Imaging apparatus, electronic device and imaging system

An imaging apparatus includes an image capturing unit configured to capture a subject to generate image data, a communication unit configured to receive image data from a plurality of electronic devices, and a controller configured to combine an image indicated by the image data received from an electronic device registered in advance as a target device for a predetermined function with an image indicated by the image data generated by the image capturing unit. The controller registers the electronic devices as the target device, the number of registered electronic devices being equal to or less than a first predetermined number. The controller limits the number of the electronic devices from which the image data is received to a second predetermined number or less, with the second predetermined number being less than the first predetermined number.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an imaging apparatus capable of receiving image data from a plurality of external devices and recording images obtained by combining images indicated by the received image data with images captured by the imaging apparatus.

2. Related Art

Japanese Patent laid-open Publication No. JP2014-107775A discloses an electronic camera that combines electronic images of a plurality of channels. The electronic camera disclosed in the Japanese Patent laid-open Publication No. JP2014-107775A combines a sub electronic image obtained by an obtaining unit with a main electronic image generated by an image capturing unit. In that process, the sub electronic image is adjusted in size to be smaller than the size of the main electronic image and then is combined with the main electronic image. In addition, a sub scene is tried to be detected in which significant changes occur in the sub electronic image. When such a sub scene is detected, the size and combining mode of the sub electronic image representing the detected sub scene are changed, so that the sub electronic image is highlighted. Accordingly, necessary and sufficient information is conveyed to a viewer, and visibility of the combined image is improved.

The Japanese Patent laid-open Publication No. JP2007-173963A discloses an imaging apparatus (camera) capable of multi-angle capturing. The Japanese Patent laid-open Publication No. JP2007-173963A discloses the imaging apparatus (camera) that receives moving image data from another imaging apparatus wirelessly, and combines the moving image data received from the other imaging apparatus to display the combined moving image data on a display unit.

The present disclosure provides an imaging apparatus capable of receiving image data from a plurality of external devices and recording an image obtained by combining an image indicated by the received image data with an image captured by the imaging apparatus of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect of the present disclosure, an imaging apparatus capable of combining and recording a plurality of images is provided. The imaging apparatus includes an image capturing unit configured to capture a subject to generate image data, a communication unit configured to receive image data from a plurality of electronic devices, and a controller configured to combine an image indicated by the image data received from an electronic device registered in advance as a target device for a predetermined function with an image indicated by the image data generated by the image capturing unit. The controller registers the electronic devices as the target device, with the number of registered electronic devices being equal to or less than a first predetermined number. The controller limits the number of the electronic devices from which the image data is received to a second predetermined number or less, the second predetermined number being less than the first predetermined number.

In a second aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device for sending image data to the imaging apparatus is disclosed. The electronic device includes a second image capturing unit configured to capture a subject to generate the image data, a second communication unit configured to send the image data generated by the second image capturing unit to the imaging apparatus, and a second controller configured to control sending of the image data to the imaging apparatus. Upon receipt of the permission to transfer the image data from the imaging apparatus, the second controller sends the image data generated by the second image capturing unit to the imaging apparatus.

The present disclosure causes the imaging apparatus to limit the number of external devices from which to receive the image data, thereby reducing degradation in image quality during reproduction of a combined image due to insufficient bandwidth of a communication line.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, a description more detailed than necessary may be omitted. For example, a detailed description of already well-known matters and a repeated description regarding substantially identical components may be omitted. This is intended to avoid making the following description unnecessarily redundant and to make it easier for a person skilled in the art to understand the embodiments. It is to be noted that the inventers provide the accompanying drawings and the following description in order for a person skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and do not intend to limit the subject described in the appended claims.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging system including a video camera and smartphones according to a first embodiment. A video camera100can establish communication with a plurality of smartphones200ato200c, and receive image data (moving image data) from the plurality of smartphones200ato200csimultaneously.

The configurations of the video camera100and the smartphones200ato200caccording to the first embodiment will be described below. In the following description, when the smartphones200ato200care described without any distinction, a reference sign “200” is generally used for the smartphones.

