JP2000059675A - Digital still camera apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital still camera apparatus with which power saving is attained by turning off a power source when not operated for a certain time and starting is enabled in a comparatively short time when starting photographing through a comparatively simple method. SOLUTION: A microcomputer 3 (20) is provided with a mode switch 22 for selecting an operating mode such as recording mode or reproducing mode, power source switch 21 and function to be operated for starting a power saving mode by turning off the power sources of respective parts of the apparatus while controlling a power source circuit 18 when the operating state of the apparatus is discriminated from the condition of a shutter switch 23 and it is discriminated the time continuing the operating state of the apparatus exceeds prescribed time corresponding to each operating state.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital still camera device, and more particularly to power saving in a digital still camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Digital still cameras for electronically storing still images (still images) have begun to spread. A typical camera records an image on a film using a chemical change of a photosensitive material on the film. On the contrary,
Digital still cameras use CCD instead of film
An image is converted into an electric signal using a semiconductor light receiving element called (Chage Coupled Device), and this is recorded as digital data. Electrical components used in digital still cameras include CCDs, high-speed CPUs, and LCDs (Liquid C
Most of them consume a lot of power, such as a crystal display and a backlight for that. On the other hand, considering portability, a large battery or a large number of batteries cannot be used due to the size and weight of the housing. For this reason, power consumption is larger than the capacity of the battery, and therefore, many models have a short usage time.

In order to extend the use time even a little, the power is turned off unless a lithium battery having a large energy density per volume is used or a shutter switch is not pressed for a certain period of time. At the time of recording, only the optical viewfinder is used, and the LCD is used only at the time of reproduction.

[0004] However, lithium batteries are not available in primary batteries everywhere, and secondary batteries take a long time to be charged after being discharged. Stopping the use of the LCD at the time of recording does not make use of the advantages of the digital still camera such that the image to be recorded can be confirmed and the recorded image can be seen immediately. Further, in the method of turning off the power when there is no operation for a certain period of time, there is a possibility that a shutter chance may be missed in the time required for starting up each circuit and taking a picture when the photographing is considered to be used again.

[0005]

As described above, the conventional digital still camera has a problem that the power consumption is large and the use time is short compared to the capacity of the battery. In order to avoid this, if the power is turned off if there is no operation for a certain period of time, it takes time until the circuit can be started and shooting can be performed, and there is a possibility that a photo opportunity is missed.

The present invention solves this problem by a relatively simple method. When no operation is performed for a certain period of time, the power is turned off to save power, and when photographing is started, the operation can be started up in a relatively short time. It is an object to realize a digital still camera.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an optical lens system for forming an image of a subject,
Aperture means for controlling the aperture of the optical lens system, focusing means for moving and controlling the optical lens system, shutter means for opening and closing the optical lens system, and shutter switch means for operating the shutter means An imaging system including: an imaging unit configured to convert a subject image formed by the optical lens system into an analog image signal; and an analog / digital conversion unit configured to convert the analog image signal into a digital image signal. Digital signal processing means for processing the digital image signal converted by the / digital conversion means, storage means for storing the digital image signal processed by the digital signal processing means,
Output means for outputting the processed digital image signal or the digital image signal stored in the storage means, and display means for displaying the processed digital image signal or the digital image signal stored in the storage means A digital still camera device comprising: a storage display system comprising: a power supply unit for supplying power to each unit of the device; a power switch unit for turning on and off the power supply unit; and a control system for controlling the device. A mode selection unit for selecting an operation mode such as a recording mode for storing an image signal from an optical lens system in the storage unit or a reproduction mode for outputting a digital image signal stored in the storage unit; and the power switch unit. The operating state of the apparatus is determined from the states of the shutter switch means and the mode selection means. Operating state determining means for determining, a time measuring means for measuring the duration of the operating state of the device, and that the time keeping means has exceeded the predetermined time corresponding to the operating state of the operating state of the device. And power saving means for controlling the power supply means when the determination is made to turn off the power of each unit except the control system to enter a power saving mode.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a digital still camera according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital still camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a lens provided with a focus adjustment mechanism, an aperture adjustment mechanism, and the like. Reference numeral 2 denotes a drive circuit for the focus adjustment mechanism, and reference numeral 3 denotes a drive circuit for the aperture adjustment mechanism.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a CCD (Chage Coupled Device) for converting an image formed by the lens 1 into an electric signal. Reference numeral 5 denotes a camera circuit that further converts a signal from the CCD into a digital signal. Reference numeral 6 denotes a CCD drive circuit for generating clocks and timing pulses serving as references for the operation of the four CCDs and the five camera circuits 5. Reference numeral 7 denotes a microcomputer 1 that performs processing for optimally controlling a focus and an aperture on the basis of an electric signal obtained by the camera circuit 5. These 1 to 7 constitute an imaging system.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a signal processing circuit for performing image processing such as contour enhancement and information compression for recording. 9 is
This is a recording circuit that records an image using a semiconductor memory or the like. Reference numeral 10 denotes a microcomputer 2 that controls the operation of each circuit and the flow of signals according to operations such as recording and playback. 1
Reference numeral 1 denotes an interface circuit for exchanging information with an external computer or the like. Reference numeral 12 denotes an encoder circuit for generating a television signal from a digital signal so that an image to be shot by a general television or a recorded image can be viewed.

[0013] Similarly, from the digital signal, L
This is an LCD drive circuit that generates a signal for driving a CD (Liquid Crystal Display). Reference numeral 14 denotes an LCD for monitoring an image being captured and confirming recorded contents. Fifteen
Is a backlight for the LCD, and 16 is its driving circuit. These storages 8 to 16 constitute a storage display system.

Reference numeral 17 denotes a clock circuit. Reference numeral 18 denotes a power supply circuit that generates a voltage required for each circuit from 19 batteries. 2
Reference numeral 0 denotes a microcomputer 3 that controls the operation of each circuit based on information from each switch and the clock circuit 17. 21 is a power switch. Reference numeral 22 denotes a mode switch for selecting a mode such as recording or playback. Reference numeral 23 denotes a shutter switch, which is in a recording standby state when the switch is first pressed, and in a locked state of the automatic mechanism when the switch is further pressed, and starts recording when the switch is further pressed down. This clock circuit 1
7. A control system is constituted by the microcomputer 3 (20), the mode switch 22, and the shutter switch 23.
And the battery 19 constitute power supply means.

When the power switch 21 is closed and turned on, the microcomputer 3 (20), which has reduced the clock frequency and is in the power saving mode, detects this and shifts to a normal operation state, in which state the mode switch 22 is. Go see what. In the recording mode, the microcomputer 3 (20) operates only the minimum necessary circuits for immediately executing the recording. For example, by operating the power supply circuit 18, the microcomputer 7, 1
0 is set to the operating state, and only the oscillation circuit section of the CCD drive circuit 6 is operated. Then, when it is detected that the shutter switch 23 has been pressed and the shutter switch 23 has been set to the position, almost all circuits necessary for recording are operated.

As a result, a circuit consuming power, such as the backlight of the LCD 15 and the CCD drive circuit 6, operates only when necessary, so that the battery can last a long time. Also, when you want to shoot again, as in the conventional method that stops the operation of all circuits after a certain period of time has elapsed after any switch is operated,
You will not miss a photo opportunity for the time required to restart each circuit. Thereafter, when the shutter switch 23 is further pressed and the shutter switch 23 is set to the position, recording is performed. The microcomputer 3 (20) measures the time since the last change of the position of the shutter switch 23, and when the shutter switch 23 is in the same position for a long time, determines that the power switch 21 is forgotten to be turned off. After a certain period of time, the operation of all circuits is stopped until the next operation is performed, and the apparatus enters a standby state. In this case, when the shutter switch 23 is not pressed, the standby state is entered in a relatively short time. Since there is a possibility that the position or the position is being photographed, the operation state is maintained for a relatively long time even if there is no change in the position.

In the reproduction mode, the shutter switch 23
It works regardless of the position. The operation of the circuits required only for recording from the lens 1 to the microcomputer 1 (7) stops. In addition, during reproduction, since the same image is often viewed, the time to enter the standby state because there is no operation is set to be longer than that during shooting.

FIG. 2 is a table for explaining the relationship between the state of each switch and the operating state in this embodiment. FIG.
As shown in (1), when the power switch 21 is off, the sleep mode is set. When the power switch 21 is on and the mode switch 22 is off, the mode is the power saving mode. In the power saving mode, the power supplies other than the control system are off, and the clock of the control system has a lower frequency than usual.

When the power switch 21 is turned on and the mode switch 22 is for reproduction, the reproduction mode is set. In this case, the power of the imaging system is turned off. The content stored in the memory card is reproduced and reproduced on the LCD 14 or an external device.

When the power switch 21 is turned on, the mode switch 22 is for recording, and the shutter switch 23 is not pressed, a recording preparation mode is set. In this case, the microcomputer 1
(7) Power is input to the microcomputer 2 (10), the microcomputer 3 (20), the clock of the CCD drive circuit 6, and the like.
Enter the preparation state for shooting.

When the power switch 21 is on, the mode switch 22 is for recording, and the shutter switch 23 is in the position (first half-pressed state), a recording standby mode is set. Power is supplied to all circuits, a memory card is required to be set, and automatic focus and aperture operations are performed.

When the power switch 21 is on, the mode switch 22 is for recording, and the shutter switch 23 is in the position (second half-pressed state), the focus lock mode is set. Power is supplied to all circuits, and the focus and aperture are fixed.

When the power switch 21 is turned on, the mode switch 22 is for recording, and the shutter switch 23 is in the position (pressed state), a photographing mode is set. The power is turned on to all circuits, and shooting is started.

In the playback mode, the recording preparation mode, the recording standby mode, and the focus lock mode, the switches are operated to automatically return to the power saving mode after a lapse of a predetermined time from entering each mode. The predetermined time is a time determined for each mode. In the shooting mode, the shutter switch automatically returns to the focus lock mode.

In the above embodiment, the shutter switch 2
The shutter switch 23
Pressing the button one step to activate it, but this includes:
It is also possible to use a touch switch or the like utilizing a change in capacitance or the like so that the shutter switch is activated when a finger is applied. Although it costs more than a mechanical switch, it can reduce the feeling of incompatibility with a conventional silver halide camera.

As described above, in the present embodiment,
Except when the photographer puts his finger on the shutter switch and is willing to take a clear picture, to operate only the minimum necessary circuits to immediately put the necessary circuits for shooting into the shooting state In addition, battery consumption is prevented, and long-time shooting is possible. In addition, the time required to operate only this minimum circuit can be taken longer than the conventional method of stopping the circuit operation because of low power consumption, so it takes time to start the circuit operation and the photo opportunity The opportunity to miss is also reduced.

