JP2017139787A - Imaging device, electronic apparatus, power control method and program therefor, and imaging system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce power consumption of a camera device constituted of an imaging unit and an operation unit, effectively when it is used in a usage form specific to such a constitution.SOLUTION: In a camera device consisting of an imaging device having image pick-up devices, and an operation device having display means for receiving a through image captured by the imaging device, and display means for displaying the received through image, while the imaging device is performing the imaging operation at a predetermined frame rate under shooting standby state, the imaging device checks whether or not the operation device is contained, as a subject, in the captured image of each frame (SA3), and when the operation device is contained as a subject(SA4:NO), requests transition to a low power consumption mode of less power consumption for the operation device (SA5). In response thereto, the operation device transits to the low power consumption mode of less power consumption (SB4).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for reducing power consumption in a camera device.

  Conventionally, as a technique for reducing power consumption in a digital camera, generally, when a time when there is no operation reaches a predetermined time, it is determined that it is not in a use state and automatically shifts to a low consumption mode.

  As a specific example of the low-consumption mode, for example, as described in Patent Document 1 below, in a display unit such as a live view image at the time of shooting or a liquid crystal monitor with a backlight for displaying a shot image In this mode, the image display operation is stopped. Note that the display operation in the display unit once stopped is generally resumed when some operation of the digital camera is performed.

JP 2000-50124 A

  However, the above-described technology is merely a consideration of a general usage form of a digital camera. Therefore, when the above-described technique is applied to a digital camera including an imaging unit including a photographing lens, an imaging element, and the like, and an operation unit including a monitor and an operation switch, power consumption can be effectively reduced. There was a problem that was not limited. This is because a digital camera having an imaging unit prepared outside has a variety of usage patterns unlike a general digital camera.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional problem, and in a camera device having a configuration including an imaging unit and an operation unit, it is effective to reduce power consumption while being used in a usage pattern specific to the configuration. It aims at providing the technology which can be reduced.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, in the invention according to the first aspect, there is provided a camera device including an imaging device that captures an image of an object and an operation device that operates the imaging device. Confirmation means for recognizing a captured image and sequentially confirming whether or not the operation device is included as a subject during the imaging operation, and the operation device is included in the captured image by the confirmation means as a subject. While the operation mode of the operation device is set to the first operation mode and the operation device is confirmed not to be included in the captured image by the confirmation means. Comprises a mode setting means for setting the operation mode of the operating device to a second operation mode that consumes less power than the first operation mode.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power consumption control method for a camera device including an imaging device that images a subject and an operation device that operates the imaging device. During the imaging operation, a confirmation step of recognizing a captured image and sequentially confirming whether or not the operation device is included as a subject, and the operation device is included in the captured image by the confirmation step. While the operation mode of the operation device is set to the first operation mode and the operation device is confirmed not to be included in the captured image in the confirmation step. Includes a mode setting step of setting the operation mode of the operating device to a second operation mode that consumes less power than the first operation mode. To.

  Further, in the invention according to the third aspect, the imaging device in the camera device configured by an imaging device that images a subject and an operation device that operates the imaging device, Confirmation means for sequentially confirming whether or not the operation device is included in the captured image as a subject, and a state confirmed by the confirmation means is a state in which the operation device is included in the captured image as a subject From the first operation mode to the first operation mode, the operation mode is changed from the first operation mode to the operation device in response to the change to the state in which the operation device is not included as a subject in the captured image. A request signal for making a request to shift to the second operation mode with low power consumption is transmitted, and the state confirmed by the confirmation unit is the captured image with the operation device as a subject. In response to a change from a state that is not included to a state in which the operation device is included as a subject in the captured image, the operation mode is changed from the second operation mode to the first operation mode. Transmission means for transmitting a request signal for making a request to shift to one operation mode.

  In the invention according to the fourth aspect, a computer included in the imaging device in a camera device that includes an imaging device that images a subject and an operation device that operates the imaging device is provided during an imaging operation of the subject. A confirmation means for sequentially confirming whether or not the operation device is included in the captured image as a subject; a state confirmed by the confirmation means is a state in which the operation device is included in the captured image as a subject From the first operation mode to the first operation mode, the operation mode is changed from the first operation mode to the operation device in response to the change to the state in which the operation device is not included as a subject in the captured image. A request signal for requesting the transition to the second operation mode with low power consumption is transmitted, and the state confirmed by the confirmation unit is displayed on the captured image in the operation device. In response to the change from the state not included as a subject to the state where the operation device is included as a subject in the captured image, the operation mode is changed from the second operation mode to the operation device. It is made to function as a transmission means which transmits the request signal which performs the request | requirement which transfers to a said 1st operation mode.

