JP2015203988A - Power supply system, communication system, and communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power supply system and a communication system that are capable of selecting an optimal mode depending on a communication mode and a power supply mode between a main body apparatus and an external apparatus.SOLUTION: A power supply system performs first communication with a first external apparatus (S5), performs cooperative operation while supplementarily supplying power to the first external apparatus (S11, S13) if the first communication is established, performs second communication different from the first communication with a second external apparatus (S27), and fully supplies power to the second external apparatus and performs cooperative operation (S29, S31) if the second communication is established.

Description

  The present invention relates to a power supply system, a communication system, and a communication method for supplying power to external devices having different communication and power supply.

  There are many systems that use various devices in combination. For example, various combinations have been proposed, such as using a camera with a strobe device (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2), and recently using a smartphone with a digital camera.

  Recently, a communication method (communication integrated circuit) for performing communication between various devices has been used. For example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) has a serial bus standard for connecting information devices such as computers and peripheral devices, and is used as a communication method between various devices. The UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) is an integrated circuit for converting serial signals in an asynchronous manner into parallel signals or in the opposite direction. Communication between devices incorporating this URAT is possible. Has been done.

JP 2009-031462 A JP 2010-101962 A

  In a system consisting of a main device and an external device combined with the main device, if the main device is loaded with a power supply battery, or if the external device is to be downsized, the external device is not loaded with a power supply battery. It is conceivable to supply power from. In addition, as described above, there are various communication methods between the main device and the external device. However, although the URAT described above has a low communication speed, it consumes less power. On the other hand, USB consumes much power but has a high communication speed. As described above, there are various communication methods between the main device and the external device, and there are also various power supply methods for the external device. Depending on the combination of the communication method and the power supply method, the combination becomes inefficient.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a power supply system, a communication system, and a communication method capable of selecting an optimum method according to a communication method and a power supply method between a main device and an external device. The purpose is to do.

  In order to achieve the above object, a power supply system according to a first aspect of the present invention performs first communication when a first external device is attached, and supplies power when the second external device is attached. Second communication different from the first communication is performed in a communication unit common to the first communication.

The power supply system according to a second aspect of the present invention is the same as that of the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the power supply for replenishing the power in the first external device is shared with the first external device when the first external device is attached In the power supply section.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power supply system according to the first aspect, wherein the second external device detection power is supplied when the second external device is attached.

  A communication system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention performs first communication with a first external device, and when the first communication is established, performs a cooperative operation while supplementarily supplying power to the first external device. Second communication with the second external device is different from the first communication, and when the second communication is established, the second external device is fully supplied with power and cooperated.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication method comprising: a step of performing a first communication with a first external device; a step of performing a second communication different from the first communication with a second external device; and the first communication is established. In this case, the communication partner as the first external device performs a cooperative operation while supplementarily supplying power to the first external device, or the second communication is established when the second communication is established. A step of supplying power to the external device entirely and performing a cooperative operation.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a power supply system, a communication system, and a communication method capable of selecting an optimum method according to a communication method and a power supply method between a main device and an external device.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile device system including a main device and a first external device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the portable apparatus system which consists of the main body apparatus and 2nd external apparatus which concern on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the portable apparatus system which consists of a modification of the main body apparatus and 2nd external apparatus which concern on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of apparatus control in the main body apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of apparatus control of the 1st external apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of apparatus control of the 2nd external apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the camera system which consists of a camera main body and external apparatus which concern on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the connection mechanism of the camera main body and external apparatus which concern on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control operation of the camera which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

  The present invention provides a power supply system and a communication system in which a main device can be selected and controlled in cooperation with an optimum method according to each communication method and power supply method corresponding to various external devices. It is something that can be done. There are various forms of a power supply system and a communication system to which the present invention is applied. Preferred embodiments will be described below using a portable device system to which the present invention is applied according to the drawings. 1 to 3 are block diagrams showing the configuration of the portable device system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. That is, FIG. 1 shows a portable device system composed of a combination of a main device and a first external device, FIG. 2 shows a portable device system composed of a combination of the main device and a second external device, and FIG. The portable apparatus system which consists of a combination with the modification of a 2nd external apparatus is shown. Note that the first and second external devices shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 represent various external devices.

  FIG. 1 shows a portable device system in which the main device 10 is used in combination with the first external device 20. In the main device 10, a unique power supply 4, a control unit 11, and a connection unit 3 are provided. The unique power source 4 has a power source such as a power source battery, and can supply power to each unit in the main body device 10 and can also supply power to external devices.

  The control unit 11 includes a CPU for controlling the main device 10 according to a program stored in the storage unit. Moreover, it has the 1st communication part 11a, the 2nd communication part 11b, the 1st power supply part 12a, and the 2nd power supply part 12b. The first communication unit 11a can communicate with an external device at a high speed such as USB via the connection unit 3. In addition, the second communication unit 11b can communicate with an external device at low speed via the connection unit 3, such as UART. The first power supply unit 12a and the second power supply unit 12b can supply power to an external device. Among these, the first power supply unit 12a is auxiliary to the first external device 20 having a power battery or the like. The second power supply 12b mainly supplies power to the second external device 30 that does not have a power battery or the like. The first communication unit 11a and the second communication unit 11b communicate with an external device via a common connection unit 3 (also functioning as a communication unit and having a supply contact or an antenna). As will be described later, when the first external device 20 is attached (including contact or non-contact), the power supply for replenishing the power in the first external device 20 is shared with the first external device 20. The power supply unit (contact or non-contact power supply member) is used.

  In recent years, device-to-device communication is called M2M technology and has been booming, and IT devices having unique functions cooperate with each other to meet user needs. The first external device 20 is an information terminal such as a smartphone, for example, and represents such an IT device. The first external device 20 includes a first device communication unit 35a, a power supply unit 33, a secondary battery 34, various functional units 38, and an operation unit 39. Since the first device communication unit 35a is an IT device having a unique function, the first device communication unit 35a is generally equipped with a secondary battery, is supplied with power from the power supply unit 33, and communicates with other devices at high speed via a USB or the like. Such devices handle a large amount of information, and many communication specifications can handle communication speeds of the order of 10 Mbps or higher.

  The secondary battery 34 is a battery that can be charged from the outside, and has a capacity sufficient to operate the first external device. The secondary battery 34 is connected to the power supply unit 33, and the output current of the secondary battery 34 is stabilized by the power supply unit 33, so that the first device communication unit 35a, the various function units 38, the operation unit 39, and the like. Power is supplied to each part in the first external device 20. Further, the power supply unit 33 can receive power from the main device 10 as an auxiliary. In particular, when the capacity of the secondary battery 34 is reduced, the power supply from the main device 10 is effectively utilized.

  The various function units 38 are blocks for executing the functions of the first external device 20. For example, in the case of a smartphone, the various function units 38 communicate with a relay station, execute various applications, perform various displays, and the like. The operation unit 39 includes operation members such as various switches and a touch panel for a user to give instructions to the first external device.

  In the portable device system in which the main device 10 and the first external device 20 are combined, the first external device 20 has a power battery such as the secondary battery 34, so that the first device communication unit 35a can perform high-speed communication. is there. For this reason, the main device 10 performs high-speed communication with the first external device 20 by the first communication unit 11a, and the second communication unit 11b does not operate. In addition, the first external device 20 supplies power to the power supply unit 33 in an auxiliary manner by the first power supply unit 12a.

  As described above, in the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the first external device 20 has a power source. However, when the main device 10 and the first external device 20 operate in cooperation, the first external device 20 Power is supplied so as not to consume valuable charge. In the case of an information terminal such as a smartphone, high-level information processing results are expected to be linked, and high-speed communication is preferable. In this case, the amount of information communicated with the connector or antenna for connection with the first external device 20 increases, and high-speed communication is performed by the first communication unit 11a and the first device communication unit 35a. .

  FIG. 2 shows a mobile device system that uses the main device 10 in combination with the second external device 30. In the main device 10, a unique power source 4, a control unit 11, and a connection unit 3 are provided, which are the same as those in FIG.

  The second external device 30 includes a second device communication unit 35b, a power supply unit 33, various functional units 38, an operation unit 39, and the like. Unlike the first external device 10, the second external device 30 includes a power supply battery such as a secondary battery 34. Not done. What is called a peripheral device tends to be designed in pursuit of miniaturization and cost reduction, so it often has no battery. The second device communication unit 35b receives power supply from the power supply unit 33, and communicates with other devices at low speed by UART or the like. This is because it is not possible to use expensive communication chips with high power consumption, so that communication specifications of the order of 115 Kbps can be covered.

  The power supply unit 33 receives power supply from the unique power supply 4 and the second power supply unit 12 b in the main device 10. In the example of FIG. 2, unlike the case of FIG. 1, the power supply battery is not provided in the external device, and thus the power supply is entirely received from the main device 10. The functions of the various functional units 38 have the same or different functions as the first external device 20. The operation unit 39 has the same or different operation unit as the first external device 20.

  In the portable device system in which the main device 10 and the second external device 30 are combined, the second external device 30 does not have a power source battery such as the secondary battery 34. Power is supplied to the second external device 30 via the second power supply unit 12b. In order to reduce power consumption, the second device communication unit 35b performs communication with low power consumption (however, low-speed communication). That is, the main device 10 communicates with the second external device 20 with low power consumption by the second communication unit 11b, and the first communication unit 11a does not operate.

  As described above, in the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the second external device 30 does not have a power source, and when the main device 10 and the second external device 30 operate in cooperation with each other, (2) Power is supplied to the external device 30. In addition, when the second external device 30 is a strobe device, since high-level information processing results are not linked, low-speed communication such as the second communication unit 11b and the second device communication 35b is sufficient. is there. It is necessary to support the appropriate power supply during communication and operation.

  FIG. 3 shows a portable device system that is used in combination with a modification of the second external device 30 in the main device 10. In the case of the second external device 30, power supply must be started before communication with the main device 10 is started. However, there is a possibility that a short circuit may occur due to a poor connection with the main device 10 or a contact may be exposed. . Needless to say, the exposed contacts are not suitable for dust- and drip-proof equipment. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 3, after determining whether or not the main device 10 and the second external device 30 are correctly attached and the connection state is normal, the independent power supply 4 and the second power supply unit 12b are connected to the second power supply unit 12b. 2 Power supply to the external device 30 is started.

