WO2018163336A1

WO2018163336A1 - Imaging device, communications device, imaging system, imaging mode control method, and program

Info

Publication number: WO2018163336A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/009310
Authority: WO
Inventors: 石井　謙介; さおり松本; 新篠崎; 由貴佐藤
Original assignee: オリンパス株式会社
Priority date: 2017-03-08
Filing date: 2017-03-08
Publication date: 2018-09-13

Abstract

When an imaging device is operating in a first operation mode, a control unit determines whether or not the imaging device can continue operation in the first operation mode, on the basis of a first residual battery capacity. When the control unit determines that the imaging device cannot continue operation in the first operation mode, the control unit switches the operation mode of the imaging device from the first operation mode to a second operation mode. The first residual battery capacity is residual capacity that can be used in the first operation mode but cannot be used in the second operation mode.

Description

Imaging apparatus, communication apparatus, imaging system, imaging mode control method, and program

The present invention relates to an imaging device, a communication device, an imaging system, an imaging mode control method, and a program.

A digital camera that transfers image data to another terminal according to conditions is disclosed in Patent Document 1. If the remaining battery level is insufficient after the image is taken, the digital camera does not transfer image data.

Japanese Patent No. 4336064

If the remaining battery level is insufficient after the image is taken, the digital camera disclosed in Patent Document 1 can communicate data other than image data. Communication for data other than image data consumes power for photographing.

An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device, a communication device, an imaging system, an imaging mode control method, and a program that are unlikely to cause a state in which imaging cannot be performed due to a decrease in a remaining battery level during communication.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the imaging device includes an image sensor, a battery, a memory, a communication device, a control unit, and a user interface. The memory stores a first remaining battery level that is smaller than the total capacity of the battery. When the imaging device is operating in the first operation mode, the control unit determines whether the imaging device can continue the operation in the first operation mode based on the first remaining battery level. Judging. When the control unit determines that the imaging device cannot continue the operation in the first operation mode, the control unit switches the operation mode of the imaging device from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. . In the first operation mode, the communication device can perform wireless communication of the data link layer and higher layers with the communication device, and the first processing, the second processing, and the third processing. Is an operation mode in which at least one of the following is executed. The first process is a process in which image data obtained by the image sensor executing imaging is transmitted to the communication device by the communication device. The second process is a process in which control information used for control executed by the control unit is received from the communication device by the communication device. The third process is a process of executing at least one of image processing on the image data and addition of information on the image data based on an instruction received from the communication device by the communication device. In the second operation mode, the communication device cannot perform wireless communication of the data link layer and higher layers with the communication device, and the image sensor is operated via the user interface. This is an operation mode for executing imaging based on the above. The first remaining battery level is a remaining battery level that can be used in the first operation mode and cannot be used in the second operation mode. The first battery remaining amount is updated based on the operation in the first operation mode.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, when the control unit determines that the imaging device cannot continue the operation in the first operation mode, the control unit transmits the setting information to the You may receive from the said communication apparatus with a communication apparatus. The setting information indicates contents set in the imaging device when the imaging device is operating in the second operation mode. After the setting information is received, the control unit may switch the operation mode of the imaging apparatus from the first operation mode to the second operation mode.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the control unit may count the number of the image data generated by the image sensor executing the imaging. The control unit may determine whether to increase the first battery remaining amount based on the number of the counted image data. When the control unit determines that the first battery remaining amount is to be increased, the control unit may increase the first battery remaining amount.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the memory may further store a second remaining battery capacity that is smaller than the total capacity of the battery. The control unit may determine whether or not to increase the second battery remaining amount based on the number of image data that is scheduled to be generated when the image sensor performs the imaging. When the control unit determines to increase the second battery remaining amount, the control unit may increase the second battery remaining amount. The second battery remaining amount may be a remaining battery amount that can be used in the second operation mode and cannot be used in the first operation mode. The second battery remaining amount may be updated based on an operation in the second operation mode.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the memory may further store a second remaining battery capacity that is smaller than the total capacity of the battery. During the charging of the battery, the control unit may increase the first battery remaining amount in preference to the second battery remaining amount in accordance with an increase in the remaining battery amount. The second battery remaining amount may be a remaining battery amount that can be used in the second operation mode and cannot be used in the first operation mode. The second battery remaining amount may be updated based on an operation in the second operation mode.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the memory may further store a second remaining battery capacity that is smaller than the total capacity of the battery. The control unit determines whether the first battery remaining amount or the second battery remaining amount is to be preferentially increased based on the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount. May be. During charging of the battery, the control unit determines that priority is given to increasing the remaining amount of the first battery and the remaining amount of the second battery according to an increase in the remaining amount of the battery. May be given priority over other battery levels. The second battery remaining amount may be a remaining battery amount that can be used in the second operation mode and cannot be used in the first operation mode. The second battery remaining amount may be updated based on an operation in the second operation mode.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect, the memory may further store a first battery capacity and a second battery capacity. The controller may determine which of the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount is to be preferentially increased based on the first ratio and the second ratio. The first battery capacity may be a battery capacity that is assigned to the first operation mode and not assigned to the second operation mode. The second battery capacity may be a battery capacity that is assigned to the second operation mode and not assigned to the first operation mode. The first ratio may be a ratio of the first battery remaining amount to the first battery capacity. The second ratio may be a ratio of the second battery remaining amount to the second battery capacity.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the communication device includes a memory, a first communication device, and a control unit. The imaging device includes an image sensor, a battery, a second communication device, and a user interface. The memory stores a first remaining battery level that is smaller than the total capacity of the battery. When the imaging device is operating in the first operation mode, the control unit determines whether the imaging device can continue the operation in the first operation mode based on the first remaining battery level. Judging. When the control unit determines that the imaging device cannot continue the operation in the first operation mode, the control unit transmits a switching instruction to the imaging device by the first communication device. The switching instruction indicates that the operation mode of the imaging apparatus is switched from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. In the first operation mode, the first communication device can perform wireless communication of the data link layer and higher layers with the communication device, and the first processing, the second processing, and This is an operation mode in which at least one of the third processes is executed. The first process is a process in which image data obtained by the image sensor executing imaging is transmitted to the communication device by the first communication device. The second process is a process in which control information used for control in the imaging apparatus is received from the communication apparatus by the second communication device. The third process is a process of executing at least one of image processing on the image data and addition of information on the image data based on an instruction received from the communication device by the second communication device. . In the second operation mode, the second communication device cannot perform wireless communication of the data link layer and the higher layer with the communication device, and the image sensor performs the user interface. This is an operation mode in which imaging is executed based on an operation that is performed. The first remaining battery level is a remaining battery level that can be used in the first operation mode and cannot be used in the second operation mode. The first battery remaining amount is updated based on the operation in the first operation mode.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect, when the control unit determines that the imaging apparatus cannot continue the operation in the first operation mode, the control unit A switching instruction may be transmitted to the imaging apparatus by the first communication device. The setting information may indicate content set in the imaging device when the imaging device is operating in the second operation mode.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect, the control unit includes the first battery based on the number of the image data generated by the image sensor executing the imaging. It may be determined whether or not the remaining amount is increased. When the control unit determines that the first battery remaining amount is to be increased, the control unit may increase the first battery remaining amount.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect, the memory may further store a second remaining battery capacity that is smaller than the total capacity of the battery. The control unit may determine whether or not to increase the second battery remaining amount based on the number of image data that is scheduled to be generated when the image sensor performs the imaging. When the control unit determines to increase the second battery remaining amount, the control unit may increase the second battery remaining amount. The second battery remaining amount may be a remaining battery amount that can be used in the second operation mode and cannot be used in the first operation mode. The second battery remaining amount may be updated based on an operation in the second operation mode.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect, the control unit may transmit method information to the imaging device by the first communication device. The method information may indicate a method of updating the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount during charging of the battery. The updating method may be a method in which the first battery remaining amount is increased in preference to the second battery remaining amount in accordance with an increase in the remaining battery amount. The second battery remaining amount may be a remaining battery amount that can be used in the second operation mode and cannot be used in the first operation mode. The second battery remaining amount may be updated based on an operation in the second operation mode.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect, the memory may further store a second remaining battery capacity that is smaller than the total capacity of the battery. The control unit determines whether the first battery remaining amount or the second battery remaining amount is to be preferentially increased based on the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount. May be. The control unit may transmit method information to the imaging apparatus by the first communication device. The method information may indicate a method for updating the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount during charging of the battery. According to the update method, the remaining battery level determined to increase preferentially among the first remaining battery level and the second remaining battery level in accordance with an increase in the remaining battery level. It may be a method of increasing priority over the method. The second battery remaining amount may be a remaining battery amount that can be used in the second operation mode and cannot be used in the first operation mode. The second battery remaining amount may be updated based on an operation in the second operation mode.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the thirteenth aspect, the memory may further store a first battery capacity and a second battery capacity. The controller may determine which of the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount is to be preferentially increased based on the first ratio and the second ratio. The first battery capacity may be a battery capacity that is assigned to the first operation mode and not assigned to the second operation mode. The second battery capacity may be a battery capacity that is assigned to the second operation mode and not assigned to the first operation mode. The first ratio may be a ratio of the first battery remaining amount to the first battery capacity. The second ratio may be a ratio of the second battery remaining amount to the second battery capacity.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the imaging system includes an imaging device and a communication device. The communication device includes a memory, a first communication device, and a first control unit. The imaging apparatus includes an image sensor, a battery, a second communication device, a second control unit, and a user interface. The memory stores a first remaining battery level that is smaller than the total capacity of the battery. When the imaging device is operating in the first operation mode, the first control unit can continue the operation of the imaging device in the first operation mode based on the first remaining battery level. Determine whether or not. When the first control unit determines that the imaging device cannot continue the operation in the first operation mode, the first control unit transmits a switching instruction to the imaging device by the first communication device. To do. The switching instruction indicates that the operation mode of the imaging apparatus is switched from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. The second control unit receives the switching instruction from the communication device by the second communication device. The second control unit switches the operation mode of the imaging apparatus from the first operation mode to the second operation mode based on the received switching instruction. In the first operation mode, the second communication device can perform wireless communication of the data link layer and higher layers with the communication device, and the first processing, the second processing, and This is an operation mode in which at least one of the third processes is executed. The first process is a process in which image data obtained by the image sensor executing imaging is transmitted to the communication device by the second communication device. The second process is a process in which control information used for control executed by the second control unit is received from the communication device by the second communication device. The third process is a process of executing at least one of image processing on the image data and addition of information on the image data based on an instruction received from the communication device by the second communication device. . In the second operation mode, the second communication device cannot perform wireless communication of the data link layer and the higher layer with the communication device, and the image sensor performs the user interface. This is an operation mode in which imaging is executed based on an operation that is performed. The first remaining battery level is a remaining battery level that can be used in the first operation mode and cannot be used in the second operation mode. The first battery remaining amount is updated based on the operation in the first operation mode.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the imaging mode control method includes a first step and a second step. In the first step, when the imaging device is operating in the first operation mode, in the imaging device, the imaging device performs an operation in the first operation mode based on a first remaining battery level. It is a step of determining whether or not it can be continued. In the second step, when it is determined that the imaging apparatus cannot continue the operation in the first operation mode, in the imaging apparatus, the operation mode of the imaging apparatus is changed from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. This is a step of switching to the operation mode. The imaging device includes an image sensor, a battery, a communication device, and a user interface. The remaining amount of the first battery is smaller than the entire capacity of the battery. In the first operation mode, the communication device can perform wireless communication of the data link layer and higher layers with the communication device, and the first processing, the second processing, and the third processing. Is an operation mode in which at least one of the following is executed. The first process is a process in which image data obtained by the image sensor executing imaging is transmitted to the communication device by the communication device. The second process is a process in which control information used for control in the imaging apparatus is received from the communication apparatus by the communication device. The third process is a process of executing at least one of image processing on the image data and addition of information on the image data based on an instruction received from the communication device by the communication device. In the second operation mode, the communication device cannot perform wireless communication of the data link layer and higher layers with the communication device, and the image sensor is operated via the user interface. This is an operation mode for executing imaging based on the above. The first remaining battery level is a remaining battery level that can be used in the first operation mode and cannot be used in the second operation mode. The first battery remaining amount is updated based on the operation in the first operation mode.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the imaging mode control method has a first step and a second step. In the first step, when the imaging device is operating in the first operation mode, the imaging device continues to operate in the first operation mode in the communication device based on the first remaining battery level. This is a step of determining whether or not it is possible. The second step is a step of transmitting a switching instruction to the imaging device by the first communication device in the communication device when it is determined that the imaging device cannot continue the operation in the first operation mode. is there. The communication device includes the first communication device. The imaging device includes an image sensor, a battery, a second communication device, and a user interface. The remaining amount of the first battery is smaller than the entire capacity of the battery. The switching instruction indicates that the operation mode of the imaging apparatus is switched from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. In the first operation mode, the first communication device can perform wireless communication of the data link layer and higher layers with the communication device, and the first processing, the second processing, and This is an operation mode in which at least one of the third processes is executed. The first process is a process in which image data obtained by the image sensor executing imaging is transmitted to the communication device by the second communication device. The second process is a process in which control information used for control in the imaging apparatus is received from the communication apparatus by the second communication device. The third process is a process of executing at least one of image processing on the image data and addition of information on the image data based on an instruction received from the communication device by the second communication device. . In the second operation mode, the second communication device cannot perform wireless communication of the data link layer and the higher layer with the communication device, and the image sensor performs the user interface. This is an operation mode in which imaging is executed based on an operation that is performed. The first remaining battery level is a remaining battery level that can be used in the first operation mode and cannot be used in the second operation mode. The first battery remaining amount is updated based on the operation in the first operation mode.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the program is a program for causing the computer of the imaging apparatus to execute the first step and the second step. In the first step, when the imaging device is operating in the first operation mode, whether the imaging device can continue the operation in the first operation mode based on the first remaining battery level. This is a step for determining whether or not. The second step is a step of switching the operation mode of the imaging device from the first operation mode to the second operation mode when it is determined that the imaging device cannot continue the operation in the first operation mode. It is. The imaging device includes an image sensor, a battery, a communication device, and a user interface. The remaining amount of the first battery is smaller than the entire capacity of the battery. In the first operation mode, the communication device can perform wireless communication of the data link layer and higher layers with the communication device, and the first processing, the second processing, and the third processing. Is an operation mode in which at least one of the following is executed. The first process is a process in which image data obtained by the image sensor executing imaging is transmitted to the communication device by the communication device. The second process is a process in which control information used for control in the imaging apparatus is received from the communication apparatus by the communication device. The third process is a process of executing at least one of image processing on the image data and addition of information on the image data based on an instruction received from the communication device by the communication device. In the second operation mode, the communication device cannot perform wireless communication of the data link layer and higher layers with the communication device, and the image sensor is operated via the user interface. This is an operation mode for executing imaging based on the above. The first remaining battery level is a remaining battery level that can be used in the first operation mode and cannot be used in the second operation mode. The first battery remaining amount is updated based on the operation in the first operation mode.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the program is a program for causing the computer of the communication device to execute the first step and the second step. In the first step, when the imaging device is operating in the first operation mode, whether or not the imaging device can continue the operation in the first operation mode based on the first remaining battery level. This is a step for judging. The second step is a step of transmitting a switching instruction to the imaging device by the first communication device when it is determined that the imaging device cannot continue the operation in the first operation mode. The communication device includes the first communication device. The imaging device includes an image sensor, a battery, a second communication device, and a user interface. The remaining amount of the first battery is smaller than the entire capacity of the battery. The switching instruction indicates that the operation mode of the imaging apparatus is switched from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. In the first operation mode, the first communication device can perform wireless communication of the data link layer and higher layers with the communication device, and the first processing, the second processing, and This is an operation mode in which at least one of the third processes is executed. The first process is a process in which image data obtained by the image sensor executing imaging is transmitted to the communication device by the second communication device. The second process is a process in which control information used for control in the imaging apparatus is received from the communication apparatus by the second communication device. The third process is a process of executing at least one of image processing on the image data and addition of information on the image data based on an instruction received from the communication device by the second communication device. . In the second operation mode, the second communication device cannot perform wireless communication of the data link layer and the higher layer with the communication device, and the image sensor performs the user interface. This is an operation mode in which imaging is executed based on an operation that is performed. The first remaining battery level is a remaining battery level that can be used in the first operation mode and cannot be used in the second operation mode. The first battery remaining amount is updated based on the operation in the first operation mode.

According to each aspect described above, a state in which imaging cannot be performed due to a decrease in the remaining battery level during communication is less likely to occur.

1 is a configuration diagram of an imaging system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the imaging device of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the imaging device of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the imaging device of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the imaging device of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the imaging device of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the imaging device of the modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the imaging device of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the imaging device of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the imaging device of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the imaging device of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the imaging device of the 1st modification of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the communication apparatus of the 2nd modification of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a reference figure showing the screen of the display of the communication apparatus of the 2nd modification of a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is a reference figure showing the screen of the display of the communication apparatus of the 2nd modification of a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the imaging device of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the imaging device of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the imaging device of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the imaging device of the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the imaging device of the 1st modification of the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the imaging device of the 2nd modification of the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the imaging device of the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the imaging device of the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the imaging device of the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the communication apparatus of the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the communication apparatus of the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the communication apparatus of the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the communication apparatus of the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the communication apparatus of the modification of the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the imaging device of the 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the imaging device of the 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the imaging device of the 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the communication apparatus of the 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the communication apparatus of the 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the communication apparatus of the 1st modification of the 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the communication apparatus of the 1st modification of the 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the communication apparatus of the 2nd modification of the 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the imaging device of the 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the communication apparatus of the 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the communication apparatus of the 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the imaging device of the 9th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the communication apparatus of the 9th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the communication apparatus of the 10th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the communication apparatus of the 1st modification of the 10th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the communication apparatus of the 2nd modification of the 10th Embodiment of this invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an imaging system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the imaging system 1 includes an imaging device 10, a communication device 20, and a lens module 30.

