Electronic equipment, control means for electronic equipment, and program

Abstract

To improve the accuracy of power supply control of an electronic device.SOLUTION: An electronic device includes a second control unit 124 which determines which a moving distance or an angle of the electronic device is to be calculated in accordance with a state of a power supply of the electronic device and a state of use detected by a use state detection unit 118 that detects a state of the electronic device used by a user, calculates the moving distance or the angle on the basis of a result detected by a distance / angle detection unit 119, and controls the power supply of the electronic device in accordance with a result of the calculation. When the electronic device is OFF, the second control unit 124 calculates an angle of the electronic device. When the electronic device is ON, the second control unit 124 calculates a moving distance in the case where the use state detection unit 118 does not detect the user using the electronic device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to power control for electronic devices.

Background Art

[0002] When using an electronic device, a user generally turns on the power of the electronic device by pressing a power button. However, when the power is turned on via a button operation, the power may be turned on unintentionally due to an erroneous operation. In order to prevent unintentional power-on, Patent Document 1 discloses a KIOSK terminal that uses two detection means and exits the power saving mode when the approach of a user and a subsequent operation by the user are detected respectively.

[0003] Regarding transition to power-off, an auto power-off function that automatically turns off the power of the device when there is no operation for a predetermined period of time is generally used to avoid unnecessary power consumption. However, the auto power-off transition time is uniform in many cases, and cannot be said to be optimal for all use cases. Patent Document 2 discloses an imaging apparatus that detects a gripping state of the imaging apparatus with two touch sensors, determines a level of a user's intention to capture an image according to the gripping state, and determines an auto power-off time according to the level of the intention to capture an image.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0004]

Patent Literature 1

Patent Literature 2

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the technology in Patent Document 1 terminates the power-saving mode and starts the terminal after detecting user operation, which may mean that the device may not start up in time in situations where immediate response is required. In the imaging device in Patent Document 2, even if the user does not intend to use the device while it is being held, the electronic device cannot transition to power-off, resulting in wasted power consumption. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 does not disclose a technology for turning off the power of the electronic device, and Patent Document 2 does not disclose a technology for turning on the power of the electronic device; each only discloses a technology for transitioning to either power-on or power-off.

[0006] The present invention aims to improve the accuracy of power control in electronic devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the electronic device of the present invention is This is the angle formed by the horizontal plane and the optical axis of the imaging unit of the electronic device. angle of the aforementioned electronic device or the travel distance of the electronic device The system includes an acquisition means for acquiring data, and a power control means for controlling the power supply of the electronic device according to the detection result of the acquisition means. The power control means controls the power supply to the electronic device from OFF to ON when the angle of the electronic device is less than a predetermined angle, and controls the power supply to the electronic device from ON to OFF when the distance traveled by the electronic device is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the accuracy of power control in electronic devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the electronic device in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the state of using electronic devices. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows the control process for transitioning the power from OFF to ON. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the control process for transitioning the power from ON to OFF. [Figure 5] This figure shows the configuration of the electronic device in the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 shows the configuration of the electronic device in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, an imaging device 100 is described as an example of an electronic device, but it is not limited to this. The electronic device can be anything that requires ON / OFF control of the power supply and is used while being held by a person or device, or is temporarily held before use, such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or XR head-mounted display.

[0011] The imaging device 100, which is an electronic device, includes a first control unit 127, a zoom unit 101, a zoom drive control unit 102, a focus unit 104, a focus drive control unit 103, an imaging unit 105, an image processing unit 106, and an image recording unit 107. The imaging device 100 further includes a recording medium 108, a recording / playback unit 109, a communication unit 110, an LED control unit 111, an audio output unit 122, a video output unit 112, a video display unit 113, a non-volatile memory 114, a memory 115, an audio processing unit 116, and an audio input unit 117. The imaging device 100 further includes a usage status detection unit 118, a distance / angle detection unit 119, a grip detection unit 121, a first power supply unit 125, a second power supply unit 123, an operation button 120, a second control unit 124, and a device shake detection unit 126.

