JP2010220227A - Mobile information apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To selectively set the optimum operating power to a camera module in response to a power supply state of a body side. <P>SOLUTION: A cellular phone 1 includes a camera module 200 including a flash function and a body unit 100, and the camera module includes a flash circuit 211 for storing in a capacitor light-emitting energy for emitting flash. The body unit monitors a power supply state of a power supply section 116 supplying power to the camera module and outputs an instruction for causing the flash circuit 211 to start charging in response to the power supply state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable information device having a camera module used by being connected to a main unit.

  In recent years, along with the widespread use of broadband communication technology, electronic information control devices such as mobile phones that are equipped with camera modules as well as voices for the purpose of image recording and communication have become common. In particular, recently, the number of pixels of a camera module has been increased, and a camera module having a function equivalent to that of a popular digital camera has been put on the market. With the increase in the number of pixels and functions of the current camera module, the power consumption required for the camera module is increasing, while the size required for electronic information control devices such as mobile phones is increasing. The demand is getting stricter year by year due to the demand for portability.

  In other words, the amount of control load for realizing the function increases with the trend toward higher performance, so the camera module is equipped with a signal processing function and an optical actuator control function, and the control function There is also a need to mount a dedicated camera control CPU for separation from the control function. For this reason, the required power and the actual size of the entire camera module tend to increase as the power consumption of the high pixel imaging system increases. However, in terms of the overall size of the device, there are few points that can be compromised due to the size of the product, and as a result, the downsizing to the miniaturization affects not only the camera module but also the power supply battery. An important issue is how to efficiently implement the necessary functions.

  In order to solve such a problem, in the known technology, in a battery-driven wireless communication device having a plurality of wireless communication units and other additional function units, the consumption of the wireless communication unit and the additional function unit Calculates the usable time from the power, notifies the usable time in the specific communication mode of the wireless communication function and other functions based on the calculated usable time of each function, and also the specific communication mode and other There is known a wireless communication device that restricts the use of each function (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In addition, an information processing apparatus is known that changes a processing operation related to the power supply of the camera of the information processing apparatus body in response to a function related to the power supply of the connected camera (see, for example, Patent Document 2). This information processing apparatus changes the charging method for the camera, changes the output color of the output device, changes the signal processing method for display according to the image sensor function of the connected camera, and exposure according to the function of the connected camera. The control range is judged and a warning is issued, the multitask distribution is changed according to the camera function, the continuous shooting speed is changed, and the like.

  Furthermore, it is determined whether the power can be supplied by determining the required power of the camera, and if it is not possible to supply power, the power state until the power can be supplied is monitored. A power supply apparatus that starts power supply is known (see, for example, Patent Document 3). The power supply apparatus detects a voltage value that can be supplied and input on the camera side, and performs control to stop the power supply when the voltage value of the supplied power deviates from the input voltage value.

JP 2002-165372 A JP 2003-44179 A JP 2003-230084 A

  However, the above-described conventional wireless communication devices and the like (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3) can provide only a single operation state from the viewpoint of power load, and basically execute or stop all camera functions. It was only possible to make an alternative choice. In addition, as the performance and versatility of camera modules increases, it becomes difficult to grasp the operating state options that can be taken by the camera module on the control device body, making it ideal for the power supply situation on the body side at that time In some cases, it was not possible to set the operating power for a camera module.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a portable information device that can selectively set an operating power to an optimal camera module in accordance with a power supply state on the main body side.

In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1
A portable information device comprising: a camera module having a flash function; and a main body unit including a power supply unit that supplies power to the camera module,
The camera module is
It has a charging means for storing in the capacitor the luminescence energy for making the flash emit light,
The main unit is
Monitoring means for monitoring the power supply status of the power supply unit;
Charging start instruction means for outputting an instruction to start charging the charging means according to the power supply status,
It is characterized by that.

The invention according to claim 2 is the portable information device according to claim 1,
The power supply unit is configured to be able to selectively supply power from an external power source connected via an AC adapter and a built-in battery,
The power supply status includes information on whether or not the AC adapter is connected and / or a voltage value of the battery.

According to the present invention, in a portable information device including a camera module having a flash function and a main body unit that supplies power to the camera module, the main body unit serves as a charging means for the camera module according to the power supply status. In order to start charging for flash emission, for example, charging may be performed when there is a margin in the power supply status, and charging to the charging means may be prohibited when there is no margin in the power supply status. it can. Thereby, charging for flash emission that requires a large current can be performed at an appropriate timing, and power can be supplied without losing stability of the main unit and the camera module.
Accordingly, it is possible to selectively set the operating power to the optimal camera module according to the power supply status on the main body side.

It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the mobile telephone 1 in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the data structural example of FROM105. (A) The figure which shows an example of the schematic equivalent circuit of the rechargeable battery 116a, (b) It is the figure which modeled the equivalent circuit shown to Fig.3 (a). It is a figure which shows the battery voltage-storage capacity curve of the storage battery 116a. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of a ROM 205. FIG. It is a figure which shows the data structural example of the operating power information table 205c. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a session that is performed between a main unit 100 and a camera module 200. It is a figure which shows the data structural example of a communication packet. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure of the packet definition tables 105e and 205d. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure of the message definition tables 105f and 205e. It is a figure which shows the data structural example of an IN DATA packet. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure of an OUT DATA packet. It is a figure which shows the data structural example of operation ID definition table 105g, 205f. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure of an OUT DATA packet. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a transition example of an operation state of the camera module 200. 5 is a flowchart showing flash charging processing at the time of external power supply in the main unit 100. 4 is a flowchart showing power supply processing in the main unit 100. 5 is a flowchart showing main processing in the camera module 200. It is a flowchart which shows a part of operation mode execution process used as the subroutine of a main process. It is a flowchart which shows a part of operation mode execution process used as the subroutine of a main process. It is a flowchart which shows a part of operation mode execution process used as the subroutine of a main process. It is a flowchart which shows a part of operation mode execution process used as the subroutine of a main process. It is a flowchart which shows a part of operation mode execution process used as the subroutine of a main process.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. In the following, a case where the portable information device is a camera-equipped mobile phone (hereinafter referred to as “mobile phone 1”) will be described as an example of a configuration characteristic of the present embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, at least a battery (battery) can be used. As portable information devices, for example, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), PHS (Personal Handyphone System), HT (Handy Terminal), portable audio / image player / recorder (MD, cassette, CD, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) , A large capacity information recording medium, a semiconductor memory), a digital movie camera, a portable game machine, a portable HDD (hard disk drive), a car navigation device, or the like.

First, the configuration of the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a mobile phone 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the cellular phone 1 includes a main unit 100 and a camera module 200, and the main unit 100 and the camera module 200 are connected via various buses and signal lines 301 to 303.

  First, the main unit 100 will be described. The main unit 100 includes an antenna 101, an RF module 102, a main body control CPU 103, a RAM 104, a FROM 105, a memory card 106, a memory card connector 107, an ID card 108, an ID card connector 109, an I / O control CPU 110, an input unit 111, a USB. A connector 112, a display unit 113, a drive circuit 114, an audio output unit 115, a power supply unit 116, and the like are provided.

  The antenna 101 receives radio wave information input from another communication device via a base station, and outputs the radio wave information to the RF module 102. The RF module 102 converts radio wave information received via the antenna 101 into a baseband frequency and outputs it to the main body control CPU 103. Further, when an encoded and modulated audio signal is input from the main body control CPU 103, the RF module converts the audio signal into an RF signal and transmits the RF signal to the base station via the antenna 101. That is, the RF module 102 performs switching processing between the received signal and the RF signal, and establishes voice communication between the base station and the main body control CPU 103 by full-duplex communication.

  A main body control CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103 controls each part of the mobile phone 1 according to various control programs stored in the FROM 105. Specifically, the main body control CPU 103 demodulates the communication information at the baseband frequency received from the RF module 102 and determines whether the communication information is information transmitted to the mobile phone 1.

  When it is determined that the communication information is information transmitted to the mobile phone 1, the drive circuit 114 for driving the display unit 113 is controlled to display a display indicating an incoming call on the display unit 113, as well as voice. The processing circuit 115 is controlled to output a ring tone from the speaker 115a.

  On the other hand, when the input unit 111 is operated by the user based on the incoming call notification and a reception instruction is input via the I / O control CPU 110, the main body control unit 103 modulates the communication start protocol and sends it to the RF module 102. And output protocol communication with the base station via the antenna 111.

  Further, when communication is started, the main body control CPU 103 encodes and modulates the user voice input from the microphone 115 b via the voice processing circuit 115 and outputs the encoded user voice to the RF module 102. Further, the baseband data input from the RF module 102 is demodulated and the sound is output from the speaker 115 a via the sound processing circuit 115.

  In addition, the main body control CPU 103 reads out an external power supply flash charging processing program and a power supply setting processing program from the later-described FROM 105 as processing characteristic of the present embodiment, and performs external power supply flash charging processing (see FIG. 16). And power supply control to the camera module 200 is performed by executing the power supply process (FIG. 17). Details of various processes will be described later.

