JP2016178427A - Imaging device, power supply control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To transmit a captured image to an external device by appropriate power supply management.SOLUTION: A CPU 11 includes a first processing section performing a processing for determination whether or not automatic transmission can be extended, a second processing section performing a processing for displaying the extension of automatic transmission, a third processing section performing the time-out processing of the extension, and a fourth processing section performing the control processing of the power supply key depression at the time of extension.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus, a power supply control method, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image captured by an image capturing apparatus has been used not only by the image capturing apparatus that has been captured, but also by other external devices. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for automatically transmitting an image to an external device when the image is taken for use by other external devices.

JP 2002-342465 A

  However, the number of pixels of the image sensor used in the photographing apparatus increases year by year, and the quality of the image is improved. However, since transmission takes time, there is a problem that battery consumption is severe.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to transmit a captured image to an external device with appropriate power management.

In order to achieve the above object, an imaging device of one embodiment of the present invention provides:
An imaging device that transmits an image captured by an imaging means to an external device,
First processing means for determining whether automatic transmission can be extended;
A second processing means for performing automatic transmission extension display processing;
A third processing means for performing an extension timeout process;
A fourth processing means for performing control processing of pressing the power key during extension;
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the present invention, a captured image can be transmitted to an external device with appropriate power management.

1 is a system configuration diagram showing a system configuration of an image transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the hardware of the imaging device and portable terminal device which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the functional structure for performing an automatic transmission process among the functional structures of the imaging device of FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of automatic transmission power management processing executed by the imaging apparatus of FIG. 2 having the functional configuration of FIG. 3. It is a display example by the extended display process of automatic transmission among the power management processes of automatic transmission. It is a display example by the extended display process of automatic transmission among the power management processes of automatic transmission.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a system configuration of an image transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the image transmission system S includes a photographing device 1 and a mobile terminal device 2.
The image transmission system S has a function of automatically transmitting an image captured by the imaging device 1 (hereinafter referred to as “captured image”) to the mobile terminal device 2 that is an external device after imaging.
In the present embodiment, the photographing apparatus 1 transmits only the photographed image to be transmitted (indicated by hatching in the figure) among the photographed images to the mobile terminal device 2. The photographing apparatus 1 holds a transmission target list for managing the transmission target and transmission status of the captured image with the ID of the captured image, and transmits the captured image with reference to the transmission target list. That is, the imaging device 1 transmits a corresponding captured image to the mobile terminal device 2 based on the unsent ID stored in the transmission target list. The setting of the transmission target is performed based on, for example, a setting at the time of shooting (“automatic transmission setting: on / off”).

The automatic transmission power management function in the photographing apparatus 1 is realized by constructing a system that combines the following processes.
(1) Automatic transmission extension determination process (2) Automatic transmission extension display process (3) Extension time-out process (4) Power key pressing control process during extension

Further, in the image transmission system S of the present embodiment, the photographing apparatus 1 uses two communication methods for image transmission. That is, a high-speed wireless communication method suitable for file transmission / reception (hereinafter referred to as “first communication method”) and a low-speed but power-saving wireless communication method suitable for constant connection (hereinafter referred to as “second communication method”). The image is transmitted by the communication method.
In the present embodiment, the first communication method uses a communication method based on a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) communication standard in a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). Further, the second communication method uses a communication method based on the communication standard of Bluetooth low energy / Bluetooth LE (trademark) (hereinafter referred to as “BLE”).

In the image transmission system S of the present embodiment, when the automatic transmission function of a captured image is exhibited, a state where communication is established between the image capturing device 1 and the mobile terminal device 2 by BLE, which is the second communication method (always connected) State). That is, the automatic transmission function of a captured image is exhibited on the premise that the imaging device 1 and the mobile terminal device 2 are connected by BLE which is the second communication method.
Specifically, the imaging device 1 instructs the portable terminal device 2 to establish communication using Wi-Fi, which is the first communication method, via communication using the second communication method (control signal). ) To establish communication using Wi-Fi, which is the first communication method, between the photographing device 1 and the mobile terminal device 2. In the present embodiment, the photographing device 1 is a parent device in Wi-Fi, and the mobile terminal device 2 is a child device in Wi-Fi, which is the first communication method. Communication is established by one-to-one direct communication between 1 and the mobile terminal device 2.
Thereafter, the image capturing device 1 transmits an image to the mobile terminal device 2 using the first communication method. As a result, the mobile terminal device 2 can receive an image by the first communication method without performing an operation.

  Further, in the mobile terminal device 2, the captured image received from the imaging device 1 is, for example, stored / managed, or uploaded to a cloud server for the purpose of sharing the image with other external devices. It can be used with external devices.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the imaging device 1 and the mobile terminal device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The photographing apparatus 1 is configured as a digital camera, for example.

  The photographing apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an imaging unit 16, and an input unit 17. An output unit 18, a storage unit 19, a first communication unit 20, a second communication unit 21, a drive 22, and a power supply unit 23.

  The CPU 11 executes various processes according to a program recorded in the ROM 12 or a program loaded from the storage unit 19 to the RAM 13.

  The RAM 13 appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 11 to execute various processes.

  The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are connected to each other via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to the bus 14. An imaging unit 16, an input unit 17, an output unit 18, a storage unit 19, a first communication unit 20, a second communication unit 21, a drive 22, and a power supply unit 23 are connected to the input / output interface 15.

  Although not shown, the imaging unit 16 includes an optical lens unit and an image sensor.

The optical lens unit is configured by a lens that collects light, for example, a focus lens or a zoom lens, in order to photograph a subject.
The focus lens is a lens that forms a subject image on the light receiving surface of the image sensor. The zoom lens is a lens that freely changes the focal length within a certain range.
The optical lens unit is also provided with a peripheral circuit for adjusting setting parameters such as focus, exposure, and white balance as necessary.

The image sensor includes a photoelectric conversion element, AFE (Analog Front End), and the like.
The photoelectric conversion element is composed of, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type photoelectric conversion element or the like. A subject image is incident on the photoelectric conversion element from the optical lens unit. Therefore, the photoelectric conversion element photoelectrically converts (captures) the subject image, accumulates the image signal for a predetermined time, and sequentially supplies the accumulated image signal as an analog signal to the AFE.
The AFE performs various signal processing such as A / D (Analog / Digital) conversion processing on the analog image signal. Through various signal processing, a digital signal is generated and output as an output signal of the imaging unit 16.
Hereinafter, the output signal of the imaging unit 16 is also referred to as “photographed image data”. The captured image data is appropriately supplied to the CPU 11 or an image processing unit (not shown).

The input unit 17 includes various buttons and the like, and inputs various types of information according to user instruction operations.
The output unit 18 includes a display, a speaker, and the like, and outputs images and sounds.

  The storage unit 19 includes a hard disk or a flash memory, and stores various image data.

  The first communication unit 20 is a high-speed wireless communication method (hereinafter referred to as “first communication method”) suitable for file transmission and reception with an external device (in the present embodiment, the mobile terminal device 2). Control the communication that takes place. In the present embodiment, the first communication method uses a communication method based on a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) communication standard in a wireless LAN (Local Area Network).

  The second communication unit 21 is a low-speed but power-saving wireless communication method (hereinafter referred to as “second communication method”) that is suitable for constant connection and an external device (in this embodiment, the mobile terminal device 2). Controls communication with the. In the present embodiment, the second communication method uses a communication method based on the communication standard of Bluetooth Low Energy / Bluetooth LE (hereinafter referred to as “BLE”).

  A removable medium 31 composed of a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like is appropriately attached to the drive 22. The program read from the removable medium 31 by the drive 22 is installed in the storage unit 19 as necessary. The removable medium 31 can also store various data such as image data stored in the storage unit 19 in the same manner as the storage unit 19.

  The power supply unit 23 is constituted by, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery, and is a power supply source that supplies driving power to the imaging apparatus 1 via a power supply circuit (not shown). Is supplied to each component of the photographing apparatus 1. The power supply unit 23 is controlled by the CPU 11. For example, in the power-off state, the power supply unit 23 stops supplying power to the output unit 18 and the display output is turned off, and the first communication unit 20, the second communication unit 21, etc. It is controlled so that image transmission is possible even when the power is off while maintaining the supply of power in communication.

The mobile terminal device 2 is configured as a tablet terminal, for example.
Note that the hardware configuration is the same as that of the photographing apparatus 1 and is omitted. Hereinafter, when using the hardware in the photographing device 1 and the portable terminal device 2 as an explanation, the photographing device 1 is attached with “−1” at the end of the reference numeral, and the portable terminal device 2 is appended with the end of the reference numeral. "-2" shall be attached. That is, the photographing apparatus 1 is represented as CPU 11-1 through removable media 31-1, and the portable terminal apparatus 2 is represented as CPU 11-2 through removable media 31-2.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration for executing a power management process in automatic transmission among the functional configurations of the photographing apparatus 1.

