COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION DEVICE CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM

Abstract

To provide a communication apparatus configured to simply switch a communication between the communication apparatus and an external reproducing device.SOLUTION: A camera 1 includes: a communication unit 19 which wirelessly communicates with an earphone 3 serving as an external reproducing device which automatically switch multiple pieces of sound data transmitted from the camera 1 to reproduce the data; and a state detection unit 101 which detects whether the camera is being used by a user or not. When the camera is not used by the user and the state detection unit 101 detects the user is to use the camera, the communication unit 19 transmits predetermined data to the earphone 3, before transmitting the sound data, to enter a state for reproducing the sound data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device capable of communicating with an external playback device. [Background technology]

[0002] Many common digital cameras have built-in speakers. The speakers emit electronic sounds, such as notification sounds that notify users of the digital camera's operations, such as the sound of an electronic shutter, and operation sounds that occur when the release button is pressed. These electronic sounds allow the photographer and those around the photographer to understand the usage status (operation status) of the digital camera. Furthermore, in concerts and sporting events held in quiet environments, for example, the electronic sounds can be a nuisance to the artists and players who are the subjects of the photos, as well as to other spectators.

[0003] In such cases, the digital camera can be set to silent mode shooting, which suppresses the electronic sound from the speaker. This prevents disturbance to the subject and other users. Meanwhile, even when shooting in silent mode, the photographer can still hear the electronic sound by using earphones or headphones electrically connected to the digital camera. Recently, wireless earphones that can be wirelessly connected to communication devices have become available. Wireless earphones can reduce the inconvenience of the cables that conventional wired earphones have, which interfere with (obstruct) the operation of the communication device. Two communication devices may also be used simultaneously. In this case, when listening to the electronic sound using the wireless earphones, the wireless earphones must be switched to one of the two communication devices from which the user wants to hear the electronic sound. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a playback device that can be connected to two mobile terminals. It discloses that when a user plays audio data (content) on the playback device, the playback device sends a playback request to one of the two mobile terminals in accordance with the audio data selected by the user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-181869 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the playback device described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the user must manually switch the playback of content, which makes it time-consuming to switch the playback of content.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a communication device that can easily switch between communication with the communication device and an external playback device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a communication device of the present invention includes: a communication means for wirelessly communicating with an external playback device that can automatically switch and play back audio data transmitted from a plurality of communication devices; a detection means for detecting whether the communication device is being used by a user; an operation means for accepting a user operation; and wherein, in response to the detection by the detection means that the communication means is being used by a user while the communication means is not being used by a user, the communication means transmits, to the external playback device, predetermined data for switching the external playback device to a state for playing back the audio data transmitted from the communication device, prior to transmission of the audio data. The operating means is a release button, and the detecting means detects that the release button has been used by a user in response to receiving an operation of the release button, and detects whether the release button has been pressed halfway or fully. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, communication between a communication device and an external playback device can be easily switched. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a camera according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of earphones capable of communicating with a camera in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a communication state between a camera and earphones in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the operation of the earphone according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the earphone according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a camera in the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the operation of the earphone according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of a camera capable of communicating with earphones in the third embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the earphone according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the embodiments. Furthermore, each embodiment illustrates a case in which the communication device is applied to a camera (digital camera) which is an imaging device, and the external playback device is applied to earphones (headphones).

[0011] First Embodiment The first embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 6. The communication system 100 has a camera 1 shown in Figure 1 and earphones 3 shown in Figure 2. The camera 1 is an imaging device capable of capturing images with an interchangeable lens 2 attached, i.e., a digital camera.

[0012] 1, camera 1 has an image sensor 11, an image processing unit 12, a memory unit 13, and a focal plane shutter (hereinafter simply referred to as "shutter") 14. Camera 1 also has an operation detection unit 15, an image display unit 16, an audio output unit 17, a vibration detection unit 18, a communication unit (communication means) 19, an operation unit (operation means) 25, and a camera system control unit 10.

[0013] The image sensor 11 is an element that receives light rays that have passed through the interchangeable lens 2, and is configured, for example, by a CCD or CMOS. The image processing unit 12 has, for example, a white balance circuit, a gamma correction circuit, an interpolation calculation circuit, etc., and generates an image from information photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 11.

[0014] The memory unit 13 stores information such as images generated by the image processing unit 12. The memory unit 13 also stores programs for causing the camera system control unit 10, which is a computer, to execute the various units and means of the camera 1 (for executing the control method for the camera 1). The shutter 14 controls the blocking or passage of light rays to the image sensor 11. The image display unit 16 displays image information, shooting information, and other information such as the status of the camera 1, and is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display.

[0015] The audio output unit 17 is a speaker that generates electronic sounds. Examples of electronic sounds include a focus sound that notifies (announces) that a subject is in focus (hereinafter referred to as a focused state) when the release button is pressed halfway, and an electronic shutter sound that notifies (announces) that an image has been captured when the release button is pressed all the way. The electronic sounds may also be audio data such as music data or warning sounds. In this embodiment, the electronic sounds are described as sounds in the audible range. The "audible range" generally refers to a frequency band of 20 Hz to 16,000 Hz. The electronic sounds are stored as audio data in the memory unit 13. The vibration detection unit 18 detects vibrations, including camera shake, of the camera 1.

[0016] The operation unit 25 is a section that can accept user operations and cause the camera 1 to perform at least two different types of operations. In this embodiment, the operation unit 25 is a release button that performs an autofocus operation (hereinafter referred to as "AF operation") when pressed halfway and a release operation when pressed all the way. The AF operation is a preparatory operation for photography that is performed prior to photography. The release operation is an operation that activates a mechanical shutter or electronic shutter to start an exposure operation for capturing a still image. The operation detection unit 15 detects operations on the operation unit 25. The camera 1 can select between a mechanical shutter mode and an electronic shutter mode. In the mechanical shutter mode, the shutter 14 can be activated during the exposure operation for photography to control the exposure time. In the electronic shutter mode, the exposure time for photography can be controlled by a pseudo-light blocking operation controlled by the image sensor 11. The camera 1 can also be selected for a wireless communication mode. In the wireless communication mode, the camera 1 is connected to the earphones 3, which are external playback devices, via the communication unit 19 so as to be able to communicate wirelessly, i.e., is wirelessly connected, and can transmit audio data, a playback switching signal (predetermined data) described below, and the like to the earphones 3. When the wireless communication mode is released, the audio data is played from the audio output unit 17. Furthermore, if wired earphones are connected to the camera 1, the audio data is played from the wired earphones.

[0017] The camera system control unit 10 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and controls the image sensor 11, image processing unit 12, memory unit 13, shutter 14, operation detection unit 15, image display unit 16, audio output unit 17, vibration detection unit 18, communication unit 19, and operation unit 25. The camera system control unit 10 also controls the interchangeable lens 2. The camera system control unit 10 generates timing signals and the like for image capture and outputs them to each unit and each means. For example, when the camera system control unit 10 detects that the release button has been fully pressed and accepts an operation instruction, it controls the image sensor 11 and sends a command signal to the lens system control unit 20 in accordance with this instruction.

[0018] The interchangeable lens 2 has a photographing optical system 22, a lens driver 23, and a lens system controller 20. The photographing optical system 22 has at least one lens, through which light rays as an optical axis 21 pass. The lens driver 23 adjusts the position of the lens in the photographing optical system 22. The lens system controller 20 controls the lens driver 23, a shake correction unit (not shown) that performs shake correction, and the like. The camera 1 and interchangeable lens 2 are electrically connected via lens contacts 24. This allows data (signals) to be exchanged between the camera 1 and interchangeable lens 2.

[0019] The earphones 3 are external playback devices that can be in a playback enabled state in which audio data can be played back, and a disabled state in which the playback enabled state is disabled. As will be described later, the earphones 3 can maintain wireless connections with two cameras 1, and upon receiving audio data from one of the cameras 1, automatically switch to playing back the audio data from that camera 1. In the playback enabled state, the earphones 3 are connected to the camera 1 that plays back audio data. In the disabled state, the earphones 3 are connected to the camera 1 that does not play back audio data. In this embodiment, the external playback device is the earphones 3, but is not limited to this and may be headphones, for example. As shown in FIG. 2 , the earphones 3 include an earphone-side communication unit 31, a codec 32, a DAC 33, a speaker 34, an earphone-side operation detection unit 35, and an earphone control unit 30. The earphone-side communication unit 31 wirelessly communicates with the camera 1 in wireless communication mode. In this embodiment, communication is performed using Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like as a wireless communication method. In this embodiment, the earphones 3 have a multi-pairing function and a multi-point function. The "multi-pairing function" is a function that stores multiple pieces of pairing information. This allows the user to omit the pairing information registration operation when pairing with multiple cameras 1. The "multi-point function" is a function that simultaneously maintains a paired state (connected state) with multiple cameras 1. This allows the earphones 3 to communicate with multiple cameras 1 in parallel. The multi-pairing function and multi-point function allow the earphones 3 to be wirelessly connected to multiple cameras 1, i.e., pairing is established. This allows the earphones 3 to receive data such as audio data from each camera 1 in parallel. For example, if the earphones 3 receive and play audio data from one camera 1 and then receive audio data from another camera 1, they can automatically switch and play the audio data. By using earphones 3 with the multi-point function, the user can reduce the effort required to switch connections with communication devices.As shown in FIG. 3 , in the communication system 100 of this embodiment, two cameras 1 are connected in parallel to one earphone 3. Hereinafter, when the two cameras 1 need to be distinguished from one another, one camera 1 will be referred to as "camera 1A" and the other camera 1 as "camera 1B." When there is no need to distinguish between them, they will simply be referred to as "camera 1." Furthermore, in the communication system 100 of this embodiment, two cameras 1 are connected in parallel to the earphone 3, but this is not limited thereto; three or more cameras 1 may be connected in parallel to the earphone 3. Furthermore, multiple communication profiles are prepared for communication via Bluetooth (registered trademark). In this embodiment, a first communication profile capable of transmitting and receiving audio data and a second communication profile capable of transmitting and receiving a playback switch signal are prepared as communication profiles. The first communication profile and the second communication profile are transmitted from the communication unit 19 of the camera 1 to the earphone-side communication unit 31 of the earphone 3. In the case of Bluetooth (registered trademark), the so-called "A2DP" is used as the first communication profile, and the so-called "AVRCP" or the like is used as the second communication profile. The codec 32 converts audio data received by the earphone-side communication unit 31. The DAC 33 performs DA (digital-to-analog) conversion. The speaker 34 plays back audio data from the output from the DAC 33. The earphone-side operation detection unit 35 detects operations such as turning the power of the earphone 3 on and off. The earphone control unit 30 controls the earphone-side communication unit 31, the codec 32, the DAC 33, the speaker 34, and the earphone-side operation detection unit 35.

[0020] The earphone 3 receives audio data from the camera 1A and the camera 1B via the earphone-side communication unit 31, but has only one codec 32 and one DAC 33. Therefore, the audio data played from the speaker 34 of the earphone 3 is either the audio data from the camera 1A or the audio data from the camera 1B. Therefore, the earphone 3 needs to switch which of the audio data received from the camera 1A or the camera 1B to send to the codec 32 and play on the speaker 34. This switching is performed by the earphone-side communication unit 31 under the control of the earphone control unit 30. For example, suppose the earphone 3 is playing back audio data from the camera 1A or is in a standby state ready to receive audio data from the camera 1A, and then receives audio data from the camera 1B. At this time, playback switching (such as buffering the audio data) is required to play back the audio data from the camera 1B, but this playback switching operation causes a delay in the playback of the audio data from the camera 1B. The timing for this playback switching is when the earphone 3 receives audio data from the camera 1B. As described above, the audio data, i.e., the focusing sound and electronic shutter sound, are intended to allow the user of camera 1B to know when camera 1B is ready to take pictures and when taking pictures has been completed with camera 1B. Therefore, depending on the degree of delay in the audio data, the user may not be able to accurately know when taking pictures is ready or when taking pictures has been completed, which may make taking pictures difficult.

[0021] Therefore, the communication system 100 (camera 1) aims to reduce such problems. The configuration and operation of this system will be described below.

[0022] In the communication system 100, the camera 1A and the camera 1B are paired with the earphone 3, and communication is established between the camera 1A and the earphone 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the camera 1A transmits a first communication profile including audio data and a second communication profile including a playback switching signal, and the signals (data) of each profile are received by the earphone communication unit 31. Similarly, the camera 1A transmits the first communication profile including audio data and a second communication profile including a playback switching signal, and the signals of each profile are received by the earphone communication unit 31. In this embodiment, the playback switching signal (predetermined data) is audio data outside the audible range (hereinafter also referred to as "dummy audio data"). Therefore, both data included in the first communication profile are audio data. The "dummy audio data" is audio data whose generation time is set to be short, for example, on the order of several tens of milliseconds, and is outside the audible range that the user cannot normally hear even when played back, or is silent audio data with a low volume. The dummy audio data is stored in memory unit 13 as part of the first communication profile. Hereinafter, audible audio data and dummy audio data may be collectively referred to as "audio data." The playback switching signal may also be audio data with zero (or very low) volume or audio data with no data stored (i.e., almost 0 bytes). The playback switching signal may also be audible audio data including audio for notifying that the device playing the audio data has been switched. Signals of the second communication profile from camera 1A and camera 1B are further received by earphone control unit 30 via earphone-side communication unit 31. Note that in FIG. 4, signals of the first communication profile are indicated by solid lines, and signals of the second communication profile are indicated by dashed lines. Hereinafter, a state in which the earphone 3 can play audio data from camera 1A is referred to as "playable state A," and a state in which playable state A is canceled is referred to as "cancelled state A." Furthermore, a state in which audio data from camera 1B can be played back is called a "playback enabled state B," and a state in which the playback enabled state B has been cancelled is called a "cancelled state B."

[0023] In the earphone 3 shown in FIG. 4, as an example, the earphone control unit 30 has received a playback switch signal from the camera 1A in advance, and the playback switch unit 31a has been switched to the camera 1A side. As a result, the earphone 3 is in playback enabled state A, that is, it is waiting to receive audio data from the camera 1A. Meanwhile, the earphone 3 is in released state B. Because the earphone communication unit 31 is already in playback enabled state A, when it receives audio data from the camera 1A, it can transmit the audio data to the codec 32 and DAC 33 without delay. This allows the audio data from the camera 1A to be quickly played back from the speaker 34. Meanwhile, when playing back audio data from the camera 1B, prior to transmitting the audio data, a playback switch signal that puts the earphone 3 in playback enabled state B is sent from the camera 1B to the earphone 3. This playback switch signal is received by the earphone control unit 30. As a result, the earphone 3 is in playback enabled state B, and in released state A. Then, because earphone-side communication unit 31 is already in playback-enabled state B, when it receives audio data from camera 1B, it can transmit the audio data without delay to codec 32 and DAC 33. This allows the audio data from camera 1B to be played back quickly from speaker 34, that is, it is possible to suppress delays in the audio data from camera 1B being played back from speaker 34.

[0024] Next, the timing of transmitting the playback switching signal will be described. In this embodiment, the operation detection unit 15 functions as a state detection unit (detection means) 101 (see FIG. 1). The state detection unit 101 can perform a detection step of detecting whether the camera 1 is being used by a user (hereinafter referred to as the "use state"). As described above, the operation unit 25 is a release button. A user can operate the operation unit 25 to cause the camera 1 to perform two different operations. That is, the user can cause the camera 1 to perform an AF operation by half-pressing the button, and to perform a release operation by full-pressing the button. Then, the operation detection unit 15 functioning as the state detection unit 101 detects a half-press operation (a state in which one of the two operations is being performed) as the use state in response to receiving an operation from the operation unit 25. This allows the use state to be detected quickly with a simple configuration. Note that the operation detection unit 15 may also detect a full-press operation as the use state.

[0025] The communication unit 19 can perform a communication step of transmitting a playback switching signal to the earphones 3 to put the earphones 3 into a playback-enabled state. In the communication step, when the operation detection unit 15 (state detection unit 101) detects a state of use while the earphones 3 are not being used by a user, that is, when a half-press operation is detected, the communication unit 19 transmits a playback switching signal to the earphones 3 prior to transmitting audio data. The timing at which this communication step is performed is the timing at which the playback switching signal is transmitted when audio data is being played back.

[0026] Next, we will explain the operation flow when wireless communication is performed between camera 1A, camera 1B and earphone 3. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the shooting operation of camera 1 (camera 1A, camera 1B), and Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the audio playback operation of earphone 3.

[0027] 5, when the flow starts, step S501 is executed. The processing of this flowchart starts in response to a user operation to connect the earphones 3. This processing of the camera 1 is realized by the camera system control unit 10 loading software recorded in a non-volatile memory (not shown) into a buffer memory and executing the software.

[0028] In step S501, the camera system control unit 10 of the camera 1 performs a pairing operation with the earphones 3 via the communication unit 19. This establishes a wireless connection between the camera 1 and the earphones 3. Next, step S502 is executed.

[0029] In step S502, the operation detection unit 15 (state detection unit 101) determines whether the release button (operation unit 25) has been half-pressed. If the operation detection unit 15 detects that the release button has been half-pressed (the state of use of the camera 1) in step S502, step S503 is executed, and if a half-press is not detected, the process returns to step S502, i.e., the process waits in step S502.

[0030] In step S503, the camera system control unit 10 sends a playback switching signal to the earphone 3 via the communication unit 19. This puts the earphone 3 into a state where it can play back audio data from its own camera. In other words, the earphone 3 switches from a playback-enabled state where it can play back audio from the other camera to a playback-enabled state where it can play back audio data from its own camera. Next, steps S504 and S505 are executed in order.

[0031] In step S504, the camera system control unit 10 operates the lens driving unit 23 via the lens system control unit 20. This causes the AF operation to be performed. In step S505, the camera system control unit 10 determines whether the subject is in focus.

[0032] If the camera system control unit 10 determines in step S505 that the camera is in focus, step S506 is executed. On the other hand, if the camera system control unit 10 determines in step S505 that the camera is not in focus, that is, that the camera was unable to focus on the subject, step S510 is executed, and the process returns to step S502.

[0033] In step S510, the camera system control unit 10 displays information indicating that focusing is not possible on the image display unit 16. This display can prompt the user to press the release button halfway again.

[0034] On the other hand, in step S506 after executing step S505, the camera system control unit 10 reads out the audio data of the focusing sound from the memory unit 13 and transmits this audio data to the earphone 3 via the communication unit 19. Next, step S507 is executed.

[0035] In step S507, the operation detection unit 15 determines whether or not the release button has been fully pressed. If the operation detection unit 15 detects a full press in step S507, step S511 is executed, and if a full press is not detected, step S508 is executed.

[0036] In step S508, the operation detection unit 15 determines whether the half-press of the release button has been released. If the operation detection unit 15 determines in step S508 that the half-press of the release button has been released, step S509 is executed, but if it determines that the half-press of the release button has not been released, the process returns to step S507.

[0037] In step S509, it is determined whether the power switch of camera 1 has been turned OFF. This determination is made by operation detection unit 15. If operation detection unit 15 determines in step S509 that the power switch has been turned OFF, it turns off the power to camera 1 and ends the flow, but if it determines that the power switch has not been turned OFF, it returns to step S502.

[0038] In step S511, the camera system control unit 10 starts a photographing exposure operation including driving the electronic shutter, exposure, accumulation, and photoelectric conversion in the image sensor 11, and image generation in the image processing unit 12. Next, steps S512 and S513 are executed in order.

[0039] In step S512, the camera system control unit 10 reads out the audio data of the electronic shutter sound from the memory unit 13 and transmits it to the earphone 3 via the communication unit 19.

[0040] In step S513, the camera system control unit 10 stores the image data photoelectrically converted by the image sensor in the memory unit 13, and ends the photographing exposure operation. After step S513 is executed, the process returns to step S507.

[0041] Above, we have explained the shooting operation of the camera 1. Next, we will explain the audio playback operation of the earphone 3.

[0042] 6, when the flow starts, steps S621 and S622 are executed in sequence. The processing of this flow chart starts when the earphone 3 receives a connection request from the camera 1.

[0043] In step S621, the earphone control unit 30 of the earphone 3 performs a pairing operation with the camera 1A via the earphone communication unit 31. This establishes a wireless connection between the camera 1A and the earphone 3. In addition, in step S622, the earphone control unit 30 performs a pairing operation with the camera 1B via the earphone communication unit 31. This establishes a wireless connection between the camera 1B and the earphone 3. Next, step S623 is executed.

[0044] In step S623, the earphone control unit 30 determines whether or not a playback switching signal has been received from the camera 1A via the earphone-side communication unit 31. If the earphone control unit 30 determines in step S623 that a playback switching signal has been received from the camera 1A, step S624 is executed, and if it determines that a playback switching signal has not been received, step S629 is executed.

[0045] In step S624, the earphone control unit 30 switches the playback switching unit 31a of the earphone side communication unit 31 to the camera 1A side. As a result, the earphone 3 enters playback enabled state A before receiving audio data from the camera 1A in the later step S625. Next, step S625 is executed.

