Imaging apparatus, power control method, and storage medium

Abstract

The present application relates to an image pickup apparatus, a power control method, and a storage medium. The image pickup apparatus capable of attaching a lens unit includes an image sensor, a power supply that supplies power, a determination unit that determines whether or not to supply power to the lens unit based on at least one predetermined condition including at least one condition related to power consumption of the lens unit, and a control unit that controls not to supply actuation power to the lens unit according to a determination result of the determination unit, wherein the image sensor is capable of performing imaging even after the control unit controls not to supply the actuation power to the lens unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to camera equipment, power control methods, and storage media, and more specifically to techniques for power supply control in camera systems having detachable lens units. Background Technology

[0002] The amount of electricity that video recording equipment, such as digital cameras, can use is limited by the power supply capacity of the power source. Therefore, depending on the combination of the power supply, lens unit, and recording settings, there is a possibility that the power consumption of the entire video recording equipment may exceed the power supply capacity.

[0003] As a method for compensating for power shortages, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-083143 discloses a technique for increasing the number of shots and the duration of shooting in a camera device in which both the camera body and the lens unit are equipped with battery power by controlling the reduction or shortage of power between batteries.

[0004] However, according to Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-083143, if the lens unit attached to the camera equipment is not equipped with a power supply, it cannot be controlled. Furthermore, even if power is supplied from the batteries of both the camera body and the lens unit, it is insufficient to address the overall power shortage of the camera equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Various embodiments of this disclosure provide a stable distribution of the power required for shooting in a camera system with a detachable lens unit.

[0006] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a camera device is provided, which can be attached to a lens unit. The camera device includes: an image sensor; a power supply for supplying power; a determination unit for determining whether to supply power to the lens unit based on at least one predetermined condition including at least one condition related to the power consumption of the lens unit; and a control unit for controlling, according to the determination result of the determination unit, not to supply actuation power to the lens unit, wherein even after the control unit controls to not supply actuation power to the lens unit, the image sensor is still capable of capturing images.

[0007] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, a power control method is provided in a camera device having an image sensor and a lens unit to which the camera device can be attached. The power control method includes: receiving power supplied from a power source; determining whether to supply power to the lens unit based on at least one predetermined condition including conditions related to the power consumption of the lens unit; and controlling, according to the determination result, not to supply actuation power to the lens unit, wherein the image sensor can still take pictures even after the control is performed to not supply actuation power to the lens unit.

[0008] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided for storing a program executable by the computer, wherein the program includes program code for causing the computer to perform a power control method in a camera device having an image sensor and a lens unit to be attached, the power control method comprising: receiving power supplied from a power source; determining whether to supply power to the lens unit based on at least one predetermined condition including conditions related to the power consumption of the lens unit; and controlling, according to the determination result, not to supply actuation power to the lens unit, wherein even after the control is performed to not supply actuation power to the lens unit, the image sensor is still capable of taking pictures.

[0009] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to the accompanying drawings). Attached Figure Description

[0010] Embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are included and form part of this specification, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a camera device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the power control process when the camera device is started and when the lens unit is attached according to the first embodiment;

[0013] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the power consumption information acquisition and processing of the lens unit according to the first and second embodiments;

[0014] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the power control processing according to the first embodiment in the shooting state and during shooting.

[0015] Figure 5This is a flowchart illustrating the power control processing when the camera device is started and the lens unit is attached according to the second embodiment; and

[0016] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the power control processing in the shooting standby state and during shooting according to the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0017] In the following description, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, nor are they intended to limit the invention to a combination of all the features described in the embodiments. Two or more of the plurality of features described in the embodiments may be suitably combined. Furthermore, note that in the following description, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and thus redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0018] <First Embodiment>

[0019] The first embodiment of this disclosure will now be described.

[0020] (Equipment configuration)

[0021] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a digital camera, which serves as an example of the imaging device in this embodiment.

[0022] exist Figure 1 In this system, the lens unit 101 includes a lens group, an actuator for the lens, a lens controller, etc., and can be attached to and detached from the camera body 100. The fixed first lens group 102, zoom lens 103, aperture 104, fixed second lens group 105, and focusing lens 106 constitute a photographic optical system for forming an image using light from a subject. Zooming is performed by moving the zoom lens 103 along the optical axis, and the focusing lens 106 has both a function for compensating for the movement of the focal plane accompanying the zoom and a focusing function. Furthermore, the lens unit 101 includes a component (not shown) for detecting the lens positions of the zoom lens 103 and the focusing lens 106, and sends information related to the detected positions of each lens to the lens control unit 123.

[0023] The zoom lens actuator 112, the focusing lens actuator 114, and the aperture actuator 113 are composed of actuators such as stepper motors, DC motors, vibration motors, and voice coil motors. The zoom lens actuator 112 moves the zoom lens 103 to zoom, the focusing lens actuator 114 moves the focusing lens 106 to focus, and the aperture actuator 113 moves the aperture 104 to adjust the aperture.

[0024] Image sensor 107, serving as a photoelectric conversion device, is configured including a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor and its peripheral circuitry. Image sensor 107 performs photoelectric conversion on an image of a subject formed by light passing through the imaging optical system and outputs an electrical signal. CDS / AGC circuit 108 samples the output from image sensor 107 and adjusts its gain. Camera signal processing circuit 109 performs predetermined image processing on the output signal from CDS / AGC circuit 108 to generate an image signal.

[0025] The monitor device 110 is configured with an LCD or the like, and in addition to the image signal from the camera signal processing circuit 109, it also displays information related to the camera's shooting mode and a focus detection frame used as a guide for setting the focus detection area.

[0026] The recording device 111 records the image signal from the camera signal processing circuit 109 onto a storage medium such as magnetic tape, optical disc, or semiconductor memory.

[0027] The AF gate 115 extracts the signal from the output signal of the CDS / AGC circuit 108 within a preset area of ​​the camera microcomputer 117 and outputs the extracted signal to the AF signal processing unit 116. The AF signal processing unit 116 detects the focus state based on the signal that has passed through the AF gate 115. Here, for example, if the pixels of the image sensor 107 have pupil segmentation functionality, signal pairs with parallax can be obtained, and the image offset between these signal pairs can be found for a known phase difference AF on the imaging plane. Alternatively, the contrast of the signal can be detected for a known contrast AF.

[0028] The focus determination unit 122 of the camera microcomputer 117 determines the focus position based on information obtained from the AF signal processing unit 116 representing the focus state such as image offset and contrast, calculates the amount for moving the focusing lens 106, and sends it to the lens microcomputer 128.

[0029] In the lens microcomputer 128, the lens control unit 123 actuates the focusing lens 106 by controlling the focusing lens actuation source 114 based on the received amount for moving the focusing lens 106, thereby performing AF control.

[0030] The camera microcomputer 117 also includes a zoom actuation processing unit (not shown), which, for example, in the case of a zoom request via user operation, determines the amount of movement for the zoom lens 103 based on the user operation and sends the determined amount of movement to the lens microcomputer 128. In the lens microcomputer 128, the lens control unit 123 controls the zoom lens actuation source 112 based on the received amount of movement for the zoom lens 103, thereby actuating the zoom lens 103.

[0031] Similarly, the camera microcomputer 117 has an aperture actuation control unit (not shown), and, for example, in the case of a user-mandated aperture change or when an aperture change is required based on metering results, the aperture actuation control unit determines the amount for moving the aperture 104 and sends the determined amount to the lens microcomputer 128. In the lens microcomputer 128, the lens control unit 123 controls the aperture actuation source 113 based on the received amount for moving the aperture 104, thereby actuating the aperture 104.

[0032] In this embodiment, the camera microcomputer 117 communicates with the lens microcomputer 128 periodically or at arbitrary intervals. Through this communication, the camera microcomputer 117 acquires lens information (lens identification information, lens position, aperture value, etc.). The lens information acquired through this communication is stored in the memory 124.

[0033] In addition to the lens information mentioned above, the memory 124 also stores camera information (information obtained periodically or arbitrarily from the various components constituting the camera body 100, camera settings at the current or previous startup, and predefined fixed values ​​required for a given process, etc.).

[0034] The operation unit 125, connected to the camera microcomputer 117, is used to input various camera settings. Furthermore, the monitor device 110 includes a touch operation component (not shown) that enables the same input function as the operation unit 125 by touching any location on the monitor with a finger or similar object. By operating the operation unit 125 and / or touching the touch operation component on the monitor device 110, the user can select a subject and change camera shooting settings, etc.

[0035] The power supply from the power supply device 126 to the various components constituting the digital camera that require power is controlled by the power control unit 127 in the camera microcomputer 117, and the power is supplied to the various components in the lens unit 101 and the camera body 100. The power supply device 126 can be any device selected from at least one or more devices (e.g., a built-in battery, a battery removable from the camera, a DC coupler, an AC adapter, etc.). The power supply to the zoom lens actuator 112, aperture actuator 113, and focus lens actuator 114 in the lens unit 101 is controlled by the actuation power control unit 129. The actuation power control unit 129 controls the power supply to each actuator based on control information from the power control unit 127 in the camera microcomputer 117.

[0036] In the following text, for ease of explanation, at least one or more of the zoom lens actuation source 112, the aperture actuation source 113 and the focusing lens actuation source 114 will be collectively referred to as lens actuators.

[0037] (Power control when starting the camera equipment and attaching the lens unit)

[0038] Next, refer to Figure 2 The flowchart below will describe the power control during the startup of the camera device and the attachment of the lens unit in the first embodiment. In the following description, unless otherwise stated, a series of power controls are performed based on instructions from the camera microcomputer 117.

[0039] First, refer to Figure 2 This describes the entire power control process when the camera device is started and when the lens unit is attached. This process is executed when the camera body 100 is started, or when the lens unit 101 is attached while the camera body 100 is activated.

[0040] In step S201, the camera microcomputer 117 acquires lens identification information from the lens unit 101, and the process proceeds to step S202. In step S202, the camera microcomputer 117 determines whether the lens unit 101 is a lens unit with particularly high minimum power consumption (first condition) based on the lens identification information acquired in step S201 and the lens information pre-stored in the memory 124. Here, the lens information pre-stored in the memory 124 includes, for example, lens identification information of one or more lens units with particularly high minimum power consumption, or lens information corresponding to lens identification information indicating particularly high minimum power consumption. Note that a "particularly high minimum power consumption" lens unit refers to a lens unit that is always underpowered regardless of the settings of the camera body 100. For example, a zoom lens unit with a large lens group and a lens unit with a very large lens diameter can be assumed. Therefore, as a specific example of the lens information used here, information obtained by pre-measuring the minimum power consumption of each lens unit and associating information indicating that the minimum power consumption is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold with the identification information of the corresponding lens unit can be considered. Alternatively, the lens information may be a list of identification information for lens units whose pre-measured minimum power consumption is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, or information about the pre-measured minimum power consumption of lens units stored in association with the identification information. In the latter case, the determination can be made by comparing the minimum power consumption corresponding to the identification information of the lens unit with the predetermined threshold.

[0041] If the minimum power consumption of the lens unit is particularly high, the process proceeds to step S208, and the power control terminates without initiating power supply to the lens actuator. If the minimum power consumption of the lens unit is not particularly high, the process proceeds to step S203.

[0042] In step S203, the power consumption information of the lens unit 101 is obtained, and the process proceeds to step S204. Note that this will be referred to later. Figure 3 The process of acquiring power consumption information of lens unit 101 in step S203 is described.

[0043] In step S204, based on the power consumption information of the lens unit 101 obtained in step S203, it is determined whether the power consumption is equal to or greater than a predetermined electrical force (second condition). Note that the predetermined electrical force can be, for example, a value based on the electrical force that can be supplied from the camera body 100 to the lens unit 101, which is obtained through prior actual measurement. If the obtained power consumption is equal to or greater than the predetermined electrical force, the process proceeds to step S208, and the process ends without initiating power supply to the lens actuator. If the obtained power consumption is less than the predetermined electrical force, the process proceeds to step S205.

[0044] In step S205, the electrical power that can be supplied from the camera body 100 to the lens unit 101 is obtained, and the process proceeds to step S206. The electrical power that can be supplied from the camera body 100 to the lens unit 101 is determined by comparing the electrical power supplied from the power supply device 126 to the power consumption of the camera body 100. The power consumption of the camera body 100 is determined based on the power consumption of the various components (including those shown and not shown) in the camera body 100 that require power supply.

[0045] In step S206, the camera microcomputer 117 compares the electrical power supplied from the camera body 100 to the lens unit 101 with the power consumption of the lens unit 101 (third condition). If the electrical power supplied from the camera body 100 to the lens unit 101 is greater than or equal to the power consumption of the lens unit 101, the process proceeds to step S207, which begins power supply to the lens actuator, and the process ends. On the other hand, if the electrical power supplied from the camera body 100 to the lens unit 101 is less than the power consumption of the lens unit 101, the process proceeds to step S208, and the process ends without initiating power supply to the lens actuator.

[0046] (Acquisition of lens power consumption information)

[0047] Next, we will refer to Figure 3 Description in Figure 2 The power consumption information of the lens unit is acquired and processed in step S203.

[0048] In step S301, the camera microcomputer 117 determines whether the power consumption information of the lens unit 101 can be obtained from the lens unit 101. If it can be obtained, the process proceeds to step S303 to obtain the power consumption information of the lens unit 101, and the process ends. If it cannot be obtained, the process proceeds to step S302.

[0049] In step S302, it is checked whether power consumption information of the lens unit 101 exists in the camera body 100. This information is stored in the memory 124, such as power consumption information represented by lens information corresponding to lens identification information. If power consumption information exists, the process proceeds to step S304 and ends, wherein in step S304, the power consumption information of the lens unit 101 held in the camera body 100 is determined to be used as the power consumption of the lens unit 101 in subsequent processing. If not, the process proceeds to step S305 and ends, wherein in step S305, a predetermined value is determined to be used as the power consumption of the lens unit 101 in subsequent processing. The predetermined value may be, for example, the designed maximum electrical force that can be supplied from the camera body 100 to the lens unit 101 and the power consumption of the lens unit, stored in the memory 124.

[0050] (Power control processing during and in the shooting state)

[0051] After the camera is started or after the lens is attached, the camera body 100 performs a series of processes including the power control processes described above for starting the camera and attaching the lens, and then transitions to the shooting state. In the shooting state and during shooting, changes may occur such as changes in the type of power supply and changes in the settings for recording, which may cause changes in the electrical force supplied to the camera body 100 and changes in the power consumption of the camera body 100. Reference will be made here. Figure 4 The flowchart describes the power control in the first embodiment during the shooting state and when shooting is performed.

[0052] Note that, for example, this process is repeated with the readout cycle of the image signal from image sensor 107. Furthermore, this process is not applied to... Figure 2 The lens unit whose minimum power consumption is determined to be particularly large in step S202 shall not be used in the lens unit whose power consumption is determined to be greater than or equal to the predetermined power consumption in step S204.

[0053] In step S401, the camera microcomputer 117 acquires the electrical power that can be supplied from the camera body 100 to the lens unit 101, and the processing proceeds to step S402.

[0054] In step S402, it is determined whether the power consumption of the lens unit 101 obtained in step S203 is greater than the power that can be supplied to the lens unit 101 obtained in step S401. If the power consumption of the lens unit 101 is greater than the power that can be supplied to the lens unit 101, the process proceeds to step S403; if the power consumption of the lens unit 101 is equal to or less than the power that can be supplied to the lens unit 101, the process proceeds to step S404.

[0055] In step S403, it is determined whether power is being supplied to the lens actuator. If no power is being supplied, the process ends. If power is being supplied, the process proceeds to step S405, where the power supply to the lens actuator is terminated, and the process ends.

[0056] On the other hand, in step S404, it is determined whether the power supply to the lens actuator has stopped. If the power supply has not stopped, the process ends. If the power supply has stopped, the process proceeds to step S406, which begins the power supply to the lens actuator, and the process ends.

[0057] It should be noted that the power control described above for the shooting state and during shooting does not necessarily need to be repeated within the aforementioned cycle. For example, the configuration can enable the detection of changes in the fluctuation factor of the electrical force supplied to the camera device or the power consumption of the camera device, and the execution of power control when such changes are detected.

[0058] As described above, according to the first embodiment, power control of the lens actuator is performed based on the electrical power supplied to the camera body, the power consumption of the lens unit, and the power consumption of the camera body. This enables power control to maintain the power supply to the camera system and allow continued shooting.

[0059] <Second Embodiment>

[0060] Next, a second embodiment of this disclosure will be described. Note that the configuration and reference of the camera device according to the second embodiment are... Figure 1 The configuration described is the same, so its description is omitted here. In the second embodiment, the power control when the camera body 100 can be set to the lens actuation guarantee mode will be described.

[0061] The lens actuation guarantee mode is a mode that continues the power supply to the lens actuator for as long as possible, even when the power supply to the camera device is insufficient. If the lens actuation guarantee mode is set, power saving processes are performed beyond the power supplied to the lens unit. Furthermore, since the description of the second embodiment partially overlaps with the description of the first embodiment, its description is appropriately omitted.

[0062] (Power control when starting the camera equipment and attaching the lens unit)

[0063] Reference Figure 5 The flowchart describes the power control during camera device startup and lens unit attachment in the second embodiment. This process is performed under the same conditions as the power control during camera device startup and lens attachment in the first embodiment. Figure 5 In the middle, to and Figure 2 Processes that are identical in the shown steps are given the same step numbers, and descriptions of them are omitted where appropriate. Figure 5 In the process, the order of the steps in step S204 for determining whether the power consumption of the lens unit is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount of power is different.

[0064] In step S204, based on the power consumption information of the lens unit 101 obtained in step S203, it is determined whether the power consumption is equal to or greater than the predetermined power. If not, the process proceeds to step S206; if so, the process proceeds to step S501.

[0065] Furthermore, in step S206, the camera microcomputer 117 compares the electrical power supplied from the camera body 100 to the lens unit 101 with the power consumption of the lens unit 101. If the electrical power supplied to the lens unit 101 is greater than or equal to the power consumption of the lens unit 101, the process proceeds to step S207, power supply to the lens actuator begins, and the process ends. On the other hand, if the electrical power supplied to the lens unit 101 is less than the power consumption of the lens unit 101, the process proceeds to step S501.

[0066] In step S501, it is determined whether the lens actuation guarantee mode is set. If it is not set, the process proceeds to step S208, and then ends without restarting the power supply to the lens actuator. On the other hand, if the lens actuation guarantee mode is set, the process proceeds to step S502.

[0067] In step S502, the amount of power consumption of the camera body 100 that can be reduced is calculated by limiting predetermined camera functions. After calculating the power consumption reduction, the process proceeds to step S503. Predetermined camera functions include, for example, the brightness of the monitor device 110, image recording, power supply to externally connected devices, the speed of the cooling fan, the readout cycle of the image sensor 107, and recording to an external recorder. The power consumption reduction of at least one or more combinations of these functions is checked.

[0068] In step S503, based on the power reduction obtained in step S502, by limiting one or more predetermined camera functions, it is determined whether the electrical power supplied from the camera body 100 to the lens unit 101 will become equal to or greater than the power consumption of the lens unit 101 (fourth condition). If, even if one or more predetermined camera functions are limited, the power supplied to the lens unit 101 does not exceed the power consumption of the lens unit 101, the process proceeds to step S208, and then ends without activating the power supply to the lens actuator. On the other hand, if, by limiting one or more predetermined camera functions, the power supplied to the lens unit 101 will become greater than or equal to the power consumption of the lens unit 101, the process proceeds to step S504.

[0069] In step S504, after combining and restricting one or more predetermined camera functions so that the electrical power that can be supplied to the lens unit 101 becomes greater than or equal to the power consumption of the lens, the process proceeds to step S207, which starts the power supply to the lens actuator, and then the process ends.

[0070] For methods of selecting one or more camera functions, for example, the user can arbitrarily select one or more functions, or the power control unit 127 can automatically determine one or more functions while maintaining power supply to the lens actuator. When the user selects one or more camera functions to be restricted, the operation unit 125, a touch operation component (not shown) arranged on the monitor device 110, a lens operation component (not shown), and operation components such as a remote controller can be used for selection.

[0071] (Power control processing during and in the shooting state)

[0072] Next, we will refer to Figure 6 The flowchart describes the power control in the shooting state and during shooting in the second embodiment. In the power control processing in the shooting state and during shooting in the second embodiment, the processing to be performed varies depending on whether the lens actuation guarantee mode is set. The processing in the second embodiment is related to... Figure 4 The difference in the processing described in the first embodiment is that control based on whether a lens actuation guarantee mode is set, as shown in steps S601 to S607, is added. Due to other processing and Figure 4 The processing is the same as in [the previous section], therefore the same step numbers are given, and their descriptions are appropriately omitted. Note that this processing does not apply to [the previous section]. Figure 5 In step S202, the minimum power consumption is determined to be a lens unit with particularly large power consumption.

[0073] In step S402, it is determined whether the power consumption of the lens unit 101 obtained in step S401 is greater than the electrical power that can be supplied from the camera body 100 to the lens unit 101. If the power consumption of the lens unit 101 is greater than the electrical power that can be supplied to the lens unit 101, the process proceeds to step S601; if the power consumption of the lens unit 101 is equal to or less than the electrical power that can be supplied to the lens unit 101, the process proceeds to step S604.

[0074] In step S604, it is determined whether there is one or more restricted camera functions. If there is one or more restricted camera functions, the process proceeds to step S605; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S404.

[0075] In step S605, the increase in power consumption of the camera body 100 is calculated by releasing one or more restricted camera functions. For example, in the case of multiple restricted camera functions, the increase in power consumption by releasing the restrictions on each camera function is obtained. After the calculation, the process proceeds to step S606.

[0076] In step S606, based on the increased power consumption calculated in step S605, it is determined whether the electrical power supplied to the lens unit 101 can be maintained at or equal to the power consumption of the lens unit 101 if at least one of the restricted camera functions is released. If this state can be maintained, the process proceeds to step S607 to release the restriction on one or more releasable camera functions, and then proceeds to step S404. If this state cannot be maintained, the process proceeds to step S404 while maintaining the restriction on one or more camera functions.

[0077] On the other hand, in step S601, the power consumption of the camera body 100 can be reduced by limiting one or more predetermined camera functions. After calculating the power consumption reduction, the process proceeds to step S602.

[0078] In step S602, based on the power reduction obtained in step S601, by restricting one or more predetermined camera functions, it is determined whether the electrical power supplied to the lens unit 101 will become greater than or equal to the power consumption of the lens unit 101. If, even if one or more predetermined camera functions are restricted, the electrical power supplied to the lens unit 101 does not become greater than or equal to the power consumption of the lens unit 101, the process proceeds to step S403. On the other hand, if, by restricting one or more predetermined camera functions, the electrical power supplied to the lens unit 101 will become greater than or equal to the power consumption of the lens unit 101, the process proceeds to step S603. In step S603, after restricting one or more predetermined camera functions in combination such that the electrical power supplied to the lens unit 101 is greater than or equal to the power consumption of the lens, the process proceeds to step S404.

[0079] As described above, according to the second embodiment, by providing a lens actuation guarantee mode, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the power supply to the lens actuator can be maintained for as long as possible.

[0080] In the second embodiment, if a lens actuation guarantee mode is set, then... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The processing shown, however, can be performed regardless of the lens actuation guarantee mode. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The processing is shown.

[0081] Other embodiments

[0082] Various embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to systems consisting of multiple devices or devices consisting of a single device.

[0083] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by the following method: the software (program) that performs the functions of the above embodiments is supplied to the system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer or central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0084] Although exemplary embodiments have been described, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications, equivalent structures, and functions.

Claims

1. A camera device capable of attaching a lens unit, the camera device comprising: Image sensor; A power source is used to supply electricity. A determination unit is configured to determine whether to supply power to the lens unit based on at least one predetermined condition including at least one condition related to the power consumption of the lens unit; The control unit is used to control the supply of actuation power to the lens unit based on the judgment result of the judgment unit. as well as The acquisition unit is configured to acquire the electrical force that can be supplied to the lens unit from the electrical force supplied by the power source. Even after the control unit stops supplying actuation power to the lens unit, the image sensor can still take pictures. The at least one predetermined condition includes multiple conditions related to the power consumption. Among the multiple conditions related to power consumption, the second condition is that the power consumption of the lens unit is less than a predetermined power. If the second condition is not met, the acquisition unit calculates the electrical power that can be supplied to the lens unit while reducing the power consumption in the camera device by restricting one or more predetermined functions of the camera device. Among the multiple conditions related to power consumption, the fourth condition is that the power consumption of the lens unit is less than the calculated electrical force that can be supplied to the lens unit, and If the fourth condition is not met, the determination unit determines that power will not be supplied to the lens unit.

2. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein, Among several conditions related to the power consumption, the first condition is that the minimum power consumption of the lens unit is equal to or less than a predetermined first electric force, and If the first condition is not met, the determination unit determines that power should not be supplied to the lens unit.

3. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein, The power consumption of the lens unit is any one of the power consumption obtained from the lens unit, the power consumption of the lens unit pre-stored in the memory, and a predetermined power consumption.

4. The camera device according to claim 3, wherein, The predetermined power consumption is the maximum electrical power that can be supplied to the lens unit or the design power consumption of the lens unit.

5. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein, When a mode indicating an attempt to continue power supply to the lens unit is set, the determination unit determines whether the fourth condition is met.

6. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein, The electrical power that can be supplied to the lens unit is obtained by subtracting the electrical power required to maintain the operation of the camera device from the electrical power supplied by the power source.

7. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein, If multiple power consumption-related conditions other than the fourth condition are met, and if the fourth condition, but not the second condition, is met among the multiple power consumption-related conditions, the determination unit determines to supply power to the lens unit.

8. A camera device capable of attaching a lens unit, the camera device comprising: Image sensor; Power source, used to supply electricity; A determination unit is configured to determine whether to supply power to the lens unit based on at least one predetermined condition including at least one condition related to the power consumption of the lens unit; The control unit is used to control the supply of actuation power to the lens unit based on the judgment result of the judgment unit. as well as The acquisition unit is configured to repeatedly acquire, from the electrical force supplied by the power source, the electrical force that can be supplied to the lens unit. Even after the control unit stops supplying actuation power to the lens unit, the image sensor can still take pictures. Wherein, the at least one predetermined condition includes multiple conditions related to the power consumption, and Specifically, after the determination unit determines that power should be supplied to the lens unit... When power is being supplied to the lens unit and the power consumption of the lens unit is greater than the power that can be supplied to the lens unit, the acquisition unit calculates the power that can be supplied to the lens unit while reducing the power consumption in the camera device by limiting one or more predetermined functions of the camera device. If the power consumption of the lens unit exceeds the calculated electrical power that can be supplied to the lens unit, the determination unit determines to stop supplying power to the lens unit. In the event that the power supply to the lens unit is currently stopped, the acquisition unit recalculates the electrical power that can be supplied to the lens unit while reducing the power consumption in the camera device by limiting one or more predetermined functions of the camera device. If the power consumption of the lens unit is equal to or less than the recalculated electrical power that can be supplied to the lens unit, the determination unit determines that it will start supplying power to the lens unit.

9. A camera device capable of attaching a lens unit, the camera device comprising: Image sensor; Power source, used to supply electricity; A determination unit is configured to determine whether to supply power to the lens unit based on at least one predetermined condition including at least one condition related to the power consumption of the lens unit; The control unit is used to control the supply of actuation power to the lens unit based on the judgment result of the judgment unit. as well as The acquisition unit is configured to acquire the electrical force that can be supplied to the lens unit from the electrical force supplied by the power source. Even after the control unit stops supplying actuation power to the lens unit, the image sensor can still take pictures. Wherein, the at least one predetermined condition includes multiple conditions related to the power consumption, and The third condition among the multiple conditions related to power consumption is that the power consumption of the lens unit is equal to or less than the electrical force that can be supplied to the lens unit. If the third condition is not met, the acquisition unit calculates the electrical power that can be supplied to the lens unit while reducing the power consumption in the camera device by restricting one or more predetermined functions of the camera device. Among the multiple conditions related to power consumption, the fourth condition is that the power consumption of the lens unit is less than the calculated electrical force that can be supplied to the lens unit, and If the fourth condition is not met, the determination unit determines that power will not be supplied to the lens unit.

10. The camera device according to claim 9, wherein, The electrical power that can be supplied to the lens unit is obtained by subtracting the electrical power required to maintain the operation of the camera device from the electrical power supplied by the power source.

11. The camera device according to claim 10, wherein, If multiple power consumption-related conditions other than the fourth condition are met, and if the fourth condition, but not the third condition, is met among the multiple power consumption-related conditions, the determination unit determines to supply power to the lens unit.

12. The camera device according to claim 10, wherein, When a mode indicating an attempt to continue power supply to the lens unit is set, the determination unit determines whether the fourth condition is met.

13. The camera device according to claim 11, wherein, The acquisition unit repeatedly acquires the electrical power that can be supplied to the lens unit, and Specifically, after the determination unit determines that power should be supplied to the lens unit... When power is being supplied to the lens unit and the power consumption of the lens unit is greater than the power that can be supplied to the lens unit, the acquisition unit calculates the power that can be supplied to the lens unit while reducing the power consumption in the camera device by limiting one or more predetermined functions of the camera device. If the power consumption of the lens unit exceeds the calculated electrical power that can be supplied to the lens unit, the determination unit determines to stop supplying power to the lens unit. In the event that the power supply to the lens unit is currently stopped, the acquisition unit recalculates the electrical power that can be supplied to the lens unit while reducing the power consumption in the camera device by limiting one or more predetermined functions of the camera device. If the power consumption of the lens unit is equal to or less than the recalculated electrical power that can be supplied to the lens unit, the determination unit determines that it will start supplying power to the lens unit.

14. A power control method for a camera device, the camera device having an image sensor, the camera device being capable of attaching a lens unit, the power control method comprising: Receives power supplied from a power source; Whether to supply power to the lens unit is determined based on at least one predetermined condition, including conditions related to the power consumption of the lens unit. Control is performed based on the judgment result to prevent the supply of actuation power to the lens unit; as well as Obtain the electrical force that can be supplied to the lens unit from the electrical force supplied from the power source. Even after the control system stops supplying actuation power to the lens unit, the image sensor is still able to take pictures. The at least one predetermined condition includes multiple conditions related to the power consumption. Among the multiple conditions related to power consumption, the second condition is that the power consumption of the lens unit is less than a predetermined power. If the second condition is not met, the electrical power that can be supplied to the lens unit while reducing the power consumption in the camera device is calculated by restricting one or more predetermined functions of the camera device. Among the multiple conditions related to power consumption, the fourth condition is that the power consumption of the lens unit is less than the calculated electrical force that can be supplied to the lens unit, and If the fourth condition is not met, it is determined that no power will be supplied to the lens unit.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing a program executable by the computer, wherein, The program includes program code for enabling the computer to perform a power control method in a camera device, the camera device having an image sensor, the camera device being capable of being attached to a lens unit, and the power control method including: Receives power supplied from a power source; Whether to supply power to the lens unit is determined based on at least one predetermined condition, including conditions related to the power consumption of the lens unit. Control is applied based on the judgment result to prevent the supply of actuation power to the lens unit; and Obtain the electrical force that can be supplied to the lens unit from the electrical force supplied from the power source. Even after the control system stops supplying actuation power to the lens unit, the image sensor is still able to take pictures. The at least one predetermined condition includes multiple conditions related to the power consumption. Among the multiple conditions related to power consumption, the second condition is that the power consumption of the lens unit is less than a predetermined power. If the second condition is not met, the electrical power that can be supplied to the lens unit while reducing the power consumption in the camera device is calculated by restricting one or more predetermined functions of the camera device. Among the multiple conditions related to power consumption, the fourth condition is that the power consumption of the lens unit is less than the calculated electrical force that can be supplied to the lens unit, and If the fourth condition is not met, it is determined that no power will be supplied to the lens unit.

16. A power control method for a camera device, the camera device having an image sensor, the camera device being capable of attaching a lens unit, the power control method comprising: Receives power supplied from a power source; Whether to supply power to the lens unit is determined based on at least one predetermined condition, including conditions related to the power consumption of the lens unit. Control is performed based on the judgment result to prevent the supply of actuation power to the lens unit; as well as Repeatedly acquire the electrical power supplied from the power source that can be supplied to the lens unit. Even after the control system stops supplying actuation power to the lens unit, the image sensor is still able to take pictures. Wherein, the at least one predetermined condition includes multiple conditions related to the power consumption, and After determining that power should be supplied to the lens unit, When power is being supplied to the lens unit and the power consumption of the lens unit is greater than the power that can be supplied to the lens unit, the power that can be supplied to the lens unit while reducing the power consumption in the camera device is calculated by limiting one or more predetermined functions of the camera device. If the power consumption of the lens unit exceeds the calculated electrical power that can be supplied to the lens unit, it is determined that the power supply to the lens unit will be stopped. In the event that the power supply to the lens unit is currently stopped, the electrical power that can be supplied to the lens unit while reducing the power consumption in the camera device is recalculated by limiting one or more predetermined functions of the camera device. When the power consumption of the lens unit is equal to or less than the recalculated electrical power that can be supplied to the lens unit, it is determined that power supply to the lens unit will begin.

17. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing a program executable by the computer, wherein, The program includes program code for enabling the computer to perform a power control method in a camera device, the camera device having an image sensor, the camera device being capable of being attached to a lens unit, and the power control method including: Receives power supplied from a power source; Whether to supply power to the lens unit is determined based on at least one predetermined condition, including conditions related to the power consumption of the lens unit. Control is applied based on the judgment result to prevent the supply of actuation power to the lens unit; and Repeatedly acquire the electrical power supplied from the power source that can be supplied to the lens unit. Even after the control system stops supplying actuation power to the lens unit, the image sensor is still able to take pictures. Wherein, the at least one predetermined condition includes multiple conditions related to the power consumption, and After determining that power should be supplied to the lens unit, When power is being supplied to the lens unit and the power consumption of the lens unit is greater than the power that can be supplied to the lens unit, the power that can be supplied to the lens unit while reducing the power consumption in the camera device is calculated by limiting one or more predetermined functions of the camera device. If the power consumption of the lens unit exceeds the calculated electrical power that can be supplied to the lens unit, it is determined that the power supply to the lens unit will be stopped. In the event that the power supply to the lens unit is currently stopped, the electrical power that can be supplied to the lens unit while reducing the power consumption in the camera device is recalculated by limiting one or more predetermined functions of the camera device. When the power consumption of the lens unit is equal to or less than the recalculated electrical power that can be supplied to the lens unit, it is determined that power supply to the lens unit will begin.

18. A power control method for a camera device, the camera device having an image sensor, the camera device being capable of attaching a lens unit, the power control method comprising: Receives power supplied from a power source; Whether to supply power to the lens unit is determined based on at least one predetermined condition, including conditions related to the power consumption of the lens unit. Control is performed based on the judgment result to prevent the supply of actuation power to the lens unit; as well as Obtain the electrical force that can be supplied to the lens unit from the electrical force supplied from the power source. Even after the control system stops supplying actuation power to the lens unit, the image sensor is still able to take pictures. Wherein, the at least one predetermined condition includes multiple conditions related to the power consumption, and The third condition among the multiple conditions related to power consumption is that the power consumption of the lens unit is equal to or less than the electrical force that can be supplied to the lens unit. If the third condition is not met, the electrical power that can be supplied to the lens unit while reducing the power consumption in the camera device is calculated by restricting one or more of the predetermined functions of the camera device. Among the multiple conditions related to power consumption, the fourth condition is that the power consumption of the lens unit is less than the calculated electrical force that can be supplied to the lens unit, and If the fourth condition is not met, it is determined that no power will be supplied to the lens unit.

19. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing a program executable by the computer, wherein, The program includes program code for enabling the computer to perform a power control method in a camera device, the camera device having an image sensor, the camera device being capable of being attached to a lens unit, and the power control method including: Receives power supplied from a power source; Whether to supply power to the lens unit is determined based on at least one predetermined condition, including conditions related to the power consumption of the lens unit. Control is applied based on the judgment result to prevent the supply of actuation power to the lens unit; and Obtain the electrical force that can be supplied to the lens unit from the electrical force supplied from the power source. Even after the control system stops supplying actuation power to the lens unit, the image sensor is still able to take pictures. Wherein, the at least one predetermined condition includes multiple conditions related to the power consumption, and The third condition among the multiple conditions related to power consumption is that the power consumption of the lens unit is equal to or less than the electrical force that can be supplied to the lens unit. If the third condition is not met, the electrical power that can be supplied to the lens unit while reducing the power consumption in the camera device is calculated by restricting one or more of the predetermined functions of the camera device. Among the multiple conditions related to power consumption, the fourth condition is that the power consumption of the lens unit is less than the calculated electrical force that can be supplied to the lens unit, and If the fourth condition is not met, it is determined that no power will be supplied to the lens unit.

20. A computer program product comprising a program that, when executed by a computer, implements the method according to any one of claims 14, 16, and 18.

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