JPH11136556A - Image pickup device and its system control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate the trouble to manually operate respective antennas and turn on and off respective power switches by automatically projecting an antenna which is stored so far when the power source is turned on. SOLUTION: When an image input part 100 is powered on, a system control means 250 judges a state of incorporation in a main body or a separate state from information from an incorporation detecting means 224. In the separate state, the antenna 111 is protruded. At this time, it is judged whether or not a 'main body OK' signal is received. When the 'main body OK' signal is received, a 'camera OK' signal is sent. Then the opening of a lens cover is instructed and photographing operation is performed. Thus, the antenna 111 is put in and out of the device automatically and need not be drawn out manually, so the operation is made easy. Further, the power source of the image input device is never left forgetfully off after the main body is powered on.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus capable of separating an image input section, a display section and a recording / reproducing section from each other, and to an apparatus having a radio antenna for transmitting and receiving signals.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a conventional wireless imaging apparatus of this type. FIG. 6A shows a combined state, and FIG. 6B shows a separated state. Reference numeral 301 denotes a wireless camera, which includes an imaging lens, a CCD, an imaging circuit, and the like. Reference numeral 302 denotes a recording and display device that records and displays an image captured by the wireless camera 301,
It is composed of a VTR mechanism, a signal processing circuit, display means, and the like.

[0003] The wireless camera and the recording and display device 302 are each equipped with a radio circuit, and can convert various signals such as image signals into radio waves. Each of the wireless camera 301 and the recording and display device 302 has a battery, and is driven by the battery.

[0004] Reference numerals 311 and 312 denote antennas for transmitting and receiving wireless signals, each of which is configured to be expandable and contractible. 313 is a connection terminal, and 314 is a coupling part. The wireless camera main unit and the main unit that receives the wireless signal can be combined with each other, and when they are combined, they communicate via the connection terminal 313. When separated, as shown in FIG. 7B, by pulling out the antennas 311 and 312, signals can be transmitted and received wirelessly.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional imaging apparatus, the first problem is as follows.
When the camera unit and the main body are used separately, it is necessary to manually pull out the antennas provided in the camera unit and the main body after turning on the power switch. Also, even if you turn on the power switch of only one of the main unit and the camera part and forget the other, or if the distance between the two is too far or there is an obstacle and communication is not possible, the photographer will There was no means to let them know.

Further, in these conventional wireless image pickup apparatuses, as a second problem, the wireless camera and the recording / display unit are separated from each other, and after communicating with each other via radio waves, when the power is turned off, The antenna has to be stored manually, and if it is forgotten to store it, it is inconvenient to carry. Further, when the power is turned off, it is necessary to operate the power switches of the two devices separated from each other, which is troublesome in operation.

The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and has as its object to provide means for solving both the first and second problems as described above.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, in the present invention, an object of the present invention is to achieve the above object by providing any one of the following (1) to (15): .

(1) An image pickup apparatus in which an image input section, a recording / reproducing section, and a display section are configured to be separable from each other, and means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving signals via an antenna during the separation. An image pickup apparatus, comprising: an antenna that has been housed automatically protrudes when the power is turned on.

(2) An image pickup apparatus in which an image input section, a recording / reproducing section, and a display section are each separable from each other, and has means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving signals via an antenna at the time of the separation. An image pickup apparatus, comprising: means for detecting whether or not another component is ready when one of the components is turned on.

(3) A judgment is made as to whether or not the other component is ready, by judging whether or not a signal can be exchanged between one of the components and another component. The imaging device according to (1).

(4) One of the components transmits a signal, the component returns a response signal to the signal, and when the component that has transmitted the signal can receive the response signal, The imaging device according to (3), wherein it is determined that another component is ready.

(5) The imaging apparatus according to (4), wherein after one of the constituent elements transmits a signal, if a response signal to the signal cannot be received, the signal is transmitted again. .

(6) In the imaging apparatus according to the above (2), when it is determined that the other components are not ready, a warning is issued.

(7) In the imaging device according to the item (2), when it is determined that the other components are not ready, the imaging device shifts to a power saving mode.