1-1. Configuration of Video Camera

FIG. 2is an electric configuration diagram of the video camera100. The video camera100captures a subject image formed through an optical system110with an image sensor115. The image sensor115generates captured image data (RAW data) based on the captured subject image. An image processor120performs various processes on the captured image data generated by capturing to generate image data. A controller135records the image data generated by the image processor120on a recording medium145. Furthermore, the controller135can display (reproduce), on a liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor130, the image data recorded on the recording medium145in response to an operation of an operation unit150made by a user.

The optical system110includes a focus lens, a zoom lens, OIS (Optical Image stabilizer for correcting camera shake), a diaphragm, a shutter, and the like. Any lenses included in the optical system110may be composed of any number of lenses, or any number of lens groups.

The image sensor115is a device that captures the subject image formed through the optical system110and generates the captured image data. The image sensor115generates the image data (moving image data) at a predetermined frame rate (for example, 30 frames/second). Timing to generate the captured image data and an electronic shutter operation in the image sensor115are controlled by the controller135. The image sensor115includes, for example, a CCD image sensor, a CMOS image sensor, or an NMOS image sensor.

The image processor120is a circuit that performs various processes on the captured image data output from the image sensor115to generate the image data. The image processor120performs various processes on the image data read from the recording medium145to generate images to be displayed on the LCD monitor130. The various processes include, but are not limited to, white balance correction, gamma correction, YC conversion process, electronic zoom process, compression process, and expansion process, for example. The image processor120may include hardwired electronic circuitry, or may include a microcomputer with programs.

The LCD monitor130is provided, for example, on an enclosure attached openably to a side surface of a body of the video camera100. The LCD monitor130displays images based on the image data processed by the image processor120. As a display device, other monitors such as an organic EL monitor may be used in place of the LCD monitor.

The controller135comprehensively controls the operation of the entire video camera100. The controller135includes a CPU or MPU, and achieves functions of the video camera100to be described later by performing predetermined programs. Furthermore, the controller135may be integrated into a single semiconductor chip together with the image processor120and other components. Furthermore, the controller135has a ROM (not illustrated) therein. The ROM stores a SSID (service set identifier) and a WEP (wired equivalent privacy) key necessary for establishing WiFi communication with other communication devices. The controller135can read the SSID and WEP key from the ROM as necessary. The ROM stores programs related to autofocus control (AF control) and communication control, and further a program for overall control of the operation of the video camera100.

A buffer memory125is a recording medium that functions as a work memory for the image processor120and the controller135. The buffer memory125is implemented by a device such as a DRAM (dynamic random access memory).

A recording controller140is a device for recording the image data to the recording medium145and reproducing the image data from the recording medium145. The recording medium145is a solid state drive (SSD) containing flash memories therein. The recording medium145may include a hard disk (HDD) or a removable memory card instead of the SSD. The recording medium145can store data such as the image data generated by the image processor120.

The operation unit150is a user interface that receives an operation made by a user, and includes an operation button, an operation lever, a touch panel, and the like. Upon receipt of the operation made by the user, the operation unit150sends the controller135of various operation instruction signals.

A WiFi module155is a communication module (electronic circuit) that performs communication conforming to the communication standard IEEE 802.11. Via the WiFi module155, the video camera100can communicate with other external devices equipped with WiFi modules (for example, the smartphones200ato200c). The video camera100may directly communicate with other communication devices via the WiFi module155, or may communicate via an access point. Here, in place of the WiFi module, a communication module that performs communication conforming to the communication standard 802.15.1, that is, Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used.

1-2. Configuration of Smartphone

FIG. 3is an electric configuration diagram of the smartphone200. The smartphone200generates image data (moving image data) from a subject image received through an optical system201with an image sensor203. The smartphone200can communicate with the video camera100via a WiFi module235. The smartphone200can send the generated image data to the video camera100via the WiFi module235.

An image processor205performs various processes on the image data generated by the image sensor203, and generates an image (live view image) to be displayed on a liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor215. Examples of the various processes include, but are not limited to, an expansion process. The image processor205may include hardwired electronic circuitry, or may include a microcomputer with programs.

A touch panel210is an input device that detects contact of a user's finger or the like and outputs operation information to a controller225. The touch panel210is disposed on a surface of the LCD monitor215. The touch panel210may be of a resistive film type, a capacitive type, or any other types.

The LCD monitor215is a display device that displays a screen instructed from the controller225. Instead of the LCD monitor, other types of display device (for example, an organic EL monitor) may be used.

