Imaging apparatus, method for controlling imaging apparatus, and program

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus capable of performing appropriate transmission and reception of electric power and communication data according to a situation.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus (10) includes imaging means (102) for imaging a subject, first communication means (110a) and second communication means (110b) capable of superimposing the electric power supplied to the imaging means on the communication data acquired from the imaging means and transmitting and receiving them, and changing means (211) for changing a ratio between the electric power and the communication data transmitted and received through at least one of the first communication means and the second communication means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device, a control method for an imaging device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, imaging devices (surveillance cameras) are known that are configured by dividing a sensor unit and a main unit and connecting them with a coaxial cable. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which an image signal (data signal) from a sensor and a power source are superimposed and transmitted / received using a coaxial cable that connects the sensor unit and the main unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-198303 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the amount of data signals transferred and the amount of power supplied per channel of the main unit are limited. For example, in terms of the amount of data signals transferred, when a sensor unit equipped with a high-pixel image sensor such as 4K pixels or 8K pixels is used, the amount of data signals transferred from the sensor unit increases, making it difficult to transfer the data signals appropriately. In addition, in a sensor unit capable of changing the imaging direction such as panning, tilting, and zooming, the power consumption for driving the actuator for changing the panning, tilting, and zooming is large, making it difficult to supply power appropriately.

[0005] In addition, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, when noise (load noise) occurs due to load fluctuation in the sensor unit, the load noise sneaks into the coaxial cable and is superimposed on the data signal, causing an error in data communication between the sensor unit and the main unit, making it difficult to perform the data communication properly.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device capable of appropriately transmitting and receiving power and communication data depending on the situation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An imaging device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an imaging means for imaging a subject, first and second communication means for superimposing and transmitting power supplied to the imaging means and communication data acquired from the imaging means, and a change means for changing a ratio between the power and the communication data transmitted and received via at least one of the first or second communication means.

[0008] Other objects and features of the present invention are illustrated in the following examples. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging device capable of appropriately transmitting and receiving power and communication data depending on the situation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an imaging device in the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a power and communication switching method in the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart showing a communication control method in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an imaging device according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a power and communication switching method in the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an imaging device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a power and communication switching method in the third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an example of a hardware configuration of an imaging apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the configurations shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the configurations shown in the drawings. EXAMPLES

[0012] First, a connection method using a plurality of channels (transmission paths) of a serializer in an image pickup device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an image pickup device 10.

[0013] The imaging device 10 includes a sensor unit (second unit) 100, coaxial cables 110 (110a, 110b), and a main unit (first unit) 120. In this configuration, the imaging device 10 is connected to a client terminal device (external device) 140 via an IP network (network) 130 in a state in which they can communicate with each other. The coaxial cable 110 includes a coaxial cable (first communication means) 110a and a coaxial cable (second communication means) 110b that can transmit and receive power supplied to the imaging element 102 and communication data acquired from the imaging element 102 in a superimposed manner. The coaxial cables 110a and 110b connect the main unit 120 and the sensor unit 100 via channels (transmission paths) CH1 and CH2, respectively.

[0014] The imaging device 10 has a communication processing unit 123 that inputs and outputs information to and from the client terminal device 140. Meanwhile, the client terminal device 140 transmits various control commands to the imaging device 10. The control commands include, but are not limited to, settings of imaging parameters and commands to start / stop imaging streaming. The communication processing unit 123 that receives the control command transmitted from the client terminal device 140 transmits a response to the received control command to the client terminal device 140. Note that in this embodiment, the client terminal device 140 is an information processing terminal such as an external device such as a personal computer, a server, or an information terminal, but is not limited to these.

[0015] The IP network 130 is composed of a plurality of routers, switches, cables, etc., which satisfy a communication standard such as Ethernet. However, in this embodiment, as long as communication between the imaging device 10 and the client terminal device 140 is possible, the communication standard, scale, or configuration does not matter. For example, the IP network 130 may be composed of a wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, a WAN (Wide Area Network), etc.