  The invention according to the fifth aspect includes an imaging device that images a subject, and an operation device that receives a captured image captured by the imaging device from the imaging device and operates the imaging device. A confirmation unit that sequentially confirms whether or not the manipulation device is included in the captured image during the imaging operation of the subject by the imaging device, and the confirmation While it is confirmed that the operation device is included in the captured image as a subject by the means, the operation mode of the operation device is set to the first operation mode, and the captured image is While it is confirmed that the operating device is not included as a subject, the operation mode of the operating device is set to be higher than that of the first operation mode. Characterized by comprising costs and mode setting means for power is set to a smaller second mode of operation, the.

  The invention according to the sixth aspect includes an imaging device that images a subject, and an operation device that receives a captured image captured by the imaging device from the imaging device and operates the imaging device. A confirmation unit that sequentially confirms whether or not the operation device is included as a subject in the captured image during the imaging operation of the subject by the imaging device. While it is confirmed that the operation device is included in the captured image as a subject by the means, the operation mode of the operation device is set to the first operation mode, and the captured image is While it is confirmed that the operating device is not included as a subject, the operation mode of the operating device is changed to the first operation. Mode setting means for setting the second mode of operation consumes less power than the over-de, characterized in that to function as a.

  According to the present invention, in a camera device having a configuration including an imaging unit and an operation unit, it is possible to effectively reduce power consumption while being used in a usage pattern specific to the configuration.

It is a block diagram which shows the camera apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part of the electrical structure of the imaging device and operation device which comprise a camera apparatus. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the camera device in a shooting standby state when “headset” is set as a usage pattern of the imaging device. It is a state explanatory view showing a state when the imaging device is actually used as a headset.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a camera apparatus exemplified as an embodiment of the present invention.

  The camera device according to the present embodiment corresponds to a configuration in which an operation unit including a monitor and an operation switch is prepared externally with respect to an imaging unit including a photographing lens and an imaging element in a general digital camera. is there. That is, the camera device according to the present embodiment includes an imaging device 1 that corresponds to the imaging unit that can transmit and receive data by wireless communication, and an operation device 2 that corresponds to the operation unit.

  In the imaging apparatus 1, an electronic circuit including an imaging element that captures an image of a subject is housed in a small casing 11 that can be installed at an arbitrary place, and a photographing lens 12 is provided in front of the casing 11. A power switch 13 is provided on the side surface of the main body 11. Then, the imaging device 1 sequentially transmits captured image data to the controller device 2 during the operation of imaging the subject.

  The operating device 2 is a wristwatch type that can be worn on the wrist by a user, and includes a casing 21 and a wristband 22 corresponding to a watch case. The operating device 2 has a function of operating the imaging device 1, and the surface and side surfaces of the housing 21 include those used for operating the imaging device 1, for example, those used as shirter buttons. A plurality of operation switches 23a to 23e and a power switch 23f are provided.

A liquid crystal monitor 24 with a backlight for displaying captured image data received from the imaging device 1 as a through image (synonymous with a live view image) is provided on the upper surface of the housing 21.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main part of the electrical configuration of the imaging device 1 and the operation device 2. First, the electrical configuration of the imaging device 1 will be described. The imaging device 1 mainly includes a control unit 101, an imaging unit 102, an image processing unit 103, a storage unit 104, a wireless communication unit 105, and a power supply unit 106.

  The control unit 101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that is a computer and its peripheral circuits, a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which a program is stored, a working RAM (Random Access memory), and is stored in the ROM. Each part of the image pickup apparatus 1 is controlled according to the program being stored.

The imaging unit 102 is a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Meta 10xide Semiconductor) type imaging device that captures an image of the subject via the photographing lens 12, a driving circuit thereof, and an imaging signal output from the imaging device. AFE (Analog Front End) that performs amplification and conversion to a digital signal.

The image processing unit 103 performs a plurality of stages of signal processing on the imaging signal after digital conversion supplied from the imaging unit 102 to generate captured image data. At the time of shooting, the image processing unit 103 uses the JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group) method or the like. Compressed image data for recording is also generated. Storage unit 10
Reference numeral 4 denotes a built-in semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, which is used as a working memory for the image processing unit 103, and stores recording image data generated by the image processing unit 103 as necessary.

  The wireless communication unit 105 includes a communication circuit that performs short-range wireless communication with the operation device 2 using Bluetooth (registered trademark), and the captured image data generated by the image processing unit 103, that is, the operation device 2 Image data displayed as a through image and image data for recording are transmitted to the controller device 2.

  The power supply unit 106 includes a power supply battery (for example, a rechargeable battery such as a nickel metal hydride battery), a DC / DC converter, and the like, and supplies power necessary for each of the above units. The power supply unit 106 includes the power switch 13 described above.

