JP4078107B2 - Control apparatus and control method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a plurality of non-volatile memory Have Control apparatus and control method It is about.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, various storage devices (hereinafter referred to as memories) have been proposed in the field of semiconductor storage devices.
[0003]
Since microcomputers (hereinafter referred to as microcomputers) used for camera control are required to be small and space-saving, one-chip microcomputers that incorporate memory, peripheral devices, etc. on the same chip are often used. . In recent years, with the increase in program capacity and data capacity due to multifunctional and advanced functions of cameras, there has been a demand for a large-capacity electrically rewritable memory, and an electrically rewritable flash together with mask ROM and RAM. One-chip microcomputers with built-in memory are being used.
[0004]
A camera using a plurality of memories including this flash memory is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-89090. According to this, a flash memory and an EEPROM are used, and the flash memory requires little or no rewriting. By storing the large-capacity data as described above in the EEPROM, the small-capacity data that is frequently rewritten is stored in each of the EEPROMs, so that a plurality of memories can be used efficiently and without shortening the lifetime.
[0005]
Further, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-227359, the flash memory is divided into a plurality of blocks, and a means for rewriting only a part of the specific blocks is provided, so that the entire area of the flash memory can be rewritten at the time of rewriting. There has been proposed a system in which the program can be easily changed without rewriting the contents.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above proposals, all are technical contents at the time of rewriting the flash memory, and no consideration is given to the current consumption and the operation speed in each memory when the control program is executed.
[0007]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-191365 proposes a camera provided with switching means that is turned on only during writing with respect to the supply of power for writing to the flash memory. Power supply control when executing the control program is not considered. In addition, the flash memory requires a certain rise time until it becomes readable and writable after being energized, but the rise time of the memory after energization is not taken into consideration in the above proposals.
[0008]
Flash memory is expected to be used as a large-capacity and electrically rewritable memory, but in devices such as cameras where the power source is a battery, it is acceptable to keep the current consumption of the flash memory energized. Therefore, it is necessary to control the current consumption as much as possible from the user's point of view. On the other hand, in terms of improving operability and shortening the release time lag, it is also necessary to improve the operating speed, and while realizing low current consumption, optimizing camera control so as not to impair user operability. There was a need.
[0009]
(Object of invention)
An object of the present invention is to provide control that occurs for accessing a non-volatile memory when executing a control program that operates while accessing a plurality of non-volatile memories each storing a control block for executing the control program. Program Increased processing time While preventing Control program execution Of the entire nonvolatile memory at the time power consumption It is an object of the present invention to provide a control device or a control method that can reduce as much as possible.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control block for executing a control program. Memorized and different power consumption during operation A plurality of nonvolatile memories; a control program executing means for reading the control block from the plurality of nonvolatile memories and executing the control program; and a power control means for controlling power supply to the plurality of nonvolatile memories. And when the control program execution means executes the control program, the power control means But A control block necessary for executing the control program among the plurality of nonvolatile memories is provided. Memory Non-volatile memory Is A control block required to control power supply and to execute the control program among the plurality of nonvolatile memories Memory Non-volatile memory A nonvolatile memory whose power consumption during operation is less than or equal to a predetermined value is supplied with power, and a nonvolatile memory that does not store a control block necessary for executing the control program among the plurality of nonvolatile memories Power is not supplied to non-volatile memories that consume more power than the specified value during operation Thus, the control device is controlled.
[0011]
Similarly, in order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 2 includes a control block for executing a control program, respectively. Remembered A plurality of nonvolatile memories and the control block from the plurality of nonvolatile memories Sequentially Control program execution means for reading and executing the control program; power control means for controlling power supply to the plurality of nonvolatile memories; A processing time determining means for determining whether the processing time of the control program is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; Have When the processing time of the control program is determined to be a predetermined value or more by the processing time determination means The power control means But , While the control program execution means is executing the control program, A control block necessary for executing the control program is Memory Has been All The control device controls the power supply to the nonvolatile memory.
[0012]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 6 A device having a plurality of nonvolatile memories each storing a control block for executing a control program and having different power consumption during operation, and a power control means for controlling power supply to the plurality of nonvolatile memories A non-volatile memory in which a process for instructing the start of execution of the control program and a control block necessary for executing the control program among the plurality of non-volatile memories are stored A nonvolatile memory in which a control block necessary for executing the control program is not stored among the plurality of nonvolatile memories, and the power consumption during operation is less than a predetermined value in the nonvolatile memory The control block necessary for supplying power and executing the control program among the plurality of nonvolatile memories is stored. A no non-volatile memory, the operation time of the non-volatile memory power consumption is larger than a predetermined value, a control method and a step for controlling said power control means so as not to power supply It is what.
[0013]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 7 includes a plurality of nonvolatile memories each storing a control block for executing a control program, Control program execution means for sequentially reading out the control block from the plurality of nonvolatile memories and executing the control program, and processing time determination for determining whether the processing time of the control program by the control program execution means is a predetermined value or more Means, A device control method comprising power control means for controlling power supply to the plurality of nonvolatile memories, It is determined whether the processing time of the control program is a predetermined value or more The process, If it is determined that the processing time of the control program is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, all nonvolatile memories in which control blocks necessary for executing the control program are stored while the control program is being executed The power control means controls to supply power to And a control method having a stroke.
[0014]
Similarly, in order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 8 is provided with control blocks for executing a control program. Remembered A plurality of nonvolatile memories; Control program execution means for sequentially reading out the control block from the plurality of nonvolatile memories and executing the control program, and processing time determination for determining whether the processing time of the control program by the control program execution means is a predetermined value or more Means, A device control method comprising power control means for controlling power supply to the plurality of nonvolatile memories, It is determined whether the processing time of the control program is a predetermined value or more The process, When it is determined that the processing time of the control program is less than a predetermined value, only when the control block necessary for executing the control program is read while the control program is being executed. The necessary control block is read out from a plurality of nonvolatile memories. Non-volatile memory In Said power control means for supplying power But Process to control and The The control method has.
[0015]
Similarly, in order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 9 is provided with control blocks for executing a control program. Memorized and different power consumption during operation A plurality of nonvolatile memories; A control program executing means for sequentially reading the control block from the plurality of nonvolatile memories and executing the control program; and the control program executing means. Of the control program processing time But More than a predetermined value To determine whether Processing time judgment means And a power control means for controlling power supply to the plurality of nonvolatile memories, wherein the control program includes: processing time But More than a predetermined value The process of determining whether or not the control program processing time But Less than the specified value If it is determined that Among the plurality of non-volatile memories, a non-volatile memory in which a control block necessary for executing the control program is stored, and for a non-volatile memory whose power consumption during operation is a predetermined value or less, While executing the control program, Power supply, Among the plurality of nonvolatile memories, a control block necessary for executing the control program is provided. Memory Non-volatile memory A control block required for executing the control program from a non-volatile memory whose power consumption during operation is greater than a predetermined value is provided for the non-volatile memory whose operation power consumption is greater than a predetermined value. Only when reading Said power control means for supplying power But And a control method having a control process.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on illustrated embodiments.
[0017]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main part of the camera according to each embodiment of the present invention, and other elements of the camera are omitted for the sake of simplicity.
[0018]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a one-chip microcomputer which is a control means for controlling various operations of the camera, for a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a mask ROM, a flash memory, a RAM, a flash memory access control circuit, and a flash memory. A power source and a peripheral circuit (not shown) are included. On the flash memory and the mask ROM, control programs for controlling various camera operations such as operation switch state detection, photometry, distance measurement, feeding, strobe charging, and control data are stored. Each function is read and executed.
[0019]
The flash memory access control circuit receives a request signal for performing writing and reading operations to the flash memory from the CPU, and controls on / off of energization to the flash memory in response thereto. The flash memory access control circuit also outputs an access permission signal to the flash memory to the CPU after the rise time of the memory has passed since the flash memory is energized. This is because the flash memory requires a certain warm-up time after the start of energization and cannot be accessed immediately after energization, so the access permission signal is not output until the rise time after energization has elapsed. Because it is.
[0020]
2 is a distance measuring device that obtains distance information to a subject using a distance measuring sensor (not shown), 3 is a light measuring device that obtains subject luminance information using a light measuring sensor (not shown), and 4 is a shutter that controls opening and closing of the shutter. It is a control device. Reference numeral 5 denotes a switch (SW) circuit including various operation switches such as switches SW1 and SW2 (not shown) for starting a shooting preparation operation and a shooting operation and switches for setting each shooting mode. A power supply circuit 6 converts the power supply voltage into a predetermined voltage and supplies it to each circuit. A strobe control device 7 charges a main capacitor (not shown) and performs strobe light emission control. Reference numeral 8 denotes a feed control circuit that performs drive control of a feed motor for performing film winding and rewinding (not shown).
[0021]
(First embodiment)
A camera control operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the camera having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0022]
First, in step # 001, the microcomputer 1 waits in this step until the first switch of the release button is pressed and the switch SW1 is turned on by the control program for detecting the state of the operation switch stored in the mask ROM. To do. Here, it is assumed that the control program for detecting the state of the operation switch is stored on the mask ROM (operation switch detection block) as shown in FIG. Accordingly, since access to the flash memory is not required, the flash memory is not energized during execution of the operation switch state detection program, and current consumption can be eliminated. Returning to FIG. 2, when the first stroke of the release button is pressed and the switch SW <b> 1 is turned on, the process proceeds to step # <b> 002, a distance measurement program for measuring the object distance is executed, and the object distance is measured using the distance measuring device 2. .
[0023]
Here, the execution of the distance measurement program will be described in detail.
[0024]
An example of the configuration of the active ranging system is shown in FIG. In the active distance measuring apparatus using the configuration of FIG. 4, infrared light is projected onto the subject 41 using an IRED (infrared light emitting diode) 42, and the reflected light from the subject 41 is a pair of light receiving sensor arrays. The images are accumulated and accumulated in CCDs (semiconductor position detectors) 43 and 44, the amount of deviation from the image formation position is calculated using correlation calculation, and the distance to the subject distance is calculated.
[0025]
That is, the distance measuring program using the active distance measuring device in this configuration is the “initialization operation” for confirming the power source and clock for driving the CCDs 43 and 44, and the CCD 43, “Accumulation operation” for accumulating to 44, reading the accumulated image signal, reducing noise by averaging, etc., and compressing image data to reduce the data amount, etc. “Image data processing (image data readout control)” ”,“ Correlation calculation ”for calculating the phase difference between the pair of left and right image data obtained by the image data processing, and“ distance information calculation ”for calculating the subject distance information from the phase difference obtained by the correlation calculation. The control proceeds and distance measurement is performed.
[0026]
Next, FIG. 3B shows how the ranging program is stored in the memory.
[0027]
In the present embodiment, regarding a control program that needs to use an adjustment value due to variations in CCD, optical system, etc., such as “accumulation control block”, “correlation calculation block”, “distance information calculation block”, etc. The “initialization operation block” and the “image data processing (image data read control) block” are stored in the mask ROM. However, the use of these memories is not limited to this, and the control program may be appropriately arranged according to the memory capacity and the memory operating conditions.
[0028]
As described above, each operation for realizing the distance measuring operation is executed while accessing the mask ROM and the flash memory.
[0029]
Next, power control to the flash memory during execution of the distance measurement program will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 5 and the timing chart of power control to the flash memory of FIG.
[0030]
The distance measurement program consists of the operation blocks of “initialization operation”, “accumulation operation”, “image data processing”, “correlation calculation”, and “distance information calculation”, and requires access to the flash memory. It is a control program for “accumulation control”, “correlation calculation”, and “distance information calculation”.
[0031]
Therefore, it seems that the power supply to the flash memory may be performed immediately before each control program, but the flash memory requires a rise time of Δt (for example, 50 μS) until it can be properly accessed after the power supply. Therefore, if the on / off of the flash memory is controlled for each block execution, the execution of the operation will be delayed by the time required for the rise of the memory, resulting in a decrease in the operation speed (processing speed). Will be invited.
[0032]
Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, functions such as a ranging program (control program that operates while accessing the mask ROM and the flash memory) that operates using both the mask ROM and the flash memory are provided. The energization is performed at the start of the program, and the flash memory is kept accessible until the end of the distance measurement program rather than turning off the energization for each control block. As a result, a series of distance measuring operations can be quickly performed without impairing the operation speed.
[0033]
This distance measuring operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0034]
Since it is known that the distance measuring operation (ranging program) is performed while accessing the flash memory and the mask ROM, first, in step # 501, the flash memory access control circuit shown in FIG. Then, the flash memory power supply is turned on to start energization of the flash memory to make it accessible. Then, in the next step # 502, the “initialization operation” stored on the mask ROM is executed. In the subsequent step # 503, the “accumulation operation” stored in the flash memory is executed. Here, as shown in FIG. 6, since the power source of the flash memory is energized at the start of the distance measurement program, it is possible to immediately execute the “accumulation operation” without waiting for the rise time of the memory.
[0035]
Next, the process proceeds to step # 504, where the “image data processing” stored on the mask ROM is executed, and subsequently the “correlation” stored on the flash memory without waiting for the rise time in steps # 505 and # 506. Execute "calculation" and "distance information calculation" to complete the distance measuring operation. Finally, in step # 507, the power supply for the flash memory is turned off, and the flow of the distance measurement program is terminated.
[0036]
Returning to the flow of the imaging sequence in FIG. 2, after completing the distance measuring operation in the above step # 002, the process proceeds to step # 003, where the photometric device 3 measures the luminance of the subject (photometric processing). Then, in the next step # 004, it is determined whether or not the switch SW1 remains on. If it remains on, the process proceeds to step # 005. If it is off, the process returns to step # 001.
[0037]
When the process proceeds to step # 005, it is determined whether the second stroke of the release button is pressed and the switch SW2 is turned on. If not, the process returns to step # 004, but if it is turned on, the process returns to step # 006. The microcomputer 1 performs an exposure operation using the shutter control device 4 and, if necessary, the strobe control device 7 based on the exposure information set based on the subject luminance information and the like. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step # 007, and in order to wind the film, a feeding motor (not shown) is driven via the feeding control circuit 8 to perform a feeding operation (rolling operation of the photographing frame), and a series of photographing sequences is performed. finish.
[0038]
In the present embodiment, the energization control to the flash memory during the operation switch state detection operation and the distance measurement operation has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other operations such as a feeding operation The same applies to the case of camera operation.
[0039]
For example, the feeding program at the time of winding one frame includes “sensor driving operation” for energizing a photo sensor for detecting the position of the film, and “motor for performing energization control for the motor for driving one frame of film”. “Drive operation”, “Film position detection operation” that detects the film position based on the output from the photosensor after the motor energization is started. When the film stop position is detected by the film position detection operation, the motor is energized. Programs that require adjustment according to sensor variations, such as “Sensor drive operation block”, “Film position detection operation block”, etc. Are stored in a flash memory that is electrically readable and writable. Stored in the mask ROM with respect to program blocks ", and the like.
[0040]
Further, the power control of the flash memory has been described, but the same control may be performed for other built-in memories.
[0041]
For example, the same control can be performed even when an EEPROM that requires time for startup is used instead of the flash memory.
[0042]
In other words, when an electronic device performs a predetermined operation, if a program necessary for the operation is not stored in a rewritable flash memory or EEPROM, it is useless to turn off the power to the flash memory or EEPROM. Power consumption can be prevented, and when the program necessary for the operation is also stored in the flash memory etc., the startup time of these memories can be omitted by always turning on the flash memory etc. Electronic devices can be operated quickly.
[0043]
Further, when controlling the power supply for a plurality of memories, the power supply control described in the above embodiment is performed for a memory with a large current consumption, and the power supply is always performed for a memory with a small current consumption. Also good.
[0044]
In other words, for a memory with relatively high power consumption (or power consumption larger than a predetermined value), when an electronic device performs a predetermined operation, power is supplied only when a program necessary for the operation is stored. For a memory with relatively low power consumption (or power consumption smaller than a predetermined value), energization is performed regardless of whether a program necessary for the operation is stored.
[0045]
If the memory has relatively low power consumption, useless power consumption can be suppressed even if power is supplied when a program necessary for the operation is not stored.
[0046]
In the case of a memory with relatively high power consumption, unnecessary power consumption can be prevented by energizing only when a program necessary for the operation is stored as in the above-described flash memory.
[0047]
According to the first embodiment described above, in the case of a camera operation that is executed by accessing a memory that is a plurality of nonvolatile storage means, such as a distance measuring operation, the memory of the access destination when the memory is accessed It is possible to eliminate unnecessary memory rise time by turning on the power before starting a series of operations instead of energizing the memory. In addition, when performing functions that do not require access to multiple memories, such as operation switch status detection operations, the memory that does not need to be accessed is turned off to eliminate current consumption in this memory. It becomes possible.
[0048]
In other words, when executing a control program (ranging program, etc.) that operates while accessing multiple memories, it is possible to eliminate the loss of operating speed during access, and control that can operate only on a specific memory without access. Program (operation switch detection operation, etc.) of At the time of execution, it is possible to provide a camera control device that can eliminate current consumption in a memory that is not accessed during execution of the control program.
[0049]
(Second Embodiment)
By performing the power control of the flash memory described in the first embodiment, it is possible to remove the influence of the rise time of the flash memory during the distance measuring operation. However, in the first embodiment, the flash memory is energized even during execution of the “initialization operation” and “image data processing” control blocks that do not require access to the flash memory. During this period, unnecessary current consumption occurs in the flash memory.
[0050]
In the second embodiment of the present invention, in the case of a camera operation in which the rise time of the memory does not affect the execution of the camera function, the execution is performed on the flash memory immediately before the execution accesses the flash memory. It is intended to save electricity by energizing.
[0051]
Also, in the case of a camera operation that affects the rise time of the flash memory in terms of camera function, as described in the first embodiment, the flash memory is energized at the start of each camera operation, During operation, power supply control is performed so that the flash memory is always energized.
[0052]
Also in the second embodiment, the arrangement of the ranging program on the memory is as shown in FIG.
[0053]
Hereinafter, an example of the power control of the flash memory during the distance measurement operation in the second embodiment of the present invention (the distance measurement operation is such that the rise time of the memory does not affect the execution of the camera function) Case) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7 and the timing chart of power supply control to the flash memory of FIG.
[0054]
As shown in FIG. 8, the time required to execute each control block of the ranging operation is “initialization”: t1, “accumulation operation”: t2, “image data processing”: t3, “correlation calculation”: t4. , “Distance information calculation calculation”: t5. At this time, if the flash memory is energized when accessing the flash memory, the time tAF1 required for the total distance measurement operation is equal to the sum of the times t1 to t5 required for executing the control programs. A value obtained by adding twice the time Δt.
[0055]
Here, each function of the camera has a required operation speed. In the distance measurement operation, for example, there is a request to realize tAF1 within 200 mS in order to make the release time lag within a predetermined time. At this time, if it is assumed that “tAF1 <200 mS” is satisfied, the required operation speed can be satisfied even when the rise time of the flash memory is included. Therefore, in this case, the power to the flash memory is not always turned on from the start of distance measurement, but when the flash memory is accessed, specifically, “accumulation operation” and “image data processing”. By energizing the flash memory before executing the “distance information calculation” block, it is possible to satisfy the required operation speed and reduce unnecessary current consumption in the flash memory.
[0056]
The operation | movement for implement | achieving this is demonstrated using the flowchart of FIG. Note that energization of the flash memory is not started when the ranging program is started.
[0057]
First, in step # 701, the “initialization operation” stored on the mask ROM is executed. Then, in the next step # 702, in order to execute the “accumulation operation” stored in the flash memory, the flash memory power supply is turned on via the flash memory access control circuit shown in FIG. Is energized. In the subsequent step # 703, after the rise time (Δt) of the flash memory has elapsed, the “accumulation operation” stored in the flash memory is executed.
[0058]
In the next step # 704, the power supply for the flash memory is turned off, and in the subsequent step # 705, “image data processing” stored on the mask ROM is executed. Then, in the next step # 706, the flash memory is energized again prior to executing the “correlation calculation” and the “distance information calculation” stored in the flash memory. In steps # 707 and # 708, after the rise time of the flash memory elapses, “correlation calculation” and “distance information calculation” stored in the flash memory are executed. Finally, in step # 709, the power supply for the flash memory is turned off, and the flow of the distance measurement program is terminated.
[0059]
On the other hand, if it is assumed that tAF1 does not satisfy “tAF1 <200 mS”, that is, if the required operating speed is not satisfied when the flash memory is energized immediately before accessing the flash memory, FIG. As usual, the power to the flash memory is always turned on from the start of distance measurement. Thus, as is apparent from the comparison between FIG. 8 and FIG. 10, the above power saving cannot be expected, but the rise time 2Δt of the flash memory can be deleted, and the operation speed can be reduced.
[0060]
Regarding the operation for realizing this, that is, the distance measuring operation has an influence on the execution time of the camera function when the rise time of the memory is affected. End up The operation when it is assumed will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0061]
In step # 801, the flash memory power supply is turned on via the flash memory access control circuit shown in FIG. 1, and energization of the flash memory is started to make it accessible. Then, in the next step # 802, the “initialization operation” stored on the mask ROM is executed. In the subsequent step # 803, the “accumulation operation” stored in the flash memory is executed. Here, since the power source of the flash memory is energized at the start of the distance measurement program, it is possible to immediately execute the “accumulation operation” without waiting for the rise time.
[0062]
In the next step # 804, “image data processing” stored on the mask ROM is executed, and then in steps # 805 and # 806, the image data is stored on the flash memory without waiting for the rise time of the flash memory. Then, “correlation calculation” and “distance information calculation” are executed to complete the distance measuring operation. Finally, in step # 807, the power supply for the flash memory is turned off, and the flow of the distance measurement program is terminated.
[0063]
In the second embodiment, the energization control to the flash memory during the distance measuring operation has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in the case of other camera operations such as a feeding operation. Is the same.
[0064]
Further, the power control of the flash memory has been described, but the same control can be performed when another built-in memory (for example, EEPROM) that requires time for startup is used.
[0065]
According to the second embodiment described above, when executing a control program that operates while accessing a plurality of memories and is required to have a predetermined operation speed or higher (see FIGS. 7 and 8), At the time of executing a control program that can operate only on a specific memory without accessing it while guaranteeing an operation at or above the predetermined operation speed without impairing the operation speed (see FIGS. 9 and 10), It is possible to provide a camera control device that can reduce current consumption in a memory that is not accessed during execution of the control program as much as possible.
[0066]
(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment of the present invention, the power consumption of the flash memory is controlled by accurately considering the rise time of the flash memory, thereby reducing current consumption and operating speed due to the influence of the rise time of the memory. It is intended to make it possible to control to eliminate the drop in the level. Since the control program that operates only on the mask ROM is the same as that in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.
[0067]
Also in the third embodiment, the arrangement of the ranging program on the memory is as shown in FIG.
[0068]
Hereinafter, power control of the flash memory during the distance measuring operation according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the timing chart of power control to the flash memory in FIG.
[0069]
The flash memory requires a predetermined period, that is, a time of Δt until it becomes accessible after being energized. Therefore, by starting energization of the flash memory before Δt, it is possible to delete the waiting time for the rise of the flash memory during the operation time.
[0070]
When the distance measurement sequence is started, first, an “initialization operation” is performed, and since this “initialization operation” is executed on the mask ROM, access to the flash memory is unnecessary. However, since the “accumulation operation” in the next step is executed on the flash memory, access to the flash memory is required.
[0071]
Therefore, energization of the flash memory is started on the control program in the step before Δt that shifts to the “accumulation operation”, that is, the “initialization operation”. Thereby, at the time of shifting to the “accumulation operation”, the flash memory is in an accessible state, and it is possible to delete the waiting time for the rise of the memory.
[0072]
Similarly, of Since the “image data processing” of the step is executed on the mask ROM, first, the power of the flash memory is turned off, and the process proceeds to “correlation calculation” and “distance information calculation” executed on the flash memory. Energization of the flash memory is started in a step before Δt, that is, on a control program in “image data processing”. Thereby, at the time of shifting to the “accumulation operation”, the flash memory is in an accessible state, and it is possible to delete the waiting time for the rise of the memory.
[0073]
In this embodiment, the energization control to the flash memory during the distance measuring operation has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the same applies to other camera operations such as a feeding operation. is there.
[0074]
Further, the power control of the flash memory has been described, but the same control can be performed when another built-in memory (for example, EEPROM) that requires time for startup is used.
[0075]
According to the third embodiment described above, when a control program that operates while accessing a plurality of memories is executed, energization is started in advance (before the memory rise time Δt) to the access destination memory. In other words, since the memory at the access destination is immediately set in a state where it can be properly used, it is possible to eliminate the loss of the operation speed at the time of access (because the memory rise time Δt can be eliminated). Moreover, it is possible to provide a camera control device that can reduce the current consumption of the memory as much as possible.
[0076]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when executing a control program that operates while accessing a plurality of nonvolatile memories each storing a control block for executing the control program, Of the control program that arises for access Increased processing time While preventing Control program execution Of the entire nonvolatile memory at the time power consumption Can be reduced as much as possible.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a main part of a camera according to each embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an outline of a shooting sequence of a camera according to each embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a relationship between a plurality of memories provided in the camera according to each embodiment of the present invention and each control program.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an active AF system provided in a camera according to each embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of a distance measuring operation of the camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a timing chart showing an energization state of the flash memory during the distance measuring operation of FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an outline of a distance measuring operation when “tAF1 <200 mS” is satisfied in the camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a timing chart showing an energization state of the flash memory during the distance measuring operation of FIG.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an outline of a ranging operation when “tAF1 <200 mS” is not satisfied in the camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a timing chart showing an energization state of the flash memory during the distance measuring operation of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing an energization state of the flash memory during the distance measuring operation of the camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Microcomputer
2 ranging device
3 Photometric device
4 Shutter control device
6 Power supply circuit
7 Strobe control device
8 Feed control circuit

Claims (10)

A plurality of nonvolatile memories each storing a control block for executing a control program and having different power consumption during operation ;
Control program execution means for reading the control block from the plurality of nonvolatile memories and executing the control program;
Power control means for controlling power supply to the plurality of nonvolatile memories,
When the control program execution unit executes the control program, the power control unit stores the control block necessary for executing the control program among the plurality of nonvolatile memories. Is a non-volatile memory that does not store a control block necessary for executing the control program among the plurality of non-volatile memories , and that consumes power during operation or less than a predetermined value. The non-volatile memory is a non-volatile memory that does not store a control block required for executing the control program among the plurality of non-volatile memories, and has a predetermined power consumption during operation. A control device that controls not to supply power to a non-volatile memory larger than the value . A plurality of nonvolatile memories each storing a control block for executing a control program;
Control program execution means for sequentially reading the control block from the plurality of nonvolatile memories and executing the control program;
Power control means for controlling power supply to the plurality of nonvolatile memories ;
Processing time determination means for determining whether the processing time of the control program is a predetermined value or more ,
When the processing time of the control program is determined to be a predetermined value or more by the processing time determination means, the power control means executes the control program while the control program execution means is executing the control program. A control apparatus for controlling power supply to all nonvolatile memories in which control blocks necessary for execution are stored . If the processing time of the control program by the processing time decision means is determined to be less than the predetermined value, the power control unit reads necessary control block to said control program executing means executes the control program when only control device according to claim 2, wherein the controller controls the power supplied to the non-volatile memory in which the necessary control blocks are read out of the plurality of non-volatile memory. Wherein the plurality of non-volatile memory differs power consumption during operation, respectively, if the processing time of the control program by the processing time decision means is determined to be less than the predetermined value, the power control unit, said plurality of non-volatile A non-volatile memory in which a control block necessary for executing the control program is stored in the non-volatile memory, and the non-volatile memory whose power consumption during operation is a predetermined value or less is executed. A non-volatile memory in which a control block necessary for executing the control program is stored among the plurality of non-volatile memories, while power is supplied while the means executes the control program. For a non-volatile memory whose power consumption is greater than a predetermined value, from the non-volatile memory whose power consumption during operation is greater than a predetermined value Only when the control program executing means reads the necessary control blocks for executing the control program, the control device according to claim 2, wherein the controller controls to power. The control program of the processing time, the to the power control means do not claim 2, characterized in that it comprises the time from to supply power to the non-volatile memory to said non-volatile memory is properly operable 4 The control device according to any one of the above. A device having a plurality of nonvolatile memories each storing a control block for executing a control program and having different power consumption during operation, and a power control means for controlling power supply to the plurality of nonvolatile memories A control method,
A step of instructing the start of execution of the control program;
Power is supplied to a nonvolatile memory in which a control block necessary for executing the control program is stored among the plurality of nonvolatile memories, and the control program is executed among the plurality of nonvolatile memories. Is a non-volatile memory that does not store the control blocks necessary for the operation, and power is supplied to the non-volatile memory whose power consumption during operation is a predetermined value or less, and the control program is executed among the plurality of non-volatile memories A process in which the power control means controls the non-volatile memory that does not store a control block necessary for the operation and that does not supply power to the non-volatile memory whose power consumption during operation is greater than a predetermined value. A control method comprising: A plurality of nonvolatile memories each storing a control block for executing the control program; a control program executing means for sequentially reading the control blocks from the plurality of nonvolatile memories and executing the control program; and the control program A device control method comprising: processing time determination means for determining whether the processing time of the control program by the execution means is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; and power control means for controlling power supply to the plurality of nonvolatile memories. ,
A step of determining whether the processing time of the control program is a predetermined value or more ;
If it is determined that the processing time of the control program is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, all nonvolatile memories in which control blocks necessary for executing the control program are stored while the control program is being executed And a step of controlling the power control means so as to supply power to the control method. A plurality of nonvolatile memories each storing a control block for executing the control program; a control program executing means for sequentially reading the control blocks from the plurality of nonvolatile memories and executing the control program; and the control program A device control method comprising: processing time determination means for determining whether the processing time of the control program by the execution means is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; and power control means for controlling power supply to the plurality of nonvolatile memories. ,
A step of determining whether the processing time of the control program is a predetermined value or more ;
When it is determined that the processing time of the control program is less than a predetermined value, only when the control block necessary for executing the control program is read while the control program is being executed. control method characterized by having a step for the power control unit is controlled such that power supplied to the non-volatile memory in which the necessary control block is read out of the plurality of non-volatile memory. A plurality of nonvolatile memories each storing a control block for executing a control program and having different power consumption during operation, and a control for sequentially reading the control block from the plurality of nonvolatile memories and executing the control program Program execution means, processing time determination means for determining whether the processing time of the control program by the control program execution means is a predetermined value or more, and power control means for controlling power supply to the plurality of nonvolatile memories. A method for controlling a device having
A step of determining whether the processing time of the control program is a predetermined value or more ;
When it is determined that the processing time of the control program is less than a predetermined value , a non-volatile memory storing a control block necessary for executing the control program among the non-volatile memories, It is necessary to supply power to a nonvolatile memory whose power consumption during operation is not more than a predetermined value while the control program is being executed, and to execute the control program among the plurality of nonvolatile memories. For a non-volatile memory in which a control block is stored and the power consumption during operation is greater than a predetermined value, the control program starts from the non-volatile memory whose power consumption during operation is greater than a predetermined value. only when reading the necessary control blocks to perform, especially in that it has a step for controlling said power control means to power Control method to be. The control program of the processing time, to the power control unit claims 7, characterized in that it comprises the time from to supply power to the non-volatile memory to said non-volatile memory is properly operable 9 The control method according to any one of the above .

Images