any of these modes, (A) In the recording preparation state, (a1) the recording preparation image display mode This is the mode transition step.

[0114] This mode transition occurs when the user inputs a recording stop command on the remote control 20, that is, when the user operates the recording start / stop key (REC key (=SS key)) in any of the above modes (b1) to (b3). For example, pressing the recording stop button.

[0115] This mode transition causes the following processing to be executed. (1) A request to stop recording processing is transmitted from the remote control 20 to the video camera 10; (2) Stopping the recording process by the video camera 10; (3) Transmission process of images captured by the video camera 10 (not recorded images) to the remote control 20; (4) Display processing of captured images (≠ recorded images) on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20; The transmission display image after the mode change is an image that has not been subjected to recording processing.

[0116] [5. Configuration for displaying information on the remote control regarding each mode] 8 and 9, the remote control transitions between a plurality of states and modes in response to user operations, etc. The types of processing that the user can perform on the remote control vary depending on the setting mode of the remote control.

[0117] As described above with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the setting modes of the remote control include the following modes. (A) (a1) Recording preparation image display mode in recording preparation state; (B) (b1) Recorded image display normal mode during recording (B) (b2) Recording image non-display stamina mode while recording is in progress; (B) Recording in progress (b3) Recording image not displayed Bluetooth (BT) only communication mode,

[0118] For example, the recording start / stop key (REC key (=SS key)) is valid in any of the above modes, that is, a process according to the user's operation is executed. However, for example, in the (b3) recorded image non-display Bluetooth (BT) only communication mode in the (B) recording execution state, Wi-Fi communication with the video camera 10 is cut off. In this mode, even if the user performs key operations that are set to send operation information to the video camera 10 via Wi-Fi communication, the operation information is not sent to the video camera 10, and the user's desired process may not be executed even if the user repeats the key operation.

[0119] As described above with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, for example, when the setting mode of the remote control is one of the following modes, (B) (b2) Recording image non-display stamina mode while recording is in progress; (B) Recording in progress (b3) Recording image not displayed Bluetooth (BT) only communication mode, If you are in these modes, When a recording start / stop key (REC key (=SS key)) is operated, a process corresponding to the key, that is, a recording stop process, is executed. However, most key operations other than the recording start / stop key (REC key (=SS key)) are interpreted as a request to start displaying an image, resulting in the following: (B) (b1) Recorded image display normal mode during recording A mode transition process to the above mode is performed. Even if the user attempts to execute the process originally assigned to each key on the remote control, the process is not executed and the above-mentioned mode transition process is performed.

[0120] If such a process is performed, the user may suspect that a malfunction has occurred. The following describes a configuration that solves this problem. Specifically, the display unit of the remote controller displays operable information in each mode, making it possible to inform the user which keys can be effectively used.

[0121] A specific example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 shows examples of displays on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20 in the following two modes. (A) (a1) Recording preparation image display mode in recording preparation state; (B) (b2) Recording image non-display stamina mode while recording is in progress;

[0122] As shown in FIG. 10, (a1) the remote control display unit 21 in the recording preparation image display mode has the following: "Mode setting key operable state identification information 31" is displayed. As shown in FIG. 10, mode setting keys 32a and 32b are provided on the sides of the display unit 21 and can be operated by the user. For example, by operating the mode setting keys 32a and 32b, the photographing mode can be switched between a moving image photographing mode, a still image photographing mode, and the like.

[0123] The mode setting key operable state identification information 31 displayed on the display unit 21 is display information for notifying the user that the operations of the mode setting keys 32a and 32b are valid. In other words, this display information functions as valid operation unit identification information. By looking at the "mode setting key operation availability status identification information 31" displayed on the display unit 21, the user can know that the mode setting keys 32a, 32b are enabled and that by operating these keys, the shooting mode can be switched between video shooting mode, still image shooting mode, etc.

[0124] Also, on the right side of FIG. 10, a display example of the remote control display unit 21 in the (b2) recorded image non-display stamina mode is shown. In addition to "mode setting key operable state identification information 31", "Recording start / stop key operation availability status identification information 35" is displayed.

[0125] As described above, the "mode setting key operational state identification information 31" is information indicating that the mode setting keys 32a and 32b are valid. The "recording start / stop key operable state identification information 35" is also displayed to notify the user that the recording start / stop key (REC key (SS key)) 33 provided on the side of the display unit 21 is enabled.

[0126] A recording start / stop key (REC key (SS key)) 33 is a key for starting and stopping the recording process. By looking at the "recording start / stop key operation availability status identification information 35" displayed on the display unit 21, the user can know that the recording start / stop key (REC key (SS key)) 33 is enabled and that recording can be started or stopped by operating these keys.

[0127] In this manner, the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 displays identification information relating to keys that can be effectively used in each mode. The user can check which keys on the remote control 20 are available by looking at this identification information, and can perform key operations based on this confirmation.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 10, the remote control 20 is provided with a recording / communication status display lamp 34 adjacent to a recording start / stop key (REC key (SS key)) 33. The recording / communication status indicator lamp 34 is a lamp that indicates the execution status of the recording process by the video camera 10 and the availability of Wi-Fi communication between the remote control 20 and the video camera. The indication switches as follows: (a) Blue light: Recording is stopped and Wi-Fi communication is enabled. (b) Red light: Indicates recording in progress. (c) Off: Recording is stopped and Wi-Fi communication is disabled.

[0129] FIG. 11 shows examples of the identification information relating to valid usable keys displayed on the display unit 21 in each of the following four modes of the remote control 20. In FIG. (A) (a1) Recording preparation image display mode in recording preparation state; (B) (b1) Recorded image display normal mode during recording (B) (b2) Recording image non-display stamina mode while recording is in progress; (B) Recording in progress (b3) Recording image not displayed Bluetooth (BT) only communication mode,

[0130] In the (a1) recording preparation image display mode in the (A) recording preparation state, the following identification information is displayed. "Mode setting key operable status identification information" The user can see the “mode setting key operable state identification information” displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20 and know that the mode can be changed by operating the mode setting key of the remote control 20. The recording / communication status indicator lamp 34 is set to a blue light indicating that recording is stopped and Wi-Fi communication is enabled.

[0131] (B) The following identification information is also displayed in (b1) recorded image display normal mode in the recording execution state. "Mode setting key operable status identification information" The user can see the “mode setting key operable state identification information” displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20 and know that the mode can be changed by operating the mode setting key of the remote control 20. The recording / communication status indicator lamp 34 is set to light red to indicate a recording execution status.

