Imaging device, control method for imaging device, and program

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus that can preferentially transfer an image photographed in conjunction with an image set to be preferentially transferred in the other imaging apparatus.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus according to the present disclosure has: operation means that receives an operation made by a user; communication means that communicates with an external device; and control means that controls to transmit a plurality of photographed images to a communication device in predetermined order through the communication means. In response to the operation means receiving an instruction to change the transmission order of a first image during the transmission of the plurality of images in the predetermined order, the control means controls to preferentially transmit the first image to the communication device, and controls the other imaging apparatus communicable through the communication means to preferentially transmit an image related to the first image to the communication device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device, a control method for an imaging device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, digital cameras capable of developing and transferring captured images on the spot are known. However, depending on the communication environment for transferring images, the communication speed may be slow, and it may take time to complete the transfer of images. For example, in a communication environment with a slow communication speed, when a plurality of captured images are sequentially transferred, images waiting for transfer may accumulate. When the images waiting for transfer accumulate beyond a certain level, it may become impossible to transfer new images until the accumulated images are completely transferred. To address such problems, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that enables setting a priority transfer target to be preferentially transferred and transferring the set priority transfer target before the existing transfer target images.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, for example, in shooting at a sports stadium or the like, shooting may be performed using an interlocking shooting function in which a plurality of cameras release simultaneously. Even when images captured by a plurality of cameras using the continuous shooting function are sequentially transferred to a predetermined device through a communication network, images waiting for transfer may accumulate depending on the communication environment. In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to preferentially transfer each of the images captured by a plurality of cameras, there is a problem that the user has to find images of the same shot in each camera and set them as priority transfer targets.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its objective is to realize a technology that can preferentially transfer images captured in conjunction with images set as priority transfer targets by other imaging devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve this problem, for example, the imaging device of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, an imaging device having an operating means for receiving operations from a user, a communication means for communicating with an external device, and a control means for controlling the transmission of a plurality of captured images to the communication device via the communication means in a predetermined order. The control means, upon receiving an image capture instruction from the user via the operation means, controls the system to capture a first image, and also controls another imaging device to capture a second image in conjunction with the capture of the first image. The control means transmits the plurality of images in the predetermined order, and the operation means The aforementioned Upon receiving an instruction to change the transmission order of the first image, the system controls the transmission of the first image to the communication device with priority, and further, the system communicates via the communication means. The aforementioned Using other imaging devices, The second image is captured by the other imaging device in conjunction with the capture of the first image. The system is characterized by controlling the transmission of certain information to the communication device as a priority. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to preferentially transfer images that have been captured in conjunction with images set as priority transfer targets by another imaging device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of the external configuration of a digital camera according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a digital camera according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of the network configuration according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a flowchart illustrating the connection process for linked shooting according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of digital camera information related to linked shooting according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] Flowchart showing the operation of the shooting event processing according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 7A] Flowchart showing the operation of the transfer event processing according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 7B] Flowchart showing the operation of the transfer process according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of a transfer list according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] Flowchart showing the operation of the shooting event processing according to Embodiment 2 [Figure 10] Flowchart showing the operation of the image transfer event processing according to Embodiment 2 [Figure 11] Flowchart showing the operation of the image transfer event processing according to Embodiment 3 [Figure 12] Flowchart showing the operation of the receiving process in the receiving device according to Embodiment 3 [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. While the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, identical or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) <External structure of a digital camera> Figures 1(a) and 1(b) show external views of a digital camera as an example of an imaging device according to this embodiment. Figure 1(a) is a front perspective view of the digital camera 100, and Figure 1(b) is a rear perspective view of the digital camera 100.

[0011] The display unit 28 is a display unit provided on the back surface of the digital camera 100, and displays images and various types of information. The touch panel 70a can detect touch operations on the display surface (touch operation surface) of the display unit 28. The external-of-viewfinder display unit 43 is a display unit provided on the upper surface of the digital camera 100, and displays various setting values of the digital camera 100 such as shutter speed and aperture. The shutter button 61 is an operation member for giving a shooting instruction. The mode changeover switch 60 is an operation member for switching between various modes. The terminal cover 40 is a cover for protecting a connector (not shown) for connecting the digital camera 100 to an external device such as a connection cable.

[0012] The main electronic dial 71 is a rotary operation member, and by turning the main electronic dial 71, setting values such as shutter speed and aperture can be changed. The power switch 72 is an operation member for switching ON and OFF the power supply of the digital camera 100. The sub electronic dial 73 is a rotary operation member, and by turning the sub electronic dial 73, movement of a selection frame (cursor) and image scrolling can be performed. The four-way key 74 is configured such that its upper, lower, left, and right portions can each be pushed in, and processing corresponding to the pushed portion of the four-way key 74 is possible. The SET button 75 is a push button and is mainly used for determining a selected item and the like.

[0013] The video button 76 is used to instruct the start and stop of video recording. The AE lock button 77 is a push button, and by pressing the AE lock button 77 in shooting standby mode, the exposure state can be fixed. The zoom button 78 is an operation button for switching the zoom mode ON and OFF in the live view display (LV display) in shooting mode. By turning the zoom mode ON and then operating the main electronic dial 71, the live view image (LV image) can be enlarged or reduced. In playback mode, the zoom button 78 functions as an operation button for enlarging the playback image or increasing its magnification. The playback button 79 is an operation button for switching between shooting mode and playback mode. By pressing the playback button 79 in shooting mode, the camera switches to playback mode, and the latest image among the images recorded on the recording medium 200 (described later) can be displayed on the display unit 28. The menu button 81 is a push button used to instruct the display of the menu screen, and when the menu button 81 is pressed, a menu screen where various settings can be made is displayed on the display unit 28. The user can intuitively make various settings using the menu screen displayed on the display unit 28, the four-way key 74, and the SET button 75.

[0014] The touch bar 82 (multifunction bar: M-Fn bar) is a line-shaped touch operation component (line touch sensor) capable of accepting touch operations. The touch bar 82 is positioned so that it can be touched with the right thumb when the grip section 90 is held with the right hand (with the little finger, ring finger, and middle finger) so that the shutter button 61 can be pressed with the right index finger. In other words, the touch bar 82 is positioned so that it can be operated when the user is looking through the viewfinder with their eyepiece 16 and is ready to press the shutter button 61 at any time (shooting posture). The touch bar 82 is a reception area that can accept tap operations (touching and releasing without moving within a predetermined period of time), left and right sliding operations (touching and then moving the touch position while keeping the touch on the bar). The touch bar 82 is a different operation component from the touch panel 70a and does not have a display function.