(8) An image pickup apparatus in which an image input section, a recording / reproducing section and a display section are each separable from each other, and means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving signals via an antenna at the time of the separation. An imaging apparatus, comprising: an antenna that is automatically stored when the power is turned off.

(9) The imaging apparatus according to (8), wherein when one of the separated components turns off the power, the component transmits a control signal.

(10) The imaging apparatus according to (8), wherein the component that has received the control signal transmitted by one of the separated components transmits a response signal.

(11) The imaging apparatus according to the above (10), wherein the power-saving mode is set after the response signal is transmitted.

(12) The imaging device according to (9), wherein the component receiving the response signal according to (10) stores the antenna after receiving the response signal. .

(13) The image pickup apparatus according to the item (9), further comprising means for notifying the outside when the response signal described in the item (10) cannot be received.

(14) The imaging apparatus according to the above (13), wherein the external notifying means is a method of displaying a message on a display device.

(15) The system control method according to any one of (1) to (14).

[0024]

According to the structure of the present invention as described above, (1) to (1)
The following actions / effects can be obtained by the above items 5).

In the imaging device described in the above item (1), the antenna is protruded.

The imaging device described in the above item (2), when one of the components is turned on, detects whether or not another component is ready.

In the system control methods described in the above items (3) and (4), signals are transmitted and received wirelessly, and it is determined from the result that other components are ready.

In the imaging device described in the above item (5), after one of the constituent elements transmits a signal, if a response signal to the signal cannot be received, the signal is transmitted again.

The imaging device described in (6) above issues a warning when it is determined that other components are not ready.

The imaging apparatus described in the above item (7) shifts to the power saving mode when it judges that other components are not ready.

The imaging device described in (8) stores the antenna after detecting that the power switch is turned off.

The imaging device described in the above (9) transmits a control signal after detecting that the power switch is turned off.

[0033] The imaging device described in (10) transmits a response signal after receiving the control signal.

[0034] The imaging device described in (11) above sets the power saving mode after transmitting the response signal.

The imaging device described in the above (12) houses the antenna after receiving the response signal.

The imaging device described in (13) above informs the outside that the power cannot be turned off when the response signal cannot be received.

The imaging device described in (14) above displays an error message on the liquid crystal device.

The system control method described in (15) executes the program steps described in (1) to (14).

[0039]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail based on a plurality of examples.

[0040]

【Example】

(First Embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an image input unit and a main body, and both are configured to be freely united and separated from each other.

<Structure> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of the image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the antenna unit. FIG. 2A shows a state in which the antenna is housed, and FIG.
(B) is a state where the antenna is projected.

First, the overall main configuration will be described with reference to the configuration block diagram of FIG. FIG. 1A shows an image input unit 100.
FIG. 1B is an overall configuration block diagram. In FIG. 1A, reference numeral 101 denotes an imaging unit, which includes an imaging lens and an imaging device such as a CCD. Reference numeral 102 denotes a camera signal processing unit for performing various kinds of signal processing on a captured image. 1
Reference numeral 03 denotes an audio input unit including a microphone and an audio processing circuit.

Reference numeral 110 denotes a wireless circuit. The signals output from the camera signal processing unit 102 and the audio processing circuit are modulated into radio waves and sent to the antenna 111. Also,
A signal input from the antenna 111 is demodulated by the wireless circuit 110 and sent to a system control unit 150 of the image input unit 100 described later.

The antenna 111 includes an antenna driving unit 11
4, and is stored and detected by the antenna detecting means 113.

Reference numeral 122 denotes a terminal for communicating with each other when the image input means and the main body 200 are in a united state.
Is a terminal cover for hiding the terminal when separated. The terminal cover 123 is opened and closed by an electromagnet (not shown). 12
Numeral 4 denotes a united state detecting means for judging whether or not the united state with the main body by a magnetic sensor.

Reference numeral 150 denotes a system control unit of the image input unit, which manages the entire system of the image input unit according to a flow described later.

Reference numeral 160 denotes a main battery, which supplies power to each section of the image input section. The main battery 160 is removable and is charged by a known battery charger before using the imaging device.

In the block diagram of the main body 200 shown in FIG. 3B, 211 is an antenna, 213 is the antenna 11
An antenna state detecting means 214 for detecting whether 1 is in a protruding state or a stored state, and 214 is an antenna driving means, has the same function as that of the image input unit 100.