A buffer memory220is a memory that temporarily stores information necessary for the controller225to perform various processing operations.

The controller225controls the operations of respective units composing the smartphone200. The controller225is electrically connected to the image processor205, the touch panel210, the LCD monitor215, the buffer memory220, an operation unit230, the WiFi module235, and a flash memory245. The controller225includes a CPU or MPU, and executes a predetermined program (hereinafter referred to as “image transfer application”) to achieve functions of the smartphone200as described later. The image transfer application is stored in the flash memory245.

The WiFi module235is a communication module (circuit) that performs communication conforming to the communication standard IEEE 802.11. Via the WiFi module235, the smartphone200can communicate with other communication devices equipped with WiFi modules. The smartphone200may directly communicate with other communication devices via the WiFi module235or via an access point. Here, in place of the WiFi module, a communication module that performs communication conforming to the communication standard 802.15.1, that is, Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used. In other words, it is possible to use, as the communication module, a communication module capable of communication at a relatively high communication bit rate and in a communication area of several meters or more.

The smartphone200can communicate with the video camera100via the WiFi module235, and can send image data to the video camera100or receive image data from the video camera100.

The flash memory (hereinafter simply referred to as “memory”)245stores data such as image data captured by the smartphone200and image data transferred from the video camera100.

The smartphone200has a telephone function and an Internet communication function. Furthermore, the smartphone200may include a second image capturing unit (sub camera) in addition to a first image capturing unit (main camera) including the optical system201and the image sensor203. In this case, as a multi-wipe function (details will be described later), an image captured by the second image capturing unit may be superimposed on an image captured by the first image capturing unit.

The multi-wipe function will be described below. The video camera100can use a plurality of external electronic devices as sub cameras. The video camera100can receive, from the plurality of electronic devices, images (moving images) captured by the electronic devices, superimposes (combines) the received images on part of a region of an image (moving image) captured by the video camera100, and displays and records the superimposed image. This function is called “multi-wipe function.” In the present embodiment, a smartphones is used as a sub camera.

The video camera100can perform WiFi communication with the smartphones200ato200cvia the WiFi module155. When performing the multi-wipe function, the video camera100receives, from the smartphones200ato200c, image data (moving image data) indicating images captured by the smartphones200ato200c. The video camera100then generates an image by superimposing (combining) the images (moving images) received from the smartphones200ato200con part of the image (moving image) captured by the video camera100itself, displays the generated image on the LCD monitor130, and records the generated image on the recording medium145in response to the user operations.

FIG. 4is a diagram illustrating one example of the image to be displayed on the LCD monitor130of the video camera100due to the multi-wipe function. As illustrated inFIG. 4, images received from the smartphones200aand200bare superimposed as wipe images301and302, respectively, on an image300captured by the video camera100(hereinafter referred to as “main image”). In this case, as illustrated inFIG. 5, the video camera100generates image data indicating an image300a. The smartphone200agenerates an image301a, whereas the smartphone200bgenerates an image302a.The video camera100receives image data indicating the images301aand302afrom the smartphones200aand200b, respectively. The video camera100then superimposes, as the wipe images, the images301aand302aindicated by the image data respectively received from the smartphones200aand200bon the image300acaptured by the video camera100. Accordingly, a combined image illustrated inFIG. 4is generated in which the wipe images301and302are superimposed on the main image300. In a state illustrated inFIG. 4, when the user performs a predetermined operation for instructing the video camera100to start recording moving images, a moving image is recorded with the wipe images301and302superimposed on the main image300.

The video camera100of the present embodiment has in advance a registration of external devices to be used as sub cameras for the multi-wipe function.FIG. 6is a diagram illustrating an operation of such a registration. InFIG. 6, a screen131is one example of a setting screen to be displayed on the LCD monitor130of the video camera100. Performing a predetermined operation in the operation unit150of the video camera100causes the setting screen131to be displayed. A plurality of icons for setting various functions are displayed on the setting screen131. When the user selects a multi-wipe function setting icon131aon the setting screen131, a registration screen132is displayed. An user can register external devices to be used as a sub camera for the multi-wipe function, on the registration screen132. The user enters a device name of the external device to be registered, on the registration screen132. When the registration on the registration screen132is completed, sub camera registration information is generated (or updated).FIG. 7is a diagram illustrating a data structure of the sub camera registration information. The sub camera registration information manages the device name of the external device to be registered as sub camera. The sub camera registration information is stored on the recording medium145in the video camera100. In the examples ofFIG. 6andFIG. 7, three smartphones200a,200b, and200c(device names: smart_phone_a, smart_phone_b, smart_phone_c) have been registered.