[0132] (B) In the (b2) non-display recording image stamina mode in the recording execution state, the following identification information is displayed. "Mode setting key operable status identification information" "Recording start / stop key operation availability status identification information" The user can see the “mode setting key operable state identification information” displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20 and know that the mode can be changed by operating the mode setting key of the remote control 20. In addition, by looking at the “recording start / stop key operation status identification information” displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20, the user can know that the recording process can be started or stopped by operating the recording start / stop key on the remote control 20. The recording / communication status indicator lamp 34 is set to light red to indicate a recording execution status.

[0133] (B) In the (b3) recorded image non-display Bluetooth (BT) only communication mode during recording, the following identification information is displayed. "Recording start / stop key operation availability status identification information" The user can see the “recording start / stop key operation possible state identification information” displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20 and know that the recording process can be started or stopped by operating the recording start / stop key on the remote control 20.

[0134] Operation information regarding the recording start / stop key on the remote control 20 is transmitted to the video camera 10 via Bluetooth (BT) communication. The control unit of the remote control 20 displays on the display unit 21 valid operation unit identification information corresponding to the valid operation unit that is changed according to the available communication path between the remote control 20 and the video camera 10. The recording / communication status indicator lamp 34 is set to light red to indicate a recording execution status. During the period when the video camera 10 is performing the recording process, regardless of whether or not the captured image display process is being performed, the control unit of the remote control 20 controls the display to indicate that the recording process is being performed, i.e., to set the recording / communication status indicator lamp 34 to a red light indicating that recording is being performed. The lamp display allows the user to confirm that recording processing is taking place regardless of whether an image is being displayed or not.

[0135] As described above, the remote control 20 communicates with the video camera 10 using Wi-Fi communication and Bluetooth (BT) communication. In addition, the remote control 20 cuts off the Wi-Fi communication with the video camera 10 depending on the duration of a non-operation period on the operation unit of the remote control 20. The control unit of the remote control 20 displays on the display unit 21 valid operation unit identification information corresponding to the valid operation unit that is changed according to the available communication path between the remote control 20 and the video camera 10 . For example, during a period when Wi-Fi communication with video camera 10 is suspended, valid operation unit identification information corresponding to an operation unit that can transmit operation information to video camera 10 via Bluetooth (BT) is displayed on display unit 21.

[0136] The recording start / stop key on the remote control 20 can be used regardless of whether the remote control 20 is in any of the following modes. (A) (a1) Recording preparation image display mode in recording preparation state; (B) (b1) Recorded image display normal mode during recording (B) (b2) Recording image non-display stamina mode while recording is in progress; (B) Recording in progress (b3) Recording image not displayed Bluetooth (BT) only communication mode, The recording start / stop key on the remote control 20 can be used regardless of which mode the remote control 20 is in.

[0137] However, in the example shown in Figure 11, (A) (a1) Recording preparation image display mode in recording preparation state; (B) (b1) Recorded image display normal mode during recording In each of these modes, "Recording start / stop key operation availability status identification information" The display process is not performed. The reason for this is that when a photographed image is displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20, the amount of information superimposed on the image is reduced, making the image easier to view. That is, the control unit of the remote controller 20 performs processing such as displaying more valid operation unit identification information during a non-display period in which a captured image is not displayed on the display unit 21 than during a display period in which a captured image is displayed.

[0138] In addition, even in the mode where the photographed image is displayed, A display process for "recording start / stop key operable state identification information" may be executed. Alternatively, when an image is displayed, the display area of ​​the "recording start / stop key operable state identification information" may be reduced to use a small icon.

[0139] Note that the following modes shown in FIG. (B) Recording in progress (b3) Recording image not displayed Bluetooth (BT) only communication mode, In this mode, Wi-Fi communication between the remote control 20 and the video camera 10 is cut off.

[0140] In this mode, when the process of step S15 shown in FIG. 11, i.e., the image display instruction process, or the process of step S16, i.e., the recording stop key operation, is performed, (B) (b1) Recorded image display normal mode during recording (A) (a1) Recording preparation image display mode in recording preparation state; Mode transition processing occurs to these modes.

[0141] In the above mode transition process, A Wi-Fi connection process is performed between the remote control 20 and the video camera 10. This Wi-Fi connection process takes approximately 5 to 6 seconds.

[0142] The user needs to wait for this time of about 5 to 6 seconds, but if nothing is displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20, the user may wonder whether there has been a malfunction or whether he or she has made an operational mistake. To prevent such a situation from occurring, when a mode change occurs that involves a Wi-Fi connection process, information indicating that a Wi-Fi connection process is being executed is displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20. A specific example is shown in FIG.

[0143] For example, information indicating that a Wi-Fi connection is in progress as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed, and after the Wi-Fi connection is successful, a process of switching to displaying an image transmitted from the video camera 10 is performed. By performing such processing, when a mode change involving a Wi-Fi connection process occurs, the user is notified that a Wi-Fi connection process is being performed.

[0144] [6. Information displayed on the video camera display] Next, the information displayed on the display unit 11 of the video camera 10 will be described. The video camera 10 can also be set to a number of states and modes corresponding to the states and modes set on the remote control 20 . The setting of these states and modes and the transition process are carried out under the control of the control unit of the video camera 10.

[0145] The control unit of video camera 10 performs control to change the mode in response to, for example, input of operation information to the operation unit of remote control 20, or the duration of a no-operation state in which no operation information is input, etc. Furthermore, the control unit performs processing to change the communication form via the communication unit in response to the mode change, and further, processing to change the display information on display unit 11 of video camera 10, etc.

[0146] An example of display information displayed on the display unit 11 of the video camera 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 shows the following two examples of display information. (A) Example of information displayed when both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (BT) communication channels are available (B) Example of information displayed when only Bluetooth (BT) communication channel is available

[0147] In “(A) Example of display information in a setting where both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (BT) communication paths are available,” the communication status identification icon 51 indicating an active communication path between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 is an icon indicating that both the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (BT) communication paths are available.

[0148] On the other hand, in “(B) Example of display information in a setting where only a Bluetooth (BT) communication path is available,” the communication status identification icon 52 indicating a valid communication path between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 is an icon indicating that only a Bluetooth (BT) communication path is available.

[0149] A communication status identifying icon 51 shown in FIG. 13(A) is a single icon generated by combining a Wi-Fi compatible icon and a Bluetooth (BT) compatible icon. By using such icons, it is possible to reduce the display space compared to when a Wi-Fi compatible icon and a Bluetooth (BT) compatible icon are displayed separately, making it possible to make effective use of the limited display space.

[0150] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the main icons displayed on the display unit 11 of the video camera 10. As shown in FIG. FIG. 14 shows the explanation for the following icons: (1) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (BT) connection information (2) Bluetooth (BT) connection information (3) GPS information (4) Camera battery remaining capacity information These are some of the icons displayed on the display unit 11 of the video camera 10 shown in FIG.

[0151] The icon shown in (1) is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (BT) connection information. As described above, this icon is displayed when both Wi-Fi communication and Bluetooth (BT) communication are available between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20. If neither Wi-Fi communication nor Bluetooth (BT) communication is available between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20, the icon is hidden.

[0152] The icon shown in (2) is Bluetooth (BT) connection information. This icon is displayed when only Bluetooth (BT) communication is available between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20. In a Bluetooth (BT) non-connected state in which Bluetooth (BT) communication is not possible between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20, the icon is not displayed.

[0153] The icon shown in (3) is displayed when GPS information is available. If GPS information is not available, it will be hidden.

[0154] The icon shown in (4) is camera battery remaining capacity information, and indicates the remaining battery capacity of the battery installed in the video camera 10. This setting changes the display mode of the battery-type icon depending on the remaining battery capacity.

[0155] In addition, as shown in FIG. 13, a large number of icons indicating various information are displayed on the display unit 11 of the video camera 10. For example, various information such as the type of captured image (MP4, 30P), image stabilization mode (Std), current time information, elapsed time information from the start of shooting, type of captured image (video / still image), and angle of view information (normal (N) / wide (W)) are displayed.

[0156] [7. About the mode transitions of the remote control and video camera and the display information corresponding to the mode] Next, the mode transitions of the remote control 20 and the video camera 10, and the information displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20 and the display unit 11 of the video camera 10 in each mode will be described.

[0157] FIG. 15 shows the remote control 20 and changes in display information accompanying mode transitions of the video camera 10. As shown in FIG. The upper part of FIG. 15 shows examples of mode transitions of the remote control 20 and display information on the display unit 21 in each mode. On the other hand, the lower part of FIG. 15 shows examples of mode transitions of the video camera 10 and display information on the display unit 11 in each mode.

[0158] Steps S11 to S16 shown as the conditions for the mode transition of the remote control 20 in the upper part of FIG. 15 are the same as the transition steps previously described with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. In response to the mode transition of the remote controller, the video camera 10 shown in the lower part of FIG. 15 also undergoes a mode transition similar to that of the remote controller 20, and is set to a mode similar to the setting mode of the remote controller 20.

[0159] 15 shows the following four modes, as previously described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11. These are the following four modes. (A) (a1) Recording preparation image display mode in recording preparation state; (B) (b1) Recorded image display normal mode during recording (B) (b2) Recording image non-display stamina mode while recording is in progress; (B) Recording in progress (b3) Recording image not displayed Bluetooth (BT) only communication mode,

[0160] Below, we will explain (1) the communication state in each mode, (2) the display information (remote control, video camera), and (3) mode transitions.

[0161] [7-1. (A) Communication status, display information, and mode transition in (a1) recording preparation image display mode in recording preparation state] First, the communication state, display information, and mode transition in the (a1) record preparation image display mode in the (A) record preparation state will be described. (1) Communication status In the (a1) recording preparation image display mode in the (A) recording preparation state, the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 can use both Wi-Fi communication and Bluetooth (BT) communication.

[0162] (2)Display information (2a) Display information of the display unit 21 of the remote control 20 The display unit 21 of the remote control 20 displays: The captured images (≠ recorded images) transmitted from the video camera 10 via Wi-Fi are displayed. Moreover, the recording execution lamp at the bottom of the display unit 21 is turned off, indicating that recording is not being performed. A Wi-Fi connection icon and a Bluetooth (BT) connection icon are displayed at the top of the display unit 21, indicating that both Wi-Fi communication and BT communication between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 are valid and available for use.

[0163] Furthermore, the following identification information is displayed on the captured image (≠ recorded image). "Mode setting key operable status identification information" The user can see the “mode setting key operable state identification information” displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20 and know that the mode can be changed by operating the mode setting key of the remote control 20.

[0164] (2b) Display information on the display unit 11 of the video camera 10 The display unit 11 of the video camera 10 has: A Wi-Fi / BT connection icon is displayed, indicating that the Wi-Fi connection and Bluetooth (BT) connection described above with reference to Figure 14 (1) are active, and it can be seen that both Wi-Fi communication and BT communication between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 are available.

[0165] (3) Mode transition In the (a1) recording preparation image display mode in the (A) recording preparation state, a mode transition occurs (step S11) when the user operates the recording start / stop key (REC key (SS key)) on the remote control 20. Step S11 is (A) From the (a1) recording preparation image display mode in the recording preparation state, (B) In the recording execution state, (b1) the recording image display normal mode This is the mode transition step.

[0166] During this mode transition process, the following process is carried out. (p) Transmission of a recording start request from the remote control 20 to the video camera 10; (q) starting a recording process by the video camera 10; (r) Transmission process of images captured by the video camera 10 (=recorded images) to the remote control 20; (s) display processing of the captured image (=recorded image) on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20; At this point in time, the transmission display image is an image being recorded.

[0167] [7-2. (B) Communication status, display information, and mode transition in (b1) Recording image display normal mode during recording execution] Next, the communication state, display information, and mode transition in the (b1) recorded image display normal mode in the (B) recording execution state will be described. (1) Communication status In this (B) Recording Execution State (b1) Recorded Image Display Normal Mode, the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 can use both Wi-Fi communication and Bluetooth (BT) communication.

[0168] (2)Display information (2a) Display information of the display unit 21 of the remote control 20 The display unit 21 of the remote control 20 displays: The captured image (=recorded image) transmitted from the video camera 10 via Wi-Fi is displayed. Moreover, the recording execution lamp at the bottom of the display unit 21 lights up, indicating that recording is being performed. A Wi-Fi connection icon and a Bluetooth (BT) connection icon are displayed at the top of the display unit 21, indicating that both Wi-Fi communication and BT communication between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 are valid and available for use.

[0169] In addition, the following identification information is displayed on the captured image (=recorded image): "Mode setting key operable status identification information" The user can see the “mode setting key operable state identification information” displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20 and know that the mode can be changed by operating the mode setting key of the remote control 20.

[0170] (2b) Display information on the display unit 11 of the video camera 10 The display unit 11 of the video camera 10 has: A Wi-Fi / BT connection icon is displayed, indicating that the Wi-Fi connection and Bluetooth (BT) connection described above with reference to Figure 14 (1) are active, and it can be seen that both Wi-Fi communication and BT communication between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 are available.

[0171] (3) Mode transition In this (B) recording execution state (b1) recorded image display normal mode, if the user does not operate the remote control 20 for 10 seconds (step S12), a mode transition occurs. Step S12 is (B) From (b1) Recorded image display normal mode while recording is in progress, (B) In the recording execution state, (b2) the recording image display stamina mode, This is the mode transition step.

