JPH10243277A - Information processor and image-pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily photograph objects over much wider ranges, without complicating the on/off operation of power source at the time of joining/separating a camera part and a recording/display part. SOLUTION: Since information is communicated by radio at the time of separation by providing the respective units of camera part 1 and recording/ display part 2 with radio communication means, photographing is prevented from being limited by a cable or the like connected, by wiring and since the power sources of both the units are controller by operating a power source switch 6 on one side at the time of detecting joining by providing both the camera part 1 and the recording/display part 2 with power source switches 5 and 6 and joining detecting means 3 and 4 and independently controlling the power sources of both the units by operating both the power source switches 5 and 6 at the time of separating detection, when both the units are joined, the power sources can be controlled only by operating one power source switch.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an imaging apparatus, and more particularly, to an information processing apparatus and an imaging apparatus in which two units can be mechanically separated / combined.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various types of portable video cameras (video integrated cameras, etc.) have been proposed. For example, in order to make it easier for the operator to see the screen during shooting, instead of using the conventional type except for the viewfinder,
2. Description of the Related Art There has been proposed a type in which an image being recorded can be displayed on a color monitor such as a liquid crystal display unit provided in an apparatus body. Some of these types have a function of reproducing recorded images on a color monitor.

Further, among the above-mentioned types having a color monitor, for example, in order to be able to easily photograph the scenery of an athletic meet from a support seat over a crowd, FIG.
As shown in (1), there has been proposed a type of system in which a camera unit and a recording / display unit are separated, and the two are connected by a cable such as a cable so that shooting can be performed at a location away from the recording / display unit. . In this system, as shown in FIG. 6B, a camera unit and a recording / display unit can be combined and used.

[0004]

However, in the conventional example shown in FIG. 6, since the camera unit and the recording / display unit are connected by wire, an image is taken from a place farther than the recording / display unit. In such a case, there is a problem in that the wiring of the cable becomes troublesome, which may hinder photographing. Further, although the area of the subject that can be photographed from the same point is expanded by making the camera unit separable from the recording / display unit, it is still limited by the length of the cable.

As one method for solving such a problem, a method of connecting both a camera unit and a recording / display unit by wireless communication means can be considered. However, when the camera unit and the recording / display unit are provided with wireless communication means and are separated from each other, the power supply is turned on / off.
It is necessary to provide a power switch for performing F in both of them. For this reason, both the power switches must be operated both when they are used separately and when they are used in combination, and the ON / OFF operation of the power becomes complicated.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and in a system in which a camera unit and a recording / display unit are separable, when a camera unit and a recording / display unit are combined and separated. An object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily photograph a wider range of subjects without complicating the ON / OFF operation of the power supply.

[0007]

An information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus in which a first unit and a second unit are mechanically separable / combinable. By providing wireless communication means in both units, information is wirelessly communicated and information processing is performed at the time of separation, and a power switch and separation / combination detection means are provided in both the first unit and the second unit. The power control of the first unit and the second unit is independently performed by both power switches at the time of separation detection, and the first unit and the second unit are controlled by one power switch at the time of detection of union. The power supply control of both is performed.

Here, when the separation / coalescing detecting means detects that the first unit and the second unit are united, it is prepared for both the first unit and the second unit. Of the power switches
Only the operation of one power switch may be enabled, and the operation of the other power switch may be disabled. Also,
When the first unit and the second unit are combined, the power switch to be disabled may be mechanically hidden so that it cannot be operated from the outside. Further, the wireless communication means may be means using spread spectrum communication.

Another feature of the present invention is that in an information processing apparatus in which the first unit and the second unit can be mechanically separated / merged, the first unit and the second unit can be combined with each other. By providing wireless communication means on both sides, information is wirelessly communicated and information processing is performed at the time of separation, and a power switch is provided in only one of the first unit and the second unit, and operation of the power switch is performed. The power control signal generated by the first and second units is communicated between the two units.
The power supply control of both the unit and the second unit is performed.

