JP2012244303A - Electronic device, imaging apparatus, imaging system, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform the communication of various kinds of information before data communication is enabled in an electronic device.SOLUTION: An electronic device performs data communication with an electronic apparatus. The electronic device includes: a data communication part for performing the data communication; and an information communication part for performing the communication of information with the electronic apparatus during a period till the data communication by the data communication part is enabled after power is supplied to the electronic device. An electronic device includes: a data communication part for performing data communication; and a required time storage part for storing a required time to be transmitted to the electronic apparatus, which is the time to be required till the data communication is enabled after power is supplied to the electronic device.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device, an imaging apparatus, an imaging system, and a program.

A technique for adjusting the system clock rate of a card by determining the clock rate of the host-card interaction by monitoring the host-card interaction is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[Prior art documents]
[Patent Literature]
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Translation of PCT Publication No. 2008-518283

  In order for the electronic device to be able to perform data communication with the outside, internal circuits such as an IC chip and a memory element that handle data communication in the electronic device need to be initialized. An electronic apparatus that communicates with an electronic device has to wait for communication until initialization of an internal circuit of the electronic device is completed.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, the electronic device is an electronic device that performs data communication with an electronic device, the data communication unit that performs data communication, and the data communication after power is supplied to the electronic device. An information communication unit that communicates information with an electronic device until data communication by the unit is possible.

  In the second aspect of the present invention, the electronic device is an electronic device that performs data communication with an electronic device, the data communication unit that performs data communication, and the data communication after power is supplied to the electronic device. A required time storage unit for storing a required time, which is a time required until the data can be transmitted, to be transmitted to the electronic device.

  In the third aspect of the present invention, the electronic device includes a data communication unit that performs data communication with the electronic device, and an information transmission terminal that transmits information identifying power that can be supplied from the electronic device from the electronic device. And a control unit that controls the data communication unit according to the power.

  In a fourth aspect of the present invention, an imaging apparatus is an imaging apparatus that transfers image data to an electronic device, and includes an imaging unit and an internal memory that temporarily stores image data of an image captured by the imaging unit. A required time acquisition unit for acquiring a required time, which is a time required for an initialization process executed until the electronic device starts transferring image data, from the electronic device, and storing the image data in an internal memory. A calculation unit that calculates the number of images that can be captured continuously by the imaging unit based on the storable capacity and the required time.

  In a fifth aspect of the present invention, an imaging apparatus is an imaging apparatus that transfers image data to an electronic device, and an imaging unit and an internal memory that temporarily stores image data of an image captured by the imaging unit. A required time acquisition unit for acquiring a required time, which is a time required for an initialization process executed until the electronic device starts transferring image data, from the electronic device, and storing the image data in an internal memory. And a calculation unit that calculates a shooting speed at which the imaging unit can continuously capture images based on the storable capacity, the required time, and the data transfer rate to the electronic device.

  In a sixth aspect of the present invention, an imaging system includes the imaging device and the electronic device.

  In the seventh aspect of the present invention, the program is executed between the step of temporarily storing the image data of the image captured by the imaging unit in the internal memory and the time when the electronic device starts to transfer the image data. The imaging unit continuously captures images based on the step of acquiring the required time, which is the time required for the initialization process, from the electronic device, the storable capacity capable of storing the image data in the internal memory, and the required time. Calculating the number of images that can be executed, and causing the computer to execute.

  It should be noted that the above summary of the invention does not enumerate all the necessary features of the present invention. In addition, a sub-combination of these feature groups can also be an invention.

It is principal part sectional drawing of the imaging device 10 which concerns on one Embodiment. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a system configuration of an imaging apparatus 10. FIG. 2 shows an example of a block configuration of a memory card 100. 2 shows a processing flow from the start to the end of the imaging apparatus 10. The processing flow regarding initialization of the memory card 100 is shown. An example of the initial operation in the memory card 100 is shown. An example of the parameter which determines suppliable electric power is shown in a table format. An example of initialization information stored in the memory card 100 is shown in a table format. An example of the transmission path | route of image data is shown typically. An example of a time sequence for continuous shooting is shown. The other example of the time sequence of continuous shooting is shown.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. In addition, not all the combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solving means of the invention.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an imaging apparatus 10 according to an embodiment. The imaging device 10 functions as an imaging device with the lens unit 20 mounted on the camera unit 30. A plurality of lens units 20 having different focal lengths, open F values, and the like are attached to the camera unit 30 as interchangeable lenses.

  The lens unit 20 includes a lens group 21 arranged along the optical axis 11 and supported by a lens barrel 26, and a diaphragm device 28. A lens group 21 as an example of an imaging lens guides an incident subject light flux to the camera unit 30. In the figure, the lens constituting the lens group includes a focus lens 24, a zoom lens 25, and the like in addition to the front lens 22 and the rear lens 23. The focus lens 24 and the zoom lens 25 are configured to be movable in the optical axis direction in accordance with instructions for focus adjustment and field angle adjustment, respectively.