[0172] During this mode transition process, the following process is carried out. (p) transmitting a request to stop transmitting recorded images from the remote control 20 to the video camera 10; (q) Stopping the process of transmitting images (=recorded images) captured by the video camera 10 to the remote control 20; (r) Stopping the display process of the captured image (=recorded image) on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20; Even if this mode transition occurs, the video camera 10 continues the recording process.

[0173] Furthermore, in the (b1) recorded image display normal mode in the (B) recording execution state, when the user inputs a recording stop operation on the remote control 20, that is, performs a key operation of the recording start / stop key (REC key (=SS key)), a mode transition occurs in (step S16), (A) (a1) Recording preparation image display mode in recording preparation state; transition to.

[0174] This mode transition causes the following processing to be executed. (p) transmitting a request to stop recording processing from the remote control 20 to the video camera 10; (q) Stopping the recording process by the video camera 10; (r) Transmission process of images captured by the video camera 10 (≠ recorded images) to the remote control 20; (s) display processing of the captured image (≠ recorded image) on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20; The transmission display image after the mode change is an image that has not been subjected to recording processing.

[0175] [7-3. (B) Communication status, display information, and mode transition in (b2) Recording image non-display stamina mode during recording execution] Next, the communication state, display information, and mode transition in the (b2) recorded image non-display stamina mode in the (B) recording execution state will be described. (1) Communication status In the (B) recording execution state (b2) recorded image non-display stamina mode, the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 can use both Wi-Fi communication and Bluetooth (BT) communication.

[0176] (2)Display information (2a) Display information of the display unit 21 of the remote control 20 In this mode, the video camera 10 does not transmit captured images (=recorded images). Therefore, the captured image (=recorded image) is not displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20. However, the recording execution lamp at the bottom of the display unit 21 is lit, indicating that recording is being performed. A Wi-Fi connection icon and a Bluetooth (BT) connection icon are displayed at the top of the display unit 21, indicating that both Wi-Fi communication and BT communication between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 are valid and available for use.

[0177] In this mode, the display of the captured image on the display unit 21 is stopped. However, the following identification information is displayed. "Mode setting key operable status identification information" The user can see the “mode setting key operable state identification information” displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20 and know that the mode can be changed by operating the mode setting key of the remote control 20.

[0178] Furthermore, the display unit 21 displays: "Recording start / stop key operation availability status identification information" is displayed. By looking at the "recording start / stop key operation possible state identification information" displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20, the user can know that the recording start / stop key (REC key (SS key)) on the remote control 20 is valid and that the recording process can be started or stopped by operating this key.

[0179] (2b) Display information on the display unit 11 of the video camera 10 The display unit 11 of the video camera 10 has: A Wi-Fi / BT connection icon is displayed, indicating that the Wi-Fi connection and Bluetooth (BT) connection described above with reference to Figure 14 (1) are active, and it can be seen that both Wi-Fi communication and BT communication between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 are available.

[0180] (3) Mode transition In the (b2) recorded image non-display stamina mode in the (B) recording execution state, if the user does not operate the remote control 20 for 60 seconds, a mode transition occurs in (step S14). Step S14 is (B) From the (b2) recording image non-display stamina mode while recording is in progress, (B) When recording is in progress, (b3) record image non-display Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode, This is the mode transition step.

[0181] (p) Stopping the Wi-Fi connection between the remote control 20 and the video camera 10; (q) A process of switching the transmission path of status information from the video camera 10 from Wi-Fi to BT; (r) A process of switching all operation information from the remote control 20 to the video camera 10 via BT communication instead of Wi-Fi; Even if this mode transition occurs, the video camera 10 continues the recording process.

[0182] Furthermore, in the (b1) recorded image non-display stamina mode in the (B) recording execution state, when the user issues an image display instruction to the remote control 20 (step S15), a mode transition occurs. Step S15 is (B) From the (b2) recording image non-display stamina mode while recording is in progress, (B) In the recording execution state, (b1) the recording image display normal mode This is the mode transition step.

[0183] In this (b2) recorded image non-display stamina mode, during input operations performed by the user on the remote control 20, most key operations other than specific keys such as the recording start / stop key (REC key (SS key)), or most touch operations on the display unit functioning as a touch panel, are interpreted as image display instruction input, and the mode transition of this step S15 occurs.

[0184] This mode transition causes the following processing to be executed. (p) A request from the remote control 20 to the video camera 10 to transmit a captured image (= a recorded image); (q) A process of transmitting images (=recorded images) captured by the video camera 10 to the remote control 20; (r) displaying the captured image (=recorded image) on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20; At this point in time, the transmission display image is an image being recorded.

[0185] Furthermore, in the (b2) non-display recording stamina mode of the (B) recording execution state, when the user inputs a recording stop operation on the remote control 20, that is, performs a key operation of the recording start / stop key (REC key (=SS key)), a mode transition occurs in (step S16), (A) (a1) Recording preparation image display mode in recording preparation state; transition to.

[0186] This mode transition causes the following processing to be executed. (p) transmitting a request to stop recording processing from the remote control 20 to the video camera 10; (q) Stopping the recording process by the video camera 10; (r) Transmission process of images captured by the video camera 10 (≠ recorded images) to the remote control 20; (s) display processing of the captured image (≠ recorded image) on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20; The transmission display image after the mode change is an image that has not been subjected to recording processing.

[0187] [7-4. (B) Communication status, display information, and mode transition in (b3) non-recorded image Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode during recording execution] Next, the communication state, display information, and mode transition in the (b3) recorded image non-display Bluetooth (BT) only communication mode in the (B) recording execution state will be described. (1) Communication status In the communication state, display information, and mode in the (b3) recorded image non-display Bluetooth (BT) only communication mode in the (B) recording execution state, the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 can only use Bluetooth (BT) communication.

[0188] (2)Display information (2a) Display information of the display unit 21 of the remote control 20 In this mode, the video camera 10 does not transmit captured images (=recorded images). Therefore, the captured image (=recorded image) is not displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20. However, the recording execution lamp at the bottom of the display unit 21 is lit, indicating that recording is being performed.

[0189] The Wi-Fi connection icon at the top of the display unit 21 is hidden, and only the Bluetooth (BT) connection icon is displayed, indicating that only BT communication between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 is available.

[0190] In this mode, the display of the captured image on the display unit 21 is stopped. However, the following identification information is displayed. "Mode setting key operable status identification information" The user can see the “mode setting key operable state identification information” displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20 and know that the mode can be changed by operating the mode setting key of the remote control 20.

[0191] Furthermore, the display unit 21 displays: "Recording start / stop key operation availability status identification information" is displayed. By looking at the "recording start / stop key operation possible state identification information" displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20, the user can know that the recording start / stop key (REC key (SS key)) on the remote control 20 is valid and that the recording process can be started or stopped by operating this key.

[0192] (2b) Display information on the display unit 11 of the video camera 10 The display unit 11 of the video camera 10 has: A Bluetooth (BT) connection icon, which indicates that the Bluetooth (BT) connection described above with reference to FIG. 14(2) is active, is displayed, and it is clear that BT communication between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 is available.

[0193] (3) Mode transition In the (B) recording execution state (b3) recorded image non-display Bluetooth (BT) only communication mode, when the user issues an image display instruction to the remote control 20 (step S15), a mode transition occurs. Step S15 is (B) From (b3) recording image non-display Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode while recording is in progress, (B) In the recording execution state, (b1) the recording image display normal mode This is the mode transition step.

[0194] In this (b3) recorded image non-display Bluetooth (BT) only communication mode, during input operations performed by the user on the remote control 20, most key operations other than specific keys such as the recording start / stop key (REC key (SS key)) or touch operations on the display unit functioning as a touch panel are interpreted as image display instruction input, and the mode transition of this step S15 occurs.

[0195] This mode transition causes the following processing to be executed. (p) A request from the remote control 20 to the video camera 10 to transmit a captured image (= a recorded image); (q) A process of transmitting images (=recorded images) captured by the video camera 10 to the remote control 20; (r) displaying the captured image (=recorded image) on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20; At this point in time, the transmission display image is an image being recorded.

[0196] Furthermore, in the (b3) recorded image non-display Bluetooth (BT) only communication mode in the (B) recording execution state, a mode transition occurs (step S16) when the user operates the recording start / stop key (REC key (SS key)) on the remote control 20. Step S16 is (B) From (b3) recording image non-display Bluetooth (BT) single communication mode while recording is in progress, (A) In the recording preparation state, (a1) the recording preparation image display mode This is the mode transition step.

[0197] This mode transition causes the following processing to be executed. (p) transmitting a request to stop recording processing from the remote control 20 to the video camera 10; (q) Stopping the recording process by the video camera 10; (r) Transmission process of images captured by the video camera 10 (≠ recorded images) to the remote control 20; (s) display processing of the captured image (≠ recorded image) on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20; The transmission display image after the mode change is an image that has not been subjected to recording processing.

[0198] [8. Examples of changing the remote control key settings and display information] Earlier, with reference to FIG. 10, a configuration was described in which operable information in each mode is displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20, making it possible to inform the user which keys can be effectively used. As shown in FIG. 10, mode setting keys 32a and 32b are provided on the sides of the display unit 21 and can be operated by the user. For example, by operating the mode setting keys 32a and 32b, the photographing mode can be switched between a moving image photographing mode, a still image photographing mode, and the like.

[0199] The mode setting keys 32a and 32b not only function as switches for changing between moving image and still image shooting modes, but can also be used as zoom setting keys for zooming up and down, for example. The remote controller 20 is provided with function changeover switches for these mode setting keys 32a, 32b, and by operating these switches, the mode setting keys 32a, 32b can be changed to zoom setting keys.

[0200] When the key settings of the remote control 20 are changed in this manner, the information displayed on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20 is also changed. A specific example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 shows examples of displays on the display unit 21 of the remote control 20 in the following two remotes. (A) (a1) Recording preparation image display mode in recording preparation state; (B) (b2) Recording image non-display stamina mode while recording is in progress;

[0201] As shown in FIG. 16, (a1) the remote control display unit 21 in the recording preparation image display mode has the following: "Zoom setting key operable state identification information 41" is displayed. As shown in FIG. 16, the zoom setting keys 42a and 42b are provided on the sides of the display unit 21 and can be operated by the user. For example, the zoom setting can be changed to zoom up or zoom down by operating the zoom setting keys 42a and 42b.

[0202] The zoom setting key operable state identification information 41 displayed on the display unit 21 is display information for notifying the user that the operations of the zoom setting keys 42a and 42b are valid. By looking at the "zoom setting key operation enable state identification information 41" displayed on the display unit 21, the user can know that the zoom setting keys 42a, 42b are enabled and that zoom adjustments of zooming up and down can be performed by operating these keys.

[0203] Also, on the right side of FIG. 16, a display example of the remote control display unit 21 in the (b2) recorded image non-display stamina mode is shown. In addition to "Zoom setting key operable state identification information 41", "Recording start / stop key operation availability status identification information 35" is displayed. The "recording start / stop key operable state identification information 35" is also displayed to notify the user that the recording start / stop key (REC key (SS key)) 33 provided on the side of the display unit 21 is enabled.

[0204] A recording start / stop key (REC key (SS key)) 33 is a key for starting and stopping the recording process. By looking at the "recording start / stop key operation availability status identification information 35" displayed on the display unit 21, the user can know that the recording start / stop key (REC key (SS key)) 33 is enabled and that recording can be started or stopped by operating these keys.

[0205] In this manner, the display unit 21 of the remote controller 20 displays identification information relating to keys that can be effectively used in each mode. The user can check which keys on the remote control 20 are available by looking at this identification information, and can perform key operations based on this confirmation.

[0206] [9. Other Examples] The embodiment described above is an embodiment using the video camera 10 and the remote control 20, but the configuration for changing the communication mode in accordance with the mode transition of the present disclosure can also be applied between various other communication devices.

[0207] With reference to FIG. 17, a configuration example to which the process of changing the communication mode according to the mode transition of the present disclosure can be applied will be described. FIG. 17 shows a capsule with a built-in video camera 70, which is a capsule that can be swallowed by a person and contains a camera capable of taking images, and a PC 80 that communicates with this capsule with a built-in video camera 70.

[0208] The PC 80 and the capsule 70 with a built-in video camera perform various communication processes using both Wi-Fi communication and Bluetooth (BT) communication. Specifically, the following processes are executed. (a) Images captured by the video camera of the capsule 70 with built-in video camera are transmitted to the PC 80 via Wi-Fi communication. (b) Information about images captured by the video camera of the capsule 70 with a built-in video camera and status information such as location information are transmitted to the PC 80 via Wi-Fi communication or BT communication. (c) Commands from the PC 80 (such as commands to start and stop image capture, zoom, and flash capture) are sent to the video camera in the capsule 70 with a built-in video camera via Wi-Fi communication or BT communication.

[0209] These various data communications are carried out between the video camera of the video camera-integrated capsule 70 and the PC 80. In such data communication, by changing the communication format in accordance with the mode transition between the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 described above, it is possible to realize power saving by reducing battery consumption.

