Patent Publication Number: US-2023136267-A1

Title: Imaging apparatus

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to an imaging apparatus and, in particular, to multi-photographing using a plurality of imaging apparatuses. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     In recent years, information transmission through the Internet or SNS is gaining momentum, and individuals are allowed to easily transmit contents. Under the circumstances, demands for multi-photographing in which photographing is performed using a plurality of imaging apparatuses in order to generate finer contents are increasing. 
     Multi-photographing is generally performed by photographers same in number as imaging apparatuses but may be performed by an individual according to a method in which automatic photographing is performed with a plurality of imaging apparatuses installed at prescribed positions, or the like. A function relating to automatic photographing includes an automatic tracking function to automatically track an object or the like. Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2020-25248 discloses the remote operation of a plurality of imaging apparatuses, for example, the automatic operation of multi-photographing. 
     However, when multi-photographing is performed by one photographer, the photographer has to consider the photographing situation of another camera while operating one camera and is not allowed to easily perform the multi-photographing. Therefore, a case in which a desired object is not reflected in a photographed image or a case in which a desired object is not focused occurs frequently. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides a technique of allowing an individual to easily perform multi-photographing. 
     An imaging apparatus according to the present disclosure includes at least one memory and at least one processor which function as: an acquisition unit configured to acquire information on an object being focused by another imaging apparatus; and a control unit configured to perform control to display an object item corresponding to the object being focused by the other imaging apparatus on a basis of the information acquired by the acquisition unit. 
     Further features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a main camera. 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic view showing an example of the display screen of the main camera. 
         FIG.  3    is a flowchart showing an example of the multi-photographing mode processing of the main camera. 
         FIG.  4    is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a sub-camera. 
         FIG.  5    is a flowchart showing an example of the multi-photographing mode processing of the sub-camera. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail on the basis of the accompanying drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments but various deformations and modifications are possible within the scope of its gist. 
       FIG.  1    is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an imaging apparatus  101  according to the present embodiment. The imaging apparatus  101  is, for example, a camera (such as a digital camera and a digital video camera) or an electronic device including a camera function (such as a mobile phone including a camera function and a computer with a camera). The imaging apparatus  101  includes an MPU  102 , a timing signal generation circuit  103 , an imaging element  104 , an A/D convertor  105 , a memory controller  106 , and a buffer memory  107 . Moreover, the imaging apparatus  101  includes a reception unit  108 , a discrimination unit  109 , a determination unit  110 , a display unit  111 , an operation unit  112 , a recording medium I/F  113 , and a recording medium  114 . 
     The MPU  102  is a micro controller for performing the various control of the imaging apparatus  101  such as photographing sequence control and controls the reception unit  108 , the discrimination unit  109 , the determination unit  110 , the display unit  111 , or the like. 
     The timing signal generation circuit  103  generates a timing signal necessary for operating the imaging element  104 . The timing signal generation circuit  103  may generate a timing signal showing a timing at which the reception unit  108  receives information on the AF (Auto Focus) detection of other imaging apparatuses. The AF detection is detection as to whether an object is being focused. 
     The imaging element  104  is an imaging element such as a CCD and a CMOS that converts reflected light from an object into an electric signal. 
     The A/D convertor  105  converts an electric signal (analog image data) output from the imaging element  104  into digital image data. 
     The memory controller  106  controls the reading/writing of data in/from a memory, the refreshing operation of the buffer memory  107 , or the like. 
     The buffer memory  107  stores image data. 
     The reception unit  108  receives the AF detection information (information on AF detection) of other imaging apparatuses. For example, when objects being focused by other imaging apparatuses exist, information on the objects (object information) is received as AF detection information. When no objects being focused by other imaging apparatuses exist, information showing that AF detection is not being performed is received as AF detection information. A reception timing may be freely set so as not to hinder other functions (such as an imaging function). For example, reception may be performed at all times, or may be performed when a photographer performs an arbitrary operation on the imaging apparatus  101 . When reception is performed at all times, a reception timing is controlled by the timing signal generation circuit  103  as described above, whereby it is possible to perform reception without hindering the activation of other functions. The imaging apparatus  101  may be called a main camera, and other imaging apparatuses may be called sub-cameras. The main camera and the sub-cameras are imaging apparatuses used for multi-photographing. 