  In the imaging device 1, the control unit 101 transmits the captured image data generated by the image processing unit 103 to the controller device 2 via the wireless communication unit 105 while the imaging unit 102 is operating. In addition, the control unit 101 controls the operation of the imaging device 1 according to the instruction information received by the wireless communication unit 105, that is, the content of the operation instruction from the user wirelessly transmitted from the operation device 2. Further, the control unit 101 performs subject recognition described later on the captured image generated by the image processing unit 103.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the controller device 2 will be described. The controller device 2 mainly includes a control unit 201, a display unit 202, an operation unit 203, a wireless communication unit 204, a storage unit 205, and a power supply unit 206.

  The control unit 201 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that is a computer and its peripheral circuits, a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which a program is stored, and a working RAM (Random Access memory), and is stored in the ROM. Each part of the controller device 2 is controlled in accordance with the program being stored.

  The display unit 202 is the liquid crystal monitor 24 and displays the above-described captured image as a through image and various information such as a menu screen for allowing the user to set shooting conditions and various functions of the camera device. In addition, an image based on the image data stored in the storage unit 205, that is, a captured image captured and stored in the past is also displayed.

  The operation unit 203 includes the plurality of operation switches 23a to 23e and a power switch 23f. The wireless communication unit 204 includes a communication circuit that performs short-distance wireless communication with the imaging apparatus 1 using Bluetooth (registered trademark). The wireless communication unit 204 receives through image data and recording image data transmitted from the imaging apparatus 1. Receive.

  The storage unit 205 is a built-in semiconductor memory such as a flash memory or various memories that can be attached to and detached from the operation device 2 (housing 21). The storage unit 205 stores image data (recorded image) sent from the imaging device 1 during shooting. Data), setting information regarding various functions of the camera device set by the user, and the like are stored.

  The power supply unit 206 includes a power supply battery (for example, a rechargeable battery such as a nickel metal hydride battery), a DC / DC converter, and the like, and supplies electric power required for each of the above units.

  In the operation device 2, the control unit 201 transmits the content of an operation instruction from a user using a predetermined operation switch of the operation unit 203 to the imaging device 1 via the wireless communication unit 204 or via the wireless communication unit 204. The through image received from the imaging device 1 is displayed on the display unit 202.

  In addition, the operation device 2 is provided with a normal mode and a low power consumption mode that consumes less power than the normal mode, and the control unit 201 operates according to a program stored in the ROM. As will be described later, the operation mode of the controller device 2 is set to a low consumption mode as necessary.

  Here, in the camera device of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, the operation device 2 is a wristwatch type, and is usually used in a state where the operation device 2 is mounted on the wrist of the user at the time of photographing. The imaging device 1 can be used in any mode at the time of shooting.

  On the other hand, in the camera device, the operating device 2 is small and the capacity of the usable power battery is greatly limited. Therefore, in the camera device of the present embodiment, in order to effectively reduce the power consumption while the controller device 2 is in the shooting standby state, different methods are used depending on the presumed usage of the imaging device 1. It is configured to reduce power consumption.

The usage forms assumed in advance are “hand-held” by the user, “installation or fixing” to any place using a small tripod, etc., and the user attached to the head using a predetermined auxiliary tool There are three types of “headsets” (see FIG. 4).

  In the camera device of the present embodiment, the user sets the usage mode of the imaging device 1 to the operation device 2 and reduces power consumption by a method according to the usage mode in the shooting standby state. At that time, the setting information of the usage pattern is also sent from the controller device 2 to the imaging device 1 as necessary.

  More specifically, when “hand-held” or “installation or fixing” is set as the usage pattern, in the camera device, when the time when there is no user operation reaches a predetermined time, the controller device 2 The power consumption is reduced by automatically stopping the display operation of the through image or the like on the liquid crystal monitor 24.

  On the other hand, when “headset” is set as the usage pattern, in the camera device, the imaging device 1 and the operation device 2 perform the following operations to reduce the power consumption in the shooting standby state. . FIG. 4 is a state explanatory diagram showing a state when the imaging apparatus 1 is actually used as a headset.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the imaging apparatus 1 and the operation apparatus 2 in the shooting standby state will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operations of the imaging device 1 and the controller device 2 when “headset” is set as the usage pattern of the imaging device 1.

  Note that the operations of the imaging device 1 and the controller device 2 illustrated in FIG. 3 are realized by the control units 101 and 201 included in each executing processing according to a program stored in the ROM included in each. The Here, it is assumed that pairing in the Bluetooth (registered trademark) has been completed in advance for the imaging device 1 and the operation device 2.

  After the power-on operation, the imaging device 1 and the operating device 2 immediately start wireless communication with each other, and as shown in FIG. 3, the imaging device 1 immediately starts the subject imaging operation. (Step SA1).

  Thereafter, the imaging apparatus 1 sequentially receives a request for a through image from the controller device 2 and starts an operation of transmitting a through image, that is, a captured image captured at a predetermined frame rate, to the controller device 2 in response to the request. (Step SA2).

  On the other hand, in the meantime, the controller device 2 starts wireless communication with the imaging device 1 and continuously transmits a request signal for requesting a through image to the imaging device 1 so that each frame from the imaging device 1 is transmitted. Are sequentially received (step SB1), and the through image is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal monitor 24 (step SB2).

In addition, while the operation of Step SA2 is repeated, the imaging apparatus 1 performs subject recognition using a known image recognition technique on the captured images sequentially captured in parallel with the operation (Step SA3).

This process is a process of confirming whether or not the controller device 2 is included in the captured image, that is, whether or not the controller device 2 is within the angle of view. Specifically, the control unit 101 performs image processing such as contour extraction and binarization on the captured image, and is known in appearance on the upper surface of the casing 21 of the controller device 2 in which the liquid crystal monitor 24 is provided. This is performed by detecting a subject portion that matches a certain feature by pattern recognition or the like. That is, it is recognized whether or not the entire housing 21 of the controller device 2 is included as a subject in the captured image.

  When the imaging device 1 can detect the subject portion corresponding to the controller device 2 (housing 21) in the captured image and confirms that the controller device 2 is within the angle of view (step SA4: YES), It is determined that the user needs to operate the controller device 2, and the process returns to step SA2 to repeat the above-described processing.

  Here, for example, immediately after the camera device is in a shooting standby state when the power is turned on, as shown in FIG. 4A, the user operates the operation device 2 with the face facing the operation device 2. The controller device 2 is within the angle of view of the imaging device 1 (the range indicated by the broken line in the figure).

  Therefore, immediately after the camera device enters the shooting standby state, the state where the through image of the operation device 2 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 24 of the operation device 2 is maintained. Thus, the user can confirm that the camera device is in a shooting standby state. Further, a shooting condition setting menu can be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 24 to perform a shooting condition setting operation or the like.

  On the other hand, when the imaging device 1 confirms that the operating device 2 has deviated from the angle of view in the captured image while repeating the above-described processing (step SA4: NO), the user needs to operate the operating device 2. It is determined that there is no state, and a request signal for requesting the transition to the low consumption mode is transmitted to the controller device 2 (step SA5).

  When the controller device 2 receives the request signal (step SB3: YES), the controller device 2 shifts to an operation in the low consumption mode (step SB4).

  Specifically, the control unit 201 immediately stops the power supply to the liquid crystal monitor 24 to stop the display operation of the liquid crystal monitor 24 and sets the communication mode in Bluetooth (registered trademark) in the wireless communication unit 204 in advance. A setting for switching to the sniff mode is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the operation with the set contents is started. The sniff mode is a power saving mode in which the presence / absence of transmission from the other party (imaging device 1) is confirmed only at a certain time interval.

  Therefore, when the user enters a posture to raise a face and face the front as shown in FIG. 4B from the state shown in FIG. It will shift to consumption mode.

  Thereafter, the controller device 2 repeats the operation of confirming at a certain time interval whether or not a request signal for requesting the cancellation of the low consumption mode is transmitted from the imaging device 1 (step SB5). In the meantime, the controller device 2 monitors the presence / absence of a switch operation such as a photographing instruction by the user, and performs an operation such as a photographing request to the imaging device 1 according to the switch operation.

  Here, as described above, the operation device 2 performs the transition from the communication mode to the sniff mode after a predetermined time has elapsed since receiving the request signal. This is for avoiding a time lag between the shooting instruction and the shooting operation in the imaging apparatus 1 because it takes time to issue the shooting instruction.

Further, in the imaging device 1, after transmitting a request signal for requesting the shift to the low consumption mode to the controller device 2 in Step SA6, the operation immediately shifts to its own operation to the low consumption mode (Step SA7). Specifically, the control unit 101 performs Bluetooth in the wireless communication unit 105.
A setting for switching the communication mode in (registered trademark) to the sniff mode is performed.

  Thereafter, the imaging device 1 continues to perform subject recognition similar to step SA3 on the sequentially captured images (step SA7) until it can be confirmed that the controller device 2 has entered the angle of view again (step ST7). (SA8: NO), subject recognition is repeated.

  Further, when the imaging device 1 can confirm that the controller device 2 has entered the angle of view again while performing subject recognition repeatedly (step SA8: YES), the controller device 2 operates in the low consumption mode. A request signal for requesting release is transmitted (step SA9).

When the controller device 2 receives the request signal (step SB5: YES), the controller device 2 immediately cancels the low consumption mode and resumes the operation in the normal mode (step SB6). In other words, the control unit 201 resumes the display operation by supplying power to the liquid crystal monitor 24 and performs setting to return the communication mode of the wireless communication unit 204 to the normal active mode.

  Thereafter, the controller device 2 returns to step SB1, and resumes transmission of a request signal for a through image to the imaging device 1 and sequential reception of the through image.

