Imaging apparatus

Abstract

To provide a technique that can reduce the risk that momentary power interruption occurs in a device to which a plurality of power supplies are connected.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus of the present invention acquires information on power supplies connected thereto, determines a power supply used for operation, and sets an operation mode to any one of a plurality of operation modes including a first operation mode and a second operation mode in which usable functions are limited compared to the first operation mode. When a first power supply and a second power supply are connected to the imaging apparatus, the imaging apparatus acquires first information on the first power supply and second information on the second power supply, and determines the power supply that can supply a larger power as a power supply used for operation. When the second power supply is determined to be the power supply used for the operation of the imaging apparatus, if a first power that can be supplied by the first power supply is larger than a threshold power, the imaging apparatus sets the first operation mode, and if the first power is smaller than the threshold power, sets the second operation mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] An imaging device may be powered by a rechargeable battery (hereinafter referred to as a battery), such as a lithium-ion battery, or by an adapter (hereinafter referred to as a power adapter) that applies a DC voltage to the imaging device. Imaging devices often have multiple power sources that can be connected. When multiple power sources are connected to an imaging device, it is desirable to be able to continue capturing images stably even if the power supplied from one power source drops or is lost. Patent Document 1 discloses a method for determining the battery to be used to operate an imaging device when multiple batteries are connected to the device, based on the operating mode of the imaging device and the voltage of each battery.

[0003] Furthermore, the amount of power that can be supplied to an imaging device often differs between a battery and a power adapter. Patent Document 2 discloses a method for determining an executable operating mode from among multiple operating modes based on whether or not power is being supplied from a power adapter when multiple power sources are connected to an imaging device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-154097 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-115250 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, if any of the batteries connected to the imaging device has a power supply capacity greater than a threshold voltage, the imaging device receives power from that battery and operates in an operating mode requiring high power. However, a battery in use may become detached from the imaging device due to unintended factors, causing an instantaneous power interruption. Furthermore, with the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2, all operating modes are determined to be executable as long as power is supplied from a power adapter. However, a power adapter may become detached from the imaging device due to unintended factors, causing an instantaneous power interruption. With the technologies disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, if the power supply from the battery in use or the power adapter is suddenly interrupted due to unintended factors, other power sources connected to the imaging device may not be able to provide the power required for the currently running function, making it impossible to properly stop the currently running function. For example, if the power supply is suddenly interrupted due to unintended factors while the imaging function is in use, the imaging function may be stopped. As a result, the recorded content may be lost.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to prevent ongoing functions from being stopped even if the power supply is suddenly stopped. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is an imaging device including: an acquisition unit that acquires information about a power source connected to the imaging device; a determination unit that determines a power source to be used for operation of the imaging device; and a setting unit that sets the operation mode of the imaging device to one of a plurality of operation modes including a first operation mode and a second operation mode in which usable functions are more limited than in the first operation mode. and a means for determining whether the first power supply or the second power supply has a greater supplyable power when the imaging device is connected to a first power supply and a second power supply when the imaging device is connected to a second power supply. The determining means determines, based on the first information and the second information, which of the first power supply and the second power supply has a greater supplyable power, as the power supply to be used for operation of the imaging device. When the second power supply is determined as the power supply to be used for operation of the imaging device, if the first power that the first power supply can supply is greater than a threshold power, the setting means sets the first operating mode, and if the first power is less than the threshold power, the setting means sets the second operating mode.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is an electronic device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring information about a power source connected to the electronic device; a determination means for determining a power source to be used for operation of the electronic device; and a setting means for setting the operation mode of the electronic device to one of a plurality of operation modes including a first operation mode and a second operation mode in which usable functions are more limited than those of the first operation mode; when a first power source and a second power source are connected to the electronic device, the acquisition means acquires first information about the first power source and second information about the second power source; and based on the first information and the second information, the determination means determines the power source of the first power source or the second power source, whichever has the greater available power supply, as the power source to be used for operation of the electronic device; and when the second power source is determined as the power source to be used for operation of the electronic device, if the first power that the first power source can supply is greater than a threshold power, the setting means sets the first operation mode; and if the first power is less than the threshold power, the setting means sets the second operation mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, even if the power supply is suddenly stopped, the function being executed is not stopped. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an imaging device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of power data. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of information related to a power source. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the imaging device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a GUI screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a warning screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] <Configuration> 1A is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging device 100 according to this embodiment. The imaging device 100 is an example of an electronic device. The imaging device 100 includes a control unit 101, a memory 102, a nonvolatile memory 103, an image processing unit 104, an imaging unit 105, a lens unit 106, a display unit 107, a recording medium I / F 108, an operation unit 109, and a battery communication I / F 110. The imaging device 100 also includes a power source selection unit 111, a power supply unit 112, an image output unit 114, an accessory communication unit 115, a network communication unit 116, an audio input unit 117, a battery connection unit 118, and a connector 119. The functional units of the imaging device 100 input and output data to and from each other via an internal bus 150.

[0013] The control unit 101 is a central processing unit that controls each functional unit of the imaging device 100. The control unit 101 includes at least one The control unit 101 includes a processor and / or at least one circuit. That is, the control unit 101 may be a processor, a circuit, or a combination of a processor and a circuit. The control unit 101 controls each functional unit of the imaging device 100 in accordance with a program stored in, for example, nonvolatile memory 103, using memory 102 as a work memory.

[0014] The memory 102 is a volatile memory that uses semiconductor elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0015] Non-volatile memory 103 stores image data, audio data, other data, and various programs for operating control unit 101. Non-volatile memory 103 is configured, for example, with a hard disk (HD) or ROM (Read Only Memory). The programs here are programs for executing the flowcharts described below.