     The discrimination unit  109  discriminates objects corresponding to object information received by the reception unit  108 . For example, the discrimination unit  109  discriminates whether objects are persons or objects other than the persons. The discrimination unit  109  may also discriminate face organs such as pupils, animals such as dogs, cats, and birds, vehicles such as automobiles, other objects, or the like. 
     The determination unit  110  determines, on the basis of objects discriminated by the discrimination unit  109 , object items displayed to a photographer (a user of the imaging apparatus  101 ). The object items are display items corresponding to objects (object types) and are display items with which it is possible to discriminate the discrimination results (for example, discrimination as to whether objects are persons or objects other than the persons) of the discrimination unit  109 . In terms of easiness in recognizing the discrimination results of the discrimination unit  109 , the object items may be preferably icons or the like other than characters (the object items may be characters or the like). In the present embodiment, icons (object icons) are used as the object items. 
     The display unit  111  displays image data stored in the buffer memory  107 , object items determined by the determination unit  110 , or the like. The display unit  111  may be a look-in-type in-finder display or a rear display outside a finder. The display unit  111  may be a rear display (for example, a vari-angle system rear display) of which the posture relative to the body part of the imaging apparatus  101  is changeable, or a rear display of which the posture relative to the body part of the imaging apparatus  101  is fixed. 
     The operation unit  112  includes a power switch for turning ON/OFF the power of the imaging apparatus  101 , a photographing start button, a mode switching button for switching an operation mode such as a camera mode (photographing mode) and a reproduction mode, or the like and receives an operation from a photographer (user). The operation unit  112  may include a touch panel. 
     The recording medium I/F  113  is an interface for controlling the reading/writing of data in/from the recording medium  114 . 
     The recording medium  114  is a memory card, a hard disk, or the like and stores a program or the like. 
       FIG.  2    shows an example of a screen  201  (display screen) displayed by the display unit  111 .  FIG.  2    shows an example of a case in which two sub-cameras (a sub-camera 1 and a sub-camera 2) are used. Note that the number of the sub-cameras is not particularly limited and may be one or two or more. On the screen  201 , information on the sub-cameras is displayed. On the screen  201 , objects being photographed by the main camera (the imaging apparatus  101 ) (a live-view image showing objects in substantially real time) or the like are also displayed. The information on the sub-cameras is preferably displayed at the end or the like of the screen  201  so that the visibility of a live-view image of the main camera is not impaired. 
     On the screen  201 , AF detection icons  202  and  203  are displayed. The AF detection icon  202  is a status item showing whether objects being focused by the sub-camera 1 exist, that is, whether AF detection is being performed by the sub-camera 1. The AF detection icon  203  is a status item showing whether AF detection is being performed by the sub-camera 2. In the present embodiment, the AF detection icon  202  shows the situation of the AF detection of the sub-camera 1 in colors. For example, the AF detection icon  202  is displayed in black when AF detection is being performed by the sub-camera 1, and displayed in white when AF detection is not being performed by the sub-camera 1. Similarly, the AF detection icon  203  shows the situation of the AF detection of the sub-camera 2 in colors. 
     Through AF detection icons, a photographer (a user of the main camera) is allowed to easily grasp the situation of the AF detection of sub-cameras. In the present embodiment, the discrimination unit  109  determines whether AF detection is being performed by the sub-cameras on the basis of AF detection information on the imaging apparatuses of the sub-cameras. The determination unit  110  determines AF detection icons to be displayed on the basis of the discrimination results of the discrimination unit  109 . Then, the display unit  111  displays the AF detection icons determined by the determination unit  110 . 
     Note that the situation of AF detection may be made discriminable according to a difference in other modes such as the brightness, sizes, shapes, and display patterns (such as display at all times and blinking display) of AF detection icons. The situation of AF detection may be made discriminable according to a difference in the types of AF detection icons, the presence or absence of frames surrounding AF detection icons, or the like. The situation of AF detection may be made discriminable according to a difference in the colors, brightness, designs, or the like of frames surrounding AF detection icons. AF detection icons are preferably displayed in a mode in which sub-cameras corresponding to the AF detection icons are discriminable. Thus, a photographer is allowed to easily grasp the corresponding relationship between AF detection icons and sub-cameras even when the number of the sub-cameras is large. 
     When AF detection is being performed by a sub-camera, object icons corresponding to objects being focused by the sub-camera, that is, object icons corresponding to objects being AF-detected by the sub-camera are displayed in association with the AF detection icons of the sub-camera. In  FIG.  2   , AF detection is being performed by the sub-camera 1. Therefore, object icons  204  to  208  corresponding to objects being AF-detected by the sub-camera 1 are displayed in association with the AF detection icon  202 . AF detection is not being performed by the sub-camera 2. Therefore, no object icons are displayed in association with the AF detection icon  203 . When AF detection is being performed by the sub-camera 2, object icons corresponding to objects being AF-detected by the sub-camera 2 are displayed in association with the AF detection icon  203 . 
     Through object icons, a photographer is allowed to easily grasp objects being AF-detected by sub-cameras. In the present embodiment, the discrimination unit  109  discriminates objects being AF-detected by sub-cameras on the basis of AF detection information on the imaging apparatuses of the sub-cameras. The determination unit  110  determines object icons to be displayed on the basis of the discrimination results of the discrimination unit  109 . Then, the display unit  111  displays the object icons determined by the determination unit  110 . Note that a photographer is allowed to grasp the situation of the AF detection of sub-cameras according to whether object icons are displayed. Therefore, AF detection icons may not be displayed. 
     The object icon  204  is a person icon corresponding to a person. The object icons  205  and  206  are registered-person icons corresponding to persons registered in advance by a main camera, a sub-camera, or the like. When objects are persons and specifically registered persons, object icons corresponding to the objects are displayed like the object icons  205  and  206 . The object icon  207  is an animal icon corresponding to an animal. The object icon  208  is a vehicle icon corresponding to a vehicle. 
     As described above, different object icons are displayed between persons and objects (such as animals and vehicles) other than the persons in the present embodiment. For persons, different object icons are displayed between unregistered persons and registered persons. Thus, a photographer is allowed to easily grasp objects being AF-detected. For example, a photographer is allowed to easily grasp whether objects being AF-detected are any of unregistered persons, registered persons, animals, vehicles, or the like. Moreover, when a plurality of object icons corresponding to a plurality of registered persons are displayed, the plurality of object icons different from each other are displayed. For example, a plurality of object icons to which numbers different from each other are assigned are displayed like the object icons  205  and  206 . Thus, the object icons of respective registered persons are made distinguishable. 
     Note that object icons corresponding to face organs such as pupils may be displayed as object icons different from the object icons described above. For animals, object icons may be different according to the types of animals such as dogs, cats, and birds. For vehicles, object icons may be different according to the types of vehicles such as automobiles, trains, helicopters, and airplanes. The differences between object icons corresponding to unregistered persons and object icons corresponding to registered persons may be differences in the colors, brightness, sizes, shapes, display patterns (such as display at all times and blinking display), or the like of the object icons. The differences between object icons corresponding to unregistered persons and object icons corresponding to registered persons may be differences in the types of the object icons or the presence or absence of frames surrounding the object icons, or the like. The differences between object icons corresponding to unregistered persons and object icons corresponding to registered persons may be differences in the colors, brightness, designs, or the like of frames surrounding the object icons. 
     When a large number of object icons are displayed, there is a possibility that the visibility of a live-view image of a main camera is impaired. Therefore, a photographer is preferably able to arbitrarily switch the display/non-display of object icons through the selection of sub-cameras. For example, the display/non-display of the object icons of sub-cameras corresponding to an AF detection icon may be switched in response to the operation of the AF detection icon. When the object items of sub-cameras corresponding to AF detection icons are displayed in response to the operation of the AF detection icons, the object items of other sub-cameras may be hidden. Thus, it is possible to display only necessary object icons and prevent the display of unnecessary object icons. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an impairment in the visibility of a live-view image of a main camera due to the display of unnecessary object icons. 
       FIG.  3    is a flowchart showing an example of the operation (multi-photographing mode processing) of a main camera (the imaging apparatus  101 ) in a multi-photographing mode. The operation is realized when the MPU  102  develops a program recorded on the recording medium  114  into the buffer memory  107  and runs the same. For example, the operation of  FIG.  3    starts when the main camera activates in a multi-photographing mode or when the mode of the main camera is switched to the multi-photographing mode. In the operation of  FIG.  3   , the main camera receives AF detection information on a sub-camera and displays an object icon. The operation of  FIG.  3    is performed during photographing but may be performed in a standby state for photographing. 
     In S 301 , the MPU  102  controls the reception unit  108  to receive AF detection information on a sub-camera from the sub-camera. Here, AF detection is being performed by the sub-camera, and object information associated with an object being AF-detected by the sub-camera is received as the AF detection information. 
     Next, the processing of S 302  to S 308  is performed. When a plurality of objects associated with the object information received in S 301  exist, that is, when a plurality of objects are being AF-detected by the sub-camera, the processing of S 302  to S 308  is performed for each of the objects being AF-detected by the sub-camera. The processing of S 302  to S 304  and S 306  is performed on the basis of the object information received in S 301 . 
     In S 302 , the MPU  102  controls the discrimination unit  109  to determine whether the object to be processed (the object being AF-detected by the sub-camera) is a person or an object other than the person. The processing proceeds to S 303  when the object to be processed is the person. Otherwise, the processing proceeds to S 306 . 
     In S 303 , the MPU  102  controls the discrimination unit  109  to determine whether the object to be processed is a registered person (a person registered in advance). The processing proceeds to S 304  when the object to be processed is the registered person. Otherwise (When the object to be processed is an unregistered person (a person not registered in advance)), the processing proceeds to S 307 . 
     In S 304 , the MPU  102  controls the discrimination unit  109  to determine whether the plurality of registered persons are being AF-detected by the sub-camera. The processing proceeds to S 305  when the plurality of registered persons are being AF-detected by the sub-camera. Otherwise (When registered persons other than the object (the registered person) to be processed are not being AF-detected by the sub-camera), the processing proceeds to S 307 . 
     In S 305 , the MPU  102  associates the object to be processed with a number. The number is assigned to the object icon of the registered person so that the object icons of the respective registered persons are made distinguishable. The number may be included in the object information. 
     In S 306 , the MPU  102  controls the discrimination unit  109  to discriminate the object to be processed. For example, the MPU  102  discriminates the object to be processed as an animal or discriminates the object to be processed as a vehicle. 
     In S 307 , the MPU  102  controls the determination unit  110  on the basis of the discrimination result (the processing result of S 302  to S 306 ) of the discrimination unit  109  to determine object icon corresponding to the discrimination result. 
     In S 308 , the MPU  102  displays the object icon determined in S 307  on the display unit  111 . 
       FIG.  4    is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an imaging apparatus  401  that is a sub-camera. The imaging apparatus  401  is, for example, a camera (such as a digital camera and a digital video camera) or an electronic device including a camera function (such as a mobile phone including a camera function and a computer with a camera). The imaging apparatus  401  includes a control unit  410 , a transmission unit  411 , an imaging unit  412 , an image processing unit  413 , a discrimination unit  414 , a display unit  415 , an operation unit  416 , a ROM  417 , a RAM  418 , a recording medium I/F  419 , and a recording medium  420 . Respective constituting units other than the control unit  410  are connected to the control unit  410 , and the control unit  410  and the respective constituting unit are able to exchange data with each other. 
     The control unit  410  (CPU) entirely controls the imaging apparatus  401 . The control unit  410  develops a program recorded on the ROM  417  into the RAM  418  and runs the same to control the respective constituting units and perform the operation of a flow chart that will be described later. The control unit  410  performs recording control on the recording medium  420 , display control on the display unit  415 , or the like. 
     The ROM  417  is a non-volatile recording medium and stores a program that is to be performed by the control unit  410 . The RAM  418  is a volatile recording medium used as a work memory for the control unit  410 . The RAM  418  is also used as a VRAM that temporarily stores image data that is to be displayed on the display unit  415 . Moreover, the RAM  418  is also used as a storage unit that temporarily stores additional information that is to be recorded in association with the data of a captured image. 
     The recording medium I/F  419  is an interface to/from which the recording medium  420  for recording image data or the like is attachable/detachable. For example, the recording medium  420  is a memory card such as an SD card, and the recording medium I/F  419  has a slot to/from which the memory card is insertable/withdrawable. 
     The image processing unit  413  applies prescribed image processing (such as pixel interpolation processing, resize processing, and color conversion processing) to image data captured by the imaging unit  412 . The imaging unit  412  has a photographing lens (including a zoom lens and a focus lens) and an imaging element, captures an object on the basis of the control of the control unit  410 , and acquires image data such as still-image data and moving-image data. 
     The display unit  415  displays various setting statuses, an image captured by the imaging unit  412 , an image read from the recording medium  420  and reproduced, or the like on the basis of the control of the control unit  410 . The display unit  415  may be a look-in-type in-finder display or a rear display outside a finder. The display unit  415  may be a rear display (for example, a vari-angle system rear display) of which the posture relative to the body part of the imaging apparatus  401  is changeable, or a rear display of which the posture relative to the body part of the imaging apparatus  401  is fixed. 
     The operation unit  416  includes a power switch for turning ON/OFF the power of the imaging apparatus  401 , a photographing start button, a mode switching button for switching an operation mode such as a camera mode (photographing mode) and a reproduction mode, or the like and receives an operation from a user. The operation unit  416  may include a touch panel. 
     The discrimination unit  414  determines whether AF detection is being performed on the basis of the content of AF (Auto Focus) processing performed by the imaging apparatus  401 . When the AF detection is being performed, objects being AF-detected are discriminated. For example, the discrimination unit  414  discriminates whether objects are persons or objects other than the persons. The discrimination unit  414  may discriminate facial organs such as pupils, animals such as dogs, cats, and birds, vehicles such as automobiles, other objects, or the like. 
     The transmission unit  411  transmits information based on the discrimination result of the discrimination unit  414  to the main camera as AF detection information on the imaging apparatus  401 . A transmission timing may be freely set so as not to hinder other functions (such as imaging). For example, transmission may be performed at all times, or may be performed at a timing arbitrarily designated by a photographer. 
       FIG.  5    is a flowchart showing an example of the operation (multi-photographing mode processing) of the sub-camera (the imaging apparatus  401 ) in a multi-photographing mode. The operation is realized when the control unit  410  develops a program recorded on the ROM  417  into the RAM  418  and runs the same. The operation of  FIG.  5    starts, for example, when the sub-camera activates in the multi-photographing mode or when the mode of the sub-camera is switched to the multi-photographing mode. In the operation of  FIG.  5   , the sub-camera transmits its own AF detection information to a main camera. The operation of  FIG.  5    is performed during photographing but may be performed in a standby state for photographing. 
     In S 501 , the control unit  410  starts AF processing. 
     In S 502 , the control unit  410  determines whether AF detection has been performed. In AF processing, an object existing in a photographing range is focused. When a plurality of objects exist in the photographing range, at least a part of the objects is focused. The processing proceeds to S 503  when the AF detection has been performed. The control unit  410  repeatedly performs the processing of S 502  until the AF detection has been performed. 
     Next, the processing of S 503  to S 509  is performed. When a plurality of objects are AF-detected, the processing of S 503  to S 508  is performed for each of the AF-detected objects. The processing of S 503  to S 505  and S 508  is performed on the basis of the content of the AF processing. 
     In S 503 , the control unit  410  controls the discrimination unit  414  to determine whether the object (the AF-detected object) to be processed is a person or an object other than the person. The processing proceeds to S 504  when the object to be processed is the person. Otherwise, the processing proceeds to S 507 . 
     In S 504 , the control unit  410  controls the discrimination unit  414  to determine whether the object to be processed is a registered person (a person registered in advance). The processing proceeds to S 505  when the object to be processed is the registered person. Otherwise (When the object to be processed is an unregistered person (a person not registered in advance)), the processing proceeds to S 508 . 
     In S 505 , the control unit  410  controls the discrimination unit  414  to determine whether the plurality of registered persons are being AF-detected. The processing proceeds to S 506  when the plurality of registered persons are being AF-detected. Otherwise (When registered persons other than the object (the registered person) to be processed are not being AF-detected), the processing proceeds to S 508 . 
     In S 506 , the control unit  410  associates the object to be processed with a number so that the respective registered persons are made distinguishable. 
     In S 507 , the control unit  410  controls the discrimination unit  414  to discriminate the object to be processed. For example, the control unit  410  discriminates the object to be processed as an animal or discriminates the object to be processed as a vehicle. 
     In S 508 , the control unit  410  generates/updates AF detection information to be transmitted on the basis of the discrimination result (the processing result of S 503  to S 507 ) of the discrimination unit  414 . 
     In S 509 , the control unit  410  controls the transmission unit  411  to transmit the AF detection information to the main camera. 
     As described above, the main camera acquires information on objects being AF-detected by the sub-camera and displays object items corresponding to the objects being AF-detected by the sub-camera on the basis of the acquired information according to the present embodiment. Thus, when individually performing multi-photographing, a photographer is allowed to easily grasp the situation of AF detection with the sub-camera while performing photographing with the main camera. As a result, the photographer is allowed to easily perform the multi-photographing. 
     Note that the photographer may be able to designate the priority of AF detection about objects corresponding to object icons through the selection of the object icons displayed on the display unit  111  of the imaging apparatus  101 . When the display surface of the display unit  111  is constituted by a touch panel, the priority may be intuitively designated with a touch operation on the object icons. The priority is set in the sub-camera through, for example, the control of the communication unit (the reception unit  108 ) by the MPU  102 . After the setting of the priority, the sub-camera focuses an object having higher priority, for example, when allowed to focus only a part of two or more objects due to the movement of the object or the like in a state in which the two or more objects are being focused. 
     Note that the above description refers to an example in which the object icons corresponding the objects being focused by the sub-camera are displayed. However, for objects being photographed by the sub-camera, the reception unit  108  may receive information on the objects and a situation as to whether the objects are being focused by the sub-camera as AF detection information regardless of whether the objects are being focused by the sub-camera. Then, the MPU  102  may perform control, for the objects being photographed by the sub-camera, to display object items corresponding to the objects in a mode in which discrimination as to whether the objects are being focused by the sub-camera is possible on the basis of the information acquired by the reception unit  108 . The situation as to whether the objects are being focused by the sub-camera may be made discriminable according to a difference in the colors, brightness, sizes, shapes, display patterns (such as display at all times and blinking display), or the like of the object icons. The situation as to whether the objects are being focused by the sub-camera may be made discriminable according to a difference in the types of the object icons, the presence or absence of frames surrounding the object icons, or the like. The situation as to whether the objects are being focused by the sub-camera may be made discriminable according to a difference in the colors, brightness, designs, or the like of frames surrounding object icon. Specifically, object icons corresponding to objects not being focused by the sub-camera may be displayed in a grayout state, or object icons corresponding to objects being focused by the sub-camera may be displayed with frames. 
     Thus, a user is allowed to easily grasp all the objects being photographed by the sub-camera. At this time, the user is allowed to distinguish between objects being focused by the sub-camera and the objects not being focused by the sub-camera and grasp the same. Further, the user is allowed to focus the objects not being focused by the sub-camera through the selection of the object icons and the designation of the priority of AF detection. 
     Note that a method for detecting objects by the sub-camera is not particularly limited. For example, after detecting focused objects to be made discriminable, the objects may be continuously detected by tracking processing or the like. After detecting the focused objects to be made discriminable, it may be possible to regard the objects as being photographed. 
     According to the present disclosure, multi-photographing is easily performed by an individual. 
     Other Embodiments 
     Embodiment(s) of the present disclosure can also be realized by a computer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computer executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be referred to more fully as a ‘non-transitory computer-readable storage medium’) to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/or that includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method performed by the computer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out and executing the computer executable instructions from the storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s). The computer may comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processing unit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read out and execute the computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or the storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or more of a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™), a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like. 
     While the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions. 
     This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-177841, filed on Oct. 29, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.