  In addition, in the imaging device 1, after transmitting a request signal for requesting cancellation of the operation in the low consumption mode to the controller device 2 in step SA9, the low consumption mode is immediately canceled for its own operation, and the operation in the normal mode is performed. Resume (step SA10). That is, the control unit 101 performs setting to return the communication mode of the wireless communication unit 105 to the normal active mode.

  Thereafter, the imaging device 1 returns to step SA2, sequentially accepts a request for a through image from the controller device 2, and resumes an operation of transmitting a captured image captured at a predetermined frame rate to the controller device 2 in response to the request. .

  As described above, in the camera device of the present embodiment, when the operation device 2 deviates from the angle of view of the imaging device 1 in the shooting standby state when “headset” is set as the usage mode of the imaging device 1. When the user does not need to operate the controller device 2, the operation mode of the controller device 2 is automatically switched from the normal mode to the low power consumption mode, thereby reducing the power consumption of the controller device 2.

  Therefore, in the camera device configured by the imaging device 1 and the operation device 2, it is possible to effectively reduce power consumption while being used in a usage pattern specific to the configuration.

  In addition, the power consumption can be significantly reduced by stopping the display operation of the liquid crystal monitor 24 while the controller device 2 is operating in the low power consumption mode.

  Further, when the controller device 2 is operating in the low power consumption mode, not only the display operation of the liquid crystal monitor 24 is stopped, but also the communication mode between the imaging device 1 and the controller device 2 is set to the power saving mode. Therefore, the power consumption of the controller device 2 can be reduced more effectively. At the same time, the power consumption of the imaging apparatus 1 can be reduced.

  Here, in the present embodiment, it is confirmed whether or not the operating device 2 has deviated from the angle of view of the imaging device 1, and whether or not the entire housing 21 of the operating device 2 is included in the captured image as a subject. The above confirmation may be performed by recognizing only the screen portion of the liquid crystal monitor 24 of the controller device 2. In that case, it is possible to reduce the processing load on the control unit 101 of the imaging apparatus 1 by simplifying the image recognition processing required for the above confirmation.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration in which the operation device 2 confirms whether or not the imaging device 1 has deviated from the angle of view of the imaging device 1 has been described, but the above confirmation may also be performed in the operation device 2. Good. In other words, the controller device 2 may perform the above-described confirmation by performing the above-described subject recognition for the through image received from the imaging device 1. However, in that case, it is necessary to change the content of the low consumption mode in the controller device 2 to maintain the communication mode between the imaging device 1 and the controller device 2 in the normal mode.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration has been described in which the communication mode is changed to the sniff mode after the fixed time has elapsed when the controller device 2 shifts to the low consumption mode, but may be configured as follows.

  For example, if there is a shooting instruction (shutter operation) by the user between the transition to the low consumption mode and the lapse of the predetermined time, the timing for setting the communication mode to the sniff mode is further constant from that point. It is possible to extend the time (below the above-mentioned fixed time) and repeat it. In this case, it is possible to avoid a time lag between the shooting instruction and the shooting operation of the imaging apparatus 1 even when the shooting instruction by the user is repeatedly performed.