[0015] The communication terminal 10 is a communication terminal for the digital camera 100 to communicate with the detachable lens unit 150 side. The eyepiece part 16 is the eyepiece part of the eyepiece finder 17 (a peeping type finder), and the user can visually recognize the video displayed on the internal EVF 29 (Electronic View Finder) through the eyepiece part 16. The eyepiece detection part 57 is an eyepiece detection sensor that detects whether a user (photographer) is looking through the eyepiece part 16. The lid 202 is the lid of the slot for storing the recording medium 200 (described later). The grip part 90 is a holding part shaped to be easily held with the right hand when the user holds the digital camera 100. With the grip part 90 held by the little finger, ring finger, and middle finger of the right hand, the shutter button 61 and the main electronic dial 71 are arranged at positions operable by the index finger of the right hand. Also, in the same state, the sub-electronic dial 73 and the touch bar 82 are arranged at positions operable by the thumb of the right hand. The thumb rest part 91 (thumb standby position) is a grip member provided on the back side of the digital camera 100 at a place where the thumb of the right hand holding the grip part 90 can be easily placed in a state where no operation member is operated. The thumb rest part 91 is composed of a rubber member or the like for enhancing the holding force (grip feeling).

[0016] <Functional configuration example of digital camera> Next, with reference to Figure 2, an example of the functional configuration of the digital camera 100 will be described. The lens unit 150 is a lens unit equipped with an interchangeable photographic lens. The lens 103 is usually composed of multiple lenses, but in Figure 2, it is simplified and shown as only one lens. Communication terminal 6 is a communication terminal for the lens unit 150 to communicate with the digital camera 100, and communication terminal 10 is a communication terminal for the digital camera 100 to communicate with the lens unit 150. The lens unit 150 communicates with the system control unit 50 via these communication terminals 6 and 10. The lens unit 150 controls the aperture 1 via the aperture drive circuit 2 by the internal lens system control circuit 4. The lens unit 150 also focuses by displacing the position of the lens 103 via the AF drive circuit 3 by the lens system control circuit 4. The shutter 101 is a focal-plane shutter that can freely control the exposure time of the imaging unit 22, for example, under the control of the system control unit 50.

[0017] The imaging unit 22 is an image sensor composed of a CCD or CMOS element, etc., which converts an optical image into an electrical signal. The imaging unit 22 may also have an image plane phase difference sensor that outputs defocus amount information to the system control unit 50. The A / D converter 23 converts the analog signal output from the imaging unit 22 into a digital signal.

[0018] The image processing unit 24 performs predetermined processing (such as resizing, pixel interpolation, and color conversion) on the data from the A / D converter 23 or the data from the memory control unit 15. The image processing unit 24 also performs predetermined calculations using the captured image data, and the system control unit 50 performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the calculation results obtained by the image processing unit 24. This enables TTL (through-the-lens) AF (autofocus), AE (automatic exposure), EF (flash pre-flash), etc. The image processing unit 24 further performs predetermined calculations using the captured image data and performs TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the calculation results obtained.

[0019] The output data from the A / D converter 23 is written to the memory 32 via the image processing unit 24 and the memory control unit 15. Alternatively, the output data from the A / D converter 23 is written to the memory 32 via the memory control unit 15 without going through the image processing unit 24. The memory 32 stores image data obtained by the imaging unit 22 and converted into digital data by the A / D converter 23, as well as image data for display on the display unit 28 and EVF 29. The memory 32 has sufficient storage capacity to store a predetermined number of still images, a predetermined amount of video footage, and audio.

[0020] Furthermore, memory 32 also serves as memory for image display (video memory). The D / A converter 19 converts the image display data stored in memory 32 into analog signals and supplies them to the display unit 28 and EVF 29. In this way, the display image data written to memory 32 is displayed by the display unit 28 and EVF 29 via the D / A converter 19. The display unit 28 and EVF 29 are displays such as LCDs and OLEDs, respectively, and display according to the analog signals from the D / A converter 19. The digital signals that have been A / D converted by the A / D converter 23 and stored in memory 32 are converted into analog signals by the D / A converter 19 and sequentially transferred to the display unit 28 or EVF 29 for display, thereby enabling live view display (LV). Hereinafter, the images displayed in live view display will be referred to as live view images (LV images).

[0021] The system control unit 50 is a control unit consisting of at least one processor and / or at least one circuit, and controls the entire digital camera 100. The system control unit 50 realizes each of the processes of this embodiment, which will be described later, by executing a program recorded in the non-volatile memory 56. The system control unit 50 also performs display control by controlling the memory 32, D / A converter 19, display unit 28, EVF 29, etc.

[0022] System memory 52 is, for example, RAM, and the system control unit 50 loads constants, variables, programs read from non-volatile memory 56, etc., for the operation of the system control unit 50 into system memory 52.

[0023] The non-volatile memory 56 is an electrically erasable and recordable memory, such as an EEPROM. Constants for the operation of the system control unit 50, programs, etc., are stored in the non-volatile memory 56. The program referred to here is a program for executing various flowcharts described later in this embodiment.

[0024] The system timer 53 is a timekeeping unit that measures the time used for various controls and the time of the built-in clock.

[0025] The communication unit 54 transmits and receives video and audio signals to and from external devices connected wirelessly or via wired cables. The communication unit 54 can also connect to wireless LAN (Local Area Network) and the internet. Furthermore, the communication unit 54 can communicate with external devices using Bluetooth® and Bluetooth Low Energy. The communication unit 54 can transmit images (including LV images) captured by the imaging unit 22 and images recorded on the recording medium 200, and can receive image data and other various information from external devices.

[0026] The attitude detection unit 55 detects the orientation of the digital camera 100 relative to the direction of gravity. Based on the orientation detected by the attitude detection unit 55, it is possible to determine whether the image captured by the imaging unit 22 was taken with the digital camera 100 held horizontally or vertically. The system control unit 50 can add orientation information corresponding to the orientation detected by the attitude detection unit 55 to the image file of the image captured by the imaging unit 22, or rotate the image before recording. An acceleration sensor or gyro sensor can be used as the attitude detection unit 55. It is also possible to detect the movement of the digital camera 100 (pan, tilt, lift, whether it is stationary or not, etc.) using the acceleration sensor or gyro sensor in the attitude detection unit 55.