In the video camera100of the present embodiment, an upper limit (hereinafter referred to as “first predetermined number”) of the number of devices that can be registered as a sub camera for the multi-wipe function is set. In the present embodiment, the first predetermined number is set to “3” as one example. That is, the video camera100can register up to three external devices, as a sub camera.

In addition, in the multi-wipe function, an upper limit of the number of external devices (sub cameras) that are permitted to transfer image data to the video camera100(hereinafter referred to as “second predetermined number”) is set in the video camera100. The second predetermined number is set to a value smaller than the first predetermined number, and in the present embodiment, the second predetermined number is set to “2” as one example. As such, the video camera100is configured so that only up to two smartphones are permitted to transfer images to the video camera100simultaneously. This is because if the video camera100receives image data from three smartphones simultaneously, a communication band will become insufficient, and when the video camera100reproduces the received image data, frame dropping or delay will occur, leading to degradation in image quality. The present embodiment limits the number of external devices that may transfer image data (sub cameras) to a number less than the number of devices that can be registered as a sub camera, so that the communication band for transferring image data can be secured and preventing degradation in image quality during reproduction of the received image data.

2-2. Communication Operation between Video Camera and Smartphone

Communication operations between the video camera100and the smartphone200related to the multi-wipe function will be described with reference toFIGS. 8 to 11.

FIG. 8is a flowchart illustrating the operation regarding the multi-wipe function in the video camera100.

Upon detection of the smartphone200connectable by WiFi communication (S11), the controller135of the video camera100performs a connecting process (that is, establishment of WiFi communication) to the detected smartphone in accordance with the WiFi standard (S12). For this purpose, the video camera100holds connection information (such as SSID, and WEP key) necessary for connection by WiFi communication for the smartphone200to be connected.

When the connecting process is completed, the controller135activates an application specially designed for transferring image data from the smartphone200to the video camera100(hereinafter referred to as “ImageApp”) and performs an ImageApp connecting process (S13). In the ImageApp connecting process, the controller135determines whether the connected smartphone200has been registered in the sub camera registration information (refer toFIG. 7) (S14).

When the connected smartphone200has not been registered in the sub camera registration information (No in S14), the ImageApp connection process is not completed and ends (an error response is returned to the smartphone200).

On the other hand, when the connected smartphone200has been registered in the sub camera registration information (Yes in S14), the controller135determines whether the number of smartphones200(sub cameras) that have already been permitted to transfer images to the video camera100is less than the second predetermined number (“2” in this example) (S15). Here, the second predetermined number is the upper limit of the number of external devices permitted to transfer image data. The controller135counts smartphones200permitted to transfer images and manages the number (count) of them.

When the number of smartphones200(sub cameras) already permitted to transfer images is equal to or greater than the second predetermined number (“2” in this example) (No in S15), the controller135sets the connected smartphone200not permitted to transfer images (S17). Then, upon receipt of a request for camera information from the smartphone200, the controller135sends the camera information including information indicating no permission for image transfer (S17). The camera information includes various pieces of information indicating a state of the video camera100, in addition to the information indicating no permission for image transfer. For example, the camera information includes information indicating whether the video camera100is recording, and information indicating whether the wipe function is on (active).

On the other hand, when the number of smartphones200(sub cameras) already permitted to transfer images is less than the second predetermined number (Yes in S15), the controller135sets the smartphone200permitted to transfer images (S16). At this time, the controller135increments by one a counter indicating the number of smartphones permitted to transfer images. Upon receipt of the request for the camera information from the smartphone200, the controller135sends the camera information including information indicating permission for image transfer (S16). Upon receipt of the information from the video camera100indicating permission for image transfer, the smartphone200starts transfer of the image data indicating images captured by the smartphone200to the video camera100.