  When performing the power management process in automatic transmission, as shown in FIG. 3, in the CPU 11-1, the first processing unit 51, the second processing unit 52, the third processing unit 53, 4 processing units 54 function.

  An image storage unit 71 and a transmission target list storage unit 72 are set in one area of the storage unit 19-1.

  The image storage unit 71 stores data of a captured image that is captured and acquired from the imaging unit 16.

  The transmission target list storage unit 72 stores a transmission target list for managing the transmission status of the captured image that is the transmission target among the captured images stored in the image storage unit 71. In the transmission target list, in this embodiment, an untransmitted image is stored as a corresponding ID as an image transmission status. When the transmission of the target image is completed, the image transmission status is managed by deleting the ID from the transmission target list. That is, in the transmission target list, only the ID of an image that has not been transmitted among the transmission targets is stored, and the ID of an image that has been transmitted among the non-transmission target and the transmission target is not stored.

The first processing unit 51 performs processing for determining whether automatic transmission can be extended.
The second processing unit 52 performs an extended display process for automatic transmission.
The third processing unit 53 performs an extension timeout process.
The fourth processing unit 54 performs control processing for pressing the power key at the time of extension.

Next, the operation will be described.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the power-off process executed by the photographing apparatus 1 of FIG. 2 having the functional configuration of FIG.

(1) Automatic transmission extension permission determination process If there is an image being transmitted, the transmission process is continued until the automatic transmission file list becomes empty. After the transmission process is completed, the power supply is completely turned off.
If there is a file in the automatic transmission file list and it is within a predetermined time (example: 1 minute) from the start of automatic transmission, the transmission process is continued.
However, the transmission process is not continued under the following conditions.
When BLE is not connected (cannot send because the transmission trigger by wireless LAN has not arrived)
Even if a file exists in the automatic transmission file list, if automatic transmission is not started, the power is turned off without starting transmission processing.

(2) Automatic transmission extension display process In the transmission process continuation state of (1) above, the following display is possible: A: The progress of the transmission state is displayed on the GUI (FIG. 5 is a display example, [Power corresponds to the power key)
B: The remaining number of transmissions is displayed (FIG. 6 is a display example).
C: The LED is in a blinking state indicating that transmission is in progress.
D: Turn off the LCD and display as if the power is off.
In the proposed embodiment, the display of D is displayed soon (10 seconds) from the display of A or B. C is displayed together. As a result, the user understands that the transmission process is continuing, and since the A / B display does not remain forever, the impression that the camera does not turn off even when the power is turned off can be reduced.

(3) Extension time-out process Even if transmission is continued in (1), if the transmission process does not proceed halfway, a fixed time-out period (example: 3 minutes) is provided and the power is turned off. .
At this time, the automatic transmission file list is recorded and held so that it can be used next time.
(In the specification under development, the file list was discarded by the user → "missing" occurs in the automatically transmitted image)

(4) Power key press control process during extension If the power key is pressed during the automatic transmission extension process, the automatic transmission file list is saved and the power is turned off immediately.

[Modification]
In (2), by omitting the A / B display and immediately setting the state to D, the user can be provided with the same operational feeling as a normal camera without making the user more aware of “automatic transmission”. Is possible. At this time, since the C LED display is not performed, the user is completely recognized as an off state during the extension process. The power key during the extension process performs a camera activation process.

  In the photographing apparatus 1 configured as described above, transmission to the mobile terminal can be performed quickly by continuing to transfer the image being transmitted.

  In addition, the photographing apparatus 1 can save power necessary for re-transmission related to automatic transmission activation (mainly AP activation power) and power for wireless LAN connection in the mobile terminal.

  In the photographing apparatus 1, by leaving the automatic transmission file list, even if communication cannot be continued due to conditions on the mobile terminal side, transmission can be attempted again at the next camera power-on, It is difficult for “missing” to occur in automatically transmitted images.

  Also, in the photographing apparatus 1, by turning off the power immediately when the power key is pressed during the extended display, the camera can be quickly turned on when it is desired to start up next time.

  Further, in the photographing apparatus 1, it is possible to provide a camera that performs a power-off process without causing a sense of incongruity to the user by reducing the extended display period as much as possible.

In the above-described embodiment, the image capturing apparatus 1 to which the present invention is applied has been described using a digital camera as an example, but is not particularly limited thereto.
For example, the present invention can be applied to general electronic devices having an automatic transmission processing function. Specifically, for example, the present invention can be applied to a notebook personal computer, a printer, a television receiver, a video camera, a portable navigation device, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a portable game machine, and the like.

The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or can be executed by software.
In other words, the functional configuration of FIG. 3 is merely an example, and is not particularly limited. That is, it is sufficient that the photographing apparatus 1 has a function capable of executing the above-described series of processing as a whole, and what functional block is used to realize this function is not particularly limited to the example of FIG.
In addition, one functional block may be constituted by hardware alone, software alone, or a combination thereof.

When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software is installed on a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium.
The computer may be a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware. The computer may be a computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs, for example, a general-purpose personal computer.

  The recording medium including such a program is not only constituted by the removable medium 31 of FIG. 2 distributed separately from the apparatus main body in order to provide the program to the user, but also in a state of being incorporated in the apparatus main body in advance. The recording medium etc. provided in The removable medium 31 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk (including a floppy disk), an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or the like. The optical disc is composed of, for example, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc (Blu-ray Disc), and the like. The magneto-optical disk is configured by an MD (Mini-Disk) or the like. In addition, the recording medium provided to the user in a state of being preliminarily incorporated in the apparatus main body includes, for example, the ROM 12 in FIG. 2 in which the program is recorded, the hard disk included in the storage unit 19 in FIG.

In the present specification, the step of describing the program recorded on the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in time series along the order, but is not necessarily performed in time series, either in parallel or individually. The process to be executed is also included.
Further, in the present specification, the term “system” means an overall device configured by a plurality of devices, a plurality of means, and the like.

  As mentioned above, although several embodiment of this invention was described, these embodiment is only an illustration and does not limit the technical scope of this invention. The present invention can take other various embodiments, and various modifications such as omission and replacement can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention described in this specification and the like, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

The invention described in the scope of claims at the beginning of the filing of the present application will be appended.
[Appendix 1]
An imaging device that transmits an image captured by an imaging means to an external device,
First processing means for determining whether automatic transmission can be extended;
A second processing means for performing automatic transmission extension display processing;
A third processing means for performing an extension timeout process;
A fourth processing means for performing control processing of pressing the power key during extension;
An imaging apparatus comprising:
[Appendix 2]
A transmission control method executed by an imaging apparatus including an imaging unit and a transmission unit that transmits an image to an external device,
A first process for determining whether automatic transmission can be extended;
A second process for performing an automatic transmission extension display process;
A third process for performing an extension timeout process;
A fourth process for performing control processing of pressing the power key during extension;
Including a transmission control method.
[Appendix 3]
A computer that controls an imaging device including an imaging unit and a transmission unit that transmits an image to an external device;
A first processing function for determining whether automatic transmission can be extended;
Second processing function for performing automatic display extension display processing Third processing function for performing extension time plan and processing Third processing function for performing control processing of power key press at the time of extension is realized program.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Imaging device, 2 ... Portable terminal device, 11 ... CPU, 12 ... ROM, 13 ... RAM, 14 ... Bus, 15 ... Input / output interface, 16 ... Image pickup unit, 17 ... input unit, 18 ... output unit, 19 ... storage unit, 20 ... first communication unit, 21 ... second communication unit, 22 ... drive, 23 ... Power supply unit, 31 ... Removable media, 51 ... First processing unit, 52 ... Second processing unit, 53 ... Third processing unit, 54 ... Fourth Processing unit, 71 ... Image storage unit, 72 ... Transmission target list storage unit, S ... Image transmission system

Claims (3)

An imaging device that transmits an image captured by an imaging means to an external device,
First processing means for determining whether automatic transmission can be extended;
A second processing means for performing automatic transmission extension display processing;
A third processing means for performing an extension timeout process;
A fourth processing means for performing control processing of pressing the power key during extension;
An imaging apparatus comprising: A transmission control method executed by an imaging apparatus including an imaging unit and a transmission unit that transmits an image to an external device,
A first process for determining whether automatic transmission can be extended;
A second process for performing an automatic transmission extension display process;
A third process for performing an extension timeout process;
A fourth process for performing control processing of pressing the power key during extension;
Including a transmission control method. A computer that controls an imaging device including an imaging unit and a transmission unit that transmits an image to an external device;
A first processing function for determining whether automatic transmission can be extended;
A second processing function for performing an extension display process for automatic transmission A third processing function for performing a timeout process for extension A fourth processing function for performing a control process for pressing a power key at the time of extension is realized.