A shutter button 151 and a power button 152 are arranged on the surface of the imaging device 10. The communication device 20 performs wireless communication with the imaging device 10. A display 240 is disposed on the back surface of the communication device 20. The communication device 20 is an image display device. The lens module 30 includes lenses such as a focus lens and a zoom lens. In FIG. 1, the lens module 30 is attached to the imaging device 10. The imaging device 10 and the lens module 30 may be separable. The imaging device 10 may have a lens in the lens module 30.

The communication device 20 functions as a control device that controls the imaging device 10. The communication device 20 may be an image storage device that stores image data acquired by the imaging device 10.

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the imaging apparatus 10. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the imaging apparatus 10 includes an image sensor 100, a battery 110, a memory 120, a communication device 130 (second communication device), a control unit 140 (second control unit), and a user interface 150. .

The schematic configuration of the imaging device 10 will be described. The memory 120 stores a first battery remaining amount that is smaller than the entire capacity of the battery 110. When the imaging device 10 is operating in the first operation mode, the control unit 140 determines whether the imaging device 10 can continue the operation in the first operation mode based on the first remaining battery level. To do. When the control unit 140 determines that the imaging device 10 cannot continue the operation in the first operation mode, the control unit 140 switches the operation mode of the imaging device 10 from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. In the first operation mode, the communication device 130 can perform wireless communication of the data link layer and higher layers with the communication device 20, and the first processing, the second processing, and the third processing. Is an operation mode in which at least one of the following is executed. The first process is a process of transmitting image data obtained by the image sensor 100 performing imaging to the communication device 20 by the communication device 130. The second process is a process in which control information used for control executed by the control unit 140 is received from the communication device 20 by the communication device 130. The third process is a process for executing at least one of image processing on image data and addition of information on image data based on an instruction received from the communication device 20 by the communication device 130. In the second operation mode, the communication device 130 cannot perform wireless communication of the data link layer and higher layers with the communication device 20, and the image sensor 100 is based on an operation via the user interface 150. This is an operation mode for executing imaging. The first remaining battery level is a remaining battery level that can be used in the first operation mode and cannot be used in the second operation mode. The first battery remaining amount is updated based on the operation in the first operation mode.

The detailed configuration of the imaging apparatus 10 will be described. The image sensor 100 is an image pickup device (imager) such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor and a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor. The image sensor 100 generates an imaging signal by executing imaging. The image sensor 100 performs imaging based on the control information transmitted from the communication device 20. Alternatively, the image sensor 100 performs imaging based on an operation via the user interface 150.

The imaging signal generated by the image sensor 100 is converted into image data by an A / D converter not shown in FIG. The image sensor 100 may include an A / D converter, and the image sensor 100 may generate image data. The image data is still image data, moving image data, and live image data. Shooting in each embodiment includes imaging by the image sensor 100 and various processes associated with imaging.

The battery 110 is a rechargeable battery that can be repeatedly charged. For example, the battery 110 is a lithium ion rechargeable battery. The battery 110 stores electric power for the operation of the imaging device 10. The battery 110 is built in the imaging device 10. The first battery capacity is a battery capacity assigned to the first operation mode. The first battery capacity is larger than 0 and smaller than the entire capacity of the battery 110. The battery capacity decreases due to the operation of the imaging apparatus 10 in the first operation mode. The first battery remaining capacity is a remaining capacity obtained by subtracting the capacity reduced by the operation in the first operation mode from the first battery capacity. The first battery remaining amount may be represented by the total capacity of the battery 110 or a ratio (%) to the first battery capacity.

The memory 120 is a volatile or non-volatile memory. For example, the memory 120, RAM (Random Access Memory), DRAM (DynamicRandom Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read -Only Memory) and at least one of flash memory. The memory 120 stores image data generated when the image sensor 100 executes imaging. Furthermore, the memory 120 stores the first battery capacity and the first remaining battery level. Furthermore, the memory 120 stores the operation mode and parameters set in the imaging device 10.

The communication device 130 is a wireless module and performs wireless communication with the communication device 20 via an antenna not shown in FIG. For example, wireless communication is performed according to standards such as WiFi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark). The imaging device 10 and the communication device 20 may be connected by a cable, and the communication device 130 may communicate with the communication device 20 via the cable. For example, communication via a cable is performed in accordance with a standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).

The control unit 140 is a controller. The control unit 140 includes at least one of a processor and a logic circuit. For example, the processor is at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). For example, the logic circuit is at least one of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The controller 140 can include one or more processors. The control unit 140 can include one or more logic circuits. The control unit 140 executes control based on the state of the imaging device 10 and the control information received from the communication device 20.

The control unit 140 may read a program including an instruction that defines the operation of the control unit 140 and may execute the read program. That is, the function of the control unit 140 may be realized by software. This program may be provided by a “computer-readable recording medium” such as a flash memory. Further, the above-described program may be transmitted from the computer having a storage device or the like in which the program is stored to the imaging device 10 via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. A “transmission medium” for transmitting a program is a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. Further, the above-described program may realize a part of the functions described above. Further, the above-described program may be a difference file (difference program) that can realize the above-described function in combination with a program already recorded in the computer.

The control unit 140 transmits image data or information to the communication device 20 through the communication device 130. Specifically, the control unit 140 controls the communication device 130 so that image data or information is transmitted to the communication device 20. That is, the control unit 140 causes the communication device 130 to transmit image data or information for the communication device 20. As a result, the communication device 130 transmits image data or information to the communication device 20. The control unit 140 receives information from the communication device 20 by the communication device 130. Specifically, the control unit 140 controls the communication device 130 so that information is received from the communication device 20. That is, the control unit 140 causes the communication device 130 to receive information transmitted from the communication device 20. As a result, the communication device 130 receives information from the communication device 20.

The user interface 150 is an operation unit and receives an instruction corresponding to the control command from the user. The control command will be described later. For example, the user interface 150 is at least one of a button, a switch, a key, and a touch panel. The user interface 150 includes a shutter button 151 and a power button 152 shown in FIG.

The shutter button 151 receives a shooting instruction from the user. When the shutter button 151 accepts a shooting instruction, the image sensor 100 executes a still image or a moving image. Regarding the moving image, the shooting instruction includes a shooting start instruction and a shooting end instruction. When the shutter button 151 receives a shooting start instruction, the image sensor 100 starts shooting a moving image. When the shutter button 151 accepts the shooting end instruction, the image sensor 100 ends the moving image shooting. When the shutter button 151 receives a shooting instruction, the image sensor 100 may start capturing a moving image, and when a predetermined time has elapsed, the image sensor 100 may end the moving image capturing.

The power button 152 receives a power on / off instruction from the user. When the power button 152 receives a power-on instruction while the imaging device 10 is off, the power supply from the battery 110 is started, thereby turning on the imaging device 10. When the power button 152 receives a power-off instruction while the imaging device 10 is on, the power supply from the battery 110 is stopped, whereby the imaging device 10 is powered off.

The control information includes at least one of a control command, setting information, and image additional information. The control command is information such as a live display start instruction, a shooting instruction (imaging instruction), a parameter setting instruction, an image transfer instruction, an image processing execution instruction, a switching instruction, and a power-off instruction. The live display start instruction indicates that display of a live image is started. The live image is composed of a plurality of image data (live image data) generated by the image sensor 100 continuously performing imaging. The live image is displayed on the display 240 of the communication device 20. The user confirms the composition with the displayed live image. The shooting instruction indicates that shooting (imaging) is performed. The parameter setting instruction indicates that a parameter is set in the imaging apparatus 10. The image transfer instruction indicates that image data is transferred from the imaging device 10 to the communication device 20. The image processing execution instruction indicates that at least one of image processing for image data and information addition processing for image data is performed. The switching instruction indicates that the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 is switched. The power-off instruction indicates that the power of the imaging device 10 is turned off.

The setting information is a parameter set in the imaging apparatus 10. For example, the setting information is an imaging parameter and a transfer parameter. For example, the imaging parameters are parameters such as exposure time, ISO (International Organization for Standardization) sensitivity, and image resolution. For example, the transfer parameter is a parameter such as identification information and resolution of image data to be transferred.

Image additional information is information added to image data. For example, the image additional information is position information, photographer information, and subject information. The image additional information is transmitted from the communication device 20 to the imaging device 10. When the communication device 20 has a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, the position information is acquired by the GPS receiver.

Control information is information on the application layer in the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) reference model. The control information is transmitted from the communication device 20 to the imaging device 10 by wireless communication in the data link layer and higher layers in the OSI reference model.

Any one of a plurality of operation modes is set in the imaging device 10. The imaging device 10 performs an operation defined by the set operation mode. The imaging device 10 can switch the operation mode set in the imaging device 10. The plurality of operation modes may include a third operation mode different from the first operation mode and the second operation mode. The plurality of operation modes may be only the first operation mode and the second operation mode. The first battery remaining amount may be used only in the first operation mode.

For example, the first operation mode is a communication mode. The communication mode includes at least one of a remote shooting mode, a parameter setting mode, an image transfer mode, and an image processing mode. The remote imaging mode is a mode in which the image sensor 100 performs imaging based on control information transmitted from the communication device 20, that is, an imaging instruction.

In the remote shooting mode, the control unit 140 receives a live display start instruction from the communication device 20 through the communication device 130. After the live display start instruction is received, the control unit 140 instructs the image sensor 100 to start capturing a live image. The image sensor 100 captures a live image. The control unit 140 sequentially transmits a plurality of image data (live images) generated when the image sensor 100 continuously performs imaging to the communication device 20 by the communication device 130. The display 240 of the communication device 20 displays a live image based on the image data received from the imaging device 10. After the live image is started to be captured by the image sensor 100, the control unit 140 receives a photographing instruction from the communication device 20 by the communication device 130. After the photographing instruction is received, the control unit 140 instructs the image sensor 100 to capture a still image or a moving image. The image sensor 100 captures a still image or a moving image. Image data generated when the image sensor 100 performs imaging is stored in the memory 120.

The parameter setting mode is a mode in which setting information transmitted from the communication device 20 is set in the imaging device 10. The image transfer mode is a mode for transmitting image data to the communication device 20. The image processing mode is a mode in which at least one of image processing for image data and information addition processing for image data is performed.

In the parameter setting mode, the control unit 140 receives a parameter setting instruction and setting information from the communication device 20 by the communication device 130. After the parameter setting instruction and the setting information are received, the control unit 140 stores the setting information in the memory 120. In the first operation mode and the second operation mode, the control unit 140 controls the image sensor 100 and the like based on the setting information.

In the image transfer mode, the control unit 140 receives an image transfer instruction from the communication device 20 by the communication device 130. After the image transfer instruction is received, the control unit 140 reads the image data from the memory 120 and transmits the read image data to the communication device 20 by the communication device 130. The display 240 of the communication device 20 displays a still image or a moving image based on the image data received from the imaging device 10.

In the image processing mode, the control unit 140 receives an image processing execution instruction from the communication device 20 by the communication device 130. After the image processing execution instruction is received, the control unit 140 reads image data from the memory 120 and executes image processing on the read image data. For example, the control unit 140 changes the image quality by performing filter processing on the image data. Alternatively, the control unit 140 processes the image by adding a stamp to the image data. The imaging device 10 may include an image processing unit, and the image processing unit may execute image processing.

Alternatively, in the image processing mode, the control unit 140 receives an image processing execution instruction and image additional information from the communication device 20 by the communication device 130. After the image processing execution instruction is received, the control unit 140 reads image data from the memory 120 and adds image additional information to the read image data. The image data processed in the image processing mode may be transmitted to the communication device 20 in the image transfer mode.

For example, the second operation mode is a stand-alone shooting mode. The stand-alone imaging mode is a mode in which the image sensor 100 executes imaging based on an operation via the user interface 150. The image data is generated in at least one of the first operation mode and the second operation mode. In the stand-alone shooting mode, when shooting is instructed by an operation via the user interface 150, the control unit 140 instructs the image sensor 100 to capture a still image or a moving image. The image sensor 100 captures a still image or a moving image. Image data generated when the image sensor 100 performs imaging is stored in the memory 120. In the stand-alone shooting mode, the communication device 130 does not perform wireless communication with the communication device 20. The control unit 140 may turn off the communication device 130. That is, the control unit 140 may stop power supply from the battery 110 to the communication device 130.

Communication is not performed in stand-alone shooting mode. For this reason, the stand-alone shooting mode consumes less power by shooting compared to the remote shooting mode. In other words, in the stand-alone shooting mode, the imaging device 10 can acquire more image data than in the remote shooting mode.

The user interface 150 may accept a switching instruction indicating switching of the operation mode as a control command. The control unit 140 switches the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 based on the switching instruction received by the user interface 150. For example, the switching instruction indicates that the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 is switched from the communication mode to the stand-alone shooting mode. Based on the switching instruction, the control unit 140 switches the operation mode of the imaging device 10 from the communication mode to the stand-alone shooting mode. Alternatively, the switching instruction indicates that the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 is switched from the stand-alone shooting mode to the communication mode. Based on the switching instruction, the control unit 140 switches the operation mode of the imaging device 10 from the stand-alone shooting mode to the communication mode.

FIG. 3 shows an operation procedure of the imaging apparatus 10. The operation of the imaging apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

When the imaging apparatus 10 is powered off, the power button 152 accepts a power-on instruction to execute a startup process (step SA). The imaging device 10 is activated by the activation process. After the startup process is executed, an operation mode management process is executed (step SB). The operation mode of the imaging device 10 is controlled by the operation mode management process. After the operation mode management process is executed, a command process is executed (step SC). Processing according to the control command is executed by command processing.

After the command processing is executed, the control unit 140 determines whether or not the use of the imaging device 10 is finished (step SD). A flag indicating whether or not the use of the imaging device 10 has been completed is stored in the memory 120. When the activation process is executed, the control unit 140 causes the memory 120 to store a flag having a value indicating that the imaging apparatus 10 is in use. When a power-off instruction is received by the communication device 130 or when the power button 152 receives a power-off instruction, the control unit 140 uses the value of the flag stored in the memory 120 and ends the use of the imaging device 10. Update to a value indicating that

In step SD, when the control unit 140 determines that the use of the imaging device 10 has not ended, the processing in step SB is executed. If the use of the imaging device 10 has not ended, the processes in step SB and step SC are repeatedly executed. In step SD, when the control unit 140 determines that the use of the imaging device 10 has ended, an end process is executed (step SE). In the termination process, the control unit 140 turns off the power supply of the imaging device 10 by stopping the power supply from the battery 110. When the imaging device 10 is operating in the communication mode, in the end process, the control unit 140 causes the communication device 130 to disconnect the communication connection with the communication device 20. As a result, the communication device 130 disconnects the communication connection with the communication device 20.

FIG. 4 shows the procedure of the activation process in step SA. With reference to FIG. 4, the operation of the imaging apparatus 10 in the activation process will be described.

When the power button 152 receives a power-on instruction, power is supplied from the battery 110 to the control unit 140, whereby the control unit 140 starts operation. The controller 140 reads the first remaining battery level B1 from the memory 120 (step SA10).

After step SA10, the control unit 140 determines whether or not the first battery remaining amount B1 is zero. That is, the control unit 140 determines an operation mode when the imaging device 10 is activated based on the first battery remaining amount B1 (step SA11). When the first battery remaining amount B1 is 0, the imaging device 10 cannot operate in the communication mode. When the first battery remaining amount B1 is not 0, the imaging device 10 can operate in the communication mode.

In Step SA11, when the control unit 140 determines that the first battery remaining amount B1 is 0, the control unit 140 activates the imaging device 10 in the stand-alone shooting mode. Further, the control unit 140 stores setting mode information indicating the stand-alone shooting mode in the memory 120 (step SA12).

In step SA11, when the control unit 140 determines that the first battery remaining amount B1 is not 0, the control unit 140 activates the imaging device 10 in the communication mode. In addition, the control unit 140 causes the communication device 130 to establish a communication connection with the communication device 20. Thereby, the communication device 130 can communicate with the communication device 20. Also, the control unit 140 stores setting mode information indicating the communication mode in the memory 120 (step SA13). When the process in step SA12 or step SA13 is executed, the activation process ends.

In the activation process, the control unit 140 may receive an activation instruction indicating that the imaging device 10 is activated in a predetermined operation mode from the communication device 20 by the communication device 130. For example, the predetermined operation mode is an operation mode designated by the user. After the activation instruction is received, the control unit 140 activates the imaging device 10 in the operation mode indicated by the activation instruction.

The memory 120 may store past mode information indicating the operation mode set in the previous use. In the activation process, the control unit 140 may activate the imaging device 10 in the operation mode indicated by the past mode information.

The memory 120 may store schedule mode information indicating an operation mode scheduled to be used. In the activation process, the control unit 140 may activate the imaging device 10 in the operation mode indicated by the schedule mode information.

In the activation process, the user interface 150 may accept an operation mode instruction from the user. In the activation process, the control unit 140 may activate the imaging device 10 in an operation mode instructed by an operation via the user interface 150.

FIG. 5 shows the procedure of the operation mode management process in step SB. The operation of the imaging apparatus 10 in the operation mode management process will be described with reference to FIG.

The control unit 140 determines whether or not the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 is the communication mode based on the setting mode information stored in the memory 120 (step SB10).

In step SB10, when the control unit 140 determines that the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 is not the communication mode, the operation mode management process ends. In step SB10, when the control unit 140 determines that the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is the communication mode, the control unit 140 reads the first battery remaining amount B1 from the memory 120 (step SB11).

After step SB11, the control unit 140 determines whether or not the first battery remaining amount B1 is zero. That is, the control unit 140 determines whether or not to switch the operation mode of the imaging device 10 from the communication mode to the stand-alone shooting mode based on the first battery remaining amount B1. Thereby, the control unit 140 determines whether or not the imaging apparatus 10 can continue the operation in the communication mode (step SB12). When the first battery remaining amount B1 is 0, the control unit 140 determines that the imaging device 10 cannot continue the operation in the communication mode. When the first battery remaining amount B1 is not 0, the control unit 140 determines that the imaging device 10 can continue the operation in the communication mode.

In step SB12, when the control unit 140 determines that the first battery remaining amount B1 is not 0, the operation mode management process ends. In step SB12, when the control unit 140 determines that the first battery remaining amount B1 is 0, the control unit 140 switches the operation mode of the imaging device 10 from the communication mode to the stand-alone shooting mode. Thereby, the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is changed to the stand-alone shooting mode. At this time, the control unit 140 updates the setting mode information stored in the memory 120. The updated setting mode information indicates the stand-alone shooting mode (step SB13).

After step SB13, the control unit 140 causes the communication device 130 to disconnect the communication connection with the communication device 20. As a result, the communication device 130 disconnects the communication connection with the communication device 20 (step SB14). When the process in step SB14 is executed, the operation mode management process ends.

When the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is switched to the stand-alone shooting mode because the first battery remaining amount B1 is 0, the imaging device 10 operates in the stand-alone shooting mode if the entire remaining amount of the battery 110 is not zero. can do.

For example, after the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 is switched to the stand-alone imaging mode, the imaging apparatus 10 performs imaging. Even when the remaining amount of the battery 110 is reduced due to communication, it is difficult for the imaging device 10 to perform imaging.

After the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is switched from the first operation mode, that is, the communication mode, to the second operation mode, that is, the stand-alone shooting mode, the control unit 140 may turn off the power of the imaging device 10. For example, after step SB13, the control unit 140 updates the value of the flag stored in the memory 120 to a value indicating that the use of the imaging device 10 has ended. Thereafter, in step SD shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 140 determines that the use of the imaging device 10 has ended, and the end process is executed in step SE.

When the control unit 140 determines that the imaging device 10 cannot continue the operation in the first operation mode, the control unit 140 may turn off the power of the imaging device 10. When the imaging apparatus 10 is turned off and then on after the imaging apparatus 10 is turned off, the control unit 140 changes the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. You may switch. For example, when the control unit 140 determines in step SB12 that the first battery remaining amount B1 is 0, the control unit 140 stores the scheduled mode information indicating the stand-alone shooting mode in the memory 120. After the scheduled mode information is stored, the control unit 140 turns off the power of the imaging device 10 without switching the operation mode of the imaging device 10. Thereafter, in the activation process, the control unit 140 activates the imaging device 10 in the stand-alone imaging mode indicated by the schedule mode information.

The display 240 of the communication device 20 may notify the user of switching of the operation mode. For example, when the control unit 140 determines that the first battery remaining amount B1 is 0 in step SB12, the control unit 140 transmits switching mode information indicating the stand-alone shooting mode to the communication device 20 through the communication device 130. . The display 240 of the communication device 20 displays a message indicating that the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is switched to the stand-alone shooting mode indicated by the switching mode information. After the switching mode information is transmitted, the control unit 140 switches the operation mode of the imaging device 10 from the communication mode to the stand-alone shooting mode.

After the operation mode switch is notified to the user, the user may determine whether or not to allow the operation mode switch. For example, the communication device 20 has a user interface. The user interface of the communication device 20 receives either one of a switch permission instruction for permitting switching of the operation mode and a switch prohibition instruction for prohibiting switching of the operation mode. The communication device 20 transmits a control command indicating a switching permission instruction or a switching prohibition instruction to the imaging device 10. The control unit 140 receives the control command by the communication device 130. When the received control command is a switching permission instruction, the control unit 140 switches the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 from the communication mode to the stand-alone shooting mode. When the received control command is a switching prohibition instruction, the operation mode management process ends without switching the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10.

FIG. 6 shows a command processing procedure in step SC. The operation of the imaging apparatus 10 in command processing will be described with reference to FIG.

Control unit 140 determines whether or not a control command has been accepted (step SC10). When the control command transmitted from the communication device 20 is received or when the control command is received by the user interface 150, the control unit 140 determines that the control command has been received. When the control command transmitted from the communication device 20 is not received and the control command is not accepted by the user interface 150, the control unit 140 determines that the control command is not accepted.

In step SC10, when the control unit 140 determines that the control command is not accepted by the user interface 150, the command processing ends. In step SC10, when the control unit 140 determines that the control command has been accepted by the user interface 150, the control unit 140 executes processing according to the control command (step SC11).

The control unit 140 may receive a switching instruction indicating switching of the operation mode from the communication device 20 by the communication device 130 as a control command. The control unit 140 switches the operation mode of the imaging device 10 based on the received switching instruction. For example, the switching instruction indicates that the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 is switched from the communication mode to the stand-alone shooting mode. Based on the switching instruction, the control unit 140 switches the operation mode of the imaging device 10 from the communication mode to the stand-alone shooting mode. When the imaging device 10 is operating in the stand-alone shooting mode, the imaging device 10 does not communicate with the communication device 20. For this reason, when the imaging device 10 is operating in the stand-alone shooting mode, the imaging device 10 does not receive a switching instruction from the communication device 20.

After step SC11, the control unit 140 determines whether or not the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is the communication mode based on the setting mode information stored in the memory 120 (step SC12).

In step SC12, when the control unit 140 determines that the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 is not the communication mode, the command processing ends. In step SC 12, when the control unit 140 determines that the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is the communication mode, the control unit 140 updates the first battery remaining amount B 1 stored in the memory 120. Specifically, the control unit 140 reduces the first battery remaining amount B1 according to the usage amount of the battery 110 in the communication mode (step SC13). By executing the process in step SC13, the command process ends.

FIG. 7 shows a procedure of remaining amount update processing executed when the battery 110 is charged. The operation of the imaging device 10 in the remaining amount update process will be described with reference to FIG.

When the imaging device 10 is off and a power cable connected to the power feeding device is connected to the imaging device 10, power feeding is performed from the power feeding device. The battery 110 is charged by the power supply from the power supply apparatus.

When the power supply from the power supply apparatus is started, the control unit 140 reads the first battery remaining amount B1 from the memory 120 (step SF10). After step SF10, the control unit 140 determines whether or not the first battery remaining amount B1 is equal to the first battery capacity (step SF11).

In step SF11, when the control unit 140 determines that the first battery remaining amount B1 is equal to the first battery capacity, the process in step SF10 is executed. In step SF11, when the control unit 140 determines that the first battery remaining amount B1 is not equal to the first battery capacity, the control unit 140 updates the first battery remaining amount B1 stored in the memory 120. . Specifically, the control unit 140 updates the first battery remaining amount B1 stored in the memory 120 in accordance with the charge amount of the battery 110. That is, the control unit 140 increases the first battery remaining amount B1 in accordance with the increase in the remaining amount of the battery 110 (step SF12).

After step SF12, the control unit 140 determines whether power supply is stopped (step SF13). In step SF13, when the control unit 140 determines that the power supply is not stopped, the process in step SF10 is executed. In step SF13, when the control unit 140 determines that the power supply is stopped, the remaining amount update process ends.

The imaging mode control method in the first embodiment has a first step (step SB12) and a second step (step SB13). When the imaging device 10 is operating in the first operation mode, in the imaging device 10, the control unit 140 can continue the operation of the imaging device 10 in the first operation mode based on the first remaining battery level. Whether or not (first step). When it is determined that the imaging apparatus 10 cannot continue the operation in the first operation mode, in the imaging apparatus 10, the control unit 140 switches the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. (Second step). The imaging mode control method of each aspect of the present invention may not include steps other than the first and second steps described above.

In the first embodiment, when the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 is switched from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, there is a possibility that the remaining battery capacity necessary for the operation in the second operation mode is secured. Is expensive. For this reason, the possibility that the imaging device 10 operates in the second operation mode is likely to increase. That is, a state in which imaging cannot be performed due to a decrease in the remaining battery level during communication is less likely to occur.

(Modification of the first embodiment)
In the modification of the first embodiment of the present invention, when the control unit 140 determines that the imaging apparatus 10 cannot continue the operation in the first operation mode, the control unit 140 transmits the setting information to the communication device 130 via the communication device 130. 20 is received. The setting information indicates contents set in the imaging device 10 when the imaging device 10 is operating in the second operation mode. After the setting information is received, the control unit 140 switches the operation mode of the imaging device 10 from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. The first operation mode in the modification of the first embodiment is a parameter setting mode.

FIG. 8 shows the procedure of the operation mode management process in the modification of the first embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 8 will be described while referring to differences from the process shown in FIG.

The memory 120 stores a predetermined value L1. The predetermined value L1 indicates the minimum battery capacity required for operation in the parameter setting mode. After step SB11, control unit 140 determines whether or not first battery remaining amount B1 is smaller than predetermined value L1. That is, the control unit 140 determines whether or not to switch the operation mode of the imaging device 10 from the communication mode to the stand-alone shooting mode based on the first battery remaining amount B1. Thereby, the control unit 140 determines whether or not the imaging apparatus 10 can continue the operation in the communication mode (step SB20). When the first battery remaining amount B1 is smaller than the predetermined value L1, the control unit 140 determines that the imaging device 10 cannot continue the operation in the communication mode. When the first battery remaining amount B1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value L1, the control unit 140 determines that the imaging device 10 can continue the operation in the communication mode.

In step SB20, when the control unit 140 determines that the first battery remaining amount B1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value L1, the operation mode management process ends. In step SB20, when the control unit 140 determines that the first battery remaining amount B1 is smaller than the predetermined value L1, the control unit 140 receives control information for parameter setting from the communication device 20 by the communication device 130. (Step SB21). The control information received in step SB21 includes a parameter setting instruction and setting information. The setting information received in step SB21 is a parameter in the second operation mode. For example, the setting information is an imaging parameter in the stand-alone imaging mode.

After step SB21, the control unit 140 stores the setting information included in the control information in the memory 120. Thereby, the control part 140 changes the setting of the imaging device 10 (step SB22). After step SB22, the process at step SB13 is performed. The order of processing in step SB22 and step SB13 may be switched. Further, the process in step SB22 may be executed after the process in step SB14 is executed.

For the points other than the above, the process shown in FIG. 8 is the same as the process shown in FIG.

In the process illustrated in FIG. 8, when the control unit 140 determines that the imaging device 10 cannot continue the operation in the first operation mode, the control unit 140 receives the setting information from the communication device 20 by the communication device 130 (Step S1). SB21). After the setting information is received, the control unit 140 switches the operation mode of the imaging device 10 from the first operation mode to the second operation mode (step SB22).

The display 240 of the communication device 20 may notify the user of a setting change of the imaging device 10. For example, when the control unit 140 determines that the first battery remaining amount B1 is smaller than the predetermined value L1 in step SB20, the control unit 140 transmits setting change information indicating a setting change of the imaging device 10 to the communication device 130. Transmit to the communication device 20. The display 240 of the communication device 20 displays a message indicating acceptance of the setting information based on the setting change information.

For example, the communication device 20 has a user interface. The user interface of the communication device 20 receives a change in setting information. The communication device 20 transmits control information including the parameter setting instruction and the changed setting information to the imaging device 10. In step SB21, the control unit 140 receives the control information by the communication device 130.

The display 240 of the communication device 20 may notify the user of the switching of the operation mode by the same operation as described above. After the user is notified of the switching of the operation mode, the user may determine whether to permit the switching of the operation mode.

In the modification of the first embodiment, the imaging device 10 receives the setting information when the first battery remaining amount is reduced by the operation in the first operation mode. After the setting information is received, the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is switched from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. For this reason, before the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is changed, the imaging device 10 can receive the setting information used for the second operation mode and perform setting based on the setting information.

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described using the imaging system 1 shown in FIG. In the second embodiment, the memory 120 stores a second battery remaining amount that is smaller than the entire capacity of the battery 110 in addition to the first battery remaining amount. The second remaining battery level is a remaining battery level that can be used in the second operation mode and cannot be used in the first operation mode. The second battery remaining amount is updated based on the operation in the second operation mode.

Also, the memory 120 stores the second battery capacity. The second battery capacity is a battery capacity assigned to the second operation mode. The second battery capacity is larger than 0 and smaller than the entire capacity of the battery 110. The sum of the first battery capacity and the second battery capacity is less than or equal to the total capacity of the battery 110. The battery capacity decreases due to the operation of the imaging apparatus 10 in the second operation mode. The second battery remaining capacity is a remaining capacity obtained by subtracting the capacity reduced by the operation in the second operation mode from the second battery capacity. The second battery remaining amount may be represented by the total capacity of the battery 110 or a ratio (%) to the second battery capacity. The battery 110 need not be physically divided into two batteries.

When the imaging apparatus 10 is operating in the second operation mode, the control unit 140 determines whether the imaging apparatus 10 can continue the operation in the second operation mode based on the second remaining battery level. To do. When the control unit 140 determines that the imaging device 10 cannot continue the operation in the second operation mode, the control unit 140 switches the operation mode of the imaging device 10 from the second operation mode to the first operation mode.

The plurality of operation modes that can be set in the imaging apparatus 10 may include a third operation mode different from the first operation mode and the second operation mode. The plurality of operation modes may be only the first operation mode and the second operation mode. The first battery remaining amount may be used only in the first operation mode, and the second battery remaining amount may be used only in the second operation mode.

During charging of the battery 110, the control unit 140 increases the first battery remaining amount in preference to the second battery remaining amount in accordance with the increase in the remaining amount of the battery 110. That is, the control unit 140 updates the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount so that the first battery remaining amount is larger than the second battery remaining amount on average.

The imaging device 10 of the second embodiment operates according to the procedure shown in FIG. FIG. 9 shows the procedure of the activation process in step SA. The process shown in FIG. 9 will be described while referring to differences from the process shown in FIG.

In Step SA11, when the control unit 140 determines that the first battery remaining amount B1 is not 0, the control unit 140 reads the second battery remaining amount B2 from the memory 120 (Step SA20).

After step SA20, the control unit 140 determines whether or not the second battery remaining amount B2 is zero. That is, the control unit 140 determines an operation mode when the imaging device 10 is activated based on the second battery remaining amount B2 (step SA21). When the second battery remaining amount B2 is 0, the imaging device 10 cannot operate in the stand-alone shooting mode. When the second battery remaining amount B2 is not 0, the imaging device 10 can operate in the stand-alone shooting mode.

In step SA21, when the control unit 140 determines that the second battery remaining amount B2 is 0, the process in step SA13 is executed. In step SA21, when the control unit 140 determines that the second battery remaining amount B2 is not 0, the control unit 140 activates the imaging device 10 in an arbitrary operation mode. When the operation in the operation mode includes communication, the control unit 140 causes the communication device 130 to establish a communication connection with the communication device 20. Thereby, the communication device 130 can communicate with the communication device 20. In addition, the control unit 140 stores setting mode information indicating the operation mode at the time of activation in the memory 120 (step SA22). When the process in any one of step SA12, step SA13, and step SA22 is executed, the activation process ends.

For the points other than the above, the process shown in FIG. 9 is the same as the process shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 shows the procedure of the operation mode management process in step SB. The process shown in FIG. 10 will be described while referring to differences from the process shown in FIG.

In step SB10, when the control unit 140 determines that the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is not the communication mode, the control unit 140 determines that the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is stand-alone shooting based on the setting mode information stored in the memory 120. It is determined whether or not the mode is selected (step SB30).

In step SB30, when the control unit 140 determines that the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 is not the stand-alone shooting mode, the operation mode management process ends. In step SB30, when the control unit 140 determines that the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 is the stand-alone shooting mode, the control unit 140 reads the second remaining battery charge B2 from the memory 120 (step SB31).

After step SB31, the control unit 140 determines whether or not the second battery remaining amount B2 is zero. That is, the control unit 140 determines whether or not to switch the operation mode of the imaging device 10 from the stand-alone shooting mode to the communication mode based on the second battery remaining amount B2. Thereby, the control unit 140 determines whether or not the imaging apparatus 10 can continue the operation in the stand-alone shooting mode (step SB32). When the second battery remaining amount B2 is 0, the control unit 140 determines that the imaging device 10 cannot continue the operation in the stand-alone shooting mode. When the second battery remaining amount B2 is not 0, the control unit 140 determines that the imaging apparatus 10 can continue the operation in the stand-alone shooting mode.

In step SB32, when the control unit 140 determines that the second battery remaining amount B2 is not 0, the operation mode management process ends. In step SB32, when the control unit 140 determines that the second battery remaining amount B2 is 0, the control unit 140 switches the operation mode of the imaging device 10 from the stand-alone shooting mode to the communication mode. Thereby, the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is changed to the communication mode. At this time, the control unit 140 updates the setting mode information stored in the memory 120. The updated setting mode information indicates the communication mode. In addition, the control unit 140 causes the communication device 130 to establish a communication connection with the communication device 20. Thereby, the communication apparatus 130 can communicate with the communication apparatus 20 (step SB33). When the process in step SB33 is executed, the operation mode management process ends.

Regarding the points other than the above, the process shown in FIG. 10 is the same as the process shown in FIG.

When the second battery remaining amount B2 is 0 and the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 is switched to the communication mode, the entire remaining amount of the battery 110 is not zero. For this reason, the imaging device 10 can operate in the communication mode.

After the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 is switched from the second operation mode, that is, the stand-alone shooting mode, to the first operation mode, that is, the communication mode, the control unit 140 may turn off the power of the imaging apparatus 10. For example, after step SB33, the control unit 140 updates the value of the flag stored in the memory 120 to a value indicating that the use of the imaging device 10 has ended. Thereafter, in step SD shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 140 determines that the use of the imaging device 10 has ended, and the end process is executed in step SE.

When the control unit 140 determines that the imaging device 10 cannot continue the operation in the second operation mode, the control unit 140 may turn off the power of the imaging device 10. When the imaging apparatus 10 is turned off and then on after the imaging apparatus 10 is turned off, the control unit 140 changes the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 from the second operation mode to the first operation mode. You may switch. For example, when the control unit 140 determines that the second battery remaining amount B2 is 0 in step SB32, the control unit 140 stores the scheduled mode information indicating the communication mode in the memory 120. After the scheduled mode information is stored, the control unit 140 turns off the power of the imaging device 10 without switching the operation mode of the imaging device 10. Thereafter, in the activation process, the control unit 140 activates the imaging device 10 in the communication mode indicated by the schedule mode information.

The display 240 of the communication device 20 may notify the user of switching of the operation mode. For example, when the control unit 140 determines in step SB32 that the second battery remaining amount B2 is 0, the control unit 140 transmits the switching mode information indicating the communication mode to the communication device 20 by the communication device 130. The display 240 of the communication device 20 displays a message indicating that the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is switched to the communication mode indicated by the switching mode information. After the switching mode information is transmitted, the control unit 140 switches the operation mode of the imaging device 10 from the stand-alone shooting mode to the communication mode.

After the operation mode switch is notified to the user, the user may determine whether or not to allow the operation mode switch. For example, the communication device 20 has a user interface. The user interface of the communication device 20 receives either one of a switch permission instruction for permitting switching of the operation mode and a switch prohibition instruction for prohibiting switching of the operation mode. The communication device 20 transmits a control command indicating a switching permission instruction or a switching prohibition instruction to the imaging device 10. The control unit 140 receives the control command by the communication device 130. When the received control command is a switching permission instruction, the control unit 140 switches the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 from the stand-alone shooting mode to the communication mode. When the received control command is a switching prohibition instruction, the operation mode management process ends without switching the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10.

FIG. 11 shows a command processing procedure in step SC. The process shown in FIG. 11 will be described while referring to differences from the process shown in FIG.

In step SC12, when the control unit 140 determines that the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is not the communication mode, the control unit 140 determines that the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is stand-alone imaging based on the setting mode information stored in the memory 120. It is determined whether or not the mode is selected (step SC20).

In step SC20, when the control unit 140 determines that the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is not the stand-alone shooting mode, the command processing ends. In step SC 20, when the control unit 140 determines that the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is the stand-alone shooting mode, the control unit 140 updates the second battery remaining amount B 2 stored in the memory 120. Specifically, the control unit 140 reduces the second battery remaining amount B2 according to the usage amount of the battery 110 in the stand-alone shooting mode (step SC21). By executing the processing in step SC21, the command processing ends.

11 is the same as the process shown in FIG. 6 for points other than the above.

FIG. 12 shows the procedure of the remaining amount update process executed when the battery 110 is charged. The process shown in FIG. 12 will be described while referring to differences from the process shown in FIG.

In step SF11, when the control unit 140 determines that the first battery remaining amount B1 is equal to the first battery capacity, the control unit 140 reads the second battery remaining amount B2 from the memory 120 (step SF20). After step SF20, control unit 140 determines whether or not second battery remaining amount B2 is equal to the second battery capacity (step SF21).

In step SF21, when the control unit 140 determines that the second battery remaining amount B2 is equal to the second battery capacity, the process in step SF23 is executed. In step SF21, when the control unit 140 determines that the second battery remaining amount B2 is not equal to the second battery capacity, the control unit 140 updates the second battery remaining amount B2 stored in the memory 120. . Specifically, the control unit 140 updates the second battery remaining amount B 2 stored in the memory 120 according to the charge amount of the battery 110. That is, the control unit 140 increases the second battery remaining amount B2 in accordance with the increase in the remaining amount of the battery 110 (step SF22).

After step SF22, the control unit 140 determines whether power feeding is stopped (step SF23). In step SF23, when the control unit 140 determines that the power supply is not stopped, the process in step SF20 is executed. In step SF23, when the control unit 140 determines that the power supply is stopped, the remaining amount update process ends.

Regarding the points other than the above, the process shown in FIG. 12 is the same as the process shown in FIG.

There are cases where the first battery remaining amount B1 is smaller than the first battery capacity and the second battery remaining amount B2 is smaller than the second battery capacity. In this case, the first battery remaining amount B1 is updated by the process shown in FIG. 11 until the first battery remaining amount B1 becomes equal to the first battery capacity. The second battery remaining amount B2 is not updated until the first battery remaining amount B1 becomes equal to the first battery capacity. After the first battery remaining amount B1 becomes equal to the first battery capacity, the second battery remaining amount B2 is updated. Therefore, the control unit 140 increases the first battery remaining amount B1 in preference to the second battery remaining amount B2 as the remaining amount of the battery 110 increases.

In the second embodiment, the remaining battery level is managed in each of the first and second operation modes. Even when the imaging device 10 cannot continue the operation in the first or second operation mode, the possibility that the imaging device 10 operates is likely to increase by switching the operation mode of the imaging device 10. That is, a state in which processing in another operation mode cannot be performed is less likely to occur due to a decrease in the remaining battery level in the operation mode set in the imaging apparatus 10.

During the charging of the battery 110, the first battery remaining amount preferentially increases over the second battery remaining amount. Thereby, it is easy for the imaging device 10 to continue the operation in the first operation mode.

(First Modification of Second Embodiment)
FIG. 13 shows a procedure of remaining amount update processing in the first modification of the second embodiment of the present invention. The process shown in FIG. 13 is different from the process shown in FIG.

In step SF11, when the control unit 140 determines that the first battery remaining amount B1 is not equal to the first battery capacity, the control unit 140 stores the memory based on the change in the remaining battery amount during the first predetermined time. The first battery remaining amount B1 stored in 120 is updated. For example, when the total remaining amount of the battery 110 increases by ΔV from the timing when the processing in step SF11 is performed until the first predetermined time elapses, the control unit 140 increases the first battery remaining amount B1 by ΔV. (Step SF30). After step SF30, the process in step SF13 is executed.

In step SF11, when the control unit 140 determines that the first battery remaining amount B1 is equal to the first battery capacity, the process in step SF13 is executed. In step SF13, when the control unit 140 determines that the power supply is not stopped, the process in step SF20 is executed. In step SF13, when the control unit 140 determines that the power supply is stopped, the remaining amount update process ends.

In step SF21, when the control unit 140 determines that the second battery remaining amount B2 is not equal to the second battery capacity, the control unit 140 stores the memory based on the change in the remaining battery amount during the second predetermined time. The second battery remaining amount B2 stored in 120 is updated. For example, when the total remaining amount of the battery 110 increases by ΔV from the timing when the process in step SF21 is executed until the second predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 140 increases the second battery remaining amount B2 by ΔV. (Step SF31). After step SF31, the process in step SF23 is executed.

In step SF23, when the control unit 140 determines that the power supply is not stopped, the process in step SF10 is executed. In step SF23, when the control unit 140 determines that the power supply is stopped, the remaining amount update process ends.

The second predetermined time is the same as the first predetermined time. Alternatively, the second predetermined time is different from the first predetermined time. For example, the second predetermined time is shorter than the first predetermined time.

Regarding the points other than the above, the process shown in FIG. 13 is the same as the process shown in FIG.

In the remaining amount update process shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 140 updates the first battery remaining amount B1 and the second battery remaining amount B2 alternately. Thereby, the control unit 140 increases the first battery remaining amount in preference to the second battery remaining amount.

In the first modification of the second embodiment, the first battery remaining amount preferentially increases over the second battery remaining amount while the battery 110 is being charged. Thereby, it is easy for the imaging device 10 to continue the operation in the first operation mode.

(Second modification of the second embodiment)
FIG. 14 shows the configuration of the communication device 20 in the second modification of the second embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the communication device 20 includes a memory 200, a communication device 210 (first communication device), a control unit 220 (first control unit), a user interface 230, and a display 240.

The memory 200 is a volatile or non-volatile memory. For example, the memory 200 is at least one of RAM, DRAM, SRAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory. The memory 200 stores image data received by the communication device 210.

The communication device 210 is a wireless module and performs wireless communication with the imaging device 10 via an antenna not shown in FIG. The imaging device 10 and the communication device 20 may be connected by a cable, and the communication device 210 may communicate with the imaging device 10 via the cable.

The control unit 220 is a controller. The control unit 220 includes at least one of a processor and a logic circuit. The controller 220 can include one or more processors. The controller 220 can include one or more logic circuits. The control unit 220 executes control based on the state of the communication device 20.

The control unit 220 may read a program including an instruction that defines the operation of the control unit 220 and may execute the read program. That is, the function of the control unit 220 may be realized by software. The implementation form of this program is the same as the implementation form of the program that implements the functions of the control unit 140 shown in FIG.

The control unit 220 transmits information to the imaging apparatus 10 via the communication device 210. Specifically, the control unit 220 controls the communication device 210 so that information is transmitted to the imaging device 10. That is, the control unit 220 causes the communication device 210 to transmit information regarding the imaging device 10. Thereby, the communication device 210 transmits information to the imaging device 10. The control unit 220 receives image data or information from the imaging apparatus 10 via the communication device 210. Specifically, the control unit 220 controls the communication device 210 so that image data or information is received from the imaging device 10. That is, the control unit 220 causes the communication device 210 to receive the image data or information transmitted from the imaging device 10. Accordingly, the communication device 210 receives image data or information from the imaging device 10.

The user interface 230 is an operation unit and receives an instruction corresponding to the control command from the user. For example, the user interface 230 is at least one of a button, a switch, a key, and a touch panel. For example, the user interface 230 receives control command and setting information instructions from the user.

The display 240 is a display unit and displays image data stored in the memory 200. For example, the display 240 is at least one of a liquid crystal display and an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display 240 may be a touch panel display. In that case, the user interface 230 and the display 240 are integrated. The battery included in the communication device 20 is not shown in FIG.

In the imaging device 10, the control unit 140 transmits the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount stored in the memory 120 to the communication device 20 through the communication device 130. In the communication device 20, the control unit 220 receives the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount from the imaging device 10 through the communication device 210. The control unit 220 causes the display 240 to display the received first battery remaining amount and second battery remaining amount. The display 240 displays the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount.

The user may switch the operation mode of the imaging device 10 based on the displayed first battery remaining amount and second battery remaining amount. For example, when the imaging device 10 is operating in an operation mode in which the remaining battery level is lower among the communication mode and the stand-alone shooting mode, the user may switch the operation mode of the imaging device 10. The user inputs an operation mode switching instruction via the user interface 150. The user interface 150 receives a switching instruction from the user. The control unit 220 transmits a switching instruction to the imaging device 10 via the communication device 210. In the imaging device 10, the control unit 140 receives a switching instruction from the communication device 20 by the communication device 130. The control unit 140 switches the operation mode of the imaging device 10 based on the received switching instruction.

15 and 16 show a screen 241 of the display 240. FIG. FIG. 15 shows a battery remaining amount display screen. As shown in FIG. 15, the mark M 10 and the mark M 11 are displayed on the screen 241. A mark M10 indicates the first remaining battery level. The shape of the mark M10 changes according to the first remaining battery level. The mark M11 indicates the second remaining battery level. The shape of the mark M11 changes according to the second battery remaining amount. FIG. 16 shows a battery capacity setting screen. As shown in FIG. 16, the ratio R10 of the first battery capacity and the second battery capacity is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the ratio between the first battery capacity and the second battery capacity is 3: 1.

The user designates the ratio between the first battery capacity and the second battery capacity via the user interface 150. The user interface 150 accepts a ratio specified by the user. The control unit 220 generates control information including a battery capacity setting instruction and setting information indicating a ratio designated by the user. The control unit 220 transmits control information to the imaging device 10 via the communication device 210. In the imaging device 10, the control unit 140 receives control information from the communication device 20 by the communication device 130. The controller 140 sets the first battery capacity and the second battery capacity in the memory 120 based on the ratio indicated by the received control information.

In the second modification of the second embodiment, the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount are displayed on the display 240. Thereby, the user can confirm the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount. The user can switch the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 according to the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount.

The user interface 150 receives a ratio between the first battery capacity and the second battery capacity. The control unit 220 transmits control information indicating the ratio between the first battery capacity and the second battery capacity to the imaging apparatus 10 via the communication device 210. Thereby, the user can set the first battery capacity and the second battery capacity in the imaging apparatus 10.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described using the imaging system 1 shown in FIG. In the third embodiment, the memory 120 stores the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount. The control unit 140 counts the number of image data generated when the image sensor 100 executes imaging. The control unit 140 determines whether to increase the first battery remaining amount based on the counted number of image data. When the control unit 140 determines to increase the first battery remaining amount, the control unit 140 increases the first battery remaining amount.

The memory 120 stores the number of untransferred images. The number of untransferred images is the number of image data that is generated when the image sensor 100 performs imaging and is not transferred to the communication device 20. The number of untransferred images is an integer of 0 or more. When image data is generated by the image sensor 100 performing imaging, the number of untransferred images increases by one. When the image data stored in the memory 120 is transferred to the communication device 20, the number of untransferred images is reduced by one. The control unit 140 determines whether or not to increase the first battery remaining amount based on the number of untransferred images. The first operation mode in the third embodiment is an image transfer mode.

FIG. 17 shows an operation procedure of the imaging apparatus 10. The processing shown in FIG. 17 will be described while referring to differences from the processing shown in FIG.

After step SC, power management processing is executed (step SG). The first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount are adjusted by the power management process. After step SG, the process in step SD is executed.

For the points other than the above, the process shown in FIG. 17 is the same as the process shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 shows the procedure of the power management process in step SG. The operation of the imaging apparatus 10 in the power management process will be described with reference to FIG.

The control unit 140 reads the untransferred image count Ct from the memory 120 (step SG40). After step SG40, control unit 140 reads first battery remaining amount B1 from memory 120 (step SG41). The order of processing in step SG40 and step SG41 may be switched.

After step SG41, the control unit 140 calculates the battery capacity BCt necessary for the communication device 130 to transfer Ct images. For example, the battery capacity B necessary for the communication device 130 to transfer one image is a predetermined value and is stored in the memory 120. The control unit 140 calculates the battery capacity BCt by multiplying the battery capacity B by the number of untransferred images Ct (step SG42).

After step SG42, the control unit 140 determines whether or not the battery capacity BCt is larger than the first battery remaining amount B1 (step SG43). When the battery capacity BCt is larger than the first battery remaining amount B1, the first battery remaining amount B1 is not sufficient for transferring Ct images. When the battery capacity BCt is equal to or less than the first battery remaining amount B1, the first battery remaining amount B1 is sufficient for transferring Ct images.

In step SG43, when the control unit 140 determines that the battery capacity BCt is equal to or less than the first battery remaining amount B1, the power management process ends. In step SG43, when the control unit 140 determines that the battery capacity BCt is larger than the first battery remaining amount B1, the control unit 140 reads the second battery remaining amount B2 from the memory 120 (step SG44).

After step SG44, the control unit 140 calculates a value (BCt−B1) obtained by subtracting the first battery remaining amount B1 from the battery capacity BCt. The value (BCt−B1) is a battery capacity that is insufficient for transferring Ct images. The controller 140 determines whether or not the value (BCt−B1) is smaller than the second battery remaining amount B2 (step SG45). When the value (BCt−B1) is smaller than the second battery remaining amount B2, the battery capacity that is insufficient for transferring Ct images can be compensated by the second battery remaining amount B2. When the value (BCt−B1) is equal to or greater than the second battery remaining amount B2, the battery capacity that is insufficient for transferring Ct images cannot be compensated by the second battery remaining amount B2.

In step SG45, when the control unit 140 determines that the value (BCt−B1) is equal to or greater than the second battery remaining amount B2, the power management process ends. In Step SG45, when the control unit 140 determines that the value (BCt−B1) is smaller than the second battery remaining amount B2, the control unit 140 sets the second battery remaining amount B2 to the value (BCt−B1). cut back. Further, the control unit 140 updates the first battery remaining amount B1 by adding the value (BCt−B1) to the first battery remaining amount B1 stored in the memory 120 (step SG46). By executing the process in step SG46, the power management process ends.

In the process illustrated in FIG. 18, the control unit 140 increases the first battery remaining amount B1 based on the number of image data (the number of untransferred images Ct) generated when the image sensor 100 executes imaging. It is determined whether or not (step SG43). When the control unit 140 determines to increase the first battery remaining amount B1, the control unit 140 increases the first battery remaining amount B1 (step SG46). The process shown in FIG. 18 may be executed only when the imaging apparatus 10 is operating in the image transfer mode.

In the third embodiment, when the first battery remaining amount is not sufficient for image transfer, the control unit 140 increases the first battery remaining amount. Thereby, the imaging device 10 can ensure the first remaining battery level necessary for image transfer.

(Fourth embodiment)
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described using the imaging system 1 shown in FIG. In the fourth embodiment, the memory 120 stores the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount. The control unit 140 determines whether or not to increase the second battery remaining amount based on the number of image data that is scheduled to be generated when the image sensor 100 executes imaging. When the control unit 140 determines that the second battery remaining amount is to be increased, the control unit 140 increases the second battery remaining amount.

The memory 120 stores the scheduled number of shots. The scheduled number of images is the number of image data that is scheduled to be generated when the image sensor 100 executes imaging. The planned number of shots is an integer of 1 or more. When image data is generated by the image sensor 100 performing imaging, the scheduled number of images is reduced by one. The control unit 140 determines whether to increase the second battery remaining amount based on the scheduled number of shots.

The imaging apparatus 10 according to the fourth embodiment operates according to the procedure shown in FIG. FIG. 19 shows the procedure of the power management process in step SG. The operation of the imaging device 10 in the power management process will be described with reference to FIG.

The control unit 140 reads the scheduled number of images Cs from the memory 120 (step SG50). After step SG50, control unit 140 reads second battery remaining amount B2 from memory 120 (step SG51). The order of processing in step SG50 and step SG51 may be switched.

After step SG51, the control unit 140 calculates the battery capacity BCs necessary for the image sensor 100 to capture Cs images. For example, the battery capacity B necessary for the image sensor 100 to capture one image is a predetermined value and is stored in the memory 120. The control unit 140 calculates the battery capacity BCs by multiplying the battery capacity B by the scheduled number of shots Cs (step SG52).

After step SG52, the control unit 140 determines whether or not the battery capacity BCs is larger than the second battery remaining amount B2 (step SG53). When the battery capacity BCs is larger than the second battery remaining amount B2, the second battery remaining amount B2 is not sufficient for capturing Cs images. When the battery capacity BCs is equal to or less than the second battery remaining amount B2, the second battery remaining amount B2 is sufficient for capturing Cs images.

In step SG53, when the control unit 140 determines that the battery capacity BCs is equal to or less than the second battery remaining amount B2, the power management process ends. In step SG53, when the control unit 140 determines that the battery capacity BCs is larger than the second battery remaining amount B2, the control unit 140 reads the first battery remaining amount B1 from the memory 120 (step SG54).

After step SG54, the control unit 140 calculates a value (BCs−B2) obtained by subtracting the second battery remaining amount B2 from the battery capacity BCs. The value (BCs−B2) is a battery capacity that is insufficient to capture Cs images. The controller 140 determines whether or not the value (BCs−B2) is smaller than the first battery remaining amount B1 (step SG55). When the value (BCs−B2) is smaller than the first battery remaining amount B1, the battery capacity that is insufficient to capture Cs images can be compensated by the first battery remaining amount B1. When the value (BCs−B2) is equal to or greater than the first battery remaining amount B1, the battery capacity that is insufficient to capture Cs images cannot be compensated by the first battery remaining amount B1.

In step SG55, when the control unit 140 determines that the value (BCs−B2) is equal to or greater than the first battery remaining amount B1, the power management process ends. In step SG55, when the control unit 140 determines that the value (BCs−B2) is smaller than the first battery remaining amount B1, the control unit 140 sets the first battery remaining amount B1 by the value (BCs−B2). cut back. Further, the control unit 140 updates the second battery remaining amount B2 by adding the value (BCs−B2) to the second battery remaining amount B2 stored in the memory 120 (step SG56). By executing the process in step SG56, the power management process ends.

In the process illustrated in FIG. 19, the control unit 140 calculates the second battery remaining amount B 2 based on the number of image data (scheduled shooting number Cs) that is scheduled to be generated when the image sensor 100 performs imaging. It is determined whether or not to increase (step SG53). When the control unit 140 determines to increase the second battery remaining amount B2, the control unit 140 increases the second battery remaining amount B2 (step SG56). The process illustrated in FIG. 19 may be executed only when the imaging apparatus 10 is operating in the stand-alone shooting mode.

In the fourth embodiment, when the second battery remaining amount is not sufficient for capturing an image, the control unit 140 increases the second battery remaining amount. Thereby, the imaging device 10 can secure the second battery remaining amount necessary for capturing an image. As described above, in the stand-alone shooting mode, the imaging device 10 can acquire more image data than in the remote shooting mode. For this reason, the imaging device 10 can acquire the image data of the scheduled number of images more reliably.

(Fifth embodiment)
A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described using the imaging system 1 shown in FIG. In the fifth embodiment, the memory 120 stores the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount. The control unit 140 determines which of the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount is to be preferentially increased based on the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount. While the battery 110 is being charged, the control unit 140 changes the remaining battery level determined to increase preferentially among the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount according to the increase in the remaining amount of the battery 110. Increase over the remaining battery power.

FIG. 20 shows the procedure of the remaining amount update process executed when the battery 110 is charged. The operation of the imaging device 10 in the remaining amount update process will be described with reference to FIG.

When the power supply from the power supply apparatus is started, the control unit 140 reads the first battery remaining amount B1 from the memory 120 (step SF40). After step SF40, control unit 140 reads second battery remaining amount B2 from memory 120 (step SF41). The order of processing in step SF40 and step SF41 may be switched. After step SF41, the control unit 140 determines whether or not the first battery remaining amount B1 is larger than the second battery remaining amount B2 (step SF42).

In Step SF42, when the control unit 140 determines that the first battery remaining amount B1 is larger than the second battery remaining amount B2, the control unit 140 uses the second battery remaining amount B2 stored in the memory 120. Update. Specifically, the control unit 140 increases the second battery remaining amount B2 in accordance with the increase in the remaining amount of the battery 110 (step SF43).

In step SF42, when the control unit 140 determines that the first battery remaining amount B1 is equal to or less than the second battery remaining amount B2, the control unit 140 uses the first battery remaining amount B1 stored in the memory 120. Update. Specifically, the control unit 140 increases the first battery remaining amount B1 in accordance with the increase in the remaining amount of the battery 110 (step SF44).

After step SF43 or step SF44, the control unit 140 determines whether power feeding is stopped (step SF45). In step SF45, when the control unit 140 determines that the power supply is not stopped, the process in step SF40 is executed. In step SF45, when the control unit 140 determines that the power supply has been stopped, the remaining amount update process ends.

In the process shown in FIG. 20, the control unit 140 prioritizes increasing the first battery remaining amount or the second battery remaining amount based on the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount. Is determined (step SF42). The controller 140 preferentially increases the remaining battery level determined to increase with priority over the remaining battery levels of the first battery level and the second battery level (steps SF43 and SF44). .

In the fifth embodiment, the control unit 140 determines a battery remaining amount to be preferentially increased based on the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount. As a result, priority is given to a smaller battery remaining amount of the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount. Thereby, the imaging device 10 can operate in both the first operation mode and the second operation mode.

(First Modification of Fifth Embodiment)
In the first modification of the fifth embodiment, the memory 120 stores a first battery remaining amount, a second battery remaining amount, a first battery capacity, and a second battery capacity. Based on the first ratio and the second ratio, the control unit 140 determines which of the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount is to be preferentially increased. The first ratio is a ratio of the first battery remaining amount to the first battery capacity. The second ratio is a ratio of the second remaining battery capacity to the second battery capacity.

FIG. 21 shows the remaining amount update process executed when the battery 110 is charged. The process shown in FIG. 21 will be described while referring to differences from the process shown in FIG.

After step SF41, the control unit 140 calculates a first ratio P1 of the first battery remaining amount B1 with respect to the first battery capacity (step SF50). After step SF50, the control unit 140 calculates a second ratio P2 of the second battery remaining amount B2 with respect to the second battery capacity (step SF51). The order of processing in step SF50 and step SF51 may be switched. After step SF51, the control unit 140 determines whether or not the first ratio P1 is greater than the second ratio P2 (step SF52).

In step SF52, when the control unit 140 determines that the first ratio P1 is larger than the second ratio P2, the process in step SF43 is executed. In step SF52, when the control unit 140 determines that the first ratio P1 is equal to or less than the second ratio P2, the process in step SF44 is executed.

For the points other than the above, the process shown in FIG. 21 is the same as the process shown in FIG.

In the process shown in FIG. 21, the control unit 140 determines which of the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount is to be preferentially increased based on the first ratio P1 and the second ratio P2. (Step SF52). The controller 140 preferentially increases the remaining battery level determined to increase with priority over the remaining battery levels of the first battery level and the second battery level (steps SF43 and SF44). .

In the first modification of the fifth embodiment, the control unit 140 determines the battery remaining amount to be preferentially increased based on the first ratio and the second ratio. As a result, priority is given to a battery remaining amount having a smaller ratio to the battery capacity allocated to each operation mode out of the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount. Thereby, the imaging device 10 can operate in both the first operation mode and the second operation mode.

(Second Modification of Fifth Embodiment)
In the second modification of the fifth embodiment, the memory 120 stores the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount. Furthermore, the memory 120 stores a first number of image data that is to be generated when the image sensor 100 executes imaging. When the imaging apparatus 10 is operating in the first operation mode, the control unit 140 counts the second number of image data generated by the image sensor 100 performing imaging. The control unit 140 calculates a first estimated value of the first remaining battery level after image data corresponding to the first number is transmitted to the communication device 20. The control unit 140 calculates a second estimated value of the second battery remaining amount after the image sensor 100 executes imaging corresponding to the second number. Based on the first estimated value and the second estimated value, control unit 140 determines which of the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount is to be prioritized and increased. The first operation mode in the second modification of the fifth embodiment is an image transfer mode.

FIG. 22 shows a procedure of remaining amount update processing executed when the battery 110 is charged. The process shown in FIG. 22 will be described while referring to differences from the process shown in FIG.

After step SF41, the control unit 140 reads the scheduled number of shots Cs from the memory 120 (step SF60). After step SF60, the control unit 140 reads the number of untransferred images Ct from the memory 120 (step SF61). The order of processing in step SF60 and step SF61 may be switched.

After step SF61, the control unit 140 calculates the second estimated remaining amount B2 'after the second battery remaining amount B2 is reduced by the image sensor 100 taking Cs images. For example, the battery capacity B necessary for taking one image is a predetermined value and is stored in the memory 120. The control unit 140 calculates the battery capacity BCs by multiplying the battery capacity B by the scheduled number of images Cs. Further, the control unit 140 calculates the second estimated remaining amount B2 'by subtracting the battery capacity BCs from the second battery remaining amount B2 (step SF62).

After step SF62, the control unit 140 calculates the first estimated remaining amount B1 'after the first battery remaining amount B1 is reduced by the communication device 130 transferring Ct images. For example, the battery capacity B necessary for transferring one image is a predetermined value and is stored in the memory 120. The control unit 140 calculates the battery capacity BCt by multiplying the battery capacity B by the number Ct of untransferred images. Furthermore, the control unit 140 calculates the first estimated remaining amount B1 'by subtracting the battery capacity BCt from the first battery remaining amount B1 (step SF63).

The order of processing in step SF62 and step SF63 may be switched. The processes in step SF60 and step SF62 may be executed before the process in step SF61 is executed. The processes in step SF61 and step SF63 may be performed before the process in step SF60 is performed.

After step SF63, the control unit 140 determines whether or not the first estimated remaining amount B1 'is larger than the second estimated remaining amount B2' (step SF64). In step SF64, when the control unit 140 determines that the first estimated remaining amount B1 'is larger than the second estimated remaining amount B2', the process in step SF43 is executed. In step SF64, when the control unit 140 determines that the first estimated remaining amount B1 'is equal to or less than the second estimated remaining amount B2', the process in step SF44 is executed.

For the points other than the above, the process shown in FIG. 22 is the same as the process shown in FIG.

In the process illustrated in FIG. 22, the control unit 140 includes a first estimated value of the first remaining battery level after image data corresponding to the first number (the number Ct of untransferred images) is transmitted to the communication device 20. (First estimated remaining amount B1 ′) is calculated (step SF63). The control unit 140 uses the second estimated value (second estimated remaining amount B2 ′) of the second battery remaining amount after the image sensor 100 executes imaging corresponding to the second number (scheduled number of shots Cs). ) Is calculated (step SF62). Based on the first estimated value and the second estimated value, control unit 140 determines which of the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount is to be preferentially increased (step SF64). The controller 140 preferentially increases the remaining battery level determined to increase with priority over the remaining battery levels of the first battery level and the second battery level (steps SF43 and SF44). .

The memory 120 may store a first time when the imaging apparatus 10 operates in the previous first operation mode and a second time when the imaging apparatus 10 operates in the previous second operation mode. The controller 140 may determine which of the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount is to be preferentially increased based on the first time and the second time. For example, when the first time is longer than the second time, the control unit 140 increases the second battery remaining amount B2 in accordance with the increase in the remaining amount of the battery 110. In addition, when the first time is equal to or shorter than the second time, the control unit 140 increases the first battery remaining amount B1 in accordance with the increase in the remaining amount of the battery 110.

In the second modification of the fifth embodiment, the control unit 140 determines a battery remaining amount to be preferentially increased based on the first estimated remaining amount B1 'and the second estimated remaining amount B2'. As a result, of the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount, priority is given to the remaining battery remaining amount after the scheduled operation is performed. Thereby, the imaging device 10 can operate in both the first operation mode and the second operation mode.

(Sixth embodiment)
A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described using the imaging system 1 shown in FIG. The configuration of the imaging device 10 is shown in FIG. 2, and the configuration of the communication device 20 is shown in FIG. In the first to fifth embodiments, the imaging device 10 executes determination regarding switching of the operation mode. In the sixth embodiment, the communication device 20 performs the determination. In the communication device 20, the memory 200 stores the first remaining battery level. When the imaging apparatus 10 is operating in the first operation mode, the control unit 220 determines whether the imaging apparatus 10 can continue the operation in the first operation mode based on the first remaining battery level. To do. When the control unit 220 determines that the imaging device 10 cannot continue the operation in the first operation mode, the control unit 220 transmits a switching instruction to the imaging device 10 via the communication device 210. The switching instruction indicates that the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 is switched from the first operation mode to the second operation mode.

The memory 200 stores the operation mode set in the imaging device 10 in addition to the first remaining battery level.

In the remote shooting mode, the control unit 220 transmits a live display start instruction to the imaging device 10 via the communication device 210. After the live display start instruction is transmitted, the imaging device 10 captures a live image. The control unit 220 sequentially receives a plurality of image data (live images) generated by the image sensor 100 continuously performing imaging from the imaging device 10 by the communication device 210. The display 240 displays a live image based on the image data received from the imaging device 10. The user confirms the composition based on the live image and inputs a shooting instruction via the user interface 230. The user interface 230 receives a shooting instruction from the user. The control unit 220 transmits a shooting instruction to the imaging apparatus 10 via the communication device 210.

In the parameter setting mode, the user inputs a parameter setting instruction and setting information via the user interface 230. The user interface 230 receives a parameter setting instruction and setting information from the user. The control unit 220 transmits a parameter setting instruction and setting information to the imaging apparatus 10 via the communication device 210.

In the image transfer mode, the user inputs an image transfer instruction via the user interface 230. The user interface 230 receives an image transfer instruction from the user. The control unit 220 transmits an image transfer instruction to the imaging device 10 via the communication device 210. After the image transfer instruction is transmitted, image data is transmitted from the imaging device 10. The control unit 220 receives image data from the imaging device 10 by the communication device 210. The control unit 220 stores the image data in the memory 200. The display 240 displays a still image or a moving image based on the image data received from the imaging device 10.

In the image processing mode, the user inputs an image processing execution instruction via the user interface 230. The user interface 230 receives an image processing execution instruction from the user. The control unit 220 transmits an image processing execution instruction to the imaging apparatus 10 via the communication device 210. Alternatively, the control unit 220 transmits an image processing execution instruction and image additional information to the imaging device 10 via the communication device 210.

FIG. 23 shows an operation procedure of the imaging apparatus 10. The process shown in FIG. 23 will be described while referring to differences from the process shown in FIG.

The operation mode management process (step SB) in the process shown in FIG. 3 is not executed. After step SA, the process in step SC is executed.

For the points other than the above, the process shown in FIG. 23 is the same as the process shown in FIG.

FIG. 24 shows the procedure of the activation process in step SA. With reference to FIG. 24, the operation of the imaging apparatus 10 in the activation process will be described.

When the power button 152 receives a power-on instruction, power is supplied from the battery 110 to the control unit 140, whereby the control unit 140 starts operation. The control unit 140 causes the communication device 130 to establish a communication connection with the communication device 20. Thereby, the communication device 130 can communicate with the communication device 20 (step SA30).

After step SA30, the control unit 140 reads the first battery remaining amount B1 from the memory 120 (step SA31). After step SA31, the control unit 140 transmits first remaining amount information indicating the first remaining battery amount B1 to the communication device 20 through the communication device 130 (step SA32).

After step SA32, the control unit 140 receives the activation mode information for setting the operation mode from the communication device 20 by the communication device 130 (step SA33). The activation mode information received from the communication device 20 indicates an operation mode when the imaging device 10 is activated.

After step SA33, the control unit 140 activates the imaging device 10 in the operation mode indicated by the activation mode information received from the communication device 20. At this time, the control unit 140 stores setting mode information indicating the operation mode in the memory 120. When the imaging device 10 is activated in the stand-alone shooting mode, the control unit 140 causes the communication device 130 to disconnect the communication connection with the communication device 20. As a result, the communication device 130 disconnects the communication connection with the communication device 20 (step SA34). When the process in step SA34 is executed, the activation process is terminated.

The imaging apparatus 10 according to the sixth embodiment may determine the operation mode at the time of activation by a process similar to the activation process illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 25 shows the procedure of command processing in step SC. The process shown in FIG. 25 will be described while referring to differences from the process shown in FIG.

After step SC13, control unit 140 reads first battery remaining amount B1 from memory 120 (step SC30). After step SC30, control unit 140 transmits first remaining amount information indicating first battery remaining amount B1 to communication device 20 by communication device 130. Thereby, the control part 140 notifies the communication apparatus 20 of the updated 1st battery remaining charge B1 (step SC31). By executing the process in step SC31, the command process ends.

25, the processing shown in FIG. 25 is the same as the processing shown in FIG.

In the imaging apparatus 10, when the battery 110 is charged, the remaining amount update process shown in FIG. 7 is executed.

FIG. 26 shows an operation procedure of the communication device 20. The operation of the communication device 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

When the power of the communication device 20 is off, the user interface 230 receives a power-on instruction to execute a start process (step SH). The communication device 20 is activated by the activation process. After the startup process is executed, an operation mode management process is executed (step SI). The operation mode of the imaging device 10 is controlled by the operation mode management process. After the operation mode management process is executed, a command process is executed (step SJ). Processing according to the control command is executed by command processing.

After the command processing is executed, the control unit 220 determines whether or not the use of the communication device 20 is finished (step SK). A flag indicating whether or not the use of the communication device 20 has been completed is stored in the memory 200. When the activation process is executed, the control unit 220 causes the memory 200 to store a flag having a value indicating that the communication device 20 is in use. When the user interface 230 receives a power-off instruction, the control unit 220 updates the value of the flag stored in the memory 200 to a value indicating that the use of the communication device 20 has ended.

In step SK, when the control unit 220 determines that the use of the communication device 20 has not ended, the processing in step SI is executed. If the use of the communication device 20 has not ended, the processes in step SI and step SJ are repeatedly executed. In step SK, when the control unit 220 determines that the use of the communication device 20 has ended, an end process is executed (step SL). In the termination process, the control unit 220 turns off the power supply of the communication device 20 by stopping the power supply from the battery of the communication device 20. When the imaging device 10 is operating in the communication mode, in the end process, the control unit 220 transmits a power-off instruction to the imaging device 10 via the communication device 210. Thereafter, the control unit 220 causes the communication device 210 to disconnect the communication connection with the imaging device 10. As a result, the communication device 210 disconnects the communication connection with the imaging device 10.

FIG. 27 shows the procedure of the activation process in step SH. With reference to FIG. 27, the operation of the communication device 20 in the activation process will be described.

When the user interface 230 receives a power-on instruction, power is supplied from the battery of the communication device 20 to the control unit 220, so that the control unit 220 starts operation. The control unit 220 causes the communication device 210 to establish a communication connection with the imaging device 10. Thereby, the communication device 210 can communicate with the imaging device 10 (step SH10).

After step SH10, the control unit 220 receives the first remaining amount information from the imaging device 10 through the communication device 210 (step SH11). After step SH11, the control unit 220 updates the first battery remaining amount B1 stored in the memory 200 based on the first remaining amount information. As a result, the first battery remaining amount B1 stored in the memory 200 becomes the same as the first battery remaining amount B1 indicated by the first remaining amount information (step SH12).

After step SH12, the control unit 220 reads the first battery remaining amount B1 from the memory 200 (step SH13). After step SH13, control unit 220 determines whether or not first battery remaining amount B1 is zero. That is, the control unit 220 determines an operation mode when the imaging apparatus 10 is activated based on the first battery remaining amount B1 (step SH14). When the first battery remaining amount B1 is 0, the imaging device 10 cannot operate in the communication mode. When the first battery remaining amount B1 is not 0, the imaging device 10 can operate in the communication mode.

In step SH14, when the control unit 220 determines that the first battery remaining amount B1 is 0, the control unit 220 stores setting mode information indicating the stand-alone shooting mode in the memory 200 (step SH15). After step SH15, the control unit 220 transmits activation mode information indicating activation in the stand-alone imaging mode to the imaging device 10 through the communication device 210 (step SH16). The imaging apparatus 10 that has received the activation mode information is activated in the stand-alone imaging mode in step SA34 in FIG.

After step SH16, the control unit 220 causes the communication device 210 to disconnect the communication connection with the imaging device 10. Accordingly, the communication device 210 disconnects the communication connection with the imaging device 10 (step SH17).

In step SH14, when the control unit 220 determines that the first battery remaining amount B1 is not 0, the control unit 220 stores setting mode information indicating the communication mode in the memory 200 (step SH18). After step SH18, the control unit 220 transmits activation mode information indicating activation in the communication mode to the imaging device 10 by the communication device 210 (step SH19). The imaging apparatus 10 that has received the activation mode information is activated in the communication mode in step SA34 in FIG. When the process in step SH17 or step SH19 is executed, the activation process ends.

In the activation process, the control unit 220 may transmit control information indicating activation in the operation mode indicated by the past mode information to the imaging device 10 by the communication device 210. The past mode information indicates the operation mode set in the previous use.

In the activation process, the control unit 220 may transmit control information indicating activation in the operation mode indicated by the schedule mode information to the imaging device 10 by the communication device 210. The scheduled mode information indicates an operation mode that is scheduled to be used.

FIG. 28 shows the procedure of the operation mode management process in step SI. The operation of the communication device 20 in the operation mode management process will be described with reference to FIG.

The processing in each of steps SI10 to SI12 is the same as the processing in each of steps SB10 to SB12 shown in FIG. The processing subject in each of steps SI10 to SI12 is control unit 220.

In step SI12, when the control unit 220 determines that the first battery remaining amount B1 is 0, the control unit 220 updates the setting mode information stored in the memory 200. The updated setting mode information indicates the stand-alone shooting mode (step SI13).

After step SI13, the control unit 220 transmits a switching instruction to the imaging device 10 through the communication device 210. This switching instruction indicates that the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 is switched from the communication mode to the stand-alone shooting mode (step SI14).

After step SI14, the control unit 220 causes the communication device 210 to disconnect the communication connection with the imaging device 10. As a result, the communication device 210 disconnects the communication connection with the imaging device 10 (step SI15). When the process in step SI15 is executed, the operation mode management process ends.

After the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is switched from the first operation mode, that is, the communication mode, to the second operation mode, that is, the stand-alone shooting mode, the control unit 220 may turn off the power of the imaging device 10. For example, after step SI 14, the control unit 220 transmits a power-off instruction to the imaging device 10 through the communication device 210.

When the control unit 220 determines that the imaging device 10 cannot continue the operation in the first operation mode, the control unit 220 may turn off the power of the imaging device 10. When the imaging apparatus 10 is turned off and then on after the imaging apparatus 10 is turned off, the control unit 220 changes the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. You may switch. For example, when the control unit 220 determines that the first battery remaining amount B1 is 0 in step SI12, the control unit 220 transmits a power-off instruction to the imaging device 10 via the communication device 210. Thereafter, when the imaging apparatus 10 is activated, the control unit 220 transmits activation mode information indicating that the imaging apparatus 10 is activated in the stand-alone imaging mode to the imaging apparatus 10 via the communication device 210. When the power-off instruction is transmitted, the control unit 220 may transmit an instruction to store the schedule mode information indicating the stand-alone shooting mode in the memory 120 to the imaging apparatus 10 through the communication device 210.

The display 240 may notify the user of switching of the operation mode. For example, when the control unit 220 determines that the first battery remaining amount B1 is 0 in step SI12, the control unit 220 displays a message indicating that the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 is switched to the stand-alone shooting mode on the display 240. To display. After the message is displayed, the control unit 220 transmits a switching instruction to the imaging device 10 via the communication device 210.

After the operation mode switch is notified to the user, the user may determine whether or not to allow the operation mode switch. For example, the user interface 230 receives any one of a switch permission instruction for permitting switching of the operation mode and a switch prohibition instruction for prohibiting switching of the operation mode. When the switching permission instruction is received by the user interface 230, the control unit 220 transmits the switching instruction to the imaging device 10 by the communication device 210. When the switching prohibition instruction is received by the user interface 230, the operation mode management process ends without switching the operation mode of the imaging device 10.

FIG. 29 shows the command processing procedure in step SJ. The operation of the communication device 20 in command processing will be described with reference to FIG.

The control unit 220 determines whether or not a control command has been accepted (step SJ10). When the control command is received by the user interface 230, the control unit 220 determines that the control command has been received. When the control command is not accepted by the user interface 230, the control unit 220 determines that the control command is not accepted.

In step SJ10, when the control unit 220 determines that the control command is not accepted by the user interface 230, the command processing ends. In step SJ10, when the control unit 220 determines that the control command has been received by the user interface 230, the control unit 220 transmits the control command to the imaging device 10 through the communication device 210 (step SJ11).

When the first remaining amount information is transmitted from the imaging device 10, the control unit 220 receives the first remaining amount information from the imaging device 10 through the communication device 210. After step SJ11, control unit 220 determines whether or not the first remaining amount information has been received (step SJ12).

In step SJ12, when the control unit 220 determines that the first remaining amount information has not been received, the command processing ends. In step SJ12, when the control unit 220 determines that the first remaining amount information is received, the control unit 220 determines the first battery remaining amount B1 stored in the memory 200 based on the first remaining amount information. Update. As a result, the first battery remaining amount B1 stored in the memory 200 becomes the same as the first battery remaining amount B1 indicated by the first remaining amount information (step SJ13). By executing the process in step SJ13, the command process ends.

The imaging mode control method in the sixth embodiment has a first step (step SI12) and a second step (step SI14). When the imaging device 10 is operating in the first operation mode, in the communication device 20, the control unit 220 can continue the operation of the imaging device 10 in the first operation mode based on the first remaining battery level. Whether or not (first step). When it is determined that the imaging device 10 cannot continue the operation in the first operation mode, in the communication device 20, the control unit 220 switches the operation mode of the imaging device 10 from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. A switching instruction indicating this is transmitted to the imaging apparatus 10 by the communication device 210 (second step). The imaging mode control method of each aspect of the present invention may not include steps other than the first and second steps described above.

In the sixth embodiment, when the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 is switched from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, there is a possibility that the remaining battery capacity necessary for the operation in the second operation mode is secured. Is expensive. For this reason, the possibility that the imaging device 10 operates in the second operation mode is likely to increase. That is, a state in which imaging cannot be performed due to a decrease in the remaining battery level during communication is less likely to occur.

(Modification of the sixth embodiment)
In the modification of the sixth embodiment of the present invention, when the control unit 220 determines that the imaging apparatus 10 cannot continue the operation in the first operation mode, the control unit 220 displays the setting information and the switching instruction as the communication device 210. To the imaging device 10. The setting information indicates contents set in the imaging device 10 when the imaging device 10 is operating in the second operation mode. The switching instruction indicates that the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 is switched from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. The first operation mode in the modification of the sixth embodiment is a parameter setting mode.

FIG. 30 shows the procedure of the operation mode management process in the modification of the sixth embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 30 will be described while referring to differences from the process shown in FIG.

The memory 200 stores a predetermined value L1. The predetermined value L1 indicates the minimum battery capacity required for operation in the parameter setting mode. After step SI11, control unit 220 determines whether or not first battery remaining amount B1 is smaller than predetermined value L1. That is, the control unit 220 determines whether or not to switch the operation mode of the imaging device 10 from the communication mode to the stand-alone shooting mode based on the first battery remaining amount B1. Thereby, control part 220 judges whether imaging device 10 can continue operation in communication mode (Step SI20). When the first battery remaining amount B1 is smaller than the predetermined value L1, the control unit 220 determines that the imaging device 10 cannot continue the operation in the communication mode. When the first battery remaining amount B1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value L1, the control unit 220 determines that the imaging device 10 can continue the operation in the communication mode.

In step SI20, when the control unit 220 determines that the first battery remaining amount B1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value L1, the operation mode management process ends. In step SI20, when the control unit 220 determines that the first battery remaining amount B1 is smaller than the predetermined value L1, the process in step SI13 is executed.

After step SI13, the control unit 220 transmits control information for parameter setting to the imaging device 10 through the communication device 210 (step SI21). The control information transmitted in step SI21 includes a parameter setting instruction and setting information. The setting information transmitted in step SI21 is a parameter in the second operation mode. For example, the setting information is an imaging parameter in the stand-alone imaging mode. After step SI21, the process in step SI14 is executed.

The parameter setting instruction, setting information, and switching instruction may be transmitted simultaneously. In this case, control information indicating that the process related to the parameter setting instruction is executed before the process related to the switching instruction may be transmitted.

30 is the same as the process shown in FIG. 28 with respect to points other than those described above.

In the process illustrated in FIG. 30, when the control unit 220 determines that the imaging device 10 cannot continue the operation in the first operation mode, the control unit 220 transmits setting information and a switching instruction to the imaging device 10 via the communication device 210. (Step SI21 and Step SI14).

The display 240 may notify the user of a setting change of the imaging device 10. For example, when the control unit 220 determines that the first battery remaining amount B1 is smaller than the predetermined value L1 in step SI20, the control unit 220 displays a message indicating acceptance of the setting information on the display 240. The user interface 230 receives a change in setting information. In step SI21, the control unit 220 transmits control information including the parameter setting instruction and the changed setting information to the imaging device 10.

The user may be notified of the switching of the operation mode by the same operation as described above. After the user is notified of the switching of the operation mode, the user may determine whether to permit the switching of the operation mode.

In the modification of the sixth embodiment, the imaging device 10 receives the setting information when the first battery remaining amount is reduced by the operation in the first operation mode. After the setting information is received, the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is switched from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. For this reason, before the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is changed, the imaging device 10 can receive the setting information used for the second operation mode and perform setting based on the setting information.

(Seventh embodiment)
A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described using the imaging system 1 shown in FIG. In the seventh embodiment, the communication device 20 controls switching from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. Further, the imaging apparatus 10 controls switching from the second operation mode to the first operation mode. The memory 120 stores a first battery remaining amount, a second battery remaining amount, a first battery capacity, and a second battery capacity. The memory 200 stores the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount.

The imaging apparatus 10 according to the seventh embodiment operates according to the procedure shown in FIG. FIG. 31 shows the procedure of the activation process in step SA. The process shown in FIG. 31 is different from the process shown in FIG.

After step SA30, the controller 220 reads the first battery remaining amount B1 and the second battery remaining amount B2 from the memory 120 (step SA40). After step SA40, control unit 140 transmits the first remaining amount information and the second remaining amount information to communication device 20 through communication device 130 (step SA41). The first remaining amount information indicates the first remaining battery amount B1. The second remaining amount information indicates the second remaining battery amount B2. After step SA41, the process at step SA33 is executed.

Other than the above, the process shown in FIG. 31 is the same as the process shown in FIG.

The imaging apparatus 10 according to the seventh embodiment may determine the operation mode at the time of activation by a process similar to the activation process illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 32 shows the procedure of the operation mode management process in step SB. The process shown in FIG. 32 is different from the process shown in FIG.

The processing from step SB10 to step SB14 in the processing shown in FIG. 10 is not executed. After step SB33, control unit 140 transmits the mode switching information and the second remaining amount information to communication device 20. The mode switching information indicates that the operation mode of the imaging device 10 has been switched from the stand-alone shooting mode to the communication mode (step SB40). When the imaging device 10 is operating in the stand-alone shooting mode, the imaging device 10 does not perform wireless communication with the communication device 20. When the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is switched from the stand-alone shooting mode to the communication mode, the imaging device 10 notifies the communication device 20 of the second battery remaining amount B2. When the process in step SB40 is executed, the operation mode management process ends.

32, the process shown in FIG. 32 is the same as the process shown in FIG.

FIG. 33 shows the procedure of command processing in step SC. The process shown in FIG. 33 will be described while referring to differences from the process shown in FIG.

The user interface 150 can receive a switching instruction indicating that the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 is switched from the communication mode to the stand-alone shooting mode from the user. In that case, in step SC 11, the control unit 140 transmits the mode switching information and the second remaining amount information to the communication device 20 through the communication device 130. As a result, the imaging device 10 notifies the communication device 20 of the second remaining battery level B2. Thereafter, the control unit 140 switches the operation mode of the imaging device 10 from the communication mode to the stand-alone shooting mode based on the switching instruction.

33, processing in step SC20 and step SC21 shown in FIG. 11 is added to the processing shown in FIG.

33, the processing shown in FIG. 33 is the same as the processing shown in FIG.

In the imaging apparatus 10, when the battery 110 is charged, the remaining amount update process shown in FIG. 12 is executed.

The communication device 20 of the seventh embodiment operates according to the procedure shown in FIG. FIG. 34 shows the procedure of the activation process in step SH. The process shown in FIG. 34 is different from the process shown in FIG.

In step SH14, when the control unit 220 determines that the first battery remaining amount B1 is not 0, the control unit 220 reads the second battery remaining amount B2 from the memory 200 (step SH20).

After step SH20, the control unit 220 determines whether or not the second battery remaining amount B2 is zero. That is, the control unit 220 determines an operation mode when the imaging apparatus 10 is activated based on the second battery remaining amount B2 (step SH21). When the second battery remaining amount B2 is 0, the imaging device 10 cannot operate in the stand-alone shooting mode. When the second battery remaining amount B2 is not 0, the imaging device 10 can operate in the stand-alone shooting mode.

In step SH21, when the control unit 220 determines that the second battery remaining amount B2 is 0, the process in step SH18 is executed. In step SH21, when the control unit 220 determines that the second battery remaining amount B2 is not 0, the control unit 220 stores setting mode information indicating an arbitrary operation mode in the memory 120 (step SH22).

After step SH22, the control unit 220 transmits activation mode information indicating that activation is performed in an arbitrary operation mode to the imaging device 10 by the communication device 210 (step SH23). The imaging apparatus 10 that has received the activation mode information is activated in the operation mode indicated by the activation mode information in step SA34 in FIG. When the process in any one of step SH17, step SH19, and step SH23 is executed, the start-up process ends.

34, the process shown in FIG. 34 is the same as the process shown in FIG.

FIG. 35 shows a command processing procedure in step SJ. The process shown in FIG. 35 will be described while referring to differences from the process shown in FIG.

In step SJ10, when the control unit 220 determines that the control command is not accepted by the user interface 230, the process in step SJ20 is executed. If the control unit 220 determines in step SJ12 that the first remaining amount information has not been received, the process in step SJ20 is executed.

After step SJ13, the control unit 220 determines whether or not the operation mode of the imaging device 10 has been switched from the communication mode to the stand-alone shooting mode (step SJ20). When the mode switching information and the second remaining amount information are transmitted from the imaging device 10, the control unit 220 receives the mode switching information and the second remaining amount information from the imaging device 10 through the communication device 210. In step SJ20, control unit 220 determines whether or not the mode switching information and the second remaining amount information are received from imaging device 10. When the mode switching information and the second remaining amount information are received from the imaging device 10, the control unit 220 determines that the operation mode of the imaging device 10 has been switched from the communication mode to the stand-alone imaging mode. When the mode switching information and the second remaining amount information are not received from the imaging device 10, the control unit 220 determines that the operation mode of the imaging device 10 has not been switched from the communication mode to the stand-alone imaging mode.

In step SJ20, when the control unit 220 determines that the operation mode of the imaging device 10 has not been switched from the communication mode to the stand-alone shooting mode, the command processing ends. In step SJ20, when the control unit 220 determines that the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 has been switched from the communication mode to the stand-alone shooting mode, the control unit 220 updates the setting mode information stored in the memory 200. The updated setting mode information indicates the stand-alone shooting mode (step SJ21).

After step SJ21, the control unit 220 updates the second battery remaining amount B2 stored in the memory 200 based on the second remaining amount information. As a result, the second battery remaining amount B2 stored in the memory 200 becomes the same as the second battery remaining amount B2 indicated by the second remaining amount information (step SJ22). By executing the processing in step SJ22, the command processing ends.

For other points, the process shown in FIG. 35 is the same as the process shown in FIG.

In the seventh embodiment, the remaining battery level is managed in each of the first and second operation modes. Even when the imaging device 10 cannot continue the operation in the first or second operation mode, the possibility that the imaging device 10 operates is likely to increase by switching the operation mode of the imaging device 10. That is, a state in which processing in another operation mode cannot be performed is less likely to occur due to a decrease in the remaining battery level in the operation mode set in the imaging apparatus 10.

(First Modification of Seventh Embodiment)
In the first modification of the seventh embodiment of the present invention, the communication device 20 determines a method for updating the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount while the battery 110 is being charged. While the battery 110 is being charged, the imaging device 10 updates the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount according to the update method determined by the communication device 20.

In the first modification of the seventh embodiment, the control unit 220 transmits method information to the imaging device 10 by the communication device 210. The method information indicates how to update the first remaining battery level and the second remaining battery level while the battery 110 is being charged. The update method is a method in which the first battery remaining amount is preferentially increased over the second battery remaining amount as the remaining amount of the battery 110 increases.

In the first modification of the seventh embodiment, the control unit 140 receives method information from the communication device 20 by the communication device 130. While the battery 110 is being charged, the control unit 140 gives priority to the first battery remaining amount over the second battery remaining amount according to the increase in the remaining amount of the battery 110 according to the update method indicated by the received method information. Increase.

FIG. 36 shows an operation procedure of the communication device 20. The process shown in FIG. 36 will be described while referring to differences from the process shown in FIG.

After step SJ, remaining amount determination processing is executed (step SM). By the remaining amount determination process, a process for determining a battery remaining amount update method is executed. After step SM, the process in step SK is executed.

36, the process shown in FIG. 36 is the same as the process shown in FIG.

FIG. 37 shows the procedure of remaining amount determination processing in step SM. The operation of the communication device 20 in the remaining amount determination process will be described with reference to FIG.

The control unit 220 determines whether or not the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 is the communication mode based on the setting mode information stored in the memory 200 (step SM10).

In step SM10, when the control unit 220 determines that the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is not the communication mode, the remaining amount determination process ends. In step SM10, when the control unit 220 determines that the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is the communication mode, the control unit 220 generates method information (step SM11). The method information generated in step SM11 indicates a method of giving priority to the increase in the first battery remaining amount B1 over the increase in the second battery remaining amount B2. After step SM11, the control unit 220 transmits method information to the imaging apparatus 10 via the communication device 210 (step SM12). When the process in step SM12 is executed, the remaining amount determination process ends.

For example, the imaging apparatus 10 that has received the method information updates the first battery remaining amount B1 and the second battery remaining amount B2 by the process illustrated in FIG. 12 while the battery 110 is being charged.

In the first modification of the seventh embodiment, the first battery remaining amount preferentially increases over the second battery remaining amount while the battery 110 is being charged. Thereby, it is easy for the imaging device 10 to continue the operation in the first operation mode.

(Second modification of the seventh embodiment)
FIG. 38 shows the remaining amount determination processing procedure in the second modification of the seventh embodiment of the present invention. The process shown in FIG. 38 will be described while referring to differences from the process shown in FIG.

In step SM10, when the control unit 220 determines that the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is the communication mode, the control unit 220 generates method information (step SM20). The method information generated in step SM20 indicates a method of increasing the second battery remaining amount B2 for a predetermined time after increasing the first battery remaining amount B1 for a predetermined time. The method information generated in step SM20 may indicate a method for repeatedly executing the method. After step SM20, the process in step SM12 is executed.

38, the processing shown in FIG. 38 is the same as the processing shown in FIG.

For example, the imaging apparatus 10 that has received the method information updates the first battery remaining amount B1 and the second battery remaining amount B2 by the process illustrated in FIG. 13 while the battery 110 is being charged.

In the second modification of the seventh embodiment, the first battery remaining amount preferentially increases over the second battery remaining amount while the battery 110 is being charged. Thereby, it is easy for the imaging device 10 to continue the operation in the first operation mode.

(Eighth embodiment)
An eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described using the imaging system 1 shown in FIG. In the eighth embodiment, the memory 200 stores a first battery remaining amount and a second battery remaining amount. The control unit 220 determines whether or not to increase the first battery remaining amount based on the number of image data generated by the image sensor 100 performing imaging. When the control unit 220 determines that the first battery remaining amount is to be increased, the control unit 220 increases the first battery remaining amount.

The memory 120 of the imaging device 10 stores the number of untransferred images. The number of untransferred images is the number of image data that is generated when the image sensor 100 performs imaging and is not transferred to the communication device 20. The number of untransferred images is an integer of 0 or more. When image data is generated by the image sensor 100 performing imaging, the number of untransferred images increases by one. When the image data stored in the memory 120 is transferred to the communication device 20, the number of untransferred images is reduced by one. The control unit 140 transmits untransferred image information indicating the number of untransferred images to the communication device 20 through the communication device 130. The control unit 220 of the communication device 20 receives untransferred image information from the imaging device 10 by the communication device 210. The control unit 220 determines whether to increase the first battery remaining amount based on the number of untransferred images. The first operation mode in the eighth embodiment is an image transfer mode.

The imaging apparatus 10 according to the eighth embodiment operates according to the procedure shown in FIG. FIG. 39 shows the procedure of the power management process in step SG. The operation of the imaging apparatus 10 in the power management process will be described with reference to FIG.

The control unit 140 determines whether or not the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 is the communication mode based on the setting mode information stored in the memory 120 (step SG60).

In step SG60, when the control unit 220 determines that the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 is not the communication mode, the power management process ends. In step SG60, when the control unit 140 determines that the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is the communication mode, the control unit 140 reads the number of untransferred images Ct from the memory 120 (step SG61). After step SG61, the control unit 140 transmits untransferred image information indicating the number of untransferred images Ct to the communication device 20 by the communication device 130. Thereby, the control part 140 notifies the communication apparatus 20 of the number Ct of untransferred images (step SG62).

When the remaining amount change information is transmitted from the communication device 20, the control unit 140 receives the remaining amount change information from the communication device 20 by the communication device 130. The remaining amount change information indicates the changed first battery remaining amount B1 and second battery remaining amount B2. After step SG62, control unit 140 determines whether or not remaining amount change information has been received from communication device 20 (step SG63).

In step SG63, when the control unit 140 determines that the remaining amount change information is not received from the communication device 20, the power management process ends. In step SG63, when the control unit 140 determines that the remaining amount change information has been received from the communication device 20, the control unit 140 determines the first battery remaining amount B1 and the second battery remaining amount based on the remaining amount change information. Change B2. As a result, the first battery remaining amount B1 stored in the memory 120 becomes the same as the first battery remaining amount B1 indicated by the remaining amount change information. Further, the second battery remaining amount B2 stored in the memory 120 becomes the same as the second battery remaining amount B2 indicated by the remaining amount change information (step SG64). By executing the process in step SG64, the power management process ends.

FIG. 40 shows an operation procedure of the communication device 20. The process shown in FIG. 40 will be described while referring to differences from the process shown in FIG.

After step SJ, power management processing is executed (step SN). The first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount are adjusted by the power management process. After step SN, the process in step SK is executed.

Other than the above, the process shown in FIG. 40 is the same as the process shown in FIG.

FIG. 41 shows the procedure of the power management process in step SN. The operation of the communication device 20 in the power management process will be described with reference to FIG.

The control unit 220 determines whether the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 is the communication mode based on the setting mode information stored in the memory 200 (step SN10).

In step SN10, when the control unit 220 determines that the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is not the communication mode, the power management process ends. In step SN10, when the control unit 220 determines that the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is the communication mode, the control unit 220 determines whether untransferred image information is received from the imaging device 10 (step SN11). . When untransferred image information is transmitted from the imaging device 10, the control unit 220 receives the untransferred image information from the imaging device 10 by the communication device 210.

In step SN11, when the control unit 220 determines that untransferred image information has not been received from the imaging device 10, the power management process ends. When the control unit 220 determines in step SN11 that untransferred image information has been received from the imaging device 10, the control unit 220 stores the number of untransferred images Ct indicated by the untransferred image information in the memory 200 (step SN12). .

After step SN12, the process in step SN13 is executed. Processing in each of steps SN13 to SN19 is the same as the processing in each of steps SG40 to SG46 shown in FIG. The processing subject in each of steps SN13 to SN19 is control unit 220.

After step SN19, the control unit 220 transmits the remaining amount change information to the imaging device 10 through the communication device 210 (step SN20). The remaining amount change information indicates the first remaining battery amount B1 and the second remaining battery amount B2 that have been changed by the process in step SN19. By executing the process in step SN20, the power management process ends.

In the process shown in FIG. 41, the control unit 220 increases the first battery remaining amount B1 based on the number of image data (the number of untransferred images Ct) generated when the image sensor 100 executes imaging. It is determined whether or not (step SN16). When the control unit 220 determines that the first battery remaining amount B1 is increased, the control unit 220 increases the first battery remaining amount B1 (step SN19). The process shown in FIG. 41 may be executed only when the imaging apparatus 10 is operating in the image transfer mode.

In the eighth embodiment, when the first battery remaining amount is not sufficient for image transfer, the control unit 140 increases the first battery remaining amount. Thereby, the imaging device 10 can ensure the first remaining battery level necessary for image transfer.

(Ninth embodiment)
A ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described using the imaging system 1 shown in FIG. In the ninth embodiment, the memory 200 stores a first battery remaining amount and a second battery remaining amount. The control unit 220 determines whether or not to increase the second battery remaining amount based on the number of image data stored in the memory 200. When the control unit 220 determines that the second battery remaining amount is to be increased, the control unit 220 increases the second battery remaining amount.

The memory 120 of the imaging apparatus 10 stores the scheduled number of shots. The scheduled number of images is the number of image data that is scheduled to be generated when the image sensor 100 executes imaging. The planned number of shots is an integer of 1 or more. When image data is generated by the image sensor 100 performing imaging, the scheduled number of images is reduced by one. The control unit 140 transmits shooting schedule information indicating the number of shots to be shot to the communication device 20 via the communication device 130. The control unit 220 of the communication device 20 receives the shooting schedule information from the imaging device 10 by the communication device 210. The control unit 220 determines whether to increase the second battery remaining amount based on the scheduled number of images indicated by the imaging schedule information.

The imaging apparatus 10 of the ninth embodiment operates according to the procedure shown in FIG. FIG. 42 shows the procedure of the power management process in step SG. The process shown in FIG. 42 will be described while referring to differences from the process shown in FIG.

In step SG60, when the control unit 140 determines that the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 is the communication mode, the control unit 140 reads the scheduled number of images Cs from the memory 120 (step SG70). After step SG70, the control unit 140 transmits shooting schedule information indicating the shooting schedule number Cs to the communication device 20 through the communication device 130. Thereby, the control unit 140 notifies the communication device 20 of the scheduled number of images Cs (step SG71). After step SG71, the process in step SG63 is executed.

42, the process shown in FIG. 42 is the same as the process shown in FIG.

The communication device 20 of the ninth embodiment operates according to the procedure shown in FIG. FIG. 43 shows the procedure of the power management process in step SN. The process shown in FIG. 43 will be described while referring to differences from the process shown in FIG.

The control unit 220 determines whether or not the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 is the communication mode based on the setting mode information stored in the memory 200 (step SN30).

In step SN30, when the control unit 220 determines that the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is not the communication mode, the power management process ends. In step SN30, when the control unit 220 determines that the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is the communication mode, the control unit 220 determines whether or not shooting schedule information has been received from the imaging device 10 (step SN31). When the shooting schedule information is transmitted from the imaging device 10, the control unit 220 receives the shooting schedule information from the imaging device 10 via the communication device 210.

In step SN31, when the control unit 220 determines that the shooting schedule information is not received from the imaging device 10, the power management process ends. In step SN31, when the control unit 220 determines that the shooting schedule information is received from the imaging device 10, the control unit 220 stores the scheduled shooting number Cs indicated by the shooting schedule information in the memory 200 (step SN32).

After step SN32, the process in step SN33 is executed. Processing in each of steps SN33 to SN39 is the same as the processing in each of steps SG50 to SG56 shown in FIG. 19 except for the processing subject. The processing subject in each of steps SN33 to SN39 is the control unit 220.

After step SN39, the control unit 220 transmits the remaining amount change information to the imaging device 10 through the communication device 210 (step SN40). The remaining amount change information indicates the first battery remaining amount B1 and the second battery remaining amount B2 that have been changed by the process in step SN39. By executing the process in step SN40, the power management process ends.

In the process shown in FIG. 43, the control unit 220 calculates the second battery remaining amount B2 based on the number of image data (scheduled number of images Cs) that is scheduled to be generated when the image sensor 100 executes imaging. It is determined whether or not to increase (step SN36). When the control unit 140 determines to increase the second battery remaining amount B2, the control unit 140 increases the second battery remaining amount B2 (step SN39).

In the ninth embodiment, when the second battery remaining amount is not sufficient for capturing an image, the control unit 220 increases the second battery remaining amount. Thereby, the imaging device 10 can secure the second battery remaining amount necessary for capturing an image. As described above, in the stand-alone shooting mode, the imaging device 10 can acquire more image data than in the remote shooting mode. For this reason, the imaging device 10 can acquire the image data of the scheduled number of images more reliably.

(Tenth embodiment)
A tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described using the imaging system 1 shown in FIG. In the tenth embodiment, the memory 200 stores a first battery remaining amount and a second battery remaining amount. The control unit 220 determines which of the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount is to be preferentially increased based on the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount. The control unit 220 transmits method information to the imaging apparatus 10 via the communication device 210. The method information indicates how to update the first remaining battery level and the second remaining battery level while the battery 110 is being charged. According to the update method, as the remaining amount of the battery 110 increases, the remaining battery level determined to increase with priority among the first remaining battery level and the second remaining battery level is higher than the remaining battery levels. It is a method of increasing priority.

In the tenth embodiment, the control unit 140 receives method information from the communication device 20 by the communication device 130. While the battery 110 is being charged, the control unit 140 gives priority to the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount according to the increase in the remaining amount of the battery 110 according to the update method indicated by the received method information. The remaining battery level determined to increase is given priority over other remaining battery levels.

The imaging apparatus 10 of the tenth embodiment operates according to the procedure shown in FIG. The communication device 20 of the tenth embodiment operates according to the procedure shown in FIG. FIG. 44 shows the procedure of remaining amount determination processing in step SM. The operation of the communication device 20 in the remaining amount determination process will be described with reference to FIG.

The control unit 220 determines whether or not the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 10 is the communication mode based on the setting mode information stored in the memory 200 (step SM30).

In step SM30, when the control unit 220 determines that the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is not the communication mode, the remaining amount determination process ends. In step SM30, when the control unit 220 determines that the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is the communication mode, the control unit 220 reads the first battery remaining amount B1 from the memory 200 (step SM31). After step SM31, control unit 220 reads second battery remaining amount B2 from memory 200 (step SM32). The order of processing in step SM31 and step SM32 may be switched. After step SM32, the control unit 220 determines whether or not the first battery remaining amount B1 is larger than the second battery remaining amount B2 (step SM33).

In step SM33, when the control unit 220 determines that the first battery remaining amount B1 is larger than the second battery remaining amount B2, the control unit 220 generates method information (step SM34). The method information generated in step SM34 indicates a method of giving priority to the increase in the second battery remaining amount B2 over the increase in the first battery remaining amount B1. After step SM34, the control unit 220 transmits the method information to the imaging device 10 through the communication device 210 (step SM36). When the process in step SM36 is executed, the remaining amount determination process ends.

In step SM33, when the control unit 220 determines that the first battery remaining amount B1 is equal to or less than the second battery remaining amount B2, the control unit 220 generates method information (step SM35). The method information generated in step SM35 indicates a method of giving priority to the increase in the first battery remaining amount B1 over the increase in the second battery remaining amount B2. After step SM35, the process in step SM36 is executed.

In the processing shown in FIG. 44, the control unit 220 prioritizes increasing the first battery remaining amount or the second battery remaining amount based on the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount. Is determined (step SM33). The control unit 220 transmits the method information to the imaging device 10 through the communication device 210 (step SM36).

For example, the imaging apparatus 10 that has received the method information is determined to preferentially increase the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount based on the method information while the battery 110 is being charged. Increase the priority over other battery levels.

In the tenth embodiment, the control unit 220 determines a battery remaining amount to be preferentially increased based on the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount. As a result, priority is given to a smaller battery remaining amount of the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount. Thereby, the imaging device 10 can operate in both the first operation mode and the second operation mode.

(First Modification of Tenth Embodiment)
In the first modification of the tenth embodiment, the memory 200 stores a first battery remaining amount, a second battery remaining amount, a first battery capacity, and a second battery capacity. Based on the first ratio and the second ratio, the control unit 220 determines which of the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount is to be preferentially increased. The first ratio is a ratio of the first battery remaining amount to the first battery capacity. The second ratio is a ratio of the second remaining battery capacity to the second battery capacity.

FIG. 45 shows the procedure of remaining amount determination processing in step SM. The process shown in FIG. 45 will be described while referring to differences from the process shown in FIG.

After step SM32, the controller 220 calculates a first ratio P1 of the first remaining battery charge B1 with respect to the first battery capacity (step SM40). After step SM40, the controller 220 calculates a second ratio P2 of the second battery remaining amount B2 with respect to the second battery capacity (step SM41). The order of processing in step SM40 and step SM41 may be switched. After step SM41, control unit 220 determines whether or not first ratio P1 is greater than second ratio P2 (step SM42).

In step SM42, when the control unit 220 determines that the first ratio P1 is larger than the second ratio P2, the process in step SM34 is executed. In step SM42, when the control unit 220 determines that the first ratio P1 is equal to or less than the second ratio P2, the process in step SM35 is executed.

Other than the above, the process shown in FIG. 45 is the same as the process shown in FIG.

In the process shown in FIG. 45, the control unit 220 determines which of the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount is to be preferentially increased based on the first ratio P1 and the second ratio P2. (Step SM42). The control unit 220 transmits the method information to the imaging device 10 through the communication device 210 (step SM36).

In the first modification of the tenth embodiment, the control unit 220 determines the remaining battery amount to be preferentially increased based on the first ratio and the second ratio. As a result, priority is given to a battery remaining amount having a smaller ratio to the battery capacity allocated to each operation mode out of the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount. Thereby, the imaging device 10 can operate in both the first operation mode and the second operation mode.

(Second Modification of Tenth Embodiment)
In the second modification of the tenth embodiment, the memory 200 stores the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount. Furthermore, the memory 200 stores a first number of image data that is to be generated when the image sensor 100 executes imaging. When the imaging apparatus 10 is operating in the first operation mode, the control unit 140 counts the second number of image data generated by the image sensor 100 performing imaging. The control unit 140 transmits image number information indicating the first number and the second number to the communication device 20 by the communication device 130.

The control unit 220 of the communication device 20 receives the image number information from the imaging device 10 by the communication device 210. The control unit 220 calculates a first estimated value of the first remaining battery level after image data corresponding to the first number is transmitted to the communication device 20. The control unit 220 calculates a second estimated value of the second battery remaining amount after the image sensor 100 executes imaging corresponding to the second number. Based on the first estimated value and the second estimated value, the control unit 220 determines which of the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount is to be preferentially increased. The first operation mode in the second modification of the tenth embodiment is an image transfer mode.

FIG. 46 shows the procedure of remaining amount determination processing in step SM. The process shown in FIG. 46 is different from the process shown in FIG.

In step SM30, when the control unit 220 determines that the operation mode of the imaging device 10 is the communication mode, the control unit 220 determines whether the shooting schedule information and the untransferred image information are received from the imaging device 10. (Step SM50). When the shooting schedule information and the untransferred image information are transmitted from the imaging device 10, the control unit 220 receives the shooting schedule information and the untransferred image information from the imaging device 10 through the communication device 210.

When the control unit 220 determines that the shooting schedule information and the untransferred image information are not received from the imaging device 10 in step SM50, the remaining amount determination process ends. When the control unit 220 determines that the scheduled shooting information and the untransferred image information are received from the imaging device 10 in step SM50, the control unit 220 displays the scheduled shooting number Cs indicated by the scheduled shooting information and the untransferred image information indicated by the untransferred image information. The number of transferred images Ct is stored in the memory 200 (step SM51). After step SM51, the process in step SM31 is executed.

After step SM32, the process in step SM52 is executed. Processing in each of step SM52 to step SM56 is the same as the processing in each of steps SF60 to SF64 shown in FIG. The processing subject in each of steps SM52 to SM56 is control unit 220.

In step SM56, when the control unit 220 determines that the first estimated remaining amount B1 'is larger than the second estimated remaining amount B2', the process in step SM34 is executed. In step SM56, when the control unit 220 determines that the first estimated remaining amount B1 'is equal to or less than the second estimated remaining amount B2', the process in step SM35 is executed.

46, the processing shown in FIG. 46 is the same as the processing shown in FIG.

In the process illustrated in FIG. 46, the control unit 220 includes the first estimated value of the first remaining battery level after image data corresponding to the first number (the number Ct of untransferred images) is transmitted to the communication device 20. (First estimated remaining amount B1 ′) is calculated (step SM55). The control unit 220 uses the second estimated value (second estimated remaining amount B2 ′) of the second battery remaining amount after the image sensor 100 executes imaging corresponding to the second number (scheduled number of images Cs). ) Is calculated (step SM54). Based on the first estimated value and the second estimated value, control unit 220 determines which of the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount is to be preferentially increased (step SM56). The controller 220 preferentially increases the remaining battery level determined to increase with priority over the remaining battery levels of the first battery level and the second battery level (step SM34 and step SM35). . The control unit 220 transmits the method information to the imaging device 10 through the communication device 210 (step SM36).

The memory 200 may store a first time when the imaging device 10 operates in the previous first operation mode and a second time when the imaging device 10 operates in the previous second operation mode. The controller 220 may determine which of the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount is to be preferentially increased based on the first time and the second time. For example, when the first time is longer than the second time, the control unit 220 determines to increase the second battery remaining amount B2 in accordance with the increase in the remaining amount of the battery 110. Further, when the first time is equal to or shorter than the second time, the control unit 220 determines to increase the first battery remaining amount B1 in accordance with the increase in the remaining amount of the battery 110.

In the second modification of the tenth embodiment, the control unit 220 determines the battery remaining amount to be preferentially increased based on the first estimated remaining amount B1 'and the second estimated remaining amount B2'. As a result, of the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount, priority is given to the remaining battery remaining amount after the scheduled operation is performed. Thereby, the imaging device 10 can operate in both the first operation mode and the second operation mode.

As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these embodiment and its modification. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Further, the present invention is not limited by the above description, and is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

According to each embodiment of the present invention, a state in which imaging cannot be performed is less likely to occur due to a decrease in the remaining battery level during communication.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Imaging system 10 Imaging apparatus 20 Communication apparatus 30 Lens module 100 Image sensor 110 Battery 120,200 Memory 130,210 Communication apparatus 140,220 Control part 150,230 User interface 151 Shutter button 152 Power button 240 Display

Claims

An imaging device having an image sensor, a battery, a memory, a communication device, a control unit, and a user interface,
The memory stores a first remaining battery capacity that is smaller than the total capacity of the battery;
When the imaging device is operating in the first operation mode, the control unit determines whether the imaging device can continue the operation in the first operation mode based on the first remaining battery level. Judging
When the control unit determines that the imaging device cannot continue the operation in the first operation mode, the control unit switches the operation mode of the imaging device from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. ,
In the first operation mode, the communication device can perform wireless communication of the data link layer and higher layers with the communication device, and the first processing, the second processing, and the third processing. Is an operating mode in which at least one of
The first process is a process of transmitting image data obtained by the image sensor executing imaging to the communication device by the communication device,
The second process is a process of receiving control information used for control executed by the control unit from the communication device by the communication device,
The third process is a process of executing at least one of image processing on the image data and addition of information on the image data based on an instruction received from the communication device by the communication device,
In the second operation mode, the communication device cannot perform wireless communication of the data link layer and higher layers with the communication device, and the image sensor is operated via the user interface. Is an operation mode for performing imaging based on
The first remaining battery level is a remaining battery level that can be used in the first operation mode and cannot be used in the second operation mode;
The first battery remaining amount is updated based on an operation in the first operation mode.
When the control unit determines that the imaging device cannot continue the operation in the first operation mode, the control unit receives setting information from the communication device by the communication device,
The setting information indicates contents set in the imaging device when the imaging device is operating in the second operation mode.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein after the setting information is received, the control unit switches an operation mode of the imaging apparatus from the first operation mode to a second operation mode.
The control unit counts the number of the image data generated by the image sensor executing the imaging,
The control unit determines whether to increase the first battery remaining amount based on the number of the counted image data,
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit determines that the first battery remaining amount is to be increased, the control unit increases the first battery remaining amount.
The memory further stores a second remaining battery capacity that is less than the overall capacity of the battery;
The control unit determines whether to increase the second battery remaining amount based on the number of image data that is scheduled to be generated by the image sensor executing the imaging,
When the control unit determines to increase the second battery remaining amount, the control unit increases the second battery remaining amount,
The second remaining battery level is a remaining battery level that can be used in the second operation mode and cannot be used in the first operation mode.
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the second battery remaining amount is updated based on an operation in the second operation mode.
The memory further stores a second remaining battery capacity that is less than the overall capacity of the battery;
During charging of the battery, the control unit increases the first battery remaining amount in preference to the second battery remaining amount in response to an increase in the remaining battery amount,
The second remaining battery level is a remaining battery level that can be used in the second operation mode and cannot be used in the first operation mode.
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the second battery remaining amount is updated based on an operation in the second operation mode.
The memory further stores a second remaining battery capacity that is less than the overall capacity of the battery;
The control unit determines whether the first battery remaining amount or the second battery remaining amount is to be preferentially increased based on the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount. ,
During charging of the battery, the control unit determines that priority is given to increasing the remaining amount of the first battery and the remaining amount of the second battery according to an increase in the remaining amount of the battery. Increase over other battery levels,
The second remaining battery level is a remaining battery level that can be used in the second operation mode and cannot be used in the first operation mode.
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the second battery remaining amount is updated based on an operation in the second operation mode.
The memory further stores a first battery capacity and a second battery capacity;
The controller determines whether to increase the first battery remaining amount or the second battery remaining amount preferentially based on the first ratio and the second ratio;
The first battery capacity is a battery capacity that is assigned to the first operation mode and not assigned to the second operation mode;
The second battery capacity is a battery capacity that is assigned to the second operation mode and not assigned to the first operation mode;
The first ratio is a ratio of the first battery remaining amount to the first battery capacity,
The imaging device according to claim 6, wherein the second ratio is a ratio of the second battery remaining amount to the second battery capacity.
A communication device having a memory, a first communication device, and a control unit,
The imaging device has an image sensor, a battery, a second communication device, and a user interface,
The memory stores a first remaining battery capacity that is smaller than the total capacity of the battery;
When the imaging device is operating in the first operation mode, the control unit determines whether the imaging device can continue the operation in the first operation mode based on the first remaining battery level. Judging
When the control unit determines that the imaging device cannot continue the operation in the first operation mode, the control unit transmits a switching instruction to the imaging device by the first communication device,
The switching instruction indicates that the operation mode of the imaging device is switched from the first operation mode to the second operation mode,
In the first operation mode, the first communication device can perform wireless communication of the data link layer and higher layers with the communication device, and the first processing, the second processing, and An operation mode in which at least one of the third processes is executed;
The first process is a process of transmitting image data obtained by the image sensor performing imaging to the communication device by the first communication device,
The second process is a process of receiving control information used for control in the imaging apparatus from the communication apparatus by the second communication device,
The third processing is processing for executing at least one of image processing on the image data and addition of information on the image data based on an instruction received from the communication device by the second communication device. ,
In the second operation mode, the second communication device cannot perform wireless communication of the data link layer and the higher layer with the communication device, and the image sensor performs the user interface. Is an operation mode in which imaging is performed based on an operation via
The first remaining battery level is a remaining battery level that can be used in the first operation mode and cannot be used in the second operation mode;
The first battery remaining amount is updated based on an operation in the first operation mode.
When the control unit determines that the imaging device cannot continue the operation in the first operation mode, the control unit transmits setting information and the switching instruction to the imaging device by the first communication device,
The communication apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the setting information indicates content set in the imaging apparatus when the imaging apparatus is operating in the second operation mode.
The control unit determines whether or not to increase the first battery remaining amount based on the number of the image data generated by the image sensor executing the imaging,
The communication apparatus according to claim 8, wherein when the control unit determines that the first battery remaining amount is to be increased, the control unit increases the first battery remaining amount.
The memory further stores a second remaining battery capacity that is less than the overall capacity of the battery;
The control unit determines whether to increase the second battery remaining amount based on the number of image data that is scheduled to be generated by the image sensor executing the imaging,
When the control unit determines to increase the second battery remaining amount, the control unit increases the second battery remaining amount,
The second remaining battery level is a remaining battery level that can be used in the second operation mode and cannot be used in the first operation mode.
The communication device according to claim 8, wherein the second battery remaining amount is updated based on an operation in the second operation mode.
The control unit transmits method information to the imaging apparatus by the first communication device,
The method information indicates a method of updating the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount during charging of the battery,
The update method is a method of increasing the first battery remaining amount in preference to the second battery remaining amount in accordance with an increase in the remaining amount of the battery,
The second remaining battery level is a remaining battery level that can be used in the second operation mode and cannot be used in the first operation mode.
The communication device according to claim 8, wherein the second battery remaining amount is updated based on an operation in the second operation mode.
The memory further stores a second remaining battery capacity that is less than the overall capacity of the battery;
The control unit determines whether the first battery remaining amount or the second battery remaining amount is to be preferentially increased based on the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount. ,
The control unit transmits method information to the imaging apparatus by the first communication device,
The method information indicates a method of updating the first battery remaining amount and the second battery remaining amount during charging of the battery,
According to the update method, the remaining battery level determined to increase preferentially among the first remaining battery level and the second remaining battery level in accordance with an increase in the remaining battery level. Is a way to increase over priority,
The second remaining battery level is a remaining battery level that can be used in the second operation mode and cannot be used in the first operation mode.
The communication device according to claim 8, wherein the second battery remaining amount is updated based on an operation in the second operation mode.
The memory further stores a first battery capacity and a second battery capacity;
The controller determines whether to increase the first battery remaining amount or the second battery remaining amount preferentially based on the first ratio and the second ratio;
The first battery capacity is a battery capacity that is assigned to the first operation mode and not assigned to the second operation mode;
The second battery capacity is a battery capacity that is assigned to the second operation mode and not assigned to the first operation mode;
The first ratio is a ratio of the first battery remaining amount to the first battery capacity,
The communication apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the second ratio is a ratio of the second battery remaining amount to the second battery capacity.
Having an imaging device and a communication device;
The communication device includes a memory, a first communication device, and a first control unit,
The imaging device includes an image sensor, a battery, a second communication device, a second control unit, and a user interface,
The memory stores a first remaining battery capacity that is smaller than the total capacity of the battery;
When the imaging device is operating in the first operation mode, the first control unit can continue the operation of the imaging device in the first operation mode based on the first remaining battery level. Whether or not
When the first control unit determines that the imaging device cannot continue the operation in the first operation mode, the first control unit transmits a switching instruction to the imaging device by the first communication device. And
The switching instruction indicates that the operation mode of the imaging device is switched from the first operation mode to the second operation mode,
The second control unit receives the switching instruction from the communication device by the second communication device,
The second control unit switches the operation mode of the imaging device from the first operation mode to the second operation mode based on the received switching instruction,
In the first operation mode, the second communication device can perform wireless communication of the data link layer and higher layers with the communication device, and the first processing, the second processing, and An operation mode in which at least one of the third processes is executed;
The first process is a process of transmitting image data obtained by the image sensor performing imaging to the communication device by the second communication device,
The second process is a process of receiving control information used for control executed by the second control unit from the communication device by the second communication device,
The third processing is processing for executing at least one of image processing on the image data and addition of information on the image data based on an instruction received from the communication device by the second communication device. ,
In the second operation mode, the second communication device cannot perform wireless communication of the data link layer and the higher layer with the communication device, and the image sensor performs the user interface. Is an operation mode for performing imaging based on an
The first remaining battery level is a remaining battery level that can be used in the first operation mode and cannot be used in the second operation mode;
The first battery remaining amount is updated based on an operation in the first operation mode.
When the imaging device is operating in the first operation mode, the imaging device determines whether the imaging device can continue the operation in the first operation mode based on the first remaining battery level. A first step to:
When it is determined that the imaging device cannot continue the operation in the first operation mode, in the imaging device, the second operation mode is switched from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. Steps,
Have
The imaging device includes an image sensor, a battery, a communication device, and a user interface,
The remaining amount of the first battery is smaller than the entire capacity of the battery,
In the first operation mode, the communication device can perform wireless communication of the data link layer and higher layers with the communication device, and the first processing, the second processing, and the third processing. Is an operating mode in which at least one of
The first process is a process of transmitting image data obtained by the image sensor executing imaging to the communication device by the communication device,
The second process is a process of receiving control information used for control in the imaging apparatus from the communication apparatus by the communication device,
The third process is a process of executing at least one of image processing on the image data and addition of information on the image data based on an instruction received from the communication device by the communication device,
In the second operation mode, the communication device cannot perform wireless communication of the data link layer and higher layers with the communication device, and the image sensor is operated via the user interface. Is an operation mode for performing imaging based on
The first remaining battery level is a remaining battery level that can be used in the first operation mode and cannot be used in the second operation mode;
The first battery remaining amount is updated based on an operation in the first operation mode.
When the imaging device is operating in the first operation mode, the communication device determines whether the imaging device can continue the operation in the first operation mode based on the first remaining battery level. A first step;
A second step of transmitting a switching instruction to the imaging device by the first communication device in the communication device when it is determined that the imaging device cannot continue the operation in the first operation mode;
Have
The communication device includes the first communication device,
The imaging device has an image sensor, a battery, a second communication device, and a user interface,
The remaining amount of the first battery is smaller than the entire capacity of the battery,
The switching instruction indicates that the operation mode of the imaging device is switched from the first operation mode to the second operation mode,
In the first operation mode, the first communication device can perform wireless communication of the data link layer and higher layers with the communication device, and the first processing, the second processing, and An operation mode in which at least one of the third processes is executed;
The first process is a process of transmitting image data obtained by the image sensor performing imaging to the communication device by the second communication device,
The second process is a process of receiving control information used for control in the imaging apparatus from the communication apparatus by the second communication device,
The third processing is processing for executing at least one of image processing on the image data and addition of information on the image data based on an instruction received from the communication device by the second communication device. ,
In the second operation mode, the second communication device cannot perform wireless communication of the data link layer and the higher layer with the communication device, and the image sensor performs the user interface. Is an operation mode in which imaging is performed based on an operation via
The first remaining battery level is a remaining battery level that can be used in the first operation mode and cannot be used in the second operation mode;
The first battery remaining amount is updated based on an operation in the first operation mode.
When the imaging device is operating in the first operation mode, a first step of determining whether the imaging device can continue the operation in the first operation mode based on a first remaining battery level. When,
A second step of switching the operation mode of the imaging device from the first operation mode to the second operation mode when it is determined that the imaging device cannot continue the operation in the first operation mode;
Is a program for causing the computer of the imaging device to execute,
The imaging device includes an image sensor, a battery, a communication device, and a user interface,
The remaining amount of the first battery is smaller than the entire capacity of the battery,
In the first operation mode, the communication device can perform wireless communication of the data link layer and higher layers with the communication device, and the first processing, the second processing, and the third processing. Is an operating mode in which at least one of
The first process is a process of transmitting image data obtained by the image sensor executing imaging to the communication device by the communication device,
The second process is a process of receiving control information used for control in the imaging apparatus from the communication apparatus by the communication device,
The third process is a process of executing at least one of image processing on the image data and addition of information on the image data based on an instruction received from the communication device by the communication device,
In the second operation mode, the communication device cannot perform wireless communication of the data link layer and higher layers with the communication device, and the image sensor is operated via the user interface. Is an operation mode for performing imaging based on
The first remaining battery level is a remaining battery level that can be used in the first operation mode and cannot be used in the second operation mode;
The first battery remaining amount is updated based on an operation in the first operation mode.
When the imaging device is operating in the first operation mode, a first step of determining whether the imaging device can continue the operation in the first operation mode based on a first remaining battery level. When,
A second step of transmitting a switching instruction to the imaging device by a first communication device when it is determined that the imaging device cannot continue the operation in the first operation mode;
Is a program for causing a computer of a communication device to execute,
The communication device includes the first communication device,
The imaging device has an image sensor, a battery, a second communication device, and a user interface,
The remaining amount of the first battery is smaller than the entire capacity of the battery,
The switching instruction indicates that the operation mode of the imaging device is switched from the first operation mode to the second operation mode,
In the first operation mode, the first communication device can perform wireless communication of the data link layer and higher layers with the communication device, and the first processing, the second processing, and An operation mode in which at least one of the third processes is executed;
The first process is a process of transmitting image data obtained by the image sensor performing imaging to the communication device by the second communication device,
The second process is a process of receiving control information used for control in the imaging apparatus from the communication apparatus by the second communication device,
The third processing is processing for executing at least one of image processing on the image data and addition of information on the image data based on an instruction received from the communication device by the second communication device. ,
In the second operation mode, the second communication device cannot perform wireless communication of the data link layer and the higher layer with the communication device, and the image sensor performs the user interface. Is an operation mode in which imaging is performed based on an operation via
The first remaining battery level is a remaining battery level that can be used in the first operation mode and cannot be used in the second operation mode;
The first battery remaining amount is updated based on an operation in the first operation mode.