As described above, the video camera100permits up to three smartphones200to be connected with the video camera100, but the video camera100permits only up to two smartphones200to transfer image data. Such control can suppress insufficiency of the communication band and reduce degradation in image quality of the image data to be recorded (or displayed) while performing the multi-wipe function.

FIG. 9is a flowchart illustrating an operation regarding the multi-wipe function in the smartphone200. The processing operation illustrated inFIG. 9is implemented by the controller225of the smartphone200performing the image transfer application.

The controller225of the smartphone200performs a connection process of WiFi communication with the video camera100(refer to step S12ofFIG. 8) (S21). The controller225activates the ImageApp and performs the ImageApp connecting process (refer to step S13ofFIG. 8) (S22). The controller225requests and receives the camera information from the video camera100(S23). Upon receipt of the request for the camera information from the smartphone200, the video camera100incorporates the information indicating permission/no permission for image transfer into the camera information, and sends the camera information to the smartphone200(refer to steps S16and S17ofFIG. 8). The controller225checks the information indicating permission/no permission for image transfer included in the received camera information (S24).

Upon receipt of the information indicating permission for image transfer in the camera information (Yes in S24), the controller225sends the image data of the image captured by the smartphone200to the video camera100via the WiFi module235.

On the other hand, when the information indicating permission for image transfer in the camera information is not received, that is, when the information indicating no permission for image transfer is received (No in S24), the controller225does not send the image data to the video camera100(S26), returns to step S23to request the video camera100again to send the camera information. Upon receipt of the request for the camera information from the smartphone200, the video camera100sends the camera information to the smartphone200. At that time, the controller135of the video camera100newly sets information indicating permission/no permission for image transfer based on a latest status regarding image transfer permission, incorporates the newly set information into the camera information, and sends the camera information to the smartphone200. For example, when the controller135of the video camera100fails to receive the image data from the smartphone200permitted to transfer images for a predetermined time period, the controller135disconnects connection to the smartphone200. At the same time, the controller135decrements by one the counter indicating the number of smartphones permitted to transfer images.

Subsequently, upon receipt of the camera information (S23), the controller225of the smartphone200determines whether to transfer the image data based on the information indicating permission/no permission for image transfer (S24to S26).

That is, the controller225of the smartphone200periodically requests the camera information from the video camera100until receiving, from the video camera100, the information indicating permission for image transfer. With this control, the controller225of the smartphone200determines whether image transfer is permitted to itself (the smartphone200). When the smartphone200is permitted to transfer the image, the controller225of the smartphone200starts transfer of image data. With this control, for example, in a case where three smartphones200ato200care connected to the video camera100and the last connected smartphone200cis not permitted to transfer images, when image transfer stops from at least one of the two smartphones200aand200bthat are permitted to transfer images, it becomes possible for the last connected smartphone200cto immediately start image transfer.

FIG. 10is a sequence diagram of data communication between the video camera100and the smartphone200when image transfer is permitted.FIGS. 11A-11Care diagrams illustrating addition of wipe images associated with connection of the smartphone200.FIG. 12is a sequence diagram of the data communication between the video camera100and the smartphone200when image transfer is not permitted.

As illustrated inFIG. 10, when the smartphone200is permitted to transfer images, the smartphone200sends image data indicating a live video to the video camera100after the connecting process between the video camera100and the smartphone200is completed.

FIG. 11Ais a diagram illustrating an image displayed on the LCD monitor130of the video camera100when the smartphone200is not connected to the video camera100.FIG. 11Aillustrates only the main image300captured by the video camera100. Subsequently, when the smartphone200ais first connected to the video camera100as a sub camera, the smartphone200asends the image data of the live video to the video camera100. As a result, as illustrated inFIG. 11B, the wipe image301generated by the smartphone200ais displayed on the main image300. Subsequently, when the smartphone200bis further connected to the video camera100, the smartphone200bsends the image data of the live video to the video camera100. As a result, as illustrated inFIG. 11C, the wipe image302generated by the smartphone200bis displayed on the main image300.

Subsequently, when the smartphone200cis further connected to the video camera100, the smartphone200cis not permitted to transfer images because the number of devices that have already been permitted to transfer images has reached the upper limit. Therefore, a new wipe image is not added to the main image300, and the screen as illustrated inFIG. 11Cis continuously displayed.