  A RAM (Random Access Memory) 104 functions as a work area for the main body control CPU 103. The FROM 105 stores program codes and control parameters necessary for controlling each part of the main unit 100. The FROM 105 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the FROM 105 includes an external power flash charging processing program 105a for charging the flash, a power supply processing program 105b for supplying power to the camera module, and a rechargeable battery 116a provided in the power supply unit 116. Battery voltage-storage capacity curve 105c, power condition table 105d, packet definition table 105e, message definition table 105f, and operation ID definition table 105g.

  The external power flash charging processing program 105a is a program that is read and executed by the main body control CPU 103. When the power supply unit 116 described later supplies power from an external power source connected via the AC adapter 116b. The program to be executed. The power supply setting processing program 105b is a program that is read and executed by the main body control CPU 103, and is a program that is executed when setting power supply to the camera module 200 from the power supply unit 116 described later.

  The power condition table 105d is a table in which the minimum operating power required for starting the camera module is set as a reference value, and is a table referred to by the main body control CPU 103 when the camera module is started. Details of the battery voltage-storage capacity curve 105d, the packet definition table 105e, the message definition table 105f, and the operation ID definition table 105g will be described later.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the memory card 106 is an external storage medium that stores images, communication images, and the like taken by the camera module 200, or telephone numbers and address information. The memory card connector 107 is an interface terminal for connecting the memory card 106 and the main unit 100, and performs data communication control and power supply to the memory card 106 between the memory card 106 and the main body control CPU 103.

  The ID card 108 stores security information (particularly information for communication billing) of the mobile phone 1 and the like. The ID card connector 109 is an interface terminal for connecting the ID card 108 and the CPU 110 for I / O control. Data communication control between the ID card 109 and the CPU 110 for I / O control and power supply to the ID card 108 Supply.

  When detecting the input of the operation signal from the input unit 11, the I / O control CPU 110 receives the operation signal and outputs the operation signal to the main body control CPU 103. The I / O control CPU 103 reads the security information stored in the ID card 108 via the ID card connector 109 and outputs the security information to the main body control CPU 103.

  The USB connector 112 is an interface terminal for connecting to an external device such as a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”), and is connected between the main body control CPU 103 and the external device connected via the USB connector 112. To control data communication.

  The display unit 113 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel or the like, and performs screen display according to display data input from the main body control CPU 103. Further, the display unit 113 displays a preview of the image data captured from the camera module at the time of shooting and also displays the shot image data. Alternatively, various warnings output in the power supply control process are displayed. The drive circuit 114 drives the display unit 113 according to the control of the main body control CPU 103 and causes the display unit 113 to perform screen display.

  The audio processing circuit 115 converts audio data input from the main body control CPU 103 into an audio signal and outputs the audio signal to the speaker 115a. Also, the audio processing circuit 115 converts the user's audio signal input from the microphone 115 b into audio data and outputs the audio data to the main body control CPU 103.

  The power supply unit 116 includes a rechargeable battery 116a and an AC adapter 116b, and is configured to be able to selectively supply power from an external power supply connected via the rechargeable battery 116a and the AC adapter. The power supply unit 116 converts a power supply voltage supplied from the rechargeable battery 116a or an external power source into a predetermined voltage required inside according to control of the main body control CPU 103, and supplies power to each unit of the mobile phone 1. . For example, the power supply unit 116 supplies power to the power circuit 210 of the camera module 200 via the power line 304. Further, the power supply unit 116 monitors the state of the power supply, and outputs the presence / absence of connection of the external power supply or the voltage value of the rechargeable battery 116a to the main body control CPU 103 as the power supply status.

  With reference to FIGS. 3 to 4, the rechargeable battery 116 a constituting the power supply unit 116 will be described. 3A is a diagram showing an example of a schematic equivalent circuit of the rechargeable battery 116a, and FIG. 3B is a diagram modeling the equivalent circuit shown in FIG. 3A. In FIG. 3A, E0 indicates an open circuit voltage, and Z0 indicates an internal impedance. As shown in FIG. 3B, the characteristic model has two capacitors Cb and Cc and three resistors Re, Rc and Rt.

  The capacitor Cb functions as a main power storage unit that stores charging energy, and has characteristics that depend on the ambient temperature. The capacitor Cc is a capacitor for simulating a current that can be supplied instantaneously by the surface effect of the battery cell, and similarly has a characteristic depending on the ambient temperature. The resistors Re and Rc are internal resistance components for the capacitors Cb and Cc, respectively, and have characteristics depending on the ambient temperature and the state of charge. The resistor Rt corrects the entire resistance component as the internal resistance component of the terminal portion, and similarly has characteristics depending on the ambient temperature and the state of charge.

  In this way, the storage capacity of the rechargeable battery 116a is calculated based on the current battery voltage and the battery voltage that can be generated when transitioning to the requested operating state using the characteristic model shown in FIG. The estimated operable time of the rechargeable battery 116a can be calculated based on the calculated storage capacity.

  Next, a battery voltage-storage capacity curve of the storage battery 116a will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a battery voltage-storage capacity curve of the storage battery 116a experimentally measured according to the operation state of the mobile phone 1. In FIG. In FIG. 4, a solid line A indicates characteristics during standby, a one-dot chain line B indicates characteristics during wireless communication, a dotted line C indicates characteristics during wireless communication and camera module activation, and a two-dot chain line D indicates wireless communication. And the characteristic at the time of flash charge is shown.

  In other words, it can be seen that the charging energy disappears faster as the power load of the camera function increases, and the terminal voltage decreases as the charging energy disappears. In addition, substantially similar characteristics can be obtained depending on the temperature conditions of battery use, and the terminal voltage decreases as the consumption current increases as the use temperature decreases. That is, the strong power supply load at a low temperature becomes the most severe state with respect to the output voltage between terminals.

  Therefore, it is possible to grasp the current storage capacity of the rechargeable battery 116a by knowing the current operation state of the mobile phone 1, the operating temperature, and the power supply voltage of the rechargeable battery 116a, and the newly requested operation. The estimated operable time of the rechargeable battery 116a when the state is changed can be calculated. Note that the battery voltage-storage capacity curve shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to the battery voltage-storage capacity curve 105 d stored in the FROM 105 described above.

  The lid (not shown) of the rechargeable battery 116 a is provided with a battery lid switch (not shown). The battery lid switch detects the opening and closing of the lid, and the detection result is output to the main body control CPU 103. Thereby, when the opening / closing of the battery cover is detected during the operation of the camera module 200, the main body control CPU 103 outputs a warning to the display unit 113.

  The AC adapter 116 b is connected to a household commercial AC power source that is an external power source, and sends a power supply from the external power source to the power supply unit 116.

  Next, the camera module 200 will be described. The camera module 200 includes an optical lens unit 201, an image sensor 202, an analog signal processing circuit 203, a camera control CPU 204, a ROM 205, a RAM 206, a drive circuit 207, an actuator 208, a temperature detection unit 209, a power supply circuit 210, a flash circuit 211, and a capacitor 212. And xenon tube 213 and the like.

  The optical lens unit 201 is configured by arranging a plurality of optical lenses, and the position of the lens is adjusted by an actuator 208 so that an image is formed on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 202. The image sensor 202 is configured by a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS, or the like, converts an image formed on the light receiving surface by the optical lens unit 201 into an analog image signal, and outputs the analog image signal to the analog signal processing circuit 203. The analog signal processing circuit 203 converts the analog image signal input from the image sensor into a predetermined image format and outputs the image format to the camera control CPU 204. In the present embodiment, the imaging element 202 and the analog signal processing circuit 203 are separately provided. However, the imaging element and the analog signal processing circuit may be integrated.

  The camera control CPU 204 is configured to include image signal processing hardware, a signal processing assisting DSP, a camera module control CPU, and the like, and comprehensively control each unit of the camera module 200 according to various control programs stored in the ROM 205. Control. As long as the image processing function and the sequence control function of the camera module are mounted, either hardware processing or software processing may be used, but sequence control is preferably software processing.

  When the supply of internal power from the power supply circuit 210 is started, the camera control CPU 204 performs an initialization operation and then initializes each part of the camera module 200. The camera control CPU 204 receives a command for a predetermined operation from the main body control CPU 103 via the command bus 302 configured by serial communication such as a UART or an I2C bus, and performs a camera shooting preparation operation or a shooting according to the command. Execute the process.

  Specifically, the function of the camera control CPU 204 related to the shooting preparation operation will be described. When the camera control CPU 204 receives a shooting preparation operation command from the main body control CPU 103, the camera control CPU 204 determines the appropriate exposure level using the image data of the imaged subject, and controls the analog signal processing circuit 203 and the drive circuit 207 of the actuator 208. Set an appropriate exposure level. At the same time, the camera control CPU 204 detects the subject focus position using the image data of the subject, and controls the drive circuit 207 of the actuator 208 to control the focus adjustment mechanism (not shown) to achieve proper focusing. Get.

  Further, the camera control CPU 204 corrects the color temperature by determining the light source color temperature using the image data of the imaged subject and changing the color temperature gain in order to correct the light source color temperature. Furthermore, the camera control CPU 204 transfers the subject image data input from the analog signal processing circuit 204 to the main body control CPU 103 via the image transfer bus 301 having a parallel bus structure or a high-speed serial bus structure. The transferred image data is displayed on the display unit 113 of the main unit 100 as a viewfinder image.

