JPH09269523A - Electronic still camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic still camera capable of surely informing a photographer of the remaining amount of a power source even when the cameraman concentrates his attention to an object at photographing, by informing the cameraman of the contents through sound and the display in a finder, when it is necessary to inform the photographer of a change in the used state of the power source, etc. SOLUTION: Battery information (current, voltage and temperature) is obtained by a sensor and a battery monitoring IC incorporated with a battery pack 1, then, the remaining amount of the battery in present use is predicted by a battery remaining amount predicting part 4 based on the battery information. The predicted remaining amount of the battery is compared with a prescribed condition to be informed by a decision part 5, and in the case of informing a user(photographer) of the effect after obtaining the agreement of the condition to be informed, by outputting such the alarm that the battery runs short within 30 minutes in the present using situation to an earphone terminal 15 when the electronic still camera in use is in operation of recording, and by outputting the alarm to both of a speaker 14 and the earphone terminal 15 when the electronic still camera is not in operation of recording, the information is given to the user.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device which warns a user when the capacity of a battery required for operating an electronic steal camera falls below a predetermined level.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art While using a camera, when the battery capacity falls below a predetermined level, some or all of the display segments of the liquid crystal display device will blink and the user will run out of battery capacity. A battery capacity shortage display device for notifying that the battery is running is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-294832.

[0003]

Generally, a camera photographer concentrates on a subject being photographed during photographing.
As in the conventional technique, even if the battery exhaustion warning is displayed on the information panel, for example, it is not always noticed. In this way, when there is a need to notify the photographer due to changes in the usage status of the power supply, etc., the contents can be conveyed to the photographer by voice or display in the viewfinder so that the photographer can concentrate on the subject during shooting. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic still camera that can reliably notify the remaining amount of power even when the electronic still camera is present.

[0004]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, in an electronic still camera using a battery as a driving source, a remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the battery, and a battery detecting by the remaining amount detecting means The above-mentioned object is achieved by providing a voice notifying unit for notifying the user of the remaining amount of the power source by voice when the remaining amount of is less than a predetermined value.

According to a second aspect of the invention, in an electronic still camera using a battery as a driving source, a remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the battery, and the remaining amount of the battery is determined by the remaining amount detecting means. The above object is achieved by providing a finder notification means for notifying the user of the remaining amount of the power source when the value becomes less than or equal to the value.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in an electronic still camera using a battery as a driving source, a remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the battery and a method of using the remaining amount of the battery by the detection by the remaining amount detecting means. When the number of times of use according to the usage method reaches a predetermined number of times by the number of times of use measuring means for measuring another number of times of use and the number of times of use according to the usage number measuring means, the user is notified of the remaining number of times of use according to the usage. The above-mentioned object is achieved by the provision of a voice notifying means for notifying by voice.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in an electronic still camera using a battery as a driving source, a remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the battery, and a method of use depending on the remaining amount of the battery by the detection by the remaining amount detecting means. When the number of times of use according to the usage method reaches a predetermined number of times by the number of times of use measuring means for measuring another number of times of use and the number of times of use according to the usage number measuring means, the user is notified of the remaining number of times of use according to the usage. The above-mentioned object is achieved by the provision of the finder notification means for notifying the user by the finder.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A preferred embodiment of the electronic still camera of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the entire electronic still camera (camera body 50 and liquid crystal monitor 80). In the camera body 50, a lens unit 52, an optical low pass filter 54, a CCD (Charge-Coupled Dev)
ices) 56, A / D (analog / digital converter) 5
8, IPP (Image Pre-Processor) 60, DCT (Di
screte Cosine Transform) 62, Coder (Huffman E
ncoder / Decoder) 64, MCC (Memory Card Controll)
er) 66, ADPCM (Adaptive Differential Pulse C)
ode Modulation) 68.