Reference numeral 210 denotes a radio circuit. Each signal received by the antenna is demodulated here, and is recorded by the recorder circuit 20.
2, sent to the display circuit 203 and the audio output unit 205. The signal processed by the recorder circuit 202 is recorded by a well-known VTR mechanism 201. Similarly, the signal processed by the display circuit 203 is displayed on the liquid crystal device 204, and the sound is output from a speaker (not shown) of the sound output unit 205. A control signal output from a system control unit of the main body, which will be described later, includes an antenna 211 modulated by a wireless circuit.
Sent from

Reference numeral 222 denotes a terminal for communicating with each other when the image input means and the main body are in a united state. Reference numeral 223 denotes a terminal cover for hiding the terminal when separated. This terminal cover 22
3 is also opened and closed by an electromagnet (not shown). Reference numeral 224 denotes a united state detecting unit which determines whether or not the united state with the image input unit by the magnetic sensor. A coupling cover 221 covers the coupling hole of the main body when separated. This coupling cover 221 also
It is opened and closed by an electromagnet (not shown).

Reference numeral 250 denotes a system control unit of the main body 200, which manages the entire system of the main body according to a flow described later.

Reference numeral 260 denotes a main battery for supplying power to the main body. The operation of the main battery 260 is the same as the operation 160 of the image input unit 100, and a description thereof will be omitted.

The image pickup apparatus of this embodiment has two power modes, a "normal mode" and a "power saving mode".
"Normal mode" is a mode that can supply power required for wireless signal transmission / reception and imaging operation. "Power saving mode" is for wireless signal reception and system startup by receiving this signal. This is a mode in which power can be supplied so that the system control unit 250 can perform the necessary operations for the system.

Here, the image input section and the antenna section of the main body will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 111 denotes an antenna;
Is an antenna cover, and when the antenna cover is closed, the antenna cannot protrude. The antenna cover has an electromagnet (not shown) and opens and closes according to a command from the system control unit 150. Reference numeral 113 denotes an antenna detecting means, which is constituted by a photo sensor or the like, and detects whether the antenna 111 is pulled out or stored. An antenna driving unit 114 includes a wire 116 and a wire winding motor 115, and can protrude and house the antenna.

<Operation> Next, the control operation sequence of the system control means of the main body of the first embodiment, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the feature of the present invention is between the time when the power is turned on and the time when the photographing can be performed, and since the operation is shifted to the photographing operation, it has nothing to do with the present proposal, so that the description thereof will be omitted.

When the power of the main body is turned on, first, the system means 250 determines whether it is in a state of being combined with the image input apparatus or in a state of being separated from the information from the combination detecting means 224 (step S2). When they are united, the process branches to step S1.

If it is separated, the antenna is protruded in step S3, and a "main unit OK" signal is transmitted (step S4). After transmitting the “body OK” signal, it is determined in step S5 whether the “camera OK” signal transmitted by the image input unit has been received.

When the "camera OK" signal is received,
Instruct the display circuit to display "Ready OK" (step S1).
3) Perform a shooting operation (step S14).

If the "camera OK" signal cannot be received in step S5, "camera ON!"
The display circuit is instructed to display. Then, the main body is set to the "power saving mode" (step S7).

Thereafter, it is determined in step S8 whether or not the "camera OK" signal has been received. If the "camera OK" signal has been received, the power saving mode is canceled in step S12 to set the normal mode, and the process continues to step S13.

If the "camera OK" signal cannot be received in step S8, it is determined in step S8 whether five minutes have elapsed since the reception of the "camera OK" signal was confirmed.
If 5 minutes have not elapsed, the process returns to step S8, and steps S8 to S9 are repeated until 5 minutes have elapsed or the "camera OK" signal can be received. If it is determined in step S9 that 5 minutes have elapsed, the wireless circuit is turned on in step S10.
Then, in step S11, the "body OK" signal is transmitted.
Thereafter, the process returns to step S6.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
A control sequence flow of the system control unit of the image input unit 100 according to the embodiment will be described.

When the power of the image input unit 100 is turned on in step S21, first, the system control unit 250 determines whether it is in a united state with the main body or in a separated state based on information from the uniting detection unit 224 (step S21). S2
2). If they have been combined, the process branches to step S32.

If the antenna has been separated, the antenna is protruded in step S23. At this time, it is determined in step S24 whether or not the “body OK” signal has been received. If the “body OK” signal has been received, the “camera OK” is received in step S31.
Send a signal. Thereafter, in step S32, an instruction is given to open the lens cover, and a shooting operation is performed.

If the "body OK" signal cannot be received in step S24, a "camera OK" signal is transmitted in step S25. Then, in step S16, "body OK"
It is determined whether the signal has been received.

If the "body OK" signal has been received, it is determined in step S29 whether or not the image input unit is in the power saving mode. If not, the process proceeds to step S32. After the power saving mode is canceled to set the normal mode, the process proceeds to step S32.

If the "body OK" signal has not been received, it is determined in step S27 whether or not the apparatus is in the power saving mode. If not, the apparatus is switched to the power saving mode in step S28, and then returns to step S26. .

<Operation> As described above, the operation of the image pickup apparatus of the first embodiment is simple because the antenna is automatically moved in and out and does not need to be manually pulled out. further,
After turning on the power of the main body, the user does not forget to turn on the power of the image input apparatus. Even if the user forgets to turn on the power, a warning is repeatedly issued every five minutes and the power saving mode is set, so that the battery is not significantly consumed.

It should be noted that specific numerical examples used in the above embodiments are not necessarily limited to those numerical values and the like, and can be appropriately changed as needed.

(Second Embodiment) Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Structure> The image pickup apparatus of the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment, and comprises an image input section and a main body, both of which can be combined and separated from each other. The sectional views of the antenna and the antenna are the same as those shown in FIGS.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the system according to the second embodiment.

<Operation> Next, FIG. 5 showing a flowchart of each control sequence of the system of the main body and the system of the image input apparatus, which are features of the second embodiment of the present invention, will be described. In addition, the description which is not related to the present embodiment will be omitted.

First, when the power of the main body is turned on in step S41 of FIG. 5A, the variable n is initialized to 0 in step S42, and then the shooting operation is started.

In step S44, the system control means determines whether the power switch has been turned off. If the power-off operation has not been performed, step S43
If the power-off operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S45.

In step S45, a "power-off signal" is transmitted.

It is determined whether or not the "preparation OK signal" transmitted from the image input unit has been received in step S46. "Preparation O
If the "K signal" has been received, the process proceeds to step S50, the antenna of the main body is housed, the power is turned off in step S51, and the process ends.

If the "preparation OK signal" has not been received in step S46, the value of the variable n is increased by one in step S47. In step S48, it is checked whether the value of n is 5 or more. If it is less than 5, a "power-off signal" is transmitted again in step S45. That is, the "preparation OK signal"
Is not received, steps S45 to S48
Is repeated four times.

If n is 5 or more, an error display is instructed to the display means in step S9, and the process returns to step S42.

The system control means of the image input unit checks whether a "power-off signal" has been received in FIG. 5B (step S63). If the “power-off signal” has not been received, the process proceeds to step S62 to perform shooting, and if the “power-off signal” has been received, the process proceeds to step S62.
Proceed to 64.

In step S64, a "preparation OK signal" is transmitted.

In step S65, the power of the imaging unit is turned off, and in step S66, the wireless circuit is set to a power saving mode in which reception is possible and transmission is not possible.

<Operation> As described above, the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment has an effect that the image input unit can be set to the power saving mode when the main body is turned off. Furthermore, after confirming that the image has arrived at the image input unit sent by the main body, the antenna is housed, so there is no fear of malfunction.

[0085]

As described above, the first aspect of the present invention is described above.
According to the image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment represented by the embodiment, there is an effect that it is not necessary to pull out the antenna after turning on the power.

According to the imaging apparatus of the second aspect, when one of the components is turned on, it is possible to confirm whether or not the other components are ready, to forget to turn on the switch, or to prevent the radio wave from reaching. There is an effect that it can be recognized that the state exists.

According to the system control methods of the third and fourth aspects, there is no need to add a new circuit, so that the function described in the present proposal can be realized at low cost.