  Next, functions of the camera control CPU 204 related to still image shooting processing will be described. Upon receiving a still image shooting command from the main body control CPU 103, the camera control CPU 204 uses the exposure, focus position, and light source color temperature correction amount acquired during the above-described shooting preparation operation to change the subject shooting conditions for still image shooting. Set and take a still image. At this time, as long as it is a field readout type imaging device or a rolling readout type imaging device, imaging may be performed using a mechanical shutter together. When the subject brightness is low, the camera control CPU 204 controls the flash circuit 211 to emit flash light. Then, the camera control CPU 204 transfers image data of the captured still image to the main body control CPU 103 via the image transfer bus 301.

  In addition, the camera control CPU 204 reads out the main processing program 205a and the operation mode execution processing program 205b from the ROM 205 as processing characteristic of the present embodiment, and performs main processing (see FIG. 18) and operation mode execution processing (described later) (see FIG. 18). 19 to 23). Details of each process will be described later.

  The ROM 205 is configured by a flash memory or the like, and stores program codes and control parameters necessary for controlling each part of the camera module 200. The ROM 205 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the ROM 205 stores a main processing program 205a, an operation mode execution processing program 205b, an operating power information table 205c, a packet definition table 205d, a message definition table 205e, and an operation ID definition table 205f.

  The main processing program 205 a is a program that is executed after being read by the camera control CPU 204, and is a program for controlling each part of the camera module 200. The operation mode execution processing program 205b is a program that is read after being read by the camera control CPU 204 and developed in the RAM 206, and is a program for executing various operation modes of the camera module.

  The operating power information table 205c is a table that stores information related to power required to execute the operation mode as operating power information for each operation mode of the camera module. FIG. 6 shows a data configuration example of the operating power information table 205c. As shown in FIG. 6, the operation power information table 205c includes a combination of a plurality of operation modes that can be executed by the camera module 200 and a drive voltage and a current consumption value at the drive voltage as the operation power necessary for each operation mode. Are stored.

  For example, when the operation mode is “flash charge”, “3.3 V” is stored as the drive voltage and “120 mA” is stored as the current consumption value. In the case of the drive voltage “3.0V”, the drive voltage “3.0V” and the current consumption value at the drive voltage “3.0V” are stored as “150 mA”, and in the case of the drive voltage “2.7 V”, The drive voltage “2.7V” and the current consumption value at the drive voltage “2.7V” are stored as “170 mA”.

  As described above, with respect to the operating power required to execute each operation mode, the allowable power that is information on the power that can be supplied from the power supply unit 116 by storing a plurality of combinations as the driving voltage and the current consumption value. Depending on the conditions, it is possible to determine whether each operation mode can be executed by referring to the optimum drive voltage and current consumption value.

  Details of the packet definition table 205d, the message definition table 205e, and the operation ID definition table 205f will be described later.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the RAM 206 functions as a signal processing and system work area for the camera control CPU 204.

  The actuator 207 includes a drive motor (not shown) driven by the drive circuit 208, and the focus lens of the optical lens unit 201 is moved in the optical axis direction by the drive motor to change the focal position of the lens. And change the zoom magnification position. The actuator 207 drives a shutter device, a diaphragm device, a lens barrier (none of which is shown) of the optical lens unit 201, and the like. The drive circuit 208 drives the drive motor in accordance with a control signal input from the camera control CPU 204.

  The temperature detection unit 209 is configured with a sensor that uses a characteristic that the resistance value changes according to a change in temperature, and detects the ambient temperature of the camera module 200 in accordance with an instruction from the camera control CPU 204. The temperature detection unit 209 converts a resistance value indicating the internal temperature into a voltage value, and outputs the voltage value to the camera control CPU 204 to convert it into digital data. The temperature detection unit 209 is used not only for temperature compensation of the optical lens unit but also for detecting the use environment temperature of the power supply unit 116.

  When the module activation signal 303 is input from the main body control CPU 103, the power circuit 210 performs voltage conversion of power supplied from the power supply unit 116 and supplies power to the camera control CPU 204. In addition, the power supply circuit 210 is controlled by the camera control CPU 204. The power supply circuit 210 supplies power to each part of the camera module, for example, a partial power supply such as an image sensor or a flash circuit, or cuts off the power supply of the entire camera module. I do.

  The flash circuit 211 includes a voltage conversion circuit and the like, converts the voltage supplied from the power source into a high voltage by the voltage conversion circuit under the control of the camera control CPU 204, and accumulates electric charges in the capacitor 212. In addition, the flash circuit 211 discharges the electric charge accumulated in the capacitor 212 and causes the xenon tube 213 to emit light under the control of the camera control CPU 204. The capacitor 212 charges a charge necessary for causing the xenon tube 213 to emit light. The xenon tube 213 emits flash light when the electric charge charged in the capacitor 212 is discharged.

  The image transfer bus 301 has a parallel bus structure or a high-speed serial bus structure, and transfers the image data transmitted from the camera control CPU 204 to the main body control CPU 103. The command bus 302 is configured by serial communication such as UART and I2C, and transmits a command for a predetermined operation output from the main body control CPU 103 to the camera control CPU 204. Note that the instruction bus 302 is not limited to serial communication, and may be realized by sharing a register via, for example, a slave bus of the camera control CPU allocated on the address space of the main body control CPU 103.

  The module activation signal 303 is output from the general-purpose output terminal of the main body control CPU 103 to the power supply circuit 210. The power supply line 304 is a power supply line that connects the power supply unit 116 of the main unit 100 and the power supply circuit 210 of the camera module 200, and supplies power from the power supply unit 116 to the power supply circuit 210.

  Next, packet communication performed between the main unit 100 and the camera module 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state transition from a session start to a session end of packet communication performed between the main unit 100 and the camera module 200, and the main unit 100 acquires operating power information from the camera module 200. Session (a), the session (b) for transmitting the allowable operation set value set by the main unit 100 to the camera module 200 as the initial operation set value, and the main unit 100 set according to the estimated operable time of the rechargeable battery 116a In the session (c) for transmitting the allowable operation setting value to the camera module 200 again, similarly, an allowable power condition, which is information regarding the power that can be supplied to the camera module 200, is transmitted according to a change in the estimated operation possible time of the rechargeable battery 116a. Session (d) is shown.

  It is assumed that the main unit 100 has detected that the camera module 200 is operable by a packet (not shown) from the camera module 200 before the session start shown in FIG.

  First, session (a) will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the main unit 100 transmits a “Get Power Configuration” request packet to the camera module 200 in order to acquire operating power information in each operation mode of the camera module. The camera module 200 that has received the command transmits an “ACK” packet to the main unit 100 to notify that the command has been correctly received. If the command is not correctly received, a “NAK” packet is transmitted.

  Subsequently, when an “IN” packet for requesting reply data is transmitted from the main unit 100, the camera module 200 sets the operation power information for each operation mode according to the “IN” packet, for example, 8 bytes or 16 bytes. Transmit as an "IN DATA" packet composed of bytes.

  Subsequently, the main unit 100 determines the data capacity of the “IN DATA” packet with reference to the header portion of the “IN DATA” packet, and ends a series of sessions when a predetermined amount of data is received. Therefore, an “ACK” packet is transmitted to the camera module 200. Whether or not a predetermined amount of data has been normally received is determined by detecting the CRC value at the end of the “IN DATA” packet. That is, the main unit 100 determines whether or not the CRC value calculated from the acquired data and the CRC value at the end of the “IN DATA” packet match. As a result of the acquisition, a “NAK” packet is transmitted, and the camera module 200 is requested to retransmit data.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the data structure of the communication packet transmitted / received in the session (a) described above will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the communication packet D100. As shown in FIG. 8, the communication packet D100 includes a header part D101 and a data part D102. However, when the packet type is not “IN DATA” or “OUT DATA”, the communication packet D100 does not have the data part D102. It consists only of the header part D101.

  The header part D101 is composed of a plurality of fields, and is composed of “Frame ID Code”, “message Type”, “Length of Data”, “Header CRC”, and “Frame END Code”. “Frame ID Code” and “Frame END Code” stored at the beginning and end of the header part D101 are each assigned a unique code as 1-byte data depending on the type of the packet. The type of each packet and its corresponding code are stored in the packet definition tables 105e and 205d (see FIG. 9), and are commonly recognized between the main unit 100 and the camera module 200.

  A data configuration example of the packet definition tables 105e and 205d will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the packet definition tables 105e and 205d include “ACK”, “NAK”, “IN”, “OUT”, “Message”, “IN DATA”, “OUT DATA” as packet types. SID (Start ID) and EID (End ID) are defined as 1-byte data as codes corresponding to each packet type. For example, in the “ACK” packet, “0xF1” is defined as the SID and “0xFE” is defined as the EID, and the SID and EID have a pattern in which the lower 4 bit data is bit-inverted. By referring to the SID and EID, it is possible to determine whether or not a packet structure of a specific size is normally configured and transmitted between the main unit 100 and the camera module 200.

  Next, in the “Message Type” shown in FIG. 8, when the communication packet is a “Message” packet, a code indicating the type of the message is assigned as 1-byte data and stored. Each message type and its corresponding code are stored in the message definition tables 105f and 205e (see FIG. 10), and are commonly recognized between the main unit 100 and the camera module 200.