An image pickup apparatus according to the present invention is an image pickup apparatus in which an image pickup unit for photographing and a recording / display unit for recording and displaying information can be mechanically separated / merged. By providing wireless communication means in both units, information is wirelessly communicated at the time of separation, and a power switch, separation / union detection means, and power control means are provided in both the imaging unit and the recording / display unit. When the separation is detected, the power control of the imaging unit and the recording / display unit is independently performed by both power switches. When the unification detection is performed, the power control of both the imaging unit and the recording / display unit is controlled by one power switch. It is characterized by performing.

Here, when the separation / combination detection means detects that the imaging unit and the recording / display unit are separated, a power supply control provided in both the imaging unit and the recording / display unit is provided. Means are
The operation of the power switch provided in both the imaging unit and the recording / display unit may be made effective, and the power control may be performed based on each operation. Also,
When the separation / combination detection means detects that the imaging unit and the recording / display unit are combined, one of the power supply control means provided in both the imaging unit and the recording / display unit is used. The control means controls the power of one unit based on the operation of the power switch corresponding to the one power control means, and sends a power control signal to the other unit. The operation of the power switch provided in the unit may be invalidated, and the power control of the other unit may be performed based on the power control signal sent from the one unit.

Further, when the image pickup unit and the recording / display unit are combined, the power switch to be disabled may be mechanically hidden so as not to be operated from the outside. Further, the information communicated by the wireless communication means may be information including image information and audio information from the imaging unit. Further, the wireless communication means may be means using spread spectrum communication. The imaging device according to any one of claims 10 to 10.

Another feature of the present invention is that an image pickup unit for photographing and a recording / recording unit for recording and displaying information.
In an imaging apparatus in which a display unit and a display unit can be mechanically separated / combined, information is wirelessly communicated at the time of separation by providing wireless communication means in both the imaging unit and the recording / display unit. A power switch is provided in only one of the unit and the recording / display unit, and a power control signal generated by operating the power switch is communicated between the two units, whereby both the imaging unit and the recording / display unit are operated by the power switch. The power supply control is performed.

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic outer shape of a video camera (imaging device) to which the information processing device of the present invention using wireless communication means is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the video camera according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which a camera unit (wireless transmission unit) 1 and a recording / display unit (wireless reception unit) 2 can be combined and separated from each other.

That is, the camera unit 1 has a convex uniting connector 3 and the recording / display unit 2 has a concave uniting connector 4. Then, as shown in FIG. 1 (c), the camera unit 1 and the recording / display unit 2 can be combined and used so that these connectors 3 and 4 are fitted to each other. As described above, the camera unit 1 and the recording / display unit 2 can be used separately. When the camera unit 1 and the recording / display unit 2 are separated from each other, the two communicate images and sounds by wireless communication means such as spread spectrum communication.

Here, the spread spectrum will be described. In general, in a spread spectrum system using a direct spreading system, a spreading code sequence such as a pseudo-noise code (PN code) is used on the transmitting side to convert a baseband signal of a normally transmitted digital signal from an original data to an extremely wide band. Generate a baseband signal with a bandwidth. And PS
By performing modulation such as K (phase shift keying) and FSK (frequency shift keying), the signal is converted into an RF (radio frequency) signal and transmitted. The spread spectrum transmitting section in the camera section 1 is composed of such elements.

On the other hand, the receiving side performs despreading to obtain a correlation with the received signal using the same spreading code as that of the transmitting side, and converts the received signal (RF signal) into a narrow band having a bandwidth corresponding to the original data. Convert to a signal. Then, by performing normal data demodulation on the narrow band signal, the original data is reproduced. The spread spectrum receiving section in the recording / display section 2 is composed of such elements.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the video camera of the present embodiment, both the camera section 1 and the recording / display section 2 are provided with switches for controlling power ON / OFF. The camera unit power switch 5 and the recording / display unit power switch 6 are the same. When the camera unit 1 and the recording / display unit 2 are separated as shown in FIG. 1B, the respective power switches 5 and 6 can be operated independently. On the other hand, when the camera unit 1 and the recording / display unit 2 are united as shown in FIG. 1C, the operation of the camera unit power switch 5 is mechanically prohibited.

