JP2019020771A - Control module, electronic apparatus, control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a control module, an electronic apparatus, a control method and a program that can satisfactorily connects between a plurality of modules.SOLUTION: A control module, in which a first module is connected to a post stage and a second module may be connected to the post stage of the first module, comprises: determination means that determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied; and control means that determines whether or not to control to be in a state, in which first communication means owned by the control module and second communication means owned by the first module are electrically connected through a signal line, the second communication means and third communication means owned by the first module are electrically isolated by means of a switch, and the third communication means and fourth communication means owned by the second module are electrically connected through a signal line, on the basis of a determination result of whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

  The present invention relates to a control module, an electronic device, a control method, and a program.

  In an electronic device including a plurality of modules, the entire electronic device is controlled by performing communication between an IC (Integrated Circuit) of a master module and an IC of a slave module. As a communication standard between ICs, an I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) standard is known. In I2C communication which is communication based on the I2C standard, communication is performed via a serial clock line SCL and a serial data line SDA which are signal lines for I2C communication. The rise time and fall time of the transmission signal in the signal line for I2C communication are defined by the I2C standard. On the other hand, Patent Document 1 describes a method of adjusting the rise time of a transmission signal by changing a pull-up resistor in accordance with an output device connected to a reproduction device.

International Publication No. 2006/043547

  In the signal line for I2C communication, the rise time and fall time of the transmission signal are affected by the resistance and capacitance of the signal line. For this reason, when a large number of electronic devices are connected in series, the rise time or fall time of the transmission signal in the signal line for I2C communication cannot satisfy the conditions defined in the I2C standard, and the connection is made satisfactorily. It is assumed that it cannot be established. When the pull-up resistance is changed as in Patent Document 1, it is assumed that the connection process becomes complicated.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a control module, an electronic device, a control method, and a program that can satisfactorily connect a plurality of modules.

  The control module according to one aspect of the present invention is a control module in which a first module is connected to the subsequent stage and a second module can be connected to the subsequent stage of the first module, and whether a predetermined condition is satisfied A first communication unit included in the control module and a second communication unit included in the first module are electrically connected via a signal line, and the second communication And the third communication means included in the first module are electrically separated by a switch, and the third communication means and the fourth communication means included in the second module provide a signal line. Control means for determining whether to control to be in an electrically connected state based on a determination result of whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied.

  An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first module, a second module positioned at a subsequent stage of the first module, and a third module positioned at a subsequent stage of the second module. A determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied, and a first communication unit included in the first module and a second communication unit included in the second module are signals. Electrically connected via a line, the second communication means and the third communication means of the second module are electrically separated by a switch, and the third communication means and the second communication means Whether to control the fourth communication means of the third module to be in a state of being electrically connected via the signal line, based on the determination result of whether the predetermined condition is satisfied. Control means to determine Having.

  A control method according to an aspect of the present invention is a control method for a control module in which a first module is connected to a subsequent stage and a second module can be connected to the subsequent stage of the first module, and the predetermined condition is A step of determining whether or not the first communication means and the second communication means of the first module are electrically connected via a signal line; and And the third communication means of the first module are electrically separated by a switch, and the third communication means and the fourth communication means of the second module are signals. Determining whether to control to be electrically connected via a line based on a determination result of whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied.

  The control method which concerns on 1 aspect of this invention has a 1st module, the 2nd module located in the back | latter stage of the said 1st module, and the 3rd module located in the back | latter stage of the said 2nd module. A method for controlling an electronic device, the step of determining whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied, a first communication unit included in the first module, and a second communication unit included in the second module; Are electrically connected via a signal line, and the second communication means and the third communication means of the second module are electrically separated by a switch, and the third communication means A determination result of whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied as to whether or not control is performed so that the fourth communication means included in the third module is electrically connected via a signal line. To decide based on And a step.

  A program according to an aspect of the present invention is a program used in a control module in which a first module is connected to a subsequent stage and a second module can be connected to the subsequent stage of the first module, The determination means for determining whether or not the above condition is satisfied, the first communication means included in the control module, and the second communication means included in the first module are electrically connected via a signal line. The second communication unit and the third communication unit included in the first module are electrically separated by a switch, and the fourth communication included in the third communication unit and the second module. Control means for determining whether or not to control so as to be electrically connected to the means via a signal line based on a determination result of whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied; Is a program for making the function Te.

  The program which concerns on 1 aspect of this invention has a 1st module, the 2nd module located in the back | latter stage of the said 1st module, and the 3rd module located in the back | latter stage of the said 2nd module. A program used in a device, wherein the computer includes a determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied, a second communication unit included in the first module, and a second unit included in the second module. Communication means are electrically connected via a signal line, the second communication means and the third communication means of the second module are electrically separated by a switch, and the third Whether the predetermined condition is satisfied whether or not the communication means and the fourth communication means of the third module are controlled to be electrically connected via a signal line. Is a program for functioning as a control means for determining on the basis of the Kano determination result.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a control module, an electronic device, a control method, and a program that can satisfactorily connect a plurality of modules.

