WO2009104393A1 - カメラモジュール - Google Patents
カメラモジュール Download PDFInfo
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- WO2009104393A1 WO2009104393A1 PCT/JP2009/000678 JP2009000678W WO2009104393A1 WO 2009104393 A1 WO2009104393 A1 WO 2009104393A1 JP 2009000678 W JP2009000678 W JP 2009000678W WO 2009104393 A1 WO2009104393 A1 WO 2009104393A1
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- Prior art keywords
- unit
- memory
- power supply
- camera
- camera module
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- 238000003384 imaging method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 62
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 61
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 51
- 230000005672 electromagnetic field Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 230000005674 electromagnetic induction Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 30
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 14
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000013500 data storage Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000007274 generation of a signal involved in cell-cell signaling Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008054 signal transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001360 synchronised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009466 transformation Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B17/00—Details of cameras or camera bodies; Accessories therefor
- G03B17/02—Bodies
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/26—Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/57—Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/60—Control of cameras or camera modules
- H04N23/65—Control of camera operation in relation to power supply
- H04N23/651—Control of camera operation in relation to power supply for reducing power consumption by affecting camera operations, e.g. sleep mode, hibernation mode or power off of selective parts of the camera
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/60—Control of cameras or camera modules
- H04N23/66—Remote control of cameras or camera parts, e.g. by remote control devices
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N25/00—Circuitry of solid-state image sensors [SSIS]; Control thereof
- H04N25/70—SSIS architectures; Circuits associated therewith
- H04N25/76—Addressed sensors, e.g. MOS or CMOS sensors
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a camera module, and more particularly to a camera module that transmits and receives data to and from other devices by wireless communication.
- a large-capacity recording device such as a nonvolatile memory is built in the camera. Then, after the image is recorded on the recording device, that is, the image taken after the end of the photographing is taken out.
- the non-volatile memory is mounted on the digital camera, for example, the non-volatile memory and an external computer are connected, and an image taken by the digital camera is taken out.
- a non-volatile memory is not mounted on the digital camera, for example, a digital camera and an external computer are connected. An image photographed by the digital camera is transmitted and taken out as image data by a signal transmission cable connecting the digital camera and an external computer.
- Patent Document 1 a method of transmitting image data and camera control signals by incorporating a wireless device in a digital camera has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).
- Patent Document 2 proposes a wireless IC that does not require power supply from a battery and operates with power generated by electromagnetic induction from an external electromagnetic wave or a radiation electromagnetic field method.
- Patent Document 1 the prior art in Patent Document 1 below will be described.
- FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional camera module 900. As shown in FIG.
- the camera module 900 includes a camera unit 910, a memory 920, a wireless IC unit 930, an antenna unit 940, and a power supply unit 950.
- the camera unit 910 includes an imaging optical system 911 that forms a subject image, an imaging element 912 that converts image information including an optical signal of the subject into an electrical signal, and a DSP 913 for signal processing that converts it into a digital signal.
- a subject image is formed through the imaging optical system 911, and converted into image data of an electrical signal indicating image information by the imaging element 912.
- the converted image data of the electric signal is subjected to predetermined processing by the DSP 913 and digitized.
- the digitized image data is output to the memory 920.
- image data captured by the camera unit 910 is stored.
- the wireless IC unit 930 wirelessly transmits the image data stored in the memory 920 via the antenna unit 940.
- the power supply unit 950 includes a battery and a constant voltage circuit, and supplies power to the image sensor 912 and the DSP 913, the memory 920, and the wireless IC unit 930 in the camera unit 910.
- the power supply unit 950 always supplies power to the wireless IC unit 930 and the memory 920.
- FIG. 10A, 10B, and 10C are diagrams for explaining an imaging sequence in the conventional camera module 900.
- FIG. FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating an imaging sequence in the camera unit 910, a power supply source to the camera unit 910, the memory 920, and the wireless IC unit 930 at that time, and a state of battery consumption in the power source unit 950.
- FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating a power supply source and its power supply path 991 during imaging.
- FIG. 10C is a diagram illustrating a power supply source, a power supply path 992, and a reception / transmission electromagnetic wave 993 when the wireless IC unit 930 is in operation.
- the power supply unit 950 is connected to the wireless IC unit 930 when the wireless IC unit 930 is stopped (when the camera unit 910 operates during imaging) or when the wireless IC unit 930 is operated. Power is supplied to the memory 920.
- JP 2006-270308 A Japanese Patent No. 3528899
- Patent Document 1 has the following problems.
- the power supply unit 950 built in the camera module 900 is used not only as a power supply source for the memory 920 and the wireless IC unit 930, which are, for example, a nonvolatile memory, but also as an operation power supply source for the wireless IC unit 930.
- the wireless transmission consumes a large amount of power, and if the wireless transmission is frequently performed, battery consumption in the power supply unit 950 becomes intense, and the operation time (number of shots) of the camera device is shortened. Therefore, in order to extend the operation time, it is necessary to increase the size of the battery in the power supply unit 950, leading to an increase in size of the camera device.
- the present invention has been made in view of the above problems in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a camera module capable of downsizing and low power consumption.
- a camera module is a camera module that transmits and receives data to and from other devices by wireless communication, images a shooting target, and captures the captured imaging information as image data.
- a camera unit that outputs the image data a memory that stores the image data, an antenna unit that is used for transmission or reception by wireless communication, a wireless communication unit that transmits the image data by wireless communication, and the antenna unit.
- An electromagnetic power supply unit that receives electromagnetic waves used in wireless communication and generates power by electromagnetic induction from the received electromagnetic waves or a radiated electromagnetic field, a power supply unit that supplies power to at least the camera unit, and the camera module Depending on the state of power, either one of the electromagnetic wave power supply unit and the power supply unit is used as a power supply for supplying power to the memory. Characterized in that it comprises a memory power controller for selecting.
- the memory power supply control unit can switch the power supply source to the memory from the power supply unit to the electromagnetic wave power supply unit according to the state of the camera module so as not to waste the power of the power supply unit. . Therefore, it is possible to reduce the power consumed by the power supply unit for the operation of the memory. Therefore, even if radio transmission is frequently performed, the power consumption is reduced, and the operation time (number of shots) of the camera device is not shortened. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase the size of the power supply unit in order to extend the operation time. Thereby, a camera module that can be reduced in size and power consumption can be realized.
- the memory power supply control unit may select the electromagnetic wave power supply unit when the wireless communication unit is transmitting the image data or receiving the control information.
- the memory power supply control unit can switch the power supply source to the memory from the power supply unit to the electromagnetic wave power supply unit. Can be reduced. Therefore, even if radio transmission is frequently performed, the power consumption is reduced, and the operation time (number of shots) of the camera device is not shortened. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase the size of the power supply unit in order to extend the operation time. Thereby, a camera module that can be reduced in size and power consumption can be realized.
- the wireless communication unit may further receive control information for controlling the camera unit by wireless communication, and the camera unit may capture an image according to the control information.
- the camera control information received by the wireless communication unit is stored in the memory, so that the operation condition of the camera unit 110 can be changed by wireless operation.
- the memory power supply control unit may select the power supply unit when the power generated by the electromagnetic wave power supply unit is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.
- This configuration can guarantee the supply of the minimum power necessary for the operation of the camera module. Therefore, it is possible to switch the power supply source from the power supply unit to the electromagnetic power supply unit while guaranteeing the supply of the minimum power necessary for the operation of the camera module. Can be reduced.
- the memory includes a nonvolatile memory, and the memory power control unit further stops power supply to the memory when the camera unit and the wireless communication unit are not operating. May be.
- This configuration can realize a camera module that can further reduce power consumption.
- the wireless communication unit stores the received control information in the memory, and the camera unit performs an imaging operation based on the camera control information stored in the memory, and stores the control information in the camera control information. May include at least one of a shooting start signal, an exposure time, a gain at the time of shooting, and a shooting interval.
- the wireless communication unit may not transmit the image data stored in the memory when the camera unit is performing an imaging operation.
- the memory may not store new image data when the wireless communication unit is performing an operation of transmitting the image data or an operation of receiving the control signal.
- the camera unit includes an image sensor that captures an imaging target, and a signal processing unit that performs signal processing on the imaging information captured by the image sensor and outputs the image information as image data.
- the camera unit, the memory, and the wireless communication unit may be controlled.
- the wireless communication unit, the electromagnetic wave power source unit, and at least one of the memory and the memory power source control unit may be configured as an integrated circuit.
- the signal processing unit and at least one of the memory and the memory power control unit may be configured as an integrated circuit.
- an integrated circuit of a camera module includes a camera unit that captures an image of a subject and outputs the captured image information as image data.
