JP2015056823A - Notification apparatus, imaging apparatus, notification method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To properly give a notification of a remaining battery level at the time of executing specific processing.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus 100 comprises: a remaining battery level detector 9b for detecting the remaining battery level of a rechargeable battery 9a; an imaging unit 3 which executes the specific processing at a predetermined time interval; a remaining battery level acquisition unit 7a which acquires the detected remaining battery level of the rechargeable battery, at the time of executing the specific processing; and a notification unit 6 which gives a notification of the acquired remaining battery level of the rechargeable battery, at the time of executing the specific processing.

Description

  The present invention relates to a notification device, an imaging device, a notification method, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a camera that notifies a remaining amount of power stored in a storage battery by causing a logo mark to emit light in a predetermined manner at a power on / off switching timing by a user (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-134438 A

  However, in the case of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, since the remaining power storage is notified only when the user moves the lens barrier that covers or exposes the imaging lens to switch the power on / off, the remaining power storage is performed at other timings. There is a problem that the amount cannot be notified.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a notification device, an imaging device, a notification method, and a program capable of appropriately performing notification of the remaining amount of electricity during execution of a specific process.

In order to solve the above problems, a notification device according to the present invention is
A storage battery that supplies power to each unit, a detection unit that detects the remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery, a processing unit that executes a specific process at predetermined time intervals, and the execution of the specific process by the processing unit In addition, an acquisition unit that acquires the remaining storage amount of the storage battery detected by the detection unit; and a remaining storage amount of the storage battery that is acquired by the acquisition unit during the execution of the specific process by the processing unit. And an informing means for informing.

In addition, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes:
An informing device according to the present invention and an imaging unit that images a subject are included, and the specific process includes an imaging process in which the imaging unit images the subject.

Moreover, the notification method according to the present invention is:
A notification method using a notification device including a storage battery that supplies power to each unit, the step of detecting the remaining amount of storage of the storage battery, the step of executing a specific process at every predetermined time interval, and the specific Obtaining a remaining power storage amount of the storage battery detected when executing the process, and notifying the acquired remaining power storage amount of the storage battery during the execution of the specific process. It is characterized by.

The program according to the present invention is
A computer of a notification device including a storage battery that supplies power to each unit, a detection unit that detects a remaining storage amount of the storage battery, a processing unit that executes a specific process at predetermined time intervals, and the specific process performed by the processing unit Acquisition means for acquiring the remaining storage amount of the storage battery detected by the detection means during execution of the storage, and storage of the storage battery acquired by the acquisition means during execution of the specific process by the processing means It is characterized by functioning as notifying means for notifying the remaining amount.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately notify the remaining power storage amount when executing a specific process.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the imaging device of one Embodiment to which this invention is applied. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to interval imaging processing by the imaging apparatus of FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to a remaining power storage notification process performed by the imaging apparatus of FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to a time-lapse moving image generation process by the imaging apparatus of FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to a charging process performed by the imaging apparatus of FIG. 1.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an imaging apparatus 100 according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a central control unit 1, a memory 2, an imaging unit 3, a processing content setting unit 4, an image data generation unit 5, a notification unit 6, A notification control unit 7, a data generation control unit 8, a power supply unit 9, an operation input unit 10, and the like are provided.
The central control unit 1, the memory 2, the imaging unit 3, the processing content setting unit 4, the image data generation unit 5, the notification unit 6, the notification control unit 7, the data generation control unit 8, and the power supply unit 9 are connected to the bus line 11. Connected through.

  The central control unit 1 controls each unit of the imaging device 100. Specifically, the central control unit 1 includes a CPU (not shown) that controls each unit of the imaging device 100 and performs various control operations according to various processing programs (not shown) for the imaging device 100.

  The memory 2 is constituted by, for example, a DRAM or the like. The memory 2 stores a buffer memory that temporarily stores data processed by the central control unit 1 and the like, a working memory such as the central control unit 1, and various programs and data related to the function of the imaging apparatus 100. A program memory (not shown).

  The imaging unit 3 includes a lens unit 3a, an electronic imaging unit 3b, and an imaging control unit 3c.

The lens unit 3a includes a plurality of lenses such as a zoom lens and a focus lens, for example.
The electronic imaging unit 3b is composed of, for example, an image sensor such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS), and converts an optical image that has passed through various lenses of the lens unit 3a into a two-dimensional image signal. To do.
In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the imaging part 3 may be provided with the aperture_diaphragm | restriction which adjusts the quantity of the light which passes the lens part 3a.

Although not shown, the imaging control unit 3c includes a timing generator, a driver, and the like. Then, the imaging control unit 3c scans and drives the electronic imaging unit 3b with a timing generator and a driver, converts the optical image into a two-dimensional image signal with the electronic imaging unit 3b every predetermined period, and the electronic imaging unit 3b. The frame image is read out from the imaging area for each screen and is output to the image data generation unit 5.
Specifically, the imaging control unit 3c converts the optical image of the subject that has passed through the lens unit 3a into a two-dimensional image signal by the electronic imaging unit 3b at predetermined time intervals, thereby a series of a plurality of stationary images. An imaging process for capturing an image is executed (so-called interval imaging process). At this time, the imaging control unit 3c may continuously capture a plurality of still images at at least one of the imaging timings. In this case, the plurality of still images may be captured every predetermined time interval. A still image is captured.
As described above, the imaging unit 3 performs the imaging process (specific process) at predetermined time intervals as a processing unit.

