JP2005050040A - Control method for electronic equipment, electronic equipment, and electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a control method for electronic equipment, the electronic equipment and an electronic camera utilizing an interface for data communication for use other than the data communication. <P>SOLUTION: An electronic release 12 is connected to a USBI/F14 of the camera 10. The camera 10 detects a voltage impressed to a Vbus. When the electronic release 12 is connected to the USBI/F14, the voltage impressed to the Vbus comes to 1.5V by a switch 32-on operation in the electronic release 12. The electronic release 12 is determined to be connected to the USBI/F14 of the camera 10 when the voltage is within a 1V-4.5V, and a shutter of the camera 10 is controlled in response to the operation of the switch 32 in the electronic release 12. The shutter operation is conducted from the outside by the electronic release 12 using the USBI/F14 provided in the camera 10. The mode operation by the electronic release 12 is applicable for the other control. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for controlling an electronic device, an electronic device, and an electronic camera, and more particularly to a control technique for controlling the electronic device from the outside.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, interfaces such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) and IEEE 1394 have come to be standardly installed in electronic devices such as personal computers. Conventionally installed interfaces such as SCSI and Centronics determine the devices that can be connected to each interface. For example, a hard disk, MO, CD-ROM, etc. can be connected to SCSI, and a printer can be connected to Centronics. Can do. On the other hand, USB and IEEE 1394 support connection with various peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, and hard disks. Furthermore, video devices such as digital cameras and digital video cameras, and music devices such as MDs can be connected. Is possible. By applying USB, IEEE1394, or the like as the communication means, various data can be sent from these devices to electronic devices such as personal computers. Also, USB and IEEE 1394 have a hot plug function that can be connected and disconnected without turning off the power of each device, so it is very convenient for devices that frequently connect and disconnect connection cables. .
[0003]
In the image reading method and apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, a host computer and a PC camera are connected via a USB interface, and image data and key input data input from a key input unit are transmitted from the PC camera to the host computer. In addition, key input data is added to the same packet as the image data and sent.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-11-134486
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the USB interface and the IEEE1394 interface are mainly used for data communication between devices, but may not be preferable when a large amount of data is sent at high speed. When moving image data or high-quality image data is sent from a digital camera or digital video camera to a personal computer, data transfer via a recording medium such as a PC card is more preferable than serial communication such as USB or IEEE1394. You may be able to exchange data efficiently. In addition, terminals and interface circuits dedicated to the USB interface and IEEE1394 interface must be provided, which may hinder downsizing and cost reduction.
[0006]
The image reading method and apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 discloses a transfer method that does not reduce the transfer rate when simultaneously sending image data and key input data by the key input means via the USB interface. Other methods of using the USB interface are not disclosed.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an electronic device control method, an electronic device, and an electronic camera that use a data communication interface for purposes other than data communication.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a method for controlling an electronic device according to the present invention includes a connector including at least a power supply terminal, and is a method for controlling an electronic device that can be connected to another device via the connector. A voltage value applied to the power supply terminal is detected, a device connected to the connector is determined based on a detection result of the voltage value detection, and a device connected to the connector receives a control signal from the electronic device. If it is determined that the external operation means to give the voltage to the terminal for power supply from the external operation means to control the electronic device corresponding to the control signal as a control signal of the electronic device, When it is determined that the device connected to the connector is a device capable of data communication with the electronic device, a voltage applied from the device to the power terminal is used as a data communication interface power supply. It is characterized by performing data communication with the electronic device and the device to supply Te.
[0009]
According to the present invention, the voltage applied to the power supply terminal of the connector provided in the electronic device is detected by the voltage detection means, and the device connected to the connector is determined based on the detection result. When it is determined that an external operation device capable of operating the electronic device from the outside is connected to the connector, the voltage supplied from the external operation means to the power supply terminal of the connector corresponds to the control signal. The control of the electronic device is executed. Therefore, the electronic device can be operated from the outside using an existing connector without providing a new port or terminal.
[0010]
In addition to the power supply terminal, the connector may include a data terminal, a control signal terminal, a common terminal (common reference potential terminal), and the like.
[0011]
The power supply terminal is a terminal for supplying communication and control power to the electronic device, and includes at least a reference potential (GND) terminal and a power supply potential terminal. Note that the reference potential may be the same as the reference potential of another power supply system. The power supply potential may be a positive voltage or a negative potential.
[0012]
Other devices include a device that performs data communication with the electronic device, a peripheral device that adds a function to the electronic device, a device that operates and controls the electronic device from the outside, and the electronic device is the other device. Can be connected without shutting off the power supply.
[0013]
The voltage applied to the power supply terminal may include a fluctuation range (error). It is necessary to consider this fluctuation range in voltage detection.
[0014]
In order to achieve the above object, an electronic apparatus according to the present invention is an electronic apparatus that includes a connector including at least a power supply terminal, and can be connected to another apparatus via the connector. A voltage detecting means for detecting a voltage applied to the power supply terminal; a connected equipment judging means for judging another equipment connected to the connector based on a detection result of the voltage detecting means; and the connected equipment judging When it is determined that another device connected to the connector by the means is an external operation unit that gives a control signal to the electronic device and operates the electronic device from the outside based on the control signal, the external operation unit And a control means for controlling the electronic device corresponding to the control signal using the voltage applied to the power supply terminal as a control signal of the electronic device.
[0015]
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, a new function can be added to this electronic device using the existing connector with which the electronic device was equipped.
[0016]
A mode in which on / off control is performed without applying a predetermined voltage to the control signal, a mode in which control is switched for each voltage value according to several voltage values, and the like can be applied. Of course, a digital signal may be applied.
[0017]
As the external operation means, for example, there is a remote control device that is wired to the electronic device via a connector and sends a control signal corresponding to the processing of the electronic device.
[0018]
According to an aspect of the present invention, the voltage detection unit includes a first threshold value and a second threshold value for voltage detection, and the voltage detection unit applies the voltage applied to the power supply terminal. When it is detected that the voltage applied to the power supply terminal is maintained for a predetermined period while being greater than or equal to a threshold value of 1 and less than the second threshold value, the connected device detection means connects the external operation device to the connector. It is characterized that it is determined that is connected.
[0019]
The first threshold value and the second threshold value are set in accordance with a signal or power supply standard supplied to the electronic device from an external operating device or other device connected to the connector.
[0020]
In the aspect of detecting whether or not the applied voltage to the power supply terminal is maintained for a predetermined period, the period from the timing when the applied voltage exceeds the first threshold value may be detected. After the applied voltage exceeds the first threshold value, the period may be detected after the applied voltage is stabilized (after the fluctuation range becomes small).
[0021]
The detection period may be set to a preferable value according to the device connected to the connector.
[0022]
Similarly to the voltage, the period may include a variation range.
[0023]
According to another aspect of the present invention, the connector includes at least a connector standardized for communication.
[0024]
For the standardized connector, at least one of mechanical specifications such as the shape of the connector and the number of terminals and electrical specifications such as pin assignment may be determined. Preferably, both mechanical specifications and electrical specifications are determined. In addition, it is preferable that the input impedance, the input / output time constant, the noise resistance, etc. are defined.
[0025]
For connectors standardized for communication, mechanical and electrical specifications of the connector are determined according to the communication protocol and communication specifications.
[0026]
According to still another aspect of the present invention, the external operation means is generated by a voltage generation means for generating a voltage to be applied to a power supply terminal of the connector provided in the electronic device, and the voltage generation means. Switch means that is operated when a voltage is applied from the external operation means to the power supply terminal of the connector, and the voltage generated by the voltage generation means in the electronic device according to the operation of the switch means. And a voltage applying means for applying the voltage to the power supply terminal.
[0027]
According to this aspect, the electronic device can be operated from the outside by a simple configuration including a voltage generating unit that generates a voltage, a switch unit that performs an on / off operation, and a voltage applying unit that applies a voltage to the connector of the electronic device. Can be realized.
[0028]
The switch means includes a switch member that can open and close the electric circuit by operating the operation portion. An electric circuit may be opened and closed by inputting a signal instead of operating the operation part.
[0029]
A plurality of switch means may be provided, and each switch means may be provided to the electronic device as a plurality of control signals corresponding to different voltages.