FIG. 12is a diagram illustrating a communication sequence between the smartphone200cthat is not permitted to transfer images and the video camera100. As illustrated inFIG. 12, the smartphone200cperiodically requests the camera information from the video camera100(for example, every one second) without transfer of the image data indicating the live video. As a result, the smartphone200cperiodically determines whether the smartphone200cis turned to be permitted to transfer images, and when the smartphone200cis turned to be permitted, the smartphone200cimmediately starts transfer of the image data.

As described above, the video camera100of the present embodiment (one example of the imaging apparatus) includes the image sensor115(one example of the image capturing unit) that captures the subject to generate the image data, the WiFi module155(one example of the communicator) that receives the image data (for example, moving image data) from the plurality of smartphones200(one example of the electronic devices), and the controller135that combines the images indicated by the image data received from the smartphones that are registered in advance as target devices for the multi-wipe function (one example of the predetermined function) with the image indicated by the image data generated by the image sensor115. The controller135registers smartphones, as the target devices for the multi-wipe function (refer toFIG. 7), the number of registered smartphones being equal to or less than a first predetermined number (for example, “3”). The controller135limits the number of smartphones from which the image data is received via the WiFi module155to a second predetermined number (for example, “2”) or less, which is less than the first predetermined number.

The smartphone200according to the present embodiment is a device that sends image data to the video camera100. The smartphone200includes the image sensor203(one example of the second image capturing unit) that captures the subject to generate the image data, the WiFi module235that sends the image data generated by the image sensor203to the video camera100, and the controller225(one example of the second controller) that controls sending of the image data to the video camera100. On receipt of the transfer permission of the image data from the video camera100, the controller225sends the image data generated by the image sensor203to the video camera100.

According to the aforementioned configuration, the video camera100limits the number of smartphones that send the image data via the WiFi module155. This can prevent insufficient bandwidth of a communication line and suppress degradation in image quality during reproduction of the received image resulting from the insufficient bandwidth in the video camera100.

Other Embodiments

The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various embodiments can be considered. Other embodiments will be described together below.

In the aforementioned embodiment described above, smartphones are used for devices as sub cameras for the multi-wipe function, but other electronic devices may be used. That is, as long as the other electronic devices are capable of communicating with the video camera100and capable of sending image data, various electronic devices can be used as sub cameras (for example, a video camera, a digital camera, a cellular phone, a tablet terminal, and a camera-equipped personal computer).

In the aforementioned embodiment, the first predetermined number, which is the upper limit of the number of devices that can be registered as sub cameras, is set to “3”, and the second predetermined number, which is the upper limit of the number of external devices (sub cameras) that are permitted to transfer image data to the video camera100is set to “2”. However, these values are one example. Values of the first and second predetermined numbers can be appropriately set in accordance with applications and constraints of the system.

In the aforementioned embodiment, image data is exchanged between the video camera100and the smartphones200via communication conforming to the WiFi standard. However, communication conforming to other communication interface standards (for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark)) may be used.

In the aforementioned embodiment, the controller135of the video camera100and the controller225of the smartphone200each have a configuration including a CPU or MPU that executes programs. However, these controllers135and225may each include hardwired electronic circuitry or a microcomputer. That is, the controllers135and225can each include a device such as a CPU, an MPU, a DSU, an FPGA, an ASIC, or a microcomputer.

In the aforementioned embodiment, image data is transferred from the smartphones to the video camera. However, other types of content data (such as a still picture and sound) may be transferred instead of the image data. In that case, the number of electronic devices that transfer the other types of content data may be limited by a method similar to the method described above.

As described above, the embodiments have been described as illustration of the technology in the present disclosure. For this purpose, the accompanying drawings and detailed description have been provided.

Accordingly, components described in the accompanying drawings and detailed description may include not only components essential for solving problems but also components unessential for solving problems, in order to illustrate the technology. Therefore, it should not be acknowledged immediately that those unessential components be essential because those unessential components are described in the accompanying drawings and detailed description.

Further, since the embodiments described above are intended to illustrate the technology in the present disclosure, various changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the appended claims or equivalents thereof.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure is useful for an imaging apparatus (for example, video camera) capable of receiving image data from a plurality of external devices and recording an image obtained by combining images indicated by the received image data with an image captured by the imaging apparatus.