[0027] The eyepiece detection unit 57 is an eyepiece detection sensor that detects the approach (eye-to-eye contact) and retraction (eye-away) of an eye (object) to the eyepiece section 16 of the eyepiece viewfinder 17 (hereinafter simply referred to as "viewfinder"). The system control unit 50 switches the display (display state) / hidden (hidden state) of the display unit 28 and the EVF 29 according to the state detected by the eyepiece detection unit 57. More specifically, at least in the shooting standby state and when the display destination switching setting is set to automatic switching, when not using an eyepiece, the display destination is set to the display unit 28 and the display is turned on, and the EVF 29 is hidden. When using an eyepiece, the display destination is set to the EVF 29 and the display is turned on, and the display unit 28 is hidden. As the eyepiece detection unit 57, for example, an infrared proximity sensor can be used to detect the approach of any object to the eyepiece section 16 of the viewfinder 17 which has a built-in EVF 29. When an object approaches, infrared light emitted from the light-emitting unit (not shown) of the eyepiece detection unit 57 is reflected by the object and received by the light-receiving unit (not shown) of the infrared proximity sensor. The amount of infrared light received allows for the determination of how close the object is to the eyepiece (eyepiece distance). In this way, the eyepiece detection unit 57 performs eyepiece detection to detect the proximity distance of an object to the eyepiece 16. When an object is detected approaching the eyepiece 16 within a predetermined distance from a non-eyepiece state (non-approach state), it is detected as eyepiece use. When the object that was detected approaching moves beyond a predetermined distance from an eyepiece state (approach state), it is detected as eye-seated. The threshold for detecting eyepiece use and the threshold for detecting eye-seated eye-seating may be different, for example, by providing hysteresis. After eyepiece use is detected, the eyepiece remains in the eyepiece state until eye-seated eye-seating is detected. After eye-seated eye-seating is detected, the eyepiece remains in the non-eyepiece state until eyepiece use is detected again. Note that the infrared proximity sensor is just one example; the eyepiece detection unit 57 may use any other sensor that can detect a state that can be considered as an eyepiece.

[0028] The external viewfinder display unit 43 displays various camera settings, including shutter speed and aperture, via the external viewfinder display unit drive circuit 44.

[0029] The power control unit 80 consists of a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching which blocks are energized, and detects whether a battery is installed, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level. The power control unit 80 also controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection results and instructions from the system control unit 50, supplying the necessary voltage to each part, including the recording medium 200, for the required period. The power supply unit 30 consists of primary batteries such as alkaline batteries and lithium batteries, secondary batteries such as NiCd batteries, NiMH batteries, and Li batteries, and an AC adapter.

[0030] The recording medium I / F18 is an interface to the recording medium 200, such as a memory card or hard disk. The recording medium 200 is a recording medium such as a memory card for recording captured images, and is composed of semiconductor memory, magnetic disks, etc.

[0031] The operation unit 70 is an input unit that receives operations (user instructions) from the user and is used to input various operation instructions to the system control unit 50. As shown in Figure 2, the operation unit 70 includes a shutter button 61, a mode switching switch 60, a power switch 72, a touch panel 70a, and other operating members 70b. Other operating members 70b include a main electronic dial 71, a sub electronic dial 73, a four-way key 74, a SET button 75, a video button 76, an AE lock button 77, a zoom button 78, a playback button 79, a menu button 81, a touch bar 82, and the like.

[0032] The shutter button 61 is equipped with a first shutter switch 62 and a second shutter switch 64. The first shutter switch 62 turns ON during the operation of the shutter button 61, specifically when it is half-pressed (indicating preparation for shooting), and generates a first shutter switch signal SW1. The system control unit 50 starts shooting preparation operations such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (flash pre-flash) processing in response to the first shutter switch signal SW1.

[0033] The second shutter switch 64 turns ON when the shutter button 61 is fully pressed (shooting instruction), generating the second shutter switch signal SW2. The system control unit 50 starts a series of shooting operations, from reading the signal from the imaging unit 22 to writing the captured image as an image file to the recording medium 200, in response to the second shutter switch signal SW2.

[0034] The mode switch 60 switches the operating mode of the system control unit 50 to one of the following: still image shooting mode, video shooting mode, playback mode, etc. Modes included in the still image shooting mode include auto shooting mode, auto scene detection mode, manual mode, aperture priority mode (Av mode), shutter speed priority mode (Tv mode), and program AE mode (P mode). There are also various scene modes and custom modes that provide shooting settings for different shooting scenes. The user can switch directly to any of these modes using the mode switch 60. Alternatively, the user can switch to a list screen of shooting modes using the mode switch 60, and then selectively switch to one of the displayed modes using another operating element. Similarly, the video shooting mode may also include multiple modes.

[0035] The touch panel 70a is a touch sensor that detects various touch operations on the display surface of the display unit 28 (the operating surface of the touch panel 70a). The touch panel 70a and the display unit 28 can be configured as an integrated unit. For example, the touch panel 70a is configured such that its light transmittance does not interfere with the display of the display unit 28, and is mounted on the upper layer of the display surface of the display unit 28. Then, the input coordinates on the touch panel 70a are associated with the display coordinates on the display surface of the display unit 28. This makes it possible to provide a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that makes it seem as if the user can directly operate the screen displayed on the display unit 28.

[0036] <Network Configuration Example> Next, an example of a network configuration according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3. In Figure 3, the receiving device 300 is an example of a communication device such as a server that stores received image data, etc. For example, the receiving device 300 may include at least a communication unit capable of sending and receiving data via the Internet, a wired LAN, or a wireless LAN, a recording medium including a non-volatile semiconductor memory or a hard disk, a processor, and memory. When multiple digital cameras 100 communicate via the communication path 301 and perform synchronized shooting as described later, each digital camera 100 transmits the captured image to the receiving device 300 via the communication path 301. The receiving device 300 receives the images transferred from each digital camera 100 with its communication unit and saves them to the recording medium.

[0037] The communication path 301 may be any communication path consisting of wireless or wired cables, and multiple digital cameras 100 and a receiving device 300 can send and receive data. In this embodiment, a configuration in which operations performed by any digital camera 100 are notified to other digital cameras 100 is shown as an example, and it is explained that all digital cameras 100 perform the same processing. If the configuration is to instruct other digital cameras 100 of operations performed by a specific digital camera 100, some of the processing can be omitted.

[0038] <Operation of the linked shooting connection process> In this embodiment, the digital camera 100 can communicate with other digital cameras and perform synchronized shooting. The operation of the connection process for synchronized shooting in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 4. To distinguish between the digital camera performing this process and the other digital cameras, the digital camera performing this process will be referred to as 100a, and the other digital cameras as 100b. Note that the other digital cameras 100b may be multiple digital cameras that are connected via communication. Furthermore, the process in Figure 4 is performed not only in digital camera 100a but also in the other digital cameras. Each process in the flowchart of Figure 4 is realized in digital camera 100a by the system control unit 50 loading the program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and executing it.

[0039] In step S400-1, the system control unit 50 initializes the information of the digital camera to be used for linked shooting stored in the system memory 52. ​​In S400-2, the system control unit 50 determines whether the operation unit 70 has been operated and whether the user has given an instruction to start linked shooting. If an instruction to start linked shooting has been given, the system control unit 50 executes the processes from S401 onwards. In step S401, the system control unit 50 sends a linked shooting start message to the other digital camera 100b via the communication unit 54, indicating that the digital camera 100a has started linked shooting. The system control unit 50 sends a start message to start linked shooting. The start message includes the identification information (nickname or IP address) of the digital camera 100a that sent the start message, the release count indicating the number of shots taken before linked shooting started, and the current time.

[0040] In step S402, the system control unit 50 waits for a synchronized shooting message to be sent from the other digital camera 100b. When the system control unit 50 receives the synchronized shooting message, it proceeds to S403. In step S403, the system control unit 50 determines whether the message received in step S402 is a synchronized shooting start message. If the received message is a start message (Yes), the system control unit 50 proceeds to step S404; otherwise, it proceeds to S406. As a result of the processing in S401 performed by the other digital camera, the digital camera 100a receives the start message.

[0041] In step S404, the system control unit 50 sends a permission message to the other digital camera 100b, which is the source of the start message received in S402, indicating that synchronized shooting is permitted, and responds to the start message. The permission message that permits synchronized shooting includes, for example, the identification information (nickname or IP address) of the digital camera 100a that sent the permission message. The permission message also includes the release count of the digital camera 100a, which indicates the number of shots taken before the start of synchronized shooting, the current time, and an index indicating the order in which it joined the synchronized shooting. Furthermore, it includes an index to be assigned to the digital camera 100b that sent the start message.

[0042] In step S405, the system control unit 50 saves a portion of the synchronized shooting start message received in step S402 as synchronized shooting information for the digital camera 100b in the system memory 52, as information for the digital camera 100b which is to perform synchronized shooting. If the data for the digital camera 100a is not recorded as synchronized shooting information 510, the data for the digital camera 100a is recorded.

[0043] Referring to Figure 5, an example of linked shooting information 510 for linked shooting of digital cameras stored in the system memory 52 is shown. In Figure 5, each row represents each digital camera performing linked shooting, and each column represents information about the digital camera. 500 is an index indicating the order in which the cameras joined the linked shooting. 501 indicates the nickname of the digital camera that sent the linked shooting start message (received in step S402). 502 indicates the IP address of the digital camera that sent the received linked shooting start message. 503 indicates the release count, which shows the number of shots taken by the digital camera up to the time the received linked shooting start message was received. The system control unit 50 can calculate the number of images taken in linked shooting with each camera by the difference between the release count 503 and the latest release count. For example, if the latest release count is 10421, it can be seen that 34 linked shots were taken with the camera whose index 500 is "1". Furthermore, it can be seen that Index 500 performed 19 linked shots with camera "3", and Index 500 performed 1 linked shot with camera "4".

[0044] 504 is the time when the digital camera received the synchronized shooting start message (in step S402). 505 and 506 indicate the information contained in the synchronized shooting start message (received in step S402). 505 indicates the release count, which shows the number of shots taken by the transmitting digital camera before synchronized shooting began. 506 indicates the time when the transmitting digital camera started synchronized shooting.

[0045] Data 507 is data indicating the digital camera that first initiated linked shooting. Data 507 holds information contained in the linked shooting permission message received in step S407. This information includes index 500, nickname 501, IP address 502, release count 505, time 506, and release count 503 and time 504 when the message was received.

[0046] Data 508 represents the digital camera 100 that holds the information shown in Figure 5. Data 508 contains the index 500 "2" received from the digital camera 100 that first initiated linked shooting, along with the nickname 501, IP address 502, release count 503, and time 504.

[0047] Data 509 is data indicating a digital camera 100 that started linked shooting after the digital camera 100 that holds the information shown in Figure 5. Data 509 holds the index 500 assigned in step S404. Data 509 holds the nickname 501, IP address 502, release count 505, time 506, and release count 503 and time 504 at the time the message was received, which are included in the linked shooting start message received in step S402.

[0048] In step S406, the system control unit 50 determines whether the message received in step S402 is a permission message for synchronized shooting. If the system control unit 50 determines that the received message is a permission message (Yes), it proceeds to step S407; otherwise, it proceeds to step S408. In step S407, the system control unit 50 records the digital camera 100b, the source of the permission message, as the target of synchronized shooting in the system memory 52 as information of the digital camera to perform synchronized shooting (507). It also saves the data of the digital camera 100a that has been granted permission for synchronized shooting (508) as synchronized shooting information 510 in the system memory 52. ​​If the data of the digital camera 100a has already been recorded as synchronized shooting information 510, the data of the digital camera 100a is not recorded again.

[0049] In step S408, the system control unit 50 determines whether the message received in step S402 is a message to cancel linked shooting. If the system control unit 50 determines that the received message is a cancellation message (Yes), it proceeds to step S409; otherwise (No), it proceeds to step S410.

[0050] In step S409, the system control unit 50 deletes the data from the digital camera 100b, which is the source of the synchronized shooting cancellation message, from the synchronized shooting information 510 in the system memory 52. ​​In step S410, the system control unit 50 saves the message in the system memory 52 as a remote operation event, such as an instruction to execute synchronized shooting or an instruction to prioritize image transfer.

[0051] In step S411, the system control unit 50 determines whether to terminate the synchronized shooting. If the system control unit 50 determines that the synchronized shooting should be terminated (for example, due to user instruction) (Yes), it proceeds to step S412; otherwise (No), it returns to step S402. In step S412, the system control unit 50 sends a release message to the other digital camera 100b to cancel the synchronized shooting, initializes the synchronized shooting information, and terminates the synchronized shooting connection.

[0052] <Operation of synchronized shooting event processing> Next, with reference to Figure 6, the shooting event processing for linked shooting in this embodiment will be described. Each process in the flowchart shown in Figure 6 is realized by the system control unit 50 loading the program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and executing it. The events described below include, for example, events caused by user instructions during operation and events caused by receiving linked messages from other digital cameras 100. Since the system control unit 50 constantly monitors events, processing from S601 onwards is executed immediately in response to user instructions or message reception. Furthermore, in the explanation of Figure 6, in order to distinguish between the digital camera performing this process and other digital cameras, the digital camera performing this process will be referred to as 100a, and the other digital cameras as 100b. Note that the flowchart in Figure 6 is executed not only in digital camera 100a, but also in the other digital cameras.

[0053] In step S600, the system control unit 50 retrieves an event stored in the system memory 52. ​​In step S601, the system control unit 50 determines whether the event retrieved in step S600 is an event for a shooting instruction operation to take an image, such as when the release switch (SW2, which is 64) is pressed. If the system control unit 50 determines that the event is an event for a shooting instruction operation to take an image (Yes), it proceeds to step S602; otherwise (No), it proceeds to step S605.

[0054] In step S602, the system control unit 50 sends a message from digital camera 100a to the other digital camera 100b instructing it to perform synchronized shooting. This message is sent to the communication path 301 via the communication unit 54 of digital camera 100a. The system control unit 50 may include the following information in the message instructing it to perform synchronized shooting. For example, the message may include the nickname or IP address of the digital camera 100a that is the source of the message, the current release count, the current time, a UUID that can uniquely identify the object, a file name, a serial number that can uniquely identify the message, etc.

[0055] In step S603, the system control unit 50 captures and saves an image. The system control unit 50 saves supplementary information about the image, such as part of the synchronized shooting execution instruction message and the difference from the information shown in Figure 5. In step S604, the system control unit 50 adds the transfer instruction for the image captured in step S603 as a transfer event to the digital camera 100a.