  A data configuration example of the message definition tables 105f and 205e will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, in the message definition tables 105f and 205e, various message types such as “Non message”, “Get Camera Version”, “...” Are stored as message types. “0x00”, “0x01”, “...” Are stored as corresponding codes. By referring to the message definition tables 105f and 205e, the main unit 100 and the camera module 200 can commonly recognize the message type according to the code stored in “MTYPE”.

  Returning to FIG. 8, “Length of Data” stores, for example, data indicating the data length of the data portion D102 following the header portion D101 when the communication packet is an “IN DATA” packet or an “OUT DATA” packet. The Further, “Header CRC” stores data indicating the CRC value of the header part D101 excluding “Header CRC”.

  Data portion D102 stores corresponding data when the packet type is “IN DATA” or “OUT DATA”. A data configuration example of the data part D201 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of “IN DATA (Config Options)” transmitted from the camera module 200 to the main unit 100. The header portion D101 has the same configuration as the header portion D101 described above, and therefore illustration and detailed description thereof are omitted. As shown in FIG. 11, the data part D102 is composed of a plurality of data D102a, data D102b,... For each operation mode, and a CRC value, which is data for checking, is added to the last part of the data part D102. . Each data D102a, data D102b,... Is composed of a plurality of fields, and the fields are “Ope #”, “Operation ID”, “Length”, “Voltage1”, “Current1”, “Voltage2”, “Current2”, "..." etc. are included.

  The data D102a will be specifically described as an example. In the data D102a, "Ope #" is started from the position of the offset 0 in the first data portion D102, and for example, 1-byte data that sequentially increases from "0x01" as the operation number is stored in "Ope #". .

  In addition, a unique code is assigned and stored in “Operation ID” as 2-byte data depending on the type of each operation mode. The type of each operation mode and the corresponding code are stored in the operation ID definition tables 105g and 205f (see FIG. 13), and are commonly recognized between the main unit 100 and the camera module 200.

  A data configuration example of the operation ID definition tables 105g and 205f will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, “Idle + Mess Communication”, “+ Flash charge”, “...”, Etc. are stored as operation mode types in the operation ID definition tables 105g and 205f. 16-bit data is stored as a corresponding code. By referring to the operation ID definition tables 105g and 205f, the main unit 100 and the camera module 200 can commonly recognize the type of each operation mode according to the code stored as “Operation ID”.

  Returning to FIG. 11, the data length is stored in “Length”, for example, the data length of the operation number “0x01” starting from the offset “0” is stored in units of 2 bytes. “Voltage1,” “Current1,” “Voltage2,” “Current2,” “...” stores operating power information. Specifically, for each operation mode, a combination of a drive voltage corresponding to the operation mode and a consumption current value necessary for the operation at the drive voltage is stored as power necessary for executing the operation mode. The operating voltage stores a value with 100 mV as one unit, and the current consumption value stores a value with 10 mA as one unit.

  For example, in a predetermined operation mode, when operating power is 150 mA for a 3 V supply voltage and 170 mA for a 2.7 V supply voltage, “0x1E (30 × 100 mV)” is stored in “Voltage1” “Current1” stores “0x0F (15 × 10 mA)”. “Voltage2” stores “0x1B (27 × 100 mV)”, and “Current2” stores “0x11 (17 × 10 mA)”.

  As described above, the camera module 200 transmits a combination of a plurality of drive voltages capable of executing the operation mode and current consumption values at the drive voltage to the main unit 100 as operation power information according to each operation mode. The main body unit 100 can appropriately select an operation mode that the camera module 200 can take based on the operation power information.

  The next data D102b is assumed to start “Ope #” from the offset position “(Length) × 2” using the value of “Length” of the data D102a. Since the data D102b is composed of each field in the same manner as the data D102a described above, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Next, session (b) shown in FIG. 7 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the main unit 100 transmits a “Set Enable Power Config” request packet to the camera module 200 in order to set an allowable operation setting value in each operation mode of the camera module 200. The camera module 200 that has received the command transmits an “ACK” packet to the main unit 100 to notify that the command has been correctly received. If the command is not correctly received, a “NAK” packet is transmitted.

  Subsequently, the main unit 100 transmits an “OUT” packet accompanied by output data, and subsequently transmits a series of “OUT DATA (Config Setting)” to the camera module 200. When the above-described camera module 200 correctly receives “OUT DATA”, it transmits an “ACK” packet to the main unit to notify that the command has been correctly received. If the command is not correctly received, a “NAK” packet is transmitted, and the main unit 100 is requested to retransmit the data.

  A communication packet transmitted and received in the session (b) described above will be described. The configuration of the data structure of the communication packet is the same as that of the communication packet shown in FIG. With reference to FIG. 12, the “OUT DATA” packet transmitted from the main unit 100 to the camera module 200 will be described. This “OUT DATA” packet is acceptable for the camera module 200 on the main unit 100 side in accordance with “IN DATA (Config option)” transmitted from the camera module 200 to the main unit 100 in the session (a) described above. Data sent to set the operation mode.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the data part D202 of the “OUT DATA (Config Seeting)” packet. The header portion D201 has the same configuration as the header portion D101 shown in FIG. 8 described above, and therefore illustration and detailed description thereof are omitted. As shown in FIG. 12, the data part D202 is composed of a plurality of data D202a, data D202b,... For each operation mode, and a CRC value as check data is added to the last part of the data D202. Each data D202a, data D202b,... Includes a plurality of fields, and includes “Ope #”, “Operation ID”, and “Status” as fields.

  The data 202a will be specifically described as an example. In the data 202a, “Ope #” starts from the position of offset 0 in the first data portion D202. In “Ope #”, the same operation number as the operation number corresponding to “Ope #” of “IN DATA (Config Option)” received from the camera module 200 is stored as 1-byte data. For example, “0x01” that is the same as the operation number stored in “Ope #” of data 102a is stored in “Ope #” of data 202a.

  In “Operation ID”, the same code as the code stored in “Operation ID” of the corresponding “IN DATA (Config Option)” is stored as 2-byte data. For example, the same code as the code stored in “Operation ID” of data 102a is stored in “Operation ID” of data 202a. In other words, “Ope #” and “Operation ID” of “OUT DATA (Config Seeting)” are the same as the codes stored in “Ope #” and “Operation ID” of the corresponding “IN DATA (Config Option)”. Is stored.

  Further, “Status” indicates an allowable operation indicating whether or not the camera module 200 can execute a predetermined operation at the current power supply capability for the operation mode defined by “Operation ID”. The set value is stored as 1-byte data. Specifically, “1” or “0” is stored in “Status” as an allowable operation setting value, “1” is a value allowed for the operation mode, and “0” is a prohibition of the operation mode. The value to be

  As described above, the camera module 200 can receive the allowable operation setting value set in the main unit 100 and allow or prohibit the execution of each operation mode in the camera module 200 based on the allowable operation setting value. That is, whether or not to execute each operation mode can be controlled according to the estimated operation possible time of the power supply unit 116 of the main unit 100.

  Next, sessions (c) and (d) shown in FIG. 7 will be described. Sessions (c) and (d) are sessions that are appropriately started by the main body control CPU 103 in accordance with the status of the power supply unit 116 of the main body unit 100. Here, the session (c) is a session started from the main unit 100 in order to reset the allowable operation setting value in the camera module 200 in accordance with a decrease in the estimated operation possible time of the rechargeable battery 116a. The session (d) is a session for setting an allowable power condition in the camera module 200 as power that can be supplied to the camera module 200 instead of the allowable operation setting value. Since sessions (c) and (d) are substantially the same session, session (c) will be described below as a representative.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the main unit 100 transmits a “Set Enable Power Config” request packet to the camera module 200 in order to set an allowable operation setting value according to the estimated operation possible time of the rechargeable battery 116 a. The camera module 200 that has received the command transmits an “ACK” packet to the main unit 100 to notify that the command has been correctly received. If the command is not correctly received, a “NAK” packet is transmitted.

  Subsequently, the main unit 100 transmits an “OUT” packet accompanied by output data, and subsequently transmits a series of “OUT DATA (Config Setting)” to the camera module 200. When the above-described camera module 200 correctly receives “OUT DATA”, it transmits an “ACK” packet to the main unit to notify that the command has been correctly received. If the command is not correctly received, a “NAK” packet is transmitted, and the main unit 100 is requested to retransmit the data.

  Note that the communication packet transmitted in the above-described session (c) has substantially the same configuration as the communication packet transmitted in the above-described session (b), and thus illustration and detailed description thereof are omitted.

  A communication packet transmitted in the session (d) will be described. The configuration of the data structure of the communication packet is the same as that of the communication packet shown in FIG. With reference to FIG. 13, the “OUT DATA” packet transmitted from the main unit 100 to the camera module 200 will be described. This “OUT DATA” packet is data for setting an allowable power condition as power that can be supplied to the camera module 200 by the main unit 100.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the data portion D302 of the “OUT DATA (Config Seeting)” packet. Note that the header portion D301 has the same configuration as the header portion D101 described above, and thus illustration and detailed description thereof are omitted. As shown in FIG. 13, the data part D302 is composed of a plurality of fields, and a CRC value, which is data for checking, is added to the last part of the data D302. The fields include “Ope #”, “Operation ID”, “Present Voltage”, “Source Current”, and “Source Voltage”.