[0046] In step S625, the earphone control unit 30 determines whether or not audio data has been received from the camera 1A via the earphone communication unit 31. If the earphone control unit 30 determines in step S625 that audio data has been received from the camera 1A, step S626 is executed, and if it determines that audio data has not been received from the camera 1A, step S627 is executed.

[0047] In step S626, the earphone control unit 30 transmits the audio data received in step S625 to the codec 32 and then the DAC 33, and plays it from the speaker 34. Because the earphone 3 is already in playback-enabled state A as described above, in step S626, the audio data from the camera 1A can be played back quickly and without delay. The audio data played back from the speaker 34 is audio data of the focusing sound or the electronic shutter sound.

[0048] Furthermore, in step S627, the earphone control unit 30 determines whether or not a playback switching signal has been received from camera 1B via the earphone-side communication unit 31. If the earphone control unit 30 determines in step S627 that a playback switching signal has been received from camera 1B, step S630 is executed, and if it determines that a playback switching signal has not been received from camera 1B, step S628 is executed.

[0049] In step S628, the earphone operation detection unit 35 determines whether the power switch of the earphone 3 has been turned OFF. If the earphone operation detection unit 35 determines in step S628 that the power switch has been turned OFF, it turns off the power and ends the flow; if it determines that the power switch has not been turned OFF, it returns to step S625.

[0050] On the other hand, in step S629 after executing step S623, the earphone control unit 30 determines whether or not a playback switching signal has been received from camera 1B via the earphone-side communication unit 31. If in step S629 the earphone control unit 30 determines that a playback switching signal has been received from camera 1B, step S630 is executed, but if the earphone control unit 30 determines that a playback switching signal has not been received, the process returns to step S623.

[0051] In step S630, the earphone control unit 30 switches the playback switching unit 31a of the earphone side communication unit 31 to the camera 1B side. As a result, the earphone 3 enters playback enabled state B before receiving audio data from camera 1B in later step S631. Next, step S631 is executed.

[0052] In step S631, the earphone control unit 30 determines whether or not audio data has been received from camera 1B via the earphone-side communication unit 31. If the earphone control unit 30 determines in step S631 that audio data has been received from camera 1B, step S632 is executed, and if it determines that audio data has not been received from camera 1B, step S633 is executed.

[0053] In step S632, the earphone control unit 30 transmits the audio data received in step S631 to the codec 32 and then to the DAC 33, and plays it from the speaker 34. Because the earphone 3 is already in playback-enabled state B as described above, in step S632, the earphone control unit 30 can quickly play back the audio data from camera 1B without delay. In addition, in step S633, the earphone control unit 30 determines whether or not a playback switch signal has been received from camera 1A via the earphone-side communication unit 31.

[0054] In step S633, if the earphone control unit 30 determines that it has received a playback switching signal from camera 1A, it returns to step S624, and if it determines that it has not received a playback switching signal from camera 1A, it executes step S634.

[0055] In step S634, the earphone operation detection unit 35 determines whether the power switch of the earphone 3 has been turned OFF. If the earphone operation detection unit 35 determines in step S634 that the power switch has been turned OFF, it turns off the power and ends the flow; if it determines that the power switch has not been turned OFF, it returns to step S631.

[0056] The audio playback operation of the earphone 3 has been described above.

[0057] As described above, the communication system 100 allows for quick and easy switching of communication between the camera 1A and the camera 1B and the earphone 3. Specifically, in the communication system 100, if the camera 1A is in use before audio data from the camera 1A is transmitted to the earphone 3, a playback switch signal can be transmitted from the camera 1A to the earphone 3, putting the earphone 3 into playback-enabled state A. This allows the audio data from the camera 1A to be played back in the earphone 3 without delay. Similarly, if the camera 1B is in use before audio data from the camera 1B is transmitted to the earphone 3, a playback switch signal can be transmitted from the camera 1B to the earphone 3, putting the earphone 3 into playback-enabled state B. This allows the audio data from the camera 1B to be played back in the earphone 3 without delay. Furthermore, in the communication system 100, once the camera 1 that you want to play back is in use, a switching operation (switching action) to switch to that camera 1 is performed within the earphone 3, eliminating the need to perform a separate switching operation. This improves operability.

[0058] In this embodiment, the state detection unit 101 detects a half-press of the release button and transmits a playback switch signal to the earphones 3 via the communication unit 19, but this is not limiting. For example, the playback switch signal may be transmitted in response to an operation other than a half-press of the release button. For example, the playback switch signal may not be transmitted when the menu button or playback button that changes the settings of the shooting conditions of the camera 1 is operated, but may be transmitted when any other operation is performed.

[0059] Furthermore, camera 1 may be equipped with a contact detection unit in a gripping portion (for example, a camera body) that is gripped when holding camera 1. The contact detection unit is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a contact sensor and a force sensor. When state detection unit 101 determines that camera 1 is being gripped by the contact detection unit, the contact detection unit may transmit a playback switching signal.

[0060] The decision to switch from the use state to the non-use state in camera 1 is made as follows. For example, the non-use state can be determined when operation unit 25 has not been operated for a predetermined period of time, or when camera 1 is in sleep mode (power off). Alternatively, the non-use state can be determined when camera 1 receives a signal from earphone 3 indicating that the camera has been switched to another camera.

[0061] As described above, in this embodiment, the state in which the operation unit 25 is half-pressed has been given as an example of the in-use state, but the present invention is not limited to this. The in-use state can also be, for example, a state in which the operation unit 25 is fully pressed, a state in which the camera 1 is being held, a state in which the interchangeable lens 2 is being operated, etc. On the other hand, the state in which the camera is not in use (non-use state) can be, for example, a state in which the operation unit 25 has not been operated for a predetermined period of time or more, a state in which the camera 1 is in standby mode (power off), a state in which the camera 1 is placed on a desk or the like, etc. Another example of the non-use state can be a state in which the camera 1 is hanging from the user's neck by a strap, etc.

[0062] Second Embodiment The second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the vibration detection unit 18 functions as the state detection unit 101. The vibration detection unit 18 detects vibrations occurring in the camera 1. For example, the camera 1 can detect vibrations caused by hand movement of a user holding the camera 1 using the vibration detection unit 18. The camera system control unit 10 can also perform part of the function of the state detection unit 101 (vibration analysis means). In this case, the camera system control unit 10 serves as a determination unit that determines whether the camera 1 is being held (hereinafter referred to as a "handheld state") as a usage state, based on the detection result of the vibration detection unit 18.

[0063] In this embodiment, it is assumed that a user has multiple cameras 1 hanging from their necks with straps or the like, and when taking a photograph, selects one of the cameras 1, holds it in their hand, and takes a photograph with it. In this case, the selected camera 1 is held by the user in a hand-held state, while the remaining cameras 1 are not held but are hanging by their straps in a non-hand-held state. A hand-held camera 1 generates vibrations with a frequency of about 1 to 10 Hz, which is characteristic of camera shake, while a non-hand-held camera 1 tends to generate vibrations with a lower frequency than a hand-held camera 1. Thus, the frequencies differ between a hand-held state and a non-hand-held state. The vibrations generated in the camera 1 are analyzed, and based on the analysis results, it is possible to determine whether the camera 1 is hand-held or non-hand-held. Note that the vibration analysis (frequency analysis) of the camera 1 and the determination of whether it is hand-held are performed by the camera system control unit 10. If the camera 1 is hand-held, it is considered that there is a high possibility that the camera 1 will be used to take a photograph. When it is determined that the camera is in a hand-held state, a playback switch signal is transmitted, thereby reducing the delay time until playback of audio data. In this embodiment, vibration analysis is performed using the camera system control unit 10, but this is not limiting and the analysis may be performed using, for example, a signal processing unit (not shown) capable of calculations using artificial intelligence specialized for vibration analysis. In addition to a state in which the camera 1 is hanging by a strap, a non-hand-held state also includes a state in which the camera 1 is placed on a desk or the like.

[0064] The camera 1 can also be used in cases where single-point type earphones 3 are used. Unlike multipoint type earphones, the "single-point type" allows pairing with only one communication device ("camera 1" in this embodiment), i.e., allows wireless connection to only one communication device. Conventionally, for example, when there are multiple communication devices to which a user wishes to establish a wireless connection, the user must first disconnect the currently connected communication device and then establish a wireless connection by pairing with another communication device. This makes the wireless connection process cumbersome for the user. Therefore, when the camera system control unit 10 (determination means) determines that a wirelessly connected camera 1 is not held in hand, it disconnects the wireless connection with that camera 1. On the other hand, when a camera 1 that is not wirelessly connected is determined to be held in hand, it performs control to start a pairing process between that camera 1 and the earphones 3. This allows the user to avoid having to perform both the disconnection process for the camera 1 they wish to disconnect wirelessly and the connection process for the camera 1 they wish to establish a wireless connection with, thereby reducing the complexity of the wireless connection process.

[0065] Next, the operation of the camera 1 in the case of the single point system will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0066] 7, when the flow starts, step S751 is executed. The processing of this flowchart starts when the power is turned on. This processing of the camera 1 is realized by the camera system control unit 10 loading software recorded in a non-volatile memory (not shown) into a buffer memory and executing the software.

[0067] In step S751, the camera system control unit 10 of the camera 1 determines whether a wireless connection has been established between the camera 1 and the earphone 3 through pairing, that is, whether the camera 1 is currently connected to the earphone 3. If the camera system control unit 10 determines in step S751 that the camera 1 and the earphone 3 are currently connected wirelessly, step S754 is executed, and if it determines that the camera 1 and the earphone 3 are not currently connected wirelessly, step S752 is executed.

[0068] In step S752, the camera system control unit 10 analyzes the detection result from the vibration detection unit 18 and determines whether or not the camera 1 is hand-held. If the camera system control unit 10 determines in step S752 that the camera 1 is hand-held, step S753 is executed, but if the camera system control unit 10 determines that the camera 1 is not hand-held, that is, that the camera is not hand-held, the process returns to step S752.

[0069] vinegar In step S753, the camera system control unit 10 transmits a request signal to start pairing with the earphone 3 via the communication unit 19. This causes the camera 1 and the earphone 3 to be paired, and a wireless connection between the camera 1 and the earphone 3 is established. In this embodiment, this pairing request signal corresponds to a playback switch signal. This causes the earphone 3 to enter a playback-enabled state in which audio data can be played back.

[0070] On the other hand, in step S754 after step S751 is executed, the camera system control unit 10 analyzes the detection result of the vibration detection unit 18 and determines whether the camera 1 that is wirelessly connected to the earphones 3 is not held in hand. If the camera system control unit 10 determines in step S754 that the camera 1 is not held in hand, step S755 is executed, and if it determines that the camera is held in hand, step S756 is executed.

