JPH1049261A - Information processor, peripheral device for the same, information processing system, power source control method for peripheral device, and medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress the power consumption of a peripheral device a little while surely performing data communication between an information processor and its peripheral device without loading a lot of burden to a user in the process of data communication. SOLUTION: A sub-CPU 1d for switching the operating mode of a digital camera by analyzing data sent from a computer and a power source controller 1g for controlling power to be supplied corresponding to the operating mode set by the sub-CPU 1d are provided. Then, an ordinary execution mode for executing all the instructions sent from the computer and a non-execution mode for controlling only the operating mode without executing these instructions are suitably changed and by controlling the power to be supplied to the digital camera corresponding to that mode, when the operation of the digital camera is not required, the non-execution mode is set so that power consumption can be economized.

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 its peripheral device, an information processing system, a power control method for a peripheral device, and a medium. The present invention is suitable for use in a system in which a peripheral device can be operated under the control of an information processing device when transmitting and receiving data using a wireless data transmission path.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image pickup apparatus and an information processing apparatus are connected by a data transmission path such as RS-232C to transmit and receive video data between the two apparatuses and to control the image pickup apparatus from the information processing apparatus. Or other techniques have been proposed. In this type of technology, an information processing device transfers packetized data for control to an imaging device, and the imaging device receives and analyzes the data and performs an operation according to the content of the data. Then, packet data for a response is sent back to the information processing apparatus, and the operation of the information processing apparatus processing the response packet is repeated.

[0003]

However, in the above prior art, it is difficult for the imaging device to determine at what timing packet data is transmitted from the information processing device. , And must always be able to analyze received data and respond to received data. That is, this state needs to be maintained even when data transmission from the information processing apparatus is not performed for a while, and therefore, the power supply of the imaging apparatus has to be always turned on.

[0004] However, in particular, an imaging apparatus which requires portability often uses a battery as a power source.
In such a case, there is a problem that battery consumption is accelerated for the above-described reason. As a result, in an imaging device having no external power supply, there is a problem that the time during which the imaging device can be used is shortened due to limitations on the duration of the battery.

When the imaging apparatus is connected to the information processing apparatus and control is performed from the information processing apparatus, control of the power supply of the imaging apparatus is performed by a user operating a switch of the imaging apparatus. When the power switch of the image pickup apparatus is frequently turned on and off for saving, the information processing apparatus needs to re-perform the connection procedure each time, which puts a heavy burden on the user.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an information processing apparatus and its peripheral devices have been developed.
In particular, it is an object of the present invention to be able to reduce the power consumption of peripheral devices while reliably performing data communication without imposing a great burden on a user in a data communication process with an imaging device.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, a peripheral device according to the present invention is a peripheral device operable in response to a command sent from an information processing device. A normal execution mode for executing all the instructions sent from the apparatus, and a non-execution mode for only controlling the operation mode without executing some or all of the instructions. One of the modes
It is characterized by comprising a mode setting means for setting in accordance with a given control signal, and a power supply control means for controlling power to be supplied in accordance with the mode set by the mode setting means.

Another feature of the present invention is that only the operation mode is controlled without executing some or all of the instructions sent from the information processing apparatus, and the state in the execution mode is stored in a memory. And a sleep mode for restoring the state stored in the memory upon transition to the execution mode, wherein the mode setting means includes any one of the execution mode, the non-execution mode, and the sleep mode. Is set according to a given control signal.

Another feature of the present invention is that the mode setting means sets one of the operation modes by a control signal given according to a communication state with the information processing apparatus.

Another feature of the present invention is that the mode setting means sets one of the operation modes according to a control signal given according to the operation status of the peripheral device itself.

Another feature of the present invention is that the mode setting means sets an operation mode in accordance with a control signal sent from the information processing apparatus.

Another feature of the present invention is that the mode setting means waits for an instruction from the information processing device after transmitting the operation status of the peripheral device itself to the information processing device. One of the operation modes is set in accordance with the control signal sent from the control unit.

According to another feature of the present invention, the peripheral device includes an image pickup unit and a supply unit that supplies power for driving the power supply control unit. The supply means may be a battery.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus configured to be able to control the operation of a peripheral device by transmitting a predetermined command. A mode for transmitting a control signal for setting one of a normal execution mode in which all received instructions are executed and a non-execution mode in which only the operation mode is controlled without executing some or all of the instructions. A control means is provided.

Another feature of the present invention is that the mode control means executes a part or all of the instruction in addition to the execution mode and the non-execution mode as an operation mode set in the peripheral device. A sleep mode in which only the control of the operation mode is performed without performing the operation, the state in the execution mode is stored in the memory, and the state stored in the memory is restored upon transition to the execution mode. And

Further, the information processing system of the present invention comprises an information processing device and its peripheral device, and is capable of controlling the operation of the peripheral device by transmitting a predetermined command from the information processing device. In the information processing system configured as described above, the peripheral device has a normal execution mode in which all instructions sent from the information processing device are executed, and an operation mode in which an operation mode is executed without executing some or all of the instructions. A non-execution mode for performing only control, a mode setting means for setting any one of the execution mode and the non-execution mode according to a given control signal, and a mode setting means for setting the mode according to the mode setting means. Power control means for controlling the power to be supplied to the peripheral device, wherein the information processing device sets the operation mode of the peripheral device to one of the execution mode and the non-execution mode. Characterized by comprising a mode control means for transmitting the order control signal.

Another feature of the present invention is that the peripheral device controls only the operation mode without executing some or all of the commands sent from the information processing device,
A mode in which the state in the execution mode is stored in a memory, and a state stored in the memory is restored when the mode is changed to the execution mode. The present invention is characterized in that it is configured to set any one of the above-mentioned execution mode, non-execution mode, and sleep mode according to a control signal provided.

Another feature of the present invention is that the mode control means transmits a control signal for setting one of the operation modes according to a communication status between the information processing device and the peripheral device. It is characterized by the following.

Another feature of the present invention is that the peripheral device transmits its operation status to the information processing device, waits for an instruction from the information processing device, and is sent from the information processing device. One of the operation modes is set according to the control signal.

Another feature of the present invention is that the peripheral device includes an image pickup means and a supply means for supplying electric power for driving the power supply control means. The supply means may be a battery.

Further, according to the power supply control method for a peripheral device of the present invention, the power supply control of the peripheral device can be controlled by transmitting a predetermined command from the information processing device. In the method, as the operation mode of the peripheral device, a normal execution mode in which all instructions sent from the information processing device are executed and a non-execution mode in which only the operation mode is controlled without executing some or all of the instructions. The method is characterized by including a step of setting any of the execution modes according to a given control signal, and a step of controlling power to be supplied according to the set mode.

Another feature of the present invention is that only the operation mode is controlled without executing some or all of the instructions sent from the information processing apparatus, and the state in the execution mode is stored in a memory. And a sleep mode for restoring the state stored in the memory upon transition to the execution mode.

According to another feature of the present invention, the peripheral device includes an imaging unit and a supply unit that supplies power for driving a power supply control unit of the peripheral device. The supply means may be a battery.

A medium according to the present invention is characterized in that the steps constituting the power supply control method according to any one of claims 18 to 21 are stored so as to be readable from the information processing device or the peripheral device. I do.

According to the present invention configured as described above, the operation mode of the peripheral device is set to one of the normal execution mode and the non-execution mode in accordance with the control signal given to the peripheral device. Become. When the operation mode is set to the non-execution mode, only the operation mode needs to be controlled, so that the power consumption is smaller than that in the execution mode. .

In a case where the peripheral device further has a sleep mode as an operation mode, when the operation mode of the peripheral device is set to the sleep mode, when the sleep mode is exited, when the sleep mode is entered. Since it is only necessary to simply return to the state previously stored in the memory,
It is possible to quickly return to the immediately preceding operation mode.

When the operation mode of the peripheral device is set in response to a control signal sent from the information processing device, communication between the peripheral device and the information processing device is performed. In this case, the power consumption of the peripheral device can be suppressed by an instruction from the information processing device, and the power switch of the peripheral device does not need to be turned on or off one by one.

The setting of the operation mode as described above is as follows.
For example, the process is performed according to the communication status between the information processing device and the peripheral device. Alternatively, it is performed according to the operation status of the peripheral device itself. Here, if the configuration is such that the operation status of the peripheral device is transmitted to the information processing device every time it changes, for example, if the communication is interrupted for a certain period of time or if it becomes difficult to continue the communication for some reason, the peripheral device Upon detecting this, the information processing apparatus is notified that the communication is to be interrupted, and automatically transitions to a mode with low power consumption (non-execution mode or sleep mode). Thereafter, when there is a communication request from the information processing device or when it becomes possible to start communication, the information processing device is notified that the communication is possible, and the communication execution mode is set. Transitions to. As a result, when there is no communication, the non-execution mode or the sleep mode is set to reduce power consumption, and the information processing device also knows the state of the peripheral device, and thus is output from the information processing device. Even when the operation mode of the peripheral device is controlled by the control signal, it is possible to smoothly change the operation mode according to the state of the peripheral device.

[0029]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) First, a main configuration of an information processing apparatus and a video imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, a computer will be described as an example of the information processing apparatus, and a digital camera will be described as an example of the image capturing apparatus.

In FIG. 1, 1k indicates a configuration on the computer side. In the configuration of the computer 1k, 11 is a memory, 12 is a CPU, and 19 is a communication interface for connecting a camera, all of which are connected by a system bus 1a. Also, the display device 14,
A pointing device 16 such as a mouse and an input device 18 such as a keyboard are provided with interfaces 13 and 15, respectively.
17 is connected to the system bus 1a.

Reference numeral 1l (1 L) denotes a main part of the configuration required for the digital camera, and 1c denotes an imaging system such as a lens and a CCD. Reference numeral 1d denotes a sub CPU, which is configured to detect and process a signal sent from the computer 1k through the communication interface 1j, perform a power-on operation to the main CPU 1f, and the like. 1e is a memory, 1n is a storage device, 1h is a battery, 1i is a DC / DC converter for supplying power to the system, and 1g is a power controller unit for controlling the DC / DC converter 1i.

The above 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, 1
The components of j and 1n are connected by a system bus 1m. Thereby, after the video data captured by the imaging system 1c is converted into a digital signal, the memory 1e
, And the main CPU 1f performs necessary signal processing and stores it in the storage device 1n. The computer 1k and the digital camera 11 are connected via a cable 1b connected to the communication interfaces 19 and 1j.

In the present embodiment, the main CPU 1f of the digital camera 1l sets the computer 1 as an operation mode.
k, an execution mode in which the state of the memory 1e is stored but the instruction is not executed (sleep mode), and a non-execution mode in which power supply is cut off (standby mode). ), And it is possible to shift from the execution mode to the sleep mode and the non-execution mode by itself. When the main CPU 1f is in the sleep mode and the non-execution mode, the above-described sub CPU 1d
It is possible to switch the main CPU 1f from the sleep mode and the non-execution mode to the execution mode.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of state transition when the digital camera 11 communicates with the computer 1k. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 21 denotes disconnection of communication (Disconn).
ect) state. In this state, the sub CPU 1d is operable, and power is not supplied to the main CPU 1f. This state is the non-execution mode, and is called a disconnect state.

In this disconnect state, the sub CPU
1d is a signal (hereinafter referred to as WAKEUP) for starting the digital camera 11 sent from the computer 1k.
Monitor signal). When a WAKEUP signal is detected, the computer 1k sends the WAKEEU signal.
A signal notifying that the P signal has been received is transmitted, and power is supplied to the main CPU 1f to start it. The started main CPU 1f communicates with the communication interface 1
After performing processing necessary for communication such as initialization of j, the state transits to a connect state described below.

Reference numeral 22 denotes a connection state in which communication with the computer 1k is possible. In this state, data is exchanged between the digital camera 11 and the computer 1k. This state is the execution mode, and is called a connected state. In this case, the transmission data from the computer 1k is transmitted as a byte string having a meaning such as a communication control command or a data transfer command. This byte sequence is called a frame.

In this connected state, the main CPU 1f
Constantly monitors the reception of a frame from the computer 1k, analyzes the contents of the frame when receiving the frame, and operates according to the instructions written therein. For example, when a frame requesting disconnection of communication is received in the connected state, the state is changed to the disconnected state. When a frame requesting a transition to the sleep state described below is received, the state is transited to the sleep state.

Reference numeral 23 denotes a main CPU of the digital camera 1l.
1f is in the sleep mode (S
(leap) state, and data cannot be exchanged between the digital camera 11 and the computer 1k. However, the state in the connected state is stored in the memory 1e, and the main CPU 1f can quickly return to the execution mode. It is possible to do.

In this sleep state, the sub CPU 1d is operable and monitors the WAKEUP signal from the computer 1k. When detecting the WAKEUP signal, the sub CPU 1d transmits a signal notifying that the WAKEUP signal has been received to the computer 1k. After, the main CP
The operation mode of U1f is returned to the execution mode, and the state of the digital camera 11 is set to the connected state.

As described above, in the disconnect state and the sleep state, power is not supplied to the main CPU 1f, and only the sub CPU 1d can operate. In these states, the digital camera 11 does not execute the command given from the computer 1k, but only performs mode control by receiving a WAKEUP signal and transmitting a response signal to the WAKEUP signal, so that less power is consumed. The power supply controller unit 1g controls the power supplied to the digital camera 11 according to the set operation mode.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for controlling the mode of the digital camera 11 on the computer 1k side. Here, as an example, a model is shown in which a user selects a plurality of videos recorded in the digital camera 11 on the computer 1k and designates downloading thereof.

At the start of this processing, a communication path for transmitting and receiving data to and from the digital camera 11 is first established (step S31). In this process, the communication interface 19 in the computer 1k is initialized,
WAKEUP signal transmission for transitioning the digital camera 11 in the disconnected state to the connected state,
Signal reception for confirming that the digital camera 11 has transitioned to the connected state, and digital camera 11
It sets communication parameters with the server. This step S3
After the completion of the process 1, the frame can be exchanged.

In the next step S32, an instruction frame requesting transmission of information on all video data existing in the digital camera 11 is transmitted to the digital camera 11. Then, the digital camera 11 having received the instruction frame returns information on all the video data stored in the internal storage device 1n, that is, data on the name and the contents of the video.

In response to this, after receiving the reply data from the digital camera 11, the computer 1 k transmits to the digital camera 11 a command frame requesting a transition to the sleep state. The digital camera 11 that has received this command notifies the computer 1k that the command has been received.
A response frame for notifying the side is transmitted, and the state transits to the sleep state (step S33).

Next, the computer 1k displays the downloaded video information on the display device 14 to provide information to the user (step S34), and waits for a command input from the user (step S35). Here, the user
While confirming the video information on the display device 14, the user selects one or a plurality of videos to download using the pointing device 16 or the input device 18, specifies download, and instructs the end of the processing. It is possible.

When a command is input from the user, the process branches to a process for each command according to the judgments in steps S36, S37 and S38. For example, when the command from the user is a video selection command, the name of the selected video is added to the area for storing the video name to be downloaded on the memory 11 (step S3a). By repeating this process, the user can select a plurality of videos.

If the command from the user is a video transfer command, the process branches to step S3b, and firstly, a WAKEUP signal is transmitted to transition the digital camera 11 currently in the sleep state to the connected state. I do. Digital camera 1 that detected WAKEUP signal
1 sends a signal indicating transition to the connected state to the computer 1k, and then transitions to the connected state.

After the digital camera 11 transitions to the connected state, in the next step S3c, the above-mentioned step S3a
Are sequentially transmitted to the digital camera 11 by requesting that all the images stored in the memory 11 be transferred by repeating the above processing. Digital camera 1l
Returns the specified video data to the computer 1k upon receiving the transfer instruction frame. And
The confirmation of reception of the video data received by the computer 1k is transmitted to the user by means such as display on a display.

When the reception of all the video data specified in the process of step S3a is completed, the computer 1
k transmits an instruction frame requesting the digital camera 11 to transition to the sleep state again. Then, after confirming that the state of the digital camera 11 has transitioned to the sleep state, the process returns to the state of waiting for a command input from the user in step S35.

If the command from the user is a command for instructing the end of the process, the digital camera 11 is switched to the disconnect state in order to disconnect the communication path with the digital camera 11 in step S39. At the same time as transmitting the instruction frame requesting the transition, the communication interface on the computer 1k side is terminated, and all the processes are terminated. Until this command is issued, the user can repeatedly select and transfer the video.

In the flowchart of FIG. 3, the user operates the digital camera 11 on the computer 1k.
The above description has been made by taking as an example a model in which a plurality of videos are selected and then video data is downloaded from the digital camera 11. is not.

In the following, a control command frame for imaging is sent from the computer 1k to the digital camera 11 to cause the digital camera 11 to execute a shooting operation, and the state of the digital camera 11 is monitored on the computer 1k during shooting. The case where a command to switch the operation mode according to the state of the digital camera 11 is transmitted will be described.

The digital camera 11 is a computer 1k
It is possible to interpret the instruction frame received from the PC and operate according to the instruction. Computer 1k
Provides an input unit and an operation confirmation unit for a user to remotely control the digital camera 11 from the computer 1k, thereby transmitting a control command frame in accordance with a user's instruction, and capturing an image of the digital camera 11l. It is possible to control.

At this time, it is necessary to perform the processing of step S31 described with reference to FIG. 3 before the frame of the control command is transmitted to the digital camera 11. Thereafter, the computer 1k transmits an instruction frame requesting the camera to transmit a necessary status while controlling the digital camera 11 while transmitting a command frame and receiving a response frame from the digital camera 11 according to a user's instruction. Then, a response frame from the digital camera 11 is received.

The computer 1k analyzes the received response frame, and transmits a frame for controlling the operation mode of the digital camera 11 according to the status of the digital camera 11l. For example, when the occurrence of an event that cannot control the photographing of the digital camera 11 from the computer 1k is detected, such as when the lens of the digital camera 11 is capped, the sleep mode is set to the digital camera 11. Send the requested instruction frame.

As a result, the digital camera 11 is temporarily set to the sleep state, and thereafter, the display device 14 or the like is used to report to the user that the lens cap of the digital camera 11 is attached. Then, the object of the present invention described above can be achieved by changing the operation mode of the digital camera 11 again after the state in which the photographing cannot be controlled is avoided.

In this example, the computer 1
k, the status of the digital camera 11 is inquired. However, the digital camera 11 detects an event indicating that the status has changed, transmits a frame for reporting to the computer 1k, and the computer 1k responds to the report. It is also possible to control the operation mode of 1l. Further, the operation mode can be controlled by the digital camera 11 itself.

In the above embodiment, the digital camera 11 is provided with three operation modes, ie, an execution mode, a sleep mode, and a non-execution mode. However, the present invention provides a camera having no sleep mode, ie, an execution / non-execution mode. It is also applicable to having only two modes of operation.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a power saving camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the camera of this embodiment includes an image pickup system 4-1, a storage device 4-2, and a main CPU 4-4, which are connected by a bus 4-3. Above imaging system 4-
The video data captured by the main CPU 4-4
Is stored in the storage device 4-2.

The operation system 4-6 detects whether an operation button (not shown) of the camera or the like is pressed, and notifies the sub CPU 4-5 of the result. The sub CPU 4-5 manages all the switches, buttons, and power supply including the camera operation system 4-6, and keeps track of whether the camera is ready for shooting and whether communication is possible. ing. Also, the sub CPU
4-5 constantly monitors a specific signal line of the I / O port 4-7 and detects a communication request from a personal computer (PC) 4-8.

The sub CPU 4-5 is connected to the main CPU 4-4, and receives a connection request from the PC 4-8 and an operation system 4-4.
6 and the power supply status (not shown)
Turns on and off the power to PU4-4.

The main CPU 4-4, as described above,
The imaging system 4-1 is controlled to perform imaging, and the obtained video data is stored in the storage device 4-2. Further, it performs necessary processing in accordance with an event from the operation system 4-6 notified from the sub CPU 4-5 and a power supply state. Further, it processes the command sent from the PC 4-8 through the I / O port 4-7, and transmits the processing result to the PC 4-8 through the I / O port 4-7.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the power-saving camera according to this embodiment. Below, FIG.
Details of the processing of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

When the camera is in the standby state, power is not supplied to blocks other than the sub CPU 4-5 in FIG. 4 and no power is consumed. On the other hand, when the camera is in the normal state, power is supplied to all the blocks in FIG. 4 and a large amount of power is consumed. Camera shooting and PC
To communicate with 4-8, it is necessary to be in the normal state. However, since power consumption is large in the normal state, the power consumption can be suppressed by shifting the camera to the standby state when it is not necessary.

In the camera in the standby state, in step S1 of FIG. 5, the sub CPU 4-5 monitors through the I / O port 4-7 whether there is a connection request from the PC 4-8.
Wait for a connection request. When it is detected that a predetermined connection request signal such as a fixed pulse has been transmitted from the PC 4-8, the sub C is detected in the next step S2.
The PU 4-5 turns on the power to the main CPU 4-4 and other blocks.

When the main CPU 4-4 starts up in this way, the main CPU 4-4 executes the initial program. In step S3, the main CPU 4-4 recognizes that the start-up factor is a connection request from the PC 4-8. At PC
Start the communication program to communicate with 4-8. This communication program negotiates communication conditions in step S4 to establish a connection with the PC 4-8. Here, the communication protocol, the communication speed, and the like are determined, and the subsequent communication is performed according to the communication protocol and the communication speed.

When the negotiation of the communication conditions is completed, the camera notifies the PC 4-8 of the connection in step S5. PC4-8 by this notice
Recognizes that the camera has transitioned to the normal state. Then, in step S6, the camera communicates with the PC 4-8 and performs various processes according to commands from the PC 4-8. Operations such as photographing under the control of the PC 4-8 and transmitting video data held in the storage device 4-2 to the PC 4-8 are performed here.

Next, in step S7, it is checked whether or not a requirement for disconnecting communication has occurred. The requirements for disconnecting the communication are that no communication is performed at all for a predetermined period of time, communication cannot be continued due to insufficient battery power, and a removable storage device is removed from the camera for shooting and For example, reading of video data cannot be performed, an internal error has been detected, and the like. These communication disconnection requirements are constantly monitored by the main CPU 4-4 and the sub CPU 4-5 while performing communication. As a result of the check, if there is no communication disconnection requirement, the process returns to step S6 and communication is continued.

On the other hand, if any communication disconnection requirement is detected in step S7, a communication disconnection is notified to the PC 4-8 in step S8. As a result, the PC 4-8 recognizes that the connection with the camera has been disconnected, and can perform post-processing. Further, it can be recognized that the connection request signal must be transmitted again to restart the communication.

After notifying the PC 4-8 of the disconnection of the communication in this way, in the next step S9, the camera performs the operation end processing of each block in the camera. Thereafter, the supply of power to each block including the main CPU 4-4 is cut off by the sub CPU 4-5, and the camera transitions to a standby state. As described above, in this state, the power consumption is minimized.

In this standby state, the camera proceeds to step S10
Waiting for the release of the communication disconnection requirement. For example, if disconnection is performed because a removable storage device is removed, communication becomes possible by re-attaching the storage device, so that the procedure from step S2 is performed again, and the main CPU 4-4 is executed. Turn on the power to the other blocks and resume communication.

When a disconnection is made due to no communication for a certain period of time, the procedure from step S2 is performed again by detecting a connection request signal from the PC 4-8, and the main CPU 4-4 Turn on the power to the block and restart communication. When the communication is resumed, the connection notification is transmitted from the camera to the PC 4-8, so that the PC 4-8 side can grasp the state of the camera.

Next, in step S11, a timeout in the standby state is monitored. If the connection request signal is not sent from the PC 4-8 after a certain period of time while the camera is in the standby state, or if the communication disconnection requirement on the camera side is not canceled, the power supply to the sub CPU 4-5 itself is also cut off. Then, the camera is completely stopped. In this state, the camera does not operate unless the power switch of the camera body is turned on again.

According to the above procedure, power consumption can be suppressed even for a camera having no external power supply.
As a result, the duration of the battery can be extended, and reconnection with the PC 4-8 can be performed smoothly. That is, according to the second embodiment, when the camera is connected to the PC 4-8 to perform photographing, transfer of video data, etc., a power source other than the minimum blocks such as the sub CPU 4-5 is turned off unless necessary. By shutting off, the power consumption of the camera can be suppressed, and the operation time of the camera having only a limited battery can be extended. Further, since the status of the camera is reported to the PC 4-8 each time, the PC 4-8 can always grasp the status of the camera, and can smoothly resume communication.

In the above embodiment, when the camera is in the standby state, the power consumption is suppressed by shutting off all the power supplies of the blocks except the sub CPU 4-5. However, the main CPU 4-4 performs all the operations. If it supports a normal state that can be operated, and a hibernate state that is powered on but consumes less power than the normal state, it can not operate but can transition to the normal state immediately,
Depending on the contents of the communication disconnection requirement, it may be possible to transit to the sleep state instead of the standby state.

In the case of transition to the sleep state, the power consumption is larger than in the standby state, but the contents (the state before entering the sleep state) of the RAM (not shown) managed by the main CPU 4-4 are retained. Therefore, when the communication request signal from the PC 4-8 is detected, it is possible to promptly transition to the state immediately before transition to the hibernation state. That is, there is no need to redo negotiation of communication conditions. Therefore, communication can be resumed earlier.

