JP3347538B2 - Power control system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a power supply control system, a power supply device, a unit, and an image pickup device which use a plurality of device units such as an image pickup device unit connected to a power supply device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art It is common to use a computer having a connection terminal such as a PCMCIA slot by inserting a card-like unit having a different function such as a facsimile or a memory into the connection terminal. Since the connection terminal does not limit the unit to be connected,
The user of the computer can arbitrarily select and use a card having a necessary function. An example of a computer having the connection terminal and an imaging apparatus having a detachable imaging device unit will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 6, reference numeral 23 denotes a card-shaped imaging device unit; 25, a computer of the imaging apparatus; and 26, a connection terminal for connecting 23 and 25.

[0006] The imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 6 performs imaging with an optical system and CCD built in 23 imaging device units, converts it into digital data, and transfers the imaging data to 25 computers through 26 connection terminals. The computer has a built-in display device and recording device, and displays and records image data obtained from 23 image pickup device units.

Here, a device unit having a function different from that of the imaging device unit is connected to a connection terminal 27 of the computer of the imaging apparatus. 27 connection terminals have the same function as 26 connection terminals. A device unit that can be connected to 26 connection terminals can also be connected to 27 connection terminals, and vice versa.

In FIG. 6, reference numeral 24 denotes a unit having a FAX function (hereinafter, a FAX card). 24 FAX cards are connected to 27 connection terminals, and image data recorded in 25 computers is transmitted. Connection terminal 2
By connecting 23 imaging device units and 24 FAX cards to 6 and 27, respectively, 25 computers control 23 and 24 and simultaneously supply power.

By the above operation, the image pickup apparatus shown in FIG. 6 can perform the image pickup operation and record / display the image pickup data, and can transmit the image pickup data when 24 FAX cards are connected. In addition, 23 imaging device units and 2
When the FAX card of No. 4 is not used, it can be removed from the connection terminal and used by another device.

[0008]

However, the above method has the following problems.

The 25 computers always supply power regardless of the operating state of the connected device unit. Therefore, for example, even when only 24 FAX cards are used without using 23 imaging device units,
Twenty-three imaging device units waste power supplied from twenty-five computers. Or 24 FA
Even when only 23 imaging device units are used without using X cards, 24 FAX cards waste power supplied from 25 computers.

When the 25 computers are driven by electric power having a finite capacity such as a battery, the amount of electric power consumed by the device unit connected to the connection terminal becomes a problem. Therefore, when the total power used by the device units connected to the computer is larger than the power that can be supplied by the computer, any or all of the plurality of device units connected to the computer of the imaging apparatus operate. In some cases, the computer disappears, or the computer operates abnormally, and the operation of the imaging apparatus stops.

When the imaging operation is performed for the first purpose, 24 FAX cards connected to the imaging device consume power, and the purpose may not be achieved. In this case, it was necessary to remove the FAX card from the computer or to manually turn off the power of the FAX card.

An object of the present invention is to provide a power supply control system having a power supply device such as a computer having a connection terminal and a unit such as an image pickup device unit connectable to the connection terminal. It is an object of the present invention to provide a power supply control system that optimally distributes power to a unit device and a power supply such as a computer in order to prevent an abnormal operation caused by the power supply.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention is a unit detachable from a power supply device, and transmits information on power consumption in the unit and data obtained from the unit. A unit having an operation mode for reducing power consumed by the unit in response to a control signal returned from the power supply based on information on power consumption transmitted to the power supply by the communication unit, Communication means for receiving information on the power consumption of the unit from a unit detachable from the power supply device; information on the power consumption obtained by the communication means; Switching to an operation mode for reducing the power consumed by the unit in accordance with an output of the comparing means for comparing the information with the power information; And a power supply device and a control means for transmitting a control command to so that the unit.

In the power supply device, communication means for receiving information on power consumption in the unit and data obtained from the unit from a unit detachable from the power supply device, and the power consumption obtained by the communication means. Comparing information of the power supply device and information of power that can be supplied to the unit from the power supply device, and switching to an operation mode for reducing power consumed by the unit in accordance with an output of the comparison unit. Control means for transmitting a control command to the unit.

In the detachable unit, a communication unit for transmitting information of power consumption in the unit and data obtained from the unit, the unit being detachable from the power supply unit, and a power supply unit using the communication unit. And control means for switching to an operation mode for reducing the power consumed in the unit in response to a control signal returned from the power supply device based on the power consumption information transmitted to the power supply unit.

Further, in the imaging apparatus, a power supply apparatus having a power supply, a plurality of device units detachable from the imaging apparatus main body, and a power allocation supplied by the power supply apparatus to each of the plurality of device units is determined in advance. Means,
Detecting means for detecting power consumption used by the plurality of device units and the imaging apparatus body,
A comparing unit that compares the power allocation amount and the used power; and an operation mode in which at least one device unit of the plurality of detachable device units is reduced in power consumption in the unit based on the comparison result. Switching means. Further, in the power supply control system, determining means for determining in advance the amount of power to be supplied by the computer main body to each of a computer main body having a power supply and a plurality of device units detachable from the computer main body, and the plurality of device units and Detecting means for detecting the used power used by each of the imaging device bodies, comparing means for comparing the power allocation amount and used power, and the comparison result,
Means for switching at least one device unit of the plurality of removable device units to an operation mode for reducing power consumed in the unit, the power supply control system for a computer.

The above means prevents abnormal operation caused by sudden stoppage of operation of a device unit such as an imaging device unit or a drop in power supply voltage, and performs power distribution suitable for operation.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 shows an example of an imaging device as a power supply control system. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an imaging device unit having a built-in optical system and the like, and 2 denotes a FAX card having a FAX function, each of which is an example of a device unit. 3 is a computer as a power supply, 4 is C of the 3 computer
PU system, 5 is an interface IF # 1 for connecting one imaging device unit to 3 computers, 6 is an imaging device unit interface IF # 2 for connecting 2 FAX cards to 3 computers, and 7 is 3 computers. 8 is a memory system of 3 computers, 9 is a rewritable operation program for controlling 3 computers, 10 is a power management system of 3 computers, 11 is a battery of 3 computers, and 12 is a computer of 3 An external power supply device capable of supplying power to the power supply.

In FIG. 1, the portions surrounded by broken lines 13 to 21 are the internal structure of the imaging device unit 1. Reference numeral 13 denotes a lens, and reference numeral 14 denotes a lens controller that drives the lens, and includes a known automatic focusing device and a known image stabilization (shake prevention) device. 15 is a CCD, 16 is an A / D converter, 17 is a timing generator TG, 18 is a digital signal processor DSP, 19 is a FIFO memory, 20 is a control unit, 21 is an external connection interface (camera I / F), 22 is The light unit illuminates the subject of the imaging device unit, and its operation is controlled by 20 control units.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the image pickup apparatus comprises one image pickup device unit, two FAX cards, and three computers. One imaging device unit and two FAX cards can be separated from three computers.

The photographing object of the image pickup apparatus is 15 with 13 lenses.
And converted into digital data by 16 A / D converters. Digital data is 18 D
After being digitally processed by the SP and temporarily recorded in the FIFO memory 19, they are transmitted to the computers 3 in the order of recording through the camera I / F 21. The 21 camera I / F is connected to the 5 interface IF # 1.

With the timing pulses transmitted by the 17 TGs, imaging data is obtained by 15 CCDs and 16 A / D converters. The interval of the timing pulse transmitted by the TG is controlled by 20 control units. Depending on the conditions at the time of imaging, the 20 control units operate the 22 light units to illuminate the subject. The control unit 20 controls 14, 17, 18, 19, and 22 according to signals sent from the computer 3 through the camera I / F 21.

In FIG. 1, imaging data obtained from one imaging device unit is sent to a computer 3 through an interface 5 and can be displayed on a display system 7 or recorded on a memory system 8. . It is also possible to send the imaging data to the FAX card 2 through the interface 6 and to transmit it through the telephone line.

The computer 3 supplies power to the connected device units 1 and 2, respectively. 4 C
The PU determines the allocation of power to be supplied to the device unit by the CPU of 4 through the interface of 5 and the interface of 6.

The CPU 4 uses the interfaces 5 and 6 to connect the connected device units 1 and
2 can be controlled. Here, the allocated power supplied to one imaging device unit is P1, and the allocated power supplied to the FAX cards 2 and 2 is P2. If each device unit is not connected to 3 computers, P1 or P2
Is 0.

The power consumed by the imaging device unit is represented by U
1. The power consumed by the FAX card is U2. U1 and U2 are through 5 or 6 interfaces
No. 4 CPU detects. The CPU 4 has the power UC used by the computer 3 and the power PB supplied from the battery 11 through the power management system 10.
And 12 monitor the power PE supplied from the external power supply. PE = 0 if no external power supply is connected
It is. PB always decreases. If the external power supply is composed of a battery, the PE will always decrease. PM = P
Defined as B + PE. PM is the maximum amount of power that can be used by the computer and connected device units.

These powers U1, U2, UC, PB, PE
Are all predetermined operating programs 9
The monitoring timing is set according to. Also, 10
Is capable of variably controlling the power used in the display system 7 and the memory system 8. For example, if the display device used by the computer is a liquid crystal display having a backlight, the power consumption is varied by turning on and off the backlight. With this control, UC can be changed.

In the image pickup apparatus, when an image pickup device unit or a facsimile unit is connected to perform a predetermined operation or when a change in PB or PE is predicted, power allocation and a power saving mode selection operation are performed as follows. I do.
By this operation, the total amount of electric power used by the imaging device unit, the computer, and the FAX unit (= UC + U1)
+ U2) does not exceed PM. In addition, power distribution suitable for the operation of the imaging device is performed.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a method for allocating power and selecting a power saving mode in the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment. Here, an example is shown in which the assignment and selection are performed by three computers, but this may be performed on the device unit side. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIGS.

The algorithm is started at (201).

At (202), U1, U2, UC and PM are measured.

In (203), when the imaging device unit is used, the estimated electric energy of the imaging device unit is expressed by U1
i, let U2i be the expected power amount of the FAX unit when the FAX unit is used, and UCi be the expected power consumption of the computer when the operation of the computer is changed. The values of U1i, U2i, and UCi, and U1, U
2. From the value of UC, P1, P2, and PC are set as follows:
i, P2 = U2i, and PC = UCi. P1, P
2. If it is predicted that the value of Pc does not change, do not change it.

If UCi, U1i, U2i cannot be predicted, P1 = U1, P2 = U2, and PC = UC.

At (204), it is confirmed whether there is no problem in the values of P1, P2 and PC changed at (203). That is, P
It is confirmed whether C + P1 + P2> PM is satisfied. If it is satisfied, there is a problem, so the operation proceeds to operation (205). If not, that is, if there is no problem, the operation proceeds to operation (211).

In (205), in order to reduce any of U1, U2, and U3, the imaging device unit, computer,
Set one of the FAX units to the power saving mode. U
Whether to reduce 1, U2, or UC depends on the user's will and the priority of the operation programmed in advance.
For example, imaging device unit, computer, FAX
Assume that the operation priority is higher in the order of the units. in this case,
The imaging device unit / computer / FAX unit is set to the power saving mode so that the power is reduced in the order of U2, UC, and U1.

At (206), the power allocation is changed again as in (203).

In (207), as in (204), P
Confirm that there is no problem in the values of 1, P2 and PC.

At (208), it is confirmed whether all of the imaging device unit, the computer, and the FAX unit are in the power saving mode. If everything is in power saving mode,
Proceed to (209), otherwise proceed to (205).

In (209), it is determined that the load imposed by the operation of the imaging device is too large for the amount of power of the imaging device.
Therefore, the operation to be performed at present is stopped or a display for prompting the user for another usable device is displayed.

In (210), it is determined that the load imposed by the operation of the imaging device is too large for the electric energy of the imaging device, and the operation ends.

At (211), the operation is terminated assuming that the power allocation and the power saving setting have been performed normally.

<Specific Example 1> Next, a specific example 1 of the operation of FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

In FIG. 3, (301) to (305)
The bars indicate the amount of power. The longer the rod, the more power it has. Here, the initial state is a state where the imaging device unit not performing the imaging operation and the FAX unit not performing the operation are connected to the computer. Here, an imaging operation is performed using the imaging device unit. F
AX is not used. Therefore, the priority of the operation described in (205) is determined by the imaging device unit-computer-
The order of FAX units is as follows.

In the initial state, PM, UC, U1, U
2 is (301) and (303) in FIG. (302) indicates the size of P1, P2, and PC to which the assignment is set in the initial state. In this specific example, it is assumed that the computer does not predict the power U1i used by the imaging device unit in the current imaging operation. Without changing the assigned amounts P1, P2 and PC in advance before the imaging operation,
Perform an imaging operation. UC, U changed by imaging operation
1, U2 is shown in (304). These values are the behavior (20
It is measured in 2).

Comparing (302) and (304), U
1> P1. Therefore, the allocation of P1 is increased in operation (203). New P when increasing P1
1, P2 and PC are shown in (305).

Here, in (204), it is confirmed whether there is any problem in the assigned amount. In (305), PC + P1 + P2
Since <PM, no problem occurs. The process ends normally in (211), and the imaging operation can be performed.

In the specific example 1 described above, it is not necessary to set the power saving mode in order to perform the imaging operation. When the imaging operation ends, the computer returns P1, P2, and P3 to the initial state setting (302).

<Specific Example 2> Next, a specific example 2 of the operation in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

As in the first embodiment, the initial state is a state in which the imaging device unit not performing the imaging operation and the FAX unit not performing the operation are connected to the computer. From this state, an imaging operation is performed using the imaging device unit. FAX is not used. Therefore,
The priority of the operation described in (205) is in the order of the imaging device unit-the computer-the FAX unit in the order of the first example
Is the same as

However, in this example, before actually performing the imaging operation, operations (201) to (211) are performed, and in operation (203), U1i, U2i, and UCi are predicted. That is, it is assumed that the measured PM, UC, U1, and U2 are (401) and (403) in FIG. 4 after the operation is started in (201) and (202). (40
2) indicates the size of the allocation of PC, P1, and P2 set in the initial state.

The computer estimates the power U1i used by the imaging device unit in the current imaging operation. U1
i, U1, and U2 are shown in (404). (402) and (4)
04), U1i> P1. Therefore, P
It is necessary to increase 1. (405) shows new P1, P2, and PC when P1 is increased.

In operation (204), the quota is checked. Here, PC + P1 + P2> PM. Therefore, the operation (205) is performed. Depending on the operation priority, U2
FAX unit is switched to the power saving mode to reduce the power consumption. (406) shows UC, U1i, and U2 when the FAX unit is switched to the power saving mode. Operation (20
In 6), the allocation of the electric energy is changed again.

The new power allocation is shown in (407). In operation (207), the quota is checked. even here,
PC + P1 + P2> PM. Therefore, the operation (20)
Perform 8). Since only the FAX unit is in the power saving mode, the operation (205) is performed again. Depending on the operation priority,
Switch computer to power saving mode to reduce UC. (408) shows UC, U1i, and U2 when the computer is switched to the power saving mode. Operation (20
In 6), the allocation of the electric energy is changed. The new power allocation is shown in (409). In operation (207), the quota is checked. Here, it is no longer PC + P1 + P2> PM. Therefore, the operation ends normally in the operation (211).

In the above-described specific example 2, the FAX unit and the computer need to be in the power saving mode in order to perform the imaging operation. When the imaging operation ends, the computer returns P1, P2, and P3 to the initial state setting (402).