  The imaging control unit 3c performs adjustment control of imaging conditions of the subject such as AF (automatic focusing process), AE (automatic exposure process), AWB (automatic white balance), and the like.

The processing content setting unit (setting unit) 4 sets the processing content of the imaging processing (specific processing) executed by the imaging unit 3. Specifically, the processing content setting unit 4, for example, the time interval of the imaging process input based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 10 by the user, the number of still images captured at one imaging timing, and the start of the imaging process Time, end time, and the like are set as processing contents.
Note that the processing content setting unit 4 may set processing content set as a default in advance.

The image data generation unit 5 appropriately adjusts the gain for each color component of RGB with respect to the analog value signal of the frame image transferred from the electronic image pickup unit 3b, and then samples and holds it by a sample hold circuit (not shown). The digital signal is converted into digital data by a / D converter (not shown), color processing including pixel interpolation processing and γ correction processing is performed by a color process circuit (not shown), and then a digital luminance signal Y and color difference signal Cb , Cr (YUV data).
Then, the image data generation unit 5 sequentially outputs the generated YUV data of each frame image to the memory 2 and stores it in the memory 2.

The image data generation unit (generation unit) 5 generates a time-lapse moving image (video) based on a predetermined number of images captured by the imaging process.
That is, the image data generation unit 5 generates image data of a time-lapse moving image by connecting a series of still image data captured by the imaging unit 3 at predetermined time intervals. Specifically, the image data generation unit 5 encodes a series of still image data with a predetermined encoding method (for example, Motion-JPEG format) to generate time-lapse moving image data.
In addition, when a plurality of still images are captured by the imaging unit 3 at each imaging timing, the image data generation unit 5 captures a plurality of still images captured at least at any one imaging timing. A representative representative image may be specified, and image data of a time-lapse moving image may be generated using the specified representative image.

  The notification unit (notification unit) 6 notifies the remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 9a. Specifically, the notification unit 6 includes a light emitting unit 6a, a sound emitting unit 6b, and the like.

The light emitting unit (light emitting means) 6a is constituted by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like, and emits light in a predetermined light emission mode (for example, a predetermined cycle, a predetermined light emission color, etc.) according to an applied voltage.
That is, the light emitting unit 6a emits light in a predetermined light emission mode according to the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 9a under the control of the notification control unit 7. Specifically, the light emitting unit 6a emits light in a light emitting mode in which any one of the presence / absence of light emission, the light emission period, and the light emission color is changed according to the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 9a, for example.

The sound emitting unit (sound emitting unit) 6b is constituted by, for example, a speaker or the like, and D / A conversion processing is performed on sound data such as a predetermined notification sound by a data conversion unit (not shown), for example. , A predetermined sound at a predetermined cycle, a predetermined frequency, etc.).
That is, the sound emitting unit 6b emits sound in a predetermined sound emitting mode according to the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 9a under the control of the notification control unit 7. Specifically, the sound emitting unit 6b, for example, according to the remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 9a, the sound emission mode in which any one of the presence or absence of sound emission, the sound emission period, and the sound emission frequency are varied. To sound each.

The notification control unit 7 controls the notification of the remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 9 a by the notification unit 6. Specifically, the notification control unit 7 includes a remaining power storage unit 7a.
The remaining power storage acquisition unit (acquisition means) 7a acquires the remaining power storage of the storage battery 9a detected by the remaining power detection unit 9b (described later) of the power supply unit 9 when the imaging unit 3 executes the imaging process. . Specifically, the remaining amount of electricity storage unit 7a stores the remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 9a detected by the remaining amount of electricity detection unit 9b at predetermined time intervals (for example, every imaging timing) in the imaging process. 2 and read.
Further, the remaining power storage unit 7a may acquire the remaining power storage amount of the storage battery 9a detected by the remaining power storage detection unit 9b when the processing content setting unit 4 sets the processing content of the imaging process. Specifically, when the processing content of the imaging process is set by the processing content setting unit 4, the remaining storage amount acquisition unit 7 a determines the remaining storage amount of the storage battery 9 a detected by the remaining storage amount detection unit 9 b from the memory 2. Read and get.

In addition, the notification control unit 7 controls the notification unit 6 so as to be notified in a predetermined notification mode according to the remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 9a acquired by the remaining amount of electricity storage unit 7a. Specifically, for example, the notification control unit 7 sets the remaining amount of storage battery 9a to the notification unit 6 (for example, the remaining amount of storage with respect to full charge is 70% or more, 20% or more, less than 70%, less than 20%, etc. ), A light emission control instruction for causing the light emitting unit 6a to emit light with a different light emission period is output.
When the light emission control instruction output from the notification control unit 7 is input, the light emitting unit 6a receives a predetermined light emission mode (for example, first to third) according to the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 9a according to the light emission control instruction. The light emission mode etc.).
In addition, the notification control unit 7 causes the sound emitting unit 6b of the notification unit 6 to emit sound in a predetermined sound emission mode according to the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 9a acquired by the remaining power storage acquiring unit 7a. You may control.

  The data generation control unit (generation control unit) 8 controls generation of a time-lapse moving image by the image data generation unit 5.