[0012] The first control unit 127 controls the entire imaging device 100. The first control unit 127 has, for example, a processor and memory that functions as a work area. The processor is a CPU, GPU (Central Processing Unit), microprocessor, MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), etc. The memory is a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), SRAM, etc. The first control unit 127 executes various processes by running programs recorded in the non-volatile memory 114, etc., to control each block of the imaging device 100 and control data transfer between each block. The non-volatile memory 114 is an electrically erasable and recordable memory such as an EEPROM. The non-volatile memory 114 stores constants, programs, etc. for the operation of the first control unit 127.

[0013] The imaging device 100 has an imaging optical system, which includes a zoom unit 101 and a focus unit 104. The zoom unit 101 includes a zoom lens that performs magnification. The focus unit 104 includes a lens that adjusts focus. Based on instructions from the first control unit 127, the zoom drive control unit 102 drives the zoom unit 101, and the focus drive control unit 103 drives the focus unit 104.

[0014] The imaging unit 105 includes an image sensor and a signal processing unit that performs A / D conversion. The image sensor receives incident light through each lens group of the imaging optical system, converts the charge corresponding to the amount of light received into an electrical signal by photoelectric conversion, and outputs it to the signal processing unit. The signal processing unit performs analog-to-digital (A / D) conversion of the electrical signal and outputs it as digital image data to the image processing unit 106. The image processing unit 106 applies image processing such as distortion correction, white balance adjustment, and color interpolation processing to the digital image data and outputs the digital image data after the processing is applied. The digital image data output from the image processing unit 106 is converted into a recording format such as JPEG format by the image recording unit 107 and transmitted to the memory 115, video output unit 112, video display unit 113, etc.

[0015] The audio input unit 117 acquires audio signals around the image pickup apparatus 100 via a microphone provided in the image pickup apparatus 100, performs analog-to-digital conversion, and transmits the converted signals to the audio processing unit 116. The audio processing unit 116 performs audio-related processing such as optimization processing on the input digital audio signal. Then, the audio signal processed by the audio processing unit 116 is transmitted to the memory 115 by the first control unit 127.

[0016] The memory 115 temporarily stores the image signal and audio signal obtained by the image processing unit 106 and the audio processing unit 116. The image processing unit 106 and the audio processing unit 116 read out the image signal and audio signal temporarily stored in the memory 115, perform encoding of the image signal, encoding of the audio signal, and the like, to generate a compressed image signal and a compressed audio signal. The first control unit 127 transmits these compressed image signal and compressed audio signal to the recording / reproducing unit 109.

[0017] The recording / reproducing unit 109 records various data such as image data and audio data on the recording medium 108. Specifically, the recording / reproducing unit 109 records, on the recording medium 108, the compressed image signal and compressed audio signal generated by the image processing unit 106 and the audio processing unit 116, as well as other control data related to imaging, and the like. In addition, when the audio signal is not compression-encoded, the first control unit 127 records the audio signal generated by the audio processing unit 116 and the compressed image signal generated by the image processing unit 106 onto the recording medium 108 via the recording / reproducing unit 109.

[0018] The recording medium 108 may be a recording medium built in the image pickup apparatus 100, or may be a removable recording medium. The recording medium 108 is capable of recording various data such as the compressed image signal, compressed audio signal, and audio signal generated by the image pickup apparatus 100, and a medium having a larger capacity than the non-volatile memory 114 is generally used. For example, the recording medium 108 includes recording media of all types such as a hard disk, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disc, a CD-R, a DVD-R, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile semiconductor memory, and a flash memory.

[0019] Furthermore, the recording and playback unit 109 reads (plays back) the compressed image signal, compressed audio signal, audio signal, and various data recorded on the recording medium 108. The first control unit 127 then transmits the read compressed image signal and compressed audio signal to the image processing unit 106 and the audio processing unit 116. The image processing unit 106 and the audio processing unit 116 temporarily store the compressed image signal and compressed audio signal in the memory 115, decode them according to a predetermined procedure, and transmit the decoded signals to the video output unit 112.