(Embodiment 2) In this embodiment, in Embodiment 1, two FAX units and three computers have a power saving mode, and the imaging device unit has a plurality of power saving modes.

How the power saving mode of the imaging device unit is selected will be described. The power saving modes and the operations performed by the imaging device unit in each mode are described below with reference to FIG. 1, and the selection method is shown in FIG.

In FIG. 5, first, the algorithm is started at (501), and it is determined at (502) whether or not UC is to be reduced. If not, proceed to (514) and end.
(504), (506), (508), (51)
“UC reduction?” In (0) and (512) are all the same, and indicate selection of whether to reduce UC in operation (205) of the first embodiment.

If YES in (502), mode 5 is executed in (503). In the mode 5, the light projection function performed by the 22 light units is stopped, or the amount of light emitted by the 22 light units is reduced.

Then, proceeding to (504), if YES, proceeding to (505), the mode 4 is executed. Mode 4
Then, the operation of the lens controller is stopped. That is, 14
The lens controller has a well-known focusing function or anti-shake (blur prevention) function, and stops one or one of the above functions according to a control signal sent from the control unit 20.

Next, if YES via (506) again, the process proceeds to (507), and mode 1 is executed. That is, the 20 control units send control signals to the 17 timing generators TG to halve the number of images taken per unit time by the 15 CCDs.

Next, if (YES) is passed through (508), the flow advances to (509) to execute mode 2. That is, the reading of the color information is stopped. More specifically, a luminance signal and a color difference signal are normally transmitted from 15 CCDs to 16 A / D converters. Here, the 20 control units send control signals to the 17 TGs, and switch to the following operation.

The 15 CCDs stop sending color difference signals and write out only luminance signals. The 16 A / D converters perform A / D conversion only on the luminance signal. The 18 DSP similarly processes only the luminance signal. The signal sent to the computer 3 is a monochrome image. By doing so, the amount of information read from the CCD and the amount of information processed by the DSP are reduced, so that the power consumed by the imaging device unit can be reduced.

Further, in step (510), it is determined whether or not to reduce UC. If YES, the mode 3 is executed in (511). That is, in mode 3, the number of pixels to be read is reduced. Specifically, the number of pixels imaged by the 15 CCDs is x in the horizontal direction.
And y in the vertical direction. Here, 20 control units send control signals to 17 TGs, and switch to the following operation. In other words, the 16 A / D converters perform A / D conversion only one in two in the horizontal direction and one in two rows in the vertical direction. By this operation, the number of imaging pixels is reduced to 1/4 of the normal number. The 18 DSPs perform processing of 1/4 of the normal number of pixels. The image sent to the third computer is １ ／ of the normal image.

If the operation of the image pickup apparatus is not possible even if all the above power saving modes are executed and the UC must be reduced, the result is YES in (512), and the error processing is performed in (513). The process ends at 514).

[0066]

As described above, the power supply control system of the present application prevents abnormal operation due to operation stoppage and power supply voltage drop, and at the same time, is suitable for each device unit and power supply device for system operation. Power distribution can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a first specific example of the present application.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a second specific example of the present application.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a second specific example of the present application.

FIG. 6 illustrates a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image pickup device unit 2 FAX card 3 Computer 4 Computer system of 3 computer 5 Interface IF # 1 6 Interface IF # 2 7 Display system 8 Memory system 9 Operation program 10 Power management system 11 Battery 12 External power supply device 13 Lens unit 14 Lens Controller 15 Imaging device such as CCD 16 A / D converter 17 Timing generator TG 18 Digital signal processor DSP 19 FIFO memory 20 Control unit 21 External connection interface (camera I / F) 22 Light unit 23 Card-shaped imaging device unit 24 Card-like FAX unit 25 Computer of imaging device 26 Connection terminal 27 Connection terminal

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Yuji Koide 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Nobuo Fukushima 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Within Non Corporation (72) Inventor Motohiro Ishikawa 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Within Canon Corporation (72) Inventor Kenichi Kondo 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Within Canon Corporation (56) References JP-A-7-141069 (JP, A) JP-A-6-67766 (JP, A) JP-A-3-195331 (JP, A) JP-A-4-160986 (JP, A) JP-A-6-105267 (JP, A) JP-A-1-155778 (JP, A) JP-A-61-195083 (JP, A) JP-A-6-292061 (JP, A) JP-A-2-311833 ( JP, A) JP-A-8-161088 ( P, A) JP Akira 62-151908 (JP, A) (58 ) investigated the field (Int.Cl. ^7, DB name) G06F 1/26 - 1/32 H04N 5/225

Claims (11)

(57) [Claims] 1. A detachable unit to the power supply device, the power consumption of the unit information and該Yu
Communication means for transmitting data obtained from the unit , and reducing power consumed by the unit in response to a control signal returned from the power supply based on information on power consumption transmitted to the power supply by the communication means . Has operation mode
That unit and a communication unit for receiving information of power consumption in said unit from the detachable unit with respect to the power source device, to said unit and the power consumption of the information obtained by the communication means from the power unit Comparing means for comparing the information on the power that can be supplied by the power supply, and the unit according to the output of the comparing means.
Switch to an operation mode that reduces the power consumed by the unit
Power control system having a power supply device and a control means for transmitting control commands to the unit to obtain. 2. Information on power consumption in a unit detachable from a power supply unit and information on the unit
Communication means for receiving the obtained data ; comparison means for comparing the information on the power consumption obtained by the communication means with information on the power that can be supplied from the power supply device to the unit; and the comparison means. Power consumed by the unit according to the output of
Control means for transmitting a control command to said unit to switch to an operation mode for reducing power. 3. A detachable unit to the power supply device, the power consumption of the unit information and該Yu
Communication means for transmitting data obtained from the unit , and reducing power consumed in the unit in response to a control signal returned from the power supply based on information on power consumption transmitted to the power supply by the communication means Operation mode
And control means for switching to the control unit. A power supply device having the 4. A power, a plurality of device unit detachable to the imaging apparatus main body, and determining means for previously determining the power supply for supplying power budget to each of the plurality of device unit, Detecting means for detecting the power consumption used by each of the plurality of device units and the imaging apparatus main body ; comparing means for comparing the power allocation amount and the power consumption; and Means for switching at least one of the device units to an operation mode for reducing power consumed in the unit. 5. A method according to claim 1, wherein a small number of said plurality of device units is provided.
5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein at least one includes an imaging device unit, and further includes a control unit configured to reduce at least an information amount of imaging data to be processed in the imaging device unit based on the comparison result. 6. A small number of said plurality of device units .
5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the imaging devices includes an imaging device unit, and a control unit configured to reduce at least the number of images captured per unit time in the imaging device unit based on the comparison result. 7. A small number of said plurality of device units .
5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein at least one includes an imaging device unit, and further includes a control unit configured to reduce at least predetermined color data included in imaging data in the imaging device unit based on the comparison result. 8. A small number of said plurality of device units .
At least one includes an imaging device unit, and further includes a control unit configured to reduce at least one or both of a vertical direction and a horizontal direction of an imaging screen of the imaging device unit based on the comparison result. 5. The imaging device according to 4. 9. A device according to claim 7, wherein a small number of said plurality of device units
5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the imaging device units includes an imaging device unit, and a control unit that stops at least one or both of a focusing function and an image stabilization function in the imaging device unit based on the comparison result. Imaging device. 10. A small number of said plurality of device units .
5. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 4, wherein at least one includes an image pickup device unit, and a control means for stopping at least a light projecting function of the image pickup device unit or reducing a light projecting amount according to the comparison result. 11. A determining means for previously determining an amount of power to be supplied by the computer main body to each of a computer main body having a power supply and a plurality of device units detachable from the computer main body; Detecting means for detecting the used power used by the apparatus main body; comparing means for comparing the power allocation amount and used power; at least one of the plurality of removable device units according to the comparison result. Means for switching one device unit to an operation mode for reducing power consumed in the unit.