[0056] In step S605, the system control unit 50 determines whether the event acquired in step S600 is an event indicating that a message instructing the execution of synchronized shooting has been received from another digital camera 100b. If the event is an event indicating that a message instructing the execution of synchronized shooting has been received (Yes), the system control unit 50 proceeds to step S606; otherwise, it proceeds to step S608.

[0057] In step S606, the system control unit 50 captures and saves an image. The system control unit 50 saves the current release count, current time, part of the synchronized shooting execution instruction message, the difference from the information shown in Figure 5, UUID, file name, etc., as supplementary information to the image. In step S607, the system control unit 50 adds a transfer event, which is a transfer instruction for the image captured in step S606, to the digital camera 100a. In this way, whether the shooting instruction was from the user of the digital camera 100a or from another digital camera 100b, the transfer instruction for the captured image is added to the digital camera 100a as a transfer event. The transfer instruction (transfer event) is an instruction to send the image to be transferred to the receiving device 300. The transfer instruction (transfer event) includes information to identify the image to be transferred (such as a file path). It may also include information to be recorded in the transfer list later, in addition to information to identify the image.

[0058] In step S608, the system control unit 50 determines whether the event acquired in step S600 is an event indicating the end of processing. If the system control unit 50 determines that the event is an event indicating the end of processing (Yes), it terminates the shooting process; otherwise, it returns to S600. If the event in step S608 is not an event indicating the end of processing (No), it returns to step S600.

[0059] <Image transfer event processing behavior> Next, with reference to Figure 7A, the operation of the image transfer event processing according to this embodiment will be described. Each process in this flowchart is realized by the system control unit 50 loading the program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and executing it. Since the system control unit 50 constantly monitors events, the processes from S701 onwards are executed immediately in response to user instructions or message reception. The processes in Figure 7A are executed on each of the multiple digital cameras that are connected to the communication network.

[0060] In step S700, the system control unit 50 retrieves the transfer event stored in the system memory 52. ​​In step S701, the system control unit 50 determines whether the event retrieved in step S700 is a transfer event that adds an image to the transfer list.

[0061] In step S701, the system control unit 50 proceeds to S702 if the acquired event is a transfer event that adds an image to the transfer list (Yes), and to S704 if it is not (No). This transfer event that adds an image to the transfer list is the transfer event that is added in S604 and S607. In other words, the process in S702 is executed depending on whether an image has been captured (S603, S606).

[0062] In step S702, the system control unit 50 adds the image to be transferred, as instructed by the transfer event, to the transfer list. Once the instructed image is added to the transfer list, the images are transmitted to the receiving device 300 in the order listed in the transfer list (i.e., in a predetermined order). In this embodiment, a transfer event for the captured image is added at the time of capture, and the captured image is added to the transfer list; therefore, the order in which the images are transferred is the order in which they are captured.

[0063] Referring to Figure 8, an example of a transfer list stored in system memory 52 will be explained. The transfer list registers information about the image to be transferred. For the image to be transferred, information 800 to 811 is registered in the transfer list.

[0064] 800 indicates the file name when the system control unit 50 saves the data to the recording medium 200 or the like. 801 is the nickname of the digital camera that issued the shooting command. Figure 8 shows the transfer list for a digital camera with the nickname "LocalCamera". Therefore, if 801 is "LocalCamera", it indicates that the image was taken locally by this digital camera when the shooting command was issued. If 801 is not "LocalCamera", it indicates that the image was taken using linked shooting, and the nickname of the digital camera that sent the command to execute linked shooting is registered. 802 is the IP address, and in the case of a locally taken image, the IP address of this digital camera is recorded, and in the case of a linked shooting image, the IP address of the digital camera that sent the command to execute linked shooting is recorded. 803 is the release count of this digital camera when the image was taken. 804 is the shooting time of this digital camera when the image was taken. 805 is information recorded in the case of synchronized shooting, and is the release count for local shooting on the digital camera that sent the synchronized shooting instruction, in which shooting was performed in conjunction with the image to be transferred. 806 is information recorded in the case of synchronized shooting, and is the shooting time of the image in local shooting on the digital camera that sent the synchronized shooting instruction, in which shooting was performed in conjunction with the image to be transferred. 807 is the difference between the release count 805, which indicates the number of shots taken by the digital camera that sent the synchronized shooting instruction before synchronized shooting began, and the release count at the time the synchronized shooting instruction was given. 808 is the difference between the time 806, when the digital camera that sent the synchronized shooting instruction began synchronized shooting, and the time the synchronized shooting instruction was given. 809 is the file name assigned to the image taken by the digital camera that sent the synchronized shooting instruction. 810 is a UUID that uniquely identifies the object assigned to the image taken by the digital camera that sent the synchronized shooting instruction. 811 is the serial number assigned to the message by the digital camera that sent the synchronized shooting instruction.

[0065] Image 820 is an image captured in step S606 after receiving a message from another digital camera (Camera C) instructing it to perform synchronized shooting. The information recorded for this image includes, for example, the release count 805, time 806, release count difference 807, time difference 808, file name 809, UUID 810, and message serial number 811. Image 821 is an image captured locally in step S603 in response to a shooting instruction from the user to this digital camera due to a shooting instruction operation event. The information recorded for this image does not include, for example, the release count 805, time 806, release count difference 807, time difference 808, or file name 809. Image 822 is an image captured in step S606 after receiving a message from another digital camera (Camera A) instructing it to perform synchronized shooting, similar to image 820.

[0066] In the example transfer list shown in Figure 8, the transfer list is designed to store information 800-811 so that it can be obtained without referring to the captured image. However, the information 800-811 could be attached to the image, and the transfer list could only store information that identifies the image.

[0067] Refer to Figure 7A again. In step S704, the system control unit 50 determines whether the transfer event acquired in step S700 is a transfer event indicating an instruction to edit the transfer list. A transfer event indicating an instruction to edit the transfer list is a transfer event used to instruct the system control unit 50 to select an image from the transfer list and move it to the top of the transfer list, or to instruct the system control unit 50 to select an image that is not in the transfer list and add it to the top of the transfer list. An instruction to edit the transfer list is, for example, a user instruction in which the user specifies a particular image to be transferred preferentially on the screen displayed by the system control unit 50 on the display unit 28. The information of a transfer event indicating an instruction to edit the transfer list includes information such as the file name to identify the image to be transferred preferentially. If the system control unit 50 determines that the event acquired in step S700 is a transfer event indicating an instruction to edit the transfer list (Yes), it proceeds to S705; otherwise (No), it proceeds to S707. Note that since an instruction to edit the transfer list already exists, it is performed in parallel with the execution of transferring (transmitting) the image to the receiving device 300. Therefore, the user's instruction to edit the transfer list and the processing of S704 to S709 will be executed while the image is being transferred (transmitted) to the receiving device 300. In addition, the processing of S701 and S702 will also be executed while the image is being transferred (transmitted) to the receiving device 300, if transfer information is registered in the transfer list.

[0068] In step S705, the system control unit 50 registers the image designated to be transferred preferentially by the editing instruction at the top of the transfer list. If the image is already registered in the transfer list, the data of that image is moved to the top of the transfer list. If the image is not in the transfer list, the information of the raw image is added to the top of the transfer list and registered. For example, if image 821 in Figure 8 is instructed to be a priority transfer target, the system control unit 50 moves the data of image 821 before the data of image 820 in the transfer list so that image 821 is preferentially transmitted to the receiving device 300.

[0069] In this embodiment, in the case of a transfer event indicating an editing instruction for the transfer list, the digital camera 100a sends a priority transfer instruction (also simply called a priority instruction). Specifically, the digital camera 100a controls other digital cameras to prioritize the transfer of images that were captured in conjunction with the priority transfer target image, which was instructed to be transferred preferentially by the editing instruction. Therefore, in step S706, the system control unit 50 sends a priority transfer instruction as a message (also called an interrupt message) to other digital cameras that have captured images in conjunction with the image designated as a priority transfer target. If multiple digital cameras are performing synchronized shooting, the priority transfer instruction message is sent to multiple cameras. Other digital cameras that have captured images in conjunction with the priority transfer target image can be determined from the information of the priority transfer target image and the synchronized shooting information 510 recorded in the system memory 52. ​​Alternatively, the priority transfer instruction message may be sent to digital cameras registered in the synchronized shooting information 510 without determining which digital cameras have captured images in conjunction with the priority transfer target image. The priority transfer instruction message is sent to the communication path 301 via the communication unit 54. The system control unit 50 includes the following information recorded in the transfer list as linked image identification information in the message instructing the priority transfer target, in order to identify the image that was taken in conjunction with the image designated as the priority transfer target: the camera nickname 801, IP address 802, release count 803 at the time of image capture, time 804 at the time of image capture, and release count 805 of the digital camera that is the source of the linked shot. The linked image identification information may further include the time 806 of the digital camera that is the source of the linked shot, the difference in release counts 807, the difference in time 808, the file name 809, UUID 810, message serial number 811, and the IP address 802 of the digital camera indicating the destination of the message instructing the priority transfer target.

[0070] In step S707, the system control unit 50 determines whether the event acquired in step S700 is an event indicating that a priority transfer instruction message has been received. Note that the priority transfer instruction message is received by this digital camera when the process in S706 is executed on another digital camera. If the event is an event indicating that a priority transfer instruction message has been received (Yes), the system control unit 50 proceeds to S708; otherwise (No), it proceeds to S710.

[0071] In step S708, the system control unit 50 searches for the image to be transferred as a priority transfer from the linked image identification information contained in the priority transfer instruction message. The system control unit 50 compares the linked image identification information contained in the priority transfer instruction message with the information in the transfer list and searches for an image with matching information. If the system control unit 50 does not find an image with matching information in the transfer list, it compares the information of an image stored on the recording medium 200 or the like with the information contained in the priority transfer instruction message and searches for an image with matching information. For example, an image in which the nickname 801 and the release count 805 match in the linked image identification information and the transfer list can be determined to be the image to be transferred as a priority transfer. If the release count 805 is not recorded in the linked image identification information or the transfer list because it was taken locally, the local release count 803 may be used instead of the release count 805 for the determination. The determination method is not limited to this, and other determination methods may be used to identify images that were taken in conjunction with images for which priority transfer was instructed on another digital camera, from the linked image identification information and the transfer list.

[0072] In step S709, the system control unit 50 moves the image transfer information (800-811) detected in the transfer list in step S708 to the beginning of the transfer list. If the images captured in conjunction in S708 could not be found in the transfer list, the system control unit 50 adds the images that could not be found in the transfer list to the beginning of the transfer list. In the example in Figure 8, if image 822 is designated as a priority transfer target, the system control unit 50 moves image 822 before image 820.

[0073] In step S710, the system control unit 50 determines whether the event acquired in step S700 is an event indicating the end of processing. If the acquired event is an event indicating the end of processing (Yes), the system control unit 50 terminates the image transfer process; otherwise (No), it returns the process to S700. Thus, the transfer list is generated and modified through the transfer event processing as shown in Figure 7A.

[0074] <Image Transfer Processing> Next, with reference to Figure 7B, the operation of the image transfer process according to this embodiment will be described. Each process in this flowchart is realized by the system control unit 50 loading the program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and executing it. The process in Figure 7B is executed on each of the multiple digital cameras that are connected to the communication. In the digital camera 100, the system control unit 50 monitors the transfer list held in the system memory 52 and automatically transfers the images to be transferred according to the transfer list. In step S711, the system control unit 50 determines whether transfer information is registered in the transfer list. If the system control unit 50 determines that transfer information is registered (Yes), it proceeds to S712; otherwise (No), it repeats the process in step S711. Alternatively, the process shown in Figure 7B may be started in response to the registration of transfer information in the transfer list without repeating the process in step S711.

[0075] In step S712, the system control unit 50 transmits the image to be transferred to the receiving device 300 via the communication unit 54. At this time, the system control unit 50 reads the target image from the recording medium 200 based on the transfer information recorded at the top of the transfer list and transmits it to the receiving device 300. Once the image transmission in S712 is complete, in step S713, the system control unit 50 deletes the image transmitted in step S712 from the transfer list (i.e., updates the transfer list). In the example shown in Figure 8, the system control unit 50 deletes the information of image 820, which was transferred in step S712, from the transfer list in accordance with the transmission of image 820 in step S712. With the deletion of the information of image 820, the information of image 821 becomes the top of the transfer list.

[0076] As described above, in the present invention, synchronized shooting is performed using multiple digital cameras, and each of the multiple digital cameras transmits the captured images to the receiving device 300. In Embodiment 1, the digital cameras normally transmit images in the order they are taken, as listed in the transfer list. However, the digital cameras can receive editing instructions (change instructions) from the user via their operation unit to change the order in which images are transferred, and change the order in which images are transferred according to the editing instructions. When changing the order in which images are transferred, not only is the transfer order changed within the device itself, but the transfer order of images taken by other digital cameras is also changed in conjunction with the images for which editing instructions have been given to change the order of transfer.

[0077] Furthermore, if there are digital cameras that do not need to transmit some or all of the images they capture, the system may be configured to set whether or not to transmit the captured images and whether or not to prioritize transfer of images in conjunction with other digital cameras. For example, suppose multiple digital cameras are placed at a sports venue, and one of them is positioned to photograph the area in front of Team A's goal, and another is positioned to photograph the area in front of Team B's goal. When a scene requiring coordinated shooting occurs, such as a scene in front of a soccer goal, images taken in front of the goal on the side where the scene is not occurring do not need to be transmitted as coordinated images, or do not need to be prioritized for transfer. Also, not limited to specific scenes, depending on the application, images taken by a certain digital camera may not be transmitted or prioritized for transfer on a given day. For this reason, the system control unit 50 maintains (or dynamically acquires from an external device) settings such as whether or not to transmit the captured images, or whether or not to prioritize transfer of images. The system control unit 50 may also choose not to transmit the image transfer instruction to some of the other digital cameras if it is specified that the captured images should not be transmitted (image transmission will not be performed). Furthermore, the system control unit 50 may choose not to send priority transfer instructions to some of the other digital cameras, depending on the setting of whether or not there are priority transfer targets linked with other digital cameras. The system control unit 50 may skip steps S604 and S607 if it does not transmit the captured images, and may skip step S709 if it does not link priority transfer targets.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the system control unit 50 sends a priority transfer instruction to another digital camera in response to receiving an editing instruction from the user to select a specific image from the transfer list on the screen displayed on the display unit 28. That is, it issues a priority transfer instruction to make the image selected by the user from already captured images the priority target for transmission. However, it is also possible to issue a priority transfer instruction to make images captured at a predetermined timing or within a predetermined period the priority target for transmission. For example, the system control unit 50 may accept a setting that makes the next captured image or subsequent captured images the target of the priority transfer instruction. If such a setting is made, the system control unit 50 may send a priority transfer instruction to another digital camera in response to receiving a shooting instruction to the release button (a shooting operation to capture a specific image using the operation unit) targeting the captured image. In this way, the image to be captured and the images captured in conjunction with that image can be preferentially transferred to the receiving device 300.

[0079] (Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. Embodiment 2 describes a configuration in which an operation performed on a specific digital camera is instructed to be performed on other digital cameras. In this embodiment, for example, when a priority transfer target is instructed on a specific digital camera, images taken simultaneously with the image set as the priority transfer target are also transferred preferentially to other digital cameras. In the digital camera according to this embodiment, some of the shooting event processing and some of the transfer event processing differ from Embodiment 1, but other processing and the configuration of the digital camera are the same or substantially the same as those in Embodiment 1. For this reason, the same reference numerals are used for the same or substantially the same configurations and processes, and their descriptions are omitted, with the differences being explained in detail.

[0080] Referring to Figure 9, the operation of the shooting event processing for linked shooting according to Embodiment 2 will be described. In this embodiment, in order to distinguish between a specific digital camera and other digital cameras, the specific digital camera will be described as 100c and the other digital cameras as 100d. There may be multiple other digital cameras 100d. Figure 9(a) shows the operation of the specific digital camera 100c instructing the other digital cameras 100d to perform linked shooting. On the other hand, Figure 9(b) shows the operation of the other digital cameras 100d receiving the instruction to perform linked shooting from the specific digital camera 100c. Each process shown in Figure 9(a) is implemented by the system control unit 50 of a specific digital camera 100c expanding the program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and executing it. The operations of steps S600 to S604 and S608 shown in Figure 9(a) are the same as the processes described for Figure 6. Similarly, each process shown in Figure 9(b) is implemented by the system control unit 50 of a digital camera 100d expanding the program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and executing it. The operations of steps S600 and S605 to S608 shown in Figure 9(b) are the same as the processes described for Figure 6. Since the system control units 50 of specific digital cameras 100c and 100d constantly monitor events, processes from S601 onwards or S605 onwards are executed immediately in response to user instructions or message reception.

[0081] In the case of a specific digital camera 100c performing the actions shown in Figure 9(a), the determination process corresponding to step S605 shown in Figure 6 is unnecessary. Therefore, if the system control unit 50 determines in step S601 that it is not a shooting instruction operation event (No), it proceeds to step S608. In the case of a digital camera 100d performing the actions shown in Figure 9(b), the system control unit 50 does not need to perform the determination process corresponding to step S601 shown in Figure 6, so it proceeds from step S600 to step S605. Through these processes, the shooting event processing is executed in both the specific digital camera 100c and the other digital camera 100d.

[0082] Next, with reference to Figure 10, the operation of the transfer event processing according to Embodiment 2 will be described. Figure 10(a) shows the processing of a specific digital camera 100c that sends a priority transfer instruction to another digital camera. Figure 10(b) shows the processing of another digital camera 100d that receives a priority transfer instruction from the specific digital camera 100c. Note that each process shown in Figure 10(a) is realized by the system control unit 50 of the specific digital camera 100c expanding the program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and executing it. Similarly, each process shown in Figure 10(b) is realized by the system control unit 50 of the digital camera 100d expanding the program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and executing it. Note that the operations of steps S700~702, S704~S706, S707~S709 and S710 shown in Figure 10 are the same as the processes described for Figure 7A. Furthermore, a specific digital camera 100c and another digital camera 100d each perform the image transfer process described above in Figure 7B. At this time, the image transfer process for each digital camera is realized by the system control unit 50 of each digital camera loading the program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and executing it. In the operation shown in Figure 10(a), the digital camera 100c is the one that sends the priority transfer instruction, and therefore does not perform the determination in step S707 shown in Figure 7A, i.e., the determination of whether it has received the priority transfer instruction as a message. For this reason, if the system control unit 50 of the digital camera 100c determines in step S704 that it has not received a transfer event indicating an instruction to edit the transfer list (No), it proceeds to step S710. On the other hand, in Figure 10(b), the digital camera 100d does not perform the determination in step S704, i.e., the determination of whether it is a transfer event indicating an instruction to edit the transfer list. If the system control unit 50 of the digital camera 100d determines in step S701 that the transfer event is not an event to add an image to the transfer list (No), it proceeds to step S707.

[0083] Thus, in Embodiment 2 as well, synchronized shooting can be performed with multiple digital cameras, and each of the multiple digital cameras can transmit captured images to the receiving device 300. Normally, each digital camera transmits images in the order they are taken, as listed in the transfer list. In this case, Embodiment 2 accepts an editing instruction (change instruction) from a specific digital camera to change the image transfer order, and changes the image transfer order according to the editing instruction. When a specific digital camera transmits a priority transfer instruction, other digital cameras can also prioritize the transfer of images taken at the same time as the image for which an editing instruction to change the image transfer order was given. In this embodiment, the roles of a specific digital camera and other digital cameras can be distinguished, which can improve the efficiency of processing.

[0084] (Embodiment 3) Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. In the embodiments described above, the digital camera was described as directly sending and receiving messages specifying priority transfer targets between multiple digital cameras. On the other hand, Embodiment 3 shows an example in which a message indicating a priority transfer target designated by one digital camera is sent from that digital camera to the receiving device 300, and the receiving device 300 instructs other digital cameras to designate the priority transfer target. In this embodiment, some of the transfer event processing in the digital camera differs from that of Embodiment 1, but other processing and the configuration of the digital camera are the same or substantially the same as those of Embodiment 1. For this reason, the same reference numerals are used for the same or substantially the same configurations and processes, and their descriptions are omitted, with the differences being described in detail.

[0085] Figure 11 shows the operation of the image transfer event processing according to Embodiment 3. Note that, as in the case of Figure 7A, each process shown in Figure 11 is realized by the system control unit 50 of the digital camera 100 loading the program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and executing it. Steps S700-S702, S704-S705, and S707-709 described in Figure 11 are the same processes as those shown in Figure 7A. If the system control unit 50 has executed processes S700, S701, S704, and S705, as in Embodiment 1, it proceeds to S1100. Through these processes, the system control unit 50 receives an editing instruction from the user to change the image transfer order and changes the image transfer order according to the editing instruction.

[0086] In step S1100, the system control unit 50 sends a priority transfer instruction message to the receiving device 300 (instead of sending a priority transfer instruction message to another digital camera 100, as shown in step S705 in Embodiment 1). The content of the message sent to the receiving device 300 in step S1100 (i.e., the interrupt message) is the same as the content of the message in step S706.

[0087] Next, with reference to Figure 12, the reception process of the receiving device 300 according to Embodiment 3 will be described. This reception process is achieved by the processor of the receiving device 300 loading a program stored in a storage medium into memory and executing it.

[0088] In step S1200, the receiving device 300 waits for a priority transfer instruction message to be sent from the digital camera 100. In step S1201, the receiving device 300 determines whether the message received in step S1200 is a message indicating priority transfer (interrupt message). If the received message is a message indicating priority transfer (Yes), the receiving device 300 proceeds to S1203; otherwise, it proceeds to S1202.

[0089] In step S1202, the receiving device 300 sends a priority transfer instruction message (interrupt message) to a digital camera (different from the digital camera that sent the received message). The digital camera that receives the message from the receiving device 300 is referred to as digital camera 100e. There may be multiple digital cameras 100e. The priority transfer instruction message is transmitted to the digital camera 100e via the communication path 301. At this time, the receiving device 300 identifies the destination of the message in step S1202 from the IP address 802 of the digital camera that indicates the destination of the message instructing the priority transfer target, which is included in the message received in step S1200.

[0090] In step S1203, the receiving device 300 receives the respective images (for example, when it receives messages from the digital camera that sent the interrupt message and the digital camera 100e that will transfer images). In step S1204, the receiving device 300 determines whether to terminate the receiving process. If the receiving device 300 decides to terminate the receiving process (Yes), it terminates the receiving process; otherwise, it returns to step S1200.

[0091] Thus, in Embodiment 3 as well, synchronized shooting can be performed with multiple digital cameras, and each of the multiple digital cameras can transmit captured images to the receiving device 300. Normally, each digital camera transmits images in the order they are taken, as listed in the transfer list. In Embodiment 3, one digital camera receives an editing instruction (change instruction) to change the image transfer order, and changes the image transfer order according to the editing instruction. At this time, this digital camera transmits a priority transfer instruction to the other digital cameras via the receiving device 300, and the other digital cameras prioritize transferring images taken at the same time as the image for which the editing instruction to change the image transfer order was given.

[0092] As described above, in the above embodiment, when the digital camera is transmitting multiple images in a predetermined order, if the operation unit receives an instruction to change the transmission order of the first image, the camera is controlled to prioritize the transmission of the first image to the receiving device. Furthermore, the digital camera transmits a priority transfer instruction to other digital cameras that can communicate via the communication unit, so that images related to the first image are preferentially transmitted to the receiving device. In this way, it becomes possible to preferentially transfer images that have been captured in conjunction with images set as priority transfer targets by other imaging devices.

[0093] Furthermore, the various controls described above, which are performed by the system control unit 50, may be performed by a single piece of hardware, or multiple pieces of hardware (for example, multiple processors or circuits) may share the processing to control the entire device.

[0094] Furthermore, although the embodiments described above used the application of the present invention to a digital camera as an example, the embodiments described are not limited to the above example. The invention can be applied to other electronic devices as long as it is possible to take pictures in conjunction with other devices and transfer the captured images preferentially. In other words, the embodiments described above can be applied to personal computers, mobile phone terminals, portable image viewers, game consoles, and the like.

[0095] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0096] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] 100…Digital camera, 300…Receiver, 301…Communication path, 22…Imaging unit, 50…System control unit, 54…Communication unit

Claims

1. An imaging device, An operating means that accepts user input, A means of communication for communicating with external devices, It includes a control means that controls the transmission of multiple captured images to a communication device via the communication means in a predetermined order, The control means, upon receiving an image capture instruction from the user via the operation means, controls the system to capture a first image, and also controls another imaging device to capture a second image in conjunction with the capture of the first image. The imaging device is characterized in that the control means controls the transmission of the first image to the communication device as a priority when it receives an instruction from the operation means to change the transmission order of the first image while the plurality of images are being transmitted in the predetermined order, and further controls the other imaging device that can communicate via the communication means to transmit the second image captured by the other imaging device in conjunction with the capture of the first image as a priority to the communication device.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means, upon receiving the shooting instruction, captures an image in the imaging device and makes the captured image the target for transmission to the communication device.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control means controls the imaging device to take an image in response to receiving the shooting instruction, and transmits a shooting instruction to the other imaging device.

4. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control means transmits a priority instruction to the other imaging device to transmit the second image to the communication device preferentially in response to receiving an instruction to change the transmission order of the first image by the operating means.

5. The imaging device according to claim 4, characterized in that the control means controls the transmission of the priority instruction to some of the other imaging devices when transmitting the priority instruction to the other imaging devices.

6. The control means controls the transmission of the multiple images to the communication device in the predetermined order, according to a transfer list that defines the order in which the captured images are transmitted. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the control means changes the transfer list so that the first image is preferentially transmitted to the communication device in response to receiving an instruction to change the transmission order of the first image by the operating means.

7. The imaging device according to claim 6, characterized in that the transfer list includes at least one of the following: image identification information, information indicating that the image was captured in conjunction with another imaging device, identification information of the imaging device that captured the image in conjunction with the capture of the image, the release count at the time the image was captured, and the time the image was captured.

8. A control method for an imaging device having an operating means for receiving user operations and a communication means for communicating with an external device, The system includes a control step that controls the transmission of multiple captured images to a communication device via the communication means in a predetermined order. In the control step, when an image capture instruction is received from the user via the operating means, the system is controlled to capture a first image, and simultaneously, in conjunction with the capture of the first image, another imaging device is controlled to capture a second image. A control method for an imaging device, wherein in the control step, while transmitting the plurality of images in the predetermined order, the device controls the device to prioritize the transmission of the first image to the communication device in response to receiving an instruction to change the transmission order of the first image by the operating means, and further controls the device to prioritize the transmission of the second image, which is captured by the other imaging device that can communicate via the communication means, to the communication device in conjunction with the capture of the first image.

9. A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of an imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images