  In this embodiment, the case where Bluetooth (registered trademark) is adopted as the communication method between the imaging device 1 and the operation device 2 has been described. However, the communication method is arbitrary, and Wi-Fi or the like is adopted. You can also. Furthermore, the data communication between the imaging device 1 and the controller device 2 is not limited to wireless, and may be configured by wire.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention and its modification were demonstrated, as long as these are in the range with which the effect of this invention is obtained, it can change suitably, and embodiment after change is also in a claim. It is included in the scope of the invention described and equivalent invention. The invention described in the scope of the claims of the present application will be appended below.
[Claim 1]
A camera device comprising: an imaging device that captures an image of a subject by an imaging unit; and an operation device that receives an image captured by the imaging unit from the imaging device and has an operation unit for operating the imaging device Because
Confirmation means for recognizing the captured image and sequentially confirming whether or not the operation device is included as a subject during an imaging operation of the subject by the imaging means;
While it is confirmed that the operation device is included as a subject in the captured image by the confirmation unit, the operation mode of the operation device is set to a normal mode, and the operation is performed on the captured image by the confirmation unit. A mode setting unit configured to set the operation mode of the operation device to a low power consumption mode that consumes less power than the normal mode while it is confirmed that the device is not included as a subject. Camera device.
[Claim 2]
The confirmation unit recognizes the screen of the display unit in the captured image, and determines that the operation device is included in the captured image as a subject when the screen is recognized. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein if it is not possible, it is determined that the operation unit is not included as a subject in the captured image.
[Claim 3]
The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the low consumption mode in the operation device is an operation mode in which a display operation of the display unit is stopped.
[Claim 4]
The camera apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus and the operation apparatus are provided with a communication unit that transmits and receives data of the captured image by wireless communication.
[Claim 5]
The camera device according to claim 4, wherein the low power consumption mode in the operation device includes a content in which the communication mode of the wireless communication is a low power consumption mode that consumes less power than a normal mode.
[Claim 6]
The confirmation unit is provided in the imaging device, and the imaging device transmits a confirmation result by the confirmation unit to the operation device,
The mode setting means is provided in the operating device, and the mode setting means sets an operation mode in the operating device according to the confirmation result received by the operating device. The camera device described.
[Claim 7]
6. The camera device according to claim 4, wherein the confirmation unit and the mode setting unit are provided in the operation device.
[Claim 8]
A camera device comprising: an imaging device that captures an image of a subject by an imaging unit; and an operation device that receives an image captured by the imaging unit from the imaging device and has an operation unit for operating the imaging device A power consumption control method according to claim 1, wherein during the imaging operation of the subject by the imaging means, a confirmation step of recognizing the captured image and sequentially confirming whether or not the operating device is included as a subject;
While it is confirmed that the operation device is included as a subject in the captured image by the confirmation unit, the operation mode of the operation device is set to a normal mode, and the operation is performed on the captured image by the confirmation unit. A mode setting step of setting the operation mode of the operating device to a low power consumption mode that consumes less power than the normal mode while it is confirmed that the device is not included as a subject. Power consumption control method.
[Claim 9]
A camera device comprising: an imaging device that captures an image of a subject by an imaging unit; and an operation device that receives an image captured by the imaging unit from the imaging device and has an operation unit for operating the imaging device The imaging device according to claim 1,
Confirmation means for sequentially confirming whether or not an operation device is included as a subject in the captured image during an imaging operation of the subject by the imaging means;
In response to the state confirmed by the confirmation unit changing from a state in which the operation device is included as a subject in the captured image to a state in which the operation device is not included as a subject in the captured image, First transmission means for transmitting a request signal for requesting the operation device to shift the operation mode from the normal mode to the low power consumption mode with lower power consumption than the normal mode;
Responding to a change in the state confirmed by the confirmation means from a state where the operation device is not included as a subject in the captured image to a state where the operation device is included as a subject in the captured image; An image pickup apparatus comprising: a second transmission unit configured to transmit a request signal for requesting the operation device to shift an operation mode from the low consumption mode to the normal mode.
[Claim 10]
While it is confirmed that the operation device is included as a subject in the captured image by the confirmation unit, the operation mode of the image capture device is set to the normal mode, and the operation device is added to the captured image by the confirmation unit. And a mode setting means for setting the operation mode of the imaging device to a low power consumption mode that consumes less power than the normal mode. Item 10. The imaging device according to Item 9.
[Claim 11]
A camera device comprising: an imaging device that captures an image of a subject by an imaging unit; and an operation device that receives an image captured by the imaging unit from the imaging device and has an operation unit for operating the imaging device A computer included in the imaging device in
Confirmation means for sequentially confirming whether or not an operation device is included as a subject in the captured image during the imaging operation of the subject by the imaging means;
In response to the state confirmed by the confirmation unit changing from a state in which the operation device is included as a subject in the captured image to a state in which the operation device is not included as a subject in the captured image, A first transmission unit configured to transmit a request signal for requesting the operation device to shift the operation mode from the normal mode to the low power consumption mode with lower power consumption than the normal mode;
Responding to a change in the state confirmed by the confirmation means from a state where the operation device is not included as a subject in the captured image to a state where the operation device is included as a subject in the captured image; A program that causes the operation device to function as a second transmission unit that transmits a request signal for requesting the operation mode to shift from the low-consumption mode to the normal mode.
[Claim 12]
A camera device comprising: an imaging device that captures an image of a subject by an imaging unit; and an operation device that receives an image captured by the imaging unit from the imaging device and has an operation unit for operating the imaging device Said operating device in
Confirmation means for sequentially confirming whether or not an operation device is included as a subject in the captured image during an imaging operation of the subject by the imaging means;
While it is confirmed that the operation device is included in the captured image as a subject by the confirmation unit, the operation mode of the operation device is set to the normal mode, and the operation device is added to the captured image by the confirmation unit. And a mode setting means for setting the operation mode of the operating device to a low power consumption mode that consumes less power than the normal mode. apparatus.
[Claim 13]
A camera device comprising: an imaging device that captures an image of a subject by an imaging unit; and an operation device that receives an image captured by the imaging unit from the imaging device and has an operation unit for operating the imaging device A computer included in the operating device in
Confirmation means for sequentially confirming whether or not an operation device is included as a subject in the captured image during the imaging operation of the subject by the imaging means;
While it is confirmed that the operation device is included in the captured image as a subject by the confirmation unit, the operation mode of the operation device is set to the normal mode, and the operation device is added to the captured image by the confirmation unit. The program is caused to function as a mode setting means for setting the operation mode of the operating device to a low power consumption mode that consumes less power than the normal mode while it is confirmed that is not included as a subject.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Imaging device 11 Main body 11 Housing | casing 12 Shooting lens 13 Power switch 101 Control part 102 Imaging part 103 Image processing part 104 Memory | storage part 105 Wireless communication part 106 Power supply part 2 Operation apparatus 21 Case 22 Wristband 23a-23e Operation switch 23f Power supply Switch 24 Liquid crystal monitor 201 Control unit 202 Display unit 203 Operation unit 204 Wireless communication unit 205 Storage unit 206 Power supply unit

The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, an electronic apparatus, a power control method thereof, a program, and an imaging system .