Here, the CCD 56 is a charge-coupled device and converts an image passing through the lens into an electric signal. IP
In P60, the digital image data is divided into color difference and luminance, and data processing for correction, image compression / decompression is performed. The DCT 62 performs orthogonal transformation, which is a process of image compression / decompression based on JPEG. Video can be compressed / decompressed in real time at high speed. Coder64 is J
This is a process of image compression / decompression based on PEG, and Huffman coding enables highly efficient image compression / decompression.

The MCC 66 temporarily stores the compressed image and the digitized sound taken in from the microphone, processes them simultaneously, and records / reads to / from the PC card. By recording at high speed directly on the card without going through the CPU, synchronous recording of moving images and audio is realized. ADPCM
68 digitally converts the voice input from the microphone and performs compression / expansion.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the battery remaining amount notification device of the electronic still camera according to the first embodiment. The battery pack 1 has a voltage which is the power source information 2 of the battery,
It incorporates a sensor that detects current, temperature, etc., a battery monitoring IC, and a battery. The battery remaining amount predicting unit 4 predicts the remaining amount of the battery currently used based on the power source information 2. Judgment unit 5
Determines whether it is better to inform the user (camera photographer) of the remaining amount of the battery obtained by the remaining battery amount predicting unit 4 by voice. If the result of the determination by the determination unit 5 indicates that it is better to notify by voice, the voice is output only to the earphone terminal 15 when recording is in progress when the remaining power source is notified by voice. In other cases, it outputs to the speaker 14. The determination unit 11 determines whether or not the recording is being performed, and the output selection switching unit 12 switches between the speaker 14 and the earphone terminal 15 according to the determination result of the determination unit 11. In addition, the speaker 14
Output selection switch 13 for switching between the earphone terminal 15 and
Is also provided.

The notification button 9 is used by the user (camera photographer).
This is used when the user wants to arbitrarily notify the remaining battery level by voice. Further, an interface 6 for exchanging data with the main body CPU (central processing unit) and a data bus 3 for exchanging data in the battery remaining amount notifying device are provided. Furthermore, a CPU that operates as a control unit by a program
7. R that stores the program for operating this CPU 7
A microprocessor including a RAM 8b used as a work area for programs in the OM 8a and ROM 8a is provided.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the process of the battery remaining amount notifying device of the electronic still camera configured as described above. First, battery information (current, voltage, temperature) is obtained by a sensor and a battery monitoring IC built in the battery pack 1 (step 10). Then, the battery remaining amount predicting unit 4 predicts the remaining amount of the battery currently being used from the battery information obtained in step 10 (step 11). The determination unit 5 determines a predetermined condition for notifying the remaining battery level predicted in step 11.
Are compared (step 12). When the notification is made in conformity with the condition to be notified to the user (photographer) (step 13;
Y), if the electronic still camera being used is recording (step 14; Y), to the earphone terminal 15 (step 16), if the electronic still camera is not recording (step 14: N), speaker 14 For example, "the battery will be depleted in 30 minutes in the current usage status" is output to both the earphone terminal 15 and the earphone terminal 15 (step 15). The battery remaining amount predicting unit 4 predicts the battery remaining amount by integrating the current flowing out from the battery at the time of discharging to obtain the battery remaining amount.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The overall block diagram of the electronic still camera of this embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the battery remaining amount notification device of the electronic still camera according to the present embodiment. The same components as those of the block diagram of FIG. 2 used in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. When the determination unit 5 determines to notify the remaining power amount, the notification content is displayed on the finder 20.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a procedure of processing of the battery remaining amount notifying apparatus of the electronic still camera according to the second embodiment. First, battery information (current, voltage,
Temperature) is obtained (step 20). And step 20
The battery remaining amount predicting unit 4 predicts the remaining amount of the battery currently in use from the battery information obtained in (step 21). The determination unit 5 compares the battery remaining amount predicted in step 21 with a predetermined condition for notification (step 22). When the notification is made in accordance with the condition to be notified to the user (photographer) (step 2
3; Y), the content of the notification is displayed on the finder 20, for example, a character string "In the current usage condition, the battery will be exhausted in 30 minutes" or a pattern indicating the information of the remaining battery level (step 24). . . Note that the battery remaining amount prediction in the battery remaining amount predicting unit 4 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The overall block diagram of the electronic still camera of this embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the battery remaining amount notification device of the electronic still camera according to the third embodiment. The same components as those of the block diagram of FIG. 2 used in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.
The remaining usage count calculation unit 16 obtains the remaining usage count for each usage method from the battery remaining amount obtained by the battery remaining amount prediction unit 4. The determination unit 5 determines whether the calculation result obtained by the remaining usage number calculation unit 16 is a case where it is better to notify by voice. Here, the usage is whether or not the strobe is used, whether it is recorded or imaged or video, and a combination thereof, for example, an energy saving mode in which the amount of current used is reduced to increase the number of times of use or a normal mode.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure of the battery remaining amount notifying apparatus according to the third embodiment. First, battery information (current, voltage, temperature) is obtained by a sensor and a battery monitoring IC built in the battery pack 1 (step 30). Then, the battery remaining amount predicting unit 4 predicts the remaining amount of the battery currently in use from the battery information obtained in step 30 (step 31). The remaining usage number calculation unit 1 determines how many times the battery can be used from the result of the battery remaining amount prediction predicted in step 31.
6 is calculated according to usage (step 32). Step 32
The determination unit 5 compares the remaining number of times of use according to the usage method obtained in step 3 with a predetermined condition to be notified (step 33).

When the notification is made in agreement with the notification condition in the comparison in step 33 (step 34; Y), if the electronic still camera being used is recording (step 3).
5; Y) Notification contents are sent to the earphone terminal 15 (step 3
7), or otherwise (step 35; N),
Audio is output to both the speaker 14 and the earphone terminal 15 (step 36). This audio output is, for example, “When shooting in still image normal mode
When not in use, you can take 5 more pictures. And so on. Note that the battery remaining amount prediction in the battery remaining amount predicting unit 4 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The overall block diagram of the electronic still camera of this embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the battery remaining amount notification device of the electronic still camera according to the fourth embodiment. The same components as those of the block diagram of FIG. 2 used in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.
The remaining usage number calculation unit 16 obtains the remaining usage number for each usage method from the remaining amount of current obtained by the battery remaining amount prediction unit 4 that predicts the remaining amount of the battery currently used based on the power supply information 2. . The determination unit 5 determines whether or not the calculation result obtained by the remaining usage number calculation unit 16 matches the notification condition, and when notifying the remaining power source, the notification content is displayed in the finder 20. The notification button 9 is used when the finder 20 wants to be notified of the number of remaining uses. Finder 20
Indicates the content of notification clearly by displaying a character string or a mark of the content to be notified.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure of the battery remaining amount notification device of the electronic still camera according to the fourth embodiment. First, battery information (current, voltage,
Temperature) is obtained (step 40). And step 40
The battery remaining amount predicting unit 4 predicts the remaining amount of the battery currently being used from the battery information obtained in (step 41). The remaining usage count calculation unit 16 determines how many more times the battery can be used from the result of the battery remaining amount prediction predicted in step 41 for each usage (step 4
2). The determination unit 5 compares the remaining number of uses for each usage method obtained in step 42 with a predetermined condition to be notified (step 4).
3). When the notification is made in accordance with the condition notified in step 43 (step 44; Y), the notification content is displayed on the finder 20 (step 45). Specifically, in the case of still image normal mode shooting under the current usage conditions, 2 more pictures can be taken when using the flash. 5 more pictures can be taken when not using the flash. For example, a pattern indicating the remaining number of times is displayed. Note that the battery remaining amount prediction in the battery remaining amount predicting unit 4 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

The first to fourth embodiments have been described above, but by combining these, it is possible to make an electronic still camera with greater usability. For example, by combining the first embodiment and the third embodiment, both the remaining battery level and the number of times of use can be recognized by voice. Also, the same effect can be obtained by combining the second embodiment and the fourth embodiment. Furthermore, by combining the first and second embodiments and the third and fourth embodiments, both visual and auditory notification can be made. It is also possible to give more kind notification by combining all the embodiments.