In the first and second embodiments described above,
Although a computer and a camera have been described as examples, interface devices, readers, printers,
It is also possible to use peripheral devices such as a copying machine and a facsimile machine.

Further, in order to operate various devices so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by an apparatus connected to the various devices or a computer in a system. The present invention also includes programs implemented by supplying the program code of the software described above and operating the various devices according to programs stored in a computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus.

In this case, the program code of the software implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the program code itself and means for supplying the program code to a computer are provided.
For example, a storage medium storing such a program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for storing such a program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM,
A magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

Further, when the computer executes the supplied program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (operating system) or other operating system running on the computer. Needless to say, even when the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized in cooperation with application software or the like, such program codes are included in the embodiments of the present invention.

Further, after the supplied program code is stored in a memory provided on a function expansion board of a computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board or the function expansion unit is specified based on the instruction of the program code. It is needless to say that the present invention also includes a case where the CPU or the like provided in the first embodiment performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0083]

As described above, the present invention provides a normal execution mode for executing all instructions sent from an information processing apparatus in response to a control signal given to a peripheral device, and a part or all of the instructions. The non-execution mode in which only the operation mode is controlled without executing the operation is appropriately changed, and the power to be supplied is controlled in accordance with the change. Therefore, the non-execution mode is set when the operation of the peripheral device is not necessary. Thus, the power consumption of peripheral devices can be reduced. As a result, the battery duration of a peripheral device (particularly, an imaging device) having no external power supply can be made longer than before. Further, even in the non-execution mode, since the power supply of the peripheral device is not completely turned off, it is possible to shift to the execution mode without much burden on the user.

According to another feature of the present invention, as the operation mode of the peripheral device, only the control of the operation mode is performed without executing some or all of the instructions sent from the information processing device. A sleep mode for storing the state in the execution mode in the memory and restoring the state stored in the memory upon transition to the execution mode is further provided, so that the operation mode of the peripheral device is set to the sleep mode. in case of,
When exiting from the sleep mode, it is sufficient to simply return to the state stored in the memory, so that it is possible to quickly return to the immediately preceding execution mode.

According to another feature of the present invention, the setting of the operation mode of the peripheral device as described above is performed according to the control signal sent from the information processing device. When communicating with the processing device, the operation mode (that is, power consumption) of the peripheral device can be controlled by an instruction from the information processing device, and the peripheral device can be reliably operated according to the instruction from the information processing device. it can. Further, it is not necessary to frequently turn on / off the power switch of the peripheral device, and reconnection with the information processing device can be easily performed, so that the burden on the user can be reduced.

According to another feature of the present invention, the above-described operation mode is set according to the operation status of the peripheral device, and is set each time the operation status of the peripheral device changes. Since the information processing device is configured to transmit the information to the information processing device, the information processing device can always grasp the state of the peripheral device. The operation mode can be smoothly changed according to the state of the device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a main part of an information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a state transition diagram of the digital camera during communication.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process when controlling the operation mode of the digital camera during communication with the computer.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a main part of a camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 11 memory 12 CPU 13 interface with display device 14 display device 15 interface with pointing device 16 pointing device 17 interface with input device 18 input device 19 communication interface 1a system bus 1b cable 1c imaging system 1d sub CPU 1e memory 1f main CPU 1g Power Controller 1h Battery 1i DC / DC Converter 1j Communication Interface 1k Computer 11 Digital Camera 1n Storage 21 Disconnect 22 Connect 23 Sleep (Hibernate) 4-1 Imaging System 4-2 Storage 4-3 Bus 4 -4 Main CPU 4-5 Sub CPU 4-6 Operation system 4-7 I / O port 4-8 Personal computer (PC)

Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. A peripheral device operable in response to a command sent from an information processing device, wherein the peripheral device executes a normal execution mode for executing all commands sent from the information processing device; A non-execution mode for performing only the control of the operation mode without executing a part or all of the operation mode, and a mode setting means for setting any one of the execution mode and the non-execution mode in accordance with a given control signal And a power supply control means for controlling power to be supplied according to the mode set by the mode setting means. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein only the control of the operation mode is performed without executing a part or all of the instructions sent from the information processing apparatus, and a state in the execution mode is stored in a memory. And a sleep mode for restoring the state stored in the memory at the time of the transition to the mode. The mode setting means sets any one of the execution mode, the non-execution mode, and the sleep mode according to a given control signal. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral device is set. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said mode setting means sets any one of operation modes by a control signal given according to a communication state with said information processing apparatus.
Or the peripheral device according to 2. 4. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the mode setting means sets one of the operation modes by a control signal given according to an operation state of the peripheral device. 5. The peripheral device according to claim 3, wherein said mode setting means sets an operation mode in accordance with a control signal sent from said information processing device. 6. The mode setting means transmits the operation status of the peripheral device itself to the information processing device, waits for an instruction from the information processing device, and responds to a control signal sent from the information processing device. 5. The peripheral device according to claim 4, wherein any one of the operation modes is set. 7. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral device is an imaging device. 8. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral device includes an image pickup unit and a supply unit that supplies power for driving the power supply control unit. 9. The peripheral device according to claim 8, wherein said supply means is a battery. 10. An information processing apparatus configured to be able to control the operation of a peripheral device by transmitting a predetermined command, wherein the operation mode of the peripheral device is to execute all received commands. And a mode control means for transmitting a control signal for setting the control mode to one of an execution mode and a non-execution mode in which only the operation mode is controlled without executing a part or all of the instruction. Information processing device. 11. The mode control means may control only the operation mode without executing a part or all of the instruction, in addition to the execution mode and the non-execution mode, as the operation mode set in the peripheral device. 11. The information according to claim 10, further comprising a sleep mode in which a state in the execution mode is stored in a memory, and a state stored in the memory is restored when a transition to the execution mode is made. Processing equipment. 12. An information processing system comprising an information processing device and a peripheral device thereof, wherein the information processing system is configured to be able to control the operation of the peripheral device by transmitting a predetermined command from the information processing device. In the peripheral device, a normal execution mode in which all instructions sent from the information processing device are executed, and a non-execution mode in which only the operation mode is controlled without executing some or all of the instructions. A mode setting means for setting one of the execution mode and the non-execution mode in accordance with a given control signal; and controlling power to be supplied in accordance with the mode set by the mode setting means. A power control unit, wherein the information processing device transmits a control signal for setting an operation mode of the peripheral device to one of the execution mode and the non-execution mode. The information processing system comprising the over de control means. 13. The peripheral device performs only control of an operation mode without executing a part or all of a command sent from the information processing device, and stores a state in the execution mode in a memory. And a rest mode for restoring the state stored in the memory at the time of transition to the execution mode, wherein the mode setting means determines whether or not the execution mode is in response to a control signal given from the mode control means. The information processing system according to claim 12, wherein the information processing system is configured to be set to one of an execution mode and a sleep mode. 14. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the mode control means transmits a control signal for setting one of the operation modes according to a communication state between the information processing apparatus and the peripheral device. 14. The information processing system according to claim 13. 15. The peripheral device, after transmitting its own operation status to the information processing device, waits for an instruction from the information processing device, and operates in response to a control signal sent from the information processing device. 14. The information processing system according to claim 12, wherein a mode is set. 16. The information processing system according to claim 12, wherein the peripheral device includes an image pickup unit and a supply unit that supplies electric power for driving the power supply control unit. 17. The information processing system according to claim 16, wherein said supply means is a battery. 18. A power supply control method for a peripheral device configured to be able to control the operation of the peripheral device by transmitting a predetermined command from the information processing device, wherein the operation mode of the peripheral device is A control that can be given either a normal execution mode in which all the instructions sent from the information processing apparatus are executed or a non-execution mode in which only the operation mode is controlled without executing some or all of the instructions. A power supply control method for a peripheral device, comprising: a step of setting according to a signal; and a step of controlling power to be supplied according to the set mode. 19. The method according to claim 1, wherein only the control of the operation mode is performed without executing some or all of the instructions sent from the information processing apparatus, and the state in the execution mode is stored in a memory. The power supply control method for a peripheral device according to claim 18, further comprising a sleep mode for restoring a state stored in the memory at the time of a transition to (i). 20. The power supply for a peripheral device according to claim 18, wherein said peripheral device includes an image pickup unit and a supply unit for supplying power for driving a power supply control unit of said peripheral device. Control method. 21. The method according to claim 20, wherein said supply means is a battery. 22. A medium storing the steps constituting the power supply control method according to claim 18 in a manner readable from the information processing device or the peripheral device.