[0016] The image processing unit 104 performs image processing on image data stored in the nonvolatile memory 103 or the recording medium 131, image data captured by the imaging unit 105, etc. The image processing performed by the image processing unit 104 includes A / D conversion processing, D / A conversion processing, image data encoding processing, compression processing, decoding processing, enlargement / reduction processing (resizing), noise reduction processing, color conversion processing, etc. The image processing unit 104 may be configured with a circuit block dedicated to performing specific image processing. Furthermore, depending on the type of image processing, the control unit 101 may perform image processing according to a program without using the image processing unit 104.

[0017] The imaging unit 105 is an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary MOS) sensor. The imaging unit 105 is capable of capturing still images or moving images. Image data of the captured image is transmitted to the image processing unit 104, where it is subjected to various image processing operations and then recorded in the non-volatile memory 103 or the recording medium 131 as a still image file or a moving image file, respectively.

[0018] The lens unit 106 is a lens unit configured with a zoom lens, a focus lens, a shutter, an aperture, a distance measurement unit, an A / D converter, etc. The lens unit 106 can adjust the zoom, focus, aperture, etc.

[0019] The display unit 107 displays images, GUI screens constituting a GUI (Graphical User Interface), and the like. Video signals and the like generated by each functional unit of the imaging device 100 are input to the display unit 107. The display unit 107 displays videos (images) based on the input video signals and the like. Note that, although the imaging device 100 includes the display unit 107 in this embodiment, the display unit 107 may also be an external monitor or projector of the imaging device 100.

[0020] The image output unit 114 outputs images, GUI screens constituting the GUI, etc. to the outside. The image output unit 114 may output a control signal that is the same as the display content of the display unit 107 to the outside, or may output a control signal that changes the display content to the outside.

[0021] The recording medium I / F 108 is an interface with a recording medium 131 such as a memory card, CD, or DVD. The recording medium I / F 108 reads data from the recording medium 131 and writes data to the recording medium 131.

[0022] The operation unit 109 is an input device for receiving user operations, including a character information input device such as a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse or a touch panel, a button, a dial, a joystick, a touch sensor, a touch pad, etc. The touch panel is an input device that is configured as a plane overlaid on the display unit 107 and outputs coordinate information according to the position of contact. The input user operation is notified to the control unit 101.

[0023] The battery connection unit 118 has a connection mechanism for connecting the battery 120. Furthermore, the battery connection unit 118 has a plurality of terminals for connecting to the power supply terminals and communication terminals of the battery 120 when the battery 120 is connected. When the battery 120 is attached to the battery connection unit 118, power from the battery cell 122 is supplied to the power source selection unit 111 via the power supply terminals. Furthermore, when the battery 120 is connected to the battery connection unit 118, communication is performed between the control unit 121 and the battery communication I / F 110 via the communication terminals.

[0024] When the battery 120 is connected to the battery connection unit 118, the battery communication I / F 110 communicates with the control unit 121 via the battery connection unit 118 to acquire information such as the type of the battery 120, the charge state and remaining capacity of the battery cell 122, etc. The battery communication I / F 110 also transmits various types of information and commands to the control unit 121.

[0025] The power source selection unit 111 is a power source selection circuit including a comparator, a load switch, and the like, and has a power receiving unit that receives power from the battery 120 and power from the power adapter 123. The power source selection unit 111 selects (determines) the battery 120 or the power adapter 123, whichever has the higher available power (power supply capacity), as the power source to be used for operating the imaging device 100. For example, when the power adapter 123 is connected, the power source selection unit 111 detects the output voltage of the power adapter 123. Furthermore, when the battery 120 is connected, the power source selection unit 111 detects the output voltage of the battery 120. Then, when both the power adapter 123 and the battery 120 are connected, the power source selection unit 111 selects the one with the higher output voltage from the power adapter 123 or the battery 120 as the operating power source for the imaging device 100. The power source selection unit 111 also obtains information about the connected power source from the battery communication I / F 110 and transmits the information to the control unit 101. The control unit 101 controls (display control) to display information about the connected power source.

[0026] The battery 120 is a power source that supplies power to the imaging device 100. The battery 120 is a rechargeable battery power source (storage battery) that can be connected (attached) to and detached from the imaging device 100. The battery 120 has a control unit 121 and a battery cell 122. The amount of power that the battery 120 can supply to the imaging device 100 is limited by the amount of power contained in the battery cell 122. In the battery 120, the battery cell 122 supplies power to the imaging device 100, and the control unit 121 manages the charge status and remaining capacity of the battery cell 122. In this embodiment, the battery 120 is a power source that is expected to be connected to a battery connector 118 (and an internal terminal of the battery connector 118) provided inside the imaging device 100, and can also be said to be an internal power source of the imaging device 100. Note that the battery 120 may be a battery that is not rechargeable with the imaging device 100, or may be a rechargeable battery that is integrated with the imaging device 100.

[0027] The power adapter 123 is a power source that supplies power to the imaging device 100. When the plug of the power adapter 123 is connected to the connector 119, power from the power adapter 123 is supplied via the connector 119. The power adapter 123 can be connected to and detached from the imaging device 100. The power adapter 123 converts power supplied from, for example, a commercial power source into power in a format suitable for the imaging device 100 and supplies the power to the imaging device 100. The power adapter 123 is connected to a power receiving unit (external terminal) provided outside the imaging device 100, and is a power source that is expected to supply power from outside the imaging device 100, and can also be said to be an external power source for the imaging device 100.

[0028] The power supply unit 112 includes a DC-DC conversion circuit, receives power from the power supply selected by the power supply selection unit 111, converts it to a voltage required for each block of the imaging device 100, and supplies it to each block for a required period. The power supply process of the power supply unit 112 is controlled by the control unit 101 as described below.