[0030]
An electronic camera according to the present invention is an electronic camera including an imaging unit that captures a subject image and generates image data, the electronic camera including a connector including at least a power supply terminal, and a power source for the connector. A voltage detecting means for detecting a voltage applied to the terminal, a connected device determining means for determining a device connected to the connector based on a detection result of the voltage detecting means, and the connector by the connected device determining means. When a control signal is supplied to the electronic camera and an external operation means for operating the electronic camera from the outside is determined to be connected by the control signal, the voltage supplied from the external operation means is used as the control signal. Control means for executing control of the electronic camera corresponding to the signal.
[0031]
According to the present invention, when a device connected to an existing connector provided in an electronic camera is detected by a voltage applied to a power supply terminal of the connector, and an external operation means is connected to the connector, The electronic camera can be externally operated by a voltage applied from the external operation means to the power supply terminal of the connector. It is not necessary to newly provide a connector for external operation means or to provide a remote terminal on an existing connector.
[0032]
According to one aspect of the present invention, when the connection device determination unit determines that the external operation unit is connected to the connector, and the electronic camera receives a control signal provided from the external operation unit, the electronic device The camera is characterized by executing imaging control by the imaging means.
[0033]
According to this aspect, an existing connector can be used as an electronic release terminal.
[0034]
According to another aspect of the present invention, when the connected device detecting means determines that a device capable of data communication with the electronic camera is connected to the connector, data is transmitted between the electronic camera and the device. A data communication means for performing communication is provided.
[0035]
As the connector, a digital interface connector usually provided in an electronic camera can be applied. When a device capable of data communication with the connector is connected to the connector, data communication is performed between the electronic camera and the device connected to the connector.
[0036]
A serial communication interface such as USB or IEEE 1394 can be applied to the digital interface. Other communication interfaces may be applied. It is preferable that communication power is supplied to the electronic camera from a device connected to the electronic camera.
[0037]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Preferred embodiments of an electronic device, a method for controlling the electronic device, and an electronic camera according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0038]
FIG. 1 shows a digital camera 10 and an electronic release 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039]
The camera 10 includes a USB terminal 14 as a digital input terminal, and a USB interface 16 and a USB device controller 18 are built in the camera 10. Image data captured using the imaging function of the camera 10 and various data recorded on a recording medium provided in the camera 10 are transmitted to other electronic devices such as a personal computer (PC) and a printer via the USB interface 16. can do.
[0040]
The camera 10 includes a CPU 20 that controls various controls such as imaging control and image data transfer.
[0041]
In the USB interface 16, D + and D− are data transmission lines, and various data converted into serial data by the USB device controller 18 are transmitted to other electronic devices via the data transmission line. Vbus and GND (reference potential) are power supply units for the data transmission line.
[0042]
In the camera 10, Vbus is connected to an arbitrary input terminal of the CPU 20, and the Vbus voltage is detected by the CPU 20.
[0043]
A resistor (1.5 KΩ) 22 which is a pull-up resistor is connected to D +, and a resistor (27Ω) 24 and a resistor (27Ω) 26 are inserted into D + and D−. The resistance values of the resistor 22, the resistor 24, and the resistor 26 can be changed according to circuit design.
[0044]
The electronic release 12 includes a battery (output voltage 1.5V) 30 and a switch 32, which are connected to the USB terminal 14 of the camera 10 via a connection cable. The form of the signal output unit of the electronic release 12 may be a connector (terminal), or a cable having a terminal that engages with the USB terminal 14 of the camera 10 at the end may protrude from the main body of the electronic release 12. . The output part of the electronic release 12 is preferably provided with a resistor that limits the output current.
[0045]
When the camera 10 and the electronic release 12 are connected, the positive side of the battery 30 is connected to the Vbus voltage detection unit (arbitrary input terminal of the CPU 20) via the switch 32, and the negative side of the battery is connected to the camera. 10 GND. In the present embodiment, the CPU 20 also serves as the Vbus voltage detection unit, but may be configured to include a separate voltage detection unit.
[0046]
Further, D + and D− of the camera 10 may be unconnected (open, high impedance), or either an L level signal or an H level signal may be applied.
[0047]
When the switch 32 of the electronic release 12 is turned on, the output voltage of the battery 30 is applied to the Vbus voltage detection unit of the camera 10, and when the switch 32 is turned off, the output voltage of the battery 30 is applied to the Vbus voltage detection unit of the camera 10. Is released.
[0048]
In the present embodiment, a dry battery is applied to the voltage of the battery 30, and 1.5V is applied to the voltage. However, a battery other than a dry battery such as a lithium battery or a nickel metal hydride battery can be used as the battery 30, and a voltage such as 2.0 V or 3.3 V can be applied depending on the applied battery.
[0049]
When the output voltage of the battery 30 is applied to the Vbus voltage detection unit of the camera 10 by turning on the switch 32 of the electronic release 12, the CPU 20 issues a release-on command to the control unit in the camera 10, and the imaging of the camera 10 is performed. Processing begins. Note that the processing of the camera 10 according to the ON operation of the switch 32 is not limited to release on.
[0050]
If this control signal is assigned to a function other than release on, it can be used as a general-purpose control signal for the camera 10. However, it is preferable to apply to simple control such as simple on / off control. Further, it is convenient to configure the function of the camera 10 so that the user can set the control signal on the control program via the user interface.
[0051]
That is, the electronic release 12 can be connected to the USB terminal 14, and the camera 10 can be remotely operated (remote controlled) from the electronic release 12, and the USB terminal 14 can function as a remote terminal. In addition, remote shutter operation is possible without a personal computer.
[0052]
Various types of switch members such as push button switches and lever switches can be applied to the switch 32. In addition, a latch type switch that maintains the on state when the on operation is performed may be applied, or a momentary switch that maintains the on state only during the on operation such as a button press may be applied. .
[0053]
The battery 30 may be a DCDC converter or other power supply device. It is preferable to add a stabilization circuit that suppresses fluctuations in the output voltage.
[0054]
FIG. 2 shows a case where a USB host 34 is connected to the USB terminal 14 of the camera 10. 2, parts that are the same as or similar to those in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.
[0055]
The USB host 34 is a USB compatible device such as a PC or a printer, and applies a voltage from the Vbus line of the USB host 34 to the Vbus line of the camera 10. In other words, power is supplied from the USB host 34 to the USB interface of the camera 10. The voltage value supplied from the USB host 34 to the camera 10 is defined by the USB standard, and a DC voltage of 4.75V to 5.25V is applied.
[0056]
The USB host 34 receives various data transmitted from the camera 10 via the USB host controller 36, and executes processing such as image recording, image processing, and printing.
[0057]
A resistor 38 (15 KΩ), which is a pull-down resistor, is connected to the D + line on the USB host side in order to prevent malfunction.
[0058]
When the electronic release 12 is connected to the USB terminal 14, the USB terminal 14 of the camera 10 functions as a remote terminal even if a new terminal or port is not provided in the USB terminal 14. When a USB-compatible device such as a USB host is connected, it functions as a USB terminal.
[0059]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the camera 10.
[0060]
The camera 10 includes a photographing lens 40 and a CCD image sensor (hereinafter referred to as a CCD) 42, and an analog processing unit 44, an A / D converter 45, an image processing unit 46 for processing an image signal obtained from the CCD 42, A compression / expansion unit 47 is provided. In this example, a CCD is used as the image pickup element. However, the device is not limited to the CCD type, and other types of devices such as a CMOS type may be used.
[0061]
The light that has passed through the photographing lens 40 is focused on the light receiving surface of the CCD 42. A large number of photosensors (light receiving elements) are arranged in a plane on the light receiving surface of the CCD 42, and red (R), green (G), and blue (B) primary color filters are arranged in a predetermined arrangement corresponding to each photosensor. Arranged in structure. A color filter such as CMY can be used instead of the RGB color filter.
[0062]
The subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 42 is converted into a signal charge of an amount corresponding to the amount of incident light by each photosensor. The CCD 42 has an electronic shutter function that controls the charge accumulation time (shutter speed) of each photosensor according to the timing of the shutter gate pulse.
[0063]
The signal charges accumulated in each photosensor of the CCD 42 correspond to the signal charges based on the pulses (horizontal drive pulse φH, vertical drive pulse φV, overflow drain pulse) given from the timing generator (TG) 48 according to the command of the CPU 20. It is sequentially read out as a voltage signal (image signal). The image signal output from the CCD 42 is sent to the analog processing unit 44, and after necessary processing such as correlated double sampling (CDS) processing and gain adjustment, it is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 45. Is done. The digitized image data is sent to the image processing unit 46.
[0064]
The image processing unit 46 includes a synchronization circuit (a processing circuit that calculates the color of each point by interpolating a spatial shift of the color signal associated with the color filter array of the single CCD), a luminance / color difference signal generation circuit, and a gamma correction. A digital image signal processing means including a circuit, a contour correction circuit, a white balance correction circuit, and the like, and processes an image signal while utilizing the memory 50 in accordance with a command from the CPU 20.
[0065]
The image processing unit 46 has been generated by performing predetermined processing such as white balance adjustment processing, gamma conversion processing, conversion processing to luminance signals (Y signals) and color difference signals (Cr, Cb signals) (YC processing). The image data is temporarily stored in the memory 50. Here, in the case where the image being shot is displayed on the display 52, the contents of the memory 50 are read out and sent to the display circuit 54, converted into a display signal format by the display circuit 54, and then supplied to the display 52. . As a result, a real-time video (through image) captured by the CCD 42 is displayed on the display 52, and the photographer can check the shooting angle of view (composition) from the video displayed on the display 16. The image processing unit 46 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes the CPU 20 and the image processing unit 46.
[0066]
When the release button 58 of the operation unit 56 is pressed, the CPU 20 detects this and executes a recording photographing operation. The captured image data for recording is subjected to luminance / color-difference signal conversion processing (YC processing) and other predetermined signal processing in the image processing section 46, and then sent to the compression / expansion section 47, where a predetermined compression format ( For example, it is compressed according to the JPEG format. The compressed image data is stored in the image storage area of the memory 50.
[0067]
Although the USB terminal 14 is applied to the camera 10 as a digital terminal, other interfaces such as IEEE 1394 may be applied to the digital terminal. Further, both a USB terminal and an IEEE 1394 terminal may be provided.
[0068]
FIG. 4 shows a graph 100 showing the time change of the Vbus voltage when the electronic release 12 is connected to the USB terminal 14 and when the USB host is connected. The vertical axis of the graph 100 indicates the Vbus voltage, and the horizontal axis indicates time.
[0069]
A curve 102 is a Vbus voltage when the USB host 34 is connected to the USB terminal 14, and a curve 104 is a Vbus voltage when the electronic release 12 is connected to the USB terminal 14.
[0070]
When a certain period of time elapses from the start of connection, when the electronic release 12 is connected to the USB terminal 14, the Vbus line voltage converges to about 1.5 V, while when the USB host 34 is connected to the USB terminal 14. The Vbus voltage converges to a voltage of 4.75V to 5.25V defined in the USB standard.
[0071]
The time required from the start of connection to voltage convergence is determined by the input capacity (input capacitance) of the USB terminal 14 and the USB interface 16, and there are individual differences for each device. The electronic release 12 is preferably configured to eliminate this individual difference.
[0072]
In the Vbus voltage detection unit (CPU 20) of the camera 10 shown in FIG. ₀ And threshold V ₁ Is set.
[0073]
Vbus voltage is V ₀ V ₁ Less than V ₀ Timing t beyond ₀ To period T ₀ The CPU 20 recognizes that the electronic release 12 is connected to the USB terminal 14.
[0074]
On the other hand, the voltage of the Vbus line is V ₁ The above conditions are ₁ Timing t beyond ₁ To period T ₁ If maintained for a while, the CPU 20 recognizes that the USB host 34 is connected to the USB terminal 14.
[0075]
V according to the type of battery 30 and the function of the camera 10 controlled by the electronic release 12. ₀ , V ₁ , T ₀ , T ₁ Must be set to a preferred value.
[0076]
For example, when a battery (dry battery or the like) with an output voltage of 1.5 V is applied to the battery 30, V ₁ Should be set to 1.0V, V ₁ Is preferably set to 4.5 V in consideration of the standard value of Vbus. T ₀ And T ₁ Is preferably set to about 100 msec in consideration of individual differences for each device due to the capacity component of the Vbus line. T depending on the function to be controlled ₀ Is preferably set to about 50 msec. These values are preferable values in design, and other values can of course be used.
[0077]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of control of the above-described Vbus voltage detection.
[0078]
When an external device is connected to the USB terminal 14, this control is started (step S10). First, the Vbus voltage is read by the Vbus voltage detection unit (CPU 20) (step S12), and the process proceeds to step S14.
[0079]
In step S14, the Vbus voltage is monitored, and the Vbus voltage is V ₀ V ₁ Less than V ₀ Timing t beyond ₀ To period T ₀ If not maintained (NO determination), the process proceeds to step S16.
[0080]
In step S16, the Vbus voltage is V ₁ The above conditions are ₁ Timing t beyond ₁ To period T ₁ If not maintained (NO determination), the process returns to step S12.
[0081]
Vbus voltage is V ₁ The above conditions are ₁ Timing t beyond ₁ To period T ₁ If it is maintained for a while (YES determination), it is recognized that the USB host 34 is connected to the USB terminal 14, and data communication is executed via the USB interface 16 (step S18).
[0082]
When predetermined data communication is executed in step S18, the Vbus voltage detection control is ended (step S20).
[0083]
On the other hand, in step S14, the Vbus voltage is V ₀ V ₁ If the condition is less than the timing t ₀ To period T ₀ If it is maintained for a while (YES determination), it is recognized that the electronic release 12 is connected to the USB terminal 14, and the camera 10 can be remotely operated by the electronic release 12 (step S22). The detection control is ended (step S24).
[0084]
Period T ₀ , T ₁ The detection start timing may be a timing at which the fluctuation range of the voltage value converges within a predetermined range. That is, the period may be detected not from the timing when the threshold value is exceeded but from the timing when the voltage is stabilized.
[0085]
In the present embodiment, the remote operation control using the USB terminal 14 is illustrated, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the USB interface, and can be applied to other digital interfaces such as IEEE1394. However, it is preferable to apply a digital interface that supports the hot plug function.
[0086]
The digital camera 10 configured as described above includes a Vbus voltage detection unit that detects the Vbus voltage of the USB interface, and the USB host 34 is connected to the USB terminal 14 based on the result of the Vbus voltage detection, or the electronic release. 12 is recognized. By using the USB terminal as a remote terminal such as an electronic release terminal and connecting a remote control device such as an electronic release with a simple structure, it is possible to remotely operate an operation such as a shutter operation of the digital camera 10. Further, it is not necessary to newly provide a remote terminal such as an electronic release, and the digital camera 10 can be remotely operated without a device such as a personal computer.
[0087]
Furthermore, it is convenient if the camera 10 is configured to display whether the electronic release 12 is connected or a USB host is connected. The display mode may be displayed on the display 52 as character information or image information, or a display means such as an LED may be provided separately.
[0088]
An application example of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0089]
FIG. 6 is a diagram in which the electronic release 12 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with two switches, and an electronic release 200 enabling two types of remote control is connected to the camera 10. 6 that are the same as or similar to those in FIG. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.
[0090]
In the electronic release 200, a switch 202 (hereinafter referred to as switch 2) is added to the electronic release 12. One of the switches 202 is connected to the Vbus line, and the other is connected to a constant voltage circuit by a constant voltage diode 204. That is, the other end of the switch 2 is connected to the cathode of the constant voltage diode 204, and the cathode of the constant voltage diode 204 is connected to the reference potential of the electronic release 200 (the negative side of the battery 30).
[0091]
Further, a capacitor 206 is connected in parallel to the battery 30, and the voltage rising characteristic when the switch 32 (hereinafter referred to as switch 1) is on is improved. The capacitance value of the capacitor 206 may be set to a preferable value according to the standard of the USB interface 16.
[0092]
Next, the operation of the electronic release 200 will be described.
[0093]
When the camera 10 and the electronic release 200 are connected and the switch 1 is turned on, the output voltage 1.5V of the battery 30 is applied to the Vbus line of the camera 10 as described above. When the switch 2 is further turned on while the switch 1 is on, the constant voltage diode 204 is reverse-biased, and the Zener voltage of the constant voltage diode 204 is applied to the Vbus line of the camera 10 instead of the output voltage of the battery 30. Applied.
[0094]
In this embodiment, 0.7V is applied to the Zener voltage of the constant voltage diode 204, the voltage applied to the Vbus line is 0.7V according to the ON operation of the switch 2, and the camera 10 is remotely controlled by the electronic release 200. Can be performed in two stages. However, the Zener voltage of the constant voltage diode is not limited to 0.7V, and the voltage V shown in FIG. ₀ The following is sufficient.
[0095]
In order to stabilize the Zener voltage of the constant voltage diode, a resistor may be provided between the anode of the constant voltage diode 204 and the reference potential of the electronic release 200. The resistance value of the resistor may be appropriately selected according to the characteristics of the constant voltage diode 204. The constant voltage circuit is not limited to one using a constant voltage diode, and a DCDC converter may be used, or another constant voltage circuit may be used.
[0096]
FIG. 7 shows a graph 220 representing the change over time of the Vbus line applied voltage when the electronic release 200 is connected to the USB terminal 14 of the camera 10. 7 that are the same as or similar to those in FIG. 4 are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.
[0097]
In the camera 10, when the switch 2 is turned on in the switch 1 on state of the electronic release 200, the timing t when the switch 2 is turned on. ₂ The Vbus voltage converges to 0.7V after a certain period of time elapses.
[0098]
In the period from when the switch 2 is turned on until the Vbus voltage converges to 0.7 V, there is an individual difference between devices due to an individual difference of the constant voltage diode 204. It is preferable to configure the electronic release 200 so as to eliminate this individual difference.
[0099]
In the camera 10, the threshold value V when the switch 2 is turned on ₂ Is set. Threshold V ₂ Is set in consideration of the variation of the Zener voltage and the detection time. In general, when a constant voltage diode having a Zener voltage of 0.7 V is applied to a constant voltage circuit, the threshold voltage V ₂ Should be set to 0.5V.
[0100]
The switch 2 of the electronic release 200 is turned on, and the Vbus voltage is V ₂ V ₀ The condition of less than ₂ To period T ₂ If the switch 2 of the electronic release 200 is turned on by the Vbus voltage detecting means (CPU 20) of the camera 10, the switch 1 and the switch 2 are turned on. The process of the camera 10 is executed.
[0101]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control flow of Vbus voltage detection when the electronic release 200 described above is used. 8 that are the same as or similar to those in FIG. 5 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.
[0102]
In step S14 shown in FIG. ₀ V ₁ Less than V ₀ Timing t beyond ₀ To period T ₀ If it is not maintained for a while (NO determination), the process proceeds to step S15, where the Vbus voltage is V ₂ V ₀ Less than V ₀ Timing t is less than ₂ To period T ₂ It is detected whether it is maintained during.
[0103]
Vbus voltage is V ₂ V ₀ Less than V ₀ Timing t is less than ₂ To period T ₂ If not maintained (NO determination), the process proceeds to step S16.
[0104]
On the other hand, the Vbus voltage is V ₂ V ₀ Less than V ₀ Timing t is less than ₂ To period T ₂ If it is maintained for a while (YES determination), processing corresponding to the case where the switch 1 and the switch 2 are turned on is executed (step S26), and the Vbus voltage detection control is ended (step S28).
[0105]
As an example of the remote control of the electronic release 200 described above, the switch 1 and the switch 2 are assigned to the release operation of the camera 10, the switch 1 is turned on halfway, and the switch 1 and the switch 2 are turned on. Control to push can be realized.
[0106]
Note that the numerical values such as the resistance value, the voltage value, and the period shown in this embodiment are merely examples, and do not limit the application range of the present invention.
[0107]
Further, the number of switches provided in the electronic release is not limited to one or two, and three or more switches may be provided. However, as the number of switches increases, fine voltage control is required.
[0108]
In the present embodiment, a digital camera is illustrated, but the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to a digital camera, and can be widely applied to electronic devices having a digital interface such as a USB.
[0109]
For example, the electronic release 12 (electronic release 200) is connected to a printer and the switch 32 on operation of the electronic release 12 is assigned to start printing, or the electronic release 12 (electronic release 200) is connected to a scanner. A mode in which the switch 32 on operation is assigned to the start of scanning is conceivable.
[0110]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, in an electronic device provided with a connector including at least a power supply terminal, a voltage applied to the power supply terminal is detected, and a device connected to the connector is determined based on the detection result. To do. When an external operation means capable of controlling the electronic device from the outside is connected to the connector, control in the electronic device corresponding to the control signal is executed using the voltage applied from the external operation means as a control signal. Is done. Even if a connector for external operation means or a terminal for external operation means is not provided in the existing connector, it is possible to operate the electronic device from the outside using the existing connector and its terminals.
[0111]
The external operation means includes voltage generation means, switch means for turning on / off the output voltage, and voltage output means, and the electronic apparatus can be controlled from the outside with the simple configuration as described above.
[0112]
When the present invention is applied to an electronic camera, an operation from the outside of the electronic camera becomes possible using a data communication connector. A shutter button can be applied to external operations.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a digital camera and an electronic release according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram in which a USB host is connected to a digital camera instead of the electronic release in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining Vbus voltage detection;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control flow of Vbus voltage detection.
6 is a view showing an application example of the electronic release in FIG. 1;
7 is a diagram for explaining Vbus voltage detection when the electronic release of FIG. 6 is used.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control flow of Vbus voltage detection shown in FIG. 7;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Digital camera, 12,200 ... Electronic release, 14 ... USB terminal, 16 ... USB interface, 18 ... USB controller, 20 ... CPU, 32, 202 ... Switch

Claims (9)

An electronic device control method comprising a connector including at least a power supply terminal and capable of connecting to other devices via the connector,
A voltage value applied to the power supply terminal is detected, a device connected to the connector is determined based on a detection result of the voltage value detection, and a device connected to the connector receives a control signal from the electronic device. If it is determined that the external operation means to give the voltage to the terminal for power supply from the external operation means to control the electronic device corresponding to the control signal as a control signal of the electronic device, When it is determined that the device connected to the connector is a device capable of data communication with the electronic device, a voltage applied from the device to the power supply terminal is supplied as a data communication interface power supply. A method for controlling an electronic device, comprising performing data communication with the device. An electronic device comprising a connector including at least a power supply terminal, and capable of connecting to other devices via the connector,
The electronic device includes voltage detection means for detecting a voltage applied to the power supply terminal;
Connected device determination means for determining other devices connected to the connector based on the detection result of the voltage detection means;
When it is determined by the connected device determining means that the other device connected to the connector is an external operation unit that gives a control signal to the electronic device and operates the electronic device from the outside based on the control signal, Control means for controlling the electronic device corresponding to the control signal, using the voltage applied to the power supply terminal from the operation means as a control signal for the electronic device;
An electronic device characterized by comprising: The voltage detection means includes a first threshold value and a second threshold value for voltage detection,
The voltage detection means detects that the voltage applied to the power supply terminal is not less than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value, and that the voltage applied to the power supply terminal is maintained for a predetermined period. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the connected device detection unit determines that the external operation device is connected to the connector. 4. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the connector includes at least a connector standardized for communication. The external operation means is a voltage generation means for generating a voltage to be applied to a power supply terminal of the connector provided in the electronic device,
Switch means operated when applying the voltage generated by the voltage generation means from the external operation means to the power supply terminal of the connector;
Voltage application means for applying a voltage generated by the voltage generation means to the electronic device in response to an operation of the switch means, to a power supply terminal of the connector;
The electronic apparatus according to claim 2, 3 or 4, further comprising: An electronic camera including an imaging unit that captures a subject image and generates image data,
The electronic camera includes at least a connector including a power supply terminal;
Voltage detecting means for detecting a voltage applied to the power supply terminal of the connector;
Connected device determination means for determining a device connected to the connector based on a detection result of the voltage detection means;
When the connected device judging means gives a control signal to the electronic camera to the connector, and when it is judged by the control signal that an external operating means for operating the electronic camera from the outside is connected, it gives from the external operating means Control means for executing control of the electronic camera corresponding to the control signal using the generated voltage as a control signal;
An electronic camera characterized by comprising: When the connected device determining means determines that the external operating means is connected to the connector and the electronic camera receives a control signal given from the external operating means, the electronic camera performs imaging control by the imaging means. The electronic camera according to claim 6, wherein the electronic camera is executed. When it is determined by the connected device detection means that a device capable of data communication with the electronic camera is connected to the connector, data communication means for performing data communication between the electronic camera and the device is provided. 8. The electronic camera according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: An electronic release device used as an external operation means according to claim 6.

Images