Control terminal and control method

Abstract

This control terminal has a display, a communicator, and a processor. The processor displays, on the display, setting information indicating setting contents in an imaging device, and executes transmission of the setting information to the imaging device via the communicator and reflection of the setting information in the imaging device. The processor supplies another control terminal with the setting information and handover information indicating a handover of authority for setting a state of the imaging device.

Description

Control terminal and control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control terminal and a control method.

[0002] There are cases where it is necessary to transfer functions between multiple devices. A relay device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-251818 executes authentication processing for a client terminal. If the authentication processing is successful, the relay device establishes a communication path with the client terminal and executes relay processing. When the remaining battery power of the relay device becomes low, the relay device transfers functions to another relay device.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-251818

[0004] In an imaging system having an imaging device that captures images and a control terminal that sets the state of the imaging device, there are cases where it is necessary for another control terminal to take over the functions of the control terminal.

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a control terminal and a control method that can transfer the state settings of an imaging device to another control terminal.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a control terminal is connected to an imaging device and includes a display, a communication device, and a processor. When the control terminal has authority to set the state of the imaging device, the processor displays setting information indicating the content of the setting of the imaging device on the display. When the control terminal has the authority, the processor transmits the setting information to the imaging device via the communication device and reflects the setting information in the imaging device. When the control terminal has the authority, the processor provides the setting information and handover information indicating the handover of the authority to another control terminal. After the other control terminal acquires the setting information, the processor relinquishes the authority. When the handover information is acquired from the other control terminal, the processor acquires the authority.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, the processor may receive video from the imaging device via the communication device and display the video on the display. The processor may cause the communication device to maintain a connection with the imaging device until the other control terminal connects to the imaging device and starts receiving the video, and may cause the display to continue displaying the video.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, the processor may supply the setting information and the handover information to the other control terminal at a timing determined based on the remaining charge of the battery that supplies power to the display, the communication device, and the processor.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, the processor may supply the setting information and the handover information to the other control terminal at a timing determined based on the operation time of the control terminal.

[0010] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, when the presence of the other control terminal is detected, the processor may provide the setting information and the handover information to the other control terminal.

[0011] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, when information instructing the transfer of authority is received from the other control terminal, the processor may supply the setting information and the transfer information to the other control terminal.

[0012] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, the setting information may include information indicating functions assigned to each of two or more operation members of the imaging device.

[0013] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, the setting information may include information indicating an imaging mode of the imaging device.

[0014] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, the setting information may include information indicating parameters of image processing to be performed on image in the imaging device.

[0015] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, the processor may display notification information on the display at a timing determined based on the remaining charge of a battery that supplies power to the display, the communication device, and the processor. The notification information may indicate the need to supply the setting information to the other control terminal.

[0016] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, the processor may display notification information on the display at a timing determined based on an operation time of the control terminal, and the notification information may indicate a need to supply the setting information to the other control terminal.

[0017] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, when the processor has the authority, the processor may transmit the setting information and the handover information to the other control terminal via the communication device. The processor may receive the setting information and the handover information from the other control terminal via the communication device.

[0018] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, when the processor has the authority, the processor may display the setting information and the takeover information on the display. When the display of the other control terminal displays the setting information and the takeover information, the processor may read the setting information and the takeover information displayed on the display of the other control terminal via a reader.

[0019] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the thirteenth aspect, the control terminal may have a camera as the reader.

[0020] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, when the processor has the authority, the processor may transmit the setting information to the external device via the communication device. When the processor has the authority, the processor may display address information and the takeover information of the external device on the display. When the display of the other control terminal displays the address information and the takeover information, the processor may read the address information and the takeover information displayed on the display of the other control terminal via a reader. The processor may receive the setting information from the external device via the communication device based on the address information.

[0021] According to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, when the processor has the authority, the processor may record the setting information and the handover information in a first storage medium. When the other control terminal has recorded the setting information and the handover information in a second storage medium that is the same as or different from the first storage medium, the processor may acquire the setting information and the handover information from the second storage medium.

[0022] According to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, the imaging device may include an endoscope.

[0023] According to an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a control terminal connected to an imaging device executes a control method. When the control terminal has authority to set the state of the imaging device, the control terminal displays setting information indicating the settings of the imaging device on a display. When the control terminal has the authority, the control terminal transmits the setting information to the imaging device via a communication device and reflects the setting information in the imaging device. When the control terminal has the authority, the control terminal provides the setting information and handover information indicating the handover of the authority to another control terminal. After the other control terminal acquires the setting information, the control terminal relinquishes the authority. When the handover information is acquired from the other control terminal, the control terminal acquires the authority.

[0024] According to the above aspects, the control terminal and the control method can transfer the setting of the state of the imaging device to another control terminal.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an imaging system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an imaging device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a control terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the control terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen displayed on the display unit of the control terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a sequence of communication between two control terminals according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an imaging system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a control terminal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the control terminal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an imaging system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the control terminal according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an imaging system according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the control terminal according to the fourth embodiment.

[0026] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] 1 shows an example of the configuration of an imaging system 1 according to a first embodiment. The imaging system 1 includes an imaging device 10, a control terminal 20, and a control terminal .

[0028] In the following, an example will be described in which the imaging device 10 includes an endoscope. The imaging device 10 acquires an image of the inside of a subject.

[0029] For example, the control terminal 20 and the control terminal 21 are small, portable terminals. The control terminal 20 receives video from the imaging device 10. The control terminal 20 also sets various states of the imaging device 10. For example, when the remaining battery power of the control terminal 20 becomes low, the control terminal 20 hands over the function of setting the state of the imaging device 10 to the control terminal 21.