[0029] The accessory communication unit 115 is a communication unit for communicating with an accessory device attached to the imaging device 100. The accessory communication unit 115 acquires information from the accessory device and controls the accessory device in accordance with instructions from the control unit 101. For example, the accessory communication unit 115 causes an LED light attached to the imaging device 100 to emit light.

[0030] The network communication unit 116 is composed of a wireless communication circuit, a LAN (Local Area Network) communication terminal, etc., and connects the imaging device 100 to a network to perform various communications.

[0031] The audio input unit 117 inputs audio from an internal microphone provided in the imaging device 100 or an external microphone connected to an audio input terminal. The audio signal input by the audio input unit 117 is processed as audio data by the control unit 101.

[0032] FIG. 1B shows an example in which a USB terminal 130 and a PD control unit 113 are used instead of the power adapter 123 in FIG. 1A.

[0033] The USB terminal 130 is a terminal that conforms to the USB standard and can receive power from an external USB power supply. In this example, the USB terminal 130 is a USB Type-C terminal. A power supply device that conforms to the USB Power Delivery standard is connected to the USB terminal 130.

[0034] The PD control unit 113 performs power receiving processing in accordance with the USB PD standard when a power supply device is connected to the USB terminal 130. The PD control unit 113 performs predetermined negotiation (power supply negotiation) in accordance with the USB PD (USB Power Delivery) standard with the power supply device connected to the imaging device 100. The PD control unit 113 transmits information about power, including voltage and current, that can be supplied via the USB terminal 130, to the power source selection unit 111.

[0035] When both the battery 120 and a power supply device are connected to the USB terminal 130, the power source selection unit 111 may determine the power source with the higher voltage between the voltage that the USB terminal 130 can supply and the output voltage of the battery 120 as the power source to be used for the operation of the imaging device 100.

[0036] FIG. 1C shows an example in which a battery coupler 124 and an AC adapter 127 are used instead of the power adapter 123 in FIG. 1A.

[0037] The battery coupler (DC coupler) 124 has a control unit 125 and a DC conversion unit 126. The battery coupler 124 has the same shape as the battery 120. The battery 120 and the battery coupler 124 are connected to the image capture device 100 while attached to a battery grip. When the battery grip including the battery 120 and the battery coupler 124 is attached to the image capture device 100, the battery communication I / F 110 communicates with the control unit 125 and acquires various pieces of information from the battery coupler 124. The control unit 101 can recognize the type of battery coupler 124 based on the information from the battery communication I / F 110. The DC conversion unit 126 converts power supplied from an AC adapter 127 into power suitable for the image capture device 100 and supplies it to the image capture device 100.

[0038] The power source selection unit 111 may detect the output voltage of the battery coupler 124 and determine the power source that can supply the larger voltage between the battery 120 and the battery coupler 124 as the power source to be used for the operation of the imaging device 100.

[0039] <Electricity Data> The imaging device 100 has at least two operation (photography) modes. One is a mode (operation mode 1, normal mode) in which all functions of the imaging device 100 are available. The other is a mode (operation mode 2 and subsequent modes, limited mode) in which the available functions are more limited than those in the normal mode. In the limited mode, some predetermined functions of the functions available in the normal mode are controlled so as not to be available.

[0040] 2 is an explanatory diagram of power data 201 and 202. Based on the power data 201 and 202 recorded in the nonvolatile memory 103, the control unit 101 acquires information about power consumption in each operation mode.

[0041] The power data 201 includes information on power consumption when each function of the imaging device 100 is used (ON) and when it is not used (OFF). For example, each function is a network, an accessory shoe power supply, an external microphone input, and a lens power supply. When the network is ON, power is supplied to the network communication unit 116; when the accessory shoe power supply is ON, power is supplied to the accessory communication unit 115; when the external microphone input is ON, power is supplied to the audio input unit 117; and when the lens power supply is ON, power is supplied to the lens unit 106. The functions and power consumption shown in the power data 201 are merely examples. For example, the power data 201 may include power consumption when functions such as high-brightness display of the display unit 107 and output by the image output unit 114 are ON and OFF.

[0042] The power data 202 includes information on the total power (total power consumption of each function) in each operating mode. In the power data 202, the functions of network, accessory shoe power supply, external microphone input, and lens power supply are indicated by ON / OFF, but this is just one example. The power data 202 may record information in the form of a continuous data string, a function, or the like, instead of a binary value such as ON / OFF.

[0043] In operation mode 1, all functions of the imaging device 100 are available. The total power P1 in operation mode 1 with all functions turned on is 68 [W] (5+3+2+8+50=68 in power data 201). In operation mode 2, the accessory shoe power supply and external microphone input functions are turned off, and the other functions are turned on. The total power P2 in operation mode 2 is 63 [W]. In operation mode 3, the accessory shoe power supply and lens power supply functions are turned off, and the other functions are turned on. The total power P3 in operation mode 3 is 57.3 [W]. In this way, in operation mode 2, the functions available in operation mode 1 are limited, so power consumption is less than in operation mode 1 by the amount of power required for the limited functions. In addition, in operation mode 3, the functions available in operation mode 1 are limited, so power consumption is less than in operation mode 1 by the amount of power required for the limited functions.

[0044] <Power supply data> 3 is an explanatory diagram of data related to power sources. Battery information 301 is information that the power source selection unit 111 (control unit 101) acquires from the battery 120 connected to the imaging device 100. The battery information 301 includes a battery ID, capacity [%], voltage [V], current consumption [mA], and remaining discharge capacity [mAh]. The power source selection unit 111 calculates the power that the battery 120 can supply from, for example, the voltage [V] and current consumption [mA].