6 is a diagram for describing an example of a plurality of modules included in the electronic device 600 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing an example of a plurality of modules included in the electronic device 600 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining components of modules 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining components of modules 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining components of modules 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining components of modules 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining components of modules 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining components of modules 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the electronic apparatus 600 according to the first embodiment. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of an I2C communication unit 113. FIG. It is a time chart for demonstrating the example of a transmission signal. FIG. 11 is a diagram for describing an example of a predetermined notification performed in electronic device 600.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[Embodiment 1]
1A and 1B are diagrams for describing an example of a plurality of modules included in the electronic apparatus 600. FIG. In the first embodiment, an example in which the electronic device 600 includes five modules 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 connected in series will be described. However, the configuration of the electronic device 600 is limited to such a configuration. It is not a thing. 1A and 1B show a state where a plurality of modules 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 are separated from each other. FIG. 1A is a perspective view of modules 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 separated from each other when viewed from one side. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the modules 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 separated from each other when viewed from the other side. The module 100 is a camera module, for example, and can operate as a master module, for example. The modules 200, 300, and 400 are modules having specific functions, for example, and can operate as slave modules, but can also operate as master modules. Examples of the modules 200, 300, and 400 include an I / O (input / output) module having a connector for communicating with an external device and an NFC (Near Field Communication) module that performs short-range wireless communication. Further, examples of the modules 200, 300, and 400 include a communication module that transmits / receives data to / from an external device by wireless communication, an image output module that outputs a digitized image, and a speaker module that outputs music or operation sound. It is done. Further, as modules 200, 300 and 400, a microphone module for voice input, a recording module capable of storing a large amount of data, a display module having a display device (eg, a liquid crystal display device), and cooling for cooling other modules. Unit etc. are mentioned. The user can connect the modules 200, 300, and 400 having a desired function to the module 100. The module 500 is a power supply module, for example, and can operate as a slave module, for example. The connection of the plurality of modules 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 is terminated by the module 500. Note that the order of connection of the plurality of modules 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 is not limited to the above. In Embodiment 1 and other embodiments, a combination of a plurality of modules is referred to as an electronic device, but individual modules can also be referred to as electronic devices. In addition, an electronic device in which a plurality of modules is combined can be referred to as a communication system or an electronic system. Further, the module can be referred to as a module device, an electronic device, or a control module.

  As described above, the module 100 is, for example, a camera module. The module 100 includes an imaging unit 102 that generates a digitized image from an optical image of a subject, and an operation unit 104 that is a user interface for operating the module 100. The operation unit 104 includes a power button for turning on / off the power, a release button for imaging the subject, and the like. Further, the module 100 has a jack cover portion 108 for protecting the input / output jack. By making the jack cover portion 108 open, various cables can be connected to the input / output jack. Further, the module 100 includes a lock unit 109 for mechanically locking the modules 200, 300, 400, and 500 at the subsequent stage to the module 100. The lock part 109 can be rotated and can be operated between a lock position and a lock release position. By setting the lock portion 109 to the unlock position, the subsequent modules 200, 300, 400 and 500 can be detached from the module 100. The module 100 includes a connector 199 for connecting the module 200 at the subsequent stage.

  The modules 200, 300 and 400 each have a specific function as described above. The module 200 includes a connector 201 for connecting to the module 100 connected to the previous stage of the module 200 and a connector 299 for connecting to the module 300 connected to the subsequent stage of the module 200. The module 300 includes a connector 301 for connecting to the module 200 connected to the previous stage of the module 300 and a connector 399 for connecting to the module 400 connected to the subsequent stage of the module 300. The module 400 includes a connector 401 for connecting to the module 300 connected to the previous stage of the module 400 and a connector 499 for connecting to the module 500 connected to the subsequent stage of the module 400.

  The module 500 is a power supply module as described above. The module 500 has a connector 501 for connecting to the module 400 connected to the previous stage of the module 500. As described above, the connection of the plurality of modules 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 is terminated by the module 500. Therefore, the module 500 has a structure that terminates the connection between the modules 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500.

  The components of modules 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D. FIG. 2A shows a state in which the switch 123 is in the ON state and the switches 223, 323, and 423 are in the OFF state. In FIG. 2A, the switches 227, 327, and 427 are in the ON state, and the switches 229, 329, and 429 are in the OFF state. FIG. 2B shows a state in which the switch 223 is changed from the OFF state to the ON state in the state shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C shows a state where the switches 323 and 423 are changed from the OFF state to the ON state in the state shown in FIG. 2B. FIG. 2D shows a state in which the switch 427 is changed from the ON state to the OFF state and the switch 429 is changed from the OFF state to the ON state in the state shown in FIG. 2C.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the module 100 includes a lens unit 101, an imaging unit 102, an aperture 103, an operation unit 104, a shutter 105, a memory 110, a control unit 111, a power supply unit 115, and a display unit. 119 and a recording unit 121. Module 100 further includes a switch 123 and a pull-up resistor 127. The lens unit 101 guides the optical image of the subject to the imaging surface of the imaging unit 102. As described above, the imaging unit 102 generates a digitized image from the optical image of the subject. The diaphragm 103 adjusts the amount of light reaching the imaging surface of the imaging unit 102. The shutter 105 controls the incident time of light reaching the imaging surface of the imaging unit 102. The memory 110 can be used as a work area for the control unit 111. In the memory 110, various setting information of the electronic device 600 is stored. The memory 110 stores count values corresponding to the rising times of the transmission signals of the serial clock line SCL and the serial data line SDA. The control unit 111 includes a memory that stores a program for controlling each component of the module 100, and a processor (for example, a hardware processor) that controls each component of the module 100 by executing the program stored in the memory. ). Thereby, the control unit 111 can control the imaging optical system including the lens unit 101, the diaphragm 103, and the shutter 105. The control unit 111 can also control an image processing system including the imaging unit 102. Further, the control unit 111 also controls the switches 123 connected to the serial clock line SCL and the serial data line SDA. The switch 123 is controlled by an enable signal supplied from the control unit 111. The control unit 111 further includes an I2C communication unit 113. The I2C communication unit 113 can communicate with the I2C communication units 213, 313, 413, and 513 of the modules 200, 300, 400, and 500. Specifically, the I2C communication unit 113 communicates with the I2C communication units 213, 313, 413, and 513 through an I2C signal line that connects the other modules 200, 300, 400, and 500 in series. More specifically, the I2C communication unit 113 communicates with the I2C communication units 213, 313, 413, and 513 of the other modules 200, 300, 400, and 500 via the serial clock line SCL and the serial data line SDA. Each can perform I2C communication. The I2C communication unit 113 of the module 100 is a master, and the I2C communication units 213, 313, 413, and 513 of the other modules 200, 300, 400, and 500 are all slaves. The I2C address of the module 100 is, for example, 0x05. The I2C communication unit 113 determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied in the following state. The state is that the I2C communication unit 113 and the I2C communication unit 213 of the module 200 are electrically connected via a signal line, and the I2C communication unit 213 of the module 200 and the I2C communication unit 313 of the module 300 are switched. 223 is electrically separated by H.223. The I2C communication unit 113 determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied in the following state. The state is that the I2C communication unit 113 and the I2C communication unit 313 of the module 300 are electrically connected via a signal line, and the I2C communication unit 313 of the module 300 and the I2C communication unit 413 of the module 400 are switched. 323 is electrically separated by H.323. Further, the I2C communication unit 113 determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied in the following state. The state is that the I2C communication unit 113 and the I2C communication unit 413 of the module 400 are electrically connected via a signal line, and the I2C communication unit 413 of the module 400 and the I2C communication unit 513 of the module 500 are switched. 423 is electrically separated. The power supply unit 115 supplies power to each component of the module 100. Power is also supplied from the power supply unit 115 to the control unit 111 and the pull-up resistor 127. The display unit 119 can display a live view image, a reproduced image, the state of the electronic device 600, and the like. Notification information issued when I2C communication is not established or the like can also be displayed on the display unit 119. The recording unit 121 records an image acquired by imaging. The recording unit 121 may be a recording medium built in the module 100 or a recording medium that is removable from the module 100. The switch 123 is connected to the serial clock line SCL and the serial data line SDA. In the state shown in FIG. 2A, since the switch 123 is in the ON state, the signal line for I2C communication of the module 100 and the signal line for I2C communication of the module 200 connected to the subsequent stage of the module 100 are Electrically connected. One end of the pull-up resistor 127 is connected to the power supply unit 115. The other end of the pull-up resistor 127 is connected to the serial clock line SCL and the serial data line SDA. The connector 199 is connected to the connector 201 of the module 200 that is connected to the subsequent stage of the module 100.