  Specifically, “Ope #” is started from the position of offset 0 in the data part 302, and 1 byte data of “0x01” is stored in “Ope #”, for example, as the operation number. In “Operation ID”, a code indicating a mode for setting an allowable power condition is assigned and stored as 2-byte data. For example, “0x8000” is stored in “Operation ID”. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13, when setting the allowable operation setting value, the value of the 16th bit of “Operation ID” is “0”, but when setting the allowable power condition, “Operation ID” Since the value of the 16th bit is “1”, it is possible to reliably detect that the mode is a mode for setting an allowable power condition.

  “Present Voltage”, “Source Current”, and “Source Voltage” store allowable power conditions. Specifically, the “Present Voltage” stores the current power supply voltage at the power supply end for the camera module 200. “Source Current” stores the maximum current value allowed for the camera module 200, and “Source Voltage” supplies power to the camera module 200 after subtracting a voltage drop assumed when the maximum current value is supplied. The power supply voltage at the end is stored.

  As described above, the operation is performed for each operation mode based on the allowable power condition transmitted from the main unit 100, the minimum required operation voltage stored in the operation power information table 205c, and the current value at the operation voltage. An accumulation limit value is set, and the camera module 200 determines an executable operation mode based on the operation accumulation limit value. Each operation mode is executed in response to an operation mode execution request from the main unit 100.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
The transition state of the camera module 200 will be described as a premise of the operation description. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the transition state of the camera module 200. As shown in FIG. 15, when power is supplied from the main unit 100 in the power OFF state A100 in which power is not supplied from the main unit 100, the camera module 200 executes an initialization operation and performs a standby state A101. State transition to.

  When receiving a state transition command from the main unit 100 to the preview state in the standby state, the camera module 200 makes a state transition to the preview state A102. In this preview state A102, it is possible to perform various setting processes and various operation modes according to the user input while viewing the preview image. When a still image shooting instruction is input after various setting processes are performed in the preview state A102, the camera module 200 uses the still image shooting state as a state transition command to the still image shooting state. The state transitions to the shooting state A103, and the still image shooting mode is executed. On the other hand, when a moving image shooting instruction is input in the preview state A102, the camera module 200 changes the state from the preview state A102 to the moving image shooting state S104 using this as a state transition command to the moving image shooting state. Execute.

  In each transition state, when a shutdown request, which is a power shutdown command, is received from the main unit 100, the state transitions to a mechanism retreat state A105 in which each mechanism unit is retreated to a predetermined retraction position as a power shutdown preparation process. In the mechanism retreat state A105, after the retreat process of each mechanism unit is completed, the power supply to the camera module 200 is interrupted, and the state transitions to the power supply off state A100.

  Note that state transition between the standby state A101, the still image capturing state A103, and the moving image capturing state A104 is prohibited, and the state transitions to each transition state via the preview state A102. Although not shown, if an error occurs in the standby state A101, the preview state A102, the still image shooting state A103, and the moving image shooting state A104, the state transitions to the error state, and when the error is resolved, Transition to a state.

Next, the operation of the mobile phone 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, the operation of the main unit 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the external power flash charging process executed by the main body control CPU 103 when the power supply unit 116 supplies power from an external power supply via the AC adapter.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the main body control CPU 103 detects whether or not the power supply unit 116 is connected to an external power source, and determines whether or not power is being supplied from the external power source via the AC adapter 116b (step). S1). Here, when the power supply unit 116 does not receive power supply from the external power supply (step S1; NO), the external power supply flash charging process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the power supply unit 116 receives power supply from the external power supply (step S1; YES), the main body control DPU 103 is in a state where the camera module 200 is already in use, that is, the camera module is It is determined whether or not it has been activated (step S2). Here, when the camera module is activated and in use (step S2; YES), since the flash charging has already been performed, the flash charging process at the time of external power supply is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the camera module 200 is not in use (step S2; NO), that is, when the camera module 200 is not activated, the main body control CPU 103 outputs a module activation signal to the power supply unit 116, and the camera The module 200 is started to supply power, and the camera module 200 is activated (step S3). Subsequently, the main body control CPU 103 establishes communication with the camera module 200 (step S4), transmits an allowable operation setting value, and sets permission of the flash charging mode (step S5).

  Here, establishment of communication with the camera module 200 is to start the session shown in FIG. 7, and permission for the flash charging mode is transmitted in a communication packet transmitted and received in the session. Specifically, the main body control CPU 103 transmits a “Set Enable Power Config” request packet in which “0x06” is stored in the “Message Type” of the communication packet shown in FIG. 7, and sets permission of the flash charging mode.

  Subsequently, the main body control CPU 103 transmits a charge start command to the camera module 200. Specifically, a “Set Enable Flash Charge” request packet storing “0x0A” in “Message Type” of the communication packet shown in FIG.

  Further, the main body control CPU 103 detects the charging state of the capacitor 212 from the camera module 200 (step S7), and determines whether or not the charging is completed (step S8). Specifically, a “Get Camera Status” request packet storing “0x03” in the “Message Type” of the communication packet shown in FIG. 7 is transmitted, the charging state of the capacitor 212 is received from the camera module 200, and charging is completed. Determine presence or absence.

  Here, when the charging of the capacitor 212 is not completed (step S8; NO), the process proceeds to step S7. On the other hand, when the charging of the capacitor 212 is completed (step S8; YES), the main body control CPU 103 transmits a shutdown request, which is a power shutdown command, to the camera module 200 (step S9), and performs this external power supply flash charging process. finish. Specifically, a “Set Camera Shutdown” request packet in which “0x04” is stored in “Message Type” of the communication packet shown in FIG. 7 is transmitted, and the power supply to the camera module 200 is shut off.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 17, a power supply process executed when the power supply unit 116 supplies power from the rechargeable battery 116a will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing power supply processing executed by the main body control CPU 103. As shown in FIG. 17, the main body control CPU 103 refers to the power supply condition table 105c of the FROM 105, acquires the minimum operating power required to start and control the camera module 200, and sets this as a reference value. (Step S11).

  Next, the main body control CPU 103 sets, as a reference value, the minimum operation power required for causing the camera module 200 to execute each operation mode while maintaining the operation time of the mobile phone 1 (step S12). Subsequently, the main body control CPU 103 monitors the power supply status of the power supply unit 116 and calculates the estimated operable time of the rechargeable battery 116a (step S13).

  Here, calculation of the estimated operable time of the rechargeable battery 116a will be described. First, the remaining battery level is calculated from the power supply voltage at the power supply end of the rechargeable battery 116a, and the remaining battery level is corrected based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 209 of the camera module 200. This is because the amount of current consumption changes according to the use environment temperature of the battery. As the use environment temperature decreases, the amount of chemical activity of the battery decreases, and the capacitor capacity on the equivalent circuit in FIG. As the component decreases, the resistance component increases. Therefore, even if the current consumption is the same, the voltage between the terminals decreases, resulting in a decrease in the remaining energy. Therefore, the accurate remaining battery level of the rechargeable battery 116a is calculated by correcting the remaining battery level calculated from the actually measured power supply voltage at the power supply end based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 209. can do.

  Next, based on the battery voltage-storage capacity curve 105c stored in the FROM 105, when the newly requested drive mode is executed from the above-described state of the remaining battery level, an assumed voltage drop is calculated to detect the detected temperature. Correct based on Then, the estimated operable time of the rechargeable battery 116a is calculated by subtracting this assumed voltage drop from the current remaining battery level.

  Subsequently, the main body control CPU 103 determines whether or not the camera module can be activated based on the reference value set in step S12 and the power supply status of the power supply unit 116 (step S14). Here, when it is determined that the camera module 200 cannot be activated (step S14; NO), the main body control CPU 103 outputs a warning from the display unit 113 or the speaker 115a to indicate that the camera module 200 cannot be activated to the user. Notification is made (step S15). And this power supply process is complete | finished.

  On the other hand, when the camera module 200 can be activated (step S14; YES), the main body control CPU 103 outputs a module activation signal to the power supply unit 116 to start the power supply to the camera module 200 and activate it. (Step S16). Then, the main body control CPU 103 establishes communication with the camera module 200 (step S17), starts the session (a) shown in FIG. 7, and receives operating power information from the camera module (step S18).

  Subsequently, the main body control CPU 103 receives the presence / absence of connection to the external power supply from the power supply unit 116, and determines whether or not the power supply is received from the external power supply via the AC adapter 116b (step S19). Here, when the power supply unit 116 is supplied with power from the external power supply (step S19; YES), sufficient power supply is received from the AC adapter, so that the allowable operation set values in all operation modes are permitted. It is set and transmitted to the camera module 200 (step S20). Then, the process proceeds to step S27.

  On the other hand, when the power supply unit 116 is not receiving power supply from the external power supply (step S19; NO), the main body control CPU 103 confirms the operation mode instructed by the user (step S21). Then, the main body control CPU 103 determines whether or not the operation mode designated by the user can be executed based on the reference value set in step S12 and the operating power information received from the camera module 200 (step S22).

  If the operation mode designated by the user can be executed (step S22; YES), the process proceeds to step S27. On the other hand, when the operation mode designated by the user is not executable (step S22; NO), the main body control CPU 103 outputs a warning to the display unit 113 to shorten the operation time of the mobile phone 1 (step S23). . Next, it is determined whether or not an instruction to shorten the time is input from the user (step S24). When an instruction to shorten the operation time is input (step S23; YES), the power supply status of the power supply unit 116 is determined. Monitoring is performed to calculate an estimated operable time of the rechargeable battery 116a when the operation time of the mobile phone 1 is shortened in order to execute the desired operation mode (step S25).

Then, the main body control CPU 103 sets, as a reference value, the minimum operating power required to execute each operation mode based on the calculated estimated operation possible time (step S26). It is assumed that a warning is output as to whether or not to shorten the next mobile phone operation time based on the reference value set here. That is, it is possible to change the reference value as appropriate and output a warning to the user step by step at an optimal timing.

  Furthermore, the main body control CPU 103 sets an allowable operation setting value for each operation mode based on the set reference value and operating power information, starts a session (c) shown in FIG. The set value is transmitted to the camera module 200 (step S27).

  On the other hand, when an instruction not to shorten the operation time of the mobile phone 1 is input in step S24 (step S24; NO), an instruction as to whether or not to continue the operation within the possible range of the camera module 200 is input. This is discriminated (step S31). When the operation is continued within the possible range of the camera module 200 (step S31; YES), the main body control CPU 103 starts the session (d) shown in FIG. 7 and transmits the allowable power condition to the camera module 200 (step). S32).

  Subsequently, the main body control CPU 103 executes the shooting process by executing the operation mode instructed by the user (step S28). Further, it is determined whether or not the camera module 200 is continuously operated (step S29). When the camera module 200 is continuously operated (step S29; YES), the current power supply status of the power supply unit 116 is monitored, The estimated operation possible time of the rechargeable battery 116a is calculated (step S30). And it transfers to step S19 and repeats the process mentioned above.

  On the other hand, when the camera module 200 is not operated continuously (step S29; NO), the main body control CPU 103 outputs a warning to the display unit 113 that the power of the camera module 200 is cut off (step S33). ). The main body control CPU 103 transmits a shutdown request, which is a power shutdown command, to the camera module 200 to shut off the power supply to the camera module 200 (step S34). And this power supply process is complete | finished.

  In step S31, when the operation of the camera module 200 is not continued as long as possible (step S32; NO), the main body control CPU 103 outputs a warning to the display unit 113 that the power of the camera module 200 is shut off (step S31). Step S33). The main body control CPU 103 transmits a shutdown request, which is a power shutdown command, to the camera module 200 to shut off the power supply to the camera module 200 (step S34). And this power supply process is complete | finished.

  Next, the operation of the camera module 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating main processing executed by the camera control CPU 204 of the camera module 200. As shown in FIG. 18, when the supply of power from the power supply unit 116 is started and the camera module 200 is activated, the camera control CPU 204 initializes hardware (step S41) as an initialization process at the time of activation. After holding the power holding output ON (step S42), status initialization (step S43), error initialization (step S44), and clearing the mechanism initialization flag (step S45), state transition is made to the standby state (step S45). S46).

  Subsequently, the camera control CPU 204 establishes communication with the main unit 100 (step S47), and determines whether a request packet is received from the main unit 100 (step S48). When a request packet is received from the main unit 100 (step S48; YES), the received request packet command is analyzed (step S49).

  If the received request is an operating power information request (step S50; YES), the camera control CPU 204 transmits the operating power information to the main unit 100 (step S57). If the received request is an allowable operation setting value request (step S51; YES), the camera control CPU 204 subsequently determines whether or not the received request is an allowable power condition setting request (step S58). . If the request is an allowable power condition setting request (step S58; YES), the camera control CPU 204 sets an operation integration limit value corresponding to the allowable power condition included in the received request (step S59).

  Here, the operation integration limit value is a value set based on the allowable power condition and the operation power information table 205 c stored in the ROM 205. Specifically, based on the allowable power condition received from the main unit 100, each operating voltage stored in the operating power information table 205c, and the current consumption value at that operating voltage, the minimum required operating voltage and its The current consumption value at the operating voltage is set.

  On the other hand, when the received request is an allowable operation setting value request (step S58; NO), the camera control CPU 204 prohibits the operation mode that is prohibited based on the allowable operation setting value included in the received request. Setting is performed (step S60). Alternatively, when the received request is an operation mode execution request (step S51; NO), the camera control PCU 204 performs an operation mode execution process described later (step S52).

  The operation mode execution process will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 23 are flowcharts respectively showing a part of the operation mode execution process which is a subroutine of the main process.

  First, as shown in FIG. 19, the camera control CPU 204 determines whether or not the received request is a flash charge mode request (step S71), and if it is a flash charge mode request (step S71; YES), the camera The control CPU 204 checks the current operation state of the camera module 200 (step S72).

  When the current operation state is the standby state or the preview state (step S73; YES), the camera control CPU 204 checks whether or not the flash charging mode is permitted based on the allowable operation setting value (step S74). . When the flash charging mode is permitted (step S75; YES), the camera control CPU 204 executes the flash charging mode (step S79). When the flash charging is completed, a flash charging completion notification is transmitted to the main unit 100 (step S80), the operation mode execution process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the main process.

  On the other hand, when the flash charge mode is not set to the allowable operation set value (step S75; NO), the camera control CPU 204 checks the operation integration limit value (step S77) and determines whether or not the flash charge mode can be executed. Is determined (step S78). If the flash charging mode can be executed (step S78; YES), the camera control CPU 204 proceeds to step S79 and executes the flash charging mode.

  If the flash charge mode cannot be executed due to the operation integration limit value (step S78; NO), the camera control CPU 204 determines that the request process is impossible and sets the state of the camera module 200 to an error state (step S81). Then, an error interrupt packet (for example, a communication packet in which “MTYPE” is “0xFE” as shown in FIG. 10) is transmitted to the main unit 100 (step S82), this operation mode execution process is terminated, and the main process Migrate to

  If the current operation state is not the standby state or the preview state in step S73 (step S73; NO), the camera control CPU 204 determines that the request is abnormal and sets the state of the camera module 200 to an error state (step S75). ). Then, an error interrupt packet (for example, a communication packet in which “MTYPE” is “0xFE” as shown in FIG. 10) is transmitted to the main unit 100 (step S82), this operation mode execution process is terminated, and the main process Migrate to

  Next, returning to step S71, if the received request is not in the flash charging mode (step S71; NO), the camera control CPU 204 checks the mechanism initialization flag (step S83). If the mechanism has not been initialized (step S84; NO), the camera control CPU 204 checks the permitted operation mode based on the permitted operation setting value (step S85). Then, it is determined whether or not the mechanism initialization mode is permitted (step S86). If the mechanism initialization mode is permitted (step S86; YES), the camera control CPU 204 performs mechanism initialization (step S86). S89). Further, when the mechanism initialization is completed, a mechanism initialization flag is set (step S90), and the process proceeds to step S93.

  On the other hand, when the mechanism initialization mode is not set to the allowable operation setting value (step S86; NO), the camera control CPU 204 checks the operation integration limit value (step S87) and can execute the mechanism initialization mode. Whether or not (step S88). If the mechanism initialization mode can be executed (step S88; YES), the camera control CPU 204 proceeds to step S89 and performs mechanism initialization.

  If the mechanism initialization cannot be executed due to the operation integration limit value (step S88; NO), the camera control CPU 204 determines that the initialization is impossible and sets the state of the camera module 200 to an error state (step S91). Then, an error interrupt packet (for example, a communication packet in which “MTYPE” is “0xFE” as shown in FIG. 10) is transmitted to the main unit 100 (step S92), the operation mode execution process is terminated, and the main process Migrate to

  Next, returning to step S84, the case where the mechanism has been initialized (step S83; YES) will be described with reference to FIG. When the mechanism has been initialized (step S83; YES), the process proceeds to (A) shown in FIG. 20, and the camera control CPU 204 determines whether or not the received request is an optical zoom mode request (step S93). . If it is an optical zoom mode request (step S93; YES), the camera control CPU 204 checks the current operation state (step S94).

  Here, when the current operation state is the preview state (step S95), the camera control CPU 204 checks the mechanism initialization flag (step S96) and determines whether or not the mechanism has been initialized (step S96). S97). If the mechanism has been initialized (step S97; YES), the camera control CPU 204 checks the permitted operation mode based on the permitted operation setting value (step S98). Then, it is determined whether or not the optical zoom mode is allowed (step S99). If the optical zoom mode is allowed (step S99; YES), the camera control CPU 204 executes the optical zoom mode (step S102). ). Further, the zoom position information after execution of the optical zoom is updated (step S103), an optical zoom request completion notification is transmitted to the main unit 100 (step S104), the operation mode execution process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the main process. .

  On the other hand, when the optical zoom mode is not set to the allowable operation set value (step S99; NO), the camera control CPU 204 checks the operation integration limit value (step S100) and determines whether the optical zoom mode can be executed. Is determined (step S101). If the optical zoom mode can be executed (step S101; YES), the camera control CPU 204 proceeds to step S102 and executes the optical zoom mode.