  The lens barrel 26 supports a lens circuit board 27, and the lens circuit board 27 is mounted with electronic elements of various circuits that control the lens unit 20. The lens unit 20 includes a lens mount 29 at a connection portion with the camera unit 30, and engages with a camera mount 31 included in the camera unit 30 to be integrated with the camera unit 30. The lens mount 29 and the camera mount 31 each have a communication terminal, and the communication terminals are connected to each other when the mounts are engaged with each other. Thereby, various circuits, electronic elements, and the like mounted on the lens circuit board 27 are electrically connected to the camera unit 30 side. The camera unit 30 acquires data on unique information of the lens unit 20 from the lens unit 20 via the communication terminals of the camera unit 30 and the lens unit 20.

  The camera unit 30 includes a main mirror 32 that reflects the subject light beam incident from the lens unit 20 and a focus plate 33 on which the subject light beam reflected by the main mirror 32 forms an image. The main mirror 32 swings around the main mirror rotation axis 34 inside the mirror box 35, and has a reflection state obliquely provided in the subject light beam centered on the optical axis 11 and a retraction state for retreating from the subject light beam. I can take it. When the main mirror 32 retracts from the subject light beam, the sub mirror 40 retracts from the subject light beam in conjunction with the main mirror 32. The main mirror rotation shaft 34 is supported on the side wall of the mirror box 35.

  When the live view button as a part of the operation input unit is pressed down or when the release button as a part of the operation input unit is pressed down to the lowest position, the retracted state indicated by the broken line in FIG. For example, when the live view button is pushed down or the release button is pushed down to the lowest position while being inclined in the subject light beam, the main mirror 32 moves to the retracted position indicated by the broken line. When the live view button is pressed down, the main mirror 32 remains in the retracted position until the live view button is pressed again. On the other hand, when the release button is pressed down, the main mirror 32 is lowered and returned to the original oblique position when the predetermined imaging operation is finished.

  The focal plane shutter 43 and the image sensor 36 as an example of a shutter are arranged along the optical axis 11. Accordingly, the subject luminous flux passes through the lens group 21 and enters the camera unit, passes through the inside of the mirror box 35 in which the main mirror 32 and the sub mirror 40 are in the retracted state, and the open focal plane shutter 43, thereby obtaining an image sensor. An image is formed on 36 light receiving surfaces. That is, the optical path of the subject light beam becomes the photographing optical path. The focal plane shutter 43 and the imaging device 36 constitute a part of the imaging unit.

  The image sensor 36 has a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements that output the subject image formed on the light receiving surface as electric signals. Examples of the image sensor 36 include a CMOS sensor. The image sensor 36 is electrically connected to the main board 50. On the main board 50, electrical elements such as an MPU 51 and an ASIC 72 that control the entire imaging apparatus 10 are mounted.

  The ASIC 72 generates image data from the electrical signal of the subject image. Further, the ASIC 72 calculates a contrast amount for one or more image areas, for example, a plurality of predetermined focus adjustment areas, from the image data. The position of the focus lens 24 is controlled toward the target position determined based on the contrast amount by the control of the MPU 51 or the like. The MPU 51 detects the focus state of the focus lens 24 by performing a correlation operation on the phase difference detection signal. The MPU 51 determines the target position of the focus lens 24 based on the focus state, and controls the focus lens 24 toward the determined target position.

  A display unit 53 such as a liquid crystal monitor is disposed on the back of the camera unit 30. The display unit 53 displays the subject image using the display image data generated by the ASIC 72 from the electrical signal of the subject image. The display unit 53 displays various menu information, imaging information, notification information, and the like as well as a still image after imaging. During live view, display image data is generated from the electrical signal of the subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 36 while performing the above-described focus adjustment, and the display unit 53 displays the subject image according to the generated display image data. Is displayed.

  The focus plate 33 is disposed at a position conjugate with the light receiving surface of the image sensor 36. The subject image formed on the focus plate 33 is converted into an erect image by the pentaprism 37 and observed by the user via the eyepiece optical system 38. Further, an AE sensor 39 is disposed above the exit surface of the pentaprism 37 to detect the luminance distribution of the subject image.

  A region near the optical axis 11 of the main mirror 32 in the oblique state is formed as a half mirror, and a part of the incident subject light flux is transmitted therethrough. The transmitted subject light flux is reflected by the sub-mirror 40 that swings in conjunction with the main mirror 32 and guided to the focusing optical system 41. The subject light flux that has passed through the focusing optical system 41 enters the focusing sensor 42. The focus sensor 42 includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion element arrays that output phase difference signals from the received subject light flux. The focus sensor 42 can detect a focus state, a front pin state, and a rear pin state in each of a plurality of focus adjustment regions provided corresponding to a specific region of the subject image. In such a case, the amount of deviation from the in-focus state can be detected. That is, when the main mirror 32 is down and in an oblique state, it is possible to adjust the focus by detecting the focus state by the phase difference detection method using the output from the focus sensor 42.

  The camera unit 30 is provided with a power supply unit 54. The power supply unit 54 supplies power not only to the camera unit 30 but also to the lens unit 20. The power supply unit 54 can include a detachable secondary battery. The power supply unit 54 may receive power from an external power supply such as a commercial power supply and supply power.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the system configuration of the imaging apparatus 10. The system of the imaging apparatus 10 includes a lens control system including a drive driver 73 and a camera control system centered on the MPU 51 corresponding to each of the lens unit 20 and the camera unit 30. The lens control system and the camera control system exchange various data and control signals with each other via a communication terminal connected by the lens mount 29 and the camera mount 31.

  The operation input unit 60 detects that the operation input unit 60 such as a release button or a live view button has been operated by the user, and outputs an operation signal to the MPU 51. A part of the operation input unit 60 may be mounted as a touch panel together with a part of the display unit 53.

  The MPU 51 controls each unit of the imaging device 10 according to the operation signal. For example, when detecting the depression of the release button, the MPU 51 sets the main mirror 32 in an oblique state, controls the focal plane shutter 43, and exposes with the image sensor 36.

  The analog imaging signal output by the imaging element 36 is preprocessed by the analog processing unit 70 and converted into a digital imaging signal by the AD conversion unit 71. The analog processing unit 70 is implemented by an analog processing circuit that functions as an analog front end. The digital imaging signal output from the AD converter 71 is processed by the ASIC 72 as image data. The SDRAM 58 serves as a work memory that temporarily stores image data being processed by the ASIC 72.

  For example, the ASIC 72 generates image data for display. The generated image data for display is displayed on the display unit 53 for a fixed time after imaging. In parallel with this, the ASIC 72 processes the image data into a predetermined image format to generate image data for recording. The ASIC 72 temporarily stores image data for recording in the SDRAM 58.

  The image data for recording stored in the SDRAM 58 is transferred to and recorded on a memory card 100 as an example of a nonvolatile memory via the recording medium IF 56. The image data stored in the SDRAM 58 is output from the external device IF55. The external device IF 55 includes a USB IF for outputting recording image data to the USB device. An example of the USB device is a personal computer. As the external device IF55, in addition to the USB-IF, an HDMI-IF for outputting image data for display to an HDMI device, and a display output IF for outputting image data for display to an external display device as a video signal Etc.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the block configuration of the memory card 100 together with the connection terminals of the imaging device 10. The memory card 100 includes a connection terminal 320, a communication circuit 330, a controller 340, an initialization information storage unit 350, a memory unit 360, and a power control unit 370.

  The connection terminal 320 includes a supply power acquisition terminal 322, an information communication terminal 324, a data communication terminal 326, and a power supply terminal 328. The communication circuit 330 is responsible for data communication with the imaging device 10. The communication circuit 330 includes, for example, a PHY chip 332 and a LINK chip 334. The PHY chip 332 is an electronic circuit responsible for physical layer communication in data communication. The LINK chip 334 is an electronic circuit responsible for link layer communication. As an example, the communication circuit 330 performs data communication based on the PCI Express standard.

  The memory unit 360 includes a plurality of flash memories 380-1 to 380-N. The plurality of flash memories 380-1 to 380 -N may be collectively referred to as the flash memory 380. An example of the flash memory 380 is a NAND flash memory. 2 is an example of a non-volatile memory for storing data communicated with the imaging apparatus 10. The PHY chip 332, the LINK chip 334, and the flash memory 380 are examples of electronic circuits that require initialization before the operation is started.

  The connection terminal 320 is connected to the connection terminal 310 of the imaging device 10. The connection terminal 310 includes a supply power notification terminal 312, an information communication terminal 314, a data communication terminal 316, and a power supply terminal 318. Each terminal may have a plurality of terminals. For example, the information communication terminal 314, the data communication terminal 316, the information communication terminal 324, and the data communication terminal 326 may have a plurality of terminals.

  The power supply terminal 328 supplies power from the power supply unit 54 to the power supply terminal 328. The supply power notification terminal 312 is a terminal that transmits information indicating supplyable power, which is power that can be supplied to the memory card 100, to the memory card 100. The supply power acquisition terminal 322 acquires supplyable power. The information communication terminal 324 is a terminal for transmitting an initialization time, which is a time required until a plurality of electronic circuits are initialized after power is supplied to the memory card 100, to the imaging device 10. The supply power acquisition terminal 322 and the information communication terminal 324 are information communication that transmits information to and from the imaging device 10 after power is supplied to the memory card 100 and before data communication by the data communication unit is enabled. This terminal is a part of the part.

  An electronic circuit included in the communication circuit 330 and the memory unit 360 constitutes a part of a data communication unit that performs data communication. The controller 340 initializes the electronic circuit included in the communication circuit 330 and the memory unit 360 based on the information acquired from the imaging device 10, and enables data communication with the imaging device 10. Specifically, the controller 340 controls the initialization of the electronic circuit according to the power that can be supplied. Specifically, the controller 340 initializes more electronic circuits in parallel as the power that can be supplied is larger. For example, the controller 340 causes the power control unit 370 to drive each electronic circuit and initialize the electronic circuits in parallel. For this reason, the memory card 100 is initialized in a shorter time as the power that can be supplied is larger. Therefore, the memory card 100 can start data communication in a shorter time as the power that can be supplied is larger. Further, the controller 340 may transmit the free capacity of the nonvolatile memory for storing data communicated by the data communication unit to the imaging device 10 via the information communication terminal 324. The free space of the nonvolatile memory may be stored in a predetermined memory block of the flash memory 380 at the end of the operation of the imaging device 10 or the like. The upper limit of the number of continuous shots is determined by the free space of the nonvolatile memory.