  Module 200 includes a load unit 203, a control unit 211, a power supply unit 215, switches 223, 227 and 229, and a pull-up resistor 231. The load unit 203 is for realizing the function of the module 200. The load unit 203 is, for example, an I / O function unit for communicating with an external device, but is not limited to this. The control unit 211 includes a memory that stores a program for controlling each component of the module 200, and a processor (for example, a hardware processor) that controls each component of the module 200 by executing the program stored in the memory. ). Thereby, the control unit 211 can control the load unit 203. Furthermore, the control unit 211 can also control the switches 223 connected to the serial clock line SCL and the serial data line SDA, respectively. The switch 223 is controlled by an enable signal supplied from the control unit 211. The control unit 211 further includes an I2C communication unit 213 and an I2C communication unit 225. The I2C communication unit 213 can communicate with the I2C communication units 113, 313, 413, and 513 of the modules 100, 300, 400, and 500 via the serial clock line SCL and the serial data line SDA. The I2C communication unit 213 can operate as a slave. The I2C address of the I2C communication unit 213 is, for example, 0x10. The I2C communication unit 225 can communicate with the I2C communication units 313, 413, and 513 of the modules 300, 400, and 500 via the serial clock line SCL and the serial data line SDA. The I2C communication unit 225 can operate as a master. The I2C address of the I2C communication unit 225 is set to 0x11, for example. The power supply unit 215 supplies power to each component of the module 200. Power is also supplied from the power supply unit 215 to the control unit 211, the load unit 203, and the pull-up resistor 231. The switches 223 and 227 are connected to a serial clock line SCL and a serial data line SDA, which are I2C communication signal lines. In FIG. 2A, since the switch 223 is in the OFF state, the signal line for I2C communication of the module 200 and the signal line for I2C communication of the module 300 connected to the subsequent stage of the module 200 are electrically connected. It is separated. One end of the pull-up resistor 231 is connected to the power supply unit 215. The serial data line SDA and the serial clock line SCL connected to the other end of the pull-up resistor 231 are connected to the serial data line SDA and the serial clock line SCL via the switch 229, respectively. The I2C communication unit 225 can also control the switches 227 and 229. The switches 227 and 229 are controlled by a master enable signal supplied from the I2C communication unit 225. In FIG. 2A, since the switch 229 is in the OFF state, the signal line for I2C communication connected to the I2C communication unit 225 and the signal line for I2C communication connected to the switches 223 and 227 are Separated. When performing I2C communication using the I2C communication unit 225 as a master, the switch 227 is turned off and the switch 229 is turned on. On the other hand, when I2C communication using the I2C communication unit 225 as a master is not performed, the switch 227 is turned on and the switch 229 is turned off. The connector 299 is connected to the connector 301 of the module 300 that is connected to the subsequent stage of the module 200. A broken line with an arrow in FIG. 2A conceptually shows that the connector 299 and the connector 301 are connected.

  Module 300 includes a load unit 303, a control unit 311, a power supply unit 315, switches 323, 327 and 329, and a pull-up resistor 331. The load unit 303 is for realizing the function of the module 300. The load unit 303 is, for example, a communication function unit for transmitting / receiving data to / from an external device by wireless communication, but is not limited thereto. The control unit 311 includes a memory that stores a program for controlling each component of the module 300, and a processor (for example, a hardware processor) that controls each component of the module 300 by executing the program stored in the memory. ). Thereby, the control unit 311 can control the load unit 303. Further, the control unit 311 can also control the switches 323 connected to the serial clock line SCL and the serial data line SDA, respectively. The switch 323 is controlled by an enable signal supplied from the control unit 311. The control unit 311 further includes an I2C communication unit 313 and an I2C communication unit 325. The I2C communication unit 313 can communicate with the I2C communication units 113, 213, 413, and 513 of the modules 100, 200, 400, and 500 via the serial clock line SCL and the serial data line SDA. Further, the I2C communication unit 313 can communicate with the I2C communication unit 225 of the module 200 via the serial clock line SCL and the serial data line SDA. The I2C communication unit 313 can operate as a slave. The I2C address of the I2C communication unit 313 is set to 0x15, for example. The I2C communication unit 325 can communicate with the I2C communication units 413 and 513 of the modules 400 and 500 via the serial clock line SCL and the serial data line SDA. The I2C communication unit 325 can operate as a master. The I2C address of the I2C communication unit 325 is, for example, 0x16. The power supply unit 315 supplies power to each component of the module 300. Power is also supplied from the power supply unit 315 to the control unit 311, the load unit 303, and the pull-up resistor 331. The switches 323 and 327 are connected to the serial clock line SCL and the serial data line SDA. In FIG. 2A, since the switch 323 is in the OFF state, the signal line for I2C communication of the module 300 and the signal line for I2C communication of the module 400 connected to the subsequent stage of the module 300 are electrically connected. It is separated. One end of the pull-up resistor 331 is connected to the power supply unit 315. The serial data line SDA and the serial clock line SCL connected to the other end of the pull-up resistor 331 are connected to the serial data line SDA and the serial clock line SCL via the switch 329, respectively. The I2C communication unit 325 can also control the switches 327 and 329. The switches 327 and 329 are controlled by a master enable signal supplied from the I2C communication unit 325. In FIG. 2A, since the switch 329 is in the OFF state, the signal line for I2C communication of the I2C communication unit 325 and the signal line for I2C communication of the switches 323 and 327 are electrically separated. . When performing I2C communication using the I2C communication unit 325 as a master, the switch 327 is turned off and the switch 329 is turned on. On the other hand, when I2C communication using the I2C communication unit 325 as a master is not performed, the switch 327 is turned on and the switch 329 is turned off. The connector 399 is connected to the connector 401 of the module 400 that is connected to the subsequent stage of the module 300.

  Module 400 includes a load unit 403, a control unit 411, a power supply unit 415, switches 423, 427 and 429, and a pull-up resistor 431. The load unit 403 is for realizing the function of the module 400. The load unit 403 is, for example, a functional unit for outputting a digitized image or image and sound to the outside, but is not limited to this. The control unit 411 includes a memory that stores a program for controlling each component of the module 400, and a processor (for example, a hardware processor) that controls each component of the module 400 by executing the program stored in the memory. ). Thereby, the control unit 411 can control the load unit 403. Further, the control unit 411 can also control the switches 423 connected to the serial clock line SCL and the serial data line SDA, respectively. The switch 423 is controlled by an enable signal supplied from the control unit 411. The control unit 411 further includes an I2C communication unit 413 and an I2C communication unit 425. The I2C communication unit 413 can communicate with the I2C communication units 113, 213, 313, and 513 of the modules 100, 200, 300, and 500 via the serial clock line SCL and the serial data line SDA. Further, the I2C communication unit 413 can communicate with the I2C communication units 225 and 325 of the modules 200 and 300 via the serial clock line SCL and the serial data line SDA. The I2C communication unit 413 can operate as a slave. The I2C address of the I2C communication unit 413 is, for example, 0x1A. The I2C communication unit 425 can communicate with the I2C communication unit 513 of the module 500 via the serial clock line SCL and the serial data line SDA. The I2C communication unit 425 can operate as a master. The I2C address of the I2C communication unit 425 is, for example, 0x1B. The power supply unit 415 supplies power to each component of the module 400. Power is also supplied from the power supply unit 415 to the control unit 411, the load unit 403, and the pull-up resistor 431. The switches 423 and 427 are connected to the serial clock line SCL and the serial data line SDA. In FIG. 2A, since the switch 423 is in the OFF state, the signal line for I2C communication of the module 400 and the signal line for I2C communication of the module 500 connected to the subsequent stage of the module 400 are electrically connected. It is separated. One end of the pull-up resistor 431 is connected to the power supply unit 415. The serial data line SDA and the serial clock line SCL connected to the other end of the pull-up resistor 431 are connected to the serial data line SDA and the serial clock line SCL via the switch 429, respectively. The I2C communication unit 425 can also control the switches 427 and 429. The switches 427 and 429 are controlled by a master enable signal supplied from the I2C communication unit 425. In FIG. 2A, since the switch 429 is in the OFF state, the signal line for I2C communication connected to the I2C communication unit 425 and the signal line for I2C communication to which the switches 423 and 427 are connected are Separated. When performing I2C communication using the I2C communication unit 425 as a master, the switch 427 is turned off and the switch 429 is turned on. On the other hand, when I2C communication using the I2C communication unit 425 as a master is not performed, the switch 427 is turned on and the switch 429 is turned off. The connector 499 is connected to the connector 501 of the module 500 that is connected to the subsequent stage of the module 400.

  The module 500 includes a control unit 511 and a power supply unit 515. The control unit 511 includes a memory that stores a program for controlling each component of the module 500, and a processor (for example, a hardware processor) that controls each component of the module 500 by executing the program stored in the memory. ). The control unit 511 further includes an I2C communication unit 513. The I2C communication unit 513 can communicate with the I2C communication units 113, 213, 313, and 413 of the modules 100, 200, 300, and 400 via the serial clock line SCL and the serial data line SDA. Further, the I2C communication unit 513 can communicate with the I2C communication units 225, 325, and 435 of the modules 200, 300, and 400 via the serial clock line SCL and the serial data line SDA. Note that the I2C address of the module 500 is, for example, 0x1F. The power supply unit 515 supplies power to each component of the module 500. Power is also supplied to the control unit 511 from the power supply unit 515. A ground terminal of the power supply unit 515 is connected to a ground line connected to the ground potential 527. The ground terminals of power supply units 115, 215, 315, 415, and 515 are connected to each other by a ground line. The module 500 has a mechanism that prevents other modules from being connected to the subsequent stage of the module 500.