[0030] 2 shows an example of the configuration of the imaging device 10. The imaging device 10 includes a light source 100, an operation unit 101, an insertion unit 102, an image processing unit 103, a communication device 104, a storage unit 105, and a control unit 106.

[0031] The light source 100 generates illumination light to be irradiated inside the subject. For example, the light source 100 includes a white light source that generates white light and a special light source that generates special light used for narrowband light observation.

[0032] The operation unit 101 has an operation member 1010, an operation member 1011, and an operation member 1012. Each of these operation members is a button or a switch that is operated by a user. Although the operation unit 101 shown in FIG. 1 has three operation members, the operation unit 101 may have one or two operation members, or may have four or more operation members.

[0033] The insertion section 102 has a long, thin cylindrical shape and includes an image sensor 1020. The image sensor 1020 is disposed at the tip of the insertion section 102. When the insertion section 102 is inserted into the inside of the subject, the image sensor 1020 generates an image of the subject. The image generated by the image sensor 1020 is output to the image processing section 103.

[0034] The image processing unit 103 is a circuit that performs image processing on the image. The image processing performed by the image processing unit 103 includes processing for adjusting image quality, such as white balance adjustment. The image processed by the image processing unit 103 is output to the communication device 104.

[0035] The communication device 104 has a communication circuit for performing communication. The communication device 104 transmits video to the control terminal 20 or the control terminal 21. The communication device 104 receives setting information indicating the content of settings in the imaging device 10 from the control terminal 20 or the control terminal 21. The communication device 104 receives operation information indicating the content of an operation to be performed in the imaging device 10 from the control terminal 20 or the control terminal 21. For example, the operation information indicates the execution of a release.

[0036] The storage unit 105 is a volatile storage medium that stores setting parameters and the like that are set based on setting information. When the power of the imaging device 10 is turned off, the setting parameters and the like stored in the storage unit 105 are erased.

[0037] The control unit 106 controls the light source 100, the image sensor 1020, the image processing unit 103, and the communication device 104. The control unit 106 acquires information output from the operation member 1010, etc., and executes processing in accordance with the information. For example, when the information indicates the execution of a release, the control unit 106 causes the image sensor 1020 to acquire a still image and transmits the still image to the control terminal 20 or the control terminal 21 via the communication device 104. Alternatively, when the information indicates a change in the light intensity, the control unit 106 changes the light intensity of the light source 100. Alternatively, when the information indicates a parameter for image processing, the control unit 106 sets the parameter in the image processing unit 103.

[0038] When information output from the operation member 1010 or the like indicates a change in imaging mode, the control unit 106 changes the type of illumination light from the light source 100. For example, the imaging mode of the imaging device 10 is set to a normal imaging mode or a special imaging mode. When information output from the operation member 1010 or the like indicates a change from the normal imaging mode to the special imaging mode, the control unit 106 changes the illumination light from the light source 100 to special light. When information output from the operation member 1010 or the like indicates a change from the special imaging mode to the normal imaging mode, the control unit 106 changes the illumination light from the light source 100 to white light.

[0039] When the communication device 104 receives the setting information from the control terminal 20 or 21, the control unit 106 sets the state of the imaging device 10 based on the setting information. As a result, the control unit 106 reflects the setting information in the state of the imaging device 10. The parameters set based on the setting information are stored in the storage unit 105.

[0040] For example, when the setting information includes function information indicating functions assigned to each of the operation members 1010 to 1012, the control unit 106 assigns the functions indicated by the function information to each of the operation members 1010 to 1012. When the setting information includes imaging mode information indicating an imaging mode, the control unit 106 sets the imaging mode indicated by the imaging mode information. When the setting information includes parameter information indicating parameters of image processing to be performed on the image, the control unit 106 sets the parameters indicated by the parameter information in the image processing unit 103.

[0041] When the communication device 104 receives operation information from the control terminal 20 or 21, the control unit 106 executes processing based on the operation information.

[0042] The control unit 106 may include at least one of a processor and a logic circuit. For example, the processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit). For example, the logic circuit is at least one of an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 106 may include one or more processors. The control unit 106 may include one or more logic circuits.

[0043] The computer of the imaging device 10 may load a program and execute the loaded program. The program includes instructions that define the operation of the control unit 106. In other words, the functions of the control unit 106 may be realized by software. The program may be transmitted from a computer storing the program to the imaging device 10 via a transmission medium or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. A "transmission medium" that transmits the program is a medium that has the function of transmitting information. Media that have the function of transmitting information include networks (communication networks) such as the Internet and communication lines (communication lines) such as telephone lines. The above-mentioned program may realize some of the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, the above-mentioned program may be a difference file (difference program). The above-mentioned functions may be realized by combining a program already recorded on the computer with a difference program.

[0044] 3 shows an example of the configuration of the control terminal 20. The control terminal 20 includes a communication device 200, a display unit 201, an operation unit 202, a storage unit 203, a battery 204, and a control unit 205.

[0045] The communication device 200 has a communication circuit for performing communication. The communication device 200 receives video transmitted by the imaging device 10 and outputs the video to the control unit 205. The communication device 200 transmits setting information output from the control unit 205 to the imaging device 10. When it is necessary for the functions of the control terminal 20 to be taken over by the control terminal 21, the communication device 200 transmits the setting information and handover information output from the control unit 205 to the control terminal 21. The handover information indicates the handover of the authority to set the state of the imaging device 10 and display video.

[0046] The display unit 201 is a display such as a liquid crystal display, etc. The display unit 201 displays setting information and images.

[0047] The operation unit 202 has operation members such as buttons or switches. The operation unit 202 may be a touch panel arranged on the display unit 201. The user operates the operation unit 202 to input information indicating the content of each setting item in the imaging device 10 or information indicating the content of an operation in the imaging device 10. The operation unit 202 outputs the input information to the control unit 205.

[0048] The storage unit 203 is a non-volatile storage medium that stores setting information and initial setting information. The initial setting information indicates the contents of the initial setting when the imaging device 10 starts operating. The battery 204 is a rechargeable secondary battery that supplies power to each unit of the control terminal 20.

[0049] The control unit 205 controls the communication device 200 and the display unit 201. When information indicating the contents of each setting item in the imaging device 10 is output from the operation unit 202, the control unit 205 generates setting information including that information and stores the setting information in the storage unit 203. The control unit 205 also transmits the setting information to the imaging device 10 via the communication device 200 to reflect the setting information in the state of the imaging device 10.

[0050] The control unit 205 monitors the remaining charge of the battery 204. When the remaining charge of the battery 204 becomes low, the control unit 205 transmits setting information and handover information to the control terminal 21 via the communication device 200.

[0051] When information indicating the content of an operation on the imaging device 10 is output from the operation unit 202, the control unit 205 generates operation information including that information and transmits the operation information to the imaging device 10 via the communication device 200. This allows the control terminal 20 to remotely control the imaging device 10.

[0052] The control unit 205 may include at least one of a processor and a logic circuit. The control unit 205 may include one or more processors. The control unit 205 may include one or more logic circuits.

[0053] The computer of the control terminal 20 may load and execute a program. The program includes instructions that define the operation of the control unit 205. In other words, the functions of the control unit 205 may be realized by software.

[0054] The configuration of the control terminal 21 is the same as the configuration of the control terminal 20. When the communication device 200 of the control terminal 20 transmits the setting information and handover information, the communication device 200 of the control terminal 21 receives the setting information and handover information and outputs the setting information and handover information to the control unit 205. The control unit 205 of the control terminal 21 stores the setting information in the storage unit 203.

[0055] The operation of the control terminal 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 shows an example of processing executed by the control terminal 20.

[0056] When the power of the imaging device 10 is turned on and the imaging device 10 starts operating, the control unit 205 acquires initial setting information from the memory unit 203 and transmits the initial setting information to the imaging device 10 via the communication device 200 (step S100).

[0057] The control terminal 20 that first connects to the imaging device 10 has the authority to set the state of the imaging device 10 and display images. Authority information indicating this authority is stored in the storage unit 203.

[0058] After step S100, the control unit 205 displays an operation screen on the display unit 201 for the user to operate the imaging device 10 (step S101). For example, the operation screen is a graphical user interface (GUI) for executing the same functions as those assigned to the operation members 1010 to 1012. The operation screen includes two or more operation components (e.g., buttons). The user can operate the operation screen by operating the operation unit 202.

[0059] After step S101, the control unit 205 determines whether to display a setting screen that the user uses to set the state of the imaging device 10. For example, when the user performs a predetermined operation by using the operation unit 202, the control unit 205 determines to display the setting screen. When the user does not perform a predetermined operation, the control unit 205 determines not to display the setting screen (step S102).

[0060] When the control unit 205 determines in step S102 that the setting screen should not be displayed, step S110, which will be described later, is executed. When the setting screen is already displayed, step S110, which will be described later, is also executed. When the authority information is not stored in the storage unit 203, step S110, which will be described later, is also executed. When the control unit 205 determines in step S102 that the setting screen should be displayed, the control unit 205 displays the setting screen on the display unit 201 (step S103). The setting screen may be displayed on the operation screen. The setting screen and the operation screen may be arranged side by side or vertically.

[0061] After step S103, the control unit 205 monitors the state of the operation unit 202 and determines whether information relating to the setting of the state of the imaging device 10 has been input (step S110).

[0062] If the control unit 205 determines in step S110 that information regarding the setting of the state has not been input, step S120, which will be described later, is executed. If the control unit 205 determines in step S110 that information regarding the setting of the state has been input, the control unit 205 generates setting information according to the input information (step S111). The generated setting information is stored in the storage unit 203.

[0063] After step S111, the control unit 205 transmits the setting information to the imaging device 10 via the communication device 200 (step S112).

[0064] 5 shows an example of a setting screen displayed on the display unit 201. The display unit 201 displays a setting screen SC1. The setting screen SC1 is used by the user to assign functions to each of the operation members 1010 to 1012. The setting screen SC1 includes the name NM1 of each operation member and the function FN1 assigned to each operation member.

[0065] The setting screen SC1 is a GUI including two or more operation components. For example, a drop-down button as an operation component is arranged on the setting screen SC1, and the user operates the drop-down button by operating the operation unit 202 to set the function FN1. The setting of the function FN1 is not limited to the operation of the drop-down button, and may also be performed through the operation of a radio button or the like.

[0066] 5, the release function is assigned to button A (operation member 1010), the function of adjusting the light intensity of the light source 100 is assigned to button B (operation member 1011), and the function of setting the image capture mode is assigned to button C (operation member 1012). The control unit 205 generates setting information including function information indicating the functions assigned to each of the operation members 1010 to 1012.

[0067] The display unit 201 may display a setting screen used to adjust the light intensity of the light source 100. The control unit 205 may generate setting information including light intensity information indicating the light intensity. The display unit 201 may display a setting screen used to set an imaging mode. The control unit 205 may generate setting information including imaging mode information indicating the imaging mode. The display unit 201 may display a setting screen used to set parameters for image processing to be performed on an image. The control unit 205 may generate setting information including parameter information indicating the parameters.

[0068] After step S112, the control unit 205 monitors the state of the communication device 200 and determines whether or not a video image has been received (step S120).

[0069] If the control unit 205 determines in step S120 that no video has been received, the control unit 205 executes step S130, which will be described later. If the control unit 205 determines in step S120 that video has been received, the control unit 205 displays the video on the display unit 201 (step S121).

[0070] After step S121, the control unit 205 monitors the state of the operation unit 202 and determines whether an operation has been performed on the operation screen (step S130).

[0071] When the control unit 205 determines in step S130 that no operation has been performed, step S140, which will be described later, is executed. When the control unit 205 determines in step S130 that an operation has been performed, the control unit 205 transmits operation information including the operation result to the imaging device 10 via the communication device 200 (step S131).

[0072] The setting screen used to set the light intensity of the light source 100, the imaging mode, or the parameters of the image processing may be the same as the operation screen displayed in step S101. If the setting screen is the same as the operation screen, operation information as setting information is transmitted to the imaging device 10 in step S112. Therefore, steps S130 and S131 may be omitted.

[0073] After step S131, the control unit 205 determines whether or not to transfer the authority to set the state of the imaging device 10 and display the video to the control terminal 21 (step S140).

[0074] Step S140 will now be described in detail. Five examples will be described below.

[0075] First, a first example will be described. The control unit 205 checks the remaining charge of the battery 204 and determines whether the remaining charge is less than a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount is greater than 0 and is pre-stored in the storage unit 203. When the remaining charge of the battery 204 is less than the predetermined amount, the control unit 205 determines that the authority should be handed over to the control terminal 21. When the remaining charge of the battery 204 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, the control unit 205 determines that the authority should not be handed over to the control terminal 21.

[0076] Next, a second example will be described. The battery 204 is charged, and the remaining charge of the battery 204 exceeds a predetermined amount. When charging is completed, the control unit 205 starts measuring time. This time indicates the operating time of the control terminal 20. When the power of the control terminal 20 is turned off, the control unit 205 temporarily stops measuring time and stores the measured time in the memory unit 203. When the power of the control terminal 20 is turned on again, the control unit 205 resumes measuring time.

[0077] The control unit 205 determines whether the measured time is longer than a predetermined time. The predetermined time corresponds to the time until the remaining charge of the battery 204 becomes low. The predetermined time is stored in advance in the storage unit 203. When the measured time is longer than the predetermined time, the control unit 205 determines that the authority should be handed over to the control terminal 21. When the measured time is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time, the control unit 205 determines that the authority should not be handed over to the control terminal 21. The control unit 205 may measure the actual time until the remaining charge of the battery 204 becomes lower than the predetermined amount multiple times, and calculate the predetermined time as the average time of the multiple measured times, or the like.

[0078] Next, a third example will be described. When the power of the control terminal 21 is turned on, the control unit 205 of the control terminal 21 starts generating a signal such as a beacon that indicates the presence of the control terminal 21. The control unit 205 periodically transmits this signal via the communication device 200. When the communication device 200 of the control terminal 20 receives this signal, the control unit 205 of the control terminal 20 determines in step S140 that the authority should be handed over to the control terminal 21. When the communication device 200 of the control terminal 20 does not receive this signal, the control unit 205 of the control terminal 20 determines in step S140 that the authority should not be handed over to the control terminal 21.

[0079] Next, a fourth example will be described. The user operates the operation unit 202 at any timing to input information instructing the control terminal 20 to switch, i.e., to take over the authority, into the control terminal 20. When this information is input, the control unit 205 determines that the authority should be taken over to the control terminal 21. When this information is not input, the control unit 205 determines that the authority should not be taken over to the control terminal 21.

[0080] Next, a fifth example will be described. The user operates the operation unit 202 at any timing to input information to the control terminal 21 instructing the switching of the control terminal, i.e., the handover of authority. The control unit 205 of the control terminal 21 transmits instruction information to the control terminal 20 via the communication device 200. The instruction information indicates the execution of the handover of authority. When the communication device 200 of the control terminal 20 receives the instruction information, the control unit 205 of the control terminal 20 determines in step S140 that the authority should be handed over to the control terminal 21. When the communication device 200 of the control terminal 20 does not receive the instruction information, the control unit 205 of the control terminal 20 determines in step S140 that the authority should not be handed over to the control terminal 21.

[0081] When the control unit 205 determines in step S140 that the authority will not be handed over to the control terminal 21, step S150, which will be described later, is executed. When the control unit 205 determines in step S140 that the authority will be handed over to the control terminal 21, the control unit 205 acquires setting information from the storage unit 203 and generates handover information indicating the handover of authority. The control unit 205 transmits the setting information and the handover information to the imaging device 10 via the communication device 200 (step S141).

[0082] The setting information and the handover information do not need to be transmitted at the same time. The handover information may be transmitted after the setting information is transmitted. Alternatively, the setting information may be transmitted after the handover information is transmitted.

[0083] After step S141, the control unit 205 disconnects the communication device 200 from the imaging device 10, and terminates communication between the communication device 200 and the imaging device 10. The control unit 205 also erases the authority information stored in the storage unit 203 and renounces the authority (step S142). After the authority is renounced, the control terminal 20 cannot set the state of the imaging device 10, and cannot remotely control the imaging device 10.

[0084] After step S142, the control unit 205 monitors the state of the communication device 200 and determines whether the setting information and handover information have been received from the control terminal 21 (step S150). The control terminal 21 also executes the process shown in Fig. 4. If the control terminal 21 has the authority to set the state of the imaging device 10 and display images, and has transmitted the setting information and handover information in step S141, the control terminal 20 receives the setting information and handover information.

[0085] When the control unit 205 determines in step S150 that the setting information and handover information have not been received, step S102 is executed. When the control unit 205 determines in step S150 that the setting information and handover information have been received, the control unit 205 stores the setting information in the storage unit 203. The control unit 205 generates authority information based on the handover information and stores the authority information in the storage unit 203. As a result, the control terminal 20 acquires authority to set the state of the imaging device 10 and display video (step S151). After step S151, step S102 is executed.

[0086] Until the communication device 200 of the control terminal 21 connects to the imaging device 10 and starts receiving video, the control unit 205 of the control terminal 20 may cause the communication device 200 to maintain the connection with the imaging device 10 and may cause the display unit 201 to continue displaying the video. For example, the control terminal 20 and the control terminal 21 may execute the processes described below.

[0087] 6 shows an example of a communication sequence executed by the control terminal 20 and the control terminal 21. The control terminal 20 receives video from the imaging device 10 and displays the video on the display unit 201 (video display VD1 in FIG. 6). The control terminal 20 repeats receiving and displaying the video.

[0088] When the control unit 205 of the control terminal 20 determines in step S140 that the authority should be handed over to the control terminal 21, the control unit 205 transmits setting information and handover information to the control terminal 21 via the communication device 200. The control unit 205 of the control terminal 21 receives the setting information and handover information via the communication device 200, and causes the communication device 200 to connect to the imaging device 10. After the connection with the imaging device 10 is established, the control unit 205 of the control terminal 21 receives video from the imaging device 10 via the communication device 200, and displays the video on the display unit 201 (video display VD2 in FIG. 6 ).

[0089] After the reception and display of the video has started, the control unit 205 of the control terminal 21 transmits start information to the control terminal 20 via the communication device 200. The start information indicates that the reception and display of the video has started. The control unit 205 of the control terminal 20 receives the start information via the communication device 200 and disconnects the connection between the communication device 200 and the imaging device 10.

[0090] After the setting information and handover information are transmitted to the control terminal 21 and a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 205 of the control terminal 21 may disconnect the communication device 200 from the imaging device 10. The predetermined time is longer than the time required for the control terminal 21 to receive the setting information and handover information and start receiving and displaying the video.

[0091] Between the time when the control terminal 21 connects to the imaging device 10 and the time when the control terminal 20 disconnects from the imaging device 10, the communication device 104 of the imaging device 10 transmits video to the control terminal 20 and the control terminal 21. The imaging device 10 may have two communication devices for simultaneously communicating with two control terminals.

[0092] The setting information may include layout state information indicating the layout state of two or more operation components on the operation screen. When the operation screen is displayed on the control terminal 21, the control unit 205 of the control terminal 21 may display on the display unit 201 the operation screen on which the two or more operation components are arranged in the layout state indicated by the layout state information.

[0093] The imaging device 10 may be connected to a processor unit having a video processing circuit, etc. The control terminal 20 and the control terminal 21 may communicate with the imaging device 10 via the processor unit.

[0094] In the control terminal 20 according to each aspect of the present disclosure, when the control unit 20 has the authority to set the state of the imaging device 10, the control unit 205 displays setting information indicating the settings of the imaging device 10 on the display unit 201 (first step, step S103). When the control unit 205 has the authority, the control unit 205 transmits the setting information to the imaging device 10 via the communication device 200 and reflects the setting information in the imaging device 10 (second step, step S112). When the control unit 205 has the authority, the control unit 205 supplies the setting information and handover information indicating the handover of the authority to the control terminal 21 (third step, step S141). After the control terminal 21 acquires the setting information, the control unit 205 renounces the authority (fourth step, step S142). When the handover information is acquired from the control terminal 21, the control unit 205 acquires the authority (fifth step, step S151). The control method according to each aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-described first to fifth steps.

[0095] Each aspect of the present disclosure may include the following modifications: The control unit 205 receives video from the imaging device 10 via the communication device 200 and displays the video on the display unit 201. Until the control terminal 21 connects to the imaging device 10 and starts receiving video, the control unit 205 causes the communication device 200 to maintain the connection with the imaging device 10 and causes the display unit 201 to continue displaying the video.

[0096] Each aspect of the present disclosure may include the following modifications: The control unit 205 supplies the setting information and handover information to the control terminal 21 at a timing determined based on the remaining charge of the battery 204 that supplies power to the display unit 201, the communication device 200, and the control unit 205.

[0097] Each aspect of the present disclosure may include the following modifications: The control unit 205 supplies the setting information and handover information to the control terminal 21 at a timing determined based on the operation time of the control terminal 20 .

[0098] Each aspect of the present disclosure may include the following modifications: When the presence of the control terminal 21 is detected, the control unit 205 supplies the setting information and handover information to the control terminal 21 .

[0099] Each aspect of the present disclosure may include the following modifications: When information instructing the transfer of authority to set the state of the imaging device 10 is received from the control terminal 21, the control unit 205 supplies the setting information and transfer information to the control terminal 21.

[0100] Each aspect of the present disclosure may include the following modifications: The setting information includes information indicating functions assigned to each of two or more operation members of the imaging device 10 .

[0101] Each aspect of the present disclosure may include the following modifications: The setting information includes information indicating the imaging mode of the imaging device 10 .

[0102] Each aspect of the present disclosure may include the following modifications: The setting information includes information indicating parameters of the image processing to be performed on the image by the imaging device 10 .

[0103] Each aspect of the present disclosure may include the following modifications: When the control unit 205 has the authority to set the state of the imaging device 10, the control unit 205 transmits setting information and handover information to the control terminal 21 via the communication device 200. The control unit 205 receives the setting information and handover information from the control terminal 21 via the communication device 200.

[0104] Each aspect of the present disclosure may include the following modifications: The imaging device 10 has an endoscope (insertion section 102).

[0105] In the first embodiment, the control unit 205 transmits setting information and handover information to the control terminal 21. Therefore, the control terminal 20 can hand over the settings of the state of the imaging device 10 to the control terminal 21.

[0106] The control unit 205 causes the communication device 200 to maintain the connection with the imaging device 10 until the control terminal 21 connects to the imaging device 10 and starts receiving video, and causes the display unit 201 to continue displaying the video. The control terminal 20 continues displaying the video until the control terminal 21 starts receiving the video. Therefore, the video display is not interrupted.

[0107] The control unit 205 transmits the setting information and handover information to the control terminal 21 at a timing determined based on the remaining charge of the battery 204 or the operating time of the control terminal 20. The control terminal 20 can transmit the setting information and handover information to the control terminal 21 before the remaining charge of the battery 204 runs out and the control terminal 20 becomes inoperable.

[0108] Second Embodiment Fig. 7 shows an example of the configuration of an imaging system 1a according to a second embodiment. The imaging system 1a includes an imaging device 10, a control terminal 20a, and a control terminal 21a.

[0109] The imaging device 10 shown in Fig. 7 is the same as the imaging device 10 shown in Fig. 1. The control terminal 20 shown in Fig. 1 is changed to a control terminal 20a shown in Fig. 7, and the control terminal 21 shown in Fig. 1 is changed to a control terminal 21a shown in Fig. 7.

[0110] Fig. 8 shows an example of the configuration of the control terminal 20a. The control terminal 20a has a communication device 200, a display unit 201, an operation unit 202, a storage unit 203, a battery 204, a control unit 205, and a reading unit 206. The same parts as those shown in Fig. 1 will not be described. The configuration of the control terminal 21a is the same as the configuration of the control terminal 20a.

[0111] When the remaining charge of the battery 204 becomes low, the control unit 205 displays the setting information and handover information on the display unit 201. For example, the display unit 201 displays a two-dimensional code including the setting information and handover information. As a result, the control unit 205 supplies the setting information and handover information to the control terminal 21a.

[0112] The reading unit 206 is a camera such as a code reader, and reads the setting information and handover information displayed on the display unit 201 of the control terminal 21a. When the display unit 201 of the control terminal 21a displays the setting information and handover information, the reading unit 206 of the control terminal 21a reads the setting information and handover information.

[0113] The control terminal 20a may have a first display unit that displays video and a second display unit that displays setting information and handover information. The second display unit may be electronic paper. In this case, the second display unit can display the setting information and handover information even when the control terminal 20a is powered off.

[0114] The operation of the control terminal 20a will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 shows an example of processing executed by the control terminal 20a. Processing that is the same as the processing shown in Fig. 4 will not be described.

[0115] When the control unit 205 determines in step S140 that the authority to set the state of the imaging device 10 and display images is to be handed over to the control terminal 21, the control unit 205 acquires setting information from the storage unit 203 and generates handover information indicating the handover of authority. The control unit 205 displays the setting information and the handover information on the display unit 201 (step S143). After step S143, step S142 is executed.

[0116] For example, the display unit 201 displays an information display screen including the setting information and the takeover information. Fig. 10 shows an example of the information display screen displayed on the display unit 201. The display unit 201 displays an information display screen SC2.

[0117] The information display screen SC2 includes a message MS1 and a two-dimensional code CD1. The message MS1 indicates that the remaining charge of the battery 204 is low and that the setting information needs to be handed over to another control terminal. The two-dimensional code CD1 includes the setting information and handover information.

[0118] After the display unit 201 of the control terminal 20a displays the setting information and the handover information, the user brings the control terminal 21a close to the display unit 201 of the control terminal 20a and reads the setting information and the handover information. Similarly, when the display unit 201 of the control terminal 21a displays the setting information and the handover information, the user brings the control terminal 20a close to the display unit 201 of the control terminal 21a and reads the setting information and the handover information.

[0119] After step S142, the control unit 205 determines whether or not the user has instructed to read the setting information and the takeover information (step S152).

[0120] When the control unit 205 determines in step S152 that the user has not instructed the reading of the setting information and the handover information, step S102 is executed. When the control unit 205 determines in step S152 that the user has instructed the reading of the setting information and the handover information, the control unit 205 reads the setting information and the handover information from the display unit 201 of the control terminal 21a by using the reading unit 206 (step S153). After step S153, step S151 is executed.

[0121] Each aspect of the present disclosure may include the following modifications: The control unit 205 displays notification information (message MS1) on the display unit 201 at a timing determined based on the remaining charge of the battery 204. The notification information indicates the need to supply setting information to the control terminal 21 a.

[0122] Each aspect of the present disclosure may include the following modifications: The control unit 205 displays notification information on the display unit 201 at a timing determined based on the operation time of the control terminal 21a.

[0123] Each aspect of the present disclosure may include the following modifications: When the control unit 205 has the authority to set the state of the imaging device 10, the control unit 205 displays the setting information and handover information on the display unit 201. When the display unit 201 of the control terminal 21a displays the setting information and handover information, the control unit 205 reads the setting information and handover information displayed on the display unit 201 of the control terminal 21a via a reader (reader 206).

[0124] Each aspect of the present disclosure may include the following modifications: The control terminal 20a has a camera as a reader.

[0125] In the second embodiment, the control unit 205 displays the setting information and handover information on the display unit 201. Therefore, the control terminal 20a can hand over the setting of the state of the imaging device 10 to the control terminal 21a.