[0045] Furthermore, the power source selection unit 111 may acquire the power that the battery 120 can supply by referring to the information table 302. The information table 302 indicates the rated power [W], rated voltage [V], and rated current [A] for each battery ID, and is recorded in the non-volatile memory 103. The power source selection unit 111 can acquire the power that the battery 120 can supply by referring to the information table 302 based on the battery ID acquired from the battery information 301.

[0046] The power source selection unit 111 can obtain the remaining capacity of the battery 120 from the capacity [%] of the battery information 301. The power source selection unit 111 can also calculate the remaining drive time of the imaging device 100 using the following calculation formula (Formula 1). Operating time (min) = remaining discharge capacity (mAh) ÷ current consumption (mA) x 60 ...(Formula 1)

[0047] The coupler information 311 is information that the power source selection unit 111 acquires from the battery coupler 124 connected to the imaging device 100. The coupler information 311 includes a battery coupler ID, voltage [V], and current consumption [mA]. ​​An information table 312 indicates the rated power [W], rated voltage [V], and rated current [A] for each battery coupler ID, and is recorded in the non-volatile memory 103. The power source selection unit 111 may calculate the power that the battery coupler 124 can supply from the voltage [V] and current consumption [mA] included in the coupler information 311, or may acquire the power by referring to the information table 312.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the imaging device 100. This operation is realized by the control unit 101 loading a program recorded in the non-volatile memory 103 into the memory 102 and executing it. For example, when the imaging device 100 is turned on, the operation of FIG. 4 starts and is repeatedly executed. The timing of the repetition may be controlled by synchronous processing using a periodic timer, or may be controlled by asynchronous processing triggered by an event related to the series of operations. In the following description, the imaging device 100 will be described as being connectable to a battery 120 and a power adapter 123, as shown in FIG. 1A. In addition, operation mode 1 shown in FIG. 2 is defined as a normal mode, and operation modes 2 and 3 are defined as restricted modes.

[0049] In step S401, the control unit 101 (power source selection unit 111) determines the power source to be used for operation of the imaging device 100. When the battery 120 and the power adapter 123 are connected, the power source selection unit 111 detects the output voltage of the battery 120 and the output voltage of the power adapter 123, as described above, and sends the detection results to the control unit 101. The control unit 101 determines the power source with the higher output voltage (the one that can supply more power) between the battery 120 and the power adapter 123, as the power source to be used for operation of the imaging device 100. Furthermore, when the battery 120 is connected but the power adapter 123 is not connected, the control unit 101 selects the battery 120 as the power source. Furthermore, when the power adapter 123 is connected but the battery 120 is not connected, the control unit 101 selects the power adapter 123 as the power source.

[0050] 1(B), when the battery 120 is connected and a power supply device is connected to the USB terminal 130, the control unit 101 acquires information about the power supply capacity by communicating with both the battery 120 and the power supply device connected to the USB terminal 130. When the battery 120 and the battery coupler 124 are connected as shown in FIG. 1(C), the control unit 101 acquires information about the power supply capacity by communicating with both the battery 120 and the battery coupler 124. The information about the battery 120 may be information indicating the power that the battery 120 can supply, or may be information indicating the ID (identifier) ​​of the battery 120. When the information indicating the ID of the battery 120 is acquired, the control unit 101 refers to the information table 302 (312) in FIG. 3 to acquire the power that the battery 120 can supply.

[0051] In step S402, the control unit 101 determines whether the power source determined in step S401 is the battery 120. If the power source determined in step S401 is the battery 120, the process proceeds to step S417, and if the power source is the power adapter 123, the process proceeds to step S403. Note that the determination in step S402 may be interpreted as a determination of whether the power source used for operation of the imaging device 100 is a battery (cell).

[0052] In step S403, the control unit 101 compares the power (Pv) that the battery 120 can supply with the threshold powers PTh1 and PTh2. Here, the rated power shown in FIG. 3 is assumed to be the power that the battery 120 can supply. If the power that the battery 120 can supply is equal to or greater than the threshold power PTh1, the process proceeds to step S408, and if it is greater than the threshold power PTh2 but less than the threshold power PTh1, the process proceeds to step S404. If the power that the battery 120 can supply is less than the threshold power PTh2, or if the battery 120 is not connected and only a power source other than the battery 120 (for example, the power adapter 123) is connected, the process proceeds to step S412.

[0053] The threshold power PTh1 is a value greater than the total power P1 (68 [W]) in the normal mode (operation mode 1 in FIG. 2), for example, 70 [W]. The threshold power PTh2 is the lower limit of the power consumption required for operation in the restricted mode (operation mode 2 or operation mode 3 in FIG. 2). If there are multiple restricted modes, the threshold power PTh2 may be the lower limit at which a specific restricted mode can be driven, or may be the lower limit at which the restricted mode with the highest total power can be driven (for example, a value greater than P2 and less than P1). The threshold powers PTh1 and PTh2 may be determined taking into account the stability and error of the power supply.

[0054] In step S404, the control unit 101 performs a process (timer count process) of measuring the time that has elapsed since the battery 120 was attached. The timer count process may be interpreted as a process of measuring the time that has elapsed since it was determined that the power that the battery 120 can supply is smaller than the threshold power PTh1. When the control unit 101 executes the process of step S404 for the first time after step S412, the control unit 101 records the current time acquired from the system clock in the memory 102 as the time that the power supply was attached. When the control unit 101 executes the process of step S404 again, the control unit 101 calculates the difference between the updated current time and the time that the power supply was attached, and measures the elapsed time.

[0055] In step S405, the control unit 101 determines whether the elapsed time measured in step S404 is less than a threshold time. If the elapsed time is less than the threshold time, the process proceeds to step S408; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S406. The threshold time is, for example, 4 seconds. The threshold time may be determined based on the time required to attach or detach the battery.

[0056] In step S406, the control unit 101 sets the restriction mode. If there are multiple restriction modes, a specific restriction mode may be set, or a restriction mode selected by the user may be set. Alternatively, the mode may be updated by the processing of step S409 or step S414 described below.

[0057] In step S407, the control unit 101 displays the GUI screen in display mode A. Display mode A will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0058] In step S408, the control unit 101 detects the power consumption in the current operation mode of the imaging device 100. Here, after the power is turned on, the control unit 101 sets the operation mode to the normal mode until the operation mode is set in any of S415, S406, S410, S418, and S420. Then, the control unit 101 detects the power consumption in the current operation mode. It is determined whether the current power consumption is smaller than the threshold power PTh3. If the current power consumption is smaller than the threshold power PTh3, the process proceeds to step S409; if not, the process proceeds to step S410. The threshold power PTh3 used in the determination in step S408 is, for example, the threshold power PTh1, but may be a value determined taking into account a calculation error in the power consumption. The threshold power PTh3 is, for example, a value equal to or smaller than the threshold power PTh1.

[0059] In step S409, the control unit 101 updates the restricted mode settings so that functions that were executed in normal mode when power consumption was less than the threshold power PTh3 become executable. For example, the control unit 101 updates the restricted mode settings so that functions that are currently set to ON are set to ON in preference to other functions. This reduces the effort required by the user to set the functions that were executed in normal mode so that they become executable in restricted mode when the mode is switched from normal mode to restricted mode.

[0060] In step S410, the control unit 101 sets the normal mode.

[0061] In step S411, the control unit 101 displays the GUI screen in display mode B1, which will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0062] The processing in steps S401 to S403, S406, and S410 controls the imaging device 100 as follows: When the power adapter 123 is determined as the power source to be used for operation of the imaging device 100 and the battery 120 is connected, if the power that the battery 120 can supply is greater than the threshold power PTh1, the control unit 101 sets the normal mode. If the power that the battery 120 can supply is less than the threshold power PTh1, the control unit 101 sets the restricted mode. The control unit 101 sets the operating mode of the imaging device 100 based on the power of the power source other than the power source used for operation of the imaging device 100 (the power source that can supply less power). As a result, even if the plug of the power adapter 123 is unplugged from the connector 119 and the power supply from the power adapter 123 is momentarily interrupted, the battery 120 can provide the power needed to maintain operation of the imaging device 100 in the restricted mode, preventing the imaging device 100 from halting a function currently being executed.

[0063] According to the processing of steps S404 to S406 and S410, the control unit 101 sets the normal mode until the elapsed time since it was determined that the power that the battery 120 can supply is less than the threshold power PTh1 reaches the threshold time. When the elapsed time reaches the threshold time, the control unit 101 sets the restricted mode. Because switching to the restricted mode is suspended until the elapsed time reaches the threshold time, it is possible to prevent functions from being restricted even if a battery that can supply less power than the threshold power PTh1 is mistakenly attached to the imaging device 100.

[0064] In step S412, the control unit 101 resets the power supply attachment time recorded in step S404.

[0065] The processing in steps S413 to S415 is the same as the processing in steps S408 to S410. When only the power adaptor 123 is connected to the imaging device 100, the control unit 101 sets the imaging device 100 to the normal mode.

[0066] In step S416, the control unit 101 displays the GUI screen in display mode B2, which will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0067] In step S417, the control unit 101 compares the power (Pv) that the battery 120 can supply with the threshold power PTh1. If the power that the battery 120 can supply is equal to or greater than the threshold power PTh1, the process proceeds to step S420; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S418. Although not shown in S417, it is desirable to stop this processing flow if the power that the battery 120 can supply is smaller than the threshold power PTh2.

[0068] The processing in steps S418 and S420 is the same as that in steps S406 and S409. When the battery 120 is determined as the power source to be used for the operation of the imaging device 100, if the power that the battery 120 can supply is greater than the threshold power PTh1, the control unit 101 sets the normal mode. If the power that the battery 120 can supply is less than the threshold power PTh1, the control unit 101 sets the restricted mode.

[0069] In step S419, the control unit 101 displays the GUI screen in display mode C. Display mode C will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0070] In step S421, the control unit 101 displays the GUI screen in display mode D. Display mode D will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0071] When the power adapter 123 is selected as the power source to be used by the imaging device 100, the power source selection unit 111 determines whether power is being supplied from the power adapter 123. If the power source selection unit 111 determines that power supply from the power adapter 123 has stopped, it notifies the control unit 101 of this, selects the battery 120 as the power source, and sends power from the battery 120 to the power supply unit 112. In this way, when the power adapter 123 is selected as the power source and then removed, the imaging device 100 switches to power from the battery 120 and continues processing.

[0072] In the example of Figure 4, an imaging device that can be connected to a power adapter 123 and a battery 120 as shown in Figure 1(A) has been described, but this is not limited to this and the configurations shown in Figures 1(B) and 1(C) can also be used.

[0073] 1B, the control unit 101 determines in S401 which power source to use as the power source for the imaging device 100 based on information on the power that can be supplied by the battery 120 and the power supply device connected to the USB terminal 130. If the selected power source is the power supply device connected to the USB terminal 130, the processing from S403 onwards is performed. In this case, the power adapter 123 in FIG. 4 is processed as the power supply device connected to the USB terminal 130.

[0074] 1C, the control unit 101 determines in S401 which power source to use as the power source for the imaging device 100 based on information on the power that can be supplied by the battery 120 and the battery coupler 124. If the selected power source is the battery coupler 124, the processing from S403 onwards is performed. In this case, the power adapter 123 in FIG. 4 is used as the battery coupler 124 for processing.

[0075] 1(B) or 1(C), in step S401, the control unit 101 determines the power source to be used for operation of the imaging device 100 based on information about the power that can be supplied by the power source connected to the imaging device 100, but the control unit 101 may also determine the power source to be used for operation of the imaging device 100 based on information about the identifier of the power source. For example, in the configuration of FIG. 1(C), the control unit 101 may determine the battery coupler 124 as the power source to be used for operation of the imaging device 100 in preference to the battery 120 based on the identifier information.

[0076] Furthermore, in any of the configurations shown in FIGS. 1(A) to 1(C), the control unit 101 may determine a predetermined power supply from among the multiple connected power supplies as the power supply to be used for the operation of the imaging device 100.

[0077] 1A, when the battery 120 and the power adapter 123 are connected, the power adapter 123 may be determined as the power source to be used for the operation of the image capture device 100. When the power adapter 123 is selected as the power source to be used for the operation of the image capture device 100, if the power that the power source can supply is smaller than the threshold power PTh2, the control unit 101 may set the limited mode instead of the normal mode in step S415.

[0078] 1A may be configured to allow connection of multiple batteries 120. For example, if the power adapter 123 is not connected and two batteries 120 are connected, in step S403, the control unit 101 compares the power that can be supplied by the battery with the smaller supply capacity with the threshold powers PTh1 and PTh2. This is to reduce the risk of an instantaneous power outage in the image capture device 100 if the image capture device 100 was operating using the battery with the larger supply capacity and the power supply from that battery was stopped. Also, if the power adapter 123 is connected and two batteries 120 are connected, in step S403, the control unit 101 compares the power that can be supplied by the battery with the larger supply capacity with the threshold powers PTh1 and PTh2. This is because if the image capture device 100 was operating using the power adapter 123 and the power supply from the power adapter 123 was stopped, the image capture device 100 would operate using the battery with the larger supply capacity.

[0079] 5(A) to 5(D) are schematic diagrams of GUI screens displayed on the display unit 107. FIG.

[0080] 5(A) is a schematic diagram of a GUI screen in display mode A. Display mode A is a mode that is displayed when, for example, the power adapter 123 is determined to be the power source used for operation of the imaging device 100 and the power that the battery 120 can supply is greater than the threshold power PTh2 and less than the threshold power PTh1. Adapter information 501 "DC IN 12.5V" is displayed at the top of the display unit 107 as information related to the power adapter 123.

[0081] Also, below the adapter information 501, a battery icon 502 is displayed as information about the battery 120. Because the power that the battery 120 can supply is smaller than the threshold power PTh1, a mark 503 indicating "!" is also displayed as information about the battery 120. In the example of FIG. 5(A), the mark 503 is displayed superimposed on the battery icon 502, but a mark indicating something other than "!" may also be displayed superimposed. A battery icon in a form different from the battery icon 502 (for example, a different shape or color) may also be displayed. This makes it possible to inform the user that the installed battery is different from a normal battery (a battery whose power that can be supplied is greater than the threshold power PTh1).

[0082] 5(B) is a schematic diagram of a GUI screen in display mode B1. Display mode B1 is a mode that is displayed when, for example, the power adapter 123 is determined to be the power source used for operation of the imaging device 100 and the power that the battery 120 can supply is greater than the threshold power PTh1. Adapter information 501 is displayed at the top of the display unit 107. Because the power that the battery 120 can supply is greater than the threshold power PTh1, information about the battery 120 is not displayed in display mode B1.

[0083] 5B is also a schematic diagram of a GUI screen in display mode B2. Display mode B2 is a mode that is displayed when, for example, the power adapter 123 is determined as the power source to be used for the operation of the imaging device 100 and the battery 120 is not attached (or the power that the battery 120 can supply is smaller than the threshold power PTh2).

[0084] Although the GUI screen in display mode B1 and the GUI screen in display mode B2 are the same, they do not have to be the same. For example, an item indicating that a normal battery is installed may be displayed in display mode B1, but this item may not be displayed in display mode B2.

[0085] 5(C) is a schematic diagram of a GUI screen in display mode C. Display mode C is a mode that is displayed when, for example, the battery 120 is determined to be the power source used for the operation of the imaging device 100 and the power that the battery 120 can supply is greater than the threshold power PTh2 and less than the threshold power PTh1.

[0086] When the battery 120 is determined to be the power source to be used for operation of the imaging device 100 (display mode C), different information is displayed as information about the battery 120 compared to when the power adapter 123 is determined to be the power source (display mode A). In FIG. 5C, in addition to a battery icon 502 and a mark 503, time 504 indicating the time for which the battery 120 can be operated is displayed as information about the battery 120. A battery icon in a form different from the battery icon 502 may be displayed. This makes it possible to inform the user that the battery 120 is the power source to be used for operation of the imaging device 100.

[0087] 5(D) is a schematic diagram of a GUI screen in display mode D. Display mode D is a mode that is displayed when, for example, the battery 120 is determined to be the power source used for operation of the imaging device 100 and the power that the battery 120 can supply is greater than the threshold power PTh1. In display mode D, the battery icon 502 and time 504 are displayed, but the mark 503 is not displayed because the power that the battery 120 can supply is greater than the threshold power PTh1.

[0088] In each display mode, if a function is set to OFF, it may be displayed in a different form from when that function is set to ON. For example, an icon indicating a function that is set to OFF may be displayed in red. This allows the user to know whether or not the function is restricted.

[0089] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a warning screen displayed on the display unit 107. The warning screen displays information related to the restricted mode. In the example of FIG. 6, the warning screen displays text indicating that some functions will be restricted. The warning screen is displayed for a predetermined period of time when the restricted mode is first set after the image capture device 100 is started and a battery 120 with a supplyable power greater than the threshold power PTh2 and less than the threshold power PTh1 is attached to the image capture device 100. The display then stops. Note that after the warning screen is displayed once, it may not be displayed again until the image capture device 100 is initialized. The warning screen may also include other information, such as the operating mode to be set, a list of functions to be restricted, and the threshold time determined in step S405. The battery icon 502 may be controlled to flash when the warning screen is displayed. Displaying the warning screen in addition to the GUI screens shown in FIGS. 5(A) to 5(D) more clearly informs the user of the operating mode to be set.

[0090] As described above, in this embodiment, when multiple power sources are connected to the image capture device 100, the operation mode of the image capture device 100 is set based on the power that can be supplied by the power source that can supply the least amount of power. This reduces the risk of momentary power outages in the image capture device 100. Furthermore, information about the power source is displayed according to each operation mode. This makes it possible to inform the user of the operation mode that will be set.

[0091] The various controls described above as being performed by the control unit 101 may or may not be performed by a single piece of hardware (e.g., a processor or circuit). The entire device may be controlled by multiple pieces of hardware (e.g., multiple processors, multiple circuits, or a combination of one or more processors and one or more circuits) sharing the processing.

[0092] The above processor is a processor in the broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors and dedicated processors. General-purpose processors include, for example, CPUs (Central Processing Units), MPUs (Micro Processing Units), and DSPs (Digital Signal Processors). Dedicated processors include, for example, GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), and PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices). Programmable logic devices include, for example, FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) and CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices).

[0093] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments merely represents one embodiment of the present invention, and each embodiment can be combined as appropriate.

[0094] In the above-described embodiment, the present invention has been described as being applied to an imaging device, but the present invention is not limited to this example and can be applied to any electronic device to which multiple power sources can be connected. For example, the present invention can be applied to a portable game console.

[0095] <Other embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0096] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) An imaging device, an acquisition means for acquiring information about a power source connected to the imaging device; a determination means for determining a power source to be used for operation of the imaging device; a setting means for setting the operation mode of the imaging device to one of a plurality of operation modes including a first operation mode and a second operation mode in which usable functions are more limited than in the first operation mode; and When a first power supply and a second power supply are connected to the imaging device, the acquiring means acquires first information related to the first power source and second information related to the second power source; the determining means determines, based on the first information and the second information, one of the first power supply and the second power supply that can supply more power, as the power supply to be used for operation of the imaging device; When the second power supply is determined as the power supply to be used for the operation of the imaging device, If the first power that the first power source can supply is greater than a threshold power, the setting means sets the first operation mode; If the first power is smaller than the threshold power, the setting means sets the second operation Setting the Mode An imaging device characterized by: (Configuration 2) The information regarding the power supply connected to the imaging device is an output voltage of the power supply, and the determining means determines, from the first power supply and the second power supply, the power supply having a higher output voltage as the power supply to be used for operation of the imaging device. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, (Configuration 3) 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the information about a power source connected to the imaging device indicates the power that the power source can supply. (Configuration 4) The information about a power source connected to the imaging device indicates an identifier of the power source. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, (Configuration 5) the first power source is a battery, and the second power source is a power adapter that supplies power from a commercial power source; The first power is the rated power of the battery. 5. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4. (Configuration 6) When the second power supply is connected to the imaging device and the first power supply is not connected, the setting means sets the imaging device to the first operation mode. 6. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5. (Configuration 7) The display control means further includes a display control means for controlling the display of information about the first power source. 7. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, (Configuration 8) When the second power supply is determined as the power supply to be used for the operation of the imaging device, If the first power is greater than the threshold power, the display control means controls so as not to display the information related to the first power source; If the first power is smaller than the threshold power, the display control means controls to display the information related to the first power source. 8. The imaging device according to configuration 7. (Configuration 9) The display control means controls to display different information as the information related to the first power source when the first power source is determined as the power source to be used for the operation of the imaging device and when the second power source is determined as the power source to be used for the operation of the imaging device. 9. The imaging device according to configuration 8. (Configuration 10) The display control means controls the display of information about the second operation mode when the second operation mode is set. 10. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 7 to 9. (Configuration 11) An electronic device, an acquisition means for acquiring information about a power source connected to the electronic device; a determining means for determining a power source to be used for the operation of the electronic device; a setting means for setting the operation mode of the electronic device to one of a plurality of operation modes including a first operation mode and a second operation mode in which usable functions are more limited than in the first operation mode; and When a first power source and a second power source are connected to the electronic device, the acquiring means acquires first information related to the first power source and second information related to the second power source; the determining means determines, based on the first information and the second information, one of the first power supply and the second power supply that can supply more power, as a power supply to be used for operation of the electronic device; When the second power source is determined as the power source to be used for the operation of the electronic device, If the first power that the first power source can supply is greater than a threshold power, the setting means sets the first operation mode; If the first power is smaller than the threshold power, the setting means sets the second operation mode. An electronic device characterized by: (Method 1) A control method for an imaging device, comprising: acquiring information about a power source connected to the imaging device; a determining step of determining a power source to be used for operation of the imaging device; a setting step of setting the operation mode of the imaging device to one of a plurality of operation modes including a first operation mode and a second operation mode in which usable functions are more limited than in the first operation mode; and When a first power supply and a second power supply are connected to the imaging device, the acquiring step acquires first information related to the first power source and second information related to the second power source; the determining step determines, based on the first information and the second information, one of the first power source and the second power source that can supply more power, as a power source to be used for operation of the imaging device; When the second power supply is determined as the power supply to be used for the operation of the imaging device, If the first power that can be supplied by the first power source is greater than a threshold power, the setting step sets the first operation mode; If the first power is less than the threshold power, the setting step sets the second operating mode. 10. A method for controlling an imaging device, comprising: (Method 2) A method for controlling an electronic device, comprising: acquiring information about a power source connected to the electronic device; a determining step of determining a power source to be used to operate the electronic device; a setting step of setting the operation mode of the electronic device to one of a plurality of operation modes including a first operation mode and a second operation mode in which usable functions are more limited than in the first operation mode; and When a first power source and a second power source are connected to the electronic device, the acquiring step acquires first information related to the first power source and second information related to the second power source; the determining step determines, based on the first information and the second information, one of the first power source and the second power source that can supply more power, as a power source to be used for operation of the electronic device; When the second power source is determined as the power source to be used for the operation of the electronic device, If the first power that can be supplied by the first power source is greater than a threshold power, the setting step sets the first operation mode; If the first power is less than the threshold power, the setting step sets the second operating mode. A method for controlling an electronic device. (program) A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10 or the electronic device according to configuration 11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 100: Imaging device 101: Control unit 111: Power supply selection unit