That is, as shown in FIG. 1A, a concave portion 7 is provided at the rear of the camera portion 1, which is a combined surface of the camera portion 1 and the recording / display portion 2, and the camera unit power switch 5 is connected to the concave portion 7. Arrange so that it fits inside. By doing so, it is possible to operate the camera unit power switch 5 from the outside in the same manner as in the related art during the separate use as shown in FIG.

However, when the camera unit 1 and the recording / display unit 2 are combined and used as shown in FIG.
Since the camera unit power switch 5 fits within the united surface, external operation can be mechanically prohibited. When the unit is used, the camera unit power switch 5 and the recording /
The recording / display power switch 6 is used as a power switch representing the entire integrated video camera system in conjunction with the display power switch 6.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show the power switches 5 and 6 respectively.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a method of interlocking
3 shows the internal configuration of the camera unit 1, and FIG.
2 shows the internal configuration of the device.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a spread spectrum transmitting unit for transmitting an image signal or an audio signal by the above described spread spectrum, 202 denotes a spread spectrum receiving unit for restoring a received signal by despread spectrum, and 203 denotes a lens (not shown). A camera unit 204 having an optical system and generating a video signal is a power supply unit for supplying power from the battery 208 to the entire system of the camera unit 1.

Reference numeral 205 denotes a camera unit control means for controlling auto focus (AF), automatic exposure control (AE), and the like of the camera unit 1, and is constituted by a microcomputer or the like. Reference numeral 206 denotes the AF or A of the camera unit 1
A key section for performing operations such as E. The power switch SW201 of the camera unit 1 (corresponding to the camera unit power switch 5 in FIG. 1) is connected to the key unit 206.

Reference numeral 207 denotes a unity detecting means (corresponding to the convex unity connector 3 shown in FIG. 1) for detecting whether or not the camera unit 1 is united with the recording / display unit 2; / When united with the display unit 2,
Data can be exchanged with the recording / display unit 2 by wire. SW 202 uses antenna 209 for transmission /
A switch SW203 for switching to reception is a power control switch for switching whether to supply power to each unit of the camera unit 1 under the control of the camera unit control unit 205.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes a spread spectrum transmitting unit, 302 denotes a spread spectrum receiving unit, and 303 records the image signal and the audio signal received by the spread spectrum receiving unit 302 on a recording medium such as a magnetic tape. A recorder unit 304 is a power supply unit that supplies power from the battery 309 to the entire system of the recording / display unit 2.

Reference numeral 305 denotes a recording / display unit control means for controlling recording / reproducing operation by switches (not shown) of the recorder unit 303, controlling a monitor unit 307 for displaying a received image or a reproduced image, and the like. Or go. This recording / display unit control means 3
05 is constituted by a microcomputer or the like, for example. Reference numeral 306 denotes a key unit for performing various operations of the recording / display unit 2, and a power switch SW301 of the recording / display unit 2.
(Corresponding to the recording / display unit power switch 6 in FIG. 1).

Reference numeral 308 denotes a unity detecting means for detecting whether the recording / display unit 2 is united with the camera unit 1 (corresponding to the concave uniting connector 4 in FIG. 1). 1, the data can be exchanged with the camera unit 1 by wire. SW 302 is a switch for switching the antenna 310 between transmission and reception, and SW 303 is a power control switch for switching whether to supply power to each unit of the recording / display unit 2 under the control of the recording / display unit control unit 305.

Next, the operation of the recording / display unit control means 305 in the recording / display unit 2 configured as described above will be described below. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of power supply control by the microcomputer constituting the recording / display unit control means 305.

Referring to FIG. 4, first, in step S401,
Initialize the microcomputer. Next, in step S402, the power switch SW301 of the recording / display unit 2
Is read, and the recording /
The united information indicating whether the display unit 2 is united with the camera unit 1 is read from the united state detecting unit 308. Then, based on the read combination information, it is determined in step S404 whether the camera unit 1 and the recording / display unit 2 are combined.