Specifically, the data generation control unit 8 includes a first determination unit (first determination unit) 8a that determines whether or not the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 9a is greater than the amount of power necessary for generating the time-lapse movie. doing.
That is, the first determination unit 8 a acquires the remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 9 a detected by the remaining amount of battery detection unit 9 b when the time-lapse moving image is generated by the image data generation unit 5 from the memory 2. Further, the first determination unit 8a calculates and obtains the electric energy necessary for generating the time-lapse moving image by performing predetermined calculation means based on the image data of a series of still images for generating the time-lapse moving image. . That is, the first determination unit 8a calculates the amount of power required for specifying a plurality of still images (representative images) constituting a time-lapse moving image and connecting a plurality of still images. Then, the first determination unit 8a determines whether or not the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 9a is greater than the amount of power necessary for generating the time-lapse movie.

Further, the data generation control unit 8 controls the generation of the time-lapse moving image by the image data generation unit 5 based on the determination result by the first determination unit 8a.
That is, when the first determination unit 8a determines that the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 9a is greater than the amount of power required for generating the time-lapse movie, the storage battery 9a is sufficiently charged and the generation of the time-lapse movie is completed. Therefore, the data generation control unit 8 outputs a generation control instruction for generating a time-lapse moving image to the image data generation unit 5. On the other hand, if the first determination unit 8a determines that the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 9a is not greater than the amount of power necessary for generating the time-lapse movie, the data generation control unit cannot complete the generation of the time-lapse movie. 8 outputs a hold control instruction to hold the generation of the time-lapse moving image to the image data generation unit 5.
Note that, when the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 9a is substantially equal to the amount of power necessary for generating the time-lapse movie, the data generation control unit 8 may cause the image data generation unit 5 to generate a time-lapse movie. However, the generation may be suspended.

Further, the data generation control unit 8 includes a second determination unit (second determination unit) 8b that determines whether or not the power supply capacity from the outside to the storage battery 9a is a capacity that only charges the storage battery 9a. ing.
That is, in the second determination unit 8b, an external power supply device (for example, an AC adapter, a portable power device, etc .; not shown) and a main body of the device for charging the storage battery 9a are connected with predetermined connection means (for example, a USB terminal; A power supply capability (power supply capability) from the external power supply device is specified in a state of being connected via (not shown). Specifically, for example, the second determination unit 8b recognizes an external power supply device connected to the apparatus main body by a device driver, for example, and supplies the power supply capability (for example, a portable power supply connected according to the USB 2.0 standard). In the case of a device, supply voltage 5 V / maximum voltage 500 mA, etc.) are specified.
And the 2nd determination part 8b determines whether the power supply capability from the identified external power supply device is a capability of only charging the storage battery 9a. That is, depending on the power supply capability from the external power supply device, there are cases where only the amount of power consumed for charging the storage battery 9a may be covered, so the second determination unit 8b performs other processing in parallel with the charging of the storage battery 9a. It is determined whether or not (for example, a time-lapse moving image generation process described later) can be performed.

In addition, when the generation of the time-lapse moving image by the image data generation unit 5 is suspended, the data generation control unit 8 supplies the image data generation unit 5 with power from the external power supply device. On the other hand, a generation control instruction for generating the held time-lapse moving image is output.
At this time, the data generation control unit 8 controls the generation of the time-lapse moving image by the image data generation unit 5 based on the determination result by the second determination unit 8b. That is, when it is determined by the second determination unit 8b that the power supply capability from the external power supply device is only capable of charging the storage battery 9a, the first determination unit 8a is detected by the remaining power detection unit 9b. The obtained remaining power amount of the storage battery 9a is acquired from the memory 2, and it is determined whether or not the obtained remaining power amount of the storage battery 9a is greater than the amount of power necessary for generating the time-lapse movie. Here, if it is determined that the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 9a is greater than the amount of power required for generating the time-lapse movie, the data generation control unit 8 causes the image data generation unit 5 to hold the time lapse. A generation control instruction for generating a moving image is output.

  The power supply unit 9 supplies power to each unit constituting the apparatus main body. Specifically, the power supply unit 9 includes a storage battery 9a, a remaining power storage detection unit 9b, a charge control unit 9c, and the like.

  The storage battery 9a is composed of, for example, various types of storage batteries (for example, lithium ion batteries, nickel / hydrogen rechargeable batteries, etc.). Therefore, in a state where AC power is not supplied from the outside, the power supply capacity that can be supplied from the storage battery 9a is limited to a predetermined amount.

The remaining power storage detection unit (detection means) 9b detects the remaining power storage of the storage battery 9a.
That is, the remaining power storage detection unit 9b detects the amount of power that can be supplied from the storage battery 9a under a predetermined condition as a remaining power storage, for example, at predetermined time intervals. At this time, the remaining power storage detection unit 9b may calculate a relative ratio of the amount of power that can be supplied at this time to the maximum amount of power that can be supplied from the storage battery 9a to obtain the remaining amount of storage. .
The detected remaining power amount may be output to the memory 2 and temporarily held in the memory 2.