Claims

1. An imaging device, an acquisition means for acquiring information about a power source connected to the imaging device; a determination means for determining a power source to be used for operation of the imaging device; a setting means for setting the operation mode of the imaging device to one of a plurality of operation modes including a first operation mode and a second operation mode in which usable functions are more limited than in the first operation mode; and When a first power supply and a second power supply are connected to the imaging device, the acquiring means acquires first information related to the first power source and second information related to the second power source; the determining means determines, based on the first information and the second information, one of the first power supply and the second power supply that can supply more power, as the power supply to be used for operation of the imaging device; When the second power supply is determined as the power supply to be used for the operation of the imaging device, If the first power that can be supplied by the first power source is greater than a threshold power, the setting means sets the first operation mode; If the first power is smaller than the threshold power, the setting means sets the second operation mode. An imaging device characterized by:

2. The information regarding the power supply connected to the imaging device is an output voltage of the power supply, and the determining means determines, from the first power supply and the second power supply, the power supply having a higher output voltage as the power supply to be used for operation of the imaging device.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the information about the power source connected to the imaging device indicates the power that the power source can supply.

4. The information about a power source connected to the imaging device indicates an identifier of the power source.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1.

5. the first power source is a battery, and the second power source is a power adapter that supplies power from a commercial power source; The first power is the rated power of the battery.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1.

6. When the second power supply is connected to the imaging device and the first power supply is not connected, the setting means sets the imaging device to the first operation mode.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1.

7. The display control means further includes a display control means for controlling the display of information about the first power source.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1.

8. When the second power supply is determined as the power supply to be used for the operation of the imaging device, If the first power is greater than the threshold power, the display control means controls so as not to display the information related to the first power source; If the first power is smaller than the threshold power, the display control means controls to display the information related to the first power source.

8. The imaging device according to claim 7.

9. The display control means controls to display different information as the information related to the first power source when the first power source is determined as the power source to be used for the operation of the imaging device and when the second power source is determined as the power source to be used for the operation of the imaging device.

9. The imaging device according to claim 8.

10. The display control means controls the display of information about the second operation mode when the second operation mode is set.

8. The imaging device according to claim 7.

11. An electronic device, an acquisition means for acquiring information about a power source connected to the electronic device; a determining means for determining a power source to be used for the operation of the electronic device; a setting means for setting the operation mode of the electronic device to one of a plurality of operation modes including a first operation mode and a second operation mode in which usable functions are more limited than in the first operation mode; and When a first power source and a second power source are connected to the electronic device, the acquiring means acquires first information related to the first power source and second information related to the second power source; the determining means determines, based on the first information and the second information, one of the first power supply and the second power supply that can supply more power, as the power supply to be used for operation of the electronic device; When the second power source is determined as the power source to be used for the operation of the electronic device, If the first power that can be supplied by the first power source is greater than a threshold power, the setting means sets the first operation mode; If the first power is smaller than the threshold power, the setting means sets the second operation mode. An electronic device characterized by:

12. A control method for an imaging device, comprising: acquiring information about a power source connected to the imaging device; a determining step of determining a power source to be used for operation of the imaging device; a setting step of setting the operation mode of the imaging device to one of a plurality of operation modes including a first operation mode and a second operation mode in which usable functions are more limited than in the first operation mode; and When a first power supply and a second power supply are connected to the imaging device, the acquiring step acquires first information related to the first power source and second information related to the second power source; the determining step determines, based on the first information and the second information, one of the first power supply and the second power supply, which has a larger supplyable power, as a power supply to be used for operation of the imaging device; When the second power supply is determined as the power supply to be used for the operation of the imaging device, If the first power that can be supplied by the first power source is greater than a threshold power, the setting step sets the first operation mode; If the first power is less than the threshold power, the setting step sets the second operating mode.

10. A method for controlling an imaging device, comprising:

13. A method for controlling an electronic device, comprising: acquiring information about a power source connected to the electronic device; a determining step of determining a power source to be used to operate the electronic device; a setting step of setting the operation mode of the electronic device to one of a plurality of operation modes including a first operation mode and a second operation mode in which usable functions are more limited than in the first operation mode; and When a first power source and a second power source are connected to the electronic device, the acquiring step acquires first information related to the first power source and second information related to the second power source; the determining step determines, based on the first information and the second information, one of the first power supply and the second power supply that can supply more power, as a power supply to be used for operation of the electronic device; When the second power source is determined as the power source to be used for the operation of the electronic device, If the first power that can be supplied by the first power source is greater than a threshold power, the setting step sets the first operation mode; If the first power is less than the threshold power, the setting step sets the second operating mode. A method for controlling an electronic device.

14. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or the electronic device according to claim 11.

Images