  The initialization information storage unit 350 stores initialization times in association with a plurality of power values supplied to the memory card 100. The initialization information storage unit 350 may be implemented by a ROM. The controller 340 transmits the initialization time stored in the initialization information storage unit 350 corresponding to the suppliable power value to the imaging device 10 via the information communication terminal 324. The initialization information storage unit 350 stores electronic circuits that are initialized in parallel in association with a plurality of power values. The controller 340 initializes a plurality of electronic circuits in accordance with information stored in the initialization information storage unit 350 corresponding to the value of suppliable power.

  The controller 340 obtains power that can be supplied prior to initialization of the electronic circuit, and initializes more electronic circuits in parallel as the power that can be supplied increases. For this reason, initialization time can be shortened, so that the electric power which can be supplied is large. Further, the controller 340 can notify the imaging device 10 of the initialization time prior to initialization of the electronic circuit. For this reason, the imaging device 10 can control the imaging operation in consideration of the initialization time. For example, the number of images that can be continuously captured can be presented to the user in advance.

  FIG. 4 shows a processing flow from the start to the end of the imaging apparatus 10. This flow is started when a power button as a part of the operation input unit 60 is turned on. This flow is executed by controlling each unit of the imaging apparatus 10 mainly by the MPU 51 unless otherwise specified.

  In step S400, the MPU 51 starts initial setting. For example, the MPU 51 develops various parameters for controlling the imaging apparatus 10 from the system memory 57 to the SDRAM 58. Then, the MPU 51 sets operating conditions of each unit of the imaging apparatus 10 based on the state of the operation input unit 60 including, for example, an imaging mode switch and the developed various parameters. For example, the imaging mode is set according to the position of the imaging mode switch. The imaging mode includes an imaging mode in which images are continuously captured by the image sensor 36. When the imaging mode switch is in the position of the continuous shooting mode, a default value of the continuous shooting speed that is the shooting speed of continuous shooting is set. The continuous shooting speed indicates the number of images captured per unit time. Further, the MPU 51 calculates the number of images that can be continuously shot, which is the number of images that can be taken continuously in continuous shooting. A part of the initial setting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, the setting result is displayed on the display unit 53 in step S402. For example, the MPU 51 causes the display unit 53 to display the imaging mode, the shooting speed of continuous shooting, and the number of continuous shots set in step S402.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 404, the MPU 51 determines a user instruction to the operation input unit 60. If the user instruction is an instruction to execute various settings, the MPU 51 performs the instructed setting process (step S406). Examples of the setting process include a process for setting an imaging mode, a process for setting an imaging condition, a process for setting an image processing condition, and the like. Here, as a setting for the continuous shooting mode, a default value of the shooting speed of continuous shooting may be set. Further, whether or not to automatically adjust the continuous shooting speed may be set as the operation setting for the continuous shooting mode. The operation mode that automatically adjusts the shooting speed of continuous shooting is called continuous shooting speed automatic adjustment mode.

  If it is determined in step S404 that the user instruction is an instruction relating to shooting execution, processing relating to imaging execution is performed (step S412). Examples of instructions related to shooting execution include operations on a live view button, a moving image shooting button, and a release button. When the imaging mode is set to continuous shooting, the MPU 51 causes the image sensor 36 to continuously capture images at the set continuous shooting speed while the release button is pressed.

  If the user instruction in step S404 is an instruction to execute image reproduction, reproduction processing is executed (step S422). Examples of the reproduction process include a process for displaying an image recorded on a recording medium as a thumbnail, a process for displaying an image instructed by a user, and the like.

  When the processes of step S406, step S412, and step S422 are completed, the process proceeds to step S408, and it is determined whether or not to turn off the power. For example, it is determined that the power is turned off when the power button is switched to the OFF position, or when there is no user instruction for a predetermined period after the power is turned on. If it is determined that the power is to be turned off, the operation is terminated. If it is determined that the power is not to be turned off, the process proceeds to step S404.

  FIG. 5 shows a processing flow relating to initialization of the memory card 100. This process flow is executed as a part of the process of step S400. This flow is executed by controlling each unit of the imaging apparatus 10 mainly by the MPU 51 unless otherwise specified.

  In step S502, power supply to the memory card 100 is started. For example, by connecting a power supply line from the power supply unit 54 to the power supply terminal 318, it is possible to supply power to the memory card 100 via the power supply terminal 318 and the power supply terminal 328.

  In step S504, the memory card 100 is notified of the power that can be supplied to the memory card 100. Specifically, the MPU 51 notifies the suppliable power by an electric signal via the supply power notification terminal 312 and the supply power acquisition terminal 322. The parameters for determining the suppliable power will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S506, initialization information including the initialization time, the data transfer rate guaranteed by the memory card 100, and the free space is acquired from the memory card 100. Specifically, the MPU 51 acquires initialization information by an electrical signal via the information communication terminal 324 and the information communication terminal 314. The setting of the initialization information by the memory card 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S508, it is determined whether to automatically adjust the continuous shooting speed. For example, the MPU 51 determines whether or not the continuous shooting speed automatic adjustment mode is set.

  If it is determined in step S508 that the continuous shooting speed is not automatically adjusted, the number of continuous shots is calculated (step S510). For example, the MPU 51 uses the default continuous shooting speed to calculate the number of continuously shot images. Here, the MPU 51 may calculate the number of continuously shootable images for each of a plurality of different continuous shooting speeds. The upper limit of the number of continuous shots that can be taken is determined by the free capacity of the memory card 100. The MPU 51 calculates the number of continuous shots with the upper limit as the upper limit. The calculation of the number of continuous shots will be described with reference to FIGS.