[0016] The commercial power supply device 150 supplies power to the imaging device 10. The imaging device 10 is generally supplied with AC 100V power from the commercial power supply device 150, and generates the necessary power using an AC-DC converter (not shown) or the like in the imaging device 10. However, this embodiment is not limited to this, and the configuration of the commercial power supply device 150 is not important as long as it is possible to supply power to the imaging device 10. The commercial power supply device 150 may be configured with PoE (Power Over Ethernet) that supplies power via a wired LAN cable, for example.

[0017] The imaging device 10 has a sensor unit 100 and a main unit 120, and the sensor unit 100 and the main unit 120 are connected via a coaxial cable 110. The imaging device 10 has a data transfer system. Specifically, the sensor unit 100 acquires image information by imaging. The sensor unit 100 then transmits the image information to the main unit 120 via the coaxial cable 110. The main unit 120 performs image processing and network processing on the received image information, and outputs the processed image information to an IP network 130.

[0018] The main unit 120 generates power for driving the sensor unit 100. The power generated by the main unit 120 is supplied to the sensor unit 100 via a coaxial cable 110. The coaxial cable 110 is capable of transmitting and receiving not only an image signal but also a power signal by superimposing the signal on the single line (single core).

[0019] Coaxial cable 110 (110a, 110b) is a single-core coaxial cable, and is composed of an inner conductor and an outer conductor. The inner conductor is a single conducting wire, and transmits, for example, an image signal superimposed with a power signal. The outer conductor is a shielded wire arranged in a cylindrical shape around the inner conductor.

[0020] The main unit 120 has a plurality of channels and can connect a plurality of sensor units. In this embodiment, the input configuration has four channels, but the number of channels is not limited to this.

[0021] In the sensor unit 100, 101 denotes a lens group (imaging optical system) consisting of optical lenses that form an image (optical image) of a subject. 102 denotes an image sensor (imaging means) that images a subject, and converts the optical image received on an image sensor surface (imaging surface) via the lens group 101 into an electrical signal. An amplifier 103 amplifies the electrical signal output from the image sensor 102 to a predetermined level, and generates an imaging data signal (image data) in a predetermined format. The format of the imaging data is, for example, MIPI (Mobile Industry Processor Interface) or LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling). However, the format of the imaging data is not limited to these.

[0022] Serializers 104a and 104b serialize and convert input image data. Image data is composed of a plurality of parallel signals such as a CLK signal and a DATA signal, and is converted into one serial signal by serializing and converting the parallel signals. A communication switch 105 switches the output destination of the imaging data signal to the serializer 104a or the serializer 104b. The communication switch 105 can switch the imaging data signal at a predetermined timing. For example, when switching at 50%, the channel CH1 side and the channel CH2 side are alternately switched at the same interval, and signals are output alternately to the serializers 104a and 104b at equal intervals. On the other hand, when switching to the channel CH1 side at 100%, the channel CH1 side is always switched to, and a signal is always output to the serializer 104a. The output signals of the serializers 104a and 104b are transmitted to the main unit 120 via the coaxial cables 110a and 110b, respectively.

[0023] On the other hand, a power signal is superimposed on the coaxial cables 110a and 110b, and the power signal is supplied to the sensor unit 100. Only the power signal is separated from the power signal by passing through a filter 107. In this embodiment, the power signal from the coaxial cables 110a and 110b is switched by a power switch 106. The power switch 106 can switch the power signal at a predetermined timing. For example, when switching at 50%, the channel CH1 side and the channel CH2 side are alternately switched at the same interval, and power is alternately supplied from the coaxial cables 110a and 110b. On the other hand, when switching to the channel CH1 side at 100%, power is always supplied from the coaxial cable 110a. The power supply unit 108 generates power required for the sensor unit 100 from the power signal separated by the filter 107. The power generated by the power supply unit 108 is supplied to the image sensor 102 and the serializers 104a and 104b.

