Control device, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a control device, a control method, and a program capable of, as an example, reflecting a first imaging condition set in a first imaging device or a second imaging condition stored in a memory in a third imaging condition to be set in a second imaging device.SOLUTION: A control device includes a memory and a processor and is capable of communicably connecting to a plurality of imaging devices. The memory can store imaging conditions to be set in each of the plurality of imaging devices. The processor obtains a first imaging condition set in a first imaging device, stores the first imaging condition in the memory, and sets a third imaging condition in a second imaging device based on the first imaging condition stored in the memory or a second imaging condition stored in the memory.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 24

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a control device, a control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a photographing assistance device that connects a computer to a plurality of photographing devices and has a screen for displaying information related to remote photographing and a screen for live view display for each of the plurality of imaging devices, and includes a screen for displaying the result of high dynamic range synthesis of live view images obtained from the plurality of imaging devices. The photographing assistance device has means for displaying a live view and means for displaying the result of high dynamic range synthesis of live view images obtained from a plurality of imaging devices, and when a photographer performs high dynamic range setting with one operation, it has means for changing photographing settings in accordance with the high dynamic range setting for the plurality of imaging devices.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a digital camera system including a plurality of digital cameras each having an imaging function for imaging a subject and a wireless communication function for performing wireless communication, wherein at least one of the digital cameras serves as a host and the other digital cameras serve as slaves to construct a network. In the digital camera system, the host digital camera simultaneously transmits control signals related to imaging operations to each of the slave digital cameras having established links via the network, and each slave digital camera performs control related to the imaging operation according to the control signals simultaneously transmitted from the host digital camera.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses a camera that is communicably connected to one or more other cameras and can exchange images with the other cameras, the camera including a display unit that displays an image, a communication unit that communicates information including image data and control data with the other cameras, a display control unit that controls the display of an image on the display unit, an operation control unit that detects various operation instructions, and a shooting control unit that controls shooting. The display control unit causes the display unit to display a live view image transmitted from another camera and received by the communication unit. The shooting control unit selects one or more cameras as shooting target cameras based on an instruction from the user while the live view image received by the communication unit is being displayed on the display unit, and issues a shooting instruction to another camera among the selected shooting target cameras via the communication unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

[0006] One embodiment of the technology according to the present disclosure provides a control device, a control method, and a program that can reflect, as an example, a first imaging condition set in a first imaging device or a second imaging condition stored in a memory in a third imaging condition set in a second imaging device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A first aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a control device including a memory and a processor, and capable of communicating with a plurality of imaging devices. The memory is capable of storing imaging conditions set for each of the plurality of imaging devices. The processor acquires a first imaging condition set for a first imaging device, stores the first imaging condition in the memory, and sets a third imaging condition for a second imaging device based on the first imaging condition stored in the memory or a second imaging condition stored in the memory.

[0008] A second aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is the control device according to the first aspect, wherein the first imaging condition and / or the second imaging condition includes a plurality of first setting items, and the processor acquires first imaging situation information which is information regarding the imaging situation of the second imaging device, and selects, according to the first imaging situation information, a first setting item to be applied to the second imaging device as the third imaging condition from the plurality of first setting items.

[0009] A third aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is the control device according to the second aspect, wherein the first imaging situation information includes at least any one of first vibration information which is information regarding the influence of vibration on the second imaging device, first external device connection information which is information regarding the connection situation of an external device to the second imaging device, and first image recording operation information which is information regarding the image recording operation of the second imaging device.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a control device according to the second or third aspect, wherein the first imaging situation information includes at least any one of first position information which is information regarding the position of the second imaging device, first subject information which is information regarding the subject corresponding to the second imaging device, first light source information which is information regarding the light source corresponding to the second imaging device, first network connection information which is information regarding the connection status of the network to the second imaging device, first model information which is information regarding the model of the second imaging device, first lens information which is information regarding the lens equipped on the second imaging device, first battery information which is information regarding the battery equipped on the second imaging device, first temperature information which is information regarding the temperature of the second imaging device, first installation status information regarding the installation status of the second imaging device, and first image information which is information based on an image obtained by imaging the first imaging device and the second imaging device with a third imaging device.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a control device according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, wherein the first imaging situation information includes information regarding the imaging situation of the first imaging device.

[0012] A sixth aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a control device according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, wherein the processor acquires the first imaging situation information when the imaging situation of the second imaging device is changed.

[0013] A seventh aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a control device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the processor acquires the first imaging condition when the first imaging condition set for the first imaging device and / or the imaging situation of the first imaging device is changed.

[0014] The eighth aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is in the control device according to any one of the first aspect to the seventh aspect, wherein the first imaging condition and / or the second imaging condition includes a plurality of second setting items, and the processor acquires first imaging scene information which is information regarding an imaging scene imaged by the second imaging device, and is a control device that selects, according to the first imaging scene information, a second setting item applied to the second imaging device as a third imaging condition from the plurality of second setting items.

[0015] The ninth aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is in the control device according to any one of the first aspect to the eighth aspect, wherein the second imaging condition is a control device including a third setting item set based on an imaging scene imaged by the second imaging device.

[0016] The tenth aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is in the control device according to any one of the first aspect to the ninth aspect, wherein the processor acquires second imaging situation information which is information regarding the imaging situation of each of the plurality of imaging devices, classifies the plurality of imaging devices into two or more groups based on the second imaging situation information, and is a control device that sets a fourth imaging condition for each group.

[0017] The eleventh aspect according to the technology of the present disclosure is that in the control device according to the tenth aspect, the second imaging situation information is second vibration information which is information regarding the influence of vibration on each of the plurality of imaging devices, second external device connection information which is information regarding the connection situation of external devices to each of the plurality of imaging devices, second image recording operation information which is information regarding the image recording operation of each of the plurality of imaging devices, second position information which is information regarding the position of each of the plurality of imaging devices, second subject information which is information regarding the subject corresponding to each of the plurality of imaging devices, second light source information which is information regarding the light source corresponding to each of the plurality of imaging devices, second network connection information which is information regarding the connection situation of the network to each of the plurality of imaging devices, second model information which is information regarding the model of each of the plurality of imaging devices, second lens information which is information regarding the lens equipped on each of the plurality of imaging devices, second battery information which is information regarding the battery equipped on each of the plurality of imaging devices, second temperature information which is information regarding the temperature of each of the plurality of imaging devices, second installation state information regarding the installation state of each of the plurality of imaging devices, and a control device including at least any one of second image information which is information obtained from an image obtained by imaging the plurality of imaging devices with the fourth imaging device.

[0018] The twelfth aspect according to the technology of the present disclosure is that in the control device according to any one of the first aspect to the eleventh aspect, the first imaging conditions set for the first imaging device include a plurality of fourth setting items, and the processor is a control device that acquires only the information set for the fourth setting item applied to the second imaging device as the third imaging condition among the plurality of fourth setting items.

[0019] The thirteenth aspect according to the technology of the present disclosure is that in the control device according to any one of the first aspect to the twelfth aspect, the second imaging conditions are conditions set based on the first imaging conditions.

[0020] A fourteenth aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a control device according to any one of the first aspect to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the processor acquires at least one of first information which is information regarding a first imaging device and second information regarding a second imaging device, and when at least one of the first information and the second information satisfies a predetermined condition, prohibits setting of a third imaging condition for the second imaging device based on a first imaging condition stored in a memory or a second imaging condition stored in the memory.

[0021] A fifteenth aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a control device including a memory and a processor and capable of communicating with a plurality of imaging devices, wherein the memory can store imaging conditions to be set for each of the plurality of imaging devices, and the processor acquires a first imaging condition set for a first imaging device, stores the first imaging condition in the memory, and sets a third imaging condition for a second imaging device based on at least one of a plurality of first setting items included in the first imaging condition stored in the memory.

[0022] A sixteenth aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a control method including communicating with a plurality of imaging devices, acquiring a first imaging condition set for a first imaging device, storing the first imaging condition in a memory, and setting a third imaging condition for a second imaging device based on the first imaging condition stored in the memory or a second imaging condition stored in the memory.

[0023] A seventeenth aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute a process including communicating with a plurality of imaging devices, acquiring a first imaging condition set for a first imaging device, storing the first imaging condition in a memory, and setting a third imaging condition for a second imaging device based on the first imaging condition stored in the memory or the second imaging condition stored in the memory.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, an example of embodiments of a control device, a control method, and a program according to the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] First, the terms used in the following description will be explained.

[0027] The CPU refers to the abbreviation of "Central Processing Unit". The GPU refers to the abbreviation of "Graphics Processing Unit". The RAM refers to the abbreviation of "Random Access Memory". The ROM refers to the abbreviation of "Read Only Memory". The IC refers to the abbreviation of "Integrated Circuit". The ASIC refers to the abbreviation of "Application Specific Integrated Circuit". The PLD refers to the abbreviation of "Programmable Logic Device". The FPGA refers to the abbreviation of "Field-Programmable Gate Array". The SoC refers to the abbreviation of "System-on-a-chip". The SSD refers to the abbreviation of "Solid State Drive". The HDD refers to the abbreviation of "Hard Disk Drive". The EEPROM refers to the abbreviation of "Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory". The SRAM refers to the abbreviation of "Static Random Access Memory". The DRAM refers to the abbreviation of "Dynamic Random Access Memory". The I / F refers to the abbreviation of "Interface". The USB refers to the abbreviation of "Universal Serial Bus". The CMOS refers to the abbreviation of "Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor". The CCD refers to the abbreviation of "Charge Coupled Device". The EL refers to the abbreviation of "Electro Luminescence". The UI refers to the abbreviation of "UserInterface". The GNSS refers to the abbreviation of "Global Navigation Satellite System". The GPS refers to the abbreviation of "Global Positioning System". The HDMI (registered trademark) refers to the abbreviation of "High-Definition Multimedia Interface". The OIS refers to the abbreviation of "Optical Image Stabilization".BIS refers to the abbreviation of "Body Image Stabilization". EIS refers to the abbreviation of "Electronic Image Stabilization".

[0028] In the description of this specification, "match" refers to a match including, in addition to a complete match, an error generally acceptable in the technical field to which the technology of the present disclosure belongs and not contrary to the gist of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0029] [First Embodiment] First, a first embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure will be described.

[0030] As an example shown in FIG. 1, the imaging system S includes a control device 10 and a plurality of imaging devices 100. The control device 10 is a device for controlling the plurality of imaging devices 100. The control device 10 is an example of the "control device" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The control device 10 can be communicatively connected to each of the plurality of imaging devices 100 via the network 1. The network 1 may be wired or wireless.

[0031] In the example shown in FIG. 1 as an example, a notebook personal computer is exemplified as the control device 10, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the control device 10 may be various computer devices such as a desktop personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smart device (e.g., a smartphone), or a wearable terminal.

[0032] Further, the control device 10 is not limited to a personal computer and may be a server. The server may be a mainframe or an external server realized by cloud computing. Further, the server may be an external server realized by network computing such as fog computing, edge computing, or grid computing.

[0033] The plurality of imaging devices 100 are devices for imaging a common subject or a plurality of different subjects respectively. In the example shown in FIG. 1, four imaging devices 100 are illustrated, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the number of the plurality of imaging devices 100 may be any number as long as it is two or more. Hereinafter, as an example, an example in which the number of the plurality of imaging devices 100 is four will be described.

[0034] As an example, in the example shown in FIG. 1, a digital camera is illustrated as the imaging device 100, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a terminal device (for example, a tablet terminal, a smart device, or a wearable terminal, etc.) that functions as the imaging device 100 may be used. Further, the digital camera as the imaging device 100 may be various digital cameras such as a compact digital camera, a mirrorless single-lens reflex camera, or a digital single-lens reflex camera. The digital camera may be an interchangeable-lens digital camera or a fixed-lens digital camera. Further, the imaging device 100 may be a digital camera to which an accessory such as a grip is connected to the digital camera body. Further, the communication I / F of the imaging device 100 may be mounted on the digital camera body or may be mounted on an accessory.

[0035] Further, the imaging device 100 may be various cameras such as a visible light camera, a near-infrared light camera, a video camera, or a television camera. Further, the imaging device 100 may be a digital camera incorporated in various electronic devices such as a cell observation device, an ophthalmic observation device, or a surgical microscope. The plurality of imaging devices 100 may be the same imaging device 100 or different imaging devices 100.

[0036] The control device 10 can set any one of the plurality of imaging devices 100 as the main imaging device 100 and set the remaining imaging devices 100 among the plurality of imaging devices 100 as the sub-imaging devices 100 according to an instruction given by the user or according to various processes executed inside the control device 10. Hereinafter, when it is necessary to distinguish the plurality of imaging devices 100 into the main imaging device 100 and the sub-imaging device 100 for description, the main imaging device 100 is referred to as the main imaging device 100A, and the sub-imaging device 100 is referred to as the sub-imaging device 100B. The main imaging device 100A is an example of the "first imaging device" according to the technology of the present disclosure, and the sub-imaging device 100B is an example of the "second imaging device" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0037] The image data obtained by imaging with the plurality of imaging devices 100 is transmitted to the control device 10. The control device 10 includes a display 16. The control device 10 causes the display 16 to display a plurality of images 16A and an image 16B based on the received image data. The plurality of images 16A are images obtained by imaging with each of the plurality of imaging devices 100. The image 16B is an image selected by the user from among the plurality of images 16A. As an example, the plurality of images 16A are displayed side by side at the lower part of the display 16. Also, the image 16B is displayed on the display 16 in a size larger than each image 16A.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2 as an example, the control device 10 includes a computer 12, a reception device 14, a display 16, an external I / F 18, and a communication I / F 20.

[0039] Computer 12 includes a processor 22, a storage 24, and a RAM 26. Computer 12 is an example of a "computer" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The processor 22, the storage 24, the RAM 26, the reception device 14, the display 16, the external I / F 18, and the communication I / F 20 are connected to a bus 28. In the example shown in FIG. 2, for illustrative purposes, one bus is shown as the bus 28, but a plurality of buses may be used. The bus 28 may be a serial bus or a parallel bus including a data bus, an address bus, a control bus, and the like.

[0040] The processor 22 has, for example, a CPU and controls the entire control device 10. Here, an example where the processor 22 has a CPU is given, but this is merely an example. For example, the processor 22 may have a CPU and a GPU. In this case, for example, the GPU operates under the control of the CPU and is responsible for executing image processing. The processor 22 is an example of a "processor" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0041] The storage 24 is a non-volatile storage device that stores various programs and various parameters, etc. Examples of the storage 24 include a flash memory (e.g., EEPROM and SSD, etc.) and an HDD, etc. Note that the flash memory and the HDD are merely examples, and instead of or together with the flash memory and / or the HDD, a magnetoresistive memory and / or a ferroelectric memory may be used. As will be described later, the storage 24 can store imaging conditions set for each of the plurality of imaging devices 100. The storage 24 is an example of a "memory" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0042] The RAM 26 is a memory in which information is temporarily stored and is used as a work memory by the processor 22. Examples of the RAM 26 include a DRAM and / or an SRAM, etc.

[0043] The reception device 14 has a keyboard, a mouse, a touch pad, etc., and receives instructions from the user. The display 16 displays various information (such as images and characters) under the control of the processor 22. Examples of the display 16 include an EL display (such as an organic EL display or an inorganic EL display). Note that it is not limited to an EL display, and other types of displays such as a liquid crystal display may also be used.

[0044] The external I / F 18 manages the exchange of various information between devices existing outside the control device 10 (such as smart devices, personal computers, servers, USB memories, memory cards, and / or printers, etc.). An example of the external I / F 18 includes a USB interface. Various devices (not shown) such as smart devices, personal computers, servers, USB memories, memory cards, and / or printers are directly or indirectly connected to the USB interface.

[0045] The communication I / F 20 is communicably connected to each of the plurality of imaging devices 100. The communication I / F 20 may be communicably connected to each of the plurality of imaging devices 100 according to a predetermined wireless communication standard, or may be communicably connected to each of the plurality of imaging devices 100 according to a predetermined wired communication standard. Examples of the predetermined wireless communication standard include Bluetooth (registered trademark). Note that other wireless communication standards (such as Wi-Fi or 5G, etc.) may also be used. The communication I / F 20 manages the exchange of information between each of the plurality of imaging devices 100. For example, the communication I / F 20 transmits information corresponding to a request from the processor 22 to each of the plurality of imaging devices 100. In addition, the communication I / F 20 receives information transmitted from each of the plurality of imaging devices 100, and outputs the received information to the processor 22 via the bus 28.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3 as an example, the imaging device 100 includes an imaging device main body 102 and a lens unit 104. The lens unit 104 is detachably attached to the imaging device main body 102.

[0047] The imaging device main body 102 includes a mechanical shutter 106, a shutter actuator 108, a shutter driver 110, an image sensor 112, an image sensor driver 114, a signal processing circuit 116, a shake correction mechanism 118, a shake correction driver 120, a temperature sensor 122, an inertial sensor 124, a controller 126, an image memory 128, a UI device 130, a positioning unit 132, a battery unit 134, an external I / F 136, a communication I / F 138, and an input / output I / F 140.

[0048] Connected to the input / output I / F 140 are the shutter driver 110, the temperature sensor 122, the inertial sensor 124, the shake correction driver 120, the image sensor driver 114, the signal processing circuit 116, the controller 126, the image memory 128, the UI device 130, the positioning unit 132, the battery unit 134, the external I / F 136, and the communication I / F 138. Also connected to the input / output I / F 140 is the controller 174 of the lens unit 104.

[0049] The controller 126 includes a processor 142, a storage 144, and a RAM 146. The processor 142, the storage 144, and the RAM 146 are connected via a bus 148, and the bus 148 is connected to the input / output I / F 140. In the example shown in FIG. 3, for the sake of illustration, one bus is shown as the bus 148, but it may be a plurality of buses. The bus 148 may be a serial bus or a parallel bus including a data bus, an address bus, a control bus, etc.

[0050] The storage 144 is a non-temporary storage medium and stores various parameters and various programs. For example, the storage 144 is a flash memory (e.g., EEPROM). However, this is merely an example, and an HDD or the like may be applied as the storage 144 together with the flash memory. The RAM 146 temporarily stores various information and is used as a work memory.

[0051] The processor 142 reads the necessary programs from the storage 144 and executes the read programs in the RAM 146. The processor 142 controls the entire imaging device 100 according to the programs executed in the RAM 146. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the shutter driver 110, the temperature sensor 122, the inertial sensor 124, the shake correction driver 120, the image sensor driver 114, the signal processing circuit 116, the controller 126, the image memory 128, the UI device 130, the positioning unit 132, the battery unit 134, the external I / F 136, the communication I / F 138, and the controller 174 are controlled by the processor 142.

[0052] The image sensor 112 has a light receiving surface 112A. The image sensor 112 is, for example, a photoelectric conversion element. The image sensor 112 may be referred to as a solid-state imaging device. The image sensor 112 is arranged in the imaging device main body 102 so that, for example, the center of the light receiving surface 112A coincides with the optical axis OA of the lens unit 104.

[0053] As an example, the image sensor 112 is a CMOS image sensor. In the first embodiment, a CMOS image sensor is exemplified as the image sensor 112, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, even if the image sensor 112 is another type of image sensor such as a CCD image sensor, the technology of the present disclosure is still applicable.

[0054] An image sensor driver 114 is connected to the image sensor 112. The image sensor driver 114 supplies an imaging timing signal that defines the timing of imaging performed by the image sensor 112 to the image sensor 112 according to an instruction from the processor 142. The image sensor 112 performs reset, exposure, and output of an electrical signal according to the imaging timing signal supplied from the image sensor driver 114.

[0055] When the lens unit 104 is attached to the imaging device main body 102, subject light incident on the imaging lens 164 is imaged on the light receiving surface 112A by the imaging lens 164. The image sensor 112 photoelectrically converts the subject light received by the light receiving surface 112A under the control of the image sensor driver 114, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of the subject light to the signal processing circuit 116 as analog image data indicating the subject light. The signal processing circuit 116 generates digital image data by digitizing the analog image data.

[0056] The image memory 128 stores the image data generated by the signal processing circuit 116. That is, the signal processing circuit 116 causes the image memory 128 to store the image data. The processor 142 acquires the image data from the image memory 128 and executes various processes using the acquired image data.

[0057] The UI device 130 includes a display 149, and the processor 142 causes the display 149 to display various information. As an example of the display 149, an EL display (for example, an organic EL display or an inorganic EL display) can be mentioned. The display 149 may be another type of display such as a liquid crystal display instead of the EL display.

[0058] Also, the UI device 130 includes a reception device 150. The reception device 150 includes a touch panel 152 and a hard key unit 154. The hard key unit 154 is a plurality of hard keys including an instruction key and a release button and the like. The processor 142 operates according to various instructions received by the touch panel 152. Here, the hard key unit 154 is included in the UI device 130, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the hard key unit 154 may be connected to the external I / F 136.

[0059] The touch panel 152 is a transmissive touch panel and is overlaid on the surface of the display area of the display 149. The touch panel 152 receives an instruction from the user by detecting contact with an indicator such as a finger or a stylus pen. In the first embodiment, as an example of the touch panel 152 and the display 149, an out-cell type touch panel display in which the touch panel 152 is overlaid on the surface of the display area of the display 149 is cited, but this is merely an example. For example, an on-cell type or in-cell type touch panel display can also be applied as the touch panel 152 and the display 149.

[0060] The mechanical shutter 106 is, as an example, a focal plane shutter and is disposed between the aperture 172 and the light receiving surface 112A. The mechanical shutter 106 includes a front curtain 106A and a rear curtain 106B. As an example, each of the front curtain 106A and the rear curtain 106B includes a plurality of vanes (not shown). The front curtain 106A is disposed closer to the subject side than the rear curtain 106B.

[0061] The shutter actuator 108 is an actuator having a link mechanism (not shown), a solenoid for the front curtain (not shown), and a solenoid for the rear curtain (not shown). The solenoid for the front curtain is a drive source for the front curtain 106A and is mechanically connected to the front curtain 106A via the link mechanism. The solenoid for the rear curtain is a drive source for the rear curtain 106B and is mechanically connected to the rear curtain 106B via the link mechanism. The shutter driver 110 controls the shutter actuator 108 according to an instruction from the processor 142.

[0062] The front curtain solenoid generates power under the control of the shutter driver 110, and selectively winds up and lowers the front curtain 106A by applying the generated power to the front curtain 106A. The rear curtain solenoid generates power under the control of the shutter driver 110, and selectively winds up and lowers the rear curtain 106B by applying the generated power to the rear curtain 106B. In the imaging device 100, the opening and closing of the front curtain 106A and the opening and closing of the rear curtain 106B are controlled by the processor 142, so that the exposure amount to the image sensor 112 is controlled.

[0063] The temperature sensor 122 has, for example, a linear resistor, a thermistor, a thermocouple, or an IC temperature sensor. The temperature sensor 122 detects the temperature inside the imaging device 100 and outputs a temperature detection signal corresponding to the temperature inside the imaging device 100.

[0064] The inertial sensor 124 has, for example, a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor. The gyro sensor included in the inertial sensor 124 detects the angular velocity around each of the pitch axis, yaw axis, and roll axis of the imaging device 100. The acceleration sensor included in the inertial sensor 124 detects the acceleration in the direction of each of the pitch axis, yaw axis, and roll axis of the imaging device 100. The inertial sensor 124 outputs an inertial detection signal corresponding to the angular velocity around each axis and the acceleration in the direction of each axis of the imaging device 100.

[0065] The shake correction mechanism 118 is provided integrally with the image sensor 112. When blurring occurs in the image obtained by imaging with the image sensor 112 due to the vibration of the imaging device 100, the shake correction mechanism 118 is a mechanism that moves the image sensor 112 in the direction of correcting the image blurring to correct the image blurring.

[0066] The shake correction mechanism 118 includes a position sensor 156 and a shake correction actuator 158. The position sensor 156 includes, for example, a Hall element and a sensor magnet, and detects the position of the image sensor 112 in the pitch axis direction, the yaw axis direction, and the position around the roll axis. The position sensor 156 outputs a position detection signal corresponding to the position of the image sensor 112 in the pitch axis direction, the yaw axis direction, and the roll axis direction.

[0067] The shake correction actuator 158 includes, for example, a voice coil motor, and is driven according to a drive signal output from the shake correction driver 120. The shake correction actuator 158 moves the image sensor 112 in the pitch axis direction and the yaw axis direction, and rotates the image sensor 112 around the roll axis. The shake correction driver 120 controls the shake correction actuator 158 according to an instruction from the processor 142.

[0068] Note that the imaging device 100 includes a BIS that moves the image sensor 112 in the direction in which shake is corrected as an anti-shake function for correcting shake. However, instead of the BIS method, it may include OIS or EIS, or may include an anti-shake function that combines two or more of OIS, BIS, and EIS. BIS refers to an anti-shake function in which the imaging lens 164 includes a shake correction lens and the shake correction lens is moved in the direction in which shake is corrected. EIS refers to an anti-shake function that corrects shake by performing image processing on an image obtained by imaging with the image sensor 112.

[0069] The positioning unit 132 is a device that detects the position of the imaging device 100. The positioning unit 132 has a receiver 160. The receiver 160 receives, for example, position information transmitted from GNSS (for example, GPS). The positioning unit 132 detects the position of the imaging device 100 based on the position information received by the receiver 160, and outputs positioning information corresponding to the position of the imaging device 100.

[0070] The battery unit 134 is a device that supplies power to the entire imaging device 100. The battery unit 134 has a battery 162. The battery 162 is charged by a charger (not shown). The battery unit 134 outputs battery information according to the remaining amount of the battery 162.

[0071] The external I / F 136 controls the exchange of various information with devices existing outside the imaging device 100 (hereinafter also referred to as "external devices"). As an example of the external I / F 136, a USB interface can be mentioned. External devices (not shown) such as smart devices, personal computers, servers, USB memories, memory cards, and / or printers are directly or indirectly connected to the USB interface.

[0072] The communication I / F 138 is communicably connected to the control device 10. The communication I / F 138 may be communicably connected to the control device 10 according to a predetermined wireless communication standard, or may be communicably connected to the control device 10 according to a predetermined wired communication standard. Examples of the predetermined wireless communication standard include, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. Note that other wireless communication standards (for example, Wi-Fi or 5G, etc.) may also be used. The communication I / F 138 controls the exchange of information with the control device 10. For example, the communication I / F 138 transmits information according to a request from the processor 142 to the control device 10. Also, the communication I / F 138 receives information transmitted from the control device 10 and outputs the received information to the processor 142 via the bus 148.

[0073] The lens unit 104 includes an imaging lens 164. As an example, the imaging lens 164 has an objective lens 166, a focus lens 168, a zoom lens 170, and a diaphragm 172. The objective lens 166, the focus lens 168, the zoom lens 170, and the diaphragm 172 are arranged in the order of the objective lens 166, the focus lens 168, the zoom lens 170, and the diaphragm 172 along the optical axis OA from the subject side to the imaging device main body 102 side.

[0074] In addition, the lens unit 104 includes a controller 174, a focus actuator 176, a zoom actuator 178, and a diaphragm actuator 180. The controller 174 controls the entire lens unit 104 in accordance with instructions from the imaging device main body 102. The controller 174 is a device having a computer including, for example, a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. Here, a computer is exemplified as the controller 174, but this is merely an example, and a device including an ASIC, an FPGA, and / or a PLD may be applied. Further, as the controller 174, for example, a device realized by a combination of a hardware configuration and a software configuration may be used.

[0075] The focus actuator 176 includes a focus slide mechanism (not shown) and a focus motor (not shown). The focus slide mechanism has a focus lens 168 slidably attached along the optical axis OA. Further, a focus motor is connected to the focus slide mechanism, and the focus slide mechanism moves the focus lens 168 along the optical axis OA by operating upon receiving the power of the focus motor.

[0076] The zoom actuator 178 includes a zoom slide mechanism (not shown) and a zoom motor (not shown). The zoom slide mechanism has a zoom lens 170 slidably attached along the optical axis OA. Further, a zoom motor is connected to the zoom slide mechanism, and the zoom slide mechanism moves the zoom lens 170 along the optical axis OA by operating upon receiving the power of the zoom motor.

[0077] The aperture actuator 180 includes a power transmission mechanism (not shown) and an aperture motor (not shown). The aperture 172 has an opening 172A, and is configured such that the size of the opening 172A is variable. The opening 172A is formed by a plurality of vanes 172B. The plurality of vanes 172B are connected to the power transmission mechanism. Also, an aperture motor is connected to the power transmission mechanism, and the power transmission mechanism transmits the power of the aperture motor to the plurality of vanes 172B. The plurality of vanes 172B operate by receiving the power transmitted from the power transmission mechanism, thereby changing the size of the opening 172A. The aperture 172 adjusts the exposure by changing the size of the opening 172A.

[0078] The focus motor, the zoom motor, and the aperture motor (all not shown) are connected to the controller 174, and the controller 174 controls the driving of the focus motor, the zoom motor, and the aperture motor. In the first embodiment, a stepping motor is adopted as an example of the focus motor, the zoom motor, and the aperture motor. Therefore, the focus motor, the zoom motor, and the aperture motor operate in synchronization with the pulse signal according to the command from the controller 174.

[0079] Here, an example is shown in which the focus motor, the zoom motor, and the aperture motor are provided in the lens unit 104, but this is merely an example, and at least one of the focus motor, the zoom motor, and the aperture motor may be provided in the imaging device main body 102. Also, the configuration and / or operation method of the lens unit 104 can be changed as necessary.

[0080] As an example, as shown in FIG. 4, a program 30 is stored in the storage 24 of the control device 10. The program 30 is an example of the "program" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The processor 22 reads the program 30 from the storage 24 and executes the read program 30 in the RAM 26. By executing the program 30, the processor 22 operates as an operation mode setting processing unit 40, an imaging control processing unit 42, and an imaging condition setting processing unit 44.

[0081] The control device 10 has an imaging control processing mode and an imaging condition setting processing mode as operation modes. The operation mode setting processing unit 40 selectively sets the imaging control processing mode and the imaging condition setting processing mode as the operation modes of the control device 10. When the operation mode of the control device 10 is set to the imaging control processing mode by the operation mode setting processing unit 40, the processor 22 operates as the imaging control processing unit 42. When the operation mode of the control device 10 is set to the imaging condition setting processing mode by the operation mode setting processing unit 40, the processor 22 operates as the imaging condition setting processing unit 44.

[0082] As an example, as shown in FIG. 5, the operation mode setting processing unit 40 performs an operation mode setting process for selectively setting the imaging control processing mode and the imaging condition setting processing mode as the operation modes of the control device 10. The operation mode setting processing unit 40 includes an imaging control processing mode setting unit 50, a mode switching determination unit 52, an imaging condition setting processing mode setting unit 54, an imaging condition setting processing end determination unit 56, and an end determination unit 58.

[0083] As an example, as shown in FIG. 6, the imaging control processing unit 42 performs an imaging control process for controlling the imaging operations of a plurality of imaging devices 100. The imaging control process is a process performed by the imaging control processing unit 42 when the operation mode of the control device 10 is set to the imaging control processing mode. The imaging control processing unit 42 includes an image data acquisition unit 60, an image display control unit 62, an image recording instruction determination unit 64, a first mode switching control unit 66, and an end determination unit 68.

[0084] As an example, as shown in FIG. 7, the imaging condition setting processing unit 44 performs imaging condition setting processing for setting the imaging conditions of each of the plurality of sub-imaging devices 100B. The imaging condition setting processing is processing performed by the imaging condition setting processing unit 44 when the operation mode of the control device 10 is set to the imaging condition setting processing mode. The imaging condition setting processing unit 44 includes a preset information acquisition unit 70, a variable setting unit 72, a variable determination unit 74, a second mode switching control unit 76, an imaging situation information acquisition unit 78, a reflection setting item selection unit 80, a variable addition unit 82, a third mode switching control unit 84, an imaging condition acquisition unit 86, a fourth mode switching control unit 88, an imaging condition transmission control unit 90, and an end determination unit 92.

[0085] As an example, as shown in FIG. 8, a program 190 is stored in the storage 144 of the imaging device 100. The processor 142 reads the program 190 from the storage 144 and executes the read program 190 in the RAM 146. By executing the program 190, the processor 142 operates as an operation mode setting processing unit 200, an image display processing unit 202, an image recording processing unit 204, an imaging situation providing processing unit 206, an imaging condition providing processing unit 208, and an imaging condition setting processing unit 210.

[0086] The imaging device 100 has, as operation modes, an image display processing mode, an image recording processing mode, an imaging situation providing processing mode, an imaging condition providing processing mode, and an imaging condition setting processing mode. The operation mode setting processing unit 200 selectively sets, as the operation mode of the imaging device 100, an image display processing mode, an image recording processing mode, an imaging situation providing processing mode, an imaging condition providing processing mode, and an imaging condition setting processing mode.

[0087] When the operation mode of the imaging device 100 is set to the image display processing mode by the operation mode setting processing unit 200, the processor 142 operates as the image display processing unit 202. When the operation mode of the imaging device 100 is set to the image recording processing mode by the operation mode setting processing unit 200, the processor 142 operates as the image recording processing unit 204. When the operation mode of the imaging device 100 is set to the imaging situation providing processing mode by the operation mode setting processing unit 200, the processor 142 operates as the imaging situation providing processing unit 206. When the operation mode of the imaging device 100 is set to the imaging condition providing processing mode by the operation mode setting processing unit 200, the processor 142 operates as the imaging condition providing processing unit 208. When the operation mode of the imaging device 100 is set to the imaging condition setting processing mode by the operation mode setting processing unit 200, the processor 142 operates as the imaging condition setting processing unit 210.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 9 as an example, the operation mode setting processing unit 200 performs operation mode setting processing for selectively setting, as the operation mode of the imaging device 100, an image display processing mode, an image recording processing mode, an imaging situation providing processing mode, an imaging condition providing processing mode, and an imaging condition setting processing mode. The operation mode setting processing unit 200 includes an image display processing mode setting unit 220, a first mode switching determination unit 222, an image recording processing mode setting unit 224, a second mode switching determination unit 226, an imaging situation providing processing mode setting unit 228, a third mode switching determination unit 230, an imaging condition providing processing mode setting unit 232, a fourth mode switching determination unit 234, an imaging condition setting processing mode setting unit 236, a mode determination unit 238, a mode end determination unit 240, and an end determination unit 242.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 10 as an example, the image display processing unit 202 performs image display processing. The image display processing is processing performed by the image display processing unit 202 when the operation mode of the imaging device 100 is set to the image display processing mode. The image display processing unit 202 includes an imaging control unit 250, an image display control unit 252, an image data transmission control unit 254, and an end determination unit 256.

[0090] As an example, as shown in FIG. 11, the image recording processing unit 204 performs image recording processing. The image recording processing is processing performed by the image recording processing unit 204 when the operation mode of the imaging device 100 is set to the image recording processing mode. The image recording processing unit 204 includes an imaging control unit 260, an image display control unit 262, an image recording control unit 264, an image data transmission control unit 266, and an end determination unit 268.

[0091] As an example, as shown in FIG. 12, the imaging situation providing processing unit 206 performs imaging situation providing processing. The imaging situation providing processing is processing performed by the imaging situation providing processing unit 206 when the operation mode of the imaging device 100 is set to the imaging situation providing processing mode. The imaging situation providing processing unit 206 includes an imaging situation information acquisition unit 270 and an imaging situation information transmission control unit 272.

[0092] As an example, as shown in FIG. 13, the imaging condition providing processing unit 208 performs imaging condition providing processing. The imaging condition providing processing is processing performed by the imaging condition providing processing unit 208 when the operation mode of the imaging device 100 is set to the imaging condition providing processing mode. The imaging condition providing processing unit 208 includes an imaging condition acquisition unit 280 and an imaging condition transmission control unit 282.

[0093] As an example, as shown in FIG. 14, the imaging condition setting processing unit 210 performs imaging condition setting processing. The imaging condition setting processing is processing performed by the imaging condition setting processing unit 210 when the operation mode of the imaging device 100 is set to the imaging condition setting processing mode. The imaging condition setting processing unit 210 includes an imaging condition acquisition unit 290 and an imaging condition setting control unit 292.

[0094] FIG. 15 shows an example of the processing content of the operation mode setting processing unit 40. In the operation mode setting processing unit 40 of the control device 10, the imaging control processing mode setting unit 50 sets the imaging control processing mode as the initial setting of the operation mode of the control device 10. The mode switching determination unit 52 determines whether or not a mode switching condition for switching the operation mode of the control device 10 from the imaging control processing mode to the imaging condition setting processing mode is satisfied.

[0095] As an example of the mode switching condition, for example, a condition that an instruction to switch the operation mode of the control device 10 from the imaging control processing mode to the imaging condition setting processing mode (hereinafter referred to as "mode switching instruction") is received by the receiving device 14, a condition that the imaging condition of the main imaging device 100A is changed, a condition that the imaging situation of the main imaging device 100A is changed, or a condition that the imaging situation of any sub-imaging device 100B is changed, etc. may be mentioned.

[0096] Note that when at least two or more of the above plurality of conditions exemplified as the mode switching condition are satisfied, the mode switching determination unit 52 may determine that the mode switching condition is satisfied. Further, as an example of the mode switching condition, a condition that a predetermined time (for example, several tens of minutes) has elapsed since the start of the execution of the imaging control process may be used. For example, as the predetermined time, a time corresponding to the timing at which it is required to reflect the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A in the imaging conditions of each sub-imaging device 100B may be mentioned.

[0097] When an instruction to switch the operation mode of the control device 10 from the imaging control processing mode to the imaging condition setting processing mode is received by the receiving device 14 as a mode switching instruction, a mode switching instruction signal indicating the mode switching instruction is output from the receiving device 14 to the processor 22. When the imaging condition of the main imaging device 100A is changed, an imaging condition change notification signal notifying the control device 10 that the imaging condition of the main imaging device 100A has been changed is transmitted from the main imaging device 100A to the control device 10. When the imaging situation of the main imaging device 100A is changed, an imaging situation change notification signal notifying the control device 10 that the imaging situation of the main imaging device 100A has been changed is transmitted from the main imaging device 100A to the control device 10. When the imaging situation of the sub-imaging device 100B is changed, an imaging situation change notification signal notifying the control device 10 that the imaging situation of the sub-imaging device 100B has been changed is transmitted from the sub-imaging device 100B to the control device 10.

[0098] When the mode switching instruction signal is input to the processor 22, the mode switching determination unit 52 determines that the mode switching condition is satisfied. Further, when either the imaging condition change notification signal or the imaging status change notification signal from the main imaging device 100A is received by the control device 10, the mode switching determination unit 52 determines that the mode switching condition is satisfied. Further, when the imaging status change notification signal from the sub imaging device 100B is received by the control device 10, the mode switching determination unit 52 determines that the mode switching condition is satisfied. Note that the mode switching condition may be satisfied when both the imaging conditions and the imaging status of the main imaging device 100A are changed.

[0099] When it is determined by the mode switching determination unit 52 that the mode switching condition is satisfied, the imaging condition setting process mode setting unit 54 sets the imaging condition setting process mode as the operation mode of the control device 10. The imaging condition setting process end determination unit 56 determines whether or not the imaging condition setting process has ended. When it is determined by the imaging condition setting process end determination unit 56 that the imaging condition setting process has ended, the end determination unit 58 determines whether or not the condition for ending the operation mode setting process is satisfied. As an example of the condition for ending the operation mode setting process, there is a condition that an instruction to end the operation mode setting process (for example, an instruction to stop the power of the control device 10) is received by the reception device 14.

[0100] FIG. 16 shows an example of the processing contents of the imaging control processing unit 42, the operation mode setting processing unit 200, and the image display processing unit 202. In the operation mode setting processing unit 200 of the imaging device 100, the image display processing mode setting unit 220 sets the image display processing mode as the operation mode of the imaging device 100. In the image display processing unit 202 of the imaging device 100, the imaging control unit 250 causes the image sensor 112 to image a subject. The image display control unit 252 displays an image on the display 149 based on the image data obtained by imaging the subject by the image sensor 112. The image displayed on the display 149 in this case is a live view image. The image data transmission control unit 254 transmits the image data to the control device 10.

[0101] In the imaging control processing unit 42 of the control device 10, the image data acquisition unit 60 acquires the image data received by the control device 10. The image display control unit 62 causes the display 16 to display an image based on the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 60. In this case, the image displayed on the display 16 is a live view image.

[0102] In the image display processing unit 202 of the imaging device 100, the end determination unit 256 determines whether or not the condition for ending the image display processing is satisfied. As an example of the condition for ending the image display processing, there is a condition such as that the first mode switching instruction signal, the second mode switching instruction signal, the third mode switching instruction signal, or the fourth mode switching instruction signal described later is received by the imaging device 100.

[0103] FIG. 17 shows an example of the processing contents of the imaging control processing unit 42, the operation mode setting processing unit 200, and the image recording processing unit 204. In the imaging control processing unit 42 of the control device 10, the image recording instruction determination unit 64 determines whether or not an image recording instruction, which is an instruction to cause any one of the plurality of imaging devices 100 to record an image, is received by the reception device 14. When the image recording instruction is received by the reception device 14, an image recording instruction signal indicating the image recording instruction is output from the reception device 14 to the processor 22.

[0104] When the image recording instruction determination unit 64 receives the image recording instruction signal from the reception device 14 to the processor 22, it determines that the image recording instruction has been received by the reception device 14. When the image recording instruction determination unit 64 determines that the image recording instruction has been received by the reception device 14, the first mode switching control unit 66 transmits a first mode switching instruction signal indicating an instruction to switch the operation mode of the imaging device 100 indicated by the image recording instruction signal to the image recording processing mode to the imaging device 100 indicated by the image recording instruction signal.

[0105] In the operation mode setting processing unit 200 of the imaging device 100 instructed by the image recording instruction signal, the first mode switching determination unit 222 determines whether a first mode switching instruction signal indicating an instruction to switch the operation mode of the imaging device 100 to the image recording processing mode has been received by the imaging device 100. When the first mode switching determination unit 222 determines that a mode switching instruction signal indicating an instruction to switch the operation mode of the imaging device 100 to the image recording processing mode has been received by the imaging device 100, the image recording processing mode setting unit 224 sets the image recording processing mode as the operation mode of the imaging device 100.

[0106] In the image recording processing unit 204 of the imaging device 100 instructed by the image recording instruction signal, the imaging control unit 260 causes the image sensor 112 to image a subject. The image display control unit 262 causes an image to be displayed on the display 149 based on the image data obtained by imaging the subject by the image sensor 112. The image displayed on the display 149 in this case is a recording image. The image recording control unit 264 causes the image data to be recorded in the image memory 128. The image data transmission control unit 266 transmits the image data to the control device 10.

[0107] In the imaging control processing unit 42 of the control device 10, the image data acquisition unit 60 acquires the image data received by the control device 10. The image display control unit 62 causes an image to be displayed on the display 16 based on the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 60. The image displayed on the display 16 in this case is a recording image. The end determination unit 68 determines whether the condition for ending the imaging control processing has been satisfied. As an example of the condition for ending the imaging control processing, there is a condition such that the mode switching condition for switching the operation mode of the control device 10 from the imaging control processing mode to the imaging condition setting processing mode has been satisfied. The mode switching condition in this case is as described for the above-mentioned mode switching determination unit 52 (see FIG. 15).

[0108] In the image recording processing unit 204 of the imaging device 100 instructed by the image recording instruction signal, the end determination unit 268 determines whether or not the condition for ending the image recording process is satisfied. As an example of the condition for ending the image recording process, there is a condition such as that the second mode switching instruction, the third mode switching instruction, or the fourth mode switching instruction signal described later is received by the imaging device 100. Note that, as an example of the condition for ending the image recording process, it may also be a condition such as that a mode switching instruction, which is an instruction to switch the operation mode of the imaging device 100 from the image recording processing mode to the image display processing mode, is received by the reception device 150 (see FIG. 3) of the imaging device 100.

[0109] FIG. 18 shows an example of the preset information acquired by the preset information acquisition unit 70. As shown in FIG. 18 as an example, in the imaging condition setting processing unit 44 of the control device 10, the preset information acquisition unit 70 acquires the preset information set in the control device 10. The preset information includes imaging scene information and reflection setting item information. The imaging scene information is information regarding the imaging scene imaged by the main imaging device 100A and / or the sub-imaging device 100B (see FIG. 1).

[0110] Examples of the imaging scene include "Wedding" and "Sport". The imaging scene may be selected, for example, according to an instruction received by the reception device 14 (see FIG. 2) of the control device 10, or may be selected by the control device 10 based on information obtained from the subject (for example, information based on the result of analyzing an image obtained by imaging the subject).

[0111] The reflection setting item information is information indicating the reflection setting items, and is assigned for each imaging scene. The reflection setting items are setting items among the plurality of setting items included in the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A that reflect the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A in the imaging conditions of the sub-imaging device 100B. Here, the setting item refers to an item that specifies the type of information that can be set for the imaging device 100. Examples of information that can be set for the imaging device 100 include various setting values for controlling the imaging device 100 (for example, some information included in the imaging conditions and / or the imaging conditions themselves, etc.). Information included in the imaging conditions is set for the setting items. In the present embodiment, setting information for a setting item refers to, for example, a process of instructing the imaging device 100 to perform control based on the information attached to the setting item by attaching information to the setting item. Therefore, when information is set for a setting item, the imaging device 100 is controlled according to the information (for example, so-called setting value) set for the setting item.

[0112] The plurality of setting items included in the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A are, as an example, setting items related to the "imaging mode", setting items related to the "image quality setting", setting items related to the "focus setting", setting items related to the "exposure setting", setting items related to the "audio setting", setting items related to the "recording setting", and setting items related to the "anti-shake setting". In the example shown in FIG. 18, for "Wedding" as an imaging scene, as an example of the reflection setting items, setting items related to the "imaging mode", setting items related to the "image quality setting", setting items related to the "focus setting", setting items related to the "exposure setting", setting items related to the "audio setting", setting items related to the "recording setting", and setting items related to the "anti-shake setting" are assigned. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 18, for "Sport" as an imaging scene, as an example of the reflection setting items, setting items related to the "imaging mode", setting items related to the "image quality setting", setting items related to the "audio setting", and setting items related to the "recording setting" are shown.

[0113] Information included in the imaging conditions is set in the setting items. Hereinafter, each setting item and an example of the information set in each setting item will be described.

[0114] The setting item related to the "imaging mode" is a setting item related to the imaging mode of the imaging device 100. For example, as the information set for the "imaging mode", information related to the "program auto mode" (for example, information used for setting the program auto mode for the imaging device 100), information related to the "shutter priority auto mode", information related to the "aperture priority auto mode", and information related to the "manual exposure mode" are selectively used.

[0115] An example of the information related to the "program auto mode" includes information used for setting the program auto mode for the imaging device 100. The information used for setting the program auto mode for the imaging device 100 refers to, for example, information used when the imaging device 100 determines the aperture value and the shutter speed.

[0116] An example of the information related to the "shutter priority auto mode" includes information used for setting the shutter priority auto mode for the imaging device 100. The information used for setting the shutter priority auto mode for the imaging device 100 refers to, for example, information used when the imaging device 100 determines the aperture value for the shutter speed selected by the user.

[0117] An example of the information related to the "aperture priority auto mode" includes information used for setting the aperture priority auto mode for the imaging device 100. The information used for setting the aperture priority auto mode for the imaging device 100 refers to, for example, information used when the imaging device 100 determines the shutter speed for the aperture value selected by the user via the reception device 14.

[0118] As an example of information regarding the "Manual Exposure Mode", there is information used for setting the manual exposure mode for the imaging device 100. The information used for setting the manual exposure mode for the imaging device 100 refers to, for example, information used when the user determines the aperture value and the shutter speed.

[0119] "Image Quality Setting" is a setting item regarding the image quality of an image obtained by imaging a subject with the imaging device 100. For example, in the "Image Quality Setting", as information, "White Balance On" and "White Balance Off" are selectively set. "White Balance On" is information used when correcting the color tone of an image. "White Balance Off" is information used when not correcting the color tone of an image.

[0120] "Focus Setting" is a setting item regarding the focus function of the imaging device 100. For example, in the "Focus Setting", as information, "Auto Focus On" and "Auto Focus Off" are selectively set. "Auto Focus On" is information used when performing auto focus. "Auto Focus Off" is information used when not performing auto focus. For example, in the "Focus Setting", as information, "Auto Focus Speed" may be set. "Auto Focus Speed" is information regarding the speed at which the focus lens 168 (see FIG. 3) is moved when performing auto focus.

[0121] "Exposure Setting" is a setting item regarding the exposure function of the imaging device 100. For example, in the "Exposure Setting", as information, "Auto Exposure On" and "Auto Exposure Off" are selectively set. "Auto Exposure On" is information used when performing auto exposure. "Auto Exposure Off" is information used when not performing auto exposure. For example, in the "Exposure Setting", as information, "Auto Exposure Correction" may be set. "Auto Exposure Correction" is information regarding exposure correction when performing auto exposure.

[0122] "Audio settings" are settings related to the audio function of the imaging device 100. For example, in "Audio settings", "Audio on" and "Audio off" are selectively set as information. "Audio on" is information used when activating the audio function. "Audio off" is information used when stopping the audio function. For example, "Audio selection" may be set as information in "Audio settings". "Audio selection" is information related to the audio function selected from among multiple types of audio functions when activating the audio function.

[0123] "Recording settings" are settings related to the image recording function of the imaging device 100. For example, in "Recording settings", "Recording on" and "Recording off" are selectively set as information. "Recording on" is information used when image data is to be recorded in the image memory 128 (see Fig. 3) by selecting the image recording mode as the operation mode of the imaging device 100. "Recording off" is information used when image data is not to be recorded in the image memory 128 by selecting the image display mode as the operation mode of the imaging device 100. For example, "Image size" may be set as information in "Recording settings". "Image size" is information related to the size of the image to be recorded in the image memory 128 when the image recording mode is selected as the operation mode of the imaging device 100.

[0124] "Anti-shake settings" are settings related to the anti-shake function of the imaging device 100. For example, in "Anti-shake settings", "Anti-shake on" and "Anti-shake off" are selectively set as information. "Anti-shake on" is information used when activating the anti-shake function. "Anti-shake off" is information used when stopping the anti-shake function. For example, "Anti-shake mode" may be set as information in "Anti-shake settings". "Anti-shake mode" is information related to the anti-shake mode selected from among multiple anti-shake modes when activating the anti-shake function.

[0125] In the example shown in FIG. 18, “Wedding” and “Sport” are given as examples of imaging scenes, but the imaging scene may be other than “Wedding” and “Sport”. Also, for imaging scenes other than “Wedding” and “Sport”, setting items related to the “imaging mode”, setting items related to the “image quality setting”, setting items related to the “focus setting”, setting items related to the “exposure setting”, setting items related to the “audio setting”, setting items related to the “recording setting”, and setting items related to the “image stabilization setting” may be selectively set as reflected setting items.

[0126] Also, the plurality of setting items in which the information included in the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A is set is not limited to the above example, and may be at least any one of the setting items related to the “imaging mode”, the setting items related to the “image quality setting”, the setting items related to the “focus setting”, the setting items related to the “exposure setting”, the setting items related to the “audio setting”, the setting items related to the “recording setting”, and the setting items related to the “image stabilization setting”. Also, the plurality of setting items in which the information included in the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A is set may include setting items other than the setting items related to the “imaging mode”, the setting items related to the “image quality setting”, the setting items related to the “focus setting”, the setting items related to the “exposure setting”, the setting items related to the “audio setting”, the setting items related to the “recording setting”, and the setting items related to the “image stabilization setting”.

[0127] When the preset information is acquired by the preset information acquisition unit 70, the setting items applied as imaging conditions to the sub-imaging device 100B are selected from the plurality of setting items included in the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A according to the imaging scene information. The imaging scene information is an example of the “first imaging scene information” according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0128] FIG. 19 shows an example of the processing contents of the imaging condition setting processing unit 44, the operation mode setting processing unit 200, and the imaging situation providing processing unit 206. In the imaging condition setting processing unit 44 of the control device 10, the variable setting unit 72 sets n (hereinafter referred to as "variable n"), which represents the variables set for a plurality of sub-imaging devices 100B, to 1. The variable determination unit 74 determines whether the variable n is less than or equal to N (hereinafter referred to as "number of units N"), which represents the number of a plurality of sub-imaging devices 100B.

[0129] When the variable determination unit 74 determines that the variable n is less than or equal to the number of units N, the second mode switching control unit 76 transmits a second mode switching instruction signal indicating an instruction to switch the operation mode of the sub-imaging device 100B (hereinafter referred to as "sub-imaging device 100B with number n") to which the number corresponding to the variable n is assigned to the imaging situation providing processing mode to the sub-imaging device 100B with number n.

[0130] In the operation mode setting processing unit 200 of the sub-imaging device 100B with number n, the second mode switching determination unit 226 determines whether a second mode switching instruction signal indicating an instruction to switch the operation mode of the imaging device 100 to the imaging situation providing processing mode has been received by the imaging device 100. When the second mode switching determination unit 226 determines that the second mode switching instruction signal has been received by the imaging device 100, the imaging situation providing processing mode setting unit 228 sets the imaging situation providing processing mode as the operation mode of the imaging device 100.

[0131] In the imaging situation providing processing unit 206 of the sub-imaging device 100B with number n, the imaging situation information acquisition unit 270 acquires imaging situation information regarding the imaging situation of the sub-imaging device 100B. As an example, the imaging situation information includes at least any one of vibration information, external device connection information, image recording operation information, position information, subject information, light source information, network connection information, model information, lens information, battery information, and temperature information.

[0132] The vibration information is information regarding the influence of vibration on the sub-imaging device 100B. For example, as the vibration information, information based on an inertial detection signal output from an inertial sensor 124 (see FIG. 3) according to the vibration acting on the sub-imaging device 100B and the like can be mentioned. Further, the vibration information may be information received by a reception device 150 (see FIG. 3). For example, the vibration information given to the reception device 150 by the user may be information regarding whether the sub-imaging device 100B is supported by a tripod or not, or may be information regarding whether the sub-imaging device 100B is supported by the user's hand or not. The vibration information is an example of the "first vibration information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0133] The external device connection information is information regarding the connection status of an external device to the sub-imaging device 100B. For example, as the external device connection information, information regarding whether an external device is connected to an external I / F 136 (see FIG. 3), information regarding the type of the external device connected to the external I / F 136, and information regarding the individual of the external device connected to the external I / F 136 and the like can be mentioned.

[0134] The external device connection information may be at least any one of information output from an external device, information output from the external I / F 136, and information received by the reception device 150. For example, as the external device connected to the external I / F 136, a USB memory, an HDMI cable, an audio device, and the like can be mentioned. Further, the external device connection information may be information regarding the connection status of an external device to a connection portion other than the external I / F 136 in the sub-imaging device 100B. For example, as the connection portion other than the external I / F 136, a hot shoe or the like can be mentioned. For example, as the external device connected to the hot shoe, a flash, a viewfinder, and the like can be mentioned. The external device connection information is an example of the "first external device connection information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0135] The image recording operation information is information regarding the image recording operation of the sub-imaging device 100B. For example, as the image recording operation information, there may be mentioned information regarding whether the operation mode of the sub-imaging device 100B is the image recording operation processing mode, information regarding the size of the image recorded in the image memory 128, and the like. The image recording operation information is an example of the "first image recording operation information" according to the technology of the present disclosure. Also, the image recording operation information may be information received by the receiving device 150.

[0136] The position information is information regarding the position of the sub-imaging device 100B. For example, as the position information, there may be mentioned information based on the positioning information output from the positioning unit 132 (see FIG. 3) according to the position of the sub-imaging device 100B, and the like. Also, the position information may be information received by the receiving device 150. For example, as the position information received by the receiving device 150, there may be mentioned information regarding the region, country, location, or building where the sub-imaging device 100B is located.

[0137] Also, for example, the sub-imaging device 100B and / or the main imaging device 100A may be provided with a distance sensor (not shown), and the position information may be acquired based on the distance information output from the distance sensor. Also, the position information may be information based on measurement information obtained by being measured by a measurement function provided in a device (not shown) other than the plurality of imaging devices 100. Furthermore, the position information may be information regarding the distance or relative position of the sub-imaging device 100B with respect to the main imaging device 100A, or may be information regarding the altitude of the sub-imaging device 100B. The position information is an example of the "first position information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0138] The subject information is information regarding the subject corresponding to the sub-imaging device 100B. The subject corresponding to the sub-imaging device 100B is the subject located within the angle of view of the sub-imaging device 100B (that is, the subject imaged by the sub-imaging device 100B). For example, as the subject information, there may be mentioned information based on the image data obtained by imaging the subject by the image sensor 112 (see FIG. 3) of the sub-imaging device 100B, and the like.

[0139] The subject information may be information regarding the detection result of the subject, information regarding the blur of the subject, information regarding the type of the subject, or information regarding the imaging scene as the subject, etc. The subject may be a living thing such as a person, a dog, a cat, or a bird, or may be a face, a pupil, or a silhouette of a living thing, etc. Further, the subject may be a vehicle such as a train, an automobile, a motorcycle, or an airplane, or may be a driver's seat or a silhouette of a vehicle, etc. The imaging scene may be a blue sky, a sunset, a night view, a starry sky, a live scene, or a backlight scene, etc. Further, the subject information may be information received by the reception device 150. The subject information is an example of the "first subject information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0140] The light source information is information regarding the light source corresponding to the sub-imaging device 100B. The light source corresponding to the sub-imaging device 100B is the light source that generates the light incident on the lens unit 104 (see FIG. 3) of the sub-imaging device 100B. For example, as the light source information, there may be mentioned information calculated based on the image data obtained by imaging the subject by the image sensor 112 of the sub-imaging device 100B, and information detected based on the image data obtained by imaging the subject by the image sensor 112 of the sub-imaging device 100B, etc. For example, the light source information calculated based on the image data may be information regarding the calculation result of the auto white balance, etc.

[0141] Further, for example, a flicker detection function which is a function of detecting the flicker of illumination may be provided in the sub-imaging device 100B, and the result detected by the flicker detection function may be used as the light source information. Further, the light source information may be information received by the reception device 150. The light source information is an example of the "first light source information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0142] The network connection information is information regarding the connection status of the network to the sub-imaging device 100B. The network refers to a communication network connected to the sub-imaging device 100B via the communication I / F 138 (see FIG. 3). The network may be a wired network or a wireless network. The network may also be the network 1 (see FIG. 1) that connects the main imaging device 100A and the sub-imaging device 100B.

[0143] For example, the network connection information includes information on whether the sub-imaging device 100B is connected to the network, information on whether there is a communication failure in the network, information on the type of the network, and information on the communication speed of the network, etc.

[0144] Also, when the network is a wireless network, the network connection information may be information regarding the uplink radio wave intensity and / or the downlink radio wave intensity. Furthermore, the network connection information may be at least any one of the information obtained from the network, the information output from the communication I / F 138, and the information received by the receiving device 150. The network connection information is an example of the "first network connection information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0145] The model information is information regarding the model of the sub-imaging device 100B. For example, the model information includes information on the model of the sub-imaging device 100B and information on the version of the software installed in the sub-imaging device 100B, etc. The model information may be the information stored in the storage 144 (see FIG. 3) or the information received by the receiving device 150. The model information is an example of the "first model information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0146] The lens information is information regarding the lens unit 104 (see FIG. 3) mounted on the sub-imaging device 100B. For example, the lens information includes information regarding the model of the lens unit 104, information regarding the type of the lens unit 104, information regarding whether the focus lens 168 included in the lens unit 104 is a single-focus lens, information regarding the zoom lens 170 included in the lens unit 104, information regarding the manufacturer of the lens unit 104, and information regarding whether the lens unit 104 is a fixed lens (i.e., a non-electronic contact lens), and the like.

[0147] The lens information may be information stored in the storage 144 or information received by the reception device 150. The lens unit 104 is an example of the "lens" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The lens information is an example of the "first lens information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0148] The battery information is information regarding the battery 162 (see FIG. 3) equipped in the sub-imaging device 100B. For example, the battery information includes information regarding the remaining amount of the battery 162 and information regarding whether the sub-imaging device 100B is powered by a power source other than the battery 162, and the like. The battery information may be information output from the battery unit 134 (see FIG. 3) or information given to the reception device 150 by the user. The battery information is an example of the "first battery information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0149] The temperature information is information regarding the temperature of the sub-imaging device 100B. For example, the temperature information includes information based on a temperature detection signal output from the temperature sensor 122 (see FIG. 3) according to the temperature inside the imaging device 100 and information regarding the usage rate of the CPU, and the like. The temperature information may be information given to the reception device 150 by the user. Also, the temperature information may be information regarding the temperature outside the sub-imaging device 100B. The temperature information is an example of the "first temperature information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0150] The above-exemplified imaging situation information may include information regarding the imaging situation of the sub-imaging device 100B other than vibration information, external device connection information, image recording operation information, position information, subject information, light source information, network connection information, model information, lens information, battery information, and temperature information. Further, the imaging situation information may include information regarding the imaging situation of the main imaging device 100A. The types of the imaging situation of the main imaging device 100A may be the same as those of the sub-imaging device 100B described above. Also, the imaging situation information may not include some of vibration information, external device connection information, image recording operation information, position information, subject information, light source information, network connection information, model information, lens information, battery information, and temperature information.

[0151] The imaging situation information transmission control unit 272 transmits the imaging situation information regarding the sub-imaging device 100B with the number n to the control device 10.

[0152] In the imaging condition setting processing unit 44 of the control device 10, the imaging situation information acquisition unit 78 acquires the imaging situation information regarding the sub-imaging device 100B with the number n received by the control device 10. The imaging situation information is an example of the "first imaging situation information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0153] The reflection setting item selection unit 80 selects the reflection setting item to be applied to the sub-imaging device 100B with the number n as the imaging condition from among a plurality of setting items included in the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A according to the preset information and / or the imaging situation information.

[0154] For example, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 may directly select the reflection setting item included in the reflection setting item information of the preset information. Also, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 may further select the reflection setting item according to the imaging situation information from among the reflection setting items included in the reflection setting item information of the preset information. Also, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 may select, according to the imaging situation information, the reflection setting item to be added to the reflection setting items included in the reflection setting item information of the preset information from among a plurality of setting items.

[0155] Also, for example, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 may determine whether each reflection setting item can be selected according to the imaging situation information as follows.

[0156] For example, it is desirable that the information set for the setting item related to the "image stabilization setting" is set according to the support situation, which is the situation in which the imaging device 100 is supported. Therefore, for example, when information indicating that the sub-imaging device 100B of number n is supported by a tripod is obtained as vibration information related to the sub-imaging device 100B, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 may select the setting item related to the "image stabilization setting" as the reflection setting item. Thereby, for example, when the sub-imaging device 100B is supported by a tripod, the information set for the setting item related to the "image stabilization setting" can be reflected from the main imaging device 100A to the sub-imaging device 100B. As a result, compared with the case where information is always set for the setting item related to the "image stabilization setting" regardless of whether the sub-imaging device 100B is supported by a tripod or not, information suitable for the support situation of the imaging device 100 can be set for the setting item related to the "image stabilization setting" of the sub-imaging device 100B.

[0157] Also, for example, when information indicating that the sub-imaging device 100B of number n is supported by the user's hand is obtained as vibration information related to the sub-imaging device 100B, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 may not select the setting item related to the "image stabilization setting" as the reflection setting item. Thereby, for example, when the sub-imaging device 100B is supported by the user's hand, it is possible to avoid the information set for the setting item related to the "image stabilization setting" from being reflected from the main imaging device 100A to the sub-imaging device 100B. As a result, compared with the case where the setting item related to the "image stabilization setting" is always selected as the reflection setting item, it is possible to avoid the information set for the setting item related to the "image stabilization setting" of the sub-imaging device 100B from being set to information that is not suitable for the support situation of the imaging device 100.

[0158] For example, when the external device is a microphone device, the microphone device needs to be tuned individually. Therefore, it is desirable that the information set for the setting items related to "audio settings" be set for each microphone device. Thus, for example, when information indicating that a microphone device as an external device is connected to the sub imaging device 100B is obtained as the external device connection information regarding the sub imaging device 100B with number n, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 may not select the setting items related to "audio settings" as the reflection setting items. Thereby, for example, when a microphone device as an external device is connected to the sub imaging device 100B, it is possible to avoid the information set for the setting items related to "audio settings" being reflected from the main imaging device 100A to the sub imaging device 100B. As a result, regardless of whether a microphone device as an external device is connected to the sub imaging device 100B or not, it is possible to avoid the setting items related to the "audio settings" of the sub imaging device 100B being set to information unintended by the user compared to the case where information is always set for the setting items related to "audio settings".

[0159] Also, for example, when information indicating that no microphone device as an external device is connected to the sub imaging device 100B is obtained as the external device connection information regarding the sub imaging device 100B with number n, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 may select the setting items related to "audio settings" as the reflection setting items. Thereby, for example, when no microphone device as an external device is connected to the sub imaging device 100B, the information set for the setting items related to "audio settings" can be reflected from the main imaging device 100A to the sub imaging device 100B. As a result, it is possible to save the trouble of the user setting information for the setting items related to the "audio settings" of the sub imaging device 100B.

[0160] For example, it is desirable that information set for setting items related to "image quality setting" in the image recording operation processing mode be set for each imaging device 100 according to the imaging environment or the like of the imaging device 100. Therefore, for example, as image recording operation information related to the sub-imaging device 100B with number n, when information indicating that the operation mode of the sub-imaging device 100B is the image recording operation processing mode is obtained, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 may not select the setting item related to "image quality setting" as the reflection setting item. Thereby, for example, when the operation mode of the sub-imaging device 100B is the image recording operation processing mode, it is possible to avoid the information set for the setting item related to "image quality setting" being reflected from the main imaging device 100A to the sub-imaging device 100B. As a result, it is possible to avoid the "image quality setting" in the image recording operation processing mode of the sub-imaging device 100B being set to information that is not suitable for the imaging environment or the like, as compared with the case where the setting item related to "image quality setting" is always selected as the reflection setting item.

[0161] Also, for example, as image recording operation information related to the sub-imaging device 100B with number n, when information indicating that the operation mode of the sub-imaging device 100B is the image display processing mode is obtained, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 may select the setting item related to "image quality setting" as the reflection setting item. Thereby, for example, when the operation mode of the sub-imaging device 100B is the image display processing mode, the information set for the setting item related to "image quality setting" can be reflected from the main imaging device 100A to the sub-imaging device 100B. As a result, it is possible to save the trouble of the user setting information for the setting item related to "image quality setting" in the image display processing mode of the sub-imaging device 100B.

[0162] For example, as described above, it is desirable that the information set for the setting items related to "image quality setting" in the image recording operation processing mode be set for each imaging device 100 according to the imaging environment of the imaging device 100 and the like. However, the information set for the setting items related to "image quality setting" in the image display processing mode may also be set for each imaging device 100 according to the imaging environment of the imaging device 100 and the like. Therefore, for example, when information indicating that the distance between the main imaging device 100A and the sub-imaging device 100B is equal to or less than a predetermined distance is obtained as the position information related to the sub-imaging device 100B with number n, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 may select the setting items related to "image quality setting" as the reflection setting items. For example, the predetermined distance is determined in advance as the distance corresponding to the case where the main imaging device 100A and the sub-imaging device 100B are in the same imaging environment. Thereby, for example, when the distance between the main imaging device 100A and the sub-imaging device 100B is equal to or less than the predetermined distance, the information set for the setting items related to "image quality setting" can be reflected from the main imaging device 100A to the sub-imaging device 100B. As a result, regardless of whether the distance between the main imaging device 100A and the sub-imaging device 100B is equal to or less than the predetermined distance, compared with the case where information is always set or not set for the setting items related to "image quality setting", information suitable for the imaging environment and the like can be set for the setting items related to "image quality setting" of the sub-imaging device 100B.

[0163] Also, for example, when information indicating that the distance between the main imaging device 100A and the sub-imaging device 100B exceeds a predetermined distance is obtained as position information regarding the sub-imaging device 100B with number n, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 may not select a setting item related to "image quality setting" as the reflection setting item. Thereby, for example, when the distance between the main imaging device 100A and the sub-imaging device 100B exceeds the predetermined distance, it is possible to avoid the information set for the setting item related to "image quality setting" being reflected from the main imaging device 100A to the sub-imaging device 100B. As a result, it is possible to avoid the setting item related to "image quality setting" of the sub-imaging device 100B being set with information not suitable for the imaging environment or the like, as compared with the case where the setting item related to "image quality setting" is always selected as the reflection setting item.

[0164] For example, since the movement of the subject varies depending on the type of the subject, it is desirable that the information set for the setting item related to "focus setting" and / or "image stabilization setting" be set for each type of subject corresponding to the imaging device 100. Therefore, for example, when information indicating that the type of the subject corresponding to the sub-imaging device 100B is different from the type of the subject corresponding to the main imaging device 100A is obtained as the subject information regarding the sub-imaging device 100B with number n, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 may not select the setting item related to "focus setting" and / or "image stabilization setting" as the reflection setting item. Thereby, for example, when the type of the subject corresponding to the sub-imaging device 100B is different from the type of the subject corresponding to the main imaging device 100A, it is possible to avoid the information set for the setting item related to "focus setting" and / or "image stabilization setting" being reflected from the main imaging device 100A to the sub-imaging device 100B. As a result, it is possible to avoid the setting item related to "focus setting" and / or "image stabilization setting" of the sub-imaging device 100B being set with information not suitable for the type of the subject, as compared with the case where the setting item related to "focus setting" and / or "image stabilization setting" is always selected.

[0165] Also, for example, when information indicating that the type of the subject corresponding to the sub-imaging device 100B is the same as the type of the subject corresponding to the main imaging device 100A is obtained as the subject information regarding the sub-imaging device 100B with number n, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 may select the setting items related to "focus setting" and / or "image stabilization setting" as the reflection setting items. Thereby, for example, when the type of the subject corresponding to the sub-imaging device 100B is the same as the type of the subject corresponding to the main imaging device 100A, the information set for the setting items related to "focus setting" and / or "image stabilization setting" can be reflected from the main imaging device 100A to the sub-imaging device 100B. As a result, compared with the case where the setting items related to "focus setting" and / or "image stabilization setting" are always selected, the information suitable for the type of the subject can be set for the setting items related to "focus setting" and / or "image stabilization setting" of the sub-imaging device 100B.

[0166] For example, it is desirable that the hues of the images obtained by imaging with each imaging device 100 be similar to each other. Thus, for example, as the light source information regarding the sub-imaging device 100B of number n, when information indicating that the difference between the calculated value of the auto white balance calculated for the main imaging device 100A and the calculated value of the auto white balance calculated for the sub-imaging device 100B is equal to or less than a predetermined value is obtained, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 may select a setting item regarding "image quality setting" (for example, a setting regarding auto white balance) as the reflection setting item. For example, the predetermined value regarding auto white balance is determined in advance as a value corresponding to the case where the light source corresponding to the main imaging device 100A and the light source corresponding to the sub-imaging device 100B are the same. For example, the calculation of the auto white balance is performed when information regarding the type of the light source is unknown. Thereby, for example, when the difference between the calculated value of the auto white balance calculated for the main imaging device 100A and the calculated value of the auto white balance calculated for the sub-imaging device 100B is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the information set for the setting item regarding "image quality setting" (for example, a setting regarding auto white balance) can be reflected from the main imaging device 100A to the sub-imaging device 100B. As a result, the hue of the image obtained by imaging with the sub-imaging device 100B can be matched to the hue of the image obtained by imaging with the main imaging device 100A.

[0167] Also, for example, as the light source information regarding the sub-imaging device 100B with number n, when information indicating that the difference between the calculated value of the auto white balance calculated for the main imaging device 100A and the calculated value of the auto white balance calculated for the sub-imaging device 100B exceeds a predetermined value is obtained, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 may not select the setting item related to "image quality setting" as the reflection setting item. Thereby, for example, when the difference between the calculated value of the auto white balance calculated for the main imaging device 100A and the calculated value of the auto white balance calculated for the sub-imaging device 100B exceeds a predetermined value, it is possible to avoid the information set for the setting item related to "image quality setting" (for example, the setting related to auto white balance) being reflected from the main imaging device 100A to the sub-imaging device 100B. As a result, compared with the case where the setting item related to "image quality setting" is always selected as the reflection setting item, it is possible to suppress the color tone of the image obtained by imaging with the sub-imaging device 100B from being different from the color tone of the image obtained by imaging with the main imaging device 100A.

[0168] For example, it is desirable that the flicker of the illumination does not appear in the image obtained by imaging with each imaging device 100. Therefore, for example, as the light source information regarding the sub-imaging device 100B with number n, when information indicating that the flicker of the illumination has been detected for the sub-imaging device 100B is obtained, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 may not select the setting item related to "exposure setting" (for example, the setting related to shutter speed) as the reflection setting item. For example, the detection of flicker is performed when the information regarding the type of the light source is unknown. Thereby, for example, when the flicker of the illumination has been detected for the sub-imaging device 100B, it is possible to avoid the information set for the setting item related to "exposure setting" (for example, the setting related to shutter speed) being reflected from the main imaging device 100A to the sub-imaging device 100B. As a result, compared with the case where the setting item related to "exposure setting" is always selected, it is possible to suppress the flicker of the illumination from appearing in the image obtained by imaging with the sub-imaging device 100B.

[0169] Also, for example, when information indicating that no flicker of illumination has been detected for the sub-imaging device 100B with number n is obtained as the light source information regarding the sub-imaging device 100B, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 may select a setting item related to "exposure setting" as the reflection setting item. Thereby, for example, when no flicker of illumination has been detected for the sub-imaging device 100B, the information set for the setting item related to "exposure setting" can be reflected from the main imaging device 100A to the sub-imaging device 100B. As a result, the user can be saved the trouble of setting information for the setting item related to the "exposure setting" of the sub-imaging device 100B.

[0170] For example, it is desirable that the reflection setting item be reflected smoothly from the main imaging device 100A to the sub-imaging device 100B. Thus, for example, when information indicating that a communication failure has occurred in the network 1 (see FIG. 1) connected to the sub-imaging device 100B is obtained as the network connection information regarding the sub-imaging device 100B with number n, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 does not necessarily have to select all the reflection setting items. Thereby, for example, when a communication failure has occurred in the network 1 connected to the sub-imaging device 100B, it is possible to avoid the execution of the process of reflecting the information regarding the reflection setting item from the main imaging device 100A to the sub-imaging device 100B. As a result, it is possible to avoid the failure of the process of reflecting the information set for the setting item regarding the reflection setting item from the main imaging device 100A to the sub-imaging device 100B.

[0171] Also, for example, when information indicating that there is no communication failure in network 1 connected to sub-imaging device 100B is obtained as network connection information regarding sub-imaging device 100B with number n, reflection setting item selection unit 80 may select all reflection setting items included in the reflection setting item information of the preset information. Thereby, for example, when there is no communication failure in network 1 connected to sub-imaging device 100B, information regarding all reflection setting items can be reflected from main imaging device 100A to sub-imaging device 100B. As a result, information in line with the user's intention can be set for the setting items of sub-imaging device 100B.

[0172] Note that reflection setting item selection unit 80 does not necessarily have to select all reflection setting items, for example, when information indicating that the communication speed of network 1 connected to sub-imaging device 100B is lower than the preset communication speed is obtained as network connection information regarding sub-imaging device 100B with number n. For example, the preset communication speed is a speed at which information set for setting items regarding all reflection setting items can be reflected from main imaging device 100A to sub-imaging device 100B.

[0173] Also, reflection setting item selection unit 80 may select all reflection setting items included in the reflection setting item information of the preset information, for example, when information indicating that the communication speed of network 1 connected to sub-imaging device 100B is the preset communication speed is obtained as network connection information regarding sub-imaging device 100B with number n.

[0174] Also, reflection setting item selection unit 80 may determine whether or not to select setting items regarding "image quality setting" as a reflection setting item according to the network connection information regarding sub-imaging device 100B with number n.

[0175] For example, the performance related to autofocus may vary depending on the model of the imaging device 100. Therefore, for example, when information indicating that the model of the sub-imaging device 100B with number n is the same as the model of the main imaging device 100A is obtained as the model information related to the sub-imaging device 100B, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 may select a setting item related to "focus setting" as the reflection setting item. As a result, for example, when the model of the sub-imaging device 100B is the same as the model of the main imaging device 100A, the information set for the setting item related to "focus setting" can be reflected from the main imaging device 100A to the sub-imaging device 100B. As a result, information in line with the user's intention can be set for the setting item related to the "focus setting" of the sub-imaging device 100B.

[0176] Also, for example, when information indicating that the model of the sub-imaging device 100B with number n is different from the model of the main imaging device 100A is obtained as the model information related to the sub-imaging device 100B, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 does not have to select a setting item related to "focus setting" as the reflection setting item. As a result, for example, when the model of the sub-imaging device 100B is different from the model of the main imaging device 100A, it is possible to avoid the information set for the setting item related to "focus setting" being reflected from the main imaging device 100A to the sub-imaging device 100B. As a result, it is possible to avoid information not in line with the user's intention being set for the setting item related to the "focus setting" of the sub-imaging device 100B.

[0177] For example, the performance of the lens unit 104 (see FIG. 3) may vary depending on the model of the lens unit 104. Therefore, for example, as lens information regarding the sub-imaging device 100B with number n, when information indicating that the model of the lens unit 104 mounted on the sub-imaging device 100B is the same as the model of the lens unit 104 mounted on the main imaging device 100A is obtained, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 may select a setting item related to "focus setting" as the reflection setting item. Thereby, for example, when the model of the lens unit 104 mounted on the sub-imaging device 100B is the same as the model of the lens unit 104 mounted on the main imaging device 100A, the information set for the setting item related to "focus setting" can be reflected from the main imaging device 100A to the sub-imaging device 100B. As a result, information in line with the user's intention can be set for the setting item related to "focus setting" of the sub-imaging device 100B.

[0178] Also, for example, as lens information regarding the sub-imaging device 100B with number n, when information indicating that the model of the lens unit 104 mounted on the sub-imaging device 100B is different from the model of the lens unit 104 mounted on the main imaging device 100A is obtained, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 does not have to select a setting item related to "focus setting" as the reflection setting item. Thereby, for example, when the model of the lens unit 104 mounted on the sub-imaging device 100B is different from the model of the lens unit 104 mounted on the main imaging device 100A, it is possible to avoid the information set for the setting item related to "focus setting" being reflected from the main imaging device 100A to the sub-imaging device 100B. As a result, it is possible to avoid information not in line with the user's intention being set for the setting item related to "focus setting" of the sub-imaging device 100B.

[0179] For example, the remaining amount of the battery 162 (see FIG. 3) may affect the imaging operation of the imaging device 100. Thus, for example, when information indicating that the remaining amount of the battery 162 equipped in the sub-imaging device 100B of number n is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount is obtained as battery information regarding the sub-imaging device 100B of number n, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 may select a setting item related to "recording setting" as the reflection setting item. The predetermined amount related to the battery is preset to an amount that can ensure the imaging operation of the sub-imaging device 100B. Thereby, for example, when the remaining amount of the battery 162 equipped in the sub-imaging device 100B is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, information (for example, information regarding the image size) set for the setting item related to "recording setting" can be reflected from the main imaging device 100A to the sub-imaging device 100B. As a result, information in line with the user's intention can be set for the setting item related to "recording setting" of the sub-imaging device 100B.

[0180] Also, for example, when information indicating that the remaining amount of the battery 162 equipped in the sub-imaging device 100B of number n is less than the predetermined amount is obtained as battery information regarding the sub-imaging device 100B of number n, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 may not select a setting item related to "recording setting" as the reflection setting item. Thereby, for example, when the remaining amount of the battery 162 equipped in the sub-imaging device 100B is less than the predetermined amount, it is possible to avoid information (for example, information regarding the image size) set for the setting item related to "recording setting" from being reflected from the main imaging device 100A to the sub-imaging device 100B. As a result, compared with the case where the setting item related to "recording setting" is always selected regardless of whether the remaining amount of the battery 162 is less than the predetermined amount, it is possible to suppress the imaging operation of the imaging device 100 from being affected by the information set for the setting item related to "recording setting" of the sub-imaging device 100B.

[0181] For example, the temperature inside the imaging device 100 may affect the imaging operation of the imaging device 100. Thus, for example, when information indicating that the temperature inside the sub-imaging device 100B of number n is equal to or lower than a preset temperature is obtained as temperature information regarding the sub-imaging device 100B of number n, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 may select a setting item related to "recording setting" as the reflection setting item. The preset temperature regarding the temperature inside the sub-imaging device 100B is preset to a temperature at which the imaging operation of the sub-imaging device 100B can be ensured. Thereby, for example, when the temperature inside the sub-imaging device 100B is equal to or lower than the preset temperature, information (for example, information regarding the image size) set for the setting item related to "recording setting" can be reflected from the main imaging device 100A to the sub-imaging device 100B. As a result, information in line with the user's intention can be set for the setting item related to "recording setting" of the sub-imaging device 100B.

[0182] Also, for example, when information indicating that the temperature inside the sub-imaging device 100B of number n exceeds the preset temperature is obtained as temperature information regarding the sub-imaging device 100B of number n, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 may not necessarily select a setting item related to "recording setting" as the reflection setting item. Thereby, for example, when the temperature inside the sub-imaging device 100B exceeds the preset temperature, it is possible to avoid the information set for the setting item related to "recording setting" being reflected from the main imaging device 100A to the sub-imaging device 100B. As a result, compared with the case where the setting item related to "recording setting" is always selected as the reflection setting item, it is possible to suppress the imaging operation of the imaging device 100 from being affected by the information set for the setting item related to "recording setting" of the sub-imaging device 100B.

[0183] In addition, when the reflection setting item selection unit 80 has different reflection setting items included in the reflection setting item information of the preset information and reflection setting items selected according to the imaging status information of the sub-imaging device 100B, it may determine the availability of selection for each reflection setting item. Further, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 may preferentially select the reflection setting items included in the reflection setting item information of the preset information over the reflection setting items selected according to the imaging status information of the sub-imaging device 100B, or may preferentially select the reflection setting items selected according to the imaging status information of the sub-imaging device 100B over the reflection setting items included in the reflection setting item information of the preset information.

[0184] Also, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 may acquire imaging status information, which is information regarding the imaging status of the main imaging device 100A, and select, according to the imaging status information of the main imaging device 100A, setting items (i.e., reflection setting items) to be applied to the sub-imaging device 100B as imaging conditions from among a plurality of setting items included in the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A.

[0185] The variable addition unit 82 adds 1 to the variable n.

[0186] FIG. 20 shows an example of the processing contents of the imaging condition setting processing unit 44, the operation mode setting processing unit 200, and the imaging condition providing processing unit 208. In the imaging condition setting processing unit 44 of the control device 10, the third mode switching control unit 84 transmits a third mode switching instruction signal indicating an instruction to switch the operation mode of the main imaging device 100A to the imaging condition providing mode to the main imaging device 100A.

[0187] In the operation mode setting processing unit 200 of the main imaging device 100A, the third mode switching determination unit 230 determines whether a third mode switching instruction signal indicating an instruction to switch the operation mode of the main imaging device 100A to the imaging condition providing processing mode is received by the main imaging device 100A. When it is determined by the third mode switching determination unit 230 that the third mode switching instruction is received by the main imaging device 100A, the imaging condition providing processing mode setting unit 232 sets the imaging condition providing processing mode as the operation mode of the main imaging device 100A.

[0188] In the imaging condition providing processing unit 208 of the main imaging device 100A, the imaging condition acquisition unit 280 acquires the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A. As an example, the imaging condition acquisition unit 280 acquires, for the main imaging device 100A, information set for setting items related to "imaging mode", setting items related to "image quality setting", setting items related to "focus setting", setting items related to "exposure setting", setting items related to "audio setting", setting items related to "recording setting", and setting items related to "image stabilization setting". The imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A are an example of the "first imaging conditions" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The plurality of setting items included in the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A are examples of the "plurality of first setting items", "plurality of second setting items", and "plurality of fourth setting items" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0189] The imaging condition transmission control unit 282 transmits imaging condition information indicating the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A to the control device 10.

[0190] In the imaging condition setting processing unit 44 of the control device 10, the imaging condition acquisition unit 86 acquires the imaging condition information received by the control device 10. Note that the imaging condition acquisition unit 86 may request the main imaging device 100A to transmit only the information set for the reflection setting item selected by the reflection setting item selection unit 80 among the plurality of setting items to the control device 10. Then, the imaging condition acquisition unit 86 may acquire only the information transmitted from the main imaging device 100A in response to the request to the main imaging device 100A.

[0191] The imaging condition acquisition unit 86 stores the acquired imaging condition information in the storage 24. Note that the imaging condition acquisition unit 86 may store the imaging condition information only in the RAM 26 (see FIG. 2), or may store the imaging condition information in a distributed manner in the storage 24 and the RAM 26. When the imaging conditions are stored only in the RAM 26, the RAM 26 is an example of the "memory" according to the technology of the present disclosure. When the imaging condition information is stored in a distributed manner in the storage 24 and the RAM 26, the storage 24 and the RAM 26 are an example of the "memory" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0192] FIG. 21 shows an example of the processing contents of the imaging condition setting processing unit 44, the operation mode setting processing unit 200, and the imaging condition providing processing unit 208. In the imaging condition setting processing unit 44 of the control device 10, the fourth mode switching control unit 88 transmits a fourth mode switching instruction signal indicating an instruction to switch the operation mode of the sub-imaging device 100B to the imaging condition setting processing mode to each sub-imaging device 100B.

[0193] In the operation mode setting processing unit 200 of each sub-imaging device 100B, the fourth mode switching determination unit 234 determines whether a fourth mode switching instruction signal indicating an instruction to switch the operation mode of the sub-imaging device 100B to the imaging condition setting processing mode is received by the sub-imaging device 100B. When the fourth mode switching determination unit 234 determines that the fourth mode switching instruction has been received by the sub-imaging device 100B, the imaging condition setting processing mode setting unit 236 sets the imaging condition setting processing mode as the operation mode of the sub-imaging device 100B.

[0194] In the imaging condition setting processing unit 44 of the control device 10, the imaging condition transmission control unit 90 transmits the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A to each sub-imaging device 100B based on the reflection setting items selected for each sub-imaging device 100B by the reflection setting item selection unit 80. That is, the imaging condition transmission control unit 90 acquires information included in the imaging conditions to be reflected on each sub-imaging device 100B (that is, information set for the reflection setting items selected by the reflection setting item selection unit 80) from the imaging condition information stored in the storage 24. Then, the imaging condition transmission control unit 90 transmits the acquired imaging condition information to each sub-imaging device 100B.

[0195] In the imaging condition setting processing unit 210 of each sub-imaging device 100B, the imaging condition acquisition unit 290 acquires the imaging condition information received by the sub-imaging device 100B. The imaging condition setting control unit 292 sets the imaging conditions indicated by the imaging condition information for the sub-imaging device 100B based on the imaging condition information acquired by the imaging condition acquisition unit 290. Thereby, the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A are set for each sub-imaging device 100B based on the reflection setting items selected for each sub-imaging device 100B. The imaging conditions set for the sub-imaging device 100B are an example of the "third imaging conditions" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0196] In the operation mode setting processing unit 200 of each imaging device 100, the mode determination unit 238 determines whether the operation mode of the imaging device 100 is the image display processing mode. When the mode determination unit 238 determines that the operation mode of the imaging device 100 is not the image display processing mode, the mode end determination unit 240 determines whether the mode switched from the image display processing mode (for example, the image recording processing mode, the imaging situation providing processing mode, the imaging condition providing processing mode, or the imaging condition setting processing mode) has ended.

[0197] When the mode end determination unit 242 determines that the condition for ending the mode switched from the image display processing mode is satisfied by the mode end determination unit 240, the mode end determination unit 242 determines whether the condition for ending the operation mode setting process is satisfied. As an example of the condition for ending the operation mode setting process, there is a condition that an end instruction (for example, an instruction to stop the power of the imaging device 100) that is an instruction to end the operation mode setting process is received by the reception device 150 (see FIG. 3).

[0198] Next, the operation of the imaging system S according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 to 30.

[0199] First, with reference to FIG. 22, an example of the flow of the operation mode setting process performed by the processor 22 (see FIG. 15) of the control device 10 will be described.

[0200] In the operation mode setting process shown in FIG. 22, first, in step ST10, the imaging control process mode setting unit 50 sets the imaging control process mode as an initial setting of the operation mode of the control device 10. After the process of step ST10 is executed, the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST11.

[0201] In step ST11, the mode switching determination unit 52 determines whether or not a mode switching condition for switching the operation mode of the control device 10 from the imaging control processing mode to the imaging condition setting processing mode is satisfied. As an example of the mode switching condition, for example, a condition that a mode switching instruction, which is an instruction to switch the operation mode of the control device 10 from the imaging control processing mode to the imaging condition setting processing mode, is received by the reception device 14, a condition that the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A are changed, a condition that the imaging situation of the main imaging device 100A is changed, or a condition that the imaging situation of any of the sub-imaging devices 100B is changed, etc. may be mentioned. In step ST11, when the mode switching condition is satisfied, the determination is affirmed, and the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST12. In step ST11, when the mode switching condition is not satisfied, the determination is negated, and the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST14.

[0202] In step ST12, the imaging condition setting processing mode setting unit 54 sets the imaging condition setting processing mode as the operation mode of the control device 10. After the process of step ST12 is executed, the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST13.

[0203] In step ST13, the imaging condition setting process end determination unit 56 determines whether or not the imaging condition setting process has ended. In step ST13, when the imaging condition setting process has not ended, the determination is negated, and the determination in step ST13 is performed again. In step ST13, when the imaging condition setting process has ended, the determination is affirmed, and the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST14.

[0204] In step ST14, the end determination unit 58 determines whether or not the condition for ending the operation mode setting process is satisfied. As an example of the condition for ending the operation mode setting process, there is a condition such as that an end instruction (for example, an instruction to stop the power supply of the control device 10) which is an instruction to end the operation mode setting process is received by the reception device 14. In step ST14, if the condition for ending the operation mode setting process is not satisfied, the determination is negative and the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST10. In step ST14, if the condition for ending the operation mode setting process is satisfied, the determination is positive and the operation mode setting process ends.

[0205] Next, with reference to FIG. 23, an example of the flow of imaging control processing performed by the processor 22 (see FIG. 16) of the control device 10 will be described.

[0206] In the imaging control processing shown in FIG. 23, first, in step ST20, the image data acquisition unit 60 acquires image data. After the process of step ST20 is executed, the imaging control processing proceeds to step ST21.

[0207] In step ST21, the image display control unit 62 causes the display 16 to display an image based on the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 60. After the process of step ST21 is executed, the imaging control processing proceeds to step ST22.

[0208] In step ST22, the image recording instruction determination unit 64 determines whether or not an image recording instruction which is an instruction to cause any one of the plurality of imaging devices 100 to record an image is received by the reception device 14. In step ST22, if the image recording instruction is not received by the reception device 14, the determination is negative and the imaging control processing proceeds to step ST24. In step ST23, if the image recording instruction is received by the reception device 14, the determination is positive and the imaging control processing proceeds to step ST23.

[0209] In step ST23, the first mode switching control unit 66 transmits a first mode switching instruction signal indicating an instruction to switch the operation mode of the imaging device 100 specified by the image recording instruction to the image recording processing mode to the imaging device 100 specified by the image recording instruction. After the process of step ST23 is executed, the imaging control process proceeds to step ST24.

[0210] In step ST24, the end determination unit 68 determines whether or not the condition for ending the imaging control process is satisfied. As an example of the condition for ending the imaging control process, there is a condition such as the mode switching condition for switching the operation mode of the control device 10 from the imaging control processing mode to the imaging condition setting processing mode being satisfied. In step ST24, if the condition for ending the imaging control process is not satisfied, the determination is negative and the imaging control process proceeds to step ST20. In step ST24, if the condition for ending the imaging control process is satisfied, the determination is positive and the imaging control process ends.

[0211] Next, with reference to FIG. 24, an example of the flow of the imaging condition setting process performed by the processor 22 (see FIGS. 17 to 21) of the control device 10 will be described.

[0212] In the imaging condition setting process shown in FIG. 24, first, in step ST30, the preset information acquisition unit 70 acquires the preset information set in the control device 10. After the process of step ST30 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST31.

[0213] In step ST31, the variable setting unit 72 sets the variable n set for the plurality of sub-imaging devices 100B to 1. After the process of step ST31 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST32.

[0214] In step ST32, the variable determination unit 74 determines whether the variable n is less than or equal to the number N of a plurality of sub-imaging devices 100B. In step ST32, if the variable n is less than or equal to the number N of a plurality of sub-imaging devices 100B, the determination is affirmative, and the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST33. In step ST32, if the variable n exceeds the number N of a plurality of sub-imaging devices 100B, the determination is negative, and the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST37.

[0215] In step ST33, the second mode switching control unit 76 transmits a second mode switching instruction signal indicating an instruction to switch the operation mode of the sub-imaging device 100B with number n to the imaging situation providing process mode to the sub-imaging device 100B with number n. After the process of step ST33 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST34.

[0216] In step ST34, the imaging situation information acquisition unit 78 acquires imaging situation information regarding the imaging situation of the sub-imaging device 100B with number n corresponding to the variable n. After the process of step ST34 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST35.

[0217] In step ST35, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 selects, according to the preset information and / or the imaging situation information, a reflection setting item to be applied to the sub-imaging device 100B with number n as an imaging condition from among a plurality of setting items included in the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A. After the process of step ST35 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST36.

[0218] In step ST36, the variable addition unit 82 adds 1 to the variable n. After the process of step ST36 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST32.

[0219] In step ST37, the third mode switching control unit 84 transmits a third mode switching instruction signal indicating an instruction to switch the operation mode of the main imaging device 100A to the imaging condition providing process mode to the main imaging device 100A. After the process of step ST37 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST38.

[0220] In step ST38, the imaging condition acquisition unit 86 acquires the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A. After the process of step ST38 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST39.

[0221] In step ST39, the fourth mode switching control unit 88 transmits a fourth mode switching instruction signal indicating an instruction to switch the operation mode of the sub-imaging device 100B to the imaging condition setting process mode to each sub-imaging device 100B. After the process of step ST39 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST40.

[0222] In step ST40, the imaging condition transmission control unit 90 transmits the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A to each sub-imaging device 100B based on the reflection setting items selected for each sub-imaging device 100B by the reflection setting item selection unit 80. After the process of step ST40 is executed, the imaging condition setting process ends.

[0223] Note that the control method described as the operation of the above-described control device 10 is an example of the "control method" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0224] Next, with reference to FIG. 25, an example of the flow of the operation mode setting process performed by the processor 142 (see FIGS. 16 to 17 and FIGS. 19 to 21) of each imaging device 100 will be described.

[0225] In the operation mode setting process shown in FIG. 25, first, in step ST50, the image display process mode setting unit 220 sets the image display process mode as the operation mode of the imaging device 100. After the process of step ST50 is executed, the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST51.

[0226] In step ST51, the first mode switching determination unit 222 determines whether a first mode switching instruction signal indicating an instruction to switch the operation mode of the imaging device 100 to the image recording processing mode has been received by the imaging device 100. In step ST51, if the first mode switching instruction signal has been received by the imaging device 100, the determination is affirmative, and the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST52. In step ST51, if the first mode switching instruction signal has not been received by the imaging device 100, the determination is negative, and the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST53.

[0227] In step ST52, the image recording processing mode setting unit 224 sets the image recording processing mode as the operation mode of the imaging device 100. After the process of step ST52 is executed, the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST53.

[0228] In step ST53, the second mode switching determination unit 226 determines whether a second mode switching instruction signal indicating an instruction to switch the operation mode of the imaging device 100 to the imaging situation providing processing mode has been received by the imaging device 100. In step ST53, if the second mode switching instruction signal has been received by the imaging device 100, the determination is affirmative, and the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST54. In step ST53, if the second mode switching instruction signal has not been received by the imaging device 100, the determination is negative, and the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST55.

[0229] In step ST54, the imaging situation providing processing mode setting unit 228 sets the imaging situation providing processing mode as the operation mode of the imaging device 100. After the process of step ST54 is executed, the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST55.

[0230] In step ST55, the third mode switching determination unit 230 determines whether a third mode switching instruction signal indicating an instruction to switch the operation mode of the main imaging device 100A to the imaging condition providing process mode has been received by the main imaging device 100A. In step ST55, if the third mode switching instruction signal has been received by the imaging device 100, the determination is affirmative, and the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST56. In step ST55, if the third mode switching instruction signal has not been received by the imaging device 100, the determination is negative, and the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST57.

[0231] In step ST56, the imaging condition providing process mode setting unit 232 sets the imaging condition providing process mode as the operation mode of the main imaging device 100A. After the process of step ST56 is executed, the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST57.

[0232] In step ST57, the fourth mode switching determination unit 234 determines whether a fourth mode switching instruction signal indicating an instruction to switch the operation mode of the sub-imaging device 100B to the imaging condition setting process mode has been received by the sub-imaging device 100B. In step ST57, if the fourth mode switching instruction has been received by the sub-imaging device 100B, the determination is affirmative, and the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST58. In step ST57, if the fourth mode switching instruction has not been received by the sub-imaging device 100B, the determination is negative, and the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST59.

[0233] In step ST58, the imaging condition setting process mode setting unit 236 sets the imaging condition setting process mode as the operation mode of the sub-imaging device 100B. After the process of step ST58 is executed, the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST59.

[0234] In step ST59, the mode determination unit 238 determines whether the operation mode of the imaging device 100 is the image display processing mode. In step ST59, if the operation mode of the imaging device 100 is not the image display processing mode, the determination is negative, and the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST60. In step ST59, if the operation mode of the imaging device 100 is the image display processing mode, the determination is positive, and the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST51.

[0235] In step ST60, when the mode end determination unit 240 determines that the operation mode of the imaging device 100 is not the image display processing mode according to the mode determination unit 238, it determines whether the mode switched from the image display processing mode (for example, the image recording processing mode, the imaging situation providing processing mode, the imaging condition providing processing mode, or the imaging condition setting processing mode) has ended. In step ST60, if the mode switched from the image display processing mode has ended, the determination is positive, and the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST61. In step ST60, if the mode switched from the image display processing mode has not ended, the determination is negative, and the determination in step ST60 is performed again.

[0236] In step ST61, when the end determination unit 242 determines that the condition for ending the mode switched from the image display processing mode has been established according to the mode end determination unit 240, it determines whether the condition for ending the operation mode setting process has been established. As an example of the condition for ending the operation mode setting process, there is a condition such as an end instruction (for example, an instruction to stop the power of the imaging device 100) for ending the operation mode setting process being received by the receiving device 150. In step ST61, if the condition for ending the operation mode setting process is not established, the determination is negative, and the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST50. In step ST61, if the condition for ending the operation mode setting process is established, the determination is positive, and the operation mode setting process ends.

[0237] Next, with reference to FIG. 26, an example of the flow of image display processing performed by the processor 142 (see FIG. 16) of each imaging device 100 will be described.

[0238] In the image display processing shown in FIG. 26, first, in step ST70, the imaging control unit 250 causes the image sensor 112 to image a subject. After the process of step ST70 is executed, the image display processing proceeds to step ST71.

[0239] In step ST71, the image display control unit 252 causes the display 149 to display an image based on the image data obtained by imaging the subject by the image sensor 112. After the process of step ST71 is executed, the image display processing proceeds to step ST72.

[0240] In step ST72, the image data transmission control unit 254 transmits the image data to the control device 10. After the process of step ST72 is executed, the image display processing proceeds to step ST73.

[0241] In step ST73, the end determination unit 256 determines whether or not the condition for ending the image display processing is satisfied. Examples of the condition for ending the image display processing include the condition that a first mode switching instruction, a second mode switching instruction, a third mode switching instruction, or a fourth mode switching instruction signal is received by the imaging device 100. In step ST73, if the condition for ending the image display processing is not satisfied, the determination is negative and the image display processing proceeds to step ST70. In step ST73, if the condition for ending the image display processing is satisfied, the determination is positive and the image display processing ends.

[0242] Next, with reference to FIG. 27, an example of the flow of image recording processing performed by the processor 22 (see FIG. 17) of each imaging device 100 will be described.

[0243] In the image recording process shown in FIG. 27, first, in step ST80, the imaging control unit 260 causes the image sensor 112 to image a subject. After the process of step ST80 is executed, the image recording process proceeds to step ST81.

[0244] In step ST81, the image display control unit 262 causes the display 149 to display an image based on the image data obtained by imaging the subject by the image sensor 112. After the process of step ST81 is executed, the image recording process proceeds to step ST82.

[0245] In step ST82, the image recording control unit 264 causes the image data to be recorded in the image memory 128. After the process of step ST82 is executed, the image recording process proceeds to step ST83.

[0246] In step ST83, the image data transmission control unit 266 transmits the image data to the control device 10. After the process of step ST83 is executed, the image recording process proceeds to step ST84.

[0247] In step ST84, the end determination unit 268 determines whether or not the condition for ending the image recording process is satisfied. As an example of the condition for ending the image recording process, there is a condition such that a mode change instruction, which is an instruction to switch the operation mode of the imaging device 100 from the image recording process mode to the image display process mode, is received by the reception device 150 of the imaging device 100. Also, as an example of the condition for ending the image recording process, there is a condition such that a second mode change instruction, a third mode change instruction, or a fourth mode change instruction signal is received by the imaging device 100. In step ST84, if the condition for ending the image recording process is not satisfied, the determination is negative, and the image recording process proceeds to step ST80. In step ST84, if the condition for ending the image recording process is satisfied, the determination is affirmative, and the image recording process ends.

[0248] Next, with reference to FIG. 28, an example of the flow of the imaging situation providing process performed by the processor 142 (see FIG. 19) of each imaging device 100 will be described.

[0249] In the imaging situation providing process shown in FIG. 28, first, in step ST90, the imaging situation information acquisition unit 270 acquires imaging situation information regarding the imaging situation of the imaging device 100. After the process of step ST90 is executed, the imaging situation providing process proceeds to step ST91.

[0250] In step ST91, the imaging situation information transmission control unit 272 transmits the imaging situation information regarding the imaging device 100 to the control device 10. After the process of step ST91 is executed, the imaging situation providing process ends.

[0251] Next, with reference to FIG. 29, an example of the flow of the imaging condition providing process performed by the processor 142 (see FIG. 20) of each imaging device 100 will be described.

[0252] In the imaging condition providing process shown in FIG. 29, first, in step ST100, the imaging condition acquisition unit 280 acquires the imaging conditions of the imaging device 100. After the process of step ST100 is executed, the imaging condition providing process proceeds to step ST101.

[0253] In step ST101, the imaging condition transmission control unit 282 transmits the imaging conditions of the imaging device 100 to the control device 10. After the process of step ST101 is executed, the imaging condition providing process ends.

[0254] Next, with reference to FIG. 30, an example of the flow of the imaging condition setting process performed by the processor 142 (see FIG. 21) of each imaging device 100 will be described.

[0255] In the imaging condition setting process shown in FIG. 30, first, in step ST110, the imaging condition acquisition unit 290 acquires the imaging conditions to be reflected in the imaging device 100. After the process of step ST110 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST111.

[0256] In step ST111, imaging conditions are set for the imaging device 100 based on the imaging conditions acquired by the imaging condition acquisition unit 290. After the process of step ST111 is executed, the imaging condition setting process ends.

[0257] As described above, in the control device 10 according to the first embodiment, the processor 22 acquires the imaging conditions set in the main imaging device 100A, and stores the acquired imaging conditions in the storage 24. Then, the processor 22 sets the imaging conditions for the sub-imaging device 100B based on the imaging conditions stored in the storage 24. Therefore, the imaging conditions set in the main imaging device 100A can be reflected in the imaging conditions set for each sub-imaging device 100B.

[0258] In addition, since the imaging conditions set in the main imaging device 100A can be reflected in the imaging conditions set for each sub-imaging device 100B, the labor of setting the imaging conditions one by one for the plurality of sub-imaging devices 100B can be saved.

[0259] In addition, the processor 22 acquires imaging scene information which is information about the imaging scene imaged by the sub-imaging device 100B. Then, the processor 22 selects the setting items (i.e., the reflection setting items) to be applied to the sub-imaging device 100B as imaging conditions from among the plurality of setting items included in the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A according to the imaging scene information. Therefore, among the plurality of setting items included in the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A, the setting items corresponding to the imaging scene can be reflected in the imaging conditions set for the sub-imaging device 100B.

[0260] Further, the processor 22 acquires imaging status information, which is information regarding the imaging status of the sub-imaging device 100B. Then, the processor 22 selects, according to the imaging status information of the sub-imaging device 100B, a setting item (i.e., a reflection setting item) to be applied to the sub-imaging device 100B as an imaging condition from among a plurality of setting items included in the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A. Therefore, the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A can be reflected in the imaging conditions set for the sub-imaging device 100B for the setting items among the plurality of setting items included in the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A that correspond to the imaging status of the sub-imaging device 100B.

[0261] Further, the imaging status information, which is information regarding the imaging status of the sub-imaging device 100B, includes at least any one of vibration information, which is information regarding the influence of vibration on the sub-imaging device 100B, external device connection information, which is information regarding the connection status of an external device to the sub-imaging device 100B, and image recording operation information, which is information regarding the image recording operation of the sub-imaging device 100B. Therefore, the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A can be reflected in the imaging conditions set for the sub-imaging device 100B according to at least any one of the influence of vibration on the sub-imaging device 100B, the connection status of an external device to the sub-imaging device 100B, and the image recording operation of the sub-imaging device 100B.

[0262] In addition, the imaging status information, which is information regarding the imaging status of the sub-imaging device 100B, includes at least any one of position information, which is information regarding the position of the sub-imaging device 100B, subject information, which is information regarding the subject corresponding to the sub-imaging device 100B, light source information, which is information regarding the light source corresponding to the sub-imaging device 100B, network connection information, which is information regarding the connection status of the network to the sub-imaging device 100B, model information, which is information regarding the model of the sub-imaging device 100B, lens information, which is information regarding the lens unit 104 equipped in the sub-imaging device 100B, battery information, which is information regarding the battery 162 equipped in the sub-imaging device 100B, and temperature information, which is information regarding the temperature of the sub-imaging device 100B. Therefore, according to the position of the sub-imaging device 100B, the subject corresponding to the sub-imaging device 100B, the light source corresponding to the sub-imaging device 100B, the connection status of the network to the sub-imaging device 100B, the model of the sub-imaging device 100B, the lens unit 104 equipped in the sub-imaging device 100B, the battery 162 equipped in the sub-imaging device 100B, and the temperature of the sub-imaging device 100B, the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A can be reflected in the imaging conditions set for the sub-imaging device 100B.

[0263] In addition, the processor 22 may acquire imaging status information, which is information regarding the imaging status of the main imaging device 100A, and select, according to the imaging status information of the main imaging device 100A, a setting item (i.e., a reflected setting item) to be applied to the sub-imaging device 100B as an imaging condition from among a plurality of setting items included in the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A. In this case, according to the imaging status of the main imaging device 100A, the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A can be reflected in the imaging conditions set for the sub-imaging device 100B.

[0264] Also, when the imaging status of the sub-imaging device 100B changes, the processor 22 switches the operation mode of the control device 10 from the imaging control processing mode to the imaging condition setting processing mode. Then, in the imaging condition setting process, the processor 22 acquires the imaging status information of the sub-imaging device 100B. Therefore, for example, compared with the case where the operation mode of the control device 10 is switched from the imaging control processing mode to the imaging condition setting processing mode when a mode switching instruction is received by the reception device 14, the response to acquire the imaging status information of the sub-imaging device 100B, and thus, the response to reflect the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A in the imaging conditions set for the sub-imaging device 100B can be improved.

[0265] Also, when the imaging conditions set for the main imaging device 100A and / or the imaging status of the main imaging device 100A change, the processor 22 switches the operation mode of the control device 10 from the imaging control processing mode to the imaging condition setting processing mode. Then, in the imaging condition setting process, the processor 22 acquires the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A. Therefore, for example, compared with the case where the operation mode of the control device 10 is switched from the imaging control processing mode to the imaging condition setting processing mode when a mode switching instruction is received by the reception device 14, the response to acquire the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A, and thus, the response to reflect the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A in the imaging conditions set for the sub-imaging device 100B can be improved.

[0266] Further, the processor 22 may acquire only the information set for the setting items (i.e., the reflection setting items) applied to the sub-imaging device 100B as imaging conditions among the plurality of setting items included in the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A. In this case, for example, compared with the case where the processor 22 extracts the information set for the reflection setting items applied to the sub-imaging device 100B after acquiring all the information set for the plurality of reflection setting items, reduction of the usage capacity of the storage 24 and / or the RAM 26, reduction of power consumption, and / or improvement of processing speed can be achieved.

[0267] In the first embodiment, the processor 22 acquires the imaging conditions set in the main imaging device 100A and causes the storage 24 to store the acquired imaging conditions. Then, based on the imaging conditions stored in the storage 24, the imaging conditions are set as the sub-imaging conditions. However, the processor 22 may set the imaging conditions for the sub-imaging device 100B based on the imaging conditions pre-stored in the storage 24. In this case, the imaging conditions pre-set in the storage 24 can be reflected in the imaging conditions set for each sub-imaging device 100B. The imaging conditions pre-stored in the storage 24 are an example of the "second imaging conditions" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0268] Also, the imaging conditions pre-stored in the storage 24 may be the imaging conditions set based on the imaging conditions set in the main imaging device 100A. In this case, the imaging conditions set in the main imaging device 100A can be reflected in the imaging conditions set for each sub-imaging device 100B.

[0269] Also, the imaging conditions pre-stored in the storage 24 may be set for each imaging situation of the main imaging device 100A and / or the sub-imaging device 100B. Then, the processor 22 may acquire the imaging conditions from the storage 24 according to the imaging situation of the main imaging device 100A and / or the sub-imaging device 100B.