  Next, an operation example of the electronic apparatus 600 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 3 illustrates a module identification method performed when the electronic apparatus 600 is activated.

  In step S <b> 301, the module 100 starts identifying a module connected to the subsequent stage of the module 100. Module identification is performed in order from the module located near the module 100 which is the master module. Therefore, first, the module 200 is identified. The module 200 is identified in a state where the I2C communication unit 113 of the module 100 and the I2C communication unit 213 of the module 200 are electrically connected via the serial clock line SCL and the serial data line SDA. At this time, the I2C communication units 313, 325, 413, 425, and 513 are electrically separated from the I2C communication units 113 and 213 by the switch 223 of the module 200. Further, the I2C communication unit 225 is separated from the signal line used for I2C communication by the switch 229 of the module 200. Module identification is performed by incrementing the I2C address until there is a response from the module. As described above, the address of the module 200 is, for example, 0x10. Therefore, the module 100 obtains a response from the module 200 when the IC address is incremented to 0x10. In this way, the module 200 is identified.

  In step S302, the I2C communication unit 113 of the module 100 determines whether or not the delay time in the signal line used for IC2 communication satisfies a predetermined condition defined in the I2C standard. The predetermined condition is, for example, a condition that a signal delay in a signal line for I2C communication is less than a predetermined time. Whether or not to perform control for satisfying the predetermined condition is determined based on whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied. The I2C communication unit 113 determines whether or not a predetermined condition requiring a delay time in the serial clock line SCL and the serial data line SDA is satisfied. Specifically, the I2C communication unit 113 counts rise times of transmission signals of the serial clock line SCL and the serial data line SDA. Then, the I2C communication unit 113 determines whether or not the delay time in the serial clock line SCL and the serial data line SDA satisfies the I2C standard based on whether or not the count value is less than the standard value (threshold value). To do.

  A configuration example of the I2C communication unit 113 will be described with reference to FIG. The I2C communication unit 113 includes FETs (Field-Effect Transistors) 129 and 131. The sources of the FETs 129 and 131 are each connected to a ground line. The drain of the FET 129 is connected to the serial clock line SCL. The drain of the FET 131 is connected to the serial data line SDA. A control signal output from the FET control unit 137 is applied to the gates of the FETs 129 and 131. The FET control unit 137 controls the FETs 129 and 131. When the FET control unit 137 applies a high level control signal to the gate of the FET 129, the FET 129 is turned on and the serial clock line SCL is set to the low level. When the FET control unit 137 applies a high level control signal to the gate of the FET 131, the FET 131 is turned on and the serial data line SDA is set to the low level. When the control signal supplied from the FET control unit 137 to the gate of the FET 129 becomes a low level, the FET 129 is turned off, and the serial clock line SCL is not fixed at the low level. When the control signal supplied from the FET control unit 137 to the gate of the FET 131 becomes the low level, the FET 131 is turned off, and the serial data line SDA is not fixed at the low level. The I2C communication unit 113 includes a buffer 135 connected to the drain of the FET 129 and the serial clock line SCL. The I2C communication unit 113 further includes a buffer 133 connected to the drain of the FET 131 and the serial data line SDA. The outputs of the buffers 133 and 135 are input to the counter 139, respectively. The counter 139 can count the time until the serial clock line SCL and the serial data line SDA transition from the low level to the high level. For example, the counter 139 can count the time from when the FET control unit 137 changes the FET 129 from the ON state to the OFF state until the output of the buffer 135 changes from the Low level to the High level. The counter 139 can count the time from when the FET control unit 137 changes the FET 131 from the ON state to the OFF state until the output of the buffer 133 transitions from the Low level to the High level.

  An example of a transmission signal will be described with reference to the time charts of FIGS. 5 (a) to 5 (d). FIG. 5 shows an example of transmission signals on the serial clock line SCL and the serial data line SDA. FIG. 5A corresponds to the state of FIG. 2A, for example, and FIG. 5B corresponds to the state of FIG. 2C, for example. FIG. 5 (c) is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by the square in FIG. 5 (a), and FIG. 5 (d) is surrounded by the square in FIG. 5 (b). The enlarged part is shown.

  At timing t1, the FET control unit 137 changes the FET 129 connected to the serial clock line SCL from the ON state to the OFF state, and starts the count operation by the counter 139. Since the serial clock line SCL is pulled up via the pull-up resistor 127, when the FET 129 is changed from the ON state to the OFF state, the serial clock line SCL changes from the Low level to the High level. The time until the serial clock line SCL transitions from the low level to the high level is a time corresponding to the resistance and capacitance of the serial clock line SCL and the resistance of the pull-up resistor 127. When the FET 129 is changed from the ON state to the OFF state, the time until the serial clock line SCL transitions from the Low level to the High level becomes longer as the number of modules connected to the module 100 increases. The threshold value Vth shown in FIG. 5 is the potential of the serial clock line SCL when the output of the buffer 135 transits from the Low level to the High level. When the potential of the serial clock line SCL reaches the threshold value Vth, the output of the buffer 135 changes from Low to High level, and the counter 139 stops counting. The I2C communication unit 113 determines whether or not the delay time in the serial clock line SCL satisfies the standard value defined in the I2C standard. Specifically, the I2C communication unit 113 compares the count value obtained by the counter 139 with the count value corresponding to the standard value defined in the I2C standard. Note that the count value corresponding to the standard value defined in the I2C standard is stored in the memory 110, for example.

  When the delay time in the signal line used for I2C communication satisfies the I2C standard (YES in step S302), the process proceeds to step S303. On the other hand, when the delay time in the signal line used for I2C communication does not satisfy the I2C standard (NO in step S302), the process proceeds to step S309. In the state shown in FIG. 2A, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5C, the potential of the serial clock line SCL reaches the threshold value Vth at timing t2. The time from timing t1 to timing t2 is less than the delay time defined in the I2C standard. Therefore, in the case of the state shown in FIG. 2A, the process proceeds to step S303.