  If the optical zoom mode is not executable due to the operation integration limit value (step S101; NO), the camera control CPU 204 determines that the request process is impossible and sets the state of the camera module 200 to an error state (step S106). Then, an error interrupt packet (for example, a communication packet in which “MTYPE” is “0xFE” as shown in FIG. 10) is transmitted to the main unit 100 (step S107), the operation mode execution process is terminated, and the main process Migrate to

  In step S95, when the current operation state is not the preview state (step S95; NO), the camera control CPU 204 determines that the request is abnormal and sets the state of the camera module 200 to an error state (step S105). Then, an error interrupt packet (for example, a communication packet in which “MTYPE” is “0xFE” as shown in FIG. 10) is transmitted to the main unit 100 (step S107), the operation mode execution process is terminated, and the main process Migrate to

  Next, returning to step S93, the case where the received request is not an optical zoom mode request (step S93; NO) will be described with reference to FIG. If the received request is not an optical zoom mode request (step S93; NO), the camera control CPU 204 proceeds to (B) shown in FIG. 21, and determines whether or not the received request is an electronic zoom mode request. (Step S111). If it is an electronic zoom mode request (step S111; YES), the camera control CPU 204 checks the current operation state (step S112).

  If the current operation state is the preview state (step S113; YES), the camera control CPU 204 checks the permitted operation mode based on the allowable operation setting value (step S114). Then, it is determined whether or not the electronic zoom mode is allowed (step S115). If the electronic zoom mode is allowed (step S115; YES), the camera control CPU 204 executes the electronic zoom mode (step S118). ). Then, the electronic zoom execution of the camera status is updated (step S119), an electronic zoom request completion notification is transmitted to the main unit 100 (step S120), the operation mode execution process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the main process.

  On the other hand, when the electronic zoom mode is not set to the allowable operation set value (step S115; NO), the camera control CPU 204 checks the operation integration limit value (step S116) and determines whether the electronic zoom mode can be executed. Is determined (step S117). If the electronic zoom mode can be executed (step S117; YES), the camera control CPU 204 proceeds to step S118 and executes the electronic zoom mode.

  If the electronic zoom mode is not executable due to the operation integration limit value (step S117; NO), the camera control CPU 204 determines that the request processing is impossible and sets the state of the camera module 200 to an error state (step S122). Then, an error interrupt packet (for example, a communication packet in which “MTYPE” is “0xFE” as shown in FIG. 10) is transmitted to the main unit 100 (step S123), the operation mode execution process is terminated, and the main process Migrate to

  If the current operation state is not the preview state in step S113 (step S113; NO), the camera control CPU 204 determines that the request is abnormal and sets the state of the camera module 200 to an error state (step S121). Then, an error interrupt packet (for example, a communication packet in which “MTYPE” is “0xFE” as shown in FIG. 10) is transmitted to the main unit 100 (step S123), the operation mode execution process is terminated, and the main process Migrate to

  In step S111, if the received request is not an electronic zoom mode request (step S111; NO), the camera control CPU 204 determines whether or not the received request is a request for changing the operation state of the camera module 200 ( Step S124). If it is an operation state change request (step S124; YES), the camera control CPU 204 checks the current operation state (step S125) and determines whether or not it is possible to transition to the requested operation state (step S125). Step S126).

  If it is not possible to transition to the requested operation state (step S126; NO), the camera control CPU 204 determines that the request is abnormal and sets the state of the camera module 200 to an error state (step S130). Then, an error interrupt packet (for example, a communication packet in which “MTYPE” is “0xFE” as shown in FIG. 10) is transmitted to the main unit 100 (step S131), this operation mode execution process is terminated, and the main process Migrate to

  Next, returning to step S124, if the received request is not an operation state change request (step S124; NO), or if it is possible to transition to the requested operation state (step S126; YES), the requested operation is performed. The case where the state is the standby state (step S127; YES) and the case where the state is the preview state (step S128; YES) will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when the received request is not an operation state change request (step S124; NO), the camera control CPU 204 proceeds to (C) shown in FIG. 22 and executes another operation mode (step S151). The operation mode execution process ends, and the process proceeds to the main process.

  If the requested operation state is the standby state (step S127; YES), the process proceeds to (D) shown in FIG. 22, the operation state is changed to the standby state (step S152), and the main body unit 100 completes the request. A notification is transmitted (step S153). Then, the camera control CPU 204 ends the operation mode execution process and proceeds to the main process.

  If the requested operation state is the preview state (step S128; YES), the process proceeds to (E) shown in FIG. 22, and the permitted operation mode is checked based on the permitted operation setting value (step S154). ). Then, it is determined whether or not the preview mode is allowed (step S155). If the preview mode is allowed (step S155; YES), the camera control CPU 204 changes the operation state to the preview state (step S158). ). Further, a request completion notification is transmitted to the main unit 100 (step S159), the operation mode execution process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the main process.

  On the other hand, when the preview mode is not set to the allowable operation setting value (step S155; NO), the camera control CPU 204 checks the operation integration limit value (step S156, determines whether the preview mode is executable). If the preview mode can be executed (step S157; YES), the camera control CPU 204 proceeds to step S158 and changes the operation state to the preview state.

  If the preview mode cannot be executed due to the operation integration limit value (step S157; NO), the camera control CPU 204 determines that the request processing is impossible and sets the state of the camera module 200 to an error state (step S160). Then, an error interrupt packet (for example, a communication packet in which “MTYPE” is “0xFE” as shown in FIG. 10) is transmitted to the main unit 100 (step S161), the operation mode execution process is terminated, and the main process Migrate to

  Next, returning to step S126, when it is possible to transition to the requested operation state (step S126; YES), when the requested operation state is a still image shooting state (step S129; YES), and the requested operation. A case where the state is not a still image shooting state (step S129; NO) will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the requested operation state is the still image shooting state (step S129; YES), the camera control CPU 204 proceeds to (F) shown in FIG. 23 and allows the permitted operation based on the allowable operation setting value. The mode is checked (step S132). Then, it is determined whether or not the still image shooting mode is allowed (step S133). If the still image shooting mode is allowed (step S133; YES), the camera control CPU 204 allows the continuous shooting mode. It is determined whether or not (step S134).

  If the continuous shooting mode is permitted (step S134; YES), the camera control CPU 204 sets the still image shooting state in the continuous shooting mode (step S136), and transmits a request completion notification to the main unit 100 (step S136). Step S137). Then, the still image shooting process is executed (step S138), the operation mode execution process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the main process.

  On the other hand, when the continuous shooting mode is not set to the allowable operation setting value (step S134; NO), the camera control CPU 204 sets the still image shooting state in the single shooting mode (step S135), and the main unit 100 is set. A request completion notification is transmitted (step S137). Then, the still image shooting process is executed (step S138), the operation mode execution process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the main process.

  If the still image shooting mode is not set to the allowable operation setting value in step S133 (step S133; NO), the camera control CPU 204 checks the operation integration limit value (step S139), and the still image shooting mode is set. It is determined whether or not execution is possible (step S140). If the still image shooting mode can be executed (step S140; YES), the camera control CPU 204 determines whether or not the continuous shooting mode can be executed based on the operation integration limit value (step S140). S141).

  If the continuous shooting mode is not executable (step S141; NO), the camera control CPU 204 proceeds to step S135 and sets the still image shooting state in the single shooting mode (step S135). If the continuous shooting mode can be executed (step S141; YES), the camera control CPU 204 proceeds to step S136 and sets the still image shooting state in the continuous shooting mode.

  On the other hand, when the still image shooting mode is not executable based on the operation integration limit value (step S140; NO), the camera control CPU 204 determines that the request processing is impossible and sets the state of the camera module 200 to an error state (step S140). S142). Then, an error interrupt packet (for example, a communication packet in which “MTYPE” is “0xFE” as shown in FIG. 10) is transmitted to the main unit 100 (step S143), this operation mode execution process is terminated, and the main process Migrate to

  If the requested operation state is not the still image shooting state (step S129; YES), the camera control CPU 204 determines that the requested operation state is the moving image shooting state, and displays (G) in FIG. The process proceeds to check the operation mode allowed based on the allowable operation set value (step S162). Then, it is determined whether or not the moving image shooting mode is permitted (step S163). If the moving image shooting mode is permitted (step S163; YES), the camera control CPU 204 changes the operation state to the moving image shooting state. (Step S166). Further, the camera control CPU 204 transmits a request completion notification to the main unit 100 (step S167), and executes a moving image shooting process (step S168). Then, the camera control CPU 204 ends the operation mode execution process and proceeds to the main process.

  On the other hand, when the moving image shooting mode is not set to the allowable operation setting value (step S163; NO), the camera control CPU 204 checks the operation integration limit value (step S164) and determines whether or not the moving image shooting mode can be executed. Is determined (step S165). Here, when the moving image shooting mode can be executed (step S165; YES), the camera control CPU 204 proceeds to step S166 and changes the operation state to the moving image shooting state.

  If the moving image shooting mode cannot be executed due to the operation integration limit value (step S165; NO), the camera control CPU 204 determines that the request processing is impossible and sets the state of the camera module 200 to an error state (step S169). Then, an error interrupt packet (for example, a communication packet in which “MTYPE” is “0xFE” as shown in FIG. 10) is transmitted to the main unit 100 (step S170), the operation mode execution process is terminated, and the main process Migrate to

  When the operation mode execution process described above is completed, the camera control CPU 204 returns to the main process (step S53 in FIG. 18) and determines whether or not a shutdown request, which is a power-off command, has been received from the main unit 100 (step S53). ). When the shutdown request has not been received (step S53; NO), the process proceeds to step S48, and the above-described processing is repeatedly executed.

  On the other hand, when a shutdown request is received (step S53; YES), the camera control CPU 204 executes a predetermined mechanism unit saving process (step S54), and transmits a shutdown completion notification to the main unit 100 (step S55). Then, the power holding output is turned off (step S56), the power supply to the camera module 200 is cut off, and the main process is terminated.

  As described above, the mobile phone 1 according to the present embodiment includes the main unit 100 that supplies power to the camera module 200 and the camera module 200 that executes a plurality of operation modes. The main unit 100 includes the camera module 200. The operation power information is received as information related to the power required to execute each operation mode, and the estimated operation possible time of the rechargeable battery 116a is calculated. Then, based on the operating power information and the estimated operation possible time, an operation mode allowed to be executed in the camera module 200 is set as an allowable operation setting value, and this is transmitted to the camera module 200. The camera module 200 receives the allowable operation setting value for each operation mode from the main unit 100, determines whether or not the operation mode instructed by the user is executable based on the allowable operation setting value, Controls whether the operation mode can be executed.

  As a result, the operation mode executable by the camera module 200 can be grasped and set in detail by the main unit 100. That is, since the operation power information stores a plurality of combinations of the drive voltage and the current consumption value at the drive voltage as the operation power necessary for executing each operation mode, the remaining battery level of the rechargeable battery 116a is stored. That is, according to the estimated operation possible time of the rechargeable battery 116a, an appropriate drive voltage and a current consumption value at the drive voltage can be selected to determine whether or not the operation mode can be executed. .

  That is, the main unit 100 can accurately grasp the operation modes that can be executed by the camera module 200 and can set an allowable operation setting value for each operation mode, such as continuing or stopping power supply to the conventional camera module. Appropriate control can be performed according to the estimated operation possible time as well as alternative control. Thereby, it is possible to extend the operable time of the camera module 200 by effectively using the remaining battery capacity of the downsized rechargeable battery 116a.

  Further, the main unit 100 determines whether or not the operation mode instructed by the user can be executed based on the operation mode allowable reference value. If the operation mode cannot be executed, the operation time of the mobile phone 1 is shortened. When the instruction to shorten the operation time of the mobile phone 1 is input, the estimated operation possible time is calculated from the power supply status of the power supply unit 116, and based on the calculated estimated operation possible time, Reset the allowable operation set value for each operation mode.

  Thereby, for example, when the estimated operation possible time becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, it is possible to perform control such as prohibiting execution of a given operation mode, and the operation according to the power supply status of the power supply unit 116. Whether or not the mode can be executed can be appropriately controlled. In addition, when the warning which shortens the operating time of the mobile telephone 1 is output, the structure which enables designation | designated by a user directly inputting the operation mode which prohibits execution may be sufficient.

  Further, when a warning for shortening the operation time of the mobile phone 1 is output, the operation time of the mobile phone 1 is not shortened, and an instruction to continue the operation within the possible range of the camera module is not input, the power supply to the camera module 200 Since the supply is cut off, flexible power cut-off control according to a user instruction can be performed.

  Further, when the estimated operation possible time is calculated, the estimated operation possible time is corrected based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 209 provided in the camera module 200. Accordingly, it is possible to calculate an accurate estimated operation possible time. Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately control the operation mode executable in the camera module 200 based on the accurate estimated operation possible time. Moreover, since the temperature detection unit 209 is also used as a temperature detection unit for performing temperature compensation of the optical lens unit 201, the number of components can be reduced, and the cost and size of the mobile phone 1 can be reduced. .

  Alternatively, when the current ambient temperature is in a temperature range that is not suitable for the mechanism operation of the camera module, it may be used to shut down the operation of the camera module itself.

  Further, the main unit 100 transmits an allowable power condition in which an allowable power condition is set for the camera module 200 based on the remaining battery level of the power supply unit 116. The camera module 200 receives the allowable power condition, and can execute an operation based on the allowable power condition, the minimum required operating voltage stored in the operating power information table 205c, and the current value at the operating voltage. The mode is discriminated and whether or not the operation mode can be executed is controlled.

  Thereby, the control of whether or not the operation mode in the camera module 200 can be executed, which has been performed on the main body unit 100 side, can be performed on the camera module 200 side, and the control load on the main body unit can be reduced. In other words, since the camera module 200 can determine the operation mode operable within the range given as the allowable operation condition and can control the execution of the operation mode, the camera module 200 appropriately sets its own operation state. It is possible to grasp the power supply control. In addition, a desired operation mode can be preferentially executed while saving power.

  In particular, in the high-performance and multi-model camera module 200, the camera module 200 controls whether or not the operation mode can be executed based on the allowable power condition, so that the mobile phone 1 can be processed at a high speed. Cost reduction can be realized. Alternatively, since the session relating to the power control of the operation mode of the camera module can be reduced between the main unit 100 and the camera module 200, the communication load between the main unit 100 and the camera module 200 can be reduced.

  The power supply unit 116 that supplies power to each unit of the mobile phone 1 includes a rechargeable battery 116a and an AC adapter 116b, and selectively supplies power from an external power supply connected via the rechargeable battery 116a or the AC adapter. To do. The camera module is controlled in accordance with the power supply status of the power supply unit 116 by executing different power control processes depending on whether power is supplied from the rechargeable battery 116a or external power. be able to.

  For example, when power is supplied from an external power supply via the AC adapter 116b, the power supply from the external power supply is started and the capacitor 212 is charged in advance for flash emission, so that the flash after activation at the time of shooting is started. No waiting time for charging is required. Thereby, flash photography can be performed without missing a good photography opportunity.

  In addition, the camera module 200 transitions between a plurality of operation states, and the operation modes that can be executed according to each operation state are limited. For example, since the execution of the optical zoom mode is prohibited when the operation state of the camera module 200 is the preview state, it is possible to prevent troubles such as the optical zoom being driven by an erroneous operation in the preview state and damage of the lens or the like.

  Further, in order to permit execution of the flash charging mode when the operation state of the camera module 200 is a standby state or a preview state, for example, an operation mode in which a large current consumption value such as a still image shooting mode or a moving image shooting mode is expected. When the flash charging mode is executed in an operation state in which is not executed, a rapid voltage drop in the rechargeable battery 116a can be prevented.

  In addition, the main unit 100 supplies power to the camera module 200 from the power supply unit 116 to activate the camera module 200 in hardware, and when a power-off command is instructed, the main unit 100 performs a predetermined retraction to the camera module 200. After the processing is executed, the power supply is shut off. Thereby, each mechanism part with which the camera module 200 is equipped can be stored to a retraction position with little possibility of damage, a power supply can be interrupted | blocked, and damage to each mechanism part can be prevented.

  Further, the rechargeable battery 116a is provided with a battery cover for covering the rechargeable battery 116a, and a battery cover switch for detecting the opening / closing of the cover, and the battery cover can be opened and closed while the camera module 200 is operating. When detected, a warning is output to the display unit 113, so that it is possible to prevent a situation in which the rechargeable battery 116a is dropped during the operation of the camera module 200 and power supply cannot be performed.

  Note that the description in the present embodiment is an example of a suitable mobile phone 1 according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the present embodiment, the camera module 200 includes the flash circuit 211, the capacitor 212, and the xenon tube 213. However, the camera module 200 and the flash function are not necessarily integrated. It may be configured separately. When the flash function is configured as a separate body, the camera module 200 can be miniaturized and the red-eye phenomenon that occurs during flash photography can be suppressed.

  In addition, the data configuration example of the communication packet and the data configuration example of the various tables in the present embodiment are examples, and of course, the present invention is not limited to the above-described examples. Or the various operation modes in this Embodiment are examples, and of course are not limited to the example mentioned above.

  In addition, the detailed configuration and detailed operation of the mobile phone 1 in the present embodiment can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cellular phone 100 Main body unit 101 Antenna 102 RF module 103 Main body control CPU
104 RAM
105 FROM
106 Memory Card 107 Memory Card Connector 108 ID Card 109 ID Card Connector 110 I / O Control CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 111 Input part 112 USB connector 113 Display part 114 Drive circuit 115 Audio | voice output part 115a Speaker 115b Microphone 116 Power supply part 116a Rechargeable battery 116b AC adapter 200 Camera module 201 Optical lens unit 202 Imaging element 203 Analog signal processing circuit 204 Camera control CPU
205 ROM
206 RAM
207 Actuator 208 Drive circuit 209 Temperature detection unit 210 Power supply circuit 211 Flash circuit 212 Capacitor 213 Xenon tube 301 Image transfer bus 302 Command bus 303 Module activation signal 304 Power supply line

Claims (2)

A portable information device comprising: a camera module having a flash function; and a main body unit including a power supply unit that supplies power to the camera module,
The camera module is
It has a charging means for storing in the capacitor the luminescence energy for making the flash emit light,
The main unit is
Monitoring means for monitoring the power supply status of the power supply unit;
Charging start instruction means for outputting an instruction to start charging the charging means according to the power supply status,
A portable information device characterized by that. The power supply unit is configured to be able to selectively supply power from an external power source connected via an AC adapter and a built-in battery,
The portable information device according to claim 1, wherein the power supply status includes information on whether or not the AC adapter is connected and / or a voltage value of the battery.

Images