However, the above-described technique has a problem that the mode cannot be changed at an appropriate timing .

The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional problem, and provides an imaging apparatus, an electronic apparatus, and an imaging system including the imaging apparatus and the electronic apparatus that can change the mode at an appropriate timing. The purpose is to do.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to the first aspect, and an imaging device, check IMAGING operation in the electronic device to the captured image is sequentially checks whether the state is included means, wherein depending on whether the state of the electronic device is included in by that the captured image to the confirmation means, and a mode instruction means for instructing the electronic apparatus so as to vary the operating mode of the electronic apparatus It is characterized by that.

In the invention according to the second aspect, the electronic device receives a captured image captured by the imaging device from the imaging device, and whether or not the captured image includes the electronic device is determined. Confirmation means for sequentially confirming, and mode setting means for setting the electronic device to a different operation mode according to whether or not the electronic device is included in the captured image by the confirmation means It is characterized by.

Further, in the invention according to the third aspect, there is provided a power control method for the imaging apparatus, and a confirmation step of sequentially confirming whether or not an electronic device is included in a captured image during the imaging operation of the imaging apparatus And a mode instruction step for instructing the electronic device to change the operation mode of the electronic device according to whether or not the electronic device is included in the captured image obtained by the confirmation step. It is characterized by that.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a power control method for an electronic device that receives a captured image captured by an imaging device from the imaging device, wherein the captured image includes the electronic device as a subject. A confirmation step for sequentially confirming whether or not the electronic device is included, and a mode setting step for setting the electronic device to a different operation mode according to whether or not the electronic device is included in the captured image obtained by the confirmation step It is characterized by including these.

In the invention according to the fifth aspect, confirmation means for sequentially confirming whether or not an electronic device is included in the captured image during the image capturing operation of the computer included in the imaging device, and the imaging by the confirmation means According to a state of whether or not the electronic device is included in an image, the electronic device functions as a mode instruction unit that instructs the electronic device to change an operation mode .

In the invention according to the sixth aspect, a computer electronic device receiving a captured image in shooting ZoSo location thus captured from the imaging device has, whether the electronic device in the captured image is included not confirmation means for confirming Kano state sequentially, according to the state of whether or not the electronic apparatus is included in by that the captured image to the check means, the mode setting means for setting the electronic apparatus in different operating modes, It is characterized by functioning as
Moreover, in the invention which concerns on a 7th viewpoint, it is an imaging system comprised from an imaging device and an electronic device, Comprising: The state whether the said electronic device is contained in the captured image in the imaging operation of the said imaging device And a mode setting unit for setting the electronic device to a different operation mode according to whether or not the electronic device is included in the captured image by the confirmation unit. It is characterized by that.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to provide the imaging device comprised from an imaging device and an electronic device which can change a mode at an appropriate timing, and an imaging device and an electronic device .

In the imaging apparatus 1, an electronic circuit including an imaging element that captures an image of a subject is housed in a small casing 11 that can be installed at an arbitrary place, and a photographing lens 12 is provided in front of the casing 11. A power switch 13 is provided on the side surface of the housing 11. Then, the imaging device 1 sequentially transmits captured image data to the controller device 2 during the operation of imaging the subject.

1 Imaging device
11 housing 12 taking lens 13 the power switch 101 control unit 102 image capturing unit 103 image processing unit 104 storage unit 105 wireless communication unit 106 the power supply unit 2 operating device 21 housing 22 wristband 23a~23e operation switch 23f power switch 24 LCD monitor 201 Control unit 202 Display unit 203 Operation unit 204 Wireless communication unit 205 Storage unit 206 Power supply unit

Claims (13)

A camera device including an imaging device for imaging a subject and an operation device for operating the imaging device;
Confirming means for recognizing a captured image and sequentially confirming whether or not the operation device is included as a subject during an imaging operation of the subject by the imaging device;
While it is confirmed that the operation device is included as a subject in the captured image by the confirmation unit, the operation mode of the operation device is set to the first operation mode, and the captured image is formed by the confirmation unit. Mode setting means for setting the operating mode of the operating device to a second operating mode that consumes less power than the first operating mode while it is confirmed that the operating device is not included as a subject. When,
A camera device comprising: The operating device includes display means having a screen,
The confirmation unit recognizes the screen of the display unit in the captured image, and determines that the operation device is included in the captured image as a subject when the screen is recognized. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein if it is not possible, it is determined that the operation device is not included as a subject in the captured image.   3. The camera device according to claim 2, wherein the second operation mode of the operation device is an operation mode in which the display operation of the display unit is stopped.   The camera apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus and the operation apparatus include communication means for transmitting and receiving data. The camera device according to claim 4, wherein the second operation mode of the operation device includes a content in which the communication mode of the communication unit is set to a low power consumption mode that consumes less power than a normal mode. The confirmation unit is provided in the imaging device, and the imaging device transmits a confirmation result by the confirmation unit to the operation device by the communication unit included in the imaging device,
The mode setting means is provided in the operating device, and the mode setting means sets an operation mode according to the confirmation result received by the communication means included in the operating device in the operating device. The camera device according to claim 4 or 5.   6. The camera device according to claim 4, wherein the confirmation unit and the mode setting unit are provided in the operation device. The mode setting means includes
In response to the state confirmed by the confirmation unit changing from a state in which the operation device is included as a subject in the captured image to a state in which the operation device is not included as a subject in the captured image, Setting the operation mode of the operating device from the first operation mode to the second operation mode;
Responding to a change in the state confirmed by the confirmation means from a state where the operation device is not included as a subject in the captured image to a state where the operation device is included as a subject in the captured image; Setting the operation mode of the operating device from the second operation mode to the first operation mode;
The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the camera device is a camera device. A power consumption control method in a camera device comprising an imaging device that images a subject and an operation device that operates the imaging device,
A confirmation step of recognizing a captured image and sequentially confirming whether or not the operation device is included as a subject during an imaging operation of the subject by the imaging device;
While it is confirmed that the operation device is included in the captured image as a subject in the confirmation step, the operation mode of the operation device is set to the first operation mode, and the captured image is determined in the confirmation step. Mode setting step of setting the operation mode of the operation device to a second operation mode that consumes less power than the first operation mode while it is confirmed that the operation device is not included as a subject. When,
A power consumption control method comprising: The imaging device in a camera device comprising an imaging device that images a subject and an operation device that operates the imaging device,
Confirmation means for sequentially confirming whether or not the operation device is included as a subject in the captured image during the subject imaging operation;
In response to the state confirmed by the confirmation means changing from a state in which the operation device is included as a subject in the captured image to a state in which the operation device is not included in the captured image. A request signal for requesting the operation device to shift the operation mode from the first operation mode to the second operation mode that consumes less power than the first operation mode is transmitted by the confirmation unit; In response to a change in the confirmed state from a state in which the operating device is not included as a subject in the captured image to a state in which the operating device is included as a subject in the captured image, the operating device On the other hand, transmission means for transmitting a request signal for making a request to shift the operation mode from the second operation mode to the first operation mode;
An imaging apparatus comprising: A computer included in the imaging device in a camera device including an imaging device that images a subject and an operation device that operates the imaging device;
Confirmation means for sequentially confirming whether or not the operation device is included as a subject in the captured image during the subject imaging operation;
In response to the state confirmed by the confirmation means changing from a state in which the operation device is included as a subject in the captured image to a state in which the operation device is not included in the captured image. A request signal for requesting the operation device to shift the operation mode from the first operation mode to the second operation mode that consumes less power than the first operation mode is transmitted by the confirmation unit; In response to a change in the confirmed state from a state in which the operating device is not included as a subject in the captured image to a state in which the operating device is included as a subject in the captured image, the operating device Transmitting means for transmitting a request signal for making a request to shift the operation mode from the second operation mode to the first operation mode;
A program characterized by functioning as An operating device in a camera device comprising an imaging device that images a subject and an operating device that receives the captured image captured by the imaging device from the imaging device and operates the imaging device,
Confirmation means for sequentially confirming whether or not the operation device is included as a subject in the captured image during an imaging operation of the subject by the imaging device;
While it is confirmed that the operation device is included as a subject in the captured image by the confirmation unit, the operation mode of the operation device is set to the first operation mode, and the captured image is formed by the confirmation unit. Mode setting means for setting the operation mode of the operation device to a second operation mode that consumes less power than the first operation mode while it is confirmed that the operation device is not included as a subject. When,
An operating device comprising: A computer included in the operation device in a camera device including an image pickup device that picks up an image of a subject and an operation device that receives a picked-up image picked up by the image pickup device and operates the image pickup device;
Confirmation means for sequentially confirming whether or not the operation device is included as a subject in the captured image during an imaging operation of the subject by the imaging device;
While it is confirmed that the operation device is included as a subject in the captured image by the confirmation unit, the operation mode of the operation device is set to the first operation mode, and the captured image is formed by the confirmation unit. Mode setting means for setting the operation mode of the operation device to a second operation mode that consumes less power than the first operation mode while it is confirmed that the operation device is not included as a subject. ,
A program characterized by functioning as

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