If it is determined that the recording / display unit 2 is united with the camera unit 1, the process proceeds to step S 405, and the recording / display unit 2 captured in step S 402 is read.
ON / O according to the state of the power switch SW301
The FF request signal is output to the camera unit 1 through the uniting detection unit 308 (the concave uniting connector 4 in FIG. 1). That is, if the power switch SW301 is in a power-on state, a power-on request signal is output to the camera unit 1, and if the power switch SW301 is in a power-off state, a power-off request signal is output to the camera unit 1.

If it is determined that the recording / display unit 2 is not united with the camera unit 1, the process jumps to step S406 without performing the process of step S405. In step S406, it is determined whether the power switch SW301 is in the power ON state or the power OFF state.

Here, the power switch SW301 is
If it is determined that the state is the FF state, step S40
In step 7, the power supply switch 304 is turned off to stop the power supply from the power supply unit 304 to each unit in the recording / display unit 2. Then, step S4
08, and then waits for a certain period of time,
The process returns to the step S402 for reading the state of 1 again.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S406 that the power switch SW301 is in the power-on state, the process proceeds to step S409, in which the power control switch SW3 is turned on.
03 by keeping the power supply unit 304 ON.
, Power supply to each unit in the recording / display unit 2 is continuously performed. Then, after performing various other controls of the recording / display unit 2 in step S410, the process returns to step S402 in which the state of the power switch SW301 is read.

Next, the operation of the camera section control means 205 in the camera section 1 will be described below. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of power control by the microcomputer constituting the camera unit control means 205.

In FIG. 5, first, in step S501,
Initialize the microcomputer. Next, in step S502, united information indicating whether the camera unit 1 is united with the recording / display unit 2 is read from the united detecting unit 207. And, based on the read coalescing information,
In step S503, it is determined whether the camera unit 1 and the recording / display unit 2 are united.

If it is determined that the camera unit 1 is not united with the recording / display unit 2, the process proceeds to step S504, where the state of the power switch SW201 of the camera unit 1 is read. SW201
It is determined whether the power supply is in the power-on state or the power-off state.

On the other hand, in step S503, the camera unit 1
If it is determined that is combined with the recording / display unit 2, the process proceeds to step S <b> 506, and is transmitted from the recording / display unit 2 to the camera unit 1 through the uniting detection unit 207 (the convex combination connector 3 in FIG. After reading the received power ON / OFF request signal, the power ON / OFF is determined in step S507.
It is determined whether the request signal is for requesting power ON.

In the step S505, the power switch SW
When it is determined that the power supply 201 is in the power-off state, and in step S507, the power supply OF
If it is determined that the request signal of F has been sent, the process proceeds to step S508, and the power control switch SW203
Is turned off, the power supply from the power supply unit 204 to each unit in the camera unit 1 is stopped. Then, after waiting for a certain period of time at step S509, the process returns to step S502 for reading the state of the power switch SW201 again.

If it is determined in step S505 that the power switch SW201 is in the power-on state,
If it is determined in step S507 that the power-on request signal has been sent from the recording / display unit 2, the process proceeds to step S510, in which the power control unit SW203 is maintained on, and the power unit 204 is turned on by the camera unit 1. Power is continuously supplied to each part in the system. After performing other various controls of the camera unit 1 in step S511, the process returns to step S502 for reading the state of the power switch SW201 again.

The operation of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 will be described together. When the camera unit 1 and the recording / display unit 2 are separated, the following operation is performed. First, it is determined by the unity detection means 308 of the recording / display unit 2 that the camera unit 1 and the recording / display unit 2 are separated (steps S403 and S404). The power of the recording / display unit 2 is turned ON / OFF according to the state of the power switch SW301 of the recording / display unit 2 (step S402).
The control is performed independently of the camera unit 1 (step S40)
6 to S410).

Similarly, in the camera section 1, the camera section 1
It is determined that the camera unit 1 and the recording / display unit 2 are separated by the uniting detection means 207 (step S502,
S503), ON / OFF control of the power of the camera unit 1 is performed independently of the recording / display unit 2 according to the state of the power switch SW201 of the camera unit 1 (steps S504 and S505) (steps S508 to S511).