The charging control unit 9c controls power supply from the outside to the storage battery 9a.
That is, the charging control unit 9c controls the charging operation of the storage battery 9a in a state where the external power supply device that supplies power to charge the storage battery 9a and the apparatus main body are connected via a predetermined connection means. Specifically, in a state in which the external power supply device and the device main body are connected, the charging control unit 9c transfers the storage battery 9a from the external power supply device to the storage battery 9a when the remaining storage amount of the storage battery 9a is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Power is supplied to charge the storage battery 9a.
Here, when the time-lapse moving image (video) is generated by the image data generation unit 5, the charge control unit (power storage control unit) 9c may control to stop the power supply to the storage battery 9a. Specifically, when the remaining storage amount of the storage battery 9a exceeds a predetermined determination value that is sufficient for generating a time-lapse movie, the charge control unit 9c stops the power supply from the external power supply device to the storage battery 9a, In this state, the image data generation unit 5 generates a time-lapse moving image.

The operation input unit 10 is for inputting various instructions to the apparatus main body.
Specifically, the operation input unit 10 includes, for example, a power button for turning on / off the power of the apparatus body, a shutter button for instructing imaging of a subject, a selection determination button for instructing selection of an imaging mode, a function, etc., zoom A zoom button (both not shown) and the like related to a quantity adjustment instruction are provided. When various buttons are operated by the user, the operation input unit 10 outputs an operation instruction corresponding to the operated button to the central control unit 1. The central control unit 1 causes each unit to execute a predetermined operation (for example, imaging of a subject) in accordance with an operation instruction output from the operation input unit 10 and input.

<Interval imaging processing>
Hereinafter, the interval imaging process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to the interval imaging process.

  It is assumed that the interval imaging process described below is performed in a state where power from the external power supply device is not supplied. The detection of the remaining amount of electricity stored by the remaining amount of electricity detection unit 9b is repeatedly performed at predetermined time intervals, and the remaining amount of stored electricity is sequentially output to the memory 2 and temporarily held in the memory 2. Shall be.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the process content setting unit 4 first sets the process content of the interval imaging process (step S1). Specifically, the processing content setting unit 4 includes the time interval of the imaging process input based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 10 by the user, the number of still images to be captured at one imaging timing, the start time of the imaging process, The end time and the like are set as processing contents.

  Next, the alerting | reporting part 6 performs the electrical storage residual amount alerting | reporting process (refer FIG. 3) which alert | reports the electrical storage residual amount of the storage battery 9a under control of the alerting | reporting control part 7 (step S2; detailed description later).

Subsequently, the imaging control unit 3c determines whether it is the start timing of the imaging process based on the processing content set by the processing content setting unit 4 (step S3).
If it is determined that it is not the start timing of the imaging process (step S3; NO), the imaging control unit 3c performs the determination process until it is determined that it is the start timing of the imaging process (step S3; YES). Repeatedly execute (step S3).

If it is determined in step S3 that it is the start timing of the imaging process (step S3; YES), the notification unit 6 notifies the remaining power storage of the storage battery 9a under the control of the notification control unit 7. An amount notification process (see FIG. 3) is executed (step S4; details will be described later).
Subsequently, the imaging control unit 3c reads out and acquires from the memory 2 the remaining storage amount of the storage battery 9a detected immediately before by the remaining storage amount detection unit 9b, and the acquired remaining storage amount completes execution of the interval imaging process. It is determined whether it is less than a predetermined determination value corresponding to the required amount of power (step S5).

If it is determined in step S5 that the remaining power storage amount is not less than the predetermined determination value (step S5; NO), the imaging control unit 3c repeatedly executes the subject imaging process at predetermined time intervals (step S6). ). Specifically, the imaging control unit 3c continuously performs the process of converting the optical image of the subject that has passed through the lens unit 3a into a two-dimensional image signal by the electronic imaging unit 3b at each imaging timing. Thus, a plurality of still images are taken continuously.
Thereafter, the image data generation unit 5 generates YUV data (image data) of each still image transferred from the electronic imaging unit 3 b, and then sequentially outputs it to the memory 2 to store it in the memory 2.

And the imaging control part 3c determines whether it is the completion | finish timing of an imaging process based on the process content set by the process content setting part 4 (step S7).
Here, if it is determined that it is not the end timing of the imaging process (step S7; NO), the imaging control unit 3c returns the process to step S6, and repeatedly executes the imaging process of the subject at predetermined time intervals (step). S6).

  When it is determined in step S7 that it is the end timing of the imaging process (step S7; YES), the first determination unit 8a has a remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 9a that is greater than the amount of power necessary for generating the time-lapse movie. Is determined (step S8). Specifically, the first determination unit 8a obtains the remaining amount of storage of the storage battery 9a detected immediately before by the remaining amount of storage detection unit 9b from the memory 2, and a series of a plurality of still images for generating a time-lapse movie. Based on the image data of the image, a predetermined calculation means is performed to calculate and obtain the amount of power necessary for generating the time-lapse moving image. Then, the first determination unit 8a determines whether or not the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 9a is greater than the amount of power necessary for generating the time-lapse movie.

If it is determined in step S8 that the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 9a is greater than the amount of power required for generating the time-lapse movie (step S8; YES), the data generation control unit 8 instructs the image data generation unit 5 to Then, a generation control instruction for generating a time-lapse moving image is output, and the image data generation unit 5 executes a time-lapse moving image generation process (see FIG. 4) (step S9; details will be described later).
Thereafter, the sound emitting unit 6b of the notification unit 6 emits a sound indicating that the generation of the time-lapse moving image is completed in the interval imaging process (step S10).
This completes the interval imaging process.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S8 that the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 9a is not greater than the amount of power necessary for generating the time-lapse movie (step S8; NO), the data generation control unit 8 5 is used to output a hold control instruction to suspend generation of the time-lapse movie, and an incomplete flag indicating that generation of the time-lapse movie is not completed in the interval imaging process is set and temporarily stored in the memory 2 (Step S11).
Thereafter, the sound emitting unit 6b emits a sound indicating that the interval imaging process has not been completed (particularly, the generation of the time-lapse moving image has not been completed) (step S12).
This completes the interval imaging process.

Further, when it is determined in step S5 that the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 9a is less than a predetermined determination value corresponding to the amount of power required to complete execution of the interval imaging process (step S5; YES), the central control unit 1 CPU transfers a process to step S12, and the sound emission part 6b emits the sound showing that the interval imaging process is not completed (step S12).
This completes the interval imaging process.

<Remaining power storage notification process>
Hereinafter, the remaining power amount notification process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to the remaining power amount notification process.

  As shown in FIG. 3, first, the remaining power storage unit 7a reads out and acquires the remaining power of the storage battery 9a detected immediately before by the remaining power detection unit 9b (step S21).

  Next, the notification control part 7 branches a process according to the electrical storage residual amount of the storage battery 9a acquired by the electrical storage residual amount acquisition part 7a (step S22). That is, the notification control unit 7 shifts the process to step S231 when the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 9a is 70% or more with respect to the full charge (step S22; 70% or more). If it is 20% or more and less than 70% (step S22; 20% to 70%), the process proceeds to step S232, and if it is less than 20% with respect to full charge (step S22; less than 20%) ), The process proceeds to step S233.

When the remaining amount of power storage is 70% or more with respect to the full charge (step S22; 70% or more), the notification control unit 7 makes the light emitting unit 6a in a predetermined cycle that becomes the first light emission mode with respect to the notification unit 6. Outputs a first light emission control instruction to emit light. And the light emission part 6a light-emits by a 1st light emission mode according to the input 1st light emission control instruction | indication (step S231).
Further, when the remaining amount of power storage is 20% or more and less than 70% with respect to the full charge (step S22; 20% to 70%), the notification control unit 7 becomes the second light emission mode with respect to the notification unit 6. A second light emission control instruction for causing the light emitting unit 6a to emit light at a predetermined cycle is output. And the light emission part 6a light-emits by the 2nd light emission mode according to the input 2nd light emission control instruction | indication (step S232).
When the remaining amount of power storage is less than 20% with respect to the full charge (step S22; less than 20%), the notification control unit 7 emits light at a predetermined cycle that is the third light emission mode with respect to the notification unit 6. A third light emission control instruction for causing the unit 6a to emit light is output. And the light emission part 6a light-emits by the 3rd light emission aspect according to the input 3rd light emission control instruction | indication (step S233).
Thereby, the remaining power amount notification process is terminated.

<Time-lapse movie generation processing>
Hereinafter, the time-lapse moving image generation process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to the time-lapse moving image generation process.

  As shown in FIG. 4, first, the image data generation unit 5 specifies each image captured at each imaging timing (step S <b> 31). Specifically, the image data generation unit 5 acquires image data of a plurality of still images captured at each imaging timing.

Next, the image data generation unit 5 encodes a plurality of pieces of image data captured at each imaging timing with a predetermined encoding method (for example, Motion-JPEG format) to generate image data of a time-lapse moving image. (Step S32). The generated time-lapse moving image data is transferred to a recording medium (not shown) and recorded.
This completes the time-lapse moving image generation process.

Note that the still images used when generating the time-lapse moving image may not be all the still images captured at each shooting timing, and may be thinned at a predetermined interval, for example.
Moreover, the image imaged at each imaging timing may contain a moving image. In this case, the still image used when generating the time-lapse moving image may include a frame selected in consideration of the camera shake amount, the subject shake amount, the composition, and the like in the moving image.

<Processing during charging>
Hereinafter, the charging process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to the charging process.

  The charging process described below is performed by a predetermined connection means (for example, a USB terminal) between the apparatus main body and an external power supply apparatus (for example, an AC adapter or a portable power supply apparatus) that supplies power to the storage battery 9a. It shall be performed in the state connected via.

As shown in FIG. 5, first, the notification unit 6 executes a remaining power amount notification process (see FIG. 3) for notifying the remaining power amount of the storage battery 9a under the control of the notification control unit 7 (step S41). .
In addition, since the electrical storage remaining amount alerting | reporting process is substantially the same as the above-mentioned content, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted here.
Next, the data generation control unit 8 refers to the memory 2 and determines whether or not an incomplete flag is set (step S42).