[0126] The control unit 205 displays notification information indicating the need to supply the setting information to the control terminal 21a on the display unit 201. The control terminal 20a can prompt the user to take over the setting information.

[0127] 11 shows an example of the configuration of an image capturing system 1b according to a third embodiment. The image capturing system 1b includes an image capturing device 10, a control terminal 20a, a control terminal 21a, and an external device 30.

[0128] The imaging device 10 shown in Fig. 11 is the same as the imaging device 10 shown in Fig. 1. The control terminal 20a shown in Fig. 11 is the same as the control terminal 20a shown in Fig. 7. The control terminal 21a shown in Fig. 11 is the same as the control terminal 21a shown in Fig. 7.

[0129] The external device 30 is a device such as a cloud server, and includes a storage unit 300. The storage unit 300 is a non-volatile storage medium that stores setting information.

[0130] When the setting information is generated, the control unit 205 transmits the setting information to the external device 30 via the communication device 200. The external device 30 receives the setting information and stores it in the storage unit 300. The external device that stores the setting information generated by the control terminal 21a may be different from the external device that stores the setting information generated by the control terminal 20a.

[0131] When the remaining charge of the battery 204 becomes low, the control unit 205 of the control terminal 20a displays the address information and the handover information on the display unit 201. The address information indicates the IP address of the external device 30. For example, the display unit 201 displays a two-dimensional code including the address information and the handover information.

[0132] The reading unit 206 of the control terminal 21a reads the address information and handover information displayed on the display unit 201 of the control terminal 20a. The control unit 205 of the control terminal 21a connects to the external device 30 using the address information and receives the setting information stored in the storage unit 300. In this way, the control terminal 20a supplies the setting information to the control terminal 21a via the external device 30.

[0133] The operation of the control terminal 20a will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 shows an example of processing executed by the control terminal 20a. Processing that is the same as the processing shown in Fig. 4 will not be described.

[0134] After step S111, the control unit 205 transmits the setting information generated in step S111 to the external device 30 (step S112). After step S112, step S120 is executed.

[0135] When the control unit 205 determines in step S140 that the authority to set the state of the imaging device 10 and display video is to be handed over to the control terminal 21, the control unit 205 generates handover information indicating the handover of authority. The control unit 205 displays the address information of the external device 30 and the handover information on the display unit 201 (step S144). After step S144, step S142 is executed.

[0136] After the display unit 201 of the control terminal 20a displays the address information and the takeover information, the user brings the control terminal 21a close to the display unit 201 of the control terminal 20a and reads the address information and the takeover information. Similarly, when the display unit 201 of the control terminal 21a displays the address information and the takeover information, the user brings the control terminal 20a close to the display unit 201 of the control terminal 21a and reads the address information and the takeover information.

[0137] After step S142, the control unit 205 determines whether or not the user has instructed to read the address information and the takeover information (step S154).

[0138] When the control unit 205 determines in step S154 that the user has not instructed to read the address information and the takeover information, step S102 is executed. When the control unit 205 determines in step S154 that the user has instructed to read the address information and the takeover information, the control unit 205 reads the address information and the takeover information by using the reading unit 206 (step S155).

[0139] After step S155, the control unit 205 connects to the external device 30 via the communication device 200 based on the address information, and receives the setting information stored in the storage unit 300 (step S156). After step S156, step S151 is executed.

[0140] Each aspect of the present disclosure may include the following modifications. When the control unit 205 has the authority to set the state of the imaging device 10, the control unit 205 transmits setting information to the external device 30 via the communication device 200 and displays address information and handover information of the external device 30 on the display unit 201. When the display unit 201 of the control terminal 21a displays the address information and handover information, the control unit 205 reads the address information and handover information displayed on the display unit 201 of the control terminal 21a via a reader (reading unit 206). The control unit 205 receives the setting information from the external device 30 via the communication device 200 based on the address information.

[0141] In the third embodiment, the control unit 205 displays the handover information and the address information of the external device that stores the setting information on the display unit 201. Therefore, the control terminal 20a can hand over the setting of the state of the imaging device 10 to the control terminal 21a.

[0142] 13 shows an example of the configuration of an imaging system 1c according to a fourth embodiment. The imaging system 1c includes an imaging device 10, a control terminal 20, a control terminal 21, and a storage medium 40.

[0143] The imaging device 10 shown in Fig. 13 is the same as the imaging device 10 shown in Fig. 1. The control terminal 20 shown in Fig. 13 is the same as the control terminal 20 shown in Fig. 1. The control terminal 21 shown in Fig. 13 is the same as the control terminal 21 shown in Fig. 1.

[0144] The storage medium 40 is a non-volatile storage medium. For example, the storage medium 40 is a portable memory such as a USB memory. The storage medium 40 may also be an IC chip (IC tag) or the like.

[0145] When the remaining charge of the battery 204 becomes low, the control unit 205 records the setting information and handover information in the storage medium 40. The storage medium that stores the setting information generated by the control terminal 21 may be different from the storage medium that stores the setting information generated by the control terminal 20.

[0146] The operation of the control terminal 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 shows an example of processing executed by the control terminal 20. Processing that is the same as the processing shown in Fig. 4 will not be described.

[0147] When the control unit 205 determines in step S140 that the authority to set the state of the imaging device 10 and display video images is to be handed over to the control terminal 21, the control unit 205 acquires setting information from the storage unit 203 and generates handover information indicating the handover of authority. The control unit 205 records the setting information and the handover information in the storage medium 40 (step S145). After step S145, step S142 is executed.

[0148] After step S142, the control unit 205 determines whether or not the user has instructed to obtain the setting information and the handover information (step S157).

[0149] When the control unit 205 determines in step S157 that the user has not instructed the acquisition of the setting information and the handover information, step S102 is executed. When the control unit 205 determines in step S157 that the user has instructed the acquisition of the setting information and the handover information, the control unit 205 acquires the setting information and the handover information from the storage medium 40 (step S158). After step S158, step S151 is executed.

[0150] Each aspect of the present disclosure may include the following modifications: The control unit 205 records the setting information and the handover information in a first storage medium (storage medium 40). When the control terminal 21 records the setting information and the handover information in a second storage medium that is the same as or different from the first storage medium, the control unit 205 acquires the setting information and the handover information from the second storage medium.

[0151] In the fourth embodiment, the control unit 205 records the setting information and handover information in the storage medium 40. Therefore, the control terminal 20 can hand over the setting of the state of the imaging device 10 to the control terminal 21.

[0152] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and their modifications. Addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of the configuration are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited by the above description, but is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

[0153] According to each embodiment of the present disclosure, the control terminal and the control method can hand over the settings of the state of the imaging device to another control terminal.

[0154] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 1a, 1b, 1c Imaging system 10 Imaging device 20, 20a, 21, 21a Control terminal 30 External device 40 Storage medium 100 Light source 101, 202 Operation unit 102 Insertion unit 103 Image processing unit 104, 200 Communication device 105, 203, 300 Storage unit 106, 205 Control unit 201 Display unit 204 Battery 206 Reading unit 1010, 1011, 1012 Operation member 1020 Image sensor

Claims

1. A control terminal connected to an imaging device, comprising: a display; a communication device; and a processor, wherein when the processor has the authority to set the status of the imaging device, it displays setting information indicating the settings of the imaging device on the display; when it has the authority, it transmits the setting information to the imaging device via the communication device and reflects the setting information in the imaging device; when it has the authority, it supplies the setting information and handover information indicating the handover of the authority to another control terminal; after the other control terminal obtains the setting information, it relinquishes the authority; and when the handover information is obtained from the other control terminal, it becomes the control terminal with the authority.

2. The control terminal of claim 1, wherein the processor receives video from the imaging device via the communication device, displays the video on the display, causes the communication device to maintain a connection with the imaging device until the other control terminal connects to the imaging device and starts receiving the video, and causes the display to continue displaying the video.

3. A control terminal as described in claim 1, wherein the processor supplies the setting information and the handover information to the other control terminal at a timing determined based on the remaining capacity of a battery that supplies power to the display, the communication device, and the processor.

4. The control terminal according to claim 1, wherein said processor supplies said setting information and said takeover information to said other control terminal at a timing determined based on the operation time of said control terminal.

5. A control terminal according to claim 1, wherein when the presence of said other control terminal is detected, said processor provides said setting information and said takeover information to said other control terminal.

6. The control terminal according to claim 1, wherein when information instructing the handover of authority is received from said other control terminal, said processor provides said setting information and said handover information to said other control terminal.

7. The control terminal according to claim 1, wherein the setting information includes information indicating functions assigned to each of two or more operation members of the imaging device.

8. The control terminal according to claim 1, wherein the setting information includes information indicating an imaging mode of the imaging device.

9. The control terminal according to claim 1, wherein the setting information includes information indicating parameters of image processing to be performed on the image in the imaging device.

10. A control terminal as described in claim 1, wherein the processor displays notification information on the display at a timing determined based on the remaining charge of a battery that supplies power to the display, the communication device, and the processor, and the notification information indicates the need to supply the setting information to the other control terminal.

11. A control terminal as described in claim 1, wherein the processor displays notification information on the display at a timing determined based on the operation time of the control terminal, and the notification information indicates the need to supply the setting information to the other control terminal.

12. A control terminal as described in claim 1, wherein when the processor has the authority, the processor transmits the setting information and the handover information to the other control terminal via the communication device, and the processor receives the setting information and the handover information from the other control terminal via the communication device.

13. A control terminal as described in claim 1, wherein when the processor has the authority, the processor displays the setting information and the handover information on the display, and when the display of the other control terminal displays the setting information and the handover information, the processor reads the setting information and the handover information displayed on the display of the other control terminal via a reader.

14. The control terminal according to claim 13, wherein the reader is a camera.

15. A control terminal as described in claim 1, wherein, when having the authority, the processor transmits the setting information to the external device via the communication device; when having the authority, the processor displays the address information and the handover information of the external device on the display; when the display of the other control terminal displays the address information and the handover information, the processor reads the address information and the handover information displayed on the display of the other control terminal via a reader; and the processor receives the setting information from the external device via the communication device based on the address information.

16. A control terminal as described in claim 1, wherein when the processor has the authority, the processor records the setting information and the handover information in a first storage medium, and when the other control terminal records the setting information and the handover information in a second storage medium that is the same as or different from the first storage medium, the processor obtains the setting information and the handover information from the second storage medium.

17. The control terminal of claim 1, wherein the imaging device comprises an endoscope.

18. A control method executed by a control terminal connected to an imaging device, wherein, when the control terminal has authority to set the status of the imaging device, the control terminal displays setting information indicating the settings of the imaging device on a display; when the control terminal has the authority, the control terminal transmits the setting information to the imaging device via a communication device and reflects the setting information in the imaging device; when the control terminal has the authority, the control terminal supplies the setting information and handover information indicating the handover of the authority to another control terminal; after the other control terminal acquires the setting information, the control terminal relinquishes the authority; and when the handover information is acquired from the other control terminal, the control terminal acquires the authority.

Images