[0210] A specific example of mode transition will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 shows data communication between the video camera of the capsule with built-in video camera 70 and a PC 80 in three modes. There are three modes: (1) Image transfer execution mode (2) Image transfer stop mode (3) Image transfer stopped & Bluetooth (BT) only communication mode

[0211] The data communication state between the video camera of the capsule with built-in video camera 70 and the PC 80 in the above three modes is set as follows. (1) Image transfer execution mode In this image transfer execution mode, the following data communication is executed. (1a) Images captured by the video camera of the capsule 70 with built-in video camera are transmitted to the PC 80 via Wi-Fi communication. (1b) Information about images captured by the video camera of the capsule 70 with a built-in video camera and status information such as location information are transmitted to the PC 80 via Wi-Fi communication or BT communication. (1c) Commands from the PC 80 (such as commands to start and stop image capture, zoom, and use flash photography) are sent to the video camera in the capsule 70 with a built-in video camera via Wi-Fi communication or BT communication.

[0212] In this mode, images captured by the video camera of the capsule with built-in video camera 70 are transmitted to the PC 80 via Wi-Fi communication, and the transmitted images are displayed on the display unit of the PC 80.

[0213] (2) Image transfer stop mode In this image transfer stop mode, the following data communication is performed. (2a) Information about images captured by the video camera of the capsule 70 with a built-in video camera and status information such as location information are transmitted to the PC 80 via Wi-Fi communication or BT communication. (2b) Commands from the PC 80 (such as commands to start and stop image capture, zoom, and use flash photography) are sent to the video camera in the capsule 70 with a built-in video camera via Wi-Fi communication or BT communication.

[0214] In this mode, The images captured by the video camera of the capsule with built-in video camera 70 are not transmitted to the PC 80 via Wi-Fi communication, and the display process of the captured images on the PC 80 is also stopped. By stopping the image transmission and display processing, the battery consumption of the video camera in the capsule with built-in video camera and the battery consumption of the PC 80 are reduced, thereby realizing power saving.

[0215] (3) Image transfer stopped & Bluetooth (BT) only communication mode In this image transfer stop & Bluetooth (BT) only communication mode, the following data communication is performed. (3a) Information about images captured by the video camera of the capsule 70 with a built-in video camera and status information such as location information are transmitted to the PC 80 using only Bluetooth communication. (3b) Commands from the PC 80 (such as commands to start and stop image capture, zoom, and flash capture) are sent to the video camera in the video camera built-in capsule 70 using only BT communication.

[0216] In this mode, The images captured by the video camera of the capsule with built-in video camera 70 are not transmitted to the PC 80 via Wi-Fi communication, and the display process of the captured images on the PC 80 is also stopped. Additionally, Wi-Fi traffic for other data will also be suspended. This process of stopping image transmission, display processing, and Wi-Fi communication further reduces battery consumption in the video camera in the capsule with built-in video camera 70 and in the PC 80, achieving further power saving.

[0217] In addition to the configurations described with reference to Figures 17 and 18, in various communication systems that use both Wi-Fi communication and Bluetooth (BT) communication, by executing a process for changing the communication mode according to the mode disclosed herein, it is possible to reduce battery consumption of each device and achieve power saving.

[0218] [10. Configuration of information processing device] Next, a hardware configuration example of each information processing device constituting the information processing system of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 19 and subsequent drawings.

[0219] FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the video camera 10 and the remote control 20 shown in FIG. The video camera 10 includes a control unit 101, an imaging unit 102, a display unit 103, an input unit (operation unit) 104, an output unit 105, a storage unit 106, a communication unit 107, and a timing unit .

[0220] The control unit 101 controls the data processing executed in the video camera 10, such as image capture control, display control, data transmission / reception control, mode change control, etc. The control unit 101 has a CPU with a program execution function, and executes processing according to an application (program) stored in the storage unit 106. Specifically, for example, the process is performed according to the sequence described above.

[0221] The image capturing unit 102 is an image capturing unit for capturing images, and captures moving images and still images. During the capturing process, the control unit 101 controls the capture start and end timings.

[0222] The display unit 103 is used to display information on the communication status with the remote control 20, information on the remaining battery level, etc. It can also be used to display captured images, read captured images from the storage unit 106 and display them, and so on.

[0223] The input unit 104 is an input unit that can be operated by the user and is used to give various operational instructions, etc. A touch panel display unit is also a part of the input unit. The output unit 105 is configured by an image output unit, an audio output unit, and other data output units for external devices. The display unit 103 is also one of the components of the output unit 105.

[0224] The storage unit 106 is composed of RAM, ROM, other recording media, etc. It is used as a storage area for captured images, and also as a storage area for application programs executed by the control unit 101. It is also used as a storage area and a work area for parameters and the like applied to data processing executed by the control unit 101.

[0225] The communication unit 107 is a communication unit used for communication processing with external devices such as the remote control 20, and is used for data communication via various communication paths, such as wireless communication such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (BT), as well as wired communication using a communication cable. In the example shown in FIG. 19, a communication path to the communication unit 206 of the remote control 20 is shown.

[0226] As in the embodiment described above, various communications are carried out via the communication units of these two devices. For example, operation information of the remote control 20 is transmitted to the video camera 10, and control is performed such as starting and stopping shooting by the video camera 10. Furthermore, commands such as starting and stopping transmission of shot images are transmitted from the remote control 20 to the video camera 10, and the shot images are transmitted from the video camera 10 to the remote control 20.

[0227] The timing unit 108 includes, for example, a clock function that indicates the current time information, a timer function that measures the elapsed time from the start of shooting, etc. Furthermore, it is also used to measure a period during which no operation information is input from the remote control.

[0228] The remote control 20 includes a control unit 201 , a display unit 202 , an input unit (operation unit) 203 , an output unit 204 , a storage unit 205 , a communication unit 206 , and a timer unit 207 .

[0229] The control unit 201 controls the display of images, data transmission and reception, analysis of operation information, mode change control, and other data processing executed by the remote control 20. The control unit 201 has a CPU with a program execution function, and executes processes according to applications (programs) stored in the storage unit 205. Specifically, for example, the process is performed according to the sequence described above.

[0230] As described above, the display unit 202 is used to display, for example, images captured by the video camera 10, information on the state of communication with the video camera 10, remaining battery capacity information, and the like.

[0231] The input unit 203 is an input unit that can be operated by the user and is used to give various operational instructions, etc. A touch panel display unit is also a part of the input unit. The output unit 204 is configured by an image output unit, an audio output unit, and other data output units for external devices. The display unit 202 is also one of the components of the output unit 204.

[0232] The storage unit 205 is composed of RAM, ROM, other recording media, etc. It is used as a storage area for captured images, and also as a storage area for application programs executed by the control unit 201. It is also used as a storage area and a work area for parameters and the like applied to data processing executed by the control unit 201.

[0233] The communication unit 206 is a communication unit used for communication processing with external devices such as the video camera 10, and is used for data communication via various communication paths, such as wireless communication such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (BT), as well as wired communication using a communication cable. In the example shown in FIG. 19, a communication path with the communication unit 107 of the video camera 10 is shown.

[0234] As in the embodiment described above, various communications are carried out via the communication units of these two devices. For example, operation information of the remote control 20 is transmitted to the video camera 10, and control is performed such as starting and stopping shooting by the video camera 10. Furthermore, commands such as starting and stopping transmission of shot images are transmitted from the remote control 20 to the video camera 10, and the shot images are transmitted from the video camera 10 to the remote control 20.

[0235] The timekeeping unit 207 includes, for example, a clock function that indicates current time information, a timer function that measures the elapsed time from the start of shooting, etc. Furthermore, it is also used to measure a period during which the remote control 20 is not operated by the user.

[0236] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device that can be used as the remote control 20 shown in FIG. 1 or the PC shown in FIG.

[0237] A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301 functions as a control unit or data processing unit that executes various processes according to programs stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302 or a storage unit 308. For example, it executes processes according to the sequences described in the above-mentioned embodiments. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 303 stores programs and data executed by the CPU 301. The CPU 301, ROM 302, and RAM 303 are connected to each other via a bus 304.

[0238] CPU 301 is connected to input / output interface 305 via bus 304, and input / output interface 305 is connected to input unit 306 including various switches, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, etc., and output unit 307 including a display, a speaker, etc. CPU 301 executes various processes in response to commands input from input unit 306, and outputs the process results to output unit 307, for example.

[0239] A storage unit 308 connected to the input / output interface 305 is formed of, for example, a hard disk, and stores various data and programs executed by the CPU 301. A communication unit 309 functions as a transmission / reception unit for Wi-Fi communication, Bluetooth (BT) communication, and other data communication via a network such as the Internet or a local area network, and communicates with external devices.

[0240] A drive 310 connected to the input / output interface 305 drives removable media 311, such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory such as a memory card, and executes recording or reading of data.

[0241] [11. Summary of the configuration of this disclosure] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it is obvious that a person skilled in the art can modify or substitute the embodiments without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. In other words, the present invention has been disclosed in the form of an example, and should not be interpreted as being limited. In order to judge the gist of the present disclosure, the claims should be taken into consideration.

[0242] The technology disclosed in this specification can have the following configurations. (1) A program for causing an information processing device to execute information processing, The information processing device includes: A communication unit that communicates with the imaging device; a display unit that displays an image captured by the imaging device; A control unit is provided. the communication unit is configured to communicate with the imaging device using a first communication path and a second communication path that are compatible with different communication standards; The program causes the control unit to During a connection period between the imaging device and the second communication path, executing a process of receiving the captured image via the first communication path; A connection period between the imaging device and the first communication path is executing a process of displaying status information indicating whether or not a recording process is being performed in the imaging device while displaying the captured image on the display unit; The connection outage period between the imaging device and the first communication path is A program that causes a process of displaying the status information without displaying the captured image on the display unit.

[0243] (2) The program causes the control unit to During a period in which the imaging device and the first communication path are out of connection, The program according to (1), which executes a process of displaying the captured image on the display unit when a captured image display instruction input by a user is detected.

[0244] (3) The program causes the control unit to During a period in which the imaging device and the first communication path are out of connection, When detecting a user's input of an instruction to display a captured image, The program described in (1) or (2) executes a process of changing the first communication path to a connected state and displaying the captured image input from the imaging device via the first communication path on the display unit.

[0245] (4) The program causes the control unit to The program according to any one of (1) to (3), which causes the display unit to execute a process of displaying a captured image transmitted from the imaging device to the information processing device via the first communication path.

[0246] (5) The program causes the control unit to During a connection period between the imaging device and the first communication path, The program according to any one of (1) to (4), which executes a process of receiving status information indicating whether a recording process in the imaging device is being executed or not from the imaging device via the first communication path or the second communication path.

[0247] (6) The program causes the control unit to During a period in which the imaging device and the first communication path are out of connection, The program according to any one of (1) to (5), which executes a process of receiving status information indicating whether or not a recording process is being performed in the imaging device from the imaging device via the second communication path.

[0248] (7) The program according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the first communication channel is a Wi-Fi communication channel.

[0249] (8) The program according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the second communication channel is a Bluetooth (BT: Bluetooth (registered trademark)) communication channel.

[0250] (9) a communication unit that communicates with the imaging device; a display unit that displays an image captured by the imaging device; A control unit is provided. the communication unit is configured to communicate with the imaging device using a first communication path and a second communication path that are compatible with different communication standards; The control unit is During a connection period between the imaging device and the second communication path, Executing control to receive the captured image via the first communication path; A connection period between the imaging device and the first communication path is Execute control to display status information indicating whether or not a recording process is being performed in the imaging device while displaying the captured image on the display unit; The connection outage period between the imaging device and the first communication path is An information processing device that executes control to display the status information without displaying the captured image on the display unit.

[0251] (10) An information processing method executed in an information processing device, The information processing device includes: A communication unit that communicates with the imaging device; a display unit that displays an image captured by the imaging device; A control unit is provided. the communication unit is configured to communicate with the imaging device using a first communication path and a second communication path that are compatible with different communication standards; The control unit: During a connection period between the imaging device and the second communication path, Executing control to receive the captured image via the first communication path; A connection period between the imaging device and the first communication path is Execute control to display status information indicating whether or not a recording process is being performed in the imaging device while displaying the captured image on the display unit; The connection outage period between the imaging device and the first communication path is An information processing method for executing control to display the status information without displaying the captured image on the display unit.

[0252] (11) An information processing system having an information processing device and an imaging device, The information processing device includes: a communication unit that communicates with the imaging device using a first communication path and a second communication path that are compatible with different communication standards; a display unit that displays an image captured by the imaging device; An information processing device side control unit is provided, The information processing device side control unit During a connection period between the imaging device and the second communication path, Executing control to receive the captured image via the first communication path; A connection period between the imaging device and the first communication path is Execute control to display status information indicating whether or not a recording process is being performed in the imaging device while displaying the captured image on the display unit; The connection outage period between the imaging device and the first communication path is executes control to display the status information without displaying the captured image on the display unit; The imaging device includes: a communication unit that executes communication with the information processing device by using the first communication path and the second communication path; An imaging device side control unit is provided, The imaging device side control unit Controlling execution of a recording process in the imaging device; and An information processing system that executes control to transmit an image captured by the imaging device to the information processing device via the first communication path.

[0253] In addition, the series of processes described in the specification can be executed by hardware, software, or a combination of both. When executing processes by software, a program recording the processing sequence can be installed and executed in a memory in a computer built into dedicated hardware, or the program can be installed and executed in a general-purpose computer capable of executing various processes. For example, the program can be pre-recorded on a recording medium. In addition to installing the program from the recording medium to the computer, the program can be received via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet, and installed on a recording medium such as a built-in hard disk.

[0254] In addition, the various processes described in the specification may not only be executed in chronological order as described, but may also be executed in parallel or individually depending on the processing capacity of the device executing the processes or as necessary. Furthermore, in this specification, a system refers to a logical collective configuration of multiple devices, and is not limited to devices in the same housing. [Industrial Applicability]

[0255] As described above, according to the configuration of one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce power consumption and improve operability of an information processing device such as a remote control that displays images captured by a video camera. Specifically, for example, an information processing device such as a remote control is configured to communicate using a first communication path compatible with a communication standard different from that of the imaging device, and a second communication path, and a control unit of the information processing device receives a captured image via the first communication path during a period when the imaging device is connected to the second communication path, and during a period when the imaging device is connected to the first communication path, displays the captured image on a display unit while displaying status information indicating whether or not a recording process is being performed in the imaging device, and during a period when the connection between the imaging device and the first communication path is stopped, executes a process of displaying the status information without displaying the captured image on the display unit. This configuration makes it possible to reduce power consumption and improve operability of an information processing device such as a remote control that displays images captured by a video camera. [Explanation of symbols]

[0256] 10. Video Camera 11 Display section 20 Remote Control 21 Display section 22 Control section 31 Mode setting key operation brain state identification information 32 Mode setting keys 33 Recording start / stop key 34 Recording / Communication Status Indicator Lamp 35 Recording start / stop key operation status identification information 41 Zoom setting key operable status identification information 42 Zoom setting key 51,52 Communication status identification icon 70 Capsule with built-in video camera 80 PC 101 Control section 102 Imaging unit 103 Display section 104 Input section (operation section) 105 Output section 106 Storage section 107 Communications Department 108 Timing section 201 Control section 202 Display section 203 Input section (operation section) 204 Output section 205 Storage section 206 Communications Department 207 Timing section 301 CPU 302 ROM 303 RAM 304 Bus 305 Input / Output Interface 306 Input section 307 Output section 308 Storage section 309 Communications Department 310 Drive 311 Removable Media

Claims

1. A program for causing an information processing device to execute information processing, The information processing device includes: A communication unit that communicates with the imaging device; a display unit that displays an image captured by the imaging device; A control unit is provided. the communication unit is configured to communicate with the imaging device by using a first communication path and a second communication path that are compatible with different communication standards; The program is When the information processing device is in a first mode in which the captured image is not displayed on the display unit, The control unit, a process of displaying an icon corresponding to a state of the imaging device on the display unit; executing a process of stopping the display of the captured image on the display unit; When the information processing device is in a second mode in which the captured image is displayed on the display unit, The control unit, A program for receiving the captured image from the imaging device via the first communication path and displaying the received captured image on the display unit without displaying at least a portion of the icon corresponding to the state of the imaging device on the display unit.

2. The icons not to be displayed on the display unit in the second mode are: The program according to claim 1 , wherein the icon corresponds to whether an instruction to start or stop recording processing for the imaging device can be executed.

3. When the information processing device is in the first mode, The program causes the control unit to When a user operation on the display unit on which the icon is displayed is detected, The program according to claim 1 , further comprising a process for switching to the second mode in which the captured image is displayed on the display unit.

4. When the information processing device is in the first mode, The program causes the control unit to The program according to claim 1 , further comprising: stopping a process of transmitting the captured image from the imaging device.

5. When the information processing device is in the second mode, The program causes the control unit to The program according to claim 1 , further comprising: displaying, on the display unit, information indicating whether or not a recording process is being performed in the imaging device.

6. The program causes the control unit to 2. The program according to claim 1, further comprising: a mode transition process between the first mode and the second mode.

7. The program causes the control unit to The program according to claim 6 , wherein the mode transition process is executed based on an analysis result of a user operation on the information processing device.

8. The program causes the control unit to The program according to claim 6 , further comprising: a program for executing the mode transition process when a user operation on the display unit on which an icon is displayed is detected.

9. The program causes the control unit to The program according to claim 6 , further comprising: a program for causing the mode transition process to be executed when it is detected that a user operation on the information processing device has not been performed for a specified period of time or longer.

10. The program causes the control unit to The program according to claim 6 , further comprising: a program for executing the mode transition process when a user operation on the display unit on which an icon corresponding to a state of the imaging device is displayed is detected.

11. The program according to claim 1 , wherein the first communication path is a Wi-Fi communication path.

12. The program according to claim 1 , wherein the second communication channel is a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication channel.

13. A communication unit that communicates with the imaging device; a display unit that displays an image captured by the imaging device; An information processing device having a control unit, the communication unit is configured to communicate with the imaging device by using a first communication path and a second communication path that are compatible with different communication standards; The control unit is When the information processing device is in a first mode in which the captured image is not displayed on the display unit, a process of displaying an icon corresponding to a state of the imaging device on the display unit; execute a process of stopping the display of the captured image on the display unit; When the information processing device is in a second mode in which the captured image is displayed on the display unit, An information processing device that receives the captured image from the imaging device via the first communication path and displays the received captured image on the display unit without displaying at least a portion of the icon corresponding to the state of the imaging device on the display unit.

14. An information processing method executed in an information processing device, The information processing device includes: A communication unit that communicates with the imaging device; a display unit that displays an image captured by the imaging device; A control unit is provided. the communication unit is configured to communicate with the imaging device by using a first communication path and a second communication path that are compatible with different communication standards; The control unit: When the information processing device is in a first mode in which the captured image is not displayed on the display unit, a process of displaying an icon corresponding to a state of the imaging device on the display unit; execute a process of stopping the display of the captured image on the display unit; When the information processing device is in a second mode in which the captured image is displayed on the display unit, An information processing method for receiving a captured image from the imaging device via the first communication path without displaying at least a portion of an icon corresponding to a state of the imaging device on the display unit, and executing a process of displaying the received captured image on the display unit.

15. An information processing system having an information processing device and an imaging device, The information processing device includes: a communication unit that communicates with the imaging device by using a first communication path and a second communication path that are compatible with different communication standards; a display unit that displays an image captured by the imaging device; An information processing device side control unit is provided, The information processing device side control unit When the information processing device is in a first mode in which the captured image is not displayed on the display unit, a process of displaying an icon corresponding to a state of the imaging device on the display unit; execute a process of stopping the display of the captured image on the display unit; When the information processing device is in a second mode in which the captured image is displayed on the display unit, receiving the captured image from the imaging device via the first communication path without displaying at least a part of the icon corresponding to the state of the imaging device on the display unit, and displaying the received captured image on the display unit; The imaging device includes: a communication unit that executes communication with the information processing device by using the first communication path and the second communication path; An imaging device side control unit is provided, The imaging device side control unit Controlling execution of a recording process in the imaging device; and An information processing system that executes control to transmit an image captured by the imaging device to the information processing device via the first communication path.

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