On the other hand, when the camera unit 1 and the recording / display unit 2 are combined, the following operation is performed. First, it is determined by the combination detection means 308 of the recording / display unit 2 that the camera unit 1 and the recording / display unit 2 are combined (steps S403 and S404). Then, the state of the power switch SW301 of the recording / display unit 2 (step S40)
According to 2), a power ON / OFF request signal is output to the camera unit 1 (step S405), and power ON / OFF control of the recording / display unit 2 is performed (step S405).
406 to S410).

On the other hand, in the camera section 1, the recording / combination detection means 207 of the camera section 1 records / records with the camera section 1.
If it is determined that the display unit 2 and the display unit 2 are combined (steps S502 and S503), the power switch SW of the camera unit 1
The information of 201 is invalidated, and the power ON / OFF request signal transmitted from the recording / display unit 2 (step S506,
In S507), ON / OFF control of the power supply of the camera unit 1 is performed (steps S508 to S511).

As described above, in this embodiment, the camera unit 1
Also, in a video camera in which each unit of the recording / display unit 2 can be mechanically separated / merged, information is wirelessly communicated at the time of separation by providing each unit with a wireless communication means by spread spectrum. In addition, shooting is not restricted by a cable or the like connected by wire. As a result, it becomes possible to easily photograph a subject in a wider range than in the related art.

When the camera unit 1 and the recording / display unit 2 are combined, the user only has to operate one recording / display unit power switch 6 provided on the recording / display unit 2. , Operation becomes easy. Further, in the present embodiment, when the camera unit 1 and the recording / display unit 2 are combined, as described above with reference to FIGS.
The camera unit power switch 5 corresponding to the power switch SW201 of the camera unit 1 is mechanically inoperable from outside. Therefore, it is possible to make clear to the user which switch should be pressed.

In the above embodiment, the camera unit power switch 5 is disabled when the camera unit 1 and the recording / display unit 2 are combined.
The recording / display unit power switch 6 may be configured to be invalid.

In the above-described embodiment, the power switches are provided in both the camera unit 1 and the recording / display unit 2, and when separated, each power switch is enabled to perform power control independently. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, at the time of separation, the camera unit 1 and the recording / display unit 2
Assuming that both are often used, only one of the camera unit 1 and the recording / display unit 2 is provided with a power switch, and a power control signal generated by operating the power switch is transmitted between the two units. The power supply control of both the camera unit 1 and the recording / display unit 2 may be performed by the communication. With this configuration, it is sufficient to operate one power switch not only when the camera unit 1 and the recording / display unit 2 are combined but also when the camera unit 1 and the recording / display unit 2 are separated, and the operation is further facilitated.

In the above embodiment, the video camera in which the camera unit 1 and the recording / display unit 2 are configured to be separable / combinable has been described. However, the first unit and the second unit are mechanically separated. The present invention can be applied to not only a video camera but also an information processing apparatus that can be combined.

[0049]

As described above, according to the present invention, in an information processing apparatus in which the first unit and the second unit can be mechanically separated / combined, the first unit and the second unit are separated by providing wireless communication means in each unit. Since information is sometimes processed by wireless communication of information, restrictions are not imposed by a cable or the like connected by wire.
Thus, when the information processing apparatus of the present invention is applied to, for example, an imaging apparatus, it becomes possible to easily photograph a subject in a wider range than before.