  The connection determination unit 11 c provided in the main device 10 outputs a weak detection current to the second external device 30 via the connection unit 3. The connection determination unit 37 provided in the second external device 30 outputs a detection signal to the main device 10 when the detection current from the connection determination unit 11 c is input. When the connection determination unit 11c detects the detection signal from the connection determination unit 37, the second power supply unit 12b causes the power supply unit 33 of the second external device 30 to start supplying power. Supplying power only when necessary can cope with various unexpected situations, save energy, and give the user a sense of security.

  As described above, in the example illustrated in FIG. 3, until the main device 10 and the second external device 30 are securely connected by the connection determination unit 11 c and the connection determination unit 37, the independent power supply 4 and the second power supply unit 12 b There is no power supply with a large current. For this reason, the malfunction by connection failure etc. can be prevented. In the case of the first external device 10 shown in FIG. 1, since the first external device has a unique power source (secondary battery 34 or the like), the connection determination unit 37 may not be provided. .

  As the inter-device communication technology advances, it becomes important to construct a system that enables communication with various external devices, and it is necessary to consider how to use the power supply. That is, there is a main body device 10 that can be connected to an external device such as a first external device 20 having a power battery such as a secondary battery or a second external device 30 having no unique power battery inside. In the present embodiment, in the case of an external device (second external device 30) as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, it is usually a simple accessory, and the amount of information communicated by the communication unit is small and the speed is low. Since communication is sufficient, power is supplied from the main device 10 side. On the other hand, in the case of the external device (first external device 20) as shown in FIG. 1, it has a power supply battery for performing advanced information processing, but power consumption also increases during cooperative operation. Power is supplied from the main device 10 as an auxiliary.

  In the description of FIGS. 1 to 3, the connection between the main device 10 and the first external device 20 or the second external device 30 has been described on the premise that the connection is made via a wire or a contact. However, since contactless charging technology has been put into practical use in recent years, communication between the main device and the external device may be performed wirelessly and power may be supplied in a contactless manner. However, there is an advantage that the contacts, antennas, and the like necessary for these communications can be shared when the main device 10 and the first external device 20 or the second external device 30 are connected. By grouping such connection parts together, it is possible to make the design easy for the user to understand, and it is possible to reduce the size of the device.

  Next, the operation of the main device 10 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. This flowchart is executed by the control unit 11 in the main device 10 controlling each unit in the main device 10 according to a program stored in the storage unit.

  If the main body control flow is entered, it is first determined whether or not the power is on (S1). Here, it is determined whether or not a power switch (not shown) of the main device 10 is turned on. If the result of this determination is that it is not on, it enters a standby state (S7). The standby state is a low power consumption mode. When an operation member such as a power switch is operated, the standby state is canceled and the operation starts from step S1.

  If the result of determination in step S <b> 1 is a power supply, communication is then started (S <b> 3). Here, the first communication unit 11a performs high-speed communication with an external device. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the first communication is possible (S5). When the first external device 20 is attached to the main device 10 (including a state where cooperation is possible even when the main device 10 is not attached), the first communication device unit 35a is connected to the main device for high-speed communication from the first communication unit 11a. Since the reply is made to 10, the determination is made based on the presence or absence of this reply.

  If the result of determination in step S5 is that first communication is possible, a cooperative operation is performed with the first external device (S11). Here, an operation in which the main device 10 and the first external device 20 are linked is performed. For example, when a digital camera as the main device 10 and a smartphone as the first external device 20 are communicable, shooting is performed while viewing the map display with the smartphone, or shooting guidance is performed with the smartphone. May be.

  When the cooperative operation with the first external device is performed, power supply for the first external device is performed (S13). As described above, the secondary battery 34 is provided in the first external device 20, but there is a possibility that power consumption may increase during the cooperative operation. Therefore, auxiliary power is supplied from the independent power supply 4 to the first external device 20 via the first power supply 12a.

  Once power supply for the first external device has been performed, it is next determined whether or not it is finished (S15). In this step, a cooperative operation between the main device 10 and the first external device 20 may be performed, such as turning off the power switch of the first external device 20 or removing the first external device 20 from the main device 10. Judgment is made based on whether or not the situation is impossible. If the result of this determination is not end, processing returns to step S11 and the cooperative operation between the main device 10 and the first external device 20 is continued.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S15 is end, the function is ended (S17). Here, the cooperative operation between the main device 10 and the first external device 20 in step S11 is terminated. When the function ends, the process returns to step S1.

  If the result of determination in step S5 is that the first communication is not possible, next, connection response power is supplied (S21). The second external device 30 as shown in FIG. 3 has a connection determination unit 37. Since the second external device 30 may be attached, in this step, the connection determination unit 11c (see FIG. 3) in the main device 10 outputs a current for connection confirmation of the external device.

  Once the connection response power supply is performed, it is next determined whether or not there is a connection response (S23). When the connection determination unit 37 is provided in the second external device 30, a response signal is output from the connection determination unit 37 to the main device 10, and the connection determination unit 11c in the main device 10 is based on the response signal. Thus, it can be detected that the second external device 30 is normally connected. In this step, determination is made based on whether or not the aforementioned response signal has been detected.

  If the result of determination in step S23 is that there is a connection response, power is supplied (S25). When there is a connection response, since it is the second external device 30 that does not have a power source such as a secondary battery inside, the main device 10 is connected from the unique power source 4 via the second power supply unit 12b, Power is supplied to the second external device 30. When this power supply is received, the second external device 30 can communicate with the main device 10 via the second device communication unit 35b.