If it is determined in step S42 that the incomplete flag is set (step S42; YES), the second determination unit 8b recognizes the external power supply device connected to the apparatus main body, and supplies the power Specify the supply capability (for example, in the case of a portable power supply connected with the USB 2.0 standard, supply voltage 5 V / maximum voltage 500 mA, etc.), and the power supply capability from the specified external power supply device only charges the storage battery 9a It is determined whether or not the ability is sufficient (step S43).
Here, if it is determined that the power supply capability from the external power supply device is not sufficient to charge only the storage battery 9a (step S43; NO), a time-lapse moving image generation process is performed in parallel with the charging of the storage battery 9a. Therefore, the charging control unit 9c supplies power to the storage battery 9a from the external power supply device and starts charging the storage battery 9a (step S44).
Subsequently, the data generation control unit 8 outputs a generation control instruction for generating a time-lapse moving image to the image data generation unit 5, and the image data generation unit 5 executes a time-lapse moving image generation process (see FIG. 4) (see FIG. 4). Step S45).
Since the time-lapse moving image generation process is substantially the same as the above-described content, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

And after completion | finish of a time lapse animation production | generation process, the charge control part 9c determines whether the electrical storage residual amount of the storage battery 9a reached the state of full charge (step S46).
Here, when it is determined that the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 9a has not reached the fully charged state (step S46; NO), the charging control unit 9c repeatedly executes the determination process at predetermined time intervals ( Step S46).
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S46 that the remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 9a has reached a fully charged state (step S46; YES), the charging control unit 9c supplies power to the storage battery 9a from the external power supply device. That is, the charging of the storage battery 9a is stopped (step S47).
Thereby, the process at the time of charge is complete | finished.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S43 that the power supply capability from the external power supply device is sufficient to charge only the storage battery 9a (step S43; YES), a time-lapse movie is performed in parallel with the charging of the storage battery 9a. Therefore, the charging control unit 9c starts charging the storage battery 9a that supplies power to the storage battery 9a from the external power supply device (step S48).
Next, the first determination unit 8a determines whether or not the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 9a is greater than the amount of power necessary for generating the time-lapse movie (step S49).
Here, when it is determined that the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 9a is not greater than the amount of power required for generating the time-lapse movie (step S49; NO), the first determination unit 8a performs the determination process at a predetermined time interval. The process is repeated every time (step S49).

If it is determined in step S49 that the remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 9a is greater than the amount of power required for generating the time-lapse movie (step S49; YES), the charging control unit 9c is connected to the storage battery 9a from the external power supply device. Supply of power, that is, charging of the storage battery 9a is stopped (step S50).
Subsequently, the data generation control unit 8 outputs a generation control instruction for generating a time-lapse moving image to the image data generation unit 5, and the image data generation unit 5 executes a time-lapse moving image generation process (see FIG. 4) (see FIG. 4). Step S51).
Since the time-lapse moving image generation process is substantially the same as the above-described content, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

And after completion | finish of a time lapse animation production | generation process, the charge control part 9c starts the charge of the said storage battery 9a which supplies a power supply to the storage battery 9a from an external power supply apparatus (step S52).
Next, the CPU of the central control unit 1 shifts the process to step S46, and controls the execution of each process thereafter. That is, in step S46, the charge control unit 9c supplies power to the storage battery 9a from the external power supply device until it is determined that the remaining amount of storage of the storage battery 9a has reached a fully charged state (step S46; YES). When the remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 9a reaches a fully charged state, charging of the storage battery 9a is stopped (step S47).
Thereby, the process at the time of charge is complete | finished.

  In addition, when it is determined in step S42 that the incomplete flag is not set (step S42; NO), the CPU of the central control unit 1 moves the process to step S46, and thereafter Control execution of processing.

As described above, according to the imaging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, it is detected when executing a specific process at every predetermined time interval (for example, an imaging process for imaging a subject at every predetermined time interval). Since the remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 9a is acquired and the remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 9a is notified, the imaging device 100 that does not include a display unit that displays the remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 9a In the specific process performed at each time interval, the remaining power storage amount of the storage battery 9a can be properly notified. Specifically, since the light emission mode of the light emitting unit 6a is controlled in accordance with the remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 9a, the storage battery can be obtained by emitting light by changing the light emission mode of the light emitting unit 6a in accordance with the remaining power storage amount of the storage battery 9a. The remaining amount of electricity stored in 9a can be notified appropriately.
Furthermore, since the remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 9a can be notified at every predetermined time interval (for example, every imaging timing, etc.), it is not necessary to always notify the remaining amount of electricity stored, and power saving of the device is appropriate. Can be aimed at.

  In addition, when the processing content of the specific process is set, the remaining power storage amount of the detected storage battery 9a is acquired. Therefore, the remaining power storage amount of the storage battery 9a is notified at the setting timing of the processing content of the specific processing. The user can be recognized appropriately.

In addition, when generating a time-lapse movie (video) based on a predetermined number of captured images, it is determined whether or not the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 9a is greater than the amount of power required to generate the time-lapse movie. Since the determination and the generation of the time-lapse moving image is controlled based on the determination result, the time-lapse moving image can be appropriately generated according to the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 9a after capturing a predetermined number of images.
That is, in the conventional apparatus, the imaging apparatus 100 is not configured to generate a time-lapse movie after capturing a predetermined number of images. In response, no subsequent time-lapse movie was generated or suspended. On the other hand, when it is determined that the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 9a is greater than the amount of power required for generating the time-lapse movie, the control is performed so that the time-lapse movie is generated. Is determined to be less than the amount of power required for generating the time-lapse movie, the generation of the time-lapse movie is controlled to be suspended, so that the storage battery 9a after capturing a predetermined number of images is charged. A time-lapse movie can be generated appropriately.

  In addition, when power is supplied from the outside to the storage battery 9a in a state where generation of the time-lapse movie is suspended, control is performed so as to generate the suspended time-lapse movie. Is not larger than the amount of power required for generating the time-lapse movie, so that even when the time-lapse movie generation is suspended, the time-lapse movie is suspended due to the external power supply to the storage battery 9a. Generation can be performed properly.

Further, it is detected whether or not the power supply capacity from the outside to the storage battery 9a is an ability to only charge the storage battery 9a, and it is detected that the capacity is only to charge the storage battery 9a. After it is determined that the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 9a is greater than the amount of power required to generate the time-lapse movie, control is performed so as to generate the time-lapse movie that is being held, so power supply from the outside to the storage battery 9a It is possible to determine whether or not priority is given to the charging of the storage battery 9a in consideration of the capability. Then, when the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 9a is larger than the amount of electric power necessary for generating the time-lapse movie, it is possible to appropriately generate the suspended time-lapse movie.
At this time, since the power supply from the outside to the storage battery 9a is stopped when generating the held time-lapse moving image, the time-lapse moving image can be generated more appropriately.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and design changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the light emission period of the light emitting unit 6a is varied according to the remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 9a. However, the embodiment is not limited to this example. The presence / absence and emission color may be different. For example, the light emission color of the light emitting portion 6a is made different from green, orange, red, etc., depending on whether the remaining power of the storage battery 9a is 70% or more, 20% or more, less than 70%, less than 20%, etc. Anyway.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, it was made to alert | report the electrical storage residual amount of the storage battery 9a by making it light-emit by making the light emission mode of the light emission part 6a different, but it is an example and it is not restricted to this, For example, you may make it alert | report the electrical storage residual amount of the storage battery 9a by making the sound emission aspect of the sound emission part 6b differ, and making it sound.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the interval imaging process is exemplified as the specific process. However, this is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the normal imaging process may be performed. You may make it alert | report the electrical storage residual amount of the storage battery 9a in the process which starts the imaging device 100, or the process which makes it complete | finish.

  In addition, the configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 is merely an example illustrated in the above embodiment, and is not limited thereto. That is, the imaging device 100 is illustrated as an example of the notification device. However, the image pickup device 100 is an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto. May be.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the functions as the detection unit, the processing unit, the acquisition unit, and the notification unit are controlled under the control of the CPU of the central control unit 1. The configuration realized by driving the remaining power storage unit 7a and the notification unit 6 is not limited to this configuration, and the configuration is realized by executing a predetermined program or the like by the central control unit 1 It is also good.
That is, a program including a detection processing routine, an execution processing routine, an acquisition processing routine, and a notification processing routine is stored in a program memory (not shown) that stores the program. Then, the CPU of the central control unit 1 may function as a means for detecting the remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery by the detection processing routine. Further, the CPU of the central control unit 1 may function as means for executing specific processing at predetermined time intervals by an execution processing routine. In addition, the CPU of the central control unit 1 may function as a means for acquiring the remaining power storage amount of the detected storage battery at the time of executing a specific process by the acquisition process routine. Further, the CPU of the central control unit 1 may be caused to function as a means for notifying the remaining storage amount of the acquired storage battery at the time of executing a specific process by the notification processing routine.

  Similarly, the setting unit, the generation unit, the first determination unit, the generation control unit, the second determination unit, and the power storage control unit are also realized by executing a predetermined program or the like by the CPU of the central control unit 1. It is also good.

  Furthermore, as a computer-readable medium storing a program for executing each of the above processes, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM is applied in addition to a ROM or a hard disk. Is also possible. A carrier wave is also used as a medium for providing program data via a predetermined communication line.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.
The invention described in the scope of claims attached to the application of this application will be added below. The item numbers of the claims described in the appendix are as set forth in the claims attached to the application of this application.
[Appendix]
<Claim 1>
A storage battery for supplying power to each part;
Detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery;
Processing means for executing a specific process at predetermined time intervals;
An acquisition unit that acquires a remaining storage amount of the storage battery detected by the detection unit during the execution of the specific process by the processing unit;
Informing means for informing the remaining storage amount of the storage battery acquired by the acquiring means upon execution of the specific processing by the processing means;
A notification apparatus comprising:
<Claim 2>
Further comprising setting means for setting the processing content of the specific process executed by the processing means;
The acquisition means includes
The notification device according to claim 1, wherein when the processing content is set by the setting unit, the remaining storage amount of the storage battery detected by the detection unit is acquired.
<Claim 3>
The notification means includes
The notification device according to claim 1, further comprising: a light emitting unit that controls a light emission mode of the light emitting unit in accordance with a remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery acquired by the acquiring unit.
<Claim 4>
The notification means includes
3. The notification device according to claim 1, further comprising a sound emitting unit, wherein the sound emitting mode of the sound emitting unit is controlled in accordance with a remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery acquired by the acquiring unit. .
<Claim 5>
The notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Imaging means for imaging a subject,
The imaging apparatus characterized in that the specific process includes an imaging process in which the imaging unit images a subject.
<Claim 6>
Generating means for generating a video based on a predetermined number of images imaged by the imaging process;
A first determination unit that determines whether or not a remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery detected by the detection unit is greater than an amount of electric power necessary for generating the video when the generation unit generates the video;
Generation control means for controlling the generation of video by the generation means based on the determination result by the first determination means;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising:
<Claim 7>
The generation control means includes
The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the first determination unit determines that the remaining storage amount of the storage battery is large, the generation unit is controlled to generate an image.
<Claim 8>
The generation control means includes
The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the first determination unit determines that the remaining storage amount of the storage battery is not large, control is performed so that the generation of the video by the generation unit is suspended.
<Claim 9>
The generation control means includes
In a state where the generation of the video by the generation unit is suspended, when power is supplied from the outside to the storage battery, the generation unit is controlled to generate the reserved video. The imaging device according to claim 8.
<Claim 10>
A second determination means for determining whether or not the power supply capacity from the outside to the storage battery is an ability to only charge the storage battery;
The generation control means includes
When it is determined by the second determination means that the capacity is sufficient to charge only the storage battery, the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery detected by the detection means is greater than the amount of power required for generating video by the generation means. The imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein after the first determination unit determines that the number of the images has increased, the generation unit is controlled to generate the held video.
<Claim 11>
The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a power storage control unit that controls to stop the external power supply to the storage battery when the generation unit generates the reserved video.
<Claim 12>
A notification method using a notification device including a storage battery that supplies power to each unit,
Detecting the remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery;
Executing a specific process at predetermined time intervals;
Acquiring the remaining power storage amount of the storage battery detected during the execution of the specific process;
Informing the acquired remaining storage amount of the storage battery during the execution of the specific process;
A notification method comprising:
<Claim 13>
A computer of a notification device including a storage battery that supplies power to each unit,
Detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery;
Processing means for executing a specific process at predetermined time intervals;
An acquisition unit for acquiring a remaining storage amount of the storage battery detected by the detection unit when the specific processing is performed by the processing unit;
Informing means for informing the remaining storage amount of the storage battery acquired by the acquiring means when the specific processing is performed by the processing means;
A program characterized by functioning as

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image pick-up device 1 Central control part 3 Imaging part 3c Imaging control part 4 Processing content setting part 5 Image data generation part 6 Notification part 6a Light emission part 6b Sound emission part 7 Notification control part 7a Power storage residual quantity acquisition part 8 Data generation control part 8a First determination unit 8b Second determination unit 9 Power supply unit 9a Storage battery 9b Remaining storage amount detection unit 9c Charge control unit

Claims (13)

A storage battery for supplying power to each part;
Detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery;
Processing means for executing a specific process at predetermined time intervals;
An acquisition unit that acquires a remaining storage amount of the storage battery detected by the detection unit during the execution of the specific process by the processing unit;
Informing means for informing the remaining storage amount of the storage battery acquired by the acquiring means upon execution of the specific processing by the processing means;
A notification apparatus comprising: Further comprising setting means for setting the processing content of the specific process executed by the processing means;
The acquisition means includes
The notification device according to claim 1, wherein when the processing content is set by the setting unit, the remaining storage amount of the storage battery detected by the detection unit is acquired. The notification means includes
The notification device according to claim 1, further comprising: a light emitting unit that controls a light emission mode of the light emitting unit in accordance with a remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery acquired by the acquiring unit. The notification means includes
3. The notification device according to claim 1, further comprising a sound emitting unit, wherein the sound emitting mode of the sound emitting unit is controlled in accordance with a remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery acquired by the acquiring unit. . The notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Imaging means for imaging a subject,
The imaging apparatus characterized in that the specific process includes an imaging process in which the imaging unit images a subject. Generating means for generating a video based on a predetermined number of images imaged by the imaging process;
A first determination unit that determines whether or not a remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery detected by the detection unit is greater than an amount of electric power necessary for generating the video when the generation unit generates the video;
Generation control means for controlling the generation of video by the generation means based on the determination result by the first determination means;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: The generation control means includes
The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the first determination unit determines that the remaining storage amount of the storage battery is large, the generation unit is controlled to generate an image. The generation control means includes
The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the first determination unit determines that the remaining storage amount of the storage battery is not large, control is performed so that the generation of the video by the generation unit is suspended. The generation control means includes
In a state where the generation of the video by the generation unit is suspended, when power is supplied from the outside to the storage battery, the generation unit is controlled to generate the reserved video. The imaging device according to claim 8. A second determination means for determining whether or not the power supply capacity from the outside to the storage battery is an ability to only charge the storage battery;
The generation control means includes
When it is determined by the second determination means that the capacity is sufficient to charge only the storage battery, the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery detected by the detection means is greater than the amount of power required for generating video by the generation means. The imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein after the first determination unit determines that the number of the images has increased, the generation unit is controlled to generate the held video.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a power storage control unit that controls to stop the external power supply to the storage battery when the generation unit generates the reserved video. A notification method using a notification device including a storage battery that supplies power to each unit,
Detecting the remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery;
Executing a specific process at predetermined time intervals;
Acquiring the remaining power storage amount of the storage battery detected during the execution of the specific process;
Informing the acquired remaining storage amount of the storage battery during the execution of the specific process;
A notification method comprising: A computer of a notification device including a storage battery that supplies power to each unit,
Detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery;
Processing means for executing a specific process at predetermined time intervals;
An acquisition unit for acquiring a remaining storage amount of the storage battery detected by the detection unit when the specific processing is performed by the processing unit;
Informing means for informing the remaining storage amount of the storage battery acquired by the acquiring means when the specific processing is performed by the processing means;
A program characterized by functioning as

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