Further, according to the present invention, both the first unit and the second unit are provided with a power switch and a separation / combination detecting means, and when the separation is detected, the power supply of both units is independently controlled by both power switches. However, at the time of unity detection, the power control of both units is performed by one power switch, so if both units are separated,
It is possible to control power by operating each power switch independently, and when they are united,
The power control of both units can be performed by operating only one power switch, and the ON / OFF control of the power at the time of separation and combination can be easily performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention, and a video camera (imaging device) to which an information processing device using wireless communication means is applied.
It is a perspective view which shows the schematic external shape of.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a method of interlocking a power switch provided in both a camera unit and a recording / display unit, and is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the camera unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a method of interlocking a power switch provided in both a camera unit and a recording / display unit, and is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the recording / display unit.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of power supply control by a microcomputer constituting recording / display unit control means.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of power supply control by a microcomputer constituting the camera unit control means.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a schematic outer shape of a conventional video camera.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Camera part 2 Recording / display part 3 Convex coupling connector 4 Concave coupling connector 5 Camera part power switch 6 Recording / display part power switch 7 Depression 201,301 Spread spectrum transmission part 202,302 Spread spectrum reception part 203 Camera unit 204, 304 Power supply unit 205 Camera unit control unit 206, 306 Key unit 207, 308 Merging detection unit 208, 309 Battery 209, 310 Antenna 303 Recorder unit 305 Recording / display unit control unit 307 Monitor unit SW201, SW301 Power switch SW202 , SW302 Transmission / reception switch SW203, SW303 Power supply control switch

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus in which a first unit and a second unit are mechanically separable / combinable, wherein both the first unit and the second unit are provided with wireless communication means. At the time of separation, information is wirelessly communicated to perform information processing. Both the first unit and the second unit are provided with a power switch and a separation / combination detection unit. The power control of the first unit and the second unit is performed independently, and the power control of both the first unit and the second unit is performed by one power switch at the time of uniting detection. Characteristic information processing device. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said separation / coalescence detection means includes means for detecting the first
When it is detected that the first unit and the second unit are united, only the operation of one of the power switches provided in both the first unit and the second unit is enabled. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation of the other power switch is invalidated. 3. When the first unit and the second unit are combined, the power switch to be disabled is mechanically hidden so as to be inoperable from outside. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said wireless communication means is means using spread spectrum communication. 5. An information processing apparatus in which a first unit and a second unit can be mechanically separated / merged, wherein both the first unit and the second unit are provided with wireless communication means. At the time of separation, information is wirelessly communicated to perform information processing. A power switch is provided only in one of the first unit and the second unit, and a power control signal generated by operating the power switch is transmitted to both units. An information processing apparatus, wherein the power switch controls the power of both the first unit and the second unit by communicating between them. 6. An image pickup unit for photographing and a recording / display unit for recording and displaying information are mechanically separated / displayed.
In the imaging device which can be combined, information is wirelessly communicated at the time of separation by providing wireless communication means in both the imaging unit and the recording / display unit, and both the imaging unit and the recording / display unit are provided. ,
A power switch, a separation / combination detecting means, and a power control means are provided. When the separation is detected, the power supply of the image pickup unit and the recording / display unit is independently controlled by the two power switches. Wherein the power supply control of both the imaging unit and the recording / display unit is performed. 7. A power supply control means provided in both the imaging unit and the recording / display unit when the separation / union detection means detects that the imaging unit and the recording / display unit are separated. 7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein operation of a power switch provided in both the imaging unit and the recording / display unit is enabled, and power control is performed based on each operation. 8. A power supply control means provided in both the imaging unit and the recording / display unit when the separation / coalescing detection means detects that the imaging unit and the recording / display unit are united. One of the power control means controls the power of one unit based on the operation of a power switch corresponding to the one power control means, and transmits a power control signal to the other unit; The means invalidates the operation of a power switch provided in the other unit, and performs power control of the other unit based on a power control signal sent from the one unit. 7. The imaging device according to 6. 9. When the image pickup unit and the recording / display unit are combined, the power switch to be invalidated is mechanically hidden so as not to be operated from the outside. An imaging device according to claim 8. 10. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the information communicated by the wireless communication unit includes image information and audio information from the imaging unit. 11. The wireless communication means according to claim 6, wherein said wireless communication means is means using spread spectrum communication.
0. The imaging device according to claim 1. 12. An image pickup apparatus in which an image pickup unit for photographing and a recording / display unit for recording and displaying information can be mechanically separated / combined, wherein both the image pickup unit and the recording / display unit are wireless. By providing communication means, information is wirelessly communicated at the time of separation. A power switch is provided only in one of the imaging unit and the recording / display unit, and a power control signal generated by operating the power switch is transmitted between the two units. Wherein the power switch controls the power of both the imaging unit and the recording / display unit.