[0024] In this embodiment, the communication changeover switch 105 and the power changeover switch 106 change the ratio between communication data transmitted and received via at least one of the coaxial cables 110a and 110b and power (power supply).

[0025] In the main unit 120, 121 (121a, 121b, 121c, 121d) are deserializers. For example, the deserializers 121a and 121b convert serial signals transmitted from the serializers 104a and 104b via the coaxial cables 110a and 110b into a plurality of parallel signals such as a CLK signal and a DATA signal which are the original image data. The signals output from the serializers 104a and 104b are converted into parallel signals by the deserializers 121a and 121b, which are then combined and output.

[0026] Reference numeral 122 denotes an image processing unit. The image processing unit 122 performs development processing and various image processing on the input image data in a parallel signal format to convert the image data into predetermined imaging data, and outputs the converted imaging data. Reference numeral 123 denotes a communication processing unit. The communication processing unit 123 performs data conversion of the signal (imaging data) output from the image processing unit 122 in accordance with a communication protocol, and outputs the converted image data to the client terminal device 140 via the IP network 130. The communication processing unit 123 also transmits and receives various control commands to and from the client terminal device 140. The client terminal device 140 not only displays and records the image signal captured by the imaging device 10, but also performs various controls such as controlling the imaging device 10.

[0027] The power supply unit 125 generates various power supplies required by the main unit 120 using power supplied from the commercial power supply device 150, and also generates power supplies required by the sensor unit 100. The power supply for the sensor unit 100 is output to the coaxial cable 110 (110a) via a filter 124 (124a). A power supply signal is superimposed on a communication signal in the deserializer 121 and output to the sensor unit 100. Note that although the above description has been given for the channel CH1, the same processing is performed for the other channels CH2, CH3, and CH4.

[0028] The imaging device 10 of this embodiment is capable of monitoring communication between the serializer 104 and the deserializer 121. The CPU (changing means) 211 of the imaging device 10 changes the switching ratios of the communication changeover switch 105 and the power changeover switch 106 according to the occurrence status of a communication error. This enables optimal serializer-deserializer communication without communication errors.

[0029] Next, changing the switching ratio of the CPU (changing means) 211 of the imaging device 10 according to the state of a communication error (information on communication data) will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a method of switching between power and communication (communication data), and shows changes in the switching ratio of the communication changeover switch 105 and the power changeover switch 106. In Fig. 2, the horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates the ratio of power and communication. In Fig. 2, the solid line indicates communication, and the dashed line indicates power.

[0030] Initially (initial communication mode), the ratio of communication to power is set to 50% for both channels CH1 and CH2. The communication changeover switch 105 alternates between the channel CH1 side and the channel CH2 side at equal intervals, and signals are output alternately to the serializer 104a and the serializer 104b at equal intervals. The power changeover switch 106 alternates between the channel CH1 side and the channel CH2 side at equal intervals, and power is supplied alternately from the coaxial cable 110a and the coaxial cable 110b.

[0031] The imaging device 10 monitors the communication between the serializer 104 and the deserializer 121. When the CPU 211 detects a communication error on the channel CH1 side, it lowers the communication ratio (ratio of data communication) on the channel CH1 side (for example, by setting the communication ratio to 0%), while increasing the communication ratio on the channel CH2 side (for example, by setting the communication ratio to 100%). By lowering the communication ratio of the channel CH1 where the communication error has occurred, it is possible to suppress the communication error. On the other hand, for communication that becomes insufficient by lowering the communication ratio of the channel CH1, it is possible to ensure the total communication amount by increasing the communication ratio of the other channel CH2. Therefore, according to this embodiment, communication control with fewer communication errors is possible.

[0032] Next, a communication control method with fewer communication errors in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the communication control method in this embodiment.

[0033] When the power supply of the imaging device 10 is turned on, the CPU 211 (see FIG. 8) of the imaging device 10 starts this flow. Note that each process that is assumed to be performed by the imaging device 10 below is also executed by the CPU 211. First, in step S101, the imaging device 10 is set to an initial communication mode. Next, in step S102, the imaging device 10 performs initial settings for power and data communication. That is, the imaging device 10 performs initial settings regarding the ratio (proportion) of power and data communication transmitted and received through each of the coaxial cables 110a and 110b. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, in the initial communication mode, the imaging device 10 sets the ratio of power and data communication to 50% in each of the coaxial cables 110a and 110b corresponding to the channels CH1 and CH2. However, this embodiment is not limited to this, and the ratio of power and data communication may be set to a value other than 50%. Alternatively, the ratio of power and data communication transmitted and received via the coaxial cable 110a (channel CH1) and the coaxial cable 110b (channel CH2) may be set to different ratios.

[0034] Next, in step S103, the imaging device 10 detects a communication error in data communication via, for example, channel CH1. Next, in step S104, the imaging device 10 determines whether the communication errors detected in step S103 are few. For example, whether the number of communication errors occurring within a predetermined time is equal to or greater than a predetermined number is used to determine whether the communication errors are few. If it is determined that there are many communication errors (the number of communication errors occurring within a predetermined time is equal to or greater than a predetermined value), the ratio of power and data communication set in the initial setting in step S102 results in many communication errors and appropriate communication control cannot be performed, so the process proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, if it is determined that there are few communication errors (the number of communication errors occurring within a predetermined time is less than a predetermined value), the process proceeds to step S106.

[0035] Here, the criterion for whether or not the communication errors are few (the criterion for judgment in step S104) can be determined based on whether or not the communication errors are few enough to allow appropriate communication control. For example, it may be judged that the communication errors are few only when there are no communication errors in step S103.

[0036] In step S105, the imaging device 10 changes the setting (ratio) of the power and data communication transmitted and received through at least one of the multiple coaxial cables (coaxial cables 110a, 110b), and returns to step S103. In step S105, for example, the initial setting ratio of the power and data communication transmitted and received through at least one of the multiple coaxial cables can be changed to a predetermined ratio. Alternatively, the initial setting ratio may be changed to a different ratio depending on the situation regarding the communication error, such as the amount or frequency of the communication error detected in step S103. Furthermore, if it is determined again in step S104 that there are many communication errors with the ratio changed in step S105, the ratio can be changed to a different ratio.

[0037] In step S106, since it is determined that there are few communication errors, the imaging device 10 determines the ratio between power and data communication. Then, in step S107, the imaging device 10 transitions from the initial communication mode to the normal mode, and ends this flow.

[0038] Thus, in this embodiment, the change means changes the ratio (proportion) of the power and data communication through at least one of the coaxial cables 110a and 110b according to the situation. Here, the situation is, for example, a communication error in the communication data transmitted through at least one of the coaxial cables 110a and 110b. Preferably, when it is determined that there is a communication error in the communication data transmitted through the coaxial cable 110a, the change means decreases the ratio of the communication data to the power through the coaxial cable 110a and increases the ratio of the communication data to the power through the coaxial cable 110b.

[0039] In this embodiment, the method of changing the ratio of the changeover switch according to the state of the communication error has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the ratio of the changeover switch may be set in advance. For example, a method may be used in which operation is performed in a mode assumed at the time of initial setting, communication errors at that time are measured and stored, and the ratio of the changeover switch is changed according to the mode change during normal operation. EXAMPLES

[0040] Next, a method of connecting serializers using multiple channels in an image pickup device 10a according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the image pickup device 10a.

[0041] The imaging device 10a of this embodiment differs from the imaging device 10 of the first embodiment in that it has a sensor unit 300 equipped with an imaging element 302 instead of the sensor unit 100 equipped with the imaging element 102. The sensor unit 300 is a high-pixel sensor unit such as a 4K sensor unit or an 8K sensor unit equipped with an imaging element 302 with a higher pixel count. The imaging element 302 is a high-pixel imaging element with 4K pixels or 8K pixels. Other basic configurations of the imaging device 10a are similar to those of the imaging device 10, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0042] Next, a change in the switching ratio of the CPU (changing means) 211 of the imaging device 10 when a high pixel sensor unit is detected will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a power and communication switching method, showing changes in the switching ratio of the communication changeover switch 105 and the power supply changeover switch 106. In Fig. 5, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the ratio of power and communication. In Fig. 5, the solid line represents communication, and the dashed line represents power.

[0043] Initially (initial communication mode), the ratio of communication to power is set to 50% for both channels CH1 and CH2. The communication changeover switch 105 alternates between the channel CH1 side and the channel CH2 side at equal intervals, and signals are output alternately to the serializer 104a and the serializer 104b at equal intervals. The power changeover switch 106 alternates between the channel CH1 side and the channel CH2 side at equal intervals, and power is supplied alternately from the coaxial cable 110a and the coaxial cable 110b.

[0044] Next, the main unit 120 detects the status of the sensor unit 300. When the main unit 120 detects that the sensor unit 300 is a high-pixel sensor unit such as an 8K sensor unit, it increases the communication ratio (ratio of data communication) on the channel CH2 side (for example, the communication ratio is set to 100% and the power ratio is set to 0%). In this way, for communication with a high-pixel sensor unit, it is possible to ensure the total communication volume by increasing the communication ratio of channel CH2. Therefore, according to this embodiment, appropriate communication control is possible for a high-pixel sensor unit that generates a large amount of data when using a high-pixel image sensor such as a 4K pixel or 8K pixel image sensor.

[0045] Thus, in this embodiment, the change means changes the ratio (proportion) of the power and data communication through at least one of the coaxial cables 110a, 110b according to the situation. Here, the situation is, for example, the amount of communication data (for example, the number of pixels of the image sensor 102). Preferably, when it is determined that the amount of data is greater than a predetermined amount of data, the change means increases the ratio of communication data to power through at least one of the coaxial cables 110a, 110b. EXAMPLES

[0046] Next, a method of connecting serializers using multiple channels in an image pickup device 10b according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the image pickup device 10b.

[0047] The imaging device 10b of this embodiment differs from the imaging device 10 of the first embodiment in that it has a sensor unit 500 with a PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) function capable of changing the imaging direction and the imaging angle of view, instead of the sensor unit 100. The sensor unit 500 with the PTZ function has a motor 561, a motor driver 562, and a control unit 563, and consumes a lot of power. Note that other basic configurations of the imaging device 10b are similar to those of the imaging device 10, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0048] The motor 561 can change the imaging direction by rotating the optical section including the lens group 101 and the image sensor 102 in the sensor unit 500 in the panning direction and tilting direction by a mechanical structure (not shown). The motor 561 can also change the imaging angle of view by driving a zoom lens (not shown) in the optical axis direction. The motor driver 562 controls the rotation (drive) of the motor 561. The control section 563 converts the imaging angle of view change information (signal related to the specified angle of view) from the client terminal device 140 into a motor drive signal via the main unit 120, and controls the motor driver 562 so that the specified angle of view is obtained.

[0049] Next, a change in the switching ratio of the CPU (changing means) 211 of the imaging device 10 when a sensor unit 500 with a PTZ function is detected will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a power and communication switching method, showing changes in the switching ratio of the communication changeover switch 105 and the power changeover switch 106. In Fig. 7, the horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates the ratio of power and communication. In Fig. 7, a solid line indicates communication, and a dashed line indicates power.

[0050] Initially (initial communication mode), the ratio of communication to power is set to 50% for both channels CH1 and CH2. The communication changeover switch 105 alternates between the channel CH1 side and the channel CH2 side at equal intervals, and signals are output alternately to the serializer 104a and the serializer 104b at equal intervals. The power changeover switch 106 alternates between the channel CH1 side and the channel CH2 side at equal intervals, and power is supplied alternately from the coaxial cable 110a and the coaxial cable 110b.

[0051] Next, the main unit 120 detects the status of the sensor unit 500. When the main unit 120 detects that the sensor unit 500 is a sensor unit with a PTZ function, it increases the power ratio (power supply ratio) on the channel CH2 side (for example, it sets the power ratio to 100% and the communication ratio to 0%). In this way, for communication with a sensor unit with a PTZ function, it is possible to ensure the total amount of power supply by increasing the power ratio of channel CH2. Therefore, according to this embodiment, appropriate communication control is possible for a sensor unit that consumes a lot of power, such as a sensor unit with a PTZ function.

[0052] In this embodiment, the change unit changes the ratio (proportion) of power and data communication through at least one of the coaxial cables 110a and 110b according to the situation. Here, the situation is, for example, the type of the imaging device (sensor unit). Preferably, when it is determined that the power consumption of the sensor unit is greater than a predetermined power, the change unit increases the ratio of power to data communication through at least one of the coaxial cables 110a and 110b.

[0053] In each embodiment, the sensor unit and the main unit are described as a pair, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of sensor units may be connected to the main unit.

[0054] The imaging device of each embodiment can change the ratio of power and communication data transmitted and received via at least one of a plurality of transmission paths depending on the situation. Therefore, the imaging device of each embodiment can accommodate various sensor units, such as a sensor unit with a large amount of data transfer or a sensor unit with high power consumption, while reducing communication errors. EXAMPLES

[0055] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a hardware configuration example of the imaging device 10 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration example of the imaging device 10. Note that the configuration shown in FIG. 8 is merely one example of a configuration applicable to the imaging device 10, and can be modified / altered as appropriate.

[0056] The CPU 211 executes processing using computer programs and data stored in the main storage device 212. As a result, the CPU 211 controls the overall operation of the imaging device 110, and executes or controls each of the processes described above as being performed by the imaging device 10. For example, the CPU 211 executes processing using computer programs and data stored in the main storage device 212, thereby realizing, for example, the function of the image processing unit 122 shown in FIG.

[0057] The main storage device 212 is a storage device such as a Random Access Memory (RAM). The main storage device 212 has areas for storing computer programs and data loaded from the auxiliary storage device 213, captured images, and various data received from the client terminal device 140 via the IP network 130. The main storage device 212 further has a work area used when the CPU 211 executes various processes. In this way, the main storage device 212 can provide various areas as appropriate.

[0058] The auxiliary storage device 213 is a large-capacity information storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a read only memory (ROM), or a solid state drive (SSD). The auxiliary storage device 213 stores an OS (operating system) and computer programs and data for causing the CPU 211 to execute or control each of the processes described above as being performed by the imaging device 10. The auxiliary storage device 213 also stores data received from the client terminal device 140 via the IP network 130. The computer programs and data stored in the auxiliary storage device 213 are loaded into the main storage device 212 as appropriate under the control of the CPU 211, and become targets for processing by the CPU 211.

[0059] The sensor unit 100 has a lens group (imaging optical system) 101 and an image sensor 102, and forms an image of a subject on the image sensor with the intersection of the optical axis of the lens group (imaging optical system) and the image sensor 102 as the imaging center. The image sensor 102 may be a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS), a charged coupled device (CCD), or the like.

[0060] (Other Examples) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0061] According to each embodiment, it is possible to provide an imaging device capable of appropriately transmitting and receiving power and communication data depending on the situation, a control method for the imaging device, and a program.

[0062] The disclosure of each embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Configuration 1) An imaging means for imaging a subject; a first communication means and a second communication means capable of transmitting and receiving power supplied to the imaging means and communication data acquired from the imaging means in a superimposed manner; an imaging device comprising: a change unit that changes a ratio between the power and the communication data transmitted and received via at least one of the first communication unit and the second communication unit. (Configuration 2) 2. The imaging device according to configuration 1, wherein the change means changes the ratio in accordance with information about the communication data. (Configuration 3) 3. The imaging device according to configuration 2, wherein the information regarding the communication data is a communication error of the communication data transmitted via at least one of the first communication means or the second communication means. (Configuration 4) When it is determined that there is a communication error in the communication data transmitted via the first communication means, reducing the ratio of the communication data to the power via the first communication means; 4. The imaging device according to configuration 3, wherein the ratio of the communication data to the power via the second communication means is increased. (Configuration 5) 3. The imaging device according to configuration 2, wherein the information about the communication data is a data amount of the communication data. (Configuration 6) The imaging device described in configuration 5, characterized in that the change means increases the ratio of the communication data to the power via at least one of the first communication means or the second communication means when it is determined that the data amount is greater than a predetermined data amount. (Configuration 7) 2. The imaging device according to configuration 1, wherein the change means changes the ratio in accordance with a power consumption of the imaging device. (Configuration 8) The imaging device described in configuration 7, characterized in that the change means increases the ratio of power to the communication data via at least one of the first communication means or the second communication means when it is determined that the power consumption is greater than a predetermined power. (Configuration 9) The imaging device includes: a first unit connectable to an external device via a network; The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, further comprising: a second unit having the imaging means, receiving the power from the first unit via the first communication means and the second communication means, and transmitting the communication data to the first unit. (Method 1) taking an image of a subject using an imaging means; transmitting and receiving, via a first communication means and a second communication means, power supplied to the imaging means and communication data acquired from the imaging means in a superimposed manner; A method for controlling an imaging device, comprising the step of changing a ratio between the power and the communication data transmitted and received via at least one of the first communication means or the second communication means. (Configuration 10) A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to method 1.

[0063] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 10, 10a, 10b Imaging device 102 Imaging element (imaging means) 110a coaxial cable (first communication means) 110b Coaxial cable (second communication means) 105 Communication changeover switch (changing means) 106 Power changeover switch (change means)

Claims

1. An imaging means for imaging a subject; a first communication means and a second communication means capable of transmitting and receiving power supplied to the imaging means and communication data acquired from the imaging means in a superimposed manner; an alteration unit that alters a ratio between the power and the communication data transmitted and received via at least one of the first communication unit and the second communication unit;

2. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the change means changes the ratio in accordance with information related to the communication data.

3. 3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information regarding the communication data is a communication error of the communication data transmitted via at least one of the first communication means and the second communication means.

4. When it is determined that there is a communication error in the communication data transmitted via the first communication means, reducing the ratio of the communication data to the power via the first communication means; The imaging device according to claim 3 , wherein the ratio of the communication data to the power via the second communication means is increased.

5. 3. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information regarding the communication data is a data amount of the communication data.

6. The imaging device according to claim 5, characterized in that the change means increases the ratio of the communication data to the power via at least one of the first communication means or the second communication means when it is determined that the data amount is greater than a predetermined data amount.

7. 2. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the change unit changes the ratio in accordance with a power consumption of the image pickup apparatus.

8. The imaging device according to claim 7, characterized in that the change means increases the ratio of power to the communication data via at least one of the first communication means or the second communication means when it is determined that the power consumption is greater than a predetermined power.

9. The imaging device includes: a first unit connectable to an external device via a network; 9. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising: a second unit having the imaging means, receiving the power from the first unit via the first communication means and the second communication means, and transmitting the communication data to the first unit.

10. taking an image of a subject using an imaging means; transmitting and receiving, via a first communication means and a second communication means, power supplied to the imaging means and communication data acquired from the imaging means in a superimposed manner; A method for controlling an imaging device, comprising the step of changing a ratio between the power and the communication data transmitted and received via at least one of the first communication means or the second communication means.

11. A program causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 10.

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