[0071] In step S755, the camera system control unit 10 disconnects the wireless connection with the earphone 3. The reason for this disconnection is that, since it was determined in step S754 that the camera 1 is not being held in hand, photographing cannot be performed promptly with the camera 1. After executing step S755, the process returns to step S752.

[0072] In step S756, the operation detection unit 15 determines whether or not the release button has been half-pressed. If the operation detection unit 15 detects that the release button has been half-pressed in step S756, step S757 is executed, but if a half-press is not detected, the process returns to step S756, i.e., the process waits in step S756.

[0073] The operations from step S757 to step S766 correspond in order to and are similar to the operations from step S504 to step S513 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 5. Therefore, a description of the operations from step S757 to step S766 will be omitted.

[0074] The operation of the camera 1 has been described above.

[0075] As described above, in this embodiment, the camera system control unit 10 (determination means) can determine whether the camera 1 is in a hand-held state based on the detection result of the vibration detection unit 18. Then, when the camera system control unit 10 determines that the camera 1 is in a hand-held state, the communication unit 19 transmits a playback switch signal, i.e., a pairing request signal, to the earphones 3. This allows the earphones 3 to switch to a playback-enabled state in which audio data can be played back, even when earphones 3 that do not support multipoint, i.e., single-point earphones, are used. Therefore, as long as the earphones 3 receive audio data in a playback-enabled state, they can quickly play back the audio data without delay. The earphones 3 may also have a multi-pairing function.

[0076] Third Embodiment A third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10. In the first embodiment described above, communication between two cameras 1 and earphones 3 was performed using two communication profiles: a first communication profile including audio data and a second communication profile including a playback switching signal. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which communication between two cameras 1 and earphones 3 is performed using the same communication profile. This "one communication profile" is the first communication profile that can transmit and receive audio data and a playback switching signal. As described above, the audio data is audio data in the audible range. In this embodiment, the playback switching signal (predetermined data) is audio data outside the audible range (hereinafter referred to as "dummy audio data"). Therefore, both data included in the first communication profile are audio data. The "dummy audio data" is audio data that is outside the audible range and has a short generation time, for example, of several tens of milliseconds, and is silent audio data that is outside the audible range and cannot normally be heard by the user even when played back, or has a low volume. The dummy audio data is stored in the memory unit 13 as part of the first communication profile. Hereinafter, the audible audio data and dummy audio data may be collectively referred to as "audio data." Alternatively, the playback switching signal may be audio data with zero (or very low) volume or audio data with no data stored (i.e., almost 0 bytes). The playback switching signal may also be audio data in the audible range that includes audio for notifying that the device for playing the audio data has been switched. Note that the timing for transmitting audio data in this embodiment is the timing when the state detection unit 101 detects that the release button has been half-pressed, as in the first embodiment.

[0077] The earphones 3, which have a multipoint function, are paired with the cameras 1A and 1B via the earphone-side communication unit 31, and communication with the cameras 1A and 1B is established. As shown in FIG. 8 , cameras 1A and 1B transmit audio data (audible audio data and dummy audio data) using a first communication profile. The audio data is transmitted to the earphone-side communication unit 31. The dummy audio data included in the audio data is transmitted to the earphone control unit 30 via the earphone-side communication unit 31. When the earphone control unit 30 receives the dummy audio data, it switches the playback switching unit 31a of the earphone-side communication unit 31 to play back the audible audio data from the camera 1 that transmitted the dummy audio data. This puts the earphones 3 into a playback-enabled state, where they can play back the audio data from the camera 1 that transmitted the dummy audio data. Because the earphones 3 are already in a playback-enabled state, once they receive the audible audio data, they can quickly play back the audio data without delay.

[0078] Next, we will explain the operation flow when wireless communication is performed between camera 1A, camera 1B and earphone 3. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the shooting operation of camera 1 (camera 1A, camera 1B), and Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the audio playback operation of earphone 3.

[0079] 9, when the flow starts, step S901 is executed. The processing of this flowchart starts in response to a user operation to connect the earphones 3. This processing of the camera 1 is realized by the camera system control unit 10 loading software recorded in a non-volatile memory (not shown) into a buffer memory and executing the software.

[0080] In step S901, the camera system control unit 10 of the camera 1 performs a pairing operation with the earphones 3 via the communication unit 19. This establishes a wireless connection between the camera 1 and the earphones 3. Next, step S902 is executed.

[0081] In step S902, the operation detection unit 15 (state detection unit 101) determines whether or not the release button has been half-pressed. If the operation detection unit 15 detects that the release button has been half-pressed in step S902, step S903 is executed, and if a half-press is not detected, the process returns to step S902, i.e., the process waits in step S902.

[0082] In step S903, the camera system control unit 10 transmits dummy audio data as a playback switching signal to the earphone 3 via the communication unit 19.

[0083] The operations from step S904 to step S913 correspond in order to and are similar to the operations from step S504 to step S513 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 5. Therefore, a description of the operations from step S904 to step S913 will be omitted.

[0084] Above, we have explained the shooting operation of the camera 1. Next, we will explain the audio playback operation of the earphone 3.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 10, when the flow starts, steps S1021 and S1022 are executed in this order.

[0086] In step S1021, the earphone control unit 30 of the earphone 3 performs a pairing operation with the camera 1A via the earphone communication unit 31. This establishes a wireless connection between the camera 1A and the earphone 3. In addition, in step S1022, the earphone control unit 30 performs a pairing operation with the camera 1B via the earphone communication unit 31. This establishes a wireless connection between the camera 1B and the earphone 3. Next, step S1023 is executed.