[0025]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical lens system for forming an image of a subject, aperture means for controlling the aperture of the optical lens system, and moving the optical lens system. Focusing means for controlling and focusing, shutter means for opening and closing the optical lens system, shutter switch means for operating the shutter means, and imaging for converting a subject image formed by the optical lens system into an analog image signal Means, an imaging system comprising analog / digital conversion means for converting an analog image signal into a digital image signal, digital signal processing means for processing the digital image signal converted by the analog / digital conversion means, and digital signal processing Storage means for storing digital image signals processed by the means, and processed digital image signals or storage means A storage and display system comprising output means for outputting the stored digital image signal, display means for displaying the processed digital image signal or the digital image signal stored in the storage means, Recording means for storing image signals from an optical lens system in a storage means in a digital still camera device comprising: a power supply means for supplying power, a power switch means for turning on and off the power supply means, and a control system for controlling the apparatus. Alternatively, the operation state of the apparatus is determined from the state of the mode selection means for selecting an operation mode such as a reproduction mode for outputting a digital image signal stored in the storage means, the power switch means, the shutter switch means, and the mode selection means. The operation state determination means, the time measurement means for measuring the duration of the operation state of the device, and the time measurement means When it is determined that the continuation time of the operation state of the device exceeds a predetermined time corresponding to each operation state, the power supply unit is controlled to turn off the power of each unit except the control system and to enter the power saving mode. And a power saving means that works. This makes it possible to save power according to the situation by a relatively simple method.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the shutter switch means includes a non-pressed state, a first half-pressed state, and a second half-pressed state.
Are characterized by four operating states: a half-pressed state and a pressed state. According to the invention of claim 3 of the present invention, the operation state of the apparatus is such that the control system is excluded when the power switch means is on and the mode selection means is off, or when the power supply means is controlled by the power saving means. When a power saving mode is set to turn off the power of each unit of the apparatus, the power switch is turned on, and the mode selection unit is set to the playback mode, a playback mode is set to turn on the power except for the imaging system. When the mode is ON, the mode selection unit is in the recording mode, and when the shutter switch unit is in a non-pressed state, a recording preparation mode is set in which the power of the imaging unit of the control system and the imaging system is turned on. The selection means is the recording mode,
When the shutter switch means is in the first half-pressed state,
In a recording standby mode in which all the power supplies of the apparatus are turned on, when the power switch means is on, the mode selection means is in the recording mode, and the shutter switch means is in the second half-pressed state, all the power supplies of the apparatus are turned off. When turned on, the focus lock mode in which the aperture operation of the aperture unit and the focusing operation of the focusing unit are fixed, and the power switch unit is on,
When the mode selection means is a recording mode and the shutter switch means is in a pressed state, all the power supplies of the apparatus are turned on, and a shooting mode in which imaging is started is set. As a result, the device enters the respective operation state in accordance with the state of each switch, and by inputting necessary power according to the operation state, optimal power saving corresponding to the operation state can be achieved, and battery consumption is reduced. For a long time. In addition, the rise to photographing can be quickened.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a touch finger detecting means for detecting that the photographer's finger is touching the shutter switch means, wherein the shutter switch means is in a non-pressed state and a half-pressed state. , Which has three operation states of a pressed state, thereby making it easier to perform a shooting operation.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the operation state of the apparatus is as follows: when the power switch means is on and the mode selection means is off, or when the power supply means is controlled by the power saving means, If the power switch means is turned on and the mode selection means is in the playback mode, the playback mode is turned on except for the imaging system. When the power switch means is on, the mode selection means is in the recording mode, and the shutter switch means is in a non-pressed state, the control system and the imaging means are turned on in a recording preparation mode, and the power switch means is turned on. When the mode selection means is the recording mode, the shutter switch means is not pressed, and the touch finger detection means detects the photographer's touch finger, the recording standby mode for turning on all the powers is set. When the power switch means is on, the mode selection means is in the recording mode, and the shutter switch means is half-pressed, all the power of the apparatus is turned on, and the aperture operation of the aperture means and the focusing means are performed. In the focus lock mode in which the focusing operation is fixed, the power switch means is on, the mode selection means is in the recording mode, and when the shutter switch means is in the pressed state, all the power supplies of the apparatus are turned on, It is characterized in that a photographing mode in which photographing is started is set. As a result, it is possible to input the minimum necessary power supply according to the operating state, achieve optimal power saving according to the situation, prevent battery drain, enable long-time shooting, and reduce shooting time. The rise can be made faster.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the control system includes clock oscillating means for generating an operation clock of the control system, and the clock oscillating means sets the oscillation frequency in the power saving mode to be lower than the normal oscillation frequency. It is characterized by being lowered. Thereby, further power saving can be achieved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital still camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a table for explaining a relationship between a state of each switch and an operation state in the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Lens, 2 ... Drive circuit of focus adjustment mechanism, 3 ... Drive circuit of aperture adjustment mechanism, 4 ... CCD, 5 ... Camera circuit, 6 ...
CCD drive circuit, 7: microcomputer 1, 8: signal processing circuit,
9 recording circuit, 10 microcomputers 11, interface circuit, 12 encoder circuit, 13 LCD drive circuit, 14 LCD, 15 backlight, 16 backlight drive circuit, 17 clock circuit, 18 power supply Circuit, 1
9 battery, 20 microcomputer 3, 21 power switch, 2
2 Mode switch, 23 Shutter switch.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/765 H04N 5/781 510M 5/781 5/91 J 5/91 5/92 H 5/92

Claims (6)

[Claims] An optical lens system for forming an image of a subject;
Aperture means for controlling the aperture of the optical lens system, focusing means for moving and controlling the optical lens system, shutter means for opening and closing the optical lens system, and shutter switch means for operating the shutter means An imaging system comprising: an imaging unit configured to convert a subject image formed by the optical lens system into an analog image signal; and an analog / digital conversion unit configured to convert the analog image signal into a digital image signal. Digital signal processing means for processing the digital image signal converted by the digital / digital conversion means, storage means for storing the digital image signal processed by the digital signal processing means, and storage of the processed digital image signal or the storage means. Output means for outputting a stored digital image signal; Storage and display system comprising display means for displaying the stored digital image signal or the digital image signal stored in the storage means, power supply means for supplying power to each part of the apparatus, and power supply for turning on and off the power supply means A digital still camera device comprising: a switch unit; and a control system for controlling the device. A digital video signal stored in the storage mode or a recording mode in which an image signal from the optical lens system is stored in the storage unit. Mode selection means for selecting an operation mode such as a reproduction mode for outputting an image, an operation state determination means for determining an operation state of the apparatus from states of the power switch means, the shutter switch means and the mode selection means, A timer for measuring the duration of the operating state of the device; and When it is determined that the time has exceeded a predetermined time according to the respective operation state, the power saving means controls the power supply means to turn off the power of each unit except the control system and to enter a power saving mode. And a digital still camera device. 2. The shutter switch according to claim 1, wherein the shutter switch has four operation states: a non-pressed state, a first half-pressed state, a second half-pressed state, and a pressed state. Digital still camera device. 3. The operation state of the apparatus is as follows: when the power switch means is on and the mode selection means is off, or when the power supply means is controlled by the power saving means, the control system is excluded. When the power switch means is turned on and the mode selection means is in the playback mode, the power supply mode is turned off except for the imaging system, and When the power switch unit is on, the mode selection unit is in the recording mode, and the shutter switch unit is in the non-pressed state, the control system and the imaging unit are turned on in a recording preparation mode, The power switch means is on, the mode selection means is in the recording mode, and the shutter switch means is the first mode.
In the half-pressed state, the apparatus enters a recording standby mode in which all the power supplies of the apparatus are turned on. The power switch means is on, the mode selection means is in the recording mode, and the shutter switch means is the second switch.
In the half-pressed state, all the power supplies of the apparatus are turned on, and the apparatus enters a focus lock mode in which the aperture operation of the aperture unit and the focusing operation of the focusing unit are fixed, and the power switch unit is turned on. When the mode selection unit is in the recording mode and the shutter switch unit is in the pressed state, all the power supplies of the apparatus are turned on, and a shooting mode in which imaging is started is set. 3. The digital still camera device according to 2. 4. A touch finger detecting means for detecting that a photographer's finger is touching the shutter switch means, wherein the shutter switch means has three operations: a non-pressed state, a half-pressed state, and a pressed state. The digital still camera device according to claim 1, wherein the digital still camera device has a state. 5. The operation state of the apparatus is as follows: when the power switch means is on and the mode selection means is off, or when the power supply means is controlled by the power saving means, the control system is excluded. When the power switch unit is turned on and the mode selection unit is in the reproduction mode, the power supply unit turns off the power of each unit except for the imaging system. When the power switch means is on, the mode selection means is in the recording mode, and the shutter switch means is in the non-pressed state, the recording system is in a recording preparation mode for turning on the control system and the imaging means. The power switch means is on, the mode selection means is in a recording mode, the shutter switch means is in the non-pressed state, and the touch finger detection means is When a finger is detected, the apparatus enters a recording standby mode in which all power supplies of the apparatus are turned on. When the power switch means is on, the mode selection means is in the recording mode, and the shutter switch means is in the half-pressed state. Make sure that all equipment is turned on
A focus lock mode in which the aperture operation of the aperture unit and the focusing operation of the focusing unit are fixed, the power switch unit is on, the mode selection unit is in the recording mode, and the shutter switch unit is in the pressed state 5. The digital still camera device according to claim 4, wherein in the case of (1), all the power of the device is turned on, and a photographing mode in which photographing is started is set. 6. The control system further includes a clock oscillating means for generating an operation clock of the control system, wherein the clock oscillating means lowers the oscillation frequency in the power saving mode from a normal oscillation frequency. The digital still camera device according to claim 1.