- An integrated circuit provided in a camera module for transmitting and receiving the image data a memory storing the image data, an antenna unit used for transmission or reception by wireless communication, and a wireless communication unit for transmitting the image data by wireless communication
- An electromagnetic wave power supply unit that receives electromagnetic waves used in wireless communication via the antenna unit and generates power by electromagnetic induction from the received electromagnetic waves or a radiated electromagnetic field, and supplies power to at least the camera unit
- a power source for supplying power to the memory, and a power source for selecting the electromagnetic wave power source or the power source.
- a controlling unit a controlling unit.
- the power consumption when transmitting image data by the wireless communication unit can be substantially eliminated, and the power consumption necessary for the operation of the camera module can be greatly reduced.
- the operating time of the camera module to be used can be greatly extended.
- the camera control information received by the wireless communication unit is stored in the memory, so that the operating conditions of the camera unit can be changed from outside by wireless communication.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera module of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of the usage state of the camera module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
- FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an imaging sequence in the camera module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
- FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an imaging sequence in the camera module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
- FIG. 3C is a diagram showing an imaging sequence in the camera module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an imaging sequence in the camera module according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an imaging sequence in the camera module according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera module according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera module according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera module according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional camera module.
- FIG. 10A is a diagram for explaining an imaging sequence in a conventional camera module.
- FIG. 10B is a diagram for explaining an imaging sequence in a conventional camera module.
- FIG. 10C is a diagram for explaining an imaging sequence in the conventional camera module.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera module 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
- the camera module 100 includes a camera unit 110, a storage memory 120, a wireless IC unit 130, an antenna unit 140, a power supply unit 150, and a memory power supply control unit 160.
- the camera unit 110 includes an imaging optical system 111, an imaging element 112, and a DSP 113 for signal processing.
- the camera unit 110 captures a subject image to be captured and records the captured image data in the storage memory 120.
- the imaging optical system 111 is composed of, for example, a lens and a lens barrel that holds the lens, and forms an object image to be imaged by the camera module 100 on the light receiving surface of the imaging element 112.
- the image sensor 112 is composed of, for example, a CCD image sensor or a C-MOS type image sensor, and converts image information indicating a subject image formed through the image pickup optical system 111 into an electric signal.
- the DSP 113 converts an electrical signal indicating image information into a digital signal. That is, the DSP 113 performs predetermined processing on the image data indicating the subject image converted into an electric signal by the image sensor 112 and converts the image data into digitized image data.
- the digitized image data is output to the storage memory 120 and stored.
- the DSP 113 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like.
- the DSP 113 controls the imaging device 112, the storage memory 120, and the wireless IC unit 130 in cooperation with various programs stored in the ROM, and performs control and processing related to imaging operation, data storage, or wireless communication, for example. Execute.
- the storage memory 120 stores the digitized image data output from the camera unit 110.
- the storage memory 120 stores various setting data of the camera module 100.
- the storage memory 120 is configured by a volatile memory such as SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory), or a non-volatile memory such as FLASH-ROM, EEPROM, or FRAM.
- a volatile memory such as SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory)
- a non-volatile memory such as FLASH-ROM, EEPROM, or FRAM.
- the storage memory 120 is preferably constituted by a nonvolatile memory, the following description will be made assuming that the storage memory 120 is constituted by a nonvolatile memory.
- the antenna unit 140 includes a capacitor 141 and an antenna coil 142.
- the antenna unit 140 is connected to the wireless IC unit 130.
- the antenna unit 140 includes an antenna coil 142 and a capacitor 141, and generates electric power by electromagnetic induction or a radiated electromagnetic field from received high-frequency electromagnetic waves.
- the antenna unit 140 transmits the generated power to the wireless IC unit 130.
- the wireless IC unit 130 includes a power supply unit 131, a transmission / reception circuit 132, and a logic circuit 133.
- the wireless IC unit 130 wirelessly transmits the image data stored in the storage memory 120 via the antenna unit 140.
- the wireless IC unit 130 stores the reception data received via the antenna unit 140 in the storage memory 120.
- the power supply unit 131 converts the power transmitted from the antenna unit 140 to a constant power.
- the power supply unit 131 transmits the constant power to the logic circuit 133.
- the power supply unit 131 transmits a part of the constant power to the memory power supply control unit 160.
- the power supply unit 131 outputs an instruction signal for instructing the power used by the storage memory 120 and the memory power supply control unit 160 to be the power from the power supply unit 131 to the memory power supply control unit 160.
- the transmission / reception circuit 132 modulates the image data output from the logic circuit 133 into a high-frequency signal and superimposes it on a carrier wave.