[0270] Also, the processor 22 may select, according to the imaging scene information, the setting items (i.e., the reflection setting items) applied to the sub-imaging device 100B as the imaging conditions from among a plurality of setting items included in the imaging conditions pre-stored in the storage 24. In this case, among the plurality of setting items included in the imaging conditions pre-stored in the storage 24, the setting items corresponding to the imaging scene can be reflected in the imaging conditions set for the sub-imaging device 100B from the imaging conditions pre-stored in the storage 24. Each of the plurality of setting items included in the imaging conditions pre-stored in the storage 24 is an example of the "third setting item" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0271] Further, a plurality of setting items (i.e., reflection setting items) included in the imaging conditions pre-stored in the storage 24 may be set according to the imaging scene of the sub-imaging device 100B. In this case, among the plurality of setting items included in the imaging conditions pre-stored in the storage 24, the imaging conditions pre-stored in the storage 24 for the setting items corresponding to the imaging scene can be reflected in the imaging conditions set for the sub-imaging device 100B.

[0272] Further, the processor 22 may select, according to the imaging status information of the sub-imaging device 100B, the setting items (i.e., reflection setting items) applied to the sub-imaging device 100B as imaging conditions from among the plurality of setting items included in the imaging conditions pre-stored in the storage 24. In this case, among the plurality of setting items included in the imaging conditions pre-stored in the storage 24, the imaging conditions pre-stored in the storage 24 for the setting items corresponding to the imaging status of the sub-imaging device 100B can be reflected in the imaging conditions set for the sub-imaging device 100B.

[0273] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure will be described.

[0274] As an example, as shown in FIG. 31, in the second embodiment, the configuration of the imaging system S is changed as follows with respect to the first embodiment.

[0275] That is, the imaging system S includes an overhead camera 300. The overhead camera 300 is arranged at a position where it can image the entirety of the plurality of imaging devices 100. The overhead camera 300 transmits, as overhead information, the image data obtained by imaging the entire imaging environment 302 including the plurality of imaging devices 100 to the control device 10. The overhead information corresponds to imaging situation information regarding the imaging situation of each of the plurality of imaging devices 100. The overhead information as the imaging situation information includes imaging environment information regarding the imaging environment 302 including the plurality of imaging devices 100, positional relationship information regarding the positional relationship between the plurality of sub-imaging devices 100B and the main imaging device 100A, installation state information regarding the installation state of each imaging device 100, and the like.

[0276] In the imaging condition setting processing unit 44 of the control device 10, the imaging situation information acquisition unit 78 acquires the overhead information in addition to the imaging situation information regarding the imaging situation of each sub-imaging device 100B. By acquiring the overhead information by the imaging situation information acquisition unit 78, image information, which is information based on the image obtained by being imaged by the overhead camera 300, is obtained. The overhead camera 300 is an example of the "third imaging device" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The overhead information is an example of the "first imaging situation information" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The installation state information included in the overhead information is an example of the "first installation state information" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The image information as the overhead information is an example of the "first image information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0277] The imaging condition information may include information regarding the imaging condition of the sub imaging device 100B other than vibration information, external device connection information, image recording operation information, position information, subject information, light source information, network connection information, model information, lens information, battery information, temperature information, and overhead view information. Further, the imaging condition information may include information regarding the imaging condition of the main imaging device 100A. The types of imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A may be the same as those of the sub imaging device 100B described above. Also, the imaging condition information may not include at least any one of vibration information, external device connection information, image recording operation information, position information, subject information, light source information, network connection information, model information, lens information, battery information, and temperature information.

[0278] Further, the overhead view information may include information other than imaging environment information, positional relationship information, and installation state information. Also, the overhead view information may not include at least any one of imaging environment information, positional relationship information, and installation state information.

[0279] Similar to the first embodiment, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 selects the reflection setting items to be applied to the sub imaging device 100B with number n as imaging conditions from among a plurality of setting items included in the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A according to the preset information and / or the imaging condition information.

[0280] As described above, in the second embodiment, the imaging condition information includes the overhead view information obtained by imaging the entire imaging environment 302 including the plurality of imaging devices 100. Therefore, according to the imaging environment 302 including the plurality of imaging devices 100, the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A can be reflected in the imaging conditions set for the sub imaging device 100B.

[0281] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure will be described.

[0282] As an example, as shown in FIG. 32, in the third embodiment, the configuration of the imaging condition setting processing unit 44 of the control device 10 is changed as follows with respect to the first embodiment.

[0283] That is, the imaging condition setting processing unit 44 includes a sub-imaging device classification unit 400 in addition to a preset information acquisition unit 70, a variable setting unit 72, a variable determination unit 74, a second mode switching control unit 76, an imaging situation information acquisition unit 78, a variable addition unit 82, a reflection setting item selection unit 80, a third mode switching control unit 84, an imaging condition acquisition unit 86, a fourth mode switching control unit 88, and an imaging condition transmission control unit 90.

[0284] The configurations of the preset information acquisition unit 70, the third mode switching control unit 84, the imaging condition acquisition unit 86, and the fourth mode switching control unit 88 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0285] The variable setting unit 72 sets m (hereinafter referred to as variable m), which represents the variables set for a plurality of imaging devices 100, to 1. The variable determination unit 74 determines whether the variable m is less than or equal to M (hereinafter referred to as the number of units M), which represents the number of a plurality of imaging devices 100. In this case, the plurality of imaging devices 100 includes the main imaging device 100A and a plurality of sub-imaging devices 100B.

[0286] The second mode switching control unit 76 transmits a second mode switching instruction signal indicating an instruction to switch the operation mode of the imaging device 100 (hereinafter referred to as the imaging device 100 with number m) to which the number corresponding to the variable m is assigned to the imaging device 100 with number m.

[0287] The imaging situation information acquisition unit 78 acquires imaging situation information regarding the imaging situation of the imaging device 100 with number m. The imaging situation information in this case includes at least any one of vibration information, external device connection information, image recording operation information, position information, subject information, light source information, network connection information, model information, lens information, battery information, and temperature information, similar to the first embodiment. Note that, as in the second embodiment, the aerial view information obtained by the aerial camera 300 (see FIG. 31) may be included in the imaging situation information.

[0288] The sub-imaging device classification unit 400 classifies the plurality of imaging devices 100 into two or more groups based on the imaging status information acquired for each of the plurality of imaging devices 100. As a result, the plurality of imaging devices 100 are classified into two or more groups according to the imaging environment, imaging status, and / or timing of each of the plurality of imaging devices 100.

[0289] Note that the imaging condition setting processing unit 44 classifies the plurality of imaging devices 100 into two or more groups when the number of the plurality of imaging devices 100 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. For example, the predetermined number is set to a number such that it is more efficient to set imaging conditions for each group than to set imaging conditions for each of the plurality of sub-imaging devices 100B.

[0290] The reflection setting item selection unit 80 selects, according to the preset information and / or the imaging status information, the reflection setting items to be applied to each group as imaging conditions from among the plurality of setting items included in the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A.

[0291] The imaging condition transmission control unit 90 transmits the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A to the sub-imaging devices 100B of each group based on the reflection setting items selected for each group by the reflection setting item selection unit 80. That is, the imaging condition transmission control unit 90 transmits, as imaging condition information, the imaging conditions to be reflected for each group (that is, the information set for the reflection setting items selected by the reflection setting item selection unit 80) to the sub-imaging devices 100B of each group.

[0292] The imaging condition information is an example of the "second imaging condition information" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The imaging conditions are an example of the "fourth imaging conditions" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The vibration information is an example of the "second vibration information" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The external device connection information is an example of the "second external device connection information" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The image recording operation information is an example of the "image recording operation information" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The position information is an example of the "second position information" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The subject information is an example of the "second subject information" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The light source information is an example of the "second light source information" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The network information is an example of the "second network information" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The model information is an example of the "second model information" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The lens information is an example of the "second lens information" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The battery information is an example of the "second battery information" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The temperature information is an example of the "second temperature information" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The overhead camera 300 is an example of the "fourth imaging device" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The overhead information is an example of the "second imaging condition information" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The installation state information included in the overhead information is an example of the "second installation state information" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The image information as the overhead information is an example of the "second image information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0293] The imaging condition information may include information regarding the imaging conditions of the imaging device 100 other than the vibration information, the external device connection information, the image recording operation information, the position information, the subject information, the light source information, the network connection information, the model information, the lens information, the battery information, the temperature information, and the overhead information. Further, the imaging condition information may not include at least any one of the vibration information, the external device connection information, the image recording operation information, the position information, the subject information, the light source information, the network connection information, the model information, the lens information, the battery information, the temperature information, and the overhead information.

[0294] Next, as an operation of the control device 10 according to the third embodiment, with reference to FIG. 33, an example of the flow of the imaging condition setting process performed by the processor 22 (see FIG. 32) of the control device 10 will be described.

[0295] In the imaging condition setting process shown in FIG. 33, first, in step ST120, the preset information acquisition unit 70 acquires the preset information set in the control device 10. After the process of step ST120 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST121.

[0296] In step ST121, the variable setting unit 72 sets the variable m set for the plurality of imaging devices 100 to 1. After the process of step ST121 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST122.

[0297] In step ST122, the variable determination unit 74 determines whether the variable m is less than or equal to the number M of the plurality of imaging devices 100. In step ST122, if the variable m is less than or equal to the number M of the plurality of imaging devices 100, the determination is affirmative, and the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST123. In step ST122, if the variable m exceeds the number M of the plurality of imaging devices 100, the determination is negative, and the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST126.

[0298] In step ST123, the second mode switching control unit 76 transmits a second mode switching instruction signal indicating an instruction to switch the operation mode of the imaging device 100 with number m to the imaging situation providing process mode to the imaging device 100 with number m. After the process of step ST123 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST124.

[0299] In step ST124, the imaging situation information acquisition unit 78 acquires imaging situation information regarding the imaging situation of the imaging device 100 with number m corresponding to the variable m. After the process of step ST124 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST125.

[0300] In step ST125, the variable addition unit 82 adds 1 to the variable m. After the process of step ST125 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST122.

[0301] In step ST126, the sub-imaging device classification unit 400 classifies the plurality of imaging devices 100 into two or more groups based on the imaging status information acquired for each of the plurality of imaging devices 100. After the process of step ST126 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST127.

[0302] In step ST127, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 selects, according to the preset information and / or the imaging status information, the reflection setting items to be applied to each group as imaging conditions from among the plurality of setting items included in the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A. After the process of step ST127 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST128.

[0303] In step ST128, the third mode switching control unit 84 transmits a third mode switching instruction signal indicating an instruction to switch the operation mode of the main imaging device 100A to the imaging condition providing process mode to the main imaging device 100A. After the process of step ST128 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST129.

[0304] In step ST129, the imaging condition acquisition unit 86 acquires the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A. After the process of step ST129 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST130.

[0305] In step ST130, the fourth mode switching control unit 88 transmits a fourth mode switching instruction signal indicating an instruction to switch the operation mode of the sub-imaging device 100B to the imaging condition setting process mode to each sub-imaging device 100B. After the process of step ST130 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST131.

[0306] In step ST131, the imaging condition transmission control unit 90 transmits the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A to the sub-imaging devices 100B of each group based on the reflection setting items selected for each group by the reflection setting item selection unit 80. After the process of step ST131 is executed, the imaging condition setting process ends.

[0307] Note that the control method described as the operation of the above-described control device 10 is an example of the "control method" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0308] As described above, in the control device 10 according to the third embodiment, the processor 22 acquires imaging status information, which is information regarding the imaging status of each of the plurality of imaging devices 100, and classifies the plurality of imaging devices 100 into two or more groups based on the imaging status information. Then, the processor 22 sets imaging conditions for each group. Therefore, for example, imaging conditions can be set for the plurality of sub-imaging devices 100B more efficiently than when setting imaging conditions for each of the plurality of sub-imaging devices 100B.

[0309] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure will be described.

[0310] As shown in FIG. 34 as an example, in the fourth embodiment, the configuration of the imaging condition setting processing unit 44 of the control device 10 is changed as follows with respect to the first embodiment.

[0311] That is, in addition to the preset information acquisition unit 70, the variable setting unit 72, the variable determination unit 74, the second mode switching control unit 76, the imaging status information acquisition unit 78, the reflection setting item selection unit 80, the variable addition unit 82, the third mode switching control unit 84, the imaging condition acquisition unit 86, the fourth mode switching control unit 88, and the imaging condition transmission control unit 90, the imaging condition setting processing unit 44 includes a first preset condition acquisition unit 500, a first preset condition determination unit 502, a second preset condition acquisition unit 504, and a second preset condition determination unit 506.

[0312] The configurations of the preset information acquisition unit 70, the variable setting unit 72, the variable determination unit 74, the second mode switching control unit 76, the imaging status information acquisition unit 78, the reflection setting item selection unit 80, the variable addition unit 82, the third mode switching control unit 84, the imaging condition acquisition unit 86, and the fourth mode switching control unit 88 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0313] The first predetermined condition acquisition unit 500 acquires first information which is information regarding the main imaging device 100A. For example, as the first information, there may be mentioned imaging environment information regarding the imaging environment of the main imaging device 100A, imaging condition information regarding the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A, and imaging situation information regarding the imaging situation of the main imaging device 100A, and the like. The first information is an example of the "first information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0314] The first predetermined condition determination unit 502 determines whether or not the first information satisfies a first predetermined condition. The first predetermined condition is a condition that prohibits the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A from being reflected as the imaging conditions of the sub-imaging device 100B. For example, the first predetermined condition is set to a condition that is not suitable for reflecting the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A as the imaging conditions of the sub-imaging device 100B with respect to at least any one of the imaging environment information, imaging condition information, and imaging situation information regarding the main imaging device 100A. The first predetermined condition is an example of the "predetermined condition" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0315] When the first information which is information regarding the main imaging device 100A satisfies the first predetermined condition, the imaging condition setting processing unit 44 ends the imaging condition setting process.

[0316] The second predetermined condition acquisition unit 504 acquires second information which is information regarding each sub-imaging device 100B. For example, as the second information, there may be mentioned imaging environment information regarding the imaging environment of each sub-imaging device 100B, imaging condition information regarding the imaging conditions of each sub-imaging device 100B, and imaging situation information regarding the imaging situation of each sub-imaging device 100B, and the like. The second information is an example of the "second information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0317] The second predetermined condition determination unit 506 determines whether the second information satisfies the second predetermined condition. The second predetermined condition is a condition that prohibits the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A from being reflected as the imaging conditions of the sub imaging device 100B. For example, the second predetermined condition is set to a condition that is not suitable for reflecting the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A as the imaging conditions of the sub imaging device 100B with respect to at least any one of the imaging environment information, imaging condition information, and imaging situation information regarding each sub imaging device 100B. The second predetermined condition is an example of the "predetermined condition" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0318] The imaging condition transmission control unit 90 transmits the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A to each sub imaging device 100B based on the selected reflection setting items for the sub imaging device 100B whose second information does not satisfy the second predetermined condition. That is, the imaging condition transmission control unit 90 acquires the imaging conditions to be reflected (that is, the information set for the reflection setting items selected by the reflection setting item selection unit 80) for the sub imaging device 100B whose second information does not satisfy the second predetermined condition from the imaging conditions stored in the storage 24. Then, the imaging condition transmission control unit 90 transmits the acquired imaging conditions to the sub imaging device 100B whose second information does not satisfy the second predetermined condition as imaging condition information.

[0319] Thereby, when the first information, which is information regarding the main imaging device 100A, does not satisfy the first predetermined condition, for the sub imaging device 100B whose second information does not satisfy the second predetermined condition, the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A are set based on the reflection setting items, and for the sub imaging device 100B whose second information satisfies the second predetermined condition, the setting of the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A is prohibited.

[0320] Next, as an operation of the control device 10 according to the fourth embodiment, an example of the flow of the imaging condition setting process performed by the processor 22 (see FIG. 34) of the control device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 35.

[0321] In the imaging condition setting process shown in FIG. 33, first, in step ST140, the first default condition acquisition unit 500 acquires first information which is information regarding the main imaging device 100A. After the process of step ST140 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST141.

[0322] In step ST141, the first default condition determination unit 502 determines whether the first information satisfies the first default condition. In step ST141, if the first information satisfies the first default condition, the determination is affirmative and the imaging condition setting process ends. That is, the setting of imaging conditions for all the sub-imaging devices 100B is prohibited. In step ST141, if the first information does not satisfy the first default condition, the determination is negative and the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST142.

[0323] In step ST142, the preset information acquisition unit 70 acquires the preset information set in the control device 10. After the process of step ST142 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST143.

[0324] In step ST143, the variable setting unit 72 sets the variable n set for the plurality of sub-imaging devices 100B to 1. After the process of step ST143 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST144.

[0325] In step ST144, the variable determination unit 74 determines whether the variable n is less than or equal to the number N of the plurality of sub-imaging devices 100B. In step ST144, if the variable n is less than or equal to the number N of the plurality of sub-imaging devices 100B, the determination is affirmative and the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST145. In step ST144, if the variable n exceeds the number N of the plurality of sub-imaging devices 100B, the determination is negative and the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST151.

[0326] In step ST145, the second predetermined condition acquisition unit 504 acquires second information which is information regarding each sub-imaging device 100B. After the process of step ST145 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST146.

[0327] In step ST146, the second predetermined condition determination unit 506 determines whether the second information satisfies the second predetermined condition. In step ST146, if the second information satisfies the second predetermined condition, the determination is affirmative and the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST150. In step ST146, if the second information does not satisfy the second predetermined condition, the determination is negative and the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST147.

[0328] In step ST147, the second mode switching control unit 76 transmits a second mode switching instruction signal indicating an instruction to switch the operation mode of the sub-imaging device 100B with number n to the imaging situation providing process mode to the sub-imaging device 100B with number n. After the process of step ST147 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST148.

[0329] In step ST148, the imaging situation information acquisition unit 78 acquires imaging situation information regarding the imaging situation of the sub-imaging device 100B with number n corresponding to the variable n. After the process of step ST148 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST149.

[0330] In step ST149, the reflection setting item selection unit 80 selects a reflection setting item to be applied to the sub-imaging device 100B with number n as an imaging condition from among a plurality of setting items included in the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A according to the preset information and / or the imaging situation information. After the process of step ST149 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST150.

[0331] In step ST150, the variable addition unit 82 adds 1 to the variable n. After the process of step ST150 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST144.

[0332] In step ST151, the third mode switching control unit 84 transmits a third mode switching instruction signal indicating an instruction to switch the operation mode of the main imaging device 100A to the imaging condition providing process mode to the main imaging device 100A. After the process of step ST151 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST152.

[0333] In step ST152, the imaging condition acquisition unit 86 acquires the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A. After the process of step ST152 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST153.

[0334] In step ST153, the fourth mode switching control unit 88 transmits a fourth mode switching instruction signal indicating an instruction to switch the operation mode of the sub-imaging device 100B to the imaging condition setting process mode to each sub-imaging device 100B. After the process of step ST153 is executed, the imaging condition setting process proceeds to step ST154.

[0335] In step ST154, the imaging condition transmission control unit 90 transmits the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A to each sub-imaging device 100B based on the selected reflection setting items for the sub-imaging devices 100B whose second information does not satisfy the second predetermined condition. As a result, the setting of the imaging conditions of the main imaging device 100A is prohibited for the sub-imaging devices 100B whose second information satisfies the second predetermined condition. After the process of step ST154 is executed, the imaging condition setting process ends.

[0336] Note that the control method described as the operation of the above-described control device 10 is an example of the "control method" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0337] As described above, in the control device 10 according to the fourth embodiment, the processor 22 acquires the first information which is information about the main imaging device 100A. Then, when the first information satisfies the first predetermined condition, the processor 22 prohibits setting the imaging condition for the sub-imaging device 100B based on the imaging condition of the main imaging device 100A. Therefore, for example, it is possible to avoid setting the imaging condition for the sub-imaging device 100B based on the imaging condition of the main imaging device 100A in a situation where it is not suitable to reflect the imaging condition of the main imaging device 100A as the imaging condition of the sub-imaging device 100B.

[0338] Also, the processor 22 acquires the second information which is information about each sub-imaging device 100B. Then, for the sub-imaging device 100B whose second information satisfies the second predetermined condition, the processor 22 prohibits setting the imaging condition of the sub-imaging device 100B based on the imaging condition of the main imaging device 100A. Therefore, for example, it is possible to avoid setting the imaging condition for the sub-imaging device 100B based on the imaging condition of the main imaging device 100A for a sub-imaging device 100B for which it is not suitable to reflect the imaging condition of the main imaging device 100A.

[0339] Note that the processor 22 may acquire only one of the first information which is information about the main imaging device 100A and the second information about each sub-imaging device 100B. And when the first information satisfies the first predetermined condition or the second information satisfies the second predetermined condition, the processor 22 may prohibit setting the imaging condition for the sub-imaging device 100B based on the imaging condition of the main imaging device 100A.

[0340] Also, when the first information satisfies the first predetermined condition and / or the second information satisfies the second predetermined condition, the processor 22 may prohibit setting the imaging condition for the sub-imaging device 100B based on the imaging condition stored in advance in the storage 24.

[0341] The above has described the first to fourth embodiments. The above-described embodiments and modifications can be combined with each other as long as there is no contradiction. Further, when the above-described embodiments and modifications are combined and there are a plurality of overlapping steps, priority may be given to the plurality of steps according to various conditions and the like.

[0342] In each of the above embodiments, the image data obtained by being imaged by each imaging device 100 is transmitted to the control device 10. Then, in the control device 10, an image is displayed based on the image data. However, the control device 10 may display the image on an external display device provided outside the control device 10.

[0343] In each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the program 30 is stored in the storage 24 of the control device 10. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the program 30 may be stored in a portable storage medium such as an SSD or a USB memory. The storage medium is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (that is, a computer-readable storage medium). The program 30 stored in the storage medium is installed in the computer 12 of the control device 10. The processor 22 of the control device 10 executes various processes according to the program 30.

[0344] In each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the program 190 is stored in the storage 144 of the imaging device 100. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the program 190 may be stored in a portable storage medium such as an SSD or a USB memory. The storage medium is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (that is, a computer-readable storage medium). The program 190 stored in the storage medium is installed in the controller 126 of the imaging device 100. The processor 142 of the imaging device 100 executes various processes according to the program 190.

[0345] In each of the above embodiments, the program 30 may be stored in a storage device of another computer or server device connected to the control device 10 via a network, and the program 30 may be downloaded in response to a request from the control device 10 and installed in the computer 12 of the control device 10.

[0346] In addition, it is not necessary to store all of the program 30 in a storage device of another computer or server device connected to the control device 10, or in the storage 24 of the control device 10. A part of the program 30 may be stored.

[0347] In each of the above embodiments, the program 190 may be stored in a storage device of another computer or server device connected to the imaging device 100 via a network, and the program 190 may be downloaded in response to a request from the imaging device 100 and installed in the controller 126 of the imaging device 100.

[0348] In addition, it is not necessary to store all of the program 190 in a storage device of another computer or server device connected to the imaging device 100, or in the storage 144 of the imaging device 100. A part of the program 190 may be stored.

[0349] In each of the above embodiments, the computer 12 is built in the control device 10. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the computer 12 may be provided outside the control device 10.

[0350] In each of the above embodiments, the controller 126 is built in the imaging device 100. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the controller 126 may be provided outside the imaging device 100.

[0351] In each of the above embodiments, the control device 10 may be configured by the controller 126 of any one of the plurality of imaging devices 100.

[0352] In each of the above embodiments, the computer 12 is used in the control device 10. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and instead of the computer 12, a device including an ASIC, an FPGA, and / or a PLD may be applied. Further, instead of the computer 12, a combination of a hardware configuration and a software configuration may be used.

[0353] In each of the above embodiments, the controller 126, which is a computer, is used in the imaging device 100. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and instead of the controller 126, a device including an ASIC, an FPGA, and / or a PLD may be applied. Further, instead of the controller 126, a combination of a hardware configuration and a software configuration may be used.

[0354] As the hardware resources for executing the various processes described in the above embodiments, the following various processors can be used. Examples of the processor include a general-purpose processor such as a CPU that functions as a hardware resource for executing various processes by executing software, that is, a program. Further, examples of the processor include a dedicated electric circuit or the like that is a processor having a circuit configuration specifically designed to execute a specific process such as an FPGA, a PLD, or an ASIC. A memory is built in or connected to any of these processors, and any of these processors executes a process by using the memory.

[0355] Further, the hardware resources for executing the various processes may be configured by one of these various processors, or may be configured by a combination of two or more processors of the same type or different types (for example, a combination of a plurality of FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Further, the hardware resources for executing the process may be a single processor.

[0356] As an example of a configuration consisting of one processor, first, there is a form in which one processor is configured by a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as hardware resources for executing various processes. Second, there is a form in which a processor that realizes the functions of the entire system including a plurality of hardware resources for executing various processes in one IC chip, as represented by an SoC or the like, is used. Thus, various processes are realized as hardware resources using one or more of the above various processors.

[0357] Furthermore, as a more specific hardware structure of these various processors, an electric circuit combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements can be used. Also, the above various processes are merely examples. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing order may be changed within the scope not departing from the gist.

[0358] The description and illustration shown above are detailed explanations of the part related to the technology of the present disclosure and are merely examples of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the explanations regarding the above configuration, function, operation, and effect are explanations regarding an example of the configuration, function, operation, and effect of the part related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that within the scope not departing from the gist of the technology of the present disclosure, the description and illustration shown above may be modified by deleting unnecessary parts, adding new elements, or replacing them. Also, for the purpose of avoiding complication and facilitating the understanding of the part related to the technology of the present disclosure, the description regarding common technical knowledge that does not particularly require explanation for implementing the technology of the present disclosure is omitted from the description and illustration shown above.

[0359] As used herein, "A and / or B" is synonymous with "at least one of A and B". That is, "A and / or B" means that it may be only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. Also, in this specification, when expressing three or more matters connected by "and / or", the same concept as "A and / or B" is applied.

[0360] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0361] S Imaging System 1 Network 10 Control Device 12 Computer 14 Reception Device 16 Display 18 External I / F 20 Communication I / F 22 Processor 24 Storage 26 RAM 28 Bus 30 Program 40 Operation Mode Setting Processing Unit 42 Imaging Control Processing Unit 44 Imaging Condition Setting Processing Unit 50 Imaging Control Processing Mode Setting Unit 52 Mode Switching Determination Unit 54 Imaging Condition Setting Processing Mode Setting Unit 56 Imaging Condition Setting Processing End Determination Unit 58 End Determination Unit 60 Image Data Acquisition Unit 62 Image Display Control Unit 64 Image Recording Instruction Determination Unit 66 First Mode Switching Control Unit 68 End Determination Unit 70 Preset Information Acquisition Unit 72 Variable setting unit 74 Variable determination unit 76 Second mode switching control unit 78 Imaging status information acquisition unit 80 Reflection setting item selection unit 82 Variable addition unit 84 Third mode switching control unit 86 Imaging condition acquisition unit 88 Fourth mode switching control unit 90 Imaging condition transmission control unit 92 End determination unit 100 Imaging device 100A Main imaging device 100B Sub imaging device 102 Imaging device body 104 Lens unit 106 Mechanical shutter 106A Front curtain 106B Rear curtain 108 Shutter actuator 110 Shutter driver 112 Image sensor 112A Light receiving surface 114 Image sensor driver 116 Signal processing circuit 118 Shake correction mechanism 120 Shake correction driver 122 Temperature sensor 124 Inertial sensor 126 Controller 128 Image memory 130 UI system device 132 Positioning unit 134 Battery unit 136 External I / F 138 Communication I / F 140 Input / output I / F 142 Processor 144 Storage 146 RAM 148 Bus 149 Display 150 Reception device 152 Touch panel 154 Hard key section 156 Position sensor 158 Blur correction actuator 160 Receiver 162 Battery 164 Imaging lens 166 Objective lens 168 Focus lens 170 Zoom lens 172A Aperture 172B Blade 174 Controller 176 Focus actuator 178 Zoom actuator 180 Diaphragm actuator 190 Program 200 Operation mode setting processing section 202 Image display processing section 204 Image recording processing section 206 Imaging situation providing processing section 208 Imaging condition providing processing section 210 Imaging condition setting processing section 220 Image display processing mode setting section 222 First mode switching determination section 224 Image recording processing mode setting section 226 Second mode switching determination section 228 Imaging situation providing processing mode setting section 230 Third mode switching determination section 232 Imaging condition providing processing mode setting section 234 Fourth mode switching determination section 236 Imaging condition setting processing mode setting section 238 Mode determination section 240 Mode end determination section 242 End determination section 250 Imaging control section 252 Image display control section 254 Image data transmission control section 256 End determination section 260 Imaging control section 262 Image display control unit 264 Image recording control unit 266 Image data transmission control unit 268 End determination unit 270 Imaging status information acquisition unit 272 Imaging status information transmission control unit 280 Imaging condition acquisition unit 282 Imaging condition transmission control unit 290 Imaging condition acquisition unit 292 Imaging condition setting control unit 300 Overhead camera 302 Imaging environment 400 Sub-imaging device classification unit 500 First predetermined condition acquisition unit 502 First predetermined condition determination unit 504 Second predetermined condition acquisition unit 506 Second predetermined condition determination unit

Claims

1. A control device comprising a memory and a processor, capable of communicating with a plurality of imaging devices, wherein the memory is capable of storing imaging conditions set for each of the plurality of imaging devices, and the processor, acquires first imaging conditions which are imaging conditions set for a first imaging device and are set when imaging a subject corresponding to the first imaging device with the first imaging device, stores the first imaging conditions in the memory, sets third imaging conditions which are imaging conditions set when imaging a subject corresponding to a second imaging device with the second imaging device, based on the first imaging conditions stored in the memory or second imaging conditions which are imaging conditions stored in the memory and are set when imaging a subject corresponding to the first imaging device with the first imaging device, wherein the first imaging conditions and / or the second imaging conditions include a plurality of first setting items which are one of the setting items included in the imaging conditions, and the processor, acquires first imaging situation information which is information regarding the imaging situation of the second imaging device, selects, according to the first imaging situation information, first setting items to be applied to the second imaging device as the third imaging conditions from the plurality of first setting items a control device.

2. The first imaging situation information includes at least any one of first vibration information which is information regarding the influence of vibration on the second imaging device, first external device connection information which is information regarding the connection status of an external device to the second imaging device, and first image recording operation information which is information regarding the image recording operation of the second imaging device The control device according to Claim 1.

3. The first imaging situation information is first position information which is information regarding the position of the second imaging device, first subject information which is information regarding the subject corresponding to the second imaging device, first light source information which is information regarding the light source corresponding to the second imaging device, first network connection information which is information regarding the connection status of a network to the second imaging device, first model information which is information regarding the model of the second imaging device, first lens information which is information regarding the lens equipped on the second imaging device, first battery information which is information regarding the battery equipped on the second imaging device, first temperature information which is information regarding the temperature of the second imaging device, first installation state information regarding the installation state of the second imaging device and at least any one of the first image information which is information obtained based on an image obtained by imaging the first imaging device and the second imaging device by a third imaging device The control device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The first imaging situation information includes information regarding the imaging situation of the first imaging device. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. When the imaging situation of the second imaging device is changed, the processor acquires the first imaging situation information. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. When the first imaging condition set in the first imaging device and / or the imaging situation of the first imaging device is changed, the processor acquires the first imaging condition. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The first imaging condition and / or the second imaging condition include a plurality of second setting items each of which is one of the setting items included in the imaging condition. The processor acquires first imaging scene information which is information regarding an imaging scene imaged by the second imaging device, and selects, according to the first imaging scene information, the second setting items to be applied to the second imaging device as the third imaging condition from the plurality of second setting items. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The second imaging condition is a setting item set based on an imaging scene imaged by the second imaging device, and includes a third setting item which is one of the setting items included in the imaging condition. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The processor acquires second imaging situation information which is information regarding the imaging situation of each of the plurality of imaging devices, classifies the plurality of imaging devices into two or more groups based on the second imaging situation information, and sets a fourth imaging condition which is an imaging condition set when imaging a subject corresponding to the imaging devices of the group by the imaging devices of the group for each group. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The second imaging situation information is second vibration information which is information regarding the influence of vibration on each of the plurality of imaging devices, is second external device connection information which is information regarding the connection status of an external device to each of the plurality of imaging devices, is second image recording operation information which is information regarding the image recording operation of each of the plurality of imaging devices. Second position information, which is information regarding the position of each of the plurality of imaging devices, Second subject information, which is information regarding a subject corresponding to each of the plurality of imaging devices, Second light source information, which is information regarding a light source corresponding to each of the plurality of imaging devices, Second network connection information, which is information regarding the connection status of a network for each of the plurality of imaging devices, Second model information, which is information regarding the model of each of the plurality of imaging devices, Second lens information, which is information regarding a lens equipped in each of the plurality of imaging devices, Second battery information, which is information regarding a battery equipped in each of the plurality of imaging devices, Second temperature information, which is information regarding the temperature of each of the plurality of imaging devices, Second installation state information regarding the installation state of each of the plurality of imaging devices, and includes at least any one of second image information, which is information obtained from an image obtained by imaging the plurality of imaging devices with a fourth imaging device The control device according to claim 9.

11. The first imaging condition set for the first imaging device includes a plurality of fourth setting items, each of which is one of the setting items included in the imaging condition, The processor acquires only the information set for the fourth setting item applied to the second imaging device as the third imaging condition among the plurality of fourth setting items. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The second imaging condition is a condition set based on the first imaging condition. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The processor acquires at least one of first information, which is information regarding the first imaging device, and second information, which is information regarding the second imaging device, The first information includes at least any one of imaging environment information regarding the imaging environment of the first imaging device, imaging condition information regarding the imaging condition of the first imaging device, and imaging status information regarding the imaging status of the first imaging device, The second information includes at least any one of imaging environment information regarding the imaging environment of the second imaging device, imaging condition information regarding the imaging condition of the second imaging device, and imaging status information regarding the imaging status of the second imaging device. When at least one of the first information and the second information satisfies a predetermined condition, setting the third imaging condition for the second imaging device based on the first imaging condition stored in the memory or the second imaging condition stored in the memory is prohibited. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A control device including a memory and a processor and capable of communicating with a plurality of imaging devices, wherein the memory is capable of storing imaging conditions to be set for each of the plurality of imaging devices, and the processor acquires a first imaging condition, which is an imaging condition set for a first imaging device and is an imaging condition set when an object corresponding to the first imaging device is imaged by the first imaging device, stores the first imaging condition in the memory, sets, based on at least any one of a plurality of first setting items, which are one of the setting items included in the first imaging condition stored in the memory, a third imaging condition, which is an imaging condition set when an object corresponding to the second imaging device is imaged by the second imaging device, for the second imaging device, acquires first imaging situation information, which is information regarding the imaging situation of the second imaging device, selects, according to the first imaging situation information, a first setting item to be applied to the second imaging device as the third imaging condition from the plurality of first setting items Control device.

15. Communicating with a plurality of imaging devices, acquiring a first imaging condition, which is an imaging condition set for a first imaging device and is an imaging condition set when an object corresponding to the first imaging device is imaged by the first imaging device, storing the first imaging condition in a memory, and setting, based on the first imaging condition stored in the memory or the second imaging condition, which is an imaging condition stored in the memory and is an imaging condition set when an object corresponding to the first imaging device is imaged by the first imaging device, a third imaging condition, which is an imaging condition set when an object corresponding to the second imaging device is imaged by the second imaging device, for the second imaging device including wherein the first imaging condition and / or the second imaging condition includes a plurality of first setting items, which are one of the setting items included in the imaging condition, further acquiring first imaging situation information, which is information regarding the imaging situation of the second imaging device, and Selecting, according to the first imaging situation information, a first setting item applied to the second imaging device as the third imaging condition from among the plurality of first setting items A control method including this.

16. A computer is caused to Communicate with a plurality of imaging devices Obtain a first imaging condition which is an imaging condition set in a first imaging device and which is set when imaging a subject corresponding to the first imaging device by the first imaging device Store the first imaging condition in a memory, and Based on the first imaging condition stored in the memory or a second imaging condition which is an imaging condition stored in the memory and which is set when imaging a subject corresponding to the first imaging device by the first imaging device, set, for a second imaging device, a third imaging condition which is an imaging condition set when imaging a subject corresponding to the second imaging device by the second imaging device Including The first imaging condition and / or the second imaging condition include a plurality of first setting items each of which is one of the setting items included in the imaging condition Furthermore Obtain first imaging situation information which is information regarding the imaging situation of the second imaging device, and Select, according to the first imaging situation information, a first setting item applied to the second imaging device as the third imaging condition from among the plurality of first setting items A program for causing execution of a process including this.

Images