[0020] The video output unit 112 transmits image signals and other information to the connected video display unit 113 to display the video. The video output unit 112 has, for example, a video output terminal. The audio output unit 122 and the video output unit 112 may be connected to a single terminal, such as an HDMI® (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal. The video display unit 113 displays the image signals and various information output by the video output unit 112. The video display unit 113 is, for example, a display device (monitor) such as an LCD (liquid crystal display device) or an EVF (electronic viewfinder).

[0021] The audio output unit 122 has a speaker and outputs audio built into the imaging device 100 in a preset audio pattern, for example, during shooting. The LED control unit 111 controls the LEDs (light-emitting diodes) provided in the imaging device 100. The LED control unit 111 controls the LEDs based on a preset lighting pattern or flashing pattern, for example, during shooting.

[0022] The communication unit 110 communicates between the imaging device 100 and an external device. The communication unit 110 transmits and receives data such as audio signals, image signals, compressed audio signals, and compressed image signals. The communication unit 110 also receives control signals related to imaging, such as start and end commands and zoom drive, and outputs them to the first control unit 127. This allows the imaging device 100 to be driven based on instructions from the external device. The communication unit 110 may include, for example, an infrared communication module, a Bluetooth® communication module, a wireless LAN communication module, or a WirelessUSB wireless communication module.

[0023] The second control unit 124 is a control unit provided separately from the first control unit 127, which controls the entire camera system, and controls the power supply to the first control unit 127. The second control unit 124 may have, for example, a memory that functions as a processor and work area, or it may be a circuit for power control, which will be described later. The first power supply unit 125 and the second power supply unit 123 supply power to operate the first control unit 127 and the second control unit 124, respectively. The second power supply unit 123 is always ON when power is supplied from a battery, adapter, USB, etc., and supplies power to the second control unit 124. The second control unit 124 is always in an operating state when power is supplied to the second power supply unit 123, and functions as a power control means that controls the startup state of the first control unit 127, i.e., the entire imaging device 100, by controlling the ON / OFF state of the first power supply unit 125. The first power supply unit 125 starts up based on the startup determination result of the second control unit 124 and supplies power to the first control unit 127.

[0024] The second control unit 124 receives information from the distance and angle detection unit 119, the device vibration detection unit 126, the grip detection unit 121, the usage status detection unit 118, the operation buttons 120, and the timer 128, either directly or via the first control unit 127. The second control unit 124 also receives information from the distance and angle detection unit 119, the device vibration detection unit 126, the grip detection unit 121, the operation buttons 120, and the timer 128 even when the first control unit 127 is not operating. Based on the various input information, the second control unit 124 determines whether or not to start the first control unit 127. If it is determined that the first control unit 127 should be started, the second control unit 124 instructs the first power supply unit 125 to supply power to the first control unit 127. In addition, the second control unit 124 controls the ON / OFF of the power supply of the imaging device 100, as well as putting the imaging device 100 into a sleep state. The sleep mode is a state in which some functions of the imaging device 100, such as the display of images by the video display unit 113, are stopped in order to reduce power consumption.

[0025] The grip detection unit 121 detects the grip state (whether or not the user is gripping) of the imaging device 100 and outputs a detection signal to the second control unit 124. The grip detection unit 121 has, for example, a piezoelectric film sensor (pressure sensor) and detects the user's hand pressing (pressure contact) and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the pressure to the second control unit 124. The grip detection unit 121 only needs to be able to detect that the user is gripping the imaging device 100, and may be a piezoelectric sensor, a capacitive sensor, or a proximity sensor. For example, if the grip detection signal is input from the grip detection unit 121, the second control unit 124 determines that the user is gripping the imaging device 100, and if there is no input of a grip detection signal from the grip detection unit 121, it determines that the user is not gripping the imaging device 100.

[0026] The usage status detection unit 118 (first detection unit) detects whether the user is using the imaging device 100. The usage status detection unit 118 is, for example, an eyepiece sensor, proximity sensor, or in-camera installed near the video display unit 113. The eyepiece sensor detects when the user's eyes are close to the video display unit 113. The proximity sensor detects when at least one of the user's eyes, face, or body is close to the video display unit 113. The in-camera detects when the user is close to the video display unit 113 by capturing the user's eyes, face, body, or the user's movements. When the usage status detection unit 118 detects that a user is close, it outputs a detection signal to the second control unit 124 via the first control unit 127. If the second control unit 124 receives a detection signal from the usage status detection unit 118, it determines that the user is using the imaging device 100. On the other hand, if the second control unit 124 does not receive a detection signal from the usage status detection unit 118, it determines that the user is not using the imaging device 100.

[0027] The distance and angle detection unit 119 (second detection unit) detects values ​​used to calculate the position, orientation, angle, and movement distance (shift amount) of the imaging device, and outputs them to the second control unit 124. The distance and angle detection unit 119 is, for example, an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration in the three axes. Alternatively, the distance and angle detection unit 119 may be a combination of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor that detects the angular velocity of the imaging device 100 in the three axes. The second control unit 124 functions as an acquisition means that obtains the movement distance of the imaging device 100 and the angle between the optical axis of the imaging device 100 and the horizontal plane from the output of the distance and angle detection unit 119.

[0028] The device shake detection unit 126 detects the amount of device shift, etc., based on the signal output from the distance angle detection unit 119. The detection result from the device shake detection unit 126 is used, for example, for image blur correction by the first control unit 127. The operation buttons 120 include various buttons such as a power button. The second control unit 124 controls the ON / OFF of the power of the imaging device 100 based on the user's operation of the power button on the operation buttons 120, in addition to the power control described later. The timer 128 measures the elapsed time since it was reset by the second control unit 124 and outputs the measurement result to the second control unit 124. For example, based on the measurement result of the timer 128, if the time during which no user operation is performed exceeds a predetermined time, the second control unit 124 puts the imaging device 100 into sleep mode or turns off the power.

[0029] <Overview of the transition from power OFF to power ON> Figure 2 illustrates the state in which a user is using the imaging device 100, which is an electronic device. First, Figures 2(A) and 2(B) describe the conditions under which the second control unit 124 controls the first power supply unit 125 from OFF to ON. Figures 2(A) and 2(B) show the user's actions from the state in which the imaging device 100 is not being used to the state in which it is being used. In the following explanation, "power supply" refers to the "first power supply unit 125".

[0030] As shown in Figure 2(A), when a user grasps the imaging device 100, which is powered off, the grip detection unit 121 detects the grasp and outputs a detection signal to the second control unit 124. Upon receiving the detection signal from the grip detection unit 121, the second control unit 124 starts detecting the 3-axis acceleration of the imaging device 100 using the distance-angle detection unit 119. The second control unit 124 then calculates the angle θ between the horizontal plane 201 and the optical axis 200 of the imaging device 100 based on the output of the distance-angle detection unit 119. As the user lifts the imaging device 100, the angle θ gradually approaches 0°. When the angle θ between the horizontal plane 201 and the optical axis 200 of the imaging device 100 falls below a predetermined angle (angle threshold α), the second control unit 124 switches the power of the imaging device 100 from OFF to ON. For example, if the angle threshold is set to 60°, the power of the imaging device 100 will switch from OFF to ON when the angle falls below the angle threshold α, as shown in Figure 2(B). Note that the angle threshold α is not limited to 60°, but may be other angles such as 45° or 80°. In this embodiment, an example of calculating and obtaining the angle between the horizontal plane and the optical axis of the imaging device 100 has been described, but this is not the only example. For example, the position and orientation of the imaging device 100 in the XYZ axes may be calculated and compared with a reference position and orientation to determine whether the user is about to start using the imaging device 100. In this way, the transition from power OFF to power ON is determined by selecting an angle from the distance and angle detected by the distance and angle detection unit 119 to decide whether or not to switch to power ON. This allows for a highly accurate determination of whether or not to switch to power ON, enabling a highly responsive power ON transition in response to the user's attempt to start using the device.

[0031] <Overview of the transition from power ON to power OFF> Next, the conditions under which the second control unit 124 controls the first power supply unit 125 from ON to OFF will be explained with reference to Figures 2(C) and 2(D). Figures 2(C) and 2(D) show the user's actions from the state in which the imaging device 100 is being used to the state in which it is not being used. Figure 2(C) shows the user using the imaging device 100, and the user is taking pictures while looking at the image display unit 113 of the imaging device 100. The user's face is close to the image display unit 113 during shooting, and the usage state detection unit 118 detects the user's face and outputs a detection signal to the second control unit 124. When the user stops using the imaging device 100 and lowers the camera, the state transitions from Figure 2(C) to Figure 2(D). When the user moves their face away from the imaging device 100, the detection signal from the usage state detection unit 118 that was input to the second control unit 124 changes from present to absent. When the second control unit 124 stops receiving a detection signal from the usage status detection unit 118, it switches the calculation performed based on the output of the distance-angle detection unit 119 from angle to distance.

[0032] After switching the calculation from angle to distance, the second control unit 124 switches the power of the imaging device 100 from ON to OFF when the imaging device 100 is no longer gripped, that is, when the detection signal indicating gripping from the grip detection unit 121 is no longer input. Furthermore, even if the imaging device 100 is being gripped, if the imaging device 100 has moved more than a predetermined distance since the detection signal from the usage state detection unit 118 changed from present to absent, the second control unit 124 switches the power of the imaging device 100 from ON to OFF. In addition, even if the imaging device 100 is being gripped and the distance moved from the shooting state is less than a predetermined distance, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the user last operated the imaging device 100, the second control unit 124 switches the power of the imaging device 100 from ON to OFF.

[0033] Here, the acquisition of the movement distance of the imaging device 100 will be explained using Figure 2(E). The movement distance of the imaging device 100 is the sum of the three-axis outputs of the distance-angle detection unit 119. The output of the three-axis acceleration from the distance-angle detection unit 119 is a x ,a y ,a zLet L be the distance traveled from the location of the imaging device 100 when the detection signal from the usage status detection unit 118 changes from present to absent. When L is decomposed into the X, Y, and Z axes, the respective X, Y, and Z components are defined as L. x ,L y ,L z Let T be the elapsed time from the point when the detection signal of the usage status detection unit 118 changed from present to absent. The travel distance L of the imaging device 100 is expressed by the following equations (1) to (4).

number

number

number

number

[0034] Next, the processing of the second control unit 124 for controlling the first power supply unit 125 will be explained using Figures 3 and 4. <Sequence of transitions from power OFF to power ON> Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the control process from power OFF to power ON. When the first power supply unit 125 of the imaging device 100 transitions from ON to OFF, the process shown in Figure 3 begins.

[0035] With the power to the imaging device 100 turned OFF, in step S301, the second control unit 124 changes the physical quantity calculated from the output of the distance-angle detection unit 119 from distance to angle. In step S302, the second control unit 124 determines whether or not the imaging device 100 is being held by the user. The second control unit 124 determines whether or not the imaging device 100 is being held by the user based on the output from the grip detection unit 121. For example, if a detection signal is output from the grip detection unit 121, it is determined that the imaging device 100 is being held by the user, and the process in step S303 is performed. On the other hand, if no detection signal is output from the grip detection unit 121, it is determined that the user is not holding the imaging device 100, and the process in step S302 is repeated.

[0036] In step S303, the second control unit 124 calculates and obtains the angle θ between the optical axis of the imaging device 100 and the horizontal plane based on the output of the distance-angle detection unit 119. In step S304, the second control unit 124 determines whether the angle θ calculated in step S303 is less than a predetermined angle (angle threshold α). If the angle θ is less than the predetermined angle, it is assumed that the user intends to use the imaging device 100, and the process in step S305 is performed. On the other hand, if the angle θ is greater than or equal to the predetermined angle, the processes in steps S303 and S304 are repeated. In step S305, the second control unit 124 turns on the power to the first power supply unit 125.

[0037] <Sequence of transitions from power ON to power OFF> Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the control transition from power ON to power OFF. When the first power supply unit 125 of the imaging device 100 transitions from OFF to ON, the process shown in Figure 4 is started. With the power of the imaging device 100 ON, in step S401, the second control unit 124 determines the usage status of the imaging device 100 based on the output from the usage status detection unit 118. The usage status detection unit 118 is, for example, an eyepiece sensor that can detect whether or not the user is looking through the viewfinder unit having an EVF, and outputs a detection signal to the second control unit 124 when it detects that the user is looking through the viewfinder unit having an EVF. If the second control unit 124 receives a detection signal from the usage status detection unit 118, it determines that the user is using the imaging device 100 and repeats the process in step S401. On the other hand, if the second control unit 124 does not receive a detection signal from the usage status detection unit 118, it performs the process in step S402. In this embodiment, the determination in step S401 is performed as an interrupt process, but it may also be performed as a polling process.

[0038] In step S402, the second control unit 124 changes the physical quantity calculated from the output of the distance-angle detection unit 119 from angle to distance. Next, in step S403, the second control unit 124 instructs the first control unit 127 to put the imaging device 100 into sleep mode. Sleep mode is a state in which some functions of the imaging device 100, such as the display of images by the image display unit 113, are stopped in order to reduce power consumption.

[0039] In step S404, the second control unit 124 resets the timer 128 and the travel distance L. Note that the processes in steps S402 to S404 may be performed in parallel. Then, in step S405, the second control unit 124 measures the elapsed time using the timer 128 and calculates the travel distance L of the imaging device 100. Here, the travel distance L of the imaging device 100 is the distance the imaging device 100 has traveled from the location at the time when the detection signal of the usage state detection unit 118 was detected to have changed from present to absent, and is obtained by integrating the output signal from the distance angle detection unit 119 twice, as shown in equations (1) to (4).

[0040] In step S406, the second control unit 124 determines whether the user is gripping the imaging device 100 based on the output from the grip detection unit 121. The grip detection unit 121 outputs a detection signal to the second control unit 124 while it detects that the user is gripping the imaging device 100. If the second control unit 124 receives a detection signal from the grip detection unit 121, it performs the process in step S407. On the other hand, if the second control unit 124 does not receive a detection signal from the grip detection unit 121, it performs the process in step S409.

[0041] In step S409, the second control unit 124 turns off the first power supply unit 125 of the imaging device 100. This is because if there is no detection signal from the grip detection unit 121, i.e., if the user has released the imaging device 100, it can be determined that the user does not intend to use the imaging device 100.

[0042] In step S407, the second control unit 124 determines whether the travel distance L of the imaging device 100, which is the result of the calculation in step S405, is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance threshold. If the travel distance L is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance threshold, the second control unit 124 performs the process in step S409 and turns off the power to the imaging device 100. This is because if the travel distance L of the imaging device 100 exceeds the distance threshold after the signal from the usage status detection unit 118 has disappeared, it can be considered that there is no longer an intention to use the imaging device 100. On the other hand, if the travel distance L is less than the predetermined distance threshold, the second control unit 124 performs the process in step S408.

[0043] In step S408, the second control unit 124 determines whether the time measured by the timer 128 since the signal from the usage status detection unit 118 ceased has elapsed to a predetermined set time. If the time measured by the timer 128 has elapsed to the predetermined set time, the second control unit 124 performs the process in step S409 and turns off the power to the imaging device 100. On the other hand, if the time measured by the timer 128 has not elapsed to the predetermined set time, the second control unit 124 returns to the process in step S405.

[0044] As described above, by switching the physical quantity calculated from the output of the distance-angle detection unit 119 between angle and distance, optimal control of power ON and power OFF can be achieved. When the power is OFF, if only grip detection is used, the power may be turned ON if a person bumps into the imaging device 100, but by combining it with angle detection, unintentional transitions to power ON can be suppressed. Also, in the method of turning on the imaging device 100 after lifting it, there is a period of time when the user cannot use the imaging device 100, but by turning on the imaging device 100 while lifting it, it can be used when needed, making it possible to respond to situations where immediate response is required. Furthermore, when the power is OFF, the intention of not using the electronic device is detected from whether or not the user is close to the electronic device and the distance the electronic device has moved, and the electronic device is quickly transitioned to power OFF, thereby reducing the wasted power consumption that was incurred until the transition to power OFF. Moreover, in this embodiment, the control for transitioning the electronic device to power ON and power OFF can be processed with a common configuration without changing the internal configuration of the electronic device.