[0087] In step S1023, the earphone control unit 30 determines whether the audio data was received from camera 1A or camera 1B via the earphone side communication unit 31. If the earphone control unit 30 determines in step S1023 that the audio data was received from camera 1A or camera 1B, step S1024 is executed; if the earphone control unit 30 determines that the audio data was received from camera 1A or camera 1B, the earphone control unit 30 returns to step S1023, i.e., waits in step S1023.

[0088] In step S1024, the earphone control unit 30 determines whether the playback switching unit 31a of the earphone communication unit 31 has been switched to the camera 1 side determined in step S1023 (either the camera 1A side or the camera 1B side). If in step S1024 the earphone control unit 30 determines that the playback switching unit 31a has already been switched to the camera 1 side determined in step S1023, step S1026 is executed; otherwise, step S1025 is executed.

[0089] In step S1025, the earphone control unit 30 switches the playback switching unit 31a to the camera 1 side determined in step S1023.

[0090] In step S1026, the earphone control unit 30 transmits the audio data received in step S1023 to the codec 32 and then to the DAC 33, and reproduces the audio data from the speaker 34. Next, step S1027 is executed.

[0091] In step S1027, the earphone operation detection unit 35 determines whether the power switch of the earphone 3 has been turned OFF. If the earphone operation detection unit 35 determines in step S1027 that the power switch has been turned OFF, it turns off the power and ends the flow, but if it determines that the power switch has not been turned OFF, it returns to step S1023.

[0092] The audio playback operation of the earphone 3 has been described above.

[0093] For example, when the earphone 3 receives dummy audio data from camera 1A in step S1023 while the playback switching unit 31a is switched to the camera 1B side, the earphone 3 switches the playback switching unit 31a to the camera 1A side. Then, in step S1026, the dummy audio data is played back, but this dummy audio data is silent and therefore inaudible to the user. Furthermore, when audio data of a focusing sound or an electronic shutter sound is received from camera 1A in step S1023, the playback switching unit 31a has already switched to the camera 1A side, so the delay in playing back the audio data of the focusing sound or the electronic shutter sound can be reduced. Thus, in this embodiment, even if the earphone 3 switches the playback switching unit 31a after receiving audio data, the delay time until the audio data in the audible range is played back can be reduced by transmitting dummy audio data in advance.

[0094] In this embodiment, the dummy audio data is silent audio, but is not limited to this and may be audio with a very low sound pressure level that the user cannot hear. Also, the dummy audio data may be set to an electronic sound different from the audio data of the focusing sound or the electronic shutter sound, so that when the playback switching unit 31a switches, the user is notified of this by the dummy audio data.

[0095] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 100 Communication Systems 1 camera 1A Camera 1B Camera 3. Earphones 19 Communications Department 15 Operation detection unit

Claims

1. a communication means for wirelessly communicating with an external playback device capable of automatically switching and playing back audio data transmitted from a plurality of communication devices; a detection means for detecting whether the device is being used by a user; a communication device having an operation means for accepting a user operation, the communication means, in response to the detection by the detection means that the communication means is being used by a user while the communication means is not being used by a user, transmits, to the external playback device, predetermined data for switching the external playback device to a state for playing the audio data transmitted from the communication device, prior to transmitting the audio data; the operating means is a release button, The detection means detects that the device has been used by a user in response to receiving an operation using the release button, and is characterized in that it detects whether the release button has been pressed halfway or fully.

2. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the voice data is transmitted when the full press operation is performed, and is a voice that notifies the full press operation.

3. the detection means includes a determination means for determining whether the communication device is in a state of being held by the user, as the state in which the communication device is being used by the user; 3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication means transmits the predetermined data when the determination means determines that the communication device is being held.

4. the detecting means includes a vibration detecting means for detecting vibrations generated in the communication device, 4. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein the determining means determines whether the communication device is being held based on a detection result from the vibration detecting means.

5. The communication device according to claim 4 , wherein the vibration is caused by a hand shake of a user holding the communication device.

6. 6. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication means transmits the audio data using a first communication profile and transmits the predetermined data using a second communication profile different from the first communication profile.

7. the audio data is audio data in an audible range, and the predetermined data is audio data outside the audible range, 6. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication means transmits the voice data and the predetermined data using the same communication profile.

8. 8. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined data has a volume lower than that of the audio data.

9. 9. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is an imaging device capable of capturing an image.

10. 10. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the external playback device is an earphone or a headphone.

11. A method for controlling a communication device having a release button, comprising: a communication step of wirelessly communicating with an external playback device capable of automatically switching and playing back audio data transmitted from a plurality of devices including the communication device; a detecting step of detecting whether the communication device is in use by a user; an operation step of accepting a user operation, the communication step, in response to the detection step of detecting that the external playback device is being used by the user while the external playback device is not being used by the user, transmits, to the external playback device, predetermined data for switching the external playback device to a state for playing the audio data transmitted from the communication device prior to transmitting the audio data; In the operation step, the release button is used to accept the user operation, The detection process detects whether the release button has been used by a user in response to receiving an operation using the release button, and is characterized by detecting whether the release button has been pressed halfway or fully.

12. A program for causing a computer having an operating means which is a release button and a communication means to function as a communication device described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images