  In step S <b> 303, the I2C communication unit 113 identifies whether or not the detected module is the power supply module 500. Such identification is performed by I2C communication. As described above, the address of the power supply module 500 is, for example, 0x1F. Therefore, whether or not the module is the power supply module 500 can be determined based on whether or not the detected address of the module is 0x1F. Note that the reason for determining whether or not the detected module is the power supply module 500 is that the connection of a plurality of modules is terminated by the power supply module 500, so that no further module detection is required. It is. Information such as the power supply voltage value, the remaining battery level, and the degree of deterioration may be acquired from the power supply module 500. If the detected module is the power supply module 500 (YES in step S303), the process proceeds to step S307. On the other hand, when the detected module is not the power supply module 500 (NO in step S303), the process proceeds to step S304.

  In step S304, the control unit 111 of the module 100 connects the I2C communication unit of the module located after the module identified in step S301 to the I2C communication unit 113 via the signal line for I2C communication. Control as follows. For convenience of explanation, the module located in the subsequent stage of the module that was identified in step S301 is also referred to as “next module”. For example, in the state shown in FIG. 2A, the I2C communication unit 113 performs control so as to be in the state shown in FIG. 2B. The control unit 111 of the module 100 issues an instruction to turn on the switch 223 of the module 200 in order to identify the module 300 connected to the subsequent stage of the module 200. Such a command is transmitted to the control unit 211 of the module 200 by, for example, I2C communication. When the control unit 211 of the module 200 turns on the switch 223, the module 100 can identify the module 300 connected to the subsequent stage of the module 200.

  In step S305, the control unit 111 of the module 100 inquires of the module 200 whether or not the process for connecting the next module is completed. Specifically, the module 100 inquires of the control unit 211 of the module 200 whether or not the process of turning on the switch 223 of the module 200 is completed, for example, by I2C communication. When the process for connecting the next module is completed (YES in step S305), the process returns to step S301. If the process for connecting the next module is not completed and it is impossible to connect the next module (NO in step S305), the process proceeds to step S306. When the next module is the module 300, the state shown in FIG. 2A shifts to the state shown in FIG. 2B. In the state shown in FIG. 2B, the switch 123 of the module 100 and the switches 223 and 227 of the module 200 are in the ON state. Therefore, the signal lines for I2C communication of the modules 100, 200 and 300 are connected to each other. When the next module is the module 400, the state shifts to a state not shown below. In a state not shown, the switch 123 of the module 100, the switches 223 and 227 of the module 200, and the switches 323 and 327 of the module 300 are in the ON state. Therefore, the signal lines for I2C communication of the modules 100, 200, 300 and 400 are connected to each other. When the next module is the module 500, the state shifts from the state not shown above to the state shown in FIG. 2C. In the state shown in FIG. 2C, the switch 123 of the module 100 and the switches 223 and 227 of the module 200 are in the ON state. In addition, the switches 323 and 327 of the module 300 and the switches 423 and 427 of the module 400 are in the ON state. Therefore, the signal lines for I2C communication of the modules 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 are connected to each other. Thereafter, the operations after step S301 are repeated in the same manner as described above.

  In the state shown in FIG. 2C, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5D, the potential of the serial clock line SCL reaches the threshold value Vth at timing t3. In the state shown in FIG. 2C, the time until the potential of the serial clock line SCL reaches the threshold value Vth is longer than that in the case shown in FIG. 2A because the resistance and capacitance of the serial clock line SCL increase as the number of modules connected increases. This is because of the increase. The time from the timing t1 to the timing t3 is, for example, a delay time defined in the I2C standard or more. Therefore, in the case of the state shown in FIG. 2C, the delay time in the signal line used for I2C communication does not satisfy the I2C standard (NO in step S302), and the process proceeds to step S309.

  In step S309, the control unit 111 of the module 100 determines whether the number of masters is less than a predetermined number. Whether the number of masters is less than a predetermined number is determined because the communication delay between the module 100 and the module 500 increases as the number of masters increases, so the number of masters is limited to a predetermined number or less. Is preferable. Here, a case where the number of masters is allowed up to two will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. If the number of masters is less than the predetermined number (YES in step S309), the process proceeds to step S310. On the other hand, if the number of masters is greater than or equal to the predetermined number, the process proceeds to step S306.

  In step S <b> 310, the control unit 111 of the module 100 transmits a command for operating the module that has been identified this time as a master module to the control unit of the module. Such a command is transmitted by, for example, I2C communication. When the module to be identified this time is the module 400, the following processing is performed. The control unit 111 of the module 100 instructs the control unit 411 of the module 400 to operate using the I2C communication unit 425 as a master. The control unit 411 of the module 400 controls the I2C communication unit 425 based on a command from the control unit 111 of the module 100. The I2C communication unit 425 turns the switch 427 OFF and the switch 429 ON by setting the master enable signal to the enable state. Since the switch 427 is turned off, the signal line for I2C communication connected to the I2C communication unit 413 and the signal line for I2C communication connected to the I2C communication unit 425 are electrically separated. Since the signal line for I2C communication connected to the I2C communication unit 413 and the signal line for I2C communication connected to the I2C communication unit 425 are electrically separated, the electric resistance in these signal lines for I2C communication And parasitic capacitance is sufficiently small. For this reason, the delay time in these signal lines for IC2 communication satisfies a predetermined condition defined in the I2C standard.

  In step S <b> 311, the control unit 111 of the module 100 determines whether or not the initialization process for causing the currently identified module to operate as a master module is completed. When the initialization process is completed (YES in step S311), the operations in and after step S301 are repeated. On the other hand, if the initialization process has not been completed (NO in step S311), the process proceeds to step S312.

  In step S312, the control unit 111 of the module 100 issues a command for operating as a master to the module located in the previous stage of the module that could not be initialized in step S311. If the module that could not be initialized in step S 311 is the module 400, the module located in the previous stage of the module 400 is the module 300. In this case, the control unit 111 of the module 100 issues a command for operating the I2C communication unit 325 of the module 300 as a master. The control unit 311 of the module 300 controls the I2C communication unit 325 based on a command from the control unit 111 of the module 100. The I2C communication unit 325 sets the switch 327 to the OFF state and the switch 329 to the ON state by setting the master enable signal to the enable state. Accordingly, since the switch 327 is turned off, the signal line for I2C communication connected to the I2C communication unit 313 and the signal line for I2C communication connected to the I2C communication unit 325 are electrically separated. . Since the signal line for I2C communication connected to the I2C communication unit 313 and the signal line for I2C communication connected to the I2C communication unit 325 are electrically separated, the following I2C communication can be performed. It becomes possible. It is possible to perform I2C communication using the I2C communication unit 113 as a master and the I2C communication units 213 and 313 as slaves and performing I2C communication using the I2C communication unit 325 as a master. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S313.

  In step S313, the control unit 111 of the module 100 determines whether or not the module located in the previous stage of the module that could not be initialized in step S311 is the module 100 having the control unit 111. If the module located in the previous stage of the module that could not be initialized in step S311 is the module 100 having the control unit 111, the process proceeds to step S306. On the other hand, if the module located in the previous stage of the module that could not be initialized in step S311 is not the module 100 having the control unit 111, the process proceeds to step S311. As described above, when the initialization process cannot be performed in step S311, a module that can function as a master module is detected from the rear side to the front side. FIG. 2E is a diagram illustrating an example of the case where the initialization process cannot be performed in step S311. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2E, the control unit 411 of the module 400 includes an I2C communication unit 413 that can function as a slave. However, the control unit 411 of the module 400 does not have the I2C communication unit 413 (see FIG. 2A) that can function as a master. Since the control unit 411 of the module 400 does not have the I2C communication unit 425 that can function as a master, in the example illustrated in FIG. 2E, the initialization process for the I2C communication unit 413 cannot be performed in step S311. In such a case, a process for operating the I2C communication unit 325 of the module 300 located in the preceding stage of the module 400 as a master is performed in step S312. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2E, the control unit 311 of the module 300 includes the I2C communication unit 313 that can function as a master. For this reason, processing for operating the I2C communication unit 325 of the module 300 as a master is performed in step S312. If the module for which the process for operating as the master in step S312 has been performed is the module 300, the module is not the module 100 (NO in step S313), and thus the process proceeds to step S311. When the initialization process for causing the I2C communication unit 325 of the module 300 to operate as a master is completed (YES in step S311), the operations after step S301 are repeated. In this case, in step S301, the I2C communication unit 325 of the module 300 starts identifying the module connected to the subsequent stage of the module 300. As described above, when the control unit 411 of the module 400 does not have the I2C communication unit 425 that can function as the master, the module 300 in which the control unit 311 has the I2C communication unit 325 that can function as the master. I2C communication can be performed.

  In step S306, the control unit 111 of the module 100 issues a predetermined warning (notification) using the display unit 119 (notification unit). An example of a predetermined notification performed in the electronic device 600 will be described with reference to FIGS. For example, the control unit 111 may perform a notification for prompting the user to reduce the number of modules connected in series. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, the control unit 111 may display notification information “Exceeding the limit number. Please reduce the number of connected modules.” On the display unit 119. . Such a display is performed in the following cases, for example. For example, if the delay time in the signal line for I2C communication cannot satisfy the I2C standard unless the number of modules exceeding the predetermined number is set as the master module, NO is determined in step S309, as shown in FIG. Is displayed. If the delay time in the signal line for I2C communication does not satisfy the I2C standard and the modules 200, 300, and 400 other than the module 100 cannot be used as the master module, the result in step S313 is NO, and FIG. ) Is displayed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S308.

  In step S308, the control unit 111 of the module 100 ends module identification (identification failure).

  In step S307, the control unit 111 of the module 100 ends the module identification (successful identification). Thereafter, imaging using the electronic device 600 is performed based on an operation by a user or the like.

  Here, the case where it is determined whether or not the delay time in the signal line for I2C communication satisfies the I2C standard and the content corresponding to the determination result is displayed on the display unit 119 has been described as an example. It is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 111 may perform display indicating that communication cannot be established using the display unit 119 when communication cannot be established with any of the plurality of modules. Furthermore, the control unit 111 may perform display for prompting reconnection of the module or replacement of the module using the display unit 119. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, the control unit 111 may display notification information “cannot communicate. Please reconnect or replace the module” using the display unit 119. . At this time, the control unit 111 may display information indicating a module incapable of communication on the display unit 119. Such a display is performed in the following cases, for example. For example, if communication cannot be established due to some electrical abnormality, NO is determined in step S305, and a display as shown in FIG. 6B is performed. Also, when a module that is not in a normal specification is connected, NO is determined in step S305, and a display as shown in FIG. 6B is performed. The control unit 111 may display a list of communicable modules using the display unit 119. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6C, notification information “Communicable modules: AA, BB, CC” may be displayed using the display unit 119.

  When the I2C communication unit 425 of the module 400 is used as a master, the following I2C communication can be performed. It is possible to perform I2C communication using the I2C communication unit 113 as a master and the I2C communication units 213, 313, and 413 as slaves, and performing I2C communication using the I2C communication unit 425 as a master and I2C communication unit 513 as a slave. Become. In this case, the I2C communication between the module 100 and the module 500 is performed as follows, for example. A command is transmitted from the I2C communication unit 113 operating as a master to the I2C communication unit 413 operating as a slave via a signal line for I2C communication. Then, the command is transmitted from the I2C communication unit 425 operating as a master to the I2C communication unit 513 operating as a slave via a signal line for I2C communication. In this way, a command issued from the module 100 is transmitted to the module 500. Thereafter, a response to the command as described above is transmitted from the I2C communication unit 513 operating as a slave to the I2C communication unit 425 operating as a master. Then, the response is transmitted from the I2C communication unit 413 operating as a slave to the I2C communication unit 113 operating as a master. In this way, the response issued from the module 500 is transmitted to the module 100.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, not only the I2C communication units 213, 313, and 413 that can be operated as slaves but also the I2C communication units 225, 325, and 425 that can be operated as masters are provided in the modules 200, 300, and 400, respectively. doing. The I2C communication units 213, 313, and 413 that can operate as slaves and the I2C communication units 225, 325, and 425 that can operate as masters are electrically connected by switches 227, 327, and 427 connected to signal lines for I2C communication, respectively. Can be separated. When the delay time in the signal line for IC2 communication does not satisfy the predetermined condition defined in the I2C standard, one of the switches 227, 327 and 427 is turned off, and the switch 229, 329 and 429 Either of these is turned on. Then, any one of the I2C communication units 225, 325, and 425 is operated as a master. For this reason, according to Embodiment 1, it becomes possible to connect many modules satisfactorily.

  In the first embodiment, the case where a warning or the like is displayed using the display unit 119 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a warning by voice or the like may be notified.

  In the first embodiment, the case where notification is performed by the display unit 119 of the module 100 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the predetermined notification may be performed by a module different from the module 100, specifically, by a display unit of the module 200.

[Embodiment 2]
The various functions, processes, or methods described in the first embodiment can also be realized by a personal computer, a microcomputer, a CPU (central processing unit), a processor, and the like using a program. Hereinafter, in the second embodiment, a personal computer, a microcomputer, a CPU (central processing unit), a processor, and the like are referred to as “computer X”. In the second embodiment, a program for controlling the computer X and realizing the various functions, processes, or methods described in the first embodiment is referred to as “program Y”.

  The various functions, processes, or methods described in the first embodiment are realized by the computer X executing the program Y. In this case, the program Y is supplied to the computer X via a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium according to the second embodiment includes at least one of a hard disk device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, a magneto-optical storage device, a memory card, a volatile memory, and a nonvolatile memory. The computer-readable storage medium in Embodiment 2 is a non-transitory storage medium.

  The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-described first or second embodiment. Embodiments 1 and 2 that are changed or modified without departing from the gist of the invention are also included in the embodiments of the present invention.

100, 200, 300, 400, 500 Module 600 Electronic device 123, 223, 227, 229, 323, 327, 329, 423, 427, 429 Switch 199, 201, 299, 301, 399, 401, 499, 501 Connector

Claims (10)

A control module in which a first module can be connected to a subsequent stage and a second module can be connected to a subsequent stage of the first module;
Determining means for determining whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied;
The first communication means included in the control module and the second communication means included in the first module are electrically connected via a signal line, and the second communication means and the first module include. A state where the third communication means is electrically separated by a switch, and the third communication means and the fourth communication means included in the second module are electrically connected via a signal line. A control module that determines whether or not to perform control based on a determination result of whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied.   The control module according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a condition that a signal delay in the signal line is less than a predetermined time.   The third communication unit may transmit a signal according to a signal received from the first communication unit by the second communication unit to the fourth communication unit in the state. Item 3. The control module according to Item 1 or 2. The first communication means and the third communication means each operate as a master,
4. The control module according to claim 1, wherein each of the second communication unit and the fourth communication unit operates as a slave. 5.   The control module according to claim 4, wherein the control unit limits the number of masters to a predetermined number or less. An electronic apparatus comprising: a first module; a second module positioned at a subsequent stage of the first module; and a third module positioned at a subsequent stage of the second module,
Determining means for determining whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied;
The first communication means included in the first module and the second communication means included in the second module are electrically connected via a signal line, and the second communication means and the second module are connected. And the third communication means of the first module is electrically separated by a switch, and the third communication means and the fourth communication means of the third module are electrically connected via a signal line. An electronic device comprising: control means for determining whether or not to perform control so that the predetermined condition is satisfied based on a determination result of whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied. A control method of a control module in which a first module is connected to a subsequent stage and a second module is connected to a subsequent stage of the first module,
Determining whether a predetermined condition is satisfied;
The first communication means included in the control module and the second communication means included in the first module are electrically connected via a signal line, and the second communication means and the first module include. A state where the third communication means is electrically separated by a switch, and the third communication means and the fourth communication means included in the second module are electrically connected via a signal line. Determining whether or not to perform control based on a determination result of whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied. A method for controlling an electronic device, comprising: a first module; a second module positioned downstream of the first module; and a third module positioned downstream of the second module,
Determining whether a predetermined condition is satisfied;
The first communication means included in the first module and the second communication means included in the second module are electrically connected via a signal line, and the second communication means and the second module are connected. And the third communication means of the first module is electrically separated by a switch, and the third communication means and the fourth communication means of the third module are electrically connected via a signal line. A step of determining whether or not to perform control so as to be in a state based on a determination result of whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied. A program used in a control module in which a first module is connected to a subsequent stage and a second module can be connected to a subsequent stage of the first module,
Computer
Determining means for determining whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied;
The first communication means included in the control module and the second communication means included in the first module are electrically connected via a signal line, and the second communication means and the first module include. A state where the third communication means is electrically separated by a switch, and the third communication means and the fourth communication means included in the second module are electrically connected via a signal line. A program for functioning as control means for determining whether or not to perform control based on a determination result of whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied. A program used in an electronic apparatus having a first module, a second module located at a subsequent stage of the first module, and a third module located at a subsequent stage of the second module,
Computer
Determining means for determining whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied;
The first communication means included in the first module and the second communication means included in the second module are electrically connected via a signal line, and the second communication means and the second module are connected. And the third communication means of the first module is electrically separated by a switch, and the third communication means and the fourth communication means of the third module are electrically connected via a signal line. A program for functioning as control means for determining whether or not to perform control so that the predetermined condition is satisfied based on a determination result of whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied.

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