[0045] (Second Embodiment) Figure 5 shows the configuration of the electronic device in the second embodiment. Here, only the configuration that differs from the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the main body of the imaging device equipped with an image sensor and the lens unit equipped with an imaging optical system are integrated, but the lens unit may be configured to be detachable from the main body of the imaging device. The lens unit 501 has a zoom unit 101, a zoom drive control unit 102, a focus drive control unit 103, and a focus unit 104, and is detachable from the main body of the imaging device 500.

[0046] The imaging device 500 may have multiple display units. The imaging device 500 has a first image display unit 502 and a second image display unit 503, for example, the first image display unit 502 is an EVF and the second image display unit 503 is a monitor such as an LCD. In addition, if there are multiple display units, a detection unit for detecting the user's usage status corresponding to each display unit may be provided. The imaging device 500 has an eyepiece detection unit 504 and a usage status detection unit 505. The eyepiece detection unit 504 is installed near the first image display unit 502 and detects when the user brings their eyes close to the first image display unit 502. The eyepiece detection unit 504 is, for example, a proximity sensor. The usage status detection unit 505 is installed near the second image display unit 503 and detects the user's usage status of the imaging device 500. The usage status detection unit 505 is, for example, an in-camera, an infrared dot projector, an infrared camera, a motion detection sensor, or a combination thereof. The eyepiece detection unit 504 and the usage status detection unit 505, similar to the usage status detection unit 118 in the first embodiment, output a usage status detection signal to the second control unit 124 when they detect the proximity of a user, that is, when a user is using the imaging device 500. The second control unit 124 makes the determination in step S401 based on the detection results of the user's usage status by the eyepiece detection unit 504 and the usage status detection unit 505. This makes it possible to determine whether the user is using the imaging device 500, whether the user is taking a picture while looking through the viewfinder or taking a live view picture while looking at the monitor.

[0047] As explained above, in electronic devices, it is possible to prevent accidental power-on transitions and to transition to power-on with high responsiveness when power-on is desired. Furthermore, when power-off, the intention to not use the electronic device is detected based on the presence or absence of a user's proximity to the electronic device and the distance the electronic device has moved, and the electronic device is quickly transitioned to power-off, thereby reducing the wasted power consumption that would have been incurred until the power-off transition. Moreover, in this embodiment, the control for transitioning the electronic device to power-on and power-off can be processed with a common configuration without changing the internal configuration of the electronic device.

[0048] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration of electronic equipment. (Configuration 1) An electronic device comprising: an acquisition means that determines whether to acquire the distance traveled by the electronic device or the angle of the electronic device according to the power status of the electronic device and the usage status detected by a first detection unit that detects the usage status of the electronic device by the user, and acquires the distance traveled or the angle based on the detection result of a second detection unit; and a power control means that controls the power of the electronic device according to the acquisition result of the acquisition means, wherein when the power of the electronic device is OFF, the acquisition means acquires the angle, and when the power of the electronic device is ON, the acquisition means acquires the distance traveled if the first detection unit does not detect that the user is using the electronic device. (Configuration 2) The electronic device according to Configuration 1, characterized in that when the power supply of the electronic device is OFF, the power supply control means controls the power supply of the electronic device to ON if the angle acquired by the acquisition means is less than a predetermined angle, and when the power supply of the electronic device is ON, the power supply control means controls the power supply of the electronic device to OFF if the travel distance acquired by the acquisition means is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance. (Configuration 3) The electronic device according to Configuration 1 or Configuration 2, further comprising a grip detection unit for detecting the gripping state of the electronic device by the user, wherein when the power of the electronic device is OFF, the acquisition means starts acquiring the angle when the grip detection unit detects that the electronic device is being gripped. (Configuration 4) The electronic device according to Configuration 3, characterized in that when the power of the electronic device is ON, the power control means performs control to turn OFF the power of the electronic device if the grip detection unit does not detect that the electronic device is being gripped. (Configuration 5) The electronic device according to Configuration 3 or Configuration 4, characterized in that the grip detection unit includes at least one of a pressure sensor or a proximity sensor. (Configuration 6) When the power of the electronic device is ON, the power control means controls the power of the electronic device to turn OFF if there has been no operation on the electronic device for a predetermined time or longer, even if the distance traveled acquired by the acquisition means is less than a predetermined distance. This is the electronic device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5. (Configuration 7) The electronic device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that the angle acquired by the acquisition means is the angle made between the horizontal plane and the optical axis of the electronic device. (Configuration 8) When the power of the electronic device is ON, if the first detection unit does not detect that a user is using the electronic device, the power control means puts the electronic device into a sleep state, and the acquisition means acquires the distance traveled by the electronic device from the point in time when the first detection unit no longer detects that a user is using the electronic device, as described in any one of Configurations 1 to 7. (Configuration 9) The electronic device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that the second detection unit includes an acceleration sensor. (Configuration 10) The electronic device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that the first detection unit includes at least one of a proximity sensor or an in-camera for detecting the proximity of the user's eyes or face to the display unit of the electronic device. (Configuration 11) The electronic device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 10, characterized in that the electronic device is an imaging device.

[0049] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0050] Although 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 its gist. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0051] 100 Imaging device 118 Usage status detection unit 119 Distance and angle detection unit 121 Gripping detection unit 124 Second Control Unit 125 1st power supply section

Claims

1. Acquisition means for acquiring the angle of the electronic device, which is the angle formed between the horizontal plane and the optical axis of the imaging unit of the electronic device, or the distance traveled by the electronic device, The system includes a power control means that controls the power supply of the electronic device according to the detection result of the acquisition means, The power supply control means controls the power supply to the electronic device from OFF to ON when the angle of the electronic device is less than a predetermined angle. The power control means is characterized by controlling the power of the electronic device from ON to OFF when the distance the electronic device has traveled is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance.

2. The acquisition means acquires the angle of the electronic device when the power of the electronic device is OFF, The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition means acquires the distance traveled by the electronic device when the power of the electronic device is ON and it is not detected that the user is using the electronic device.

3. The device further includes a grip detection unit that detects the grip state of the electronic device by the user, The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, when the power of the electronic device is OFF, the acquisition means starts acquiring the angle of the electronic device when the grip detection unit detects that the electronic device is being gripped.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, characterized in that, when the power supply of the electronic device is ON, the power supply control means performs control to turn OFF the power supply of the electronic device without comparing the travel distance of the electronic device with the predetermined distance if the gripping detection unit does not detect that the electronic device is being gripped.

5. The electronic device according to claim 3, characterized in that the grip detection unit includes at least one of a pressure sensor or a proximity sensor.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when the power of the electronic device is ON, the power control means controls the power to turn OFF the power of the electronic device if the distance traveled by the electronic device acquired by the acquisition means is less than a predetermined distance, but there has been no operation on the electronic device for a predetermined time or longer.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, when the power of the electronic device is turned ON, if the state in which the user is using the electronic device is no longer detected, the power control means controls the electronic device to a sleep state, and the acquisition means acquires the distance traveled by the electronic device from the time when the state in which the user is using the electronic device is no longer detected as the distance traveled by the electronic device.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an acceleration sensor for detecting the angle of the electronic device or the distance traveled by the electronic device.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one of a proximity sensor or an in-camera for detecting the proximity of a user's eyes or face to the display unit of the electronic device, and being able to detect whether or not the user is using the electronic device depending on whether or not the proximity is detected.

10. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electronic device is an imaging device.

11. A method for controlling electronic equipment, A step of acquiring the angle of the electronic device, which is the angle formed between the horizontal plane and the optical axis of the imaging unit of the electronic device, or the distance traveled by the electronic device. The process includes a step of controlling the power supply of the electronic device according to the acquired angle of the electronic device or the distance traveled by the electronic device, When the angle of the electronic device is less than a predetermined angle, the power supply to the electronic device is controlled from OFF to ON. A method for controlling an electronic device, characterized in that when the distance traveled by the electronic device is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance, the power of the electronic device is controlled from ON to OFF.

12. A program that causes a computer of an electronic device to perform each of the steps described in claim 11.

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