  If power is supplied in step S25 or if the result of determination in step S23 is that there is no connection response, it is determined whether or not second communication is possible (S27). When the second external device 30 is attached to the main device 10 (including a state where cooperation is possible even when the device is not attached), the second communication device is used for the second communication (low-speed communication) from the second communication unit 11b. Since the part 35b replies with respect to the main body apparatus 10, it determines based on the presence or absence of this reply.

  If the result of determination in step S27 is that second communication is not possible, the external device is operated without power supply and without a cooperative operation (S37). When the second external device 30 shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 is attached, and there is no reply from the second device communication unit 35b, either the first external device 20 or the second external device 30 is used. Because there is no power supply, it operates without cooperation. When this operation is performed, the process returns to step S1.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S27 is that second communication is possible, a cooperative operation is performed with the second external device 30 (S29). In this case, the device main body 10 and the second external device 30 perform a coordinated operation. For example, when a digital camera is used as the main device 10 and a strobe device is used as the second external device 20, processing for flash photography is performed according to an instruction from the digital camera.

  When the cooperative operation with the second external device is performed, the power supply for the second external device is supplied (S31). As described above, the second external device 30 does not have a power source such as a power battery, and receives power supply from the unique power source 4 of the device body 10 via the second power supply unit 12b.

  Once the power supply for the second external device has been performed, it is next determined whether or not it is finished (S33). In this step, a cooperative operation between the main device 10 and the second external device 30 can be performed, such as turning off the power switch of the second external device 30 or removing the second external device 30 from the main device 10. Judgment is made based on whether or not the situation is impossible. If the result of this determination is not end, processing returns to step S29 and the cooperative operation between the main device 10 and the second external device 30 is continued.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S33 is end, the function is ended (S35). Here, the cooperative operation between the main device 10 and the second external device 30 in step S29 is terminated. When the function ends, the process returns to step S1.

  As described above, in the main device control flow, when the first communication (high-speed communication) is possible, the main device 10 performs a cooperative operation with the first external device 20 (S11) and the first power supply unit. Auxiliary power supply is performed to the power supply unit 33 in the first external device 20 via 12a. On the other hand, when the second communication (low-speed communication) is possible, the main device 10 performs a cooperative operation with the second external device 30 (S29) and in the second external device 30 via the second power supply unit 12b. The second external device 30 is operated by supplying power to the power supply unit.

  In the present embodiment, when the second external device 30 as shown in FIG. 3 is used as a portable device system, it is detected that the main device 10 and the second external device 30 are securely connected. Therefore, the connection response was confirmed in steps S21 to S25. However, these steps may be omitted.

  Further, when the power supply for the first external device in step S13 and the power supply for the second external device in step S29 are not available on the main device 10 side and power cannot be supplied to the external device. May stop the power supply and warn.

  Next, the operation of the first external device control will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. This flowchart is executed by a control unit (not shown) in the first external device 20 controlling each unit in the first external device 20 according to a program stored in the storage unit.

  If the first external device control flow is entered, it is first determined whether or not the power is on (S41). Here, it is determined whether or not a power switch (not shown) of the first external device 20 is turned on. If the result of this determination is that it is not on, it waits for the power to be turned on.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S41 is that the power is on, a function list is displayed (S43). Here, the functions of the first external device 20 are displayed in a list on the display unit. Subsequently, a function selection determination is performed (S45). When the function list display is performed in step S43, the user selects a function from the list display and gives an instruction. In this step, it is determined which function has been selected.

  Once the function selection determination is made, it is next determined whether or not it is device cooperation selection (S47). Here, it is determined whether or not the function selected in step S45 is a function performed in cooperation between the device main body 10 and the first external device 20. For example, when a digital camera is used as the device main body 10 and a smartphone is used as the first external device 20, a shooting guide is displayed on the smartphone, and the user takes a picture with the digital camera while viewing the shooting guide. .

  If the result of determination in step S47 is not device cooperation selection, other modes are executed (S57). Here, the first external device 20 performs processing according to the function (mode) selected in step S45. If any other mode is executed, the process returns to step S41.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S47 is that device cooperation has been selected, standby for device correspondence is performed (S49). In the case of device cooperation selection, control according to an instruction from the main device 10 is performed, and in this step, a standby state is set so that device-compatible communication from the main device 10 can be received.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not communication is established (S51). Here, it is determined whether or not the first communication (high-speed communication) is established between the main device 10 and the first external device 20 via the first communication unit 11a and the first device communication unit 35a (FIG. 4). S5). If the communication is established as a result of this determination, control according to the communication result is performed (S53). That is, the first external device 20 performs control in accordance with an instruction from the main device 10.

  As a result of the determination in step S51, if communication is not established, or if control according to the communication result is performed in step S53, it is next determined whether or not the cooperation is completed (S55). Here, it is determined whether or not the cooperation is terminated when the main device 10 is powered off and the device cooperation mode is deselected from the main device 10.

  If the result of determination in step S55 is that the cooperative operation has not ended, the process returns to step S49 to continue the cooperative operation. On the other hand, when the cooperative operation is completed, the process returns to step S41.

  As described above, in the first external device control flow in the present embodiment, when device cooperation is selected (S47 Yes), communication is performed with the main device 10 by high-speed communication, and control according to the communication result is performed ( S49-S53).

  Next, the operation of the second external device control will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. This flowchart is executed by a control unit (not shown) in the second external device 30 controlling each unit in the second external device 30 according to a program stored in the storage unit. The flow shown in FIG. 6 shows the operation of the second external device 30 shown in FIG. Since the second external device 30 shown in FIG. 3 is used to determine that the second external device 30 is connected and perform communication and power supply, the reliability can be further increased.

  If the flow of the second external device control shown in FIG. 6 is entered, it is first determined whether or not connection response power is supplied (S61). As described above, the connection determination unit 11c of the main device 10 outputs a small current for connection response, and determines based on whether or not the connection determination unit 37 has detected a small current. As a result of the determination, if the connection response power is not supplied, it waits for the connection response power to be supplied.

  If the result of determination in step S61 is that connection connection power has been supplied, a connection response is made (S63). Here, the connection determination unit 37 in the second external device 30 outputs a response signal (detection signal) to the main device 10.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not communication is established (S65). When a response signal (detection signal) is output from the connection determination unit 37 to the main device 10, the main device 10 supplies power from the unique power supply 4 to the power supply unit 33 in the second external device 30 via the second power supply unit 12 b. Do. When the power is supplied, the second device communication unit 35b starts operating, and can perform second communication (low-speed communication) with the main device 10 via the second communication unit 11b in the main device 10. (See S27 in FIG. 4).

  If communication is established as a result of the determination in step S65, it is determined whether or not energy is supplied (S67). Here, it is determined whether or not sufficient power is supplied from the main device 10 to operate the second external device 30. In particular, when the second external device 30 is a peripheral device, there may be no battery inside, and the design is based on the assumption that the energy used for display and sensing of the device is supplied from the outside. There are many cases. Here, according to the communication result, the energy supply required there can be performed. Of course, it is not always possible to supply indefinitely, so the supply amount may be negotiated by the communication according to the state of the power supply.

  If the result of determination in step S67 is that there is energy supply, control is performed according to the communication result (S69). Here, the second external device 30 performs control in accordance with an instruction from the main device 10.

  When control according to the communication result is performed in step S69, or if the result of determination in step S67 is that there is no energy supply, or if the result of determination in step S65 is that communication has not been established, the cooperative operation is terminated (S71). ). Here, it is determined whether or not the cooperation is terminated when the main device 10 is powered off and the device cooperation mode is deselected from the main device 10.

  If the result of determination in step S <b> 71 is that the cooperative operation has not ended, the process returns to step S <b> 65 to continue the cooperative operation. On the other hand, when the cooperative operation is completed, the process returns to step S61.

  As described above, in the second external device control flow in the present embodiment, when communication is established (S65 Yes) and energy is supplied from the main device 10, control according to the communication result is performed (S49 to S53). ).

  As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, when the first external device 20 is attached to the main device 10, the main device 10 and the main device 10 are connected to each other by the first communication (high-speed communication). The main body device 10 supplies power to the first external device 20 in an auxiliary manner while performing a cooperative operation between the external devices.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The second embodiment is an example in which the main device 10 in the first embodiment is applied to the digital camera 10A, the first external device 20 is applied to the smartphone 20A, and the second external device 30 is applied to the strobe device 30A. .

  FIG. 7A is a block diagram of a portable device system that uses the digital camera 10A in combination with the strobe device 30A. FIG. 7B shows the appearance of the user when the digital camera 10A is used in combination with the smartphone 20A or the strobe device 30A.

  In the digital camera 10A, an imaging unit 2A, a unique power source 4A, a control unit 1A, and a connection unit 3A are provided. The imaging unit 2A includes a photographic lens, an imaging element, an imaging circuit, and the like, and converts a subject image into image data. The unique power source 4A has a power source such as a power battery, and supplies power to each part in the digital camera 1, and can also supply power to the strobe device 30A when the strobe device 30A is mounted. .

  The control unit 1A includes a CPU and the like for controlling the digital camera 10A in accordance with a program stored in a storage unit (not shown). The communication switching unit 1a includes the first communication unit 11a and the second communication unit 11b illustrated in FIG. 1, and switches these communication units according to the type of external device. The power supply unit 1d includes the first power supply unit 12a and the second power supply unit 12b illustrated in FIG. 1, and switches between these power sources according to the type of external device. The connection unit 3A connects to external devices such as a smartphone (IT device) 20A and a strobe device (peripheral device) 30A, and communicates when connected. In cooperation with these various devices, it is possible to shoot corresponding to various scenes. In addition, an appropriate communication form and power supply were selected to enable expansion of optimal size and optimal cost. Appropriate power supply is performed according to communication. However, when the other party is an IT device, the usage method may be multi-functional, and depending on the situation, power supply may not be necessary. Of course, the same measures are taken when the battery on the camera side is exhausted.

  The strobe device 30A includes a power supply unit 33A, a camera communication unit 35A, various functional units 38A, and an operation unit 39A. The strobe device 30A does not include a power supply battery such as a secondary battery. The camera communication unit 35A receives power supply from the power supply unit 33A and communicates with the digital camera 10A at low speed by UART or the like.

  The power supply unit 33A receives power supply from the unique power supply 4A and the power supply unit 1d in the digital camera 10A. As in the case of FIG. 2, since a power source battery such as a secondary battery is not provided in the strobe lie 30A, power is completely supplied from the digital camera 10A. The various functional units 38A execute functions as a strobe device such as flash emission. The operation unit 39A includes a power switch, an input switch, a display panel, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, an accessory shoe 5 is provided on the top of the digital camera 10A, and the shoe 31A of the strobe device 30A is fitted to the accessory shoe 5, and the strobe device 30A is attached to the digital camera 10A. Is installed.

  In the portable device system in which the digital camera 10A and the strobe device 30A are combined, the strobe device 30A does not have a power source battery such as a secondary battery, so the unique power source 4A and the power supply unit 1d of the digital camera 10A are provided. Then, power is supplied to the strobe device 30A. In order to reduce power consumption, communication with low power consumption (however, low-speed communication) is performed by the camera communication unit 35a.

  FIG. 7A does not show a block diagram when the smartphone 20A is combined with the digital camera 10A, but is basically the same as the block diagram shown in FIG. 1, and is for high-speed communication such as USB. Communication unit, secondary battery, power supply unit mainly receiving power supply from the secondary battery, supplementarily receiving power supply from the unique power source 4A of the digital camera 10A, and supplying power into the smartphone 20A, various functional units, operation Part.

A smartphone 20A can be attached to the accessory shoe 5 shown in FIG. 7B via an adapter 21A for the smartphone 20A.
In the mobile device system in which the digital camera 10A and the smartphone 20A are combined, the smartphone 20A includes a power battery such as a secondary battery, and thus high-speed communication that requires high power is possible. For this reason, the digital camera 10A performs high-speed communication. Further, the unique power supply 4A and the power supply unit 1d of the digital camera 10A supplementarily supply power to the power supply unit 33A.

  Thus, in the second embodiment of the present invention, when the smartphone 20A is attached to the digital camera 10A, high-speed communication (first communication) such as USB is performed and auxiliary power supply by USB is performed. receive. When the strobe device 30A is mounted on the digital camera 10A, low-speed communication (second communication) such as UART is performed, and power is completely supplied from the digital camera 10A.

  The smartphone 20A attached to the digital camera 10A is not limited to this, and may be a portable device (information device) having an internal battery and capable of high-speed communication, such as an IC recorder. The strobe device 30A attached to the digital camera 10A is not limited to this, and may be a portable device (information device) that does not have a built-in power battery and can communicate at low speed.

  Next, the mounting part of the digital camera 10A and the smartphone 20A will be described with reference to FIG. The accessory shoe 5 provided on the upper part of the digital camera 10A includes a grounding part 5a, a communication contact 5b, a tuning contact 5c, a power connection contact 5d, and the like. The adapter 21A for attaching the smartphone 20A to the accessory shoe 5 includes a connector 21a, a shoe 21b, and a holding portion 21c.

  The connector 21a is a connector that can be connected to an external connection terminal such as a mini USB terminal of the smartphone 20A. The clamping part 21c is comprised with an elastic body, and hold | maintains the smart phone 20A so that it may be pinched elastically back and forth. Further, when the smartphone 20A is held by the sandwiching portion 21c, the terminal of the smartphone 20A is connected to the connector 21a. The connector 21a is connected to a terminal provided on the bottom surface of the shoe 21b.

  The shoe 5 of the adapter 21 </ b> A can be fitted while sliding on the accessory shoe 5. The grounding portion 5a of the accessory shoe 5 is made of metal in order to set the ground level. When adapter 21A is attached, it is connected to the ground level of smartphone 20A. Two communication contacts 5b are provided, and high-speed communication such as USB is possible between the digital camera 10A and the smartphone 20A.

  The tuning contact 5c is a terminal for sending a tuning signal when the strobe device 30A is mounted. The power supply contact 5d is a terminal for supplying power from the power supply unit 10d of the digital camera 10A. The digital camera 10A is provided with a proximity wireless communication module 6. In other external devices such as the smartphone 20A, if close proximity wireless communication is possible, wireless communication may be performed instead of wired communication via a contact.

  Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. This flowchart is executed by the control unit 1A in the digital camera 10A controlling each unit in the digital camera 10A according to a program stored in the storage unit. In FIG. 9, the smartphone is abbreviated as a smartphone.

  If the camera control flow is entered, it is first determined whether or not the camera is in shooting mode (S101). Here, it is determined whether or not a mode for photographing is set. If a mode other than the shooting mode is set as a result of this determination, another mode is executed (S131). For example, if a playback mode or the like is set, a recorded image is played back and displayed. If any other mode is executed, the process returns to step S101.

  If the result of determination in step S101 is that the shooting mode has been set, imaging and live view display are performed (S103). Here, the image data of the subject image is acquired by the imaging unit 2A, and a through image is displayed on the display unit based on the image data. The user can determine the composition and the shutter timing by observing the through image.

  Next, it is determined whether or not cooperative shooting is performed (S105). For example, when the smartphone 20A is attached, the linked shooting is shooting performed by linking a smartphone function, for example, a function such as a map display or a shooting guide, and a shooting function of the digital camera. Further, for example, when the strobe device 30A is attached, photographing with flash emission by the strobe device 30A is performed. Since this cooperative shooting is set according to the menu mode of the digital camera 10A, the smartphone 20A, or the strobe device 30A, the determination is made based on this setting state.

  If the result of determination in step S105 is not cooperative shooting, shooting is with the digital camera 10A alone, and step S133 and subsequent steps are executed. First, the function is terminated (S133). If the cooperative shooting mode has been set, the cooperative shooting has been completed, so the cooperative shooting function is terminated here so that unnecessary processes are executed and timing and energy consumption are not wasted. .

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a photographing operation has been performed (S135). Here, it is determined whether the release button or the like of the digital camera 10A has been operated and the user has instructed the photographing. If the result of this determination is that there has been no shooting operation, processing returns to step S101.

  If the result of determination in step S135 is that a shooting operation has been made, shooting is carried out (S137). Here, image data is acquired from the imaging unit 2A. When photographing is performed, recording is performed (S139). Here, the acquired image data is recorded in the recording unit. After recording, the process returns to step S101.

  If the result of determination in step S105 is cooperative shooting, communication is started (S107). It communicates with external devices such as the smartphone 20A and the strobe device 30A attached to the digital camera 10A. As communication, the above-described USB communication, UART communication, and the like are performed while the communication switching unit 1a sequentially switches.

  First, it is determined whether or not communication with the smartphone 20A is possible (S109). Here, the determination is made based on whether or not there is a response from the smartphone 20 </ b> A to high-speed communication (first communication) such as USB communication.

  If the result of determination in step S109 is that communication with a smartphone is possible, shooting guide acquisition display is performed (S141). Here, the photographing guide acquired from the smartphone 20A is displayed on the display unit of the digital camera 10A. Subsequently, power supply for the smartphone is performed (S143). The smartphone 20A has a power battery such as a secondary battery. However, in the case of cooperative shooting, the power consumption is large, so the digital camera 10A side supplies power to the power supply unit inside the smartphone 20A as an auxiliary power source. Supply.

  If the result of determination in step S109 is that communication with the smartphone is not possible, connection response power is supplied (S111). As an external device attached to the digital camera 10A, it has a connection determination unit 37 as shown in FIG. 3, and when a minute current is input as a connection response power supply, a connection detection signal is returned to the digital camera 10A. To do. In step S111, the connection response power supply is output to the external device.

  Next, it is determined whether or not strobe communication is possible (S113). Here, the determination is made based on whether or not there is a response from the strobe device 30A for low-speed communication (second communication) such as UART communication.

  If the result of determination in step S113 is that flash communication is possible, charging power is supplied (S115). Since the strobe device 30A is mounted as an external device, in this step, the digital camera 10A supplies power to the strobe device 30A for charging. This power supply may be performed by the strobe side and allowed by the camera side. Subsequently, strobe charge control is performed (S117). Here, information on the charging voltage in the strobe device 30A is acquired by communication, and the charging voltage is controlled.

  Next, it is determined whether or not charging is finished (S119). When the charging voltage in the strobe device 30A reaches a predetermined voltage, the boosting is stopped. Therefore, in this step, determination is made based on whether or not a predetermined voltage has been reached. If the result of this determination is that charging has not ended, processing returns to step S115.

  If the result of determination in step S119 is that power reception has ended, it is next determined whether or not a shooting operation has been performed (S121). Here, it is determined whether the release button or the like of the digital camera 10A has been operated and the user has instructed the photographing. If the result of this determination is that there has been no shooting operation, processing returns to step S101.

  If the result of determination in step S121 is that a shooting operation has been performed, flash linked shooting is performed (S123). Here, after exchanging information with the strobe device 30A, photographing is performed with flash emission. When the flash linked shooting is performed, the image data from the imaging unit 2A is recorded in the recording unit. After recording, the process returns to step S101.

  In step S143, when power is supplied to the smartphone 20A, or if the result of determination in step S113 is that strobe communication is not possible, it is determined whether or not it is a shooting operation (S145). Here, it is determined whether the release button or the like of the digital camera 10A has been operated and the user has instructed the photographing. If the result of this determination is that there has been no shooting operation, processing returns to step S101.

  If the result of determination in step S145 is that a shooting operation has been made, shooting is carried out (S147). Here, image data is acquired from the imaging unit 2A. When shooting is performed, the information is recorded in association with the smartphone information (S149). Here, the acquired image data is recorded in the recording unit in association with the smartphone information. The smartphone information includes information related to shooting that can be acquired from the smartphone 20A, such as shooting guide information, a map of the shooting location, and the name of the shooting location (for example, “Kinkakuji”, “Sky Tree”, etc.).

  When recording is performed, it is transmitted via the smartphone (S151). Here, image data with smartphone information is transmitted to an external server or the like using the smartphone 20A. Once transmitted, the process returns to step S101.

  As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the digital camera 10A performs first communication (high-speed communication with a smartphone: S109) and second communication (low-speed with a strobe device) with respect to the attached external device. Communication: S113). Further, auxiliary power is supplied to the smartphone 20A (S143), and full power is supplied to the strobe device 30A (S115 to S119). For this reason, efficient communication and power supply can be performed.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the smartphone 20A and the strobe device 30A are mounted as the external devices has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, other external devices such as an IC recorder for voice recording are mounted. Control can be performed in the same manner even when the is attached. Further, the external device is not limited to two types.

  As described above, in each embodiment of the present invention, the first communication is performed when the first external device is attached (for example, S5 in FIG. 4), and the power source is attached when the second external device is attached. Supply is performed (for example, S31 in FIG. 4) and second communication different from the first communication is performed in the communication unit common to the first communication (for example, S27 in FIG. 4, connection unit 3 in FIGS. 1 to 3). ). For this reason, an optimal system can be selected according to the communication system and power supply system between the main device and the external device. Of course, any communication can be negotiated, and power supply may be restricted depending on the situation. Furthermore, it is possible to develop a specification that supplies power from the connected external device. For example, when it is attached to an in-vehicle device or an industrial inspection device, it can be expected that the power source is larger than that of the camera.

  In each embodiment of the present invention, when the first external device is attached, power supply for replenishing the power in the first external device is performed by a power supply unit common to the first external device (for example, , S13 in FIG. 4 and the first power supply unit 12a in FIGS. For this reason, even if the power consumption of the first external device is large, the first communication can be performed stably. As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a device that expands the range of use in cooperation with an external device, secures the design freedom of the external device beyond the restrictions of communication and power, and is simpler and more By constructing a rational system, it is possible to provide various conveniences to the user in terms of cost, size, and energy saving. The communication may be switched by switching the role of the terminal by switching an electronic circuit using an analog switch or the like, or by using middleware, an application, or software.

  In each embodiment of the present invention, when the second external device is attached, power is supplied for detecting the second external device (for example, S21 in FIG. 4). When the second external device does not have a power source such as a power battery, power for communication with the second external device can be supplied from the main device side in the initial stage.

  In each embodiment of the present invention, the first communication is performed with the first external device (for example, S5 in FIG. 4), and when the first communication is established, the first external device is supplementarily supplied with power. The cooperative operation is performed while supplying (for example, S11 and S13 in FIG. 4), the second external device and the second communication different from the first communication are performed (for example, S27 in FIG. 4), and the second communication is established. In such a case, power is supplied to the entire second external device and a cooperative operation is performed (for example, S29 and S31 in FIG. 4). For this reason, an optimal system can be selected according to the communication system and power supply system between the main device and the external device.

  In each embodiment of the present invention, the step of performing the first communication (for example, S5 in FIG. 4), the step of performing the second communication different from the first communication (for example, S27 of FIG. 4), the first When one communication is established, the communication partner performs a cooperative operation while supplying supplementary power suitable for the first external device as the first external device (for example, S13 in FIG. 4), or When the second communication is established, the communication partner as a second external device supplies power to the second external device entirely and performs a cooperative operation (for example, S29 and S31 in FIG. 4), Execute. For this reason, an optimal system can be selected according to the communication system and power supply system between the main device and the external device.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, the digital camera is used as the photographing device. However, the camera may be a digital single-lens reflex camera or a compact digital camera, such as a video camera or a movie camera. It may be a camera for a moving image, or may be a camera built in a mobile phone, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a personal computer (PC), a tablet computer, a game machine, or the like. In any case, the present invention can be applied to any device that attaches an external device (if it is not attached, but only needs to be linked). Further, the present invention can be applied not only to the photographing function but also to a camera that can be easily observed by device cooperation. In that case, it is needless to say that the present invention can be applied not only to photographing but also to in-vehicle devices whose applications and uses are widened as display devices, industrial inspection devices, and medical inspection devices.

  Of the techniques described in this specification, the control mainly described in the flowchart is often settable by a program and may be stored in a recording medium or a recording unit. The recording method for the recording medium and the recording unit may be recorded at the time of product shipment, may be a distributed recording medium, or may be downloaded via the Internet.

  In addition, regarding the operation flow in the claims, the specification, and the drawings, even if it is described using words expressing the order such as “first”, “next”, etc. It does not mean that it is essential to implement in this order.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, you may delete some components of all the components shown by embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1A ... Control part, 1a ... Communication switching part, 1d ... Power supply part, 2A ... Imaging part, 3 ... Connection part, 3A ... Connection part, 4 ... Original power supply 4A: Unique power source, 5: Accessory shoe, 5a ... Grounding part, 5b ... Communication terminal, 5c ... Tuning terminal, 5d ... Power connection terminal, 6 ... Proximity wireless Communication module, 10 ... main unit, 10A ... digital camera, 11 ... control unit, 11a ... first communication unit, 11b ... second communication unit, 11c ... connection determination unit, 12a ... 1st power supply part, 12b ... 2nd power supply part, 20 ... 1st external device, 20A ... Smartphone, 21A ... Adapter, 21a ... Connector, 21b ... -Shoe, 21c ... clamping part, 30 ... second external device, 30A ... strobe 33 ... power supply unit 34 ... secondary battery 35a ... first device communication unit 35b ... second device communication unit 35A ... camera communication unit 37 ... Connection determination unit, 38 ... various function units, 39 ... operation unit

Claims (5)

When installing the first external device, perform the first communication,
When the second external device is attached, power is supplied and second communication different from the first communication is performed in a communication unit common to the first communication.
A power supply system characterized by that.   2. The power supply according to claim 1, wherein when the first external device is attached, the power supply for replenishing the power in the first external device is performed in a power supply unit common to the first external device. Supply system.   2. The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein when the second external device is attached, power is supplied for detecting the second external device. 3. When the first communication is performed with the first external device and the first communication is established, the cooperative operation is performed while supplementarily supplying power to the first external device.
Second communication different from the first communication is performed with the second external device, and when the second communication is established, power is supplied to the second external device and a cooperative operation is performed.
A communication system characterized by the above. Performing first communication with a first external device;
Performing a second communication different from the first communication with the second external device;
When the first communication is established, a step of performing a cooperative operation while supplementarily supplying power to the first external device, or when the second communication is established, the second external device is entirely covered. Performing power supply and cooperative operation,
A communication method characterized by:

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