  If it is determined in step S508 that the continuous shooting speed is automatically adjusted, the continuous shooting speed is calculated (step S512). Specifically, the MPU 51 calculates the continuous shooting speed by using the storable capacity, which is a capacity secured as a memory area for temporarily buffering image data in the SDRAM 58, and the initialization information acquired in step S506. . The calculation of the continuous shooting speed will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When the processes of step S510 and step S512 are completed, the present process flow ends. The number of continuously shot images calculated in step S510 and the continuous shooting speed calculated in step S512 are displayed on the display unit 53 in step S404 of FIG. Therefore, when the power is turned on, the user can check the number of continuous shots or the continuous shooting speed before the memory card 100 is initialized.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of an initial operation in the memory card 100. This flow is started when power can be supplied from the imaging device 10 to the memory card 100. Specifically, this flow is started by the process of step S502 of FIG. This flow is executed by controlling each part of the memory card 100 mainly by the controller 340 unless otherwise specified.

  In step S <b> 602, the controller 340 is activated using the power supplied from the imaging device 10. Subsequently, the controller 340 acquires suppliable power (step S604). Specifically, the controller 340 acquires the suppliable power with an electric signal via the supply power notification terminal 312 and the supply power acquisition terminal 322.

  In step S606, the controller 340 determines electronic circuit blocks to be initialized in parallel. Specifically, the controller 340 determines which combination of electronic circuits including the flash memory 380, the PHY chip 332, and the LINK chip 334 is initialized in parallel. Specifically, the controller 340 determines with reference to the suppliable power acquired in step S604 and the information stored in the initialization information storage unit 350. This process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S608, the controller 340 specifies the initialization time and transmits the initialization time to the imaging device 10. Specifically, the controller 340 identifies the initialization time with reference to the suppliable power acquired in step S604 and the information stored in the initialization information storage unit 350. This process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S610, the electronic circuit including the flash memory 380, the PHY chip 332, and the LINK chip 334 is initialized. Specifically, the controller 340 initializes the electronic circuit with the combination determined in step S606. When the process of step S610 is completed, the imaging apparatus 10 is notified that the initialization of the data communication line has been completed (step S612). Specifically, the controller 340 notifies the MPU 51 by an electrical signal via the information communication terminal 324 and the information communication terminal 314 that the initialization is completed.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of parameters for determining the suppliable power in a table format. This information is stored in advance in the system memory 57, for example. The parameters for determining the power that can be supplied include the connection state of the external power supply, the setting state of the continuous shooting speed, and the connection state of the external device. The system memory 57 stores a current that can be supplied to the memory card 100 in association with a plurality of combinations of these states. The MPU 51 notifies the memory card 100 of the suppliable current stored in the system memory 57 corresponding to the current state of the imaging device 10.

  Here, the suppliable power is represented by the product of the suppliable current and the supply voltage. Therefore, the suppliable current is an example of information indicating the suppliable power. That is, the system memory 57 stores the power in association with at least one of the setting state of the continuous shooting speed, the power supply state to the imaging device, and the connection state of the external device to the imaging device. Functions as a storage unit.

  Referring to this table, when an external power source is connected to the image capturing apparatus 10 and no external device is connected to the image capturing apparatus 10, the maximum value as the suppliable current is set when the continuous shooting speed is set to “high speed”. Is set. For example, when an AC adapter is connected as an external power source and no external device is connected, the memory card 100 can acquire power from the AC adapter and does not need to supply power to the external device. Therefore, when the continuous shooting speed is set to “high speed”, the electronic circuit of the memory card 100 is operated in parallel by supplying the maximum current to the memory card 100, and the memory card 100 is operated for a short time. Start with to support high-speed continuous shooting.

  On the other hand, when an external power source is not connected to the imaging device 10 and a USB device and an external monitor are connected as the external device to the imaging device 10, supply is possible when the continuous shooting speed is set to “low”. A minimum value is set as the current. For example, when the secondary battery built in the imaging device 10 needs to supply power to the USB device, the upper limit value of the power that can be supplied to the memory card 100 may need to be lowered. In addition, when an external monitor is connected, power is consumed for processing for display on the external monitor, so it may be necessary to lower the upper limit value of power that can be supplied to the memory card 100 in the same manner. When a monitor is connected, it may be necessary to reduce the continuous shooting speed to such an extent that the work area of the SDRAM 58 does not become full. Therefore, when the continuous shooting speed is set to “low speed”, a minimum current is supplied to the memory card 100 while adapting to the set continuous shooting speed, so that it can be used for USB devices and external devices. The power of the secondary battery can be assigned to the process.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of initialization information stored in the memory card 100 in a table format. This information is stored in advance in the initialization information storage unit 350, for example.

  The initialization information includes a combination of electronic circuits to be initialized in parallel and an initialization time. That is, the initialization information storage unit 350 stores the combination of electronic circuits that are initialized in parallel and the initialization time in association with the suppliable current. The controller 340 initializes the electronic circuit according to the initialization information stored in the initialization information storage unit 350 corresponding to the suppliable current acquired from the imaging device 10. In addition, the controller 340 notifies the imaging device 10 of the initialization time stored in the initialization information storage unit 350 corresponding to the suppliable current acquired from the imaging device 10.

  Referring to this table, when the suppliable current is “large”, all the flash memories 380, the PHY chip 332, and the LINK chip 334 are initialized in parallel. Then, the shortest value is set as the initialization time, which is transmitted to the imaging device 10. On the other hand, when the supplyable current is “small”, the flash memories 380-1 to 380 -N, the PHY chip 332, and the LINK chip 334 are sequentially initialized. Then, the longest value is set as the initialization time, and is transmitted to the imaging device 10. Further, when the supplyable current is “medium”, m flash memories 380 (M + m = N) of flash memories 380 are initialized after M flash memories are initialized in parallel. The PHY chip 332 and the LINK chip 334 are initialized in parallel. Then, an intermediate value that is shorter than the longest value and longer than the shortest value is set as the initialization time, and is transmitted to the imaging device 10. Therefore, the controller 340 appropriately sets the combination of electronic circuits to be initialized in parallel and the initialization time according to the supplyable current according to the initialization information stored in the initialization information storage unit 350. be able to.

  Here, examples of the initialization process of the flash memory 380 include a process for detecting a defective memory cell, a memory repair process for replacing the detected defective memory cell with a redundant memory cell prepared in advance, and the like. Further, as initialization processing of the PHY chip 332 and the LINK chip 334, setting of each control register included in the PHY chip 332 and the LINK chip 334, and a link between the PHY chip and the LINK chip included in the recording medium IF 56 of the imaging device 10 are performed. An example of the up processing can be given. Examples of the link-up process include a process of determining a communication parameter by transmitting / receiving a training signal.

  FIG. 9 schematically shows an example of a transmission path of image data. Digital image data is output from the sensor unit 900 including the image sensor 36, the analog processing unit 70, and the AD conversion unit 71. In continuous shooting, the amount of image data output per unit time from the sensor unit 900 is determined by the continuous shooting speed and the number of pixels of the image. The output image data is buffered in a buffer unit 910 secured in the SDRAM 58 and is subjected to processing by the ASIC 72. Here, in order to simplify the description, it is assumed that buffers A to C for buffering image data for three sheets are secured in the SDRAM 58. When image data that has not been transferred to the memory card 100 exists in the buffers A to C, the MPU 51 prohibits the imaging by the imaging element 36.

  The image data buffered in the buffer unit 910 is output to the memory card 100. The amount of image data transferred per unit time is determined according to the data transfer speed between the imaging device 10 and the memory card 100. Therefore, when the amount of image data per unit time from the sensor unit 900 is larger than the data transfer rate, the buffer unit 910 becomes full (buffer full) at any time. Therefore, continuous shooting with a fixed shooting interval is stopped until the image data in any of the buffers A to C is transferred.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of a time sequence for continuous shooting. This example is an example of a time sequence when the initialization time is relatively long. In this example, the continuous shooting speed with a constant shooting interval is determined by the data transfer speed. That is, the continuous shooting speed is set so that the data transfer speed and the amount of image data from the sensor unit 900 per unit time are balanced. The number of images that can be continuously shot with a fixed shooting interval is determined by the storable capacity secured in the buffer unit 910.

  Referring to this time sequence, when the power is turned on at time t0, initialization of the memory card 100 is started. Initialization of the memory card 100 is completed at time t6. When the power is turned on, continuous shooting is started immediately from time t1, and continuous shooting is performed at time t1, time t3, and time t5. Time t5 is a time before time t6. Accordingly, image data # 1 generated by photographing at time t1, time t3, and time t5 is stored in buffers A, B, and C, respectively. After the shooting at time t5, the buffer unit 910 becomes buffer full, so that the MPU 51 temporarily stops continuous shooting.

  When the initialization of the memory card 100 is completed at time t6, the MPU 51 sequentially starts transferring the image data stored in the buffers A to C from time t6. When the transfer of the image data # 1 in the buffer A is completed at time t8, continuous shooting is started again. Since the continuous shooting speed is set to be balanced with the data transfer speed, continuous shooting can be performed substantially in synchronization with the completion of the transfer of the image data in the buffers B, C. For this reason, continuous shooting can be performed at substantially constant time intervals.

  In this time sequence, the number of images that can be continuously shot with a fixed shooting interval is determined to be three. Since the MPU 51 can acquire the initialization time and the data transfer speed from the memory card 100 before the memory card 100 is initialized, the MPU 51 can appropriately calculate the number of consecutive shots (3) and present it to the user. can do.

  In this time sequence, continuous shooting is started immediately after the power is turned on. However, continuous shooting may be delayed in order to prevent a buffer full from occurring. For example, the start time of continuous shooting may be delayed so that the next shooting timing after time t5 when the continuous shooting speed is fixed matches the timing at which buffer A is cleared. Thereby, continuous shooting can be continued at a substantially constant continuous shooting speed.

  FIG. 11 shows another example of a time sequence for continuous shooting. This example is an example of a time sequence when the initialization time is relatively short and the user sets the continuous shooting speed. In this example, the number of continuously shootable images is determined by the storage capacity secured in the buffer unit 910, the data transfer speed, the continuous shooting speed set by the user, and the number of photographic pixels.

  Referring to this time sequence, when the power is turned on at time t0, initialization of the memory card 100 is started. Initialization of the memory card 100 is completed at time t3. When the power is turned on, continuous shooting is started immediately from time t1, and continuous shooting is performed at times t1, t3, t6, t9, t12, and t15.

  Also in this time sequence, as described with reference to FIG. 10, the image data is sequentially stored in the buffer unit 910 and sequentially transferred to the memory card 100. In this time sequence, the amount of image data per unit time from the sensor unit 900 is greater than the data transfer rate, and buffer full occurs at time t16. For this reason, continuous shooting is temporarily stopped until the buffer A becomes empty. When the buffer A is cleared at time t17, continuous shooting is resumed. After time t17, continuous shooting is performed every time one buffer is cleared.

  According to this time sequence, the number of images that can be continuously shot at the continuous shooting speed set by the user is 6. Since the MPU 51 can acquire the initialization time and the data transfer rate from the memory card 100 before the memory card 100 is initialized, the MPU 51 can calculate the number of images that can be continuously shot (6) at the continuous shooting speed set by the user. Appropriately calculated and presented to the user before the memory card 100 is initialized.

  In this time sequence, the amount of image data per unit time from the sensor unit 900 is assumed to be greater than the data transfer rate. Then, the number of continuous shots at the continuous shooting speed set by the user is calculated. However, by reducing the continuous shooting speed, the amount of image data per unit time from the sensor unit 900 can be made lower than the data transfer speed. In this case, by setting the continuous shooting speed so that a buffer full does not occur within the initialization time, continuous shooting can be continued with the number of images corresponding to the free space of the memory card 100 as the upper limit. The MPU 51 may set the continuous shooting speed based on the storable capacity secured in the buffer unit 910, the data transfer speed, and the initialization time. By setting the continuous shooting speed, images can be taken continuously at a constant shooting interval. This process can be applied to the process of step S512 of FIG. 5 in the continuous shooting speed automatic adjustment mode.

  In the above, the functions and operations of the memory card 100 and the imaging device 10 relating to the initialization of the memory card 100 have been described by taking up the case where the imaging device 10 is powered on. However, the functions and operations can also be applied when the memory card 100 is connected to the recording medium IF 56.

  In addition, the memory card 100 initializes the electronic circuit according to the suppliable current notified by the imaging device 10 before the memory card 100 is initialized. However, if there is a notification from the imaging apparatus 10 that the supplyable current is changed during the initialization process, the memory card 100 may control the internal electronic circuit according to the changed supplyable current.

  The processing described in relation to the imaging apparatus 10 of the present embodiment can be realized by causing each unit of the imaging apparatus 10, such as the MPU 51, to operate according to a program. That is, the process can be realized by a so-called computer device. The computer device may load a program for controlling the execution of the above-described process, operate according to the read program, and execute the process. The computer device can load the program by reading a computer-readable recording medium storing the program.

  In the present embodiment, an example of the electronic apparatus has been described by taking up the imaging device 10. Examples of the imaging device include an interchangeable lens single-lens reflex camera, a compact digital camera, a mirrorless single-lens camera, a video camera, a mobile phone with an imaging function, a portable information terminal with an imaging function, and a game machine with an imaging function. A device having an imaging function such as a scanner or a facsimile can be applied. The electronic device may be realized as an electronic image device such as a television, a video, a digital photo frame, a projector device, an entertainment device such as a game device.

  Further, an example of the electronic device has been described by taking up the memory card 100. However, communication devices, data relay devices, and the like can be applied as electronic devices. As a communication device, a wireless communication device and a wired communication device can be applied.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment. It is apparent from the scope of the claims that the embodiments added with such changes or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The order of execution of each process such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages in the apparatus, system, program, and method shown in the claims, the description, and the drawings is particularly “before” or “prior to”. It should be noted that the output can be realized in any order unless the output of the previous process is used in the subsequent process. Regarding the operation flow in the claims, the description, and the drawings, even if it is described using “first”, “next”, etc. for convenience, it means that it is essential to carry out in this order. It is not a thing.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Imaging device, 11 Optical axis, 20 Lens unit, 21 Lens group, 22 Front lens, 23 Rear lens, 24 Focus lens, 25 Zoom lens, 26 Lens barrel, 27 Lens circuit board, 28 Aperture device, 29 Lens mount, 30 Camera unit, 31 Camera mount, 32 Main mirror, 33 Focus plate, 34 Main mirror rotation axis, 35 Mirror box, 36 Image sensor, 37 Pentaprism, 38 Eyepiece optical system, 39 AE sensor, 40 Sub mirror, 41 Focusing optical system , 42 Focus sensor, 43 Focal plane shutter, 50 Main board, 51 MPU, 53 Display unit, 54 Power supply unit, 55 External device IF, 56 Recording medium IF, 57 System memory, 58 SDRAM, 60 Operation input unit, 70 Analog Processing unit, 71 AD conversion 72 ASIC, 73 Drive driver, 100 Memory card, 310 Connection terminal, 312 Supply power notification terminal, 314 Information communication terminal, 316 Data communication terminal, 318 Power supply terminal, 320 Connection terminal, 322 Supply power acquisition terminal, 324 Information communication terminal 326 data communication terminal, 328 power supply terminal, 330 communication circuit, 332 PHY chip, 334 LINK chip, 340 controller, 350 initialization information storage unit, 360 memory unit, 370 power control unit, 380 flash memory, 900 sensor unit, 910 Buffer part