[0022]

According to the first aspect of the invention, in an electronic still camera that uses a dry battery or a storage battery as a drive source and has a sound output device in addition to a dedicated display means, the remaining battery level is notified by sound. Moreover, the user can be surely informed of the remaining battery level without any particular awareness. Therefore, the user can refer to the allocation of the usage time and the preparation of the spare battery.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in an electronic still camera that uses a dry battery or a storage battery as a drive source and has a display device in the viewfinder in addition to a dedicated display means, the user can take a picture without any particular awareness. When the user looks into the viewfinder to see the information, the display device in the viewfinder can be seen, so that the user is surely notified of the remaining battery level. Therefore, the user can use it as a reference for allocating the usage time and preparing a spare battery.

According to the third aspect of the invention, in an electronic still camera that uses a dry battery or a storage battery as a drive source and has a voice output device in addition to a dedicated display means, the remaining number of times of use according to the usage based on the power source information by voice. In order to be notified of
The user can surely know the number of remaining uses according to the usage method without paying special attention. Therefore, the user can use it as a reference for distribution of the remaining number of times of use, selection of usage, and preparation of a spare battery.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in an electronic still camera that uses a dry battery or a storage battery as a driving source and has a display device in the finder in addition to a dedicated display means, the remaining amount for each usage based on the power source information by the finder. Since the number of times of use is notified, the user can certainly know the number of times of remaining use according to the usage method without paying special attention. For this reason, the user can allocate the remaining number of uses and select the usage method,
It can be used as a reference for preparing spare batteries.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an electronic still camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a battery remaining amount notification device of the electronic still camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a battery remaining amount notification device of the electronic still camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a battery remaining amount notification device of an electronic still camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a battery remaining amount notification device of an electronic still camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a battery remaining amount notification device for an electronic still camera according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a battery remaining amount notification device of an electronic still camera according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a battery remaining amount notification device for an electronic still camera according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a battery remaining amount notification device of an electronic still camera according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Battery Pack 2 Power Information 3 Data Bus 4 Battery Remaining Prediction Section 5 Judgment Section 6 Interface 7 CPU 8a ROM 8b RAM 9 Notification Button 10 Voice Synthesis Section 11 Discrimination Section 12 Output Selection Switch 13 Output Selection Switch 14 Speaker 15 Earphone Terminal 16 Remaining usage count calculation unit 20 Finder 50 Camera body 52 Lens unit 54 Optical low-pass unit 56 CCD 80 Liquid crystal monitor

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. In an electronic still camera using a battery as a driving source, a remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the battery, and when the remaining amount of the battery falls below a predetermined value by the detection by the remaining amount detecting means. An electronic still camera, comprising: a voice notification unit that notifies the user of the remaining power level by voice. 2. In an electronic still camera using a battery as a driving source, a remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the battery, and when the remaining amount of the battery falls below a predetermined value by the detection by the remaining amount detecting means. An electronic still camera, comprising: a finder notification means for notifying the user of the remaining power level by a finder. 3. In an electronic still camera using a battery as a driving source, a remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the battery, and the number of times of use according to the usage depending on the remaining amount of the battery is detected by the remaining amount detecting means. When the number of times of use according to usage reaches a predetermined number by the number of times of use measuring means and the number of times of use measured by the number of times of use measurement, a voice notification is provided to inform the user of the remaining number of times of usage according to the usage. An electronic still camera, comprising: 4. In an electronic still camera using a battery as a drive source, a remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the battery, and the number of times of use according to the usage depending on the remaining amount of the battery is detected by the remaining amount detecting means. When the number of times of use according to usage reaches a predetermined number by the number of times of use measuring means and the measurement by this number of times of use measurement, the finder notification notifies the user of the remaining number of times of usage according to the usage An electronic still camera, comprising: