JP2004064424A - Imaging apparatus, image receiver and imaging system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable many unspecified users each having an image receiver to enjoy the images picked up by a camera, in transmitting the image data obtained by the camera installed at an event hall etc. to each of the image receivers. <P>SOLUTION: The fixed point camera 2 is installed in the event hall 1 such as a theater or a show place in a theme park, and scenes on a stage 1A is picked up to obtain image data S0. The image data S0 are transmitted to an image server 52 via a wireless LAN, and are transmitted to each of digital cameras 3 owned by visitors in the event hall 1 by the wireless LAN. In the digital camera 3, the image data S0 are displayed. When a release button is depressed in the same way as in picking up an image, a desired scene is captured, and the image data representing the scene are stored in the camera 3. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an imaging device that is installed in a specific area such as a theater and acquires image data by performing imaging, an image receiving device that receives image data obtained by the imaging device, an imaging device, and an image receiving device. It relates to an imaging system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With the widespread use of digital still cameras and digital video cameras, there are increasing opportunities to capture events such as shows that are held in theaters and theme parks where photography is permitted. By shooting such an event, when the image is viewed later, it is possible to remember the moving scene at the time of the event due to the characters of the event and the surrounding atmosphere. In particular, for children's events, children will be very pleased when they see them later, so photographers, especially fathers, will ensure that they have the best possible shooting location, and keep their eyes on the camera during the event. That is normal.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, to ensure a good shooting location, it is necessary to wait for the start of the event many hours before the event starts. Even if a good shooting location is secured, if there is a person in the front row, the person may be in the way. In such a case, it is conceivable to stand up and take a picture. On the other hand, it is conceivable to shoot from behind using a camera with a high optical magnification, but it is not always possible to shoot at a good angle and often regrets when viewing an image later.
[0004]
Therefore, a method of acquiring an image data by photographing with an external camera, and transmitting the acquired image data to a digital camera held by a user located away from the external camera and displaying the image on the digital camera Has been proposed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-16344). In this method, it is possible to perform operations such as panning and tilting of an external camera with a digital camera, and an image of a desired scene can be displayed on the digital camera.
[0005]
In addition, in a camera that transmits image data to a plurality of clients, image data being captured is transmitted to a client having camera control rights, and prestored image data is transmitted to clients that do not have control rights. A method has been proposed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-285883).
[0006]
However, in the method described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-16344, it is impossible to allow individual photographers to operate the camera in a place where there are an unspecified number of photographers such as an event venue. As a result, it has been difficult to display on the digital camera a scene that satisfies all photographers.
[0007]
In the method described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-278583, only image data stored in advance is transmitted to a photographer who has no control right, so that all photographers can enjoy a desired scene during an event. There is a problem that can not be.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to allow an unspecified logarithm photographer to enjoy an event image.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that acquires image data by imaging;
Communication means for transmitting the image data to an unspecified number of image receiving devices via an infrastructure capable of wireless communication only within a specific area,
It is installed at a predetermined position in the specific area.
[0010]
An image receiving device according to the present invention comprises: communication means for receiving the image data transmitted from the imaging device according to the present invention as transmitted image data;
And display means for displaying the transmission image data received by the communication means.
[0011]
The “specific area” includes a venue where the event can be seen, such as a theater or a theme park show.
[0012]
The “predetermined position” may be a position where the event can be photographed, but is a position where the field of view is open like an aisle or ceiling in the venue and the event can be photographed without being interrupted by anyone. It is preferable. Further, it may be a position where not only the event but also people who are watching the event can be photographed.
[0013]
As the “infrastructure capable of wireless communication”, for example, a wireless LAN can be used. In this case, the communication means included in the imaging apparatus and the image receiving apparatus according to the present invention is a means for performing data communication via a wireless LAN. Note that the data transfer rate of the wireless LAN is assumed to be 8 to 11 MB or more.
[0014]
As a means for performing data communication by wireless LAN (hereinafter referred to as wireless LAN communication means), for example, a means compliant with a standard standardized by IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) is used. More specifically, it is preferable to use a device that conforms to standards such as IEEE802.11a and IEEE802.11b. IEEE802.11b is a current mainstream standard using a 2.4 GHz band and standardizing a transfer rate of a maximum of 11 Mbps. IEEE802.11a uses the 5.0 GHz band and standardizes a transfer rate of up to 54 Mbps. In addition, IEEE802.11g using the 2.4 GHz band and standardizing a transfer rate of a maximum of 54 Mbps has been proposed.
[0015]
Authentication information is required to perform data communication by wireless LAN. As authentication information, ESS-ID can be used. The ESS-ID is an ID adopted by the international standard IEEE 802.11 of the wireless LAN, and is authentication information necessary for establishing a connection with a fixed partner. The same ESS-ID is used for the communication unit of the imaging apparatus and the communication unit of the image receiving apparatus. This ESS-ID can be distinguished between uppercase and lowercase letters, and is composed of 32 characters or less. Specifically, a MAC address (Media Access Control Address) can be used as the ESS-ID.
[0016]
Here, when performing data communication by wireless LAN, it is preferable to set WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). WEP is a function that strengthens security by setting an encryption key in a wireless packet. When WEP is set in this way, communication is established only when the WEP set by the communication unit of the imaging apparatus matches the WEP set by the communication unit of the image receiving apparatus.
[0017]
In the image receiving apparatus according to the present invention, an imaging unit that acquires captured image data by imaging;
Image storage means for storing the captured image data acquired by the imaging means;
Operation means for operating the imaging means and the image storage means may be further provided.
[0018]
In this case, the recorded image storage means may be means for storing the transmission image data by an image photographing operation by the operation means.
[0019]
The “operation means” drives the shutter to take an image, stores image data obtained thereby in the image storage means, performs a scaling operation when the imaging means has an optical scaling means, Thus, a release button, a cross key, or the like is used to perform an electronic scaling operation of image data. Note that the image data transmitted from the imaging device may be stored as it is in the image storage means as image data representing a moving image by the operation of the operation means, or the image storage means as image data representing a still image after capturing one scene. May be stored.
[0020]
The image receiving apparatus according to the present invention further includes an electronic scaling unit that performs an electronic scaling operation on the captured image data and the transmission image data based on the operation of the operation unit.
The image storage means may be means for storing the captured image data and the transmission image data electronically scaled by the electronic scaling means.
[0021]
Further, when the operation target imaging device is capable of optical scaling operation, the optical scaling operation of the operation target imaging device may be performed based on the operation of the operation means.
[0022]
In the image receiving apparatus according to the present invention, the communication unit communicates only with the communication unit, and the image data transmitted from the operation target imaging apparatus operated based on the operation of the operation unit is transmitted image. It is good also as a means to receive as data.
[0023]
In this case, a switching unit that switches between transmission image data transmitted from the imaging apparatus of the present invention and transmission image data transmitted from the operation target imaging apparatus may be further provided.
[0024]
An imaging system according to the present invention includes at least one imaging apparatus according to the present invention and at least one image receiving apparatus according to the present invention.
[0025]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, image data picked up by the image pickup means of the image pickup device is transmitted to an image receiving device owned by an unspecified number of users via an infrastructure capable of wireless communication only within a specific area. Therefore, by displaying the received image data, an unspecified number of users can enjoy an image taken at a predetermined position in the specific area.
[0026]
An imaging device such as a digital camera or a digital video camera provided with an imaging unit and an image storage unit can be used as the image receiving device. In this case, the received image data is stored in the image storage unit by the image capturing operation of the operation unit that operates the imaging unit and the image storage unit, and the predetermined value in the specific area is obtained by an operation similar to that at the time of shooting The image data transmitted from the imaging device installed in the image storage device can be stored in the image storage means of the image receiving device.
[0027]
Further, it is provided with an electronic scaling unit for performing an electronic scaling operation, performs an electronic scaling operation for the captured image data and transmission image data, and stores the electronically scaled captured image data and transmission image data in the image storage unit. As a result, the captured image data and the transmission image data at a magnification desired by the photographer can be stored in the image storage means.
[0028]
In addition, by performing communication with only the communication unit and receiving the image data transmitted from the operation target imaging device operated based on the operation of the operation unit as the transmission image data, the operation target imaging device is operated and desired. The transmission image data can be acquired by the angle as described above and stored in the image storage means.
[0029]
In this case, if the transmission image data transmitted from the imaging apparatus according to the present invention or the transmission image data transmitted from the operation target imaging apparatus is to be received, the transmission image data is received flexibly. Thus, the transmission image data can be stored in the image storage means.
[0030]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of an imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging system according to the embodiment of the present invention is installed in an event venue 1 such as a theater or a theme park show venue, and in order to shoot an event performed on the platform 1A, The fixed point camera 2 installed on the ceiling of the event venue 1 captures the event to acquire the image data S0, and transmits the image data S0 to the digital camera 3 of the user watching the event in the audience 1B. S0 is displayed.
[0031]
Therefore, the event venue 1 transmits to the digital camera 3 the wireless LAN communication device 51 that receives the image data S0 transmitted from the fixed point camera 2, the image server 52 that temporarily stores the image data S0, and the image data S0. A wireless LAN communication system 50 including a wireless LAN communication device 53 is installed. The wireless LAN communication devices 51 and 53 and the image server 52 are connected by a wired LAN.
[0032]
As the wireless LAN communication devices 51 and 53, for example, AIRSTATION WLA-L11G made by BUFFALO can be used. The wireless LAN communication devices 51 and 53 can communicate between a wired LAN and a wireless LAN, comply with the IEEE802.11b standard, and can communicate 11 Mbps wirelessly. In addition, since Wi-Fi (the standard for wireless fidelity) has been certified, it is possible to communicate with various products corresponding to Wi-Fi. In addition, wireless LAN communication is possible within a range of 50 m in an office with few obstacles, 25 m in an office with many obstacles, and 160 m (outlook) outdoors. Furthermore, since it corresponds to the roaming function, communication can be performed even when the user of the digital camera 3 is moving. In addition, it is equipped with a multi-channel (14ch) function that reduces the network load, and further has a MAC address registration function and a WEP security function.
[0033]
The MAC address is a unique physical address for each network device, and the first 3 bytes are a vendor code, which is managed and assigned by IEEE. The remaining 3 bytes are a user code, which is managed and assigned by a network device manufacturer with a unique number. Further, there is no duplication in the MAC address, and a unique physical address is assigned by 6-byte data. Further, since the MAC address is represented by 6 bytes, theoretically, up to 1.7 million network devices can be identified by the Wi-Fi standard.
[0034]
As a wireless LAN infrastructure, for example, a “speed net” provided by TEPCO can be used. This “speed net” provides a service with a data transfer rate substantially equal to that of ADSL for a fixed amount by using a TEPCO fiber network and a radio antenna installed on a utility pole. In addition, it is possible to perform communication by wireless LAN in the range of 50 to 300 m from the wireless antenna. In this case, by installing the wireless LAN communication devices 51 and 53 at the place where the wireless antenna is installed, the wireless LAN communication system 50 can be constructed using the infrastructure of “speed net”.
[0035]
Note that a wireless LAN communication service provided by Mobile Internet Service Co., Ltd. (MIS) may be used as the wireless LAN infrastructure in this embodiment.
[0036]
FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the digital camera 3, and FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the digital camera 3. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the digital camera 3 controls the whole of the digital camera 3 and the recording control of the image data S0 and S2 and the imaging unit 21 that acquires the image data S2 representing the image of the subject by imaging. , Communication control, display control, control means 22 for generating order information C describing the order contents of the image data S0, S2, etc., a frame memory 23 for storing the image data S0, S2 for display, and a release button 24A, a communication button, a send button, a cross key 24B, a numeric key for inputting a telephone number, and a transfer for confirming that selected image data S1 (to be described later) is transmitted to a destination (to be described later) in order to place a print order at the time of shooting. The input unit 24 having a confirmation button 24C and the like, and the image data are compressed by a technique represented by JPEG, or the compressed data is decompressed. Acquired by compression / decompression means 25 for performing processing, display means 26 including a liquid crystal monitor for displaying various information such as image data S0 and S2, and image data S0 and S2 and selected or captured as described later. The data memory 28 for storing the selected image data S1, the wireless LAN communication devices 51 and 53 and the wireless LAN communication device of the network print system when receiving the image data S0 and transmitting the selected image data S1, as will be described later. A communication interface 29 for connecting the communication chip 4 for performing communication, and a recording medium interface 31 for converting data for recording and reading the image data S0 and S2 on the removable recording medium 30 are provided. .
[0037]
The communication chip 4 performs data communication using the wireless LAN with the wireless LAN communication devices 51 and 53 in order to receive the image data S0 acquired by the fixed point camera 2, and selects the selected image to the wireless LAN communication device in the network print system described later. Necessary at the time of communication with the wireless LAN communication device in the network print system and the authentication information N required at the time of communication between the communication means 41 for performing data communication by the wireless LAN and the wireless LAN communication devices 51 and 53 to transmit the data S1. The authentication information storage means 42 which memorize | stored the authentication information N1 and the transmission destination memory | storage means 43 which memorize | stored URL of the transmission destination of selection image data S1 are provided.
[0038]
The imaging unit 21 includes a photographing lens, a zoom mechanism, a shutter, a CCD, and the like. The photographing unit 21 photographs a subject by driving the shutter when the release button 24A is pressed, and acquires image data S2 representing an image of the subject. While the image data S0 is being received, the release button 24A is pressed to capture frame data representing one scene of the image data S0, and select image data S1 for placing a print order is acquired.
[0039]
Connected to the control means 22 are a ROM 22 storing operation programs and a memory 22A composed of a RAM serving as a storage means serving as a work area when the program is executed. It should be noted that the operation mode is set to a capturing mode for receiving and displaying the image data S0 by the control means 22, a shooting mode for shooting the subject, and an order mode for transmitting the selected image data S1 to the network print system as will be described later. Can be switched. This switching instruction is given by the input means 24.
[0040]
Here, the transfer confirmation button 24C of the input unit 24 is used when the user of the digital camera 3 who is the photographer wants to place a print order for the displayed image when the image data S2 is displayed on the display unit 26 at the time of imaging. When pressed by the user. Thus, the image data S2 stored in the frame memory 23 immediately after shooting is stored in the data memory 28 as selected image data S1. The print order includes not only print output but also recording of selected image data S1 on a medium such as a CD-R and storage in an image server of a network print system described later.
[0041]
When the transfer confirmation button 24C is pressed, the order contents for the selected image data S1 can be set by input from the input means 24. For example, it can be set that the selected image data S1 is stored in an image server of a network print system described later, printed out, or recorded on a medium such as a CD-R. When the order content is a print output, the print size, the number of copies, and the print type (for example, postcard print, album print, etc.) are set as the order content by the input from the input means 24 by the user. When the order details are set, order information C describing the order details is generated in the control means 22 and stored in the data memory 28 together with the selected image data S1. The order content can be set on the order content setting screen displayed on the display means 26. The order information C may be generated for each selected image data S1, but only one order information C is generated, and each time the selected image data S1 is acquired or selected, an order for new selected image data S1 is generated. The contents may be added to one order information C.
[0042]
The optical scaling operation of the image pickup means 21 can be performed by moving the cross key 24B up and down. Further, by continuing to press the cross key 24B up and down, the optical scaling operation can be performed. Electronic zooming operation can be performed beyond the range. As a result, an image with a desired magnification can be displayed on the display means 26.
[0043]
On the other hand, while the image data S0 transmitted from the fixed point camera 2 is being displayed on the display means 26, only the electronic scaling operation of the image data S0 can be performed by pressing the cross key 24B up and down. Furthermore, the trimming range can be set by operating the cross key 24B while pressing the transfer confirmation button 24C.
[0044]
The communication means 41 of the communication chip 4 is for performing data communication by wireless LAN with the wireless LAN communication devices 51 and 53 of the communication system 50 and the wireless LAN communication device in the network print system to be described later. Those of ˜11 Mbps or more are used. Similar to the wireless LAN communication devices 51 and 53, the communication standard conforms to the IEEE 802.11b standard.
[0045]
The authentication information storage means 42 includes authentication information N necessary for the communication means 41 to communicate with the wireless LAN communication devices 51 and 53 and authentication information necessary for communication with the wireless LAN communication device of the network print system. N1 is stored. When the user of the digital camera 3 enters the event venue, the authentication information N is written on paper or the like in exchange for payment of a fee and is given to the user. Then, when the user inputs the authentication information described on the paper from the input unit 24, the authentication information N is stored in the authentication information storage unit 42.
[0046]
Further, by passing the recording medium 30 storing the authentication information N that can be authenticated only at the event hall 1 to the user of the digital camera 3 when entering the event hall 1, and setting the recording medium 30 in the digital camera 3, The authentication information N may be input to the authentication information storage unit 42.
[0047]
In the present embodiment, the communication chip 4 is detachably attached to the digital camera 3. Therefore, when entering the event hall 1, a communication chip (4 ') storing authentication information N that can be authenticated only by the event hall 1 is passed to the user of the digital camera 3, and the communication chip 4' communicates. By setting the digital camera 3 in place of the chip 4, authentication of communication by wireless LAN may be performed.
[0048]
Alternatively, the authentication information N may be handed over to the user of the digital camera 3 and stored in the authentication information storage means 42 in advance.
[0049]
Further, an external communication unit connected to the digital camera 3 by USB or the like, in which authentication information N that can be authenticated only at the event venue 1 is stored is passed to the user of the digital camera 3, and the communication unit connected by USB May be used for authentication and reception of the image data S0. Thereby, even a user who does not have the communication chip 4 can receive the image data S0 in the digital camera 3.
[0050]
As the authentication information N and N1, ESS-IDs corresponding to the MAC addresses of the wireless LAN communication devices 51 and 53 and the wireless LAN communication device of the network print system are used. Also, WEP for encryption is set. The same WEP as the wireless LAN communication devices 51 and 53 and the wireless LAN communication device of the network print system is used.
[0051]
The transmission destination storage unit 43 stores the URL of the transmission destination of the selected image data S1. Specifically, the URL of a photo shop installed in the network print system described later is stored. When the selected image data S1 is transmitted, the URL stored in the transmission destination storage unit 43 is referred to and the selected image data S1 is transmitted to the transmission destination.
[0052]
Note that URLs of a plurality of transmission destinations may be stored in the transmission destination storage unit 43 so that the user can select a transmission destination of the selected image data S1.
[0053]
In such a digital camera 3, the image data S 0 transmitted from the wireless LAN communication device 53 is received by the communication unit 41 and displayed on the display unit 26, whereby the user of the digital camera 3 takes an image in the fixed point camera 2. The captured image can be viewed on the digital camera 3. Then, when the release button 24A is pressed in a desired scene, the scene is captured, and frame data representing the scene is stored in the data memory 28 as selected image data S1.
[0054]
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the imaging system according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the fixed point camera 2 is driven and the image data S0 is transmitted from the fixed point camera 2 to the image server 52 of the wireless LAN communication system 50. In the digital camera 3, it is assumed that the operation mode is switched to the capturing mode.
[0055]
First, the authentication information N stored in the authentication information storage means 42 is transmitted by the communication means 41 to the wireless LAN communication device 53 of the wireless LAN communication system 50 (step S1). The authentication information N is received by the wireless LAN communication device 53 (step S2). In the wireless LAN communication device 53, it is determined whether or not the digital camera 3 that has transmitted the authentication information N based on the authentication information N is permitted to transmit the image data S0, that is, whether or not the authentication is OK. Is determined (step S3). If step S3 is negative, communication is not established and the process ends. On the other hand, if the authentication is performed, the image data S0 acquired by the fixed point camera 2 is transmitted to the digital camera 3 (step S4).
[0056]
Note that the wireless LAN communication device 53 confirms the authentication information N to display the number of digital cameras 3 that are receiving the image data S0, the data transfer amount for each digital camera 3, the connection time, the error status, and the like. Thus, the administrator of the image server 52 can confirm the data communication status by the wireless LAN communication device 53.
[0057]
In the digital camera 3, the image data S0 is received (step S5) and displayed on the display means 26 (step S6). In this state, it is determined whether or not a display operation such as a scaling operation or a trimming operation has been performed (step S7). If step S7 is affirmed, a display operation is performed (step S8), and step S6. Returning to FIG. 2, the image on which the display operation has been performed is displayed on the display means 26.
[0058]
Thereby, the user of the digital camera 3 can display an image having a desired magnification or a trimmed image on the display unit 26 of the digital camera 3. The scaling operation performed at this time is an electronic scaling operation performed on the image data S0. Here, when an image is enlarged by an electronic scaling operation, the image quality deteriorates. Therefore, by defining the maximum magnification in the scaling operation, it is possible to prevent the image quality of the image displayed on the display means 26 from being deteriorated.
[0059]
If step S7 is negative, it is determined whether or not the release button 24A has been pressed (step S9). If step S9 is negative, the process returns to step S6, and the processes after step S6 are repeated.
[0060]
When step S9 is affirmed, the scene being displayed on the display means 26 is captured (step S10), and image data S0 representing the scene is stored in the data memory 28 as selected image data S1 for placing a print order (step S10). S11). Then, it is determined whether or not the power is turned off (step S12). When step S12 is affirmed, the process is terminated. If step S12 is negative, the process returns to step S6, and the processes after step S6 are repeated.
[0061]
After the selected image data S1 is stored in the data memory 28, the order information C describing the order contents such as the number of prints and the size of the selected image data S1 is generated. The order information C is stored in the data memory 28 in the same manner as the selected image data S1.
[0062]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the image data S0 acquired by the fixed point camera 2 is transmitted to the digital camera 3 by the wireless LAN that can communicate only in a specific area such as the event venue 1, and therefore, the event The image data S0 acquired by the fixed point camera 2 can be displayed on the digital camera 3 possessed by an unspecified number of users in the venue 1.
[0063]
In addition, when the image data S0 is displayed on the digital camera 3, the selected image data S1 is stored in the data memory 28 by capturing in the same manner as when shooting with the digital camera 3. The user of the camera 3 can acquire one scene of the image data S0 acquired by the fixed point camera 2 as the selected image data S1, as if he / she was shooting by himself / herself.
[0064]
Further, by performing an operation for displaying an image displayed on the display unit 26 in the digital camera 3, an image having a magnification desired by the user of the digital camera 3 or a trimmed image can be displayed on the display unit 26. it can.
[0065]
As described above, the selected image data S1 stored in the data memory 28 in the digital camera 3 is transmitted to the network print system via the wireless LAN, and a print order is placed. Hereinafter, a process performed at the time of print order for the selected image data S1 acquired in the digital camera 3 will be described.
[0066]
FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the network print system. As shown in FIG. 5, the network print system 10 provides a print service for selected image data S <b> 1 acquired by imaging with the digital camera 3.
[0067]
As shown in FIG. 5, the network print system 10 includes a broadband town 10A, a broadband hot spot 10B, and a broadband satellite 10C. The network print system 10 may include a plurality of broadband hot spots 10B and a plurality of broadband satellites 10C.
[0068]
The broadband town 10A has a large-capacity image server 11A that stores the selected image data S1, and a minilab 12A that generates a print P based on the selected image data S1 and records the selected image data S1 on a medium such as a CD-R. A plurality of wireless LAN communication devices 13A are connected to each other via a wired LAN, and the photo shop 14 is installed in an area where the service can be provided.
[0069]
The image server 11 </ b> A and the minilab 12 </ b> A are installed in a photo shop 14 that operates the network print system 10.
[0070]
The minilab 12A reads the selected image data S1 stored in the image server 11A based on the order contents described in the order information C transmitted from the digital camera 3 as will be described later, and generates or reads the print P. The selected image data S1 is recorded on a medium such as a CD-R or DVD-R. For this reason, the minilab 12A is provided with an image processing means for performing image processing on the selected image data S1, a printer, a media drive, and the like.
[0071]
The wireless LAN communication device 13A is installed at various locations in the area where the photo shop 14 that operates the network print system 10 can provide services. For example, it is installed in places where many people stop by, such as stations, bus stops, government offices, banks, convenience stores, fast food stores, and downtown areas, and Internet cafes.
[0072]
Here, as the wireless LAN communication device 13A, a device having the same standard as the wireless LAN communication devices 51 and 53 can be used.
[0073]
The digital camera 3 is charged in the vicinity of the installation location of the wireless LAN communication device 13A, that is, within the communicable area of the wireless LAN communication device 13A, and data is read from the digital camera 3 and transmitted to the wireless LAN communication device 13A. A cradle 17 having a communication function may be installed. The cradle 17 includes a terminal 17A that charges the digital camera 3 and reads the selected image data S1 from the data memory 28, and a communication unit 17B that communicates with the wireless LAN communication device 13A. Here, the communication unit 17B is provided with an authentication information storage unit and a transmission destination storage unit. The cradle 17 is connected to a 100 V power source for charging the digital camera 3.
[0074]
By providing such a cradle 17, the selected image data S1 can be transmitted to the wireless LAN communication device 13A even from the digital camera 3 that does not have the communication chip 4. In particular, when the cradle 17 is at the home of the user of the digital camera 3 and the user's home is within the communicable area of the wireless LAN communication device 13A, the selected image data S1 is always obtained during the charging of the digital camera 3. It can be transmitted to the wireless LAN communication device 13A. Here, since charging of the digital camera 3 is indispensable, if the selected image data S1 is transmitted during charging, the user of the digital camera 3 is particularly required to perform the selected image data S1 every day. The image data can be transmitted without performing an operation for transmitting. Therefore, the burden on the user for transmitting the selected image data S1 can be reduced.
[0075]
In the broadband hot spot 10B, an image server 11B having a smaller capacity than the image server 11A, which temporarily stores the selected image data S1, and a wireless LAN communication device 13B having the same function as the wireless LAN communication device 13A are connected by a wired LAN. Is connected to the network. The broadband hot spot 10B is connected to the broadband town 10A via a wired LAN. This broadband hot spot 10B is installed in a remote place away from the area where the photo shop 14 that operates the network print system 10 provides the print service. For example, when the photo shop 14 exists in Odawara, Installed in theme parks remote from Odawara such as Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan, tourist spots around the country, downtown areas in neighboring towns, airports, major stations around the country, fast food restaurants, highway service areas, etc. .
[0076]
A plurality of wireless LAN communication devices 13B may be provided, and furthermore, similarly to the broadband town 10A, the cradle 17 may be installed in the vicinity of the wireless LAN communication device 13B.
[0077]
The broadband satellite 10C is similar to the image server 11C having a smaller capacity than the image server 11A that temporarily stores the selected image data S1, the minilab 12C that generates the print P based on the selected image data S1, and the wireless LAN communication device 13A. The wireless LAN communication device 13C having the above function is network-connected by a wired LAN. The broadband satellite 10C is connected to the broadband town 10A via a wired LAN. This broadband satellite 10C is installed in a remote place away from the area where the photo shop 14 operating the network print system 10 provides the service, like the broadband hot spot 10B.
[0078]
Further, since the broadband satellite 10C includes the minilab 12C, the print P can be immediately generated by receiving the selected image data S1 at a remote place. However, the mini-lab 12C is smaller than the mini-lab 12A installed in the photo shop 14 in the broadband town 10A, and can generate only L-size prints, for example. For this reason, the transfer unit 15 is provided in the minilab 12C, and the transfer unit 15 determines whether or not the order contents described in the order information C can be processed in the minilab 12C. The print P is generated in the minilab 12C only when the order contents described in the order information C can be processed in the minilab 12C. On the other hand, if the order contents described in the order information C cannot be processed in the minilab 12C, the order information C and the selected image data S1 received by the broadband satellite 10C are transferred to the photograph of the broadband town 10A by the transfer unit 15. The print P is transmitted to the store 14 where the print P is generated.
[0079]
In the broadband satellite 10C, a plurality of wireless LAN communication devices 13C may be provided, and the cradle 17 may be installed in the vicinity of the wireless LAN communication device 13C as in the broadband town 10A.
[0080]
When the user of the digital camera 3 moves into the communicable area of the wireless LAN communication devices 13A to 13C and the communication unit 41 becomes communicable with the wireless LAN communication devices 13A to 13C, the control unit 22 authenticates the communication chip 4. The authentication information (N1 different from that of the event venue 1 here) is read from the information storage means 42, and the selected image data S1 is the transmission destination stored in the transmission destination storage means 43 via the communication means 41. The data is transmitted to the wireless LAN communication devices 13A to 13C so as to be transmitted to the image server 11A. In the wireless LAN communication devices 13A to 13C, it is determined whether or not the digital camera 3 that has transmitted the authentication information N1 is registered in the network print system 10 operated by the photo shop 14. If the determination is affirmed and the authentication is made, the control means 22 causes the selected image data S1 recorded in the data memory 28 together with the order information C via the communication means 41 to communicate with the wireless LAN communication devices 13A to 13A. 13C.
[0081]
Next, a process performed when the selected image data S1 is transmitted from the digital camera 3 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing performed when the selected image data S1 is transmitted. Note that, when the selected image data S1 of the digital camera 3 is transmitted, the processing performed in any of the broadband town 10A, the broadband hot spot 10B, and the broadband satellite 10C is the same. Only the processing when the selected image data S1 is transmitted to 10A will be described.
[0082]
In the following description, in the digital camera 3, the authentication information N1 necessary for communicating with the wireless LAN communication device 13A has already been acquired and stored in the authentication information storage means 42. A plurality of selected image data S1 is acquired by capturing or capturing an image, order information C for the plurality of selected image data S1 is also generated and stored in the data memory 28, and the transfer preparation of the selected image data S1 is completed. It shall be. Further, it is assumed that the operation mode of the digital camera 3 is switched to the order mode.
[0083]
First, in the digital camera 3, it is monitored by the control means 22 whether or not the communication means 41 of the communication chip 4 is in an area where communication with the wireless LAN communication device 13A in the broadband town 10A is possible (step S21). If step S21 is affirmed, the authentication information N1 stored in the authentication information storage means 42 is read out by the control means 22, and the authentication information N1 is transmitted to the wireless LAN communication device 13A via the communication means 41 ( Step S22).
[0084]
When the digital camera 3 is set in the cradle 17 and the selected image data S1 is transmitted, when the user of the digital camera 3 sets the digital camera 3 in the cradle 17, it is stored in the authentication information storage means of the communication means 17B. The authentication information N1 thus read is read, and the authentication information N1 is transmitted to the wireless LAN communication device 13A corresponding to the cradle 17.
[0085]
The authentication information N1 is received by the wireless LAN communication device 13A (step S23). In the wireless LAN communication device 13A, it is determined whether or not the digital camera 3 that has transmitted the authentication information N1 based on the authentication information N1 is registered in the network print system 10 operated by the photo shop 14, that is, authentication. It is determined whether or not it is OK (step S24). If step S24 is negative, communication is not established and the process ends. On the other hand, when the authentication is performed, information indicating that is transmitted to the digital camera 3 (step S25).
[0086]
The digital camera 3 receives the information (step S26), and the control unit 22 reads the order information C and the selected image data S1 from the data memory 28, and further stores the destination URL stored in the destination storage unit 43. The selected image data S1 and the order information C are transmitted to the wireless LAN communication device 13A so as to transmit the selected image data S1 (step S27). For example, the selected image data S1 is transmitted to the wireless LAN communication device 13A in order from the oldest shooting date and time.
[0087]
In the wireless LAN communication device 13A, the order information C and the selected image data S1 are received (step S28), and further transmitted to the image server 11A based on the destination URL, where the order information C and the selected image data S1 are stored. (Step S29).
[0088]
On the other hand, in the digital camera 3, it is determined whether or not the transmission of all the selected image data S1 recorded in the data memory 28 is completed (step S30), and the process ends when step S30 is affirmed. . The transmitted selected image data S1 is deleted from the data memory 28 in the order of transmission. If step S30 is negative, it is determined whether or not the communication means 41 is within the communicable area of the wireless LAN communication device 13A in consideration of the possibility that the user of the digital camera 3 is moving (step S30). S31). If step S31 is affirmed, the process returns to step S27, and transmission of the selected image data S1 is continued. If step S31 is negative, untransmitted information indicating that the untransmitted selected image data S1 remains in the data memory 28 is generated, recorded in the data memory 28 (step S32), and the process returns to step S21. Note that when the untransmitted information is generated, the user may be notified that the untransmitted selected image data S1 remains in the data memory 28 by a sound such as a beep sound.
[0089]
Here, the user of the digital camera 3 checks whether or not untransmitted information is recorded in the data memory 28. If untransmitted information is recorded, all the selected image data S1 has been transmitted. You can know that there is no. In this case, the user of the digital camera 3 may move to an area where communication with the wireless LAN communication device 13A is possible and transmit the untransmitted selected image data S1.
[0090]
On the other hand, in the wireless LAN communication device 13A, it is determined whether or not all the selected image data S1 stored in the data memory 28 has been received (step S33). If step S33 is affirmed, the selected image data S1 is stored. An e-mail indicating that the reception has been completed is transmitted to the digital camera 3 (step S34), and the process ends. If step S33 is negative, the process returns to step S28, and the selection image data S1 is continuously received.
[0091]
The user of the digital camera 3 can know that the selected image data S1 has been reliably transmitted to the image server 11A via the broadband town 10A by this e-mail.
[0092]
Next, a process performed after receiving the selected image data S1 in the network print system 10 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing performed after the selection image data S1 is received in the broadband town 10A. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user of the digital camera 3 describes the print output of the selected image data S1 in the order information C as the order contents. When the selected image data S1 is transmitted to the broadband hot spot 10B, after the selected image data S1 is temporarily stored in the image server 11B of the broadband hot spot 10B, the broadband town 10A is based on the destination URL. The selected image data S1 is transmitted to the image server 11A.
[0093]
The image server 11A is periodically accessed by the minilab 12A, and it is determined whether or not the new selected image data S1 is stored in the image server 11A by the minilab 12A (step S41). If the new selected image data S1 is stored, step S41 is affirmed, and the order information C transmitted together with the new selected image data S1 is read out to the minilab 12A (step S42).
[0094]
Based on the order contents described in the order information C, the selected image data S1 is read from the image server 11A, subjected to necessary image processing, and printed out (step S43). Specifically, the selected image data S1 is printed out according to the size, number of sheets, and print type indicated in the order details. When the print output is completed, an e-mail indicating that the printing is completed is sent to the user of the digital camera 3 together with the receipt number at the photo shop 14 (step S44), and the process is terminated.
[0095]
The user of the digital camera 3 knows that the print of the transmitted selected image data S1 has been completed by e-mail, and can go to the photo store 14 to get the print P. At this time, the user is authenticated by the acceptance number transmitted together with the e-mail, and the print P is delivered to the user. If the print P is to be delivered to the user by a contract between the user of the digital camera 3 and the photo shop 14, the print P is delivered to a pre-registered delivery destination (for example, the user's address). The
[0096]
The print fee may be settled between the user and the photo shop 14, but the user of the digital camera 3 pays the provider a communication fee for performing communication by wireless LAN. Therefore, payment may be made to the photo store 14 between the user and the provider. In this case, the provider provides a unique discount service to the user. However, the provider provides the user with a further discount service via the photo store 14 such as discounting the communication fee according to the usage status of the photo store 14. It is also possible.
[0097]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing performed after the selection image data S1 is received in the broadband satellite 10C. It is assumed here that the user of the digital camera 3 describes the print output of the selected image data S1 in the order information C as the order contents.
[0098]
The case where the user of the digital camera 3 transmits the selected image data S1 to the broadband satellite 10C is when the user is at a destination where the broadband satellite 10C is installed. For this reason, when the user goes to the destination, the URL of the image server 11C of the broadband satellite 10C is stored in the transmission destination storage means 43, and the image server 11C of the broadband satellite 10C is selected as the transmission destination of the selected image data S1. As a result, the selected image data S1 is transmitted to the image server 11C of the broadband satellite 10C and stored therein. The transmission destination is selected by displaying the transmission destination on the display means 26 and selecting the transmission destination by the input means 24.
[0099]
The image server 11C is periodically accessed by the minilab 12C, and it is determined whether or not the new selected image data S1 is stored in the image server 11C by the minilab 12C (step S51). When the new selection image data S1 is stored, step S51 is affirmed and the order information C transmitted together with the new selection image data S1 is read out to the minilab 12C (step S52).
[0100]
Then, it is determined whether or not the order contents described in the order information C can be processed in the minilab 12C by the transfer unit 15 (step S53). When step S53 is affirmed, the selected image is selected from the image server 11C. After the data S1 is read and necessary image processing is performed, the selected image data S1 is printed out based on the order contents described in the order information C (step S54). Specifically, the selected image data S1 is printed out according to the size, number of sheets, and print type indicated in the order details. When the print output is completed, an e-mail indicating that the print is completed is transmitted to the user of the digital camera 3 together with the acceptance number in the broadband satellite 10C (step S55), and the process is terminated.
[0101]
The user of the digital camera 3 knows that the print of the transmitted selected image data S1 has been completed by e-mail, and can go to the broadband satellite 10C to get the print P. At this time, the user is authenticated by the acceptance number transmitted together with the e-mail, and the print P is delivered to the user. If the print P is to be delivered to the user by a contract between the user of the digital camera 3 and the photo shop 14, the print P is delivered to a pre-registered delivery destination (for example, the user's address). The
[0102]
Here, since the broadband satellite 10C is installed at the destination of the user of the digital camera 3 such as a theme park, the user can immediately receive the print P of the selected image data S1 acquired at the event venue 1 at the destination. It becomes.
[0103]
On the other hand, if step S53 is negative, the order contents cannot be processed in the minilab 12C, and therefore the order information C and the selected image data S1 are transmitted to the image server 11A of the photo store 14 in the transfer unit 15 (step S53). S56). Then, an e-mail indicating that printing of the selected image data S1 transmitted by the user of the digital camera 3 is to be performed at the photo store 14 is transmitted to the user (step S57), and the process is terminated.
[0104]
The user who has received the e-mail can know that the transmitted selected image data S1 is to be performed at the photo store 14.
[0105]
In the first embodiment, the image data S0 acquired by the fixed point camera 2 is displayed on the digital camera 3, and if necessary, the image data S0 is captured by pressing the release button 24A to select the selected image. Although the data S1 is obtained and stored in the data memory 28, the transmitted image data S0 may be stored in the data memory 28 as moving image data as it is.
[0106]
In the above-described embodiment, the image data S0 acquired by the fixed point camera 2 is displayed on the digital camera 3. However, in a mobile terminal device such as a PDA or a mobile phone, communication using a wireless LAN such as the communication chip 4 is performed. By providing the means for performing the above, it is possible to display the image data S0 acquired by the fixed point camera 2 on the display screen of the portable terminal device. In particular, in the case of a PDA, since the digital camera 3 has a larger display screen than a mobile phone, the image data S0 acquired by the fixed point camera 2 can be enjoyed on a larger screen. In addition, since the image being displayed can be enlarged by providing a scaling function, it is possible to enjoy an enlarged image of the actor or character of the niece at the event venue 1.
[0107]
In the above embodiment, a plurality of fixed point cameras 2 may be installed in the event hall 1. In this case, a plurality of image data S0 can be received by the digital camera 3, but it is preferable that the digital camera 3 can select the fixed point camera 2 that receives the image data S0.
[0108]
Note that the angle of the fixed point camera 2 does not necessarily have to face the floor 1A, and may face the audience seat. In this case, the user himself / herself enjoying the event can be seen on the digital camera 3.
[0109]
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the image data S0 acquired by the fixed point camera 2 installed in the event hall 1 is received and displayed in the digital camera 3, for example, it was installed in the photographing point of a sightseeing spot. The present invention can also be applied to a case where a user who is a photographer performs photographing using a fixed point camera. Hereinafter, this will be described as another embodiment of the present invention.
[0110]
FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging system according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9, an imaging system according to another embodiment of the present invention is installed at a photographing point 7 in a sightseeing spot, and photographs a user of the digital camera 3 at a place facing the photographing point 7. The user is imaged by a fixed point camera 8 installed as appropriate to obtain image data S0, which is transmitted to the digital camera 3 owned by the user, and the digital camera 3 displays the image data S0.
[0111]
Here, the digital camera 3 includes a capturing mode for receiving the image data S0 transmitted from the fixed point camera 2 installed at the event venue 1, and image data transmitted from the fixed point camera 8 installed at the photographing point 7. The capture mode for receiving (S3) can be switched. In the following description, the former is referred to as a first capturing mode and the latter is referred to as a second capturing mode.
[0112]
When shooting using the fixed point camera 8 at the shooting point 7, the user of the digital camera 3 switches the digital camera 3 to the second capturing mode. In the second capturing mode, when the release button 24A is pressed, the frame data representing one scene of the image data S3 is captured, and the selected image data S1 is acquired.
[0113]
The fixed point camera 8 captures only a user who is about to capture at the shooting point 7. Therefore, the fixed point camera 8 can be operated using the user's digital camera 3. Specifically, the optical scaling operation of the fixed point camera 8 can be performed by moving the cross key 24B up and down, and the optical change can be performed by continuing to press the cross key 24B up and down. Electronic scaling operation can be performed beyond the range of the doubling operation. As a result, an image with a desired magnification can be displayed on the display means 26.
[0114]
Further, by operating the cross key 24B while pressing the transfer confirmation button 24C, it is possible to perform a pan operation or a tilt operation of the fixed point camera 8 itself.
[0115]
Then, the user stands at the shooting point 7 within the range where the fixed point camera 8 can be shot and operates the digital camera 3 while displaying the image data S3 transmitted from the fixed point camera 8 on the display means 26. By setting the angle and the display magnification and pressing the release button 24A of the digital camera 3, the frame data representing one scene of the image data S3 can be captured to obtain the selected image data S1.
[0116]
In this way, the digital camera 3 is operated by the first capturing mode for receiving the image data S2 acquired by the fixed point camera 2 installed at the event venue 1 and the fixed point camera 8 installed at the photographing point 7 in the sightseeing spot. By making it possible to switch the second capturing mode for receiving the acquired image data S3, the selected image data S1 can be acquired by receiving the image data S2 and S3 on an ad hoc basis.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of an imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a digital camera.
FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the digital camera.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the imaging system according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a network print system.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed when transmitting selected image data.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing performed after reception of selected image data in broadband town.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing performed after reception of selected image data in a broadband satellite.
FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 event venue
2,8 fixed point camera
3 Digital camera
4 Communication chip
10 Network print system
10A Broadband Town
10B Broadband Hotspot
10C broadband satellite
11A to 11C, 52 image server
12A, 12C Minilab
13A-13C, 51, 53 Wireless LAN communication equipment
14 Photo shop
15 Transfer section
21 Imaging means
22 Control means
22A memory
23 frame memory
24 Input means
24A release button
24B cross key
24C Transfer confirmation button
25 Compression and decompression means
26 Display means
28 Data memory
29 Communication interface
30 recording media
31 Recording media interface
41 Communication means
42 Authentication information storage means
43 Destination storage means
50 Wireless LAN communication system

Claims (8)

An imaging means for acquiring image data by imaging;
Communication means for transmitting the image data to an unspecified number of image receiving devices via an infrastructure capable of wireless communication only within a specific area,
An image pickup apparatus installed at a predetermined position in the specific area. Communication means for receiving the image data transmitted from the imaging apparatus according to claim 1 as transmission image data;
An image receiving apparatus comprising: display means for displaying the transmission image data. Imaging means for acquiring captured image data by imaging;
Image storage means for storing the captured image data acquired by the imaging means;
The image receiving apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an operation unit that operates the imaging unit and the image storage unit. 4. The image receiving apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image storage means is means for storing the transmission image data by an image photographing operation by the operation means. Based on the operation of the operation means, further comprising electronic scaling means for performing an electronic scaling operation on the captured image data and the transmission image data,
5. The image receiving apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image storage means is means for storing the captured image data and the transmission image data electronically scaled by the electronic scaling means. The communication unit is a unit that performs communication only with the communication unit and receives image data transmitted from an operation target imaging device operated based on an operation of the operation unit as the transmission image data. The image receiving device according to any one of claims 2 to 5. 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising switching means for switching between transmission image data transmitted from the imaging apparatus according to claim 1 and transmission image data transmitted from the operation target imaging apparatus. Image receiving device. An imaging system comprising: at least one imaging device according to claim 1; and at least one image receiving device according to any one of claims 2 to 7.

Images