Claims (26)

An electronic device that performs data communication with an electronic device,
A data communication unit for performing the data communication;
An information communication unit that communicates information with the electronic device from when power is supplied to the electronic device until the data communication by the data communication unit becomes possible,
An electronic device comprising: The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that initializes an electronic circuit included in the data communication unit based on the information acquired from the electronic device and enables the data communication. The information communication unit transmits information identifying power that can be supplied to the electronic device from the electronic device to the electronic device,
The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls initialization of the data communication unit based on the power. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit initializes more electronic circuits in parallel than the data communication unit has as the power increases. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the information communication unit transmits, to the electronic device, a required time, which is a time required from when power is supplied to the electronic device until the plurality of electronic circuits are initialized. . A required time storage unit that stores the required time in association with a plurality of power values supplied to the electronic device;
The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the information communication unit transmits the required time stored in the required time storage unit corresponding to the power value to the electronic device. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the data communication unit includes, as the electronic circuit, a plurality of nonvolatile memories for storing data communicated by the data communication unit. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the data communication unit includes a communication circuit responsible for data communication as the electronic circuit. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein the communication circuit includes at least one of a PHY chip responsible for communication in a physical layer of communication and a LINK chip responsible for communication in a link layer as the electronic circuit. 10. The information communication unit transmits to the electronic device a required time that is a time required from when power is supplied to the electronic device until the electronic circuit included in the data communication unit is initialized. The electronic device according to any one of the above. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the information communication unit transmits a free capacity of a non-volatile memory for storing data communicated by the data communication unit to the electronic device. An electronic device that performs data communication with an electronic device,
A data communication unit for performing the data communication;
A required time storage unit for storing a required time, which is a time required until the data communication is enabled after power is supplied to the electronic device, to be transmitted to the electronic device;
An electronic device comprising: The electronic device according to claim 12, further comprising an information communication unit that transmits the required time to the electronic device. A data communication unit for performing data communication with an electronic device;
An information transmission terminal for transmitting information identifying power that can be supplied from the electronic device from the electronic device;
A control unit for controlling the data communication unit according to the power;
An electronic device comprising: An imaging apparatus for transferring image data to an electronic device,
An imaging unit;
An internal memory that temporarily stores image data of an image captured by the imaging unit;
A required time acquisition unit for acquiring, from the electronic device, a required time which is a time required for an initialization process executed before the electronic device starts transferring the image data;
A calculation unit that calculates the number of images that can be continuously captured by the imaging unit, based on a storable capacity capable of storing the image data in the internal memory and the required time;
An imaging apparatus comprising: The imaging apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the calculation unit calculates the number of images based further on a data transfer rate to the electronic device. A shooting speed setting unit for setting a shooting speed at which the imaging unit continuously shoots;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the calculation unit calculates the number of images based on the storable capacity, the required time, the data transfer speed, and the shooting speed. The imaging apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the imaging speed setting unit sets an imaging speed at which the imaging unit can continuously capture images based on the storable capacity, the required time, and the data transfer speed. The imaging device according to claim 15, further comprising a display unit that displays the number of images calculated by the calculation unit. A power notification unit that notifies the electronic device of power that can be supplied to the electronic device;
The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the required time acquisition unit acquires the required time corresponding to the power from the electronic device. The power is set in association with at least one of a setting state of a shooting speed at which the imaging unit continuously shoots, a power supply state to the imaging device, and a connection state of an external device to the imaging device. A power supply storage unit for storing,
The imaging device according to claim 20, wherein the power notification unit notifies the electronic device of the power stored in the supply power storage unit in correspondence with a current state of the imaging device. The imaging apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising a supply power determination unit that determines power to be supplied to the electronic device based on the required time acquired from the electronic device. An imaging apparatus for transferring image data to an electronic device,
An imaging unit;
An internal memory that temporarily stores image data of an image captured by the imaging unit;
A required time acquisition unit for acquiring, from the electronic device, a required time which is a time required for an initialization process executed before the electronic device starts transferring the image data;
Based on a storable capacity capable of storing the image data in the internal memory, the required time, and a data transfer speed to the electronic device, a shooting speed at which the imaging unit can continuously capture images is calculated. A calculation unit;
An imaging apparatus comprising: An imaging device according to any one of claims 15 to 23;
The electronic device;
An imaging system comprising: The electronic device is a recording device including a nonvolatile memory,
The electronic device is a time required to initialize the nonvolatile memory between when the power is supplied and when the nonvolatile memory is initialized when power is supplied to the electronic device. The imaging system according to claim 24, wherein a certain required time is notified to the imaging apparatus. Temporarily storing image data of an image captured by the imaging unit in an internal memory;
Obtaining from the electronic device a required time, which is a time required for an initialization process executed before the electronic device starts transferring the image data;
Calculating the number of images that can be continuously captured by the imaging unit based on a storable capacity capable of storing the image data in the internal memory and the required time;
A program that causes a computer to execute.

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