- the transmission / reception circuit 132 transmits image data modulated into a frequency signal via the antenna unit 140.
- the transmission / reception circuit 132 receives the camera control information superimposed on the high frequency electromagnetic wave via the antenna unit 140.
- the transmission / reception circuit 132 separates and demodulates the received camera control information.
- the separated / demodulated camera control information is output to the logic circuit 133.
- the logic circuit 133 reads the image data stored in the storage memory 120 and outputs it to the transmission / reception circuit 132.
- the logic circuit 133 stores the camera control information output from the transmission / reception circuit 132 in the storage memory 120.
- the power supply unit 150 includes a battery 151 made of, for example, a primary battery or a secondary battery for operating the camera module 100, and a constant voltage circuit 152. Note that a booster circuit may be used instead of the constant voltage circuit 152.
- the power supply unit 150 supplies necessary power to each unit in the camera module 100.
- the units are the image sensor 112, the DSP 113, the storage memory 120, and the memory power control unit 160.
- the memory power supply control unit 160 selects either the power from the wireless IC unit 130 or the power from the power supply unit 150 according to the state of the camera module 100 and supplies the power to the storage memory 120.
- the memory power control unit 160 controls the supply and stop of power to the storage memory 120 according to instructions from the camera unit 110 and the wireless IC unit 130.
- the memory power supply control unit 160 receives a start instruction signal from the DSP 113 in the camera unit 110 and starts supplying power from the power supply unit 150 to the storage memory 120.
- the memory power supply control unit 160 receives a stop instruction signal from the DSP 113 in the camera unit 110 and stops the power supply from the power supply unit 150 to the storage memory 120.
- the memory power control unit 160 receives a start instruction signal from the wireless IC unit 130 and starts supplying power from the wireless IC unit 130 to the storage memory 120.
- the memory power control unit 160 receives the stop instruction signal from the DSP 113 in the camera unit 110 and stops the power supply from the wireless IC unit 130 to the storage memory 120.
- FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of the usage state of the camera module 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
- the camera module 100 is used in a pair with the transmission / reception device 200 and performs transmission / reception by radio waves.
- the transmission / reception apparatus 200 includes an antenna coil 201, a radio wave transmission / reception unit 202, a reception data storage unit 203, and a camera control signal generation unit 204.
- the camera control signal generation unit 204 generates and outputs camera control signals such as gain at the time of imaging and exposure time.
- the radio wave transmission / reception unit 202 modulates the camera control signal output from the camera control signal generation unit 204 into a high frequency signal and superimposes it on a carrier wave.
- the radio wave transmission / reception unit 202 oscillates from the antenna coil 201 a camera control signal modulated to a high frequency signal and superimposed on a carrier wave.
- the radio wave transmission / reception unit 202 separates and demodulates image data from the high frequency signal received by the antenna coil 201. The separated and demodulated image data is output to the received data storage unit 203.
- the reception data storage unit 203 stores the image data output from the radio wave transmission / reception unit 202.
- the wireless IC unit 130 in the camera module 100 performs load modulation of the antenna unit 140 according to transmission data to be transmitted, and modulates the intensity of the demagnetizing field generated by the electromagnetic wave.
- the transmission / reception device 200 receives data from the camera module 100 by separating and demodulating the load variation on the antenna coil 201 generated by the demagnetizing field modulated by the wireless IC unit 130.
- this wireless transmission system has been put into practical use, for example, with IC cards, RF tags, and the like.
- This wireless transmission method is preferable because it is not necessary to prepare a power source for wireless transmission on the camera module 100 side.
- the wireless IC unit 130 is only a method that generates an electromotive force by a radiated electromagnetic field method instead of an electromagnetic induction method, or a method that generates an electromotive force by both electromagnetic induction method and radiated electromagnetic field method.
- the effect is not changed, and the difference depending on the method of obtaining the power of the wireless IC unit does not affect the contents implemented in the present invention.
- the camera unit 110 outputs to the memory power source control unit 160 an instruction signal that instructs the power source unit 150 to start supplying power to the storage memory 120 when the photographing starts.
- the memory power supply control unit 160 supplies power from the power supply unit 150 to the storage memory 120 in accordance with the instruction indicated by the instruction signal from the camera unit 110.
- the camera unit 110 images a subject based on camera control information (for example, gain, exposure time, etc.) stored in the storage memory 120.
- the camera unit 110 stores the captured image data of the subject in the storage memory 120.
- the DSP 113 in the camera unit 110 outputs an instruction signal instructing the transition to the sleep state to the image sensor 112, and power from the power supply unit 150 to the storage memory 120.
- An instruction signal for stopping the supply is output to the memory power supply control unit 160.
- the image sensor 112 shifts to the sleep state according to the instruction indicated by the instruction signal from the DSP 113.
- the sleep state is a state in which the operation of the circuit is stopped or nearly stopped, and the power consumption is 0 or extremely small.
- the memory power supply control unit 160 stops the power supply from the power supply unit 150 to the storage memory 120 in accordance with the instruction indicated by the instruction signal from the DSP 113.
- the storage memory 120 is composed of a non-volatile memory, and even when the power supply is stopped, the stored image data and camera control information are not lost.
- the camera module 100 can operate even if the power supply from the memory power control unit 160 is not stopped even after the photographing of the camera unit 110 is completed.
- the effect of reducing power consumption of the invention in this embodiment is significantly reduced.
- the wireless IC unit 130 uses the power used by the storage memory 120 and the memory power control unit 160 as the power from the wireless IC unit 130. Is output to the memory power supply control unit 160.
- the power supply unit 131 converts the electric power generated by the electromagnetic induction of the antenna coil 142 or the radiated electromagnetic field to a constant voltage, supplies it to the logic circuit 133, and controls a part of the generated electric power to the memory power supply. Output to the unit 160.
- the power supply unit 131 outputs an instruction signal instructing the power supply source to the storage memory 120 and the memory power supply control unit 160 to be the power from the power supply unit 131.
- the memory power control unit 160 starts power supply from the wireless IC unit 130 to the storage memory 120 in accordance with an instruction indicated by the instruction signal from the wireless IC 130.
- the wireless IC unit 130 reads out the image data from the storage memory 120 by the logic circuit 133 and outputs the read-out image data to the transmission / reception circuit 132.
- the wireless IC unit 130 modulates the image data output from the logic circuit 133 into a high frequency signal by the transmission / reception circuit 132, superimposes it on a carrier wave, and transmits it from the antenna coil 142.
- the wireless IC unit 130 separates and demodulates the camera control information superimposed on the received high-frequency electromagnetic wave by the transmission / reception circuit 132 and outputs it to the logic circuit 133.
- the logic circuit 133 stores the camera control signal separated and modulated by the transmission / reception circuit 132 in the storage memory 120.
- transmission / reception of camera control information and image data is performed between the camera module 100 and the transmission / reception device 200.
- FIG. 3A, 3B, and 3C are diagrams showing an imaging sequence in the camera module 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
- FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating a power supply source to the storage memory 120 and the wireless IC unit 130 in the imaging sequence, and how the battery 151 is consumed in the power supply unit 150 at that time.
- FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating a power supply source and a power supply path 191 during the imaging operation.
- FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating a power supply source, a power supply path 192, and a reception / transmission electromagnetic wave 193 when the wireless IC unit 130 is in operation.
- the memory power source control unit 160 selects power from the power source unit 150 and supplies the selected power to the storage memory 120. Conversely, when the wireless IC unit 130 is operating, the memory power control unit 160 selects the power from the wireless IC unit 130 and supplies the selected power to the storage memory 120. That is, the memory power supply control unit 160 uses the power from the wireless IC unit 130 and the power supply unit 150 according to the state of the camera module 100 including the case of receiving the instruction signal so as not to waste the power of the power supply unit 150. And the power is supplied to the storage memory 120.
- the battery in the power supply unit 150 is compared with the case where the power from the power supply unit 150 is supplied to the wireless IC unit 130 and the storage memory 120 during the imaging operation of the camera unit 110 and the operation of the wireless IC unit 130.
- the use of 151 electric power can be reduced.
- the power consumption at the time of image data transmission by the wireless IC unit 130 can be substantially eliminated, and the power consumption necessary for the operation of the camera module 100 can be greatly reduced.
- the operation time of the camera module 100 can be greatly extended.
- the operating conditions of the camera unit 110 can be changed from outside by wireless communication.
- the memory power supply control unit 160 stops the power supply to the storage memory 120 as described above. Thereby, the power consumption of the battery 151 in the power supply unit 150 can be further reduced.
- the memory power control unit 160 switches the power supply source to the storage memory 120 to the power supply unit 150 when the power generated by the power supply unit 131 in the wireless IC unit 130 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. Thereby, it is possible to guarantee the supply of the minimum power necessary for the operation of the camera module 100.
- the camera unit 110 performs an imaging operation by periodically starting at an imaging interval based on an interval determined in advance by a ROM or the like or setting data stored in the storage memory 120. At this time, when the imaging operation is started, it is detected that the wireless IC unit 130 is operating, and the imaging operation is prohibited. By performing exclusive control in this way, overwriting of image data in the storage memory 120 can be prevented.
- the wireless system of the wireless IC unit 130 is set to the electromagnetic induction system or the radiated electromagnetic field system, and the power supply source to the storage memory 120 is adaptively switched between the wireless IC unit 130 and the power supply unit 150. As a result, the power consumption of the wireless IC unit 130 and the memory power source control unit 160 can be reduced.
- the battery 151 in the power supply unit 150 consumes little, and the operation time (number of shots) of the camera device is not shortened. Therefore, in order to extend the operation time, the battery 151 needs to be enlarged. Also disappear. Thereby, it is possible to realize the camera module 100 that can be reduced in size and power consumption.
- the imaging operation of the camera unit 110 may be started when the wireless IC unit 130 detects that the imaging start signal has been received.
- the DSP 113 may start the imaging operation of the camera unit 110 from the point in time when the DSP 113 detects the imaging start signal included in the camera control signal stored in the storage memory 120 periodically.
- the start of operation of the wireless IC unit 130 may be detected using, for example, an instruction signal for supplying power to the memory power control unit 160 output from the wireless IC unit 130. In that case, the imaging operation of the camera unit 110 is stopped from the time when the instruction signal is detected.
- the camera unit 110 outputs to the memory power supply control unit 160 an instruction signal that instructs the power supply unit 150 to supply power to the storage memory 120 at the start of photographing.
- the memory power supply control unit 160 supplies power from the power supply unit 150 to the storage memory 120 in accordance with an instruction signal from the camera unit 110.
- the memory power control unit 160 selects the power from the wireless IC unit 130 and supplies the power to the storage memory 120.
- the camera unit 110 images a subject based on camera control information (for example, gain, exposure time, etc.) stored in the storage memory 120.
- the camera unit 110 stores the captured image data of the subject in the storage memory 120.
- the wireless IC unit 130 receives the camera control information superimposed on the high-frequency electromagnetic wave via the antenna unit 140 and stores it in the storage memory 120. Perform image data transmission.
- the DSP 113 outputs an instruction signal for instructing the transition to the sleep state to the image sensor 112, and stops the power supply from the power supply unit 150 to the storage memory 120.
- An instruction signal is output to the memory power supply control unit 160.
- the image sensor 112 shifts to the sleep state according to the instruction indicated by the instruction signal from the DSP 113.
- FIG 4 and 5 are diagrams showing an imaging sequence in the camera module 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 illustrates the next imaging operation of the camera unit 110 until the wireless operation of the wireless IC unit 130 starts during the imaging operation of the camera unit 110 and the wireless operation (that is, the transmission operation from the wireless IC unit 130) ends. It is a figure which shows the example when not implementing.
- FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the imaging operation of the camera unit 110 and the wireless operation of the wireless IC unit 130 (that is, the transmission / reception operation from the wireless IC unit 130) are performed simultaneously or in parallel.
- the image data output by the camera unit 110 is overwritten with the image data being transmitted by the wireless IC unit 130.
- the area stored in the storage memory 120 the area for storing the image data output from the camera unit 110 and the area for storing the image data to be transmitted by the wireless IC unit 130 are sequentially switched while the camera unit 110 is switched.
- the imaging operation and the transmission operation of the wireless IC unit 130 are executed.
- the storage area of the storage memory 120 is divided into a plurality of areas, and the image data captured by the camera unit 110 and the wireless IC unit 130 transmission image data area are arranged in different areas. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the transmission image data from being overwritten with the captured image data.
- the memory power control unit 160 switches the power supply source to the storage memory 120 from the power supply unit 150 to the wireless IC unit 130.
- the memory power supply control unit 160 sends a power supply source to the storage memory 120 from the power supply unit 150 to the wireless IC unit 130 according to the state of the camera module 100 so as not to waste the power of the power supply unit 150 as much as possible. And switch. Therefore, the power required for the operation of the storage memory 120 can be reduced.
- the battery 151 in the power supply unit 150 is not consumed, and the operation time (number of shots) of the camera device is not shortened. Therefore, since it is not necessary to increase the size of the battery 151 in order to extend the operation time, the increase in size of the camera device can be prevented. Thereby, it is possible to realize the camera module 100 that can be reduced in size and power consumption.
- Embodiment 3 Next, Embodiment 3 will be described below. Note that the description of the same configuration and the same operation as in the first and second embodiments is omitted.
- FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera module 300 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 shows a configuration example different from those in the first and second embodiments.
- the storage memory 120, the wireless IC unit 130, and the memory power control unit 160 according to the first embodiment are separate components, whereas the wireless IC unit 330 includes the storage memory 320 and The configuration incorporating the memory power supply control unit 360 is different.
- the number of parts mounted on the camera module 300 can be reduced. Therefore, the camera module can be further reduced in size.
- FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera module 500 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 shows a configuration example different from those in the first to third embodiments.
- the storage memory 120 and the memory power control unit 160 according to the first embodiment are different components, whereas the wireless IC unit 530 has a built-in memory power control unit 560. Is different.
- the number of parts mounted on the camera module 500 can be reduced. Therefore, the camera module can be further reduced in size.
- FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the camera module 700 according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 shows another configuration example different from those in the first to fourth embodiments.
- the DSP 113, the storage memory 120, and the memory power control unit 160 according to the first embodiment are different components, whereas the DSP 713 includes a memory power control unit 760 and a storage memory 720.
- the configuration with built-in is different.
- the operation sequence of the camera module 700 and the transmission / reception device 200 is the same as that in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.
- the number of parts mounted on the camera module 700 can be reduced. Therefore, the camera module can be further reduced in size.
- the wireless device is provided in the camera module, and the power of the storage memory for storing the image data captured by the camera as well as the wireless device is used by the induced electromotive force generated by the external electromagnetic wave received by the wireless device. .
- the battery 151 in the power supply unit 150 is not consumed, and the operation time (number of shots) of the camera device is not shortened. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase the size of the battery 151 in order to extend the operation time. Thereby, a camera module that can be reduced in size and power consumption can be realized.
- the camera unit 110 is configured by the imaging element 112 and the DSP 113, but may be configured by an LSI in which the two are integrated.
- the DSP 113 constituting the camera unit 110 in the first embodiment may compress the image data by a compression method such as the JPEG method.
- the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Unless it deviates from the meaning of this invention, the form which carried out the various deformation
- the present invention can be used for a camera module, and in particular, can be used for a camera module used in the field of a surveillance camera, a medical camera, or the like.
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Abstract
Description
110、910 カメラ部
111、911 撮像光学系
112、912 撮像素子
113、713、913 DSP
120、320、720 記憶メモリ
130、330、530、930 無線IC部
131、150、950 電源部
132 送受信回路
133 ロジック回路
140、940 アンテナ部
141 キャパシタ
142 アンテナコイル
151 電池
152 定電圧回路
160、360、560、760 メモリ電源制御部
191、192、991、992 電力供給路
193、993 受送信用電磁波
200 送受信装置
201 アンテナコイル
202 電波送受信部
203 受信データ蓄積部
204 カメラ制御信号生成部
920 メモリ
図1は、本発明の実施の形態1におけるカメラモジュール100の構成を示すブロック図である。
次に、実施の形態2について、以下説明する。なお、実施の形態1と同じ構成及び同じ動作については説明を省略する。
次に、実施の形態3について、以下説明する。なお、実施の形態1及び実施の形態2と同じ構成及び同じ動作については説明を省略する。
次に、実施の形態4について、以下説明する。なお、実施の形態1~実施の形態3と同じ構成及び同じ動作については説明を省略する。
次に、実施の形態5について、以下説明する。なお、実施の形態1~実施の形態4と同じ構成及び同じ動作については説明を省略する。
Claims (12)
- 他の機器との間で無線通信によりデータを送受信するカメラモジュールであって、
撮影対象を撮像し、撮像した撮像情報を画像データとして出力するカメラ部と、
前記画像データを記憶するメモリと、
無線通信による送信または受信に用いられるアンテナ部と、
無線通信により前記画像データの送信を行う無線通信部と、
前記アンテナ部を介して無線通信で用いられる電磁波を受信し、受信した電磁波からの電磁誘導、または、放射電磁界により電力を発生させる電磁波電力電源部と、
少なくとも前記カメラ部に電力を供給する電源部と、
前記カメラモジュールの状態に応じて、前記メモリに電力を供給する電源として、前記電磁波電力電源部及び前記電源部のいずれか一方を選択するメモリ電源制御部とを備える
ことを特徴とするカメラモジュール。 - 前記無線通信部は、さらに、前記カメラ部を制御するための制御情報を無線通信により受信し、
前記カメラ部は、前記制御情報に従って撮像する
ことを特徴とする請求項1に記載のカメラモジュール。 - 前記メモリ電源制御部は、前記無線通信部が前記画像データを送信動作中または前記制御情報を受信動作中である場合には、前記電磁波電力電源部を選択する
ことを特徴とする請求項2に記載のカメラモジュール。 - 前記メモリ電源制御部は、前記電磁波電力電源部の発生する電力が予め定めた閾値以下の場合、前記電源部を選択する
ことを特徴とする請求項1に記載のカメラモジュール。 - 前記メモリは、不揮発性メモリから構成されており、
前記メモリ電源制御部は、さらに、前記カメラ部及び前記無線通信部が動作していない場合には、前記メモリへの電力供給を停止する
ことを特徴とする請求項1に記載のカメラモジュール。 - 前記無線通信部は、受信した前記制御情報を前記メモリに記憶するとともに、
前記カメラ部は、前記メモリに記憶された前記カメラ制御情報に基づいて、撮像動作を行い、
前記カメラ制御情報には、少なくとも、撮影開始信号、露光時間、撮像時のゲイン及び撮影間隔のいずれかを含む
ことを特徴とする請求項2に記載のカメラモジュール。 - 前記無線通信部は、カメラ部が撮像動作中である場合には、前記メモリに記憶された画像データの送信を行わない
ことを特徴とする請求項1に記載のカメラモジュール。 - 前記メモリは、前記無線通信部が前記画像データを送信動作中または前記制御信号を受信動作中の場合には、新たな画像データを記憶しない
ことを特徴とする請求項1に記載のカメラモジュール。 - 前記カメラ部は、撮影対象を撮像する撮像素子と、前記撮像素子により撮像された撮像情報を信号処理して画像データとして出力する信号処理部とを備え、
前記信号処理部は、さらに、前記カメラ部、前記メモリ及び前記無線通信部を制御する
ことを特徴とする請求項1に記載のカメラモジュール。 - 前記無線通信部と、前記電磁波電力電源部と、前記メモリ及び前記メモリ電源制御部の少なくとも一方とは、一体の集積回路として構成される
ことを特徴とする請求項1に記載のカメラモジュール。 - 前記信号処理部と、前記メモリ及び前記メモリ電源制御部の少なくとも一方とは、一体の集積回路として構成される
ことを特徴とする請求項8に記載のカメラモジュール。 - 撮影対象を撮像し、撮像した撮像情報を画像データとして出力するカメラ部を備え、無線通信で他の機器との間でデータを送受信するカメラモジュールに備えられる集積回路であって、
前記画像データが記憶されるメモリと、
無線通信による送信あるいは受信に用いられるアンテナ部と、
無線通信により前記画像データの送信を行う無線通信部と、
前記アンテナ部を介して無線通信で用いられる電磁波を受信し、受信した電磁波からの電磁誘導、または、放射電磁界により電力を発生させる電磁波電力電源部と、
少なくとも前記カメラ部に電力を供給する電源部と、
前記カメラモジュールの状態に応じて、前記メモリに電力を供給する電源として、前記電磁波電力電源部または前記電源部を選択するメモリ電源制御部とを備える
ことを特徴とするカメラモジュールに備えられる集積回路。
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CN105474087A (zh) * | 2013-08-28 | 2016-04-06 | 株式会社东芝 | 储藏箱用摄像机装置及具备该装置的储藏箱 |
CN103929581A (zh) * | 2014-05-06 | 2014-07-16 | 樊欣 | 一种指尖相机及其照相方法 |
WO2015172103A1 (en) * | 2014-05-08 | 2015-11-12 | Lyve Minds, Inc. | Modular camera core control |
EP3067236B1 (en) * | 2014-12-19 | 2018-02-21 | Application Solutions (Electronics and Vision) Limited | Image capture assembly and image capture system including an image capture assembly |
WO2016194337A1 (en) * | 2015-06-05 | 2016-12-08 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Organic photoelectric conversion element, optical area sensor, imaging device, and imaging apparatus |
JP6498104B2 (ja) | 2015-11-16 | 2019-04-10 | キヤノン株式会社 | 通信装置およびその制御方法 |
CN106855501B (zh) * | 2015-12-09 | 2022-01-25 | 台湾超微光学股份有限公司 | 光谱仪的量测方法、光谱仪及其电子电路 |
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