The image pickup apparatus according to the fifth aspect has the effect that the system can be started even when another component is ready after a while after one of the components transmits a signal. There is.

According to the imaging device of the sixth aspect, when one of the components is turned on, it is possible to easily confirm whether or not the other components are ready.

The image pickup apparatus according to the seventh aspect has the effect that the battery is not wasted when other components are not ready.

Further, according to the image pickup apparatus of the eighth embodiment typified by the second embodiment of the present invention, there is an effect that the antenna is automatically stored by simply turning off the power switch.

According to the image pickup apparatus of the ninth aspect, there is an effect of notifying the outside that the power switch has been turned off.

According to the imaging device of the tenth aspect, there is an effect that the reception of the control signal is notified to the outside.

According to the image pickup apparatus of the eleventh aspect, there is an effect of suppressing the power consumption of the image input unit and an effect of being able to return immediately when necessary.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the antenna can be housed after confirming that the control signal has been received.

According to the imaging device of the thirteenth aspect, there is an effect of notifying the outside that the control signal has not been received.

According to the image pickup apparatus of the present invention, there is an effect that the photographer can easily be informed.

Further, the system control method according to claim 15 has an effect that the contents described in claims 1 to 14 can be automatically controlled.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna unit.

FIG. 3 is a control operation sequence flowchart of the system of the first main body.

FIG. 4 is a control sequence flowchart of the image input apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a control sequence flowchart of a system control unit of the main body and the image input apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a conventional wireless imaging device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 image input unit 101 imaging unit 102 camera signal processing unit 103 audio input unit 110 wireless circuit 111 antenna 112 antenna cover 113 antenna detection means 114 antenna driving means 115 wire winding motor 116 wire 122 terminal 123 terminal cover 124 united detection means 150 system Control means 160 Battery 200 Main body 201 VTR mechanism 202 Recorder circuit 203 Display circuit 204 Liquid crystal device 205 Audio output unit 210 Wireless circuit 211 Antenna 213 Antenna state detecting means 214 Antenna driving means 221 Coupling cover 222 Terminal 223 Terminal cover 250 System control means 260 Battery 301 Wireless camera 311 Antenna 312 Antenna 313 Connection terminal 314 Coupling part

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An imaging apparatus in which an image input unit, a recording / reproducing unit, and a display unit are configured to be separable from each other,
An imaging apparatus having means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving each signal via an antenna at the time of separation, wherein an antenna housed up to that point is automatically protruded when the power is turned on. 2. An imaging apparatus wherein an image input unit, a recording / reproducing unit, and a display unit are configured to be separable from each other,
Means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving each signal via an antenna at the time of the separation, wherein when one of the components is turned on, it is detected whether or not another component is ready. An imaging device comprising: 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein whether or not the other component is ready is determined by judging whether or not a signal can be exchanged between one of the components and another component. An imaging device according to any one of the preceding claims. 4. One of the components transmits a signal, the component replies a response signal to the signal, and when the component that transmitted the signal can receive the response signal, the other component transmits the signal. 4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein it is determined that the constituent elements are ready. 5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein after one of the constituent elements transmits a signal, if a response signal to the signal cannot be received, the signal is transmitted again. 6. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein when it is determined that the other component is not ready, a warning is issued. 7. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein when it is determined that the other component is not ready, the imaging device shifts to a power saving mode. 8. An imaging apparatus wherein an image input unit, a recording / reproducing unit, and a display unit are configured to be separable from each other,
An imaging apparatus having means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving each signal via an antenna at the time of the separation, wherein an antenna that has been protruded up to that time is automatically stored when a power supply is turned off. 9. The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein when one of the separated components turns off the power, the component transmits a control signal. 10. The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the component receiving the control signal transmitted by one of the separated components transmits a response signal. 11. The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the apparatus enters a power saving mode after transmitting the response signal. 12. The imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the component receiving the response signal according to claim 10 houses the antenna after receiving the response signal. 13. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising means for notifying the outside when the response signal according to claim 10 cannot be received. 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the external notification means is a method of displaying a message on a display device.
4. The imaging device according to 3. 15. The system control method according to claim 1, wherein: