JP2001274936A - Image data transmission system and image pickup data transmission method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image data transmission system where an individual wearable network which directly radio-connects information terminals is constituted and the individual network can substantially be connected to the Internet through a portable telephone and the like. SOLUTION: A watch-type electronic still camera 1100 picks up an object image and transmits the image data to an adapter 1200 and a portable telephone terminal 8 by infrared rays. The adapter 1200 receives image data transmitted from the electronic still camera and up-loads it on a server 904 on the Internet 903. The portable telephone terminal 8 receives image data transmitted from the electronic still camera 1100 and down-loads image data stored in the server 904 on the Internet 903.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a data transmission system using a portable terminal device, and more particularly to an image data transmission system for transmitting image data captured by an electronic camera or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, the Internet, computer networks, LANs, and the like have rapidly become widespread, and services for connecting to the Internet using mobile phones have been implemented. This is the age of so-called mobile networks, which use e-mail and the Internet on the go without using a personal computer. On the other hand, they often carry personal information devices such as digital cameras, watches, and mobile phones. Digital cameras and wristwatches also have a communication function, and image mail can be realized by using a mobile phone as a modem.

[0003]

However, at present, the above various information terminals have been positioned only as entrances to the Internet. The present invention provides an image data transmission system which constitutes a personal wearable network for directly wirelessly connecting information terminals as described above, and the personal network can be substantially connected to the Internet via a mobile phone or the like. The purpose is to provide. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image data transmission system that can handle not only imaging data but also audio data.

[0004]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image recording apparatus for electronically recording an image of a subject in an image data transmission system constituting a link system between a camera and a timepiece. Camera, comprising: audio recording means for electronically recording audio input in connection with the operation of the image recording means; and transmission means for transmitting audio data recorded by the audio recording means on a radio wave. And a clock provided with a sound reproducing means for receiving a radio wave from a camera located nearby and reproducing the sound data. Therefore, the sound of the sound recording image recorded on the camera side is reproduced and emitted on the clock side.

In the image data transmission system according to the present invention, the transmitting means transmits the audio data in response to an operation of a shutter key provided on the camera. That is, when the shutter key is operated, not only the image of the subject and the input sound are electronically recorded, but also a sound recording image including the image and the sound is transmitted.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image data transmission system, the camera further includes a clock unit for clocking a current time, and the transmission unit includes a current time clocked by the clock unit. Is the set time,
Transmitting the audio data;

In the image data transmission system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the timepiece further includes means for transmitting the audio data transmission request, and the camera receives the transmission request. The apparatus further comprises receiving means, wherein the transmitting means transmits the audio data in response to the transmission request. That is, when there is a request for transmission of audio data from the clock, the camera transmits an audio recording image in response to the request.

In the image data transmission system according to the present invention, the audio recording means can record a plurality of audio data, and the transmitting means can transmit a plurality of recorded audio data. The last recorded audio data of the data is transmitted.

Further, in the image data transmission system according to the invention, the audio recording means can record a plurality of audio data, and the transmitting means can record a plurality of recorded audio data. Send data.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image data transmission system including a clock and a camera, and a link system between the camera and the clock capable of transferring data from the clock to the camera by communication means. In the image data transmission system, the clock includes a voice input unit,
The camera further comprises: audio encoding means for encoding the audio input by the audio input means; and transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting the audio data encoded by the audio encoding means. Receiving means for receiving the received radio wave, audio data storage means for storing audio data received by the receiving means, and means for associating the captured image data with the received audio data, When audio data is sent from the watch,
This is received by the camera, and the received data and the captured image data are stored in association with each other.

Further, in the image data transmission system according to the present invention, the camera further has means for transmitting the associated audio data and image data. Therefore, the watch side can receive this and reproduce the associated sound and image.

Further, in the camera according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the camera is incorporated in a link system between the camera and the timepiece.

In the timepiece according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the timepiece is incorporated in the link system between the camera and the timepiece.

[0014] In the invention according to the eleventh aspect of the invention, in the imaging data transmission method for transmitting the captured imaging data and the recorded audio data, the audio input in connection with the recording operation is transmitted. Electronically recording;
Transmitting the recorded audio data on a radio wave, displaying a current time, and receiving the transmitted radio wave located nearby to reproduce the audio data. Is done.

According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, there is provided an image data transmission method for transmitting imaged image data and recorded audio data, wherein a step of displaying a current time and a step of inputting by a voice input means. Encoding the encoded audio; wirelessly transmitting the encoded audio data; receiving the transmitted radio wave; storing the received audio data; Associating the received image data with the received audio data. Therefore, by causing the computer to execute the processes in the steps described in claims 11 and 12, the image data transmission system of the present invention can be easily constructed.

Further, in the image data transmission system according to the present invention, the image data transmission system comprises a plurality of portable electronic devices (8, 1100, 1200), and a first device among the plurality of electronic devices. (1100) includes an image data generating unit that captures a subject image to generate image data, and a transmitting unit that transmits the image data generated by the image data generating unit.
0) is a receiving means for receiving the image data transmitted from the first device (1100), and an upload means for uploading the image data received by the receiving means to a server (904) on a network (903). And the third device (8) is provided with the first device (110).
Receiving means for receiving the image data transmitted from 0),
Download means for downloading the image data stored in the server (904) on the network (903).

Therefore, the image data of the image captured and transmitted by the first device is received by the second device and uploaded to the server on the network, and the first and second images are transmitted to the server on the network. Image data from a plurality of users who own and use the second device is accumulated. Therefore, by downloading the image data stored in the server by the third device, the user who owns and uses the first to third devices is not limited to the image taken by the user, but also an unspecified number of persons. A system is constructed in which the users can enjoy each other's captured images or use each other.

Further, in the image data transmission system according to the present invention, the image data transmission system comprises a plurality of portable electronic devices (8, 1100, 1200), and a first device among the plurality of electronic devices. (1100) includes an image data generating unit that captures a subject image to generate image data, and a transmitting unit that transmits the image data generated by the image data generating unit.
0) includes a receiving unit that receives the image data transmitted from the first device (1100), and a transmitting unit that transmits the image data received by the receiving device to the third device (8). The third device (8) includes a receiving unit that receives the image data transmitted from the second device (1200), and a server (903) on the network (903) that transmits the image data received by the receiving unit. 904), and download means for downloading the image data stored in the server (904) on the network (603).

Therefore, the image data of the image captured and transmitted by the first device is received by the third device via the second device, and the third device transmits the received image data to the network. It not only uploads to the above server, but also downloads image data stored in this server. Therefore, the server on the network accumulates image data from a plurality of users who own and use the first to third devices, and downloads the image data stored in the server to allow the user to download the image data. Can mutually obtain not only images taken by oneself but also images taken by an unspecified number of persons.

Further, in the image data transmission system according to the present invention, the second device (120)
0) is detachable from at least one of the first and third devices (8, 1100). Therefore, it is not necessary to carry the first to third devices separately, and the second device may be mounted on the first or second device as needed.

Further, in the image data transmission system according to the invention of claim 16, the image data transmission system comprises a plurality of portable electronic devices (1100, 1200), and the first device (1100) of the plurality of electronic devices. ) Is an image data generating unit that captures a subject image and generates image data;
Output means for outputting the image data generated by the image data generation means, and a second device (1200)
Input means for inputting image data from the first device (1200), and image data input by the input means to a server (90) on a network (903).
4) uploading means for uploading the image data stored in the server (904) on the network (903); Therefore, only the first and second devices constitute a system capable of mutually enjoying or mutually using not only images captured by the user but also images captured by an unspecified number of persons.

Further, in the image data transmission system according to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the first device (110
0) is provided with a shutter key (F0), and both the image data generating means and the transmitting means are provided with the shutter key (F0).
Operating in response to the operation of 0) to generate image data,
The generated image data is transmitted. Therefore, only by operating the shutter key, not only the image data is generated, but also the image data is transmitted.

Also, in the image data transmission system according to the present invention, the second device (12
0) further includes storage means for storing a plurality of image data received by the reception means, wherein the upload means operates when a predetermined number of image data is stored in the storage means, and The image data for the number of sheets is uploaded to the server (904) on the network (903). Therefore, each time a predetermined number of image data is captured, the image data is uploaded to the server, and the image data can be efficiently uploaded while suppressing the number of times of access to the server.

In the image data transmission system according to the nineteenth aspect, the image data transmission system comprises a plurality of portable electronic devices (8, 1100, 1200), and a first device among the plurality of electronic devices. (1100) includes an image data generating unit that captures a subject image to generate image data, and a transmitting unit that transmits the image data generated by the image data generating unit.
0) includes a receiving unit that receives the image data transmitted from the first device (1100), and a storage unit that stores the image data received by the receiving device, and the third device (8) ) Is a receiving unit that receives the image data transmitted from the first device (1100), and transmits the image data received by the receiving unit to a network (90).
3) An upload unit for uploading to the server (904) above, and a download unit for downloading the image data stored in the server on the network.

That is, in the case of the present invention, the second device is:
It has a function as an electronic album for storing the received image data, while the third device uploads the image data to the server and downloads the image data from the server in the same manner as described above. Therefore, it is possible to mutually use image data while storing the image taken by the user in an electronic album separately.

Further, in the image data transmission system according to the twentieth aspect, the image data transmission system comprises a plurality of portable electronic devices (1100, 1400), and a first device (1100) of the plurality of electronic devices. ) Is an image data generating unit that captures a subject image and generates image data;
A transmission unit for transmitting the image data generated by the image data generation unit, and a second device (1400).
Receiving means for receiving image data transmitted from the first device (1100), and game processing means for executing a game process based on the image data received by the receiving means and a game program stored in advance. Is provided.
Therefore, in the case of the present invention, a new way of enjoying the captured image is created by using the image data of the captured image in the game.

[0027] The image data transmission system according to the twenty-first aspect further includes a third device (8), wherein the third device (8) is provided with the first device (8). Receiving means for receiving the image data transmitted from the network (1100); uploading means for uploading the image data received by the receiving means to a server (904) on a network (903);
And 03) a download unit for downloading the image data stored in the server (904).
That is, in the case of the present invention, the second device functions as a game machine, while the third device uploads image data to the server and downloads image data from the server in the same manner as described above. Therefore, mutual use of image data is possible while reflecting an image taken by oneself in a game.

Also, in the image data transmission system according to the invention, a plurality of electronic devices (8, 1
100, 1400), the first device (1100) of the plurality of electronic devices captures a subject image and generates image data, and an image generated by the image data generating unit. Transmitting means for transmitting data, wherein the second device (1400) accesses the server (904) on the network (903) and downloads image data stored in the server (904). Means, and game processing means for executing a game process based on the image data downloaded by the download means and a game program stored in advance, wherein the third device (8) is the first device (1100). Receiving means for receiving the image data transmitted from the server, and transmitting the image data received by the receiving means to a network. Server on the over-click (903) (90
4) An upload means for uploading is provided.

Therefore, the third device receives the image data transmitted from the first device and uploads the image data to the server on the network, and the second device downloads the image data stored in the server. Then, a game process is executed based on the downloaded image data and a game program stored in advance. Therefore, the second
The device can advance the game while reflecting image data uploaded from an unspecified number of people and stored in the server in the game.

Also, in the image data transmission system according to the twenty-third aspect, the second device (140
The download means of 0) downloads the game program from the server. Therefore, based on the downloaded game program and image data,
The game progress processing is performed.

Also, in the image data transmission system according to the invention of claim 24, the first device (110
Reference numeral 0) denotes an electronic still camera which can be worn on a wrist and portable, and the third device (8) is a mobile phone terminal. Therefore, the usage rate of the electronic still camera that can be worn on the wrist and portable and the mobile phone terminal is systematically improved.

In the invention according to claim 25,
14. A camera incorporated as the first device into the image data transmission system according to claim 13, wherein the image data is generated by capturing an image of a subject and generating image data. And transmitting means for transmitting the data.

In the invention according to claim 26,
14. An adapter incorporated as a second device in the image data transmission system according to claim 13, wherein the receiving means receives image data, and the image data received by the receiving means is a server (90) on a network (903).
And 4) upload means for uploading.

Further, in the invention according to claim 27,
14. A mobile phone terminal incorporated as a third device into the image data transmission system according to claim 13, wherein the receiving unit receives image data, and the image data is stored in a server (904) on a network (903). Download means for downloading the file.

In the invention according to claim 28,
15. A mobile phone terminal incorporated as a third device in the image data transmission system according to claim 14, wherein the receiving unit receives image data, and the image data received by the receiving unit is a server on a network (903). (9
04), and download means for downloading the image data stored in the server (904) on the network (603).

In the invention according to claim 29,
17. An adapter incorporated as a second device into the image data transmission system according to claim 16, wherein the input means inputs image data, and the image data input by the input means is a server (9) on a network (903).
04) uploading means for uploading,

There is provided a download means for downloading the image data stored in the server (904) on the network (903).

Further, in the invention according to claim 30,
20. An electronic album incorporated as a second device in the image data transmission system according to claim 19, comprising: receiving means for receiving image data; and storage means for storing the image data received by the receiving means.

In the invention according to claim 31,
21. A game device incorporated as a second device in the image data transmission system according to claim 20, based on a receiving means for receiving the image data, and a game program stored in advance and the image data received by the receiving means. Game processing means for executing game processing.

In the invention according to claim 32,
23. A game device incorporated as a second device in the image data transmission system according to claim 22, wherein the game device accesses a server (904) on a network (903) and stores the image data stored in the server (904). And game processing means for executing a game process based on image data downloaded by the download means and a game program stored in advance.

Further, in the invention according to claim 33,
Portable multiple electronic devices (8, 1100, 1200)
Wherein the first device (1100) of the plurality of electronic devices captures a subject image to generate image data, transmits the generated image data, and generates a second image data. The image data transmitted from the first device (1100) is received by the device (1200), and the received image data is uploaded to the server (904) on the network (903). 8), the first device (110
0), and downloads the image data stored in the server (904) on the network (903).

Further, in the invention according to claim 34,
Portable multiple electronic devices (8, 1100, 1200)
Wherein the first device (1100) of the plurality of electronic devices captures a subject image to generate image data, transmits the generated image data, and generates a second image data. The device (1200) receives the image data transmitted from the first device (1100), transmits the received image data to a third device (8), and transmits the received image data to the third device (8). Receives the image data transmitted from the second device (1200), and transmits the received image data to the network (90).
3) Upload to the server (904) above, and
The image data stored in the server (904) on the network (603) is downloaded.

In the invention according to claim 35,
An imaging data transmission method using a plurality of portable electronic devices (1100, 1200), wherein a first device (1100) of the plurality of electronic devices captures a subject image to generate image data; Outputting the generated image data, and causing the second device (1200) to input the image data from the first device (1200);
The input image data is uploaded to the server (904) on the network (903), and the image data stored in the server on the network is downloaded.

In the invention according to claim 36,
Portable multiple electronic devices (8, 1100, 1200)
Wherein the first device (1100) in the plurality of electronic devices captures a subject image to generate image data, and transmits the generated image data to the second device. Receiving the image data transmitted from the first device (1100) by the device (1200), and storing the received image data;
The third device (8) allows the first device (110
0), the received image data is uploaded to the server (904) on the network (903), and the image data stored in the server on the network is downloaded. .

Further, in the invention according to claim 37,
An imaging data transmission method using a plurality of portable electronic devices (1100, 1400), wherein a first device (1100) of the plurality of electronic devices captures a subject image to generate image data, The generated image data is transmitted, the second device (1400) receives the image data transmitted from the first device (1100), and receives the received image data and a game program stored in advance. The game processing is executed based on.

In the invention according to claim 38,
An imaging data transmission method using a plurality of electronic devices (8, 1100, 1400), wherein a first device (1100) among the plurality of electronic devices captures a subject image to generate image data, and The generated image data is transmitted, and the second device (1400) accesses the server (904) on the network (903) to download the image data stored in the server (904). Game processing is executed based on the obtained image data and a game program stored in advance, and the first device (1) is executed by the third device (8).
The image data transmitted from (100) is received, and the received image data is uploaded to the server (904) on the network (903). Therefore, according to the imaging data transmission method described in claims 34 to 38, it is possible to achieve the same operation and effect as the above-described image data transmission system of the present invention.

[0047]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

Here, the intended range of the present invention is not limited to the electronic still camera described in the embodiment. Any device that records images electronically may be used. For example, a moving image camera, a portable information terminal with an imaging function, an electronic organizer, a personal computer, or the like may be used.

The term "image" is used for a general purpose, and includes an imaged analog video signal, a luminance / color difference combined image signal, a signal compressed in a JPEG format or the like, and a signal modulated for communication. It includes a signal, a thumbnail with a reduced amount of information, an image displayed on a liquid crystal display, and the like.

(First Embodiment) However, FIG.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a network system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 1100 denotes a wristwatch-type electronic still camera that electronically records an image, and has a shape attachable to an arm as described later. 120
Reference numeral 0 denotes a non-contact type adapter which performs infrared communication with the electronic still camera 1200 and
Is for performing wireless telephone communication.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a portable telephone terminal. The portable telephone terminal 8 has a long device main body 802 which can be held by one hand. A telescopic rod antenna 803 is provided at the top of the device main body 802, and a speaker 804 for a call for reproducing an audio signal sent from a call partner by placing an ear during a call at the top of the front is provided. ing. Below the speaker 804, a display unit 805 composed of an LCD for displaying a received message, operation guidance of the mobile phone terminal 8, operation status, and the like is arranged. A plurality of keys 807 are arranged below the display unit 805, and a microphone 808 for a user to input voice during a call is arranged near the lower end of the keys 807. The key 807 is composed of keys generally provided in a mobile phone terminal, such as a power key, an on-hook key, an off-hook key, a numeric keypad, and a mode key.

The electronic still camera 1100, the adapter 1200, and the portable telephone terminal 8 each have a wireless communication function using infrared rays 3A to constitute a local network, as will be apparent from the following description. Note that a known infrared communication method can be used as the communication method, and thus a detailed description will not be given. It is conceivable that the electronic still camera 1100 transmits unilaterally, or a link is established by returning a response signal from the adapter 1200. A wireless LAN can also be constructed. In other words, the local network means an environment in which data can be exchanged between electronic devices without being limited to a LAN having a server.

The mobile phone terminal 8 communicates with the base station 901 to thereby communicate with the base station 901 and the telephone network 90.
2 can be connected to the Internet 903. Similarly, the adapter 1200 communicates with the base station 901 to thereby communicate with the base station 901 and the telephone network 902.
Can be connected to the Internet 903 via. A server 904 is connected to the Internet 903. The server 104 accumulates image data transmitted from the adapter 1200 or the mobile phone terminal 8 and stores the image data so that the image data can be accessed from the outside, as described later. . Therefore, the server 904 can be accessed by the personal computer 905 having a built-in modem via the telephone line network 902 and the Internet 903, and image data can be downloaded from the server 904.

<Structure of Electronic Still Camera in First Embodiment> The electronic still camera 1100 has a shape that can be attached to an arm, and as shown in FIG.
02 and a pair of wristbands 1123 and 1124 attached to opposing ends of the device main body 1102. On both sides of the device main body 1102, key input units S1 to S5 formed of key switches are provided. On the upper surface, a display unit 1107 formed of an LCD is provided, and a shutter key F0 is provided. The end of the device main body 1102 on the side of the wristband 1123 is
As shown in the figure, a lens unit 1101 of a camera module 1130 described later and an Ir communication module 1111
(See FIG. 4).

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the digital camera 1100. As shown in FIG.
120 includes a system ROM 1103 and a RAM 110
4. A storage memory (flash memory) 1105, a display driver 1106, a shutter key input block 1108 for inputting a signal from the shutter key F0, a key input block 1109 for inputting a signal from the key input units S1 to S5, a camera module 1101 and an Ir communication module 1111 are connected via a bus B.

The control unit 1120 includes a system ROM 110
3 in accordance with the program stored in the RAM 110
Each unit is controlled by operating the unit 4 as a work area. The display driver 1106 drives the display unit 1107. Camera module 11
Reference numeral 01 includes the lens unit 1130, a CMOS, a driver, and the like. The storage memory 1105 is made up of a flash memory, and stores image data of a subject captured by the camera module 1101 by operating the shutter key F0. Ir communication module 11
Numeral 11 includes the Ir transmission / reception unit 1140, and transmits infrared image data of a subject imaged by the camera module 1101 by operating the shutter key F0 to the adapter 1200 or the mobile phone terminal 8 based on the IrDA standard.

<Configuration of Adapter in First Embodiment> FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of adapter 1200. As shown in the figure, the control unit 1220 includes a system ROM 1203, a RAM 1204, a storage memory (flash memory) 1205, a key input block 1209, a communication unit 1201, and an Ir communication module 1
211 is connected via a bus B.

The control unit 1220 has a system ROM 120
3 according to the program stored in the RAM 120
Each unit is controlled by operating the unit 4 as a work area. The Ir communication module 1211 receives image data transmitted from the camera module 1101 by infrared rays. The storage memory 1205 is
The Ir communication module 121 is composed of a flash memory.
1 stores the received image data. The communication unit 1201 performs wireless communication with the base station 901 illustrated in FIG. 1 via the antenna 1206.

<Configuration of Mobile Phone Terminal in First Embodiment> FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of mobile phone terminal 8. The speaker 804, display unit 805, key 807, and microphone 808 are connected to a control unit 809. Further, the control unit 809 includes a calling speaker 810, a transmission / reception unit 811, a reception data storage unit 813, an I / F (interface) unit 814, an image data storage unit 815, and an I / F unit 814 connected to the antenna 803.
The r communication module 816 is connected.

The transmission / reception unit 811 performs wireless communication with the base station 901 shown in FIG. The received data storage unit 813 stores received mail data, and the I / F unit 814 stores
(Personal computer) is an interface for inputting and outputting data to and from other devices. The image data storage unit 815 stores image data transmitted from the electronic still camera 1 and image data downloaded from the server 904 via the Internet 903.

The control unit 809 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM
The CPU operates in accordance with the program stored in the ROM while using the RAM as a work area, thereby controlling each unit and executing processing necessary for the mobile phone terminal 8. That is, the control unit 8
09 is transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 811 to the telephone network 90 shown in FIG.
Call processing for transmitting a call signal for calling another telephone terminal, reception processing for generating a ringtone from the speaker 810 when a base station 901 transmits a call signal, ringtone When the user inputs a command to connect the mobile phone terminal 8 to the telephone network 902 in response to the occurrence of the message, connection processing for connecting the mobile phone terminal 8 to the telephone network 902 via the transmission / reception unit 811; When the telephone conversation becomes possible, the transmission / reception unit 811 transmits a voice signal input by the user from the microphone 808 to the base station 901 side, and performs processing such as generating a voice from the speaker 84 based on the received voice signal.

The control unit 809 controls the telephone network 902
And transmitting image data and message data to the server 904 via the Internet 903, and fetching message data and image data stored in the server 904, and storing the message data in the received data storage unit 81.
3 and the image data is stored in the image data storage unit 815. In addition to such general data transmission / reception processing, a standby screen image based on the image data (standby screen data) stored in the image data storage unit 815 is displayed on the display unit 805, or the image data is displayed. The communication is transmitted to the other party's mobile phone terminal 8 via the telephone network 902 or the telephone network 902 and the Internet 90
3 to the server 904.

Further, the control unit 809 includes, as described above,
In order to perform data communication of message data and image data, an encoder 891 for converting the message data and image data into a signal for transmission and a decoder 892 for restoring message data and standby screen data from a received signal are provided. .

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a control program of the electronic still camera 1100, and is a schematic flowchart of a program executed by the control unit 1120 in the recording mode. This program determines a mode change in response to a predetermined key operation of the key input unit 1109 (step S2) while performing a display process (step S1) of a through image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 1107 using a captured image as a monitor. If there is no mode change, the shutter key F0 is pressed down (step S
3, the exposure control process (step S4) and the image recording process (step S6) are executed in response to (S5).
Further, following the image recording process, the image data subjected to the recording process is transmitted from the Ir communication module 1111 by infrared rays. Therefore, in the present embodiment, each time an image is captured by pressing down the shutter key F0, the captured image data is transmitted by infrared rays. However, when a predetermined number of image data are captured, the image data is transmitted. Infrared transmission may be used.

If there is a mode change, it is determined whether or not the change destination mode is the reproduction mode (step S8).
If the mode is the playback mode, a playback mode control (not shown) is executed, and if not, other mode selection processing is executed.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a control program of the adapter 1200, and is a schematic flowchart of a program executed by the control unit 1220 when the power is on. If the power is on, the standby state is maintained until the Ir communication module 1211 receives the image data via infrared (step S11). If the image data is received by infrared, the image data is stored in a storage memory 1205.
(Step S12). Thereafter, it is determined whether a predetermined number of image data has been stored in the storage memory 1205 (step S13), and the processes of steps S11 to S13 are repeated until the predetermined number of image data is stored.

When a predetermined number of image data is stored in the storage memory 1205, the communication unit 1201 is operated to connect to the Internet 903 via the base station 901 and the telephone network 902 (step S14). A predetermined number of image data stored in the storage memory 1205 is transmitted to the server 904 (step S15). Subsequently, the transmitted image data in the storage memory 1205 is deleted (step S16), and after the storage area is secured, the processing from step S11 is repeated.

Therefore, by executing the processing according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, the image data of the image captured by each user who owns the wristwatch-type electronic still camera 1100 and the adapter 1200 is obtained.
It is stored and accumulated in the server 904.

FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart of a control program executed by the control unit 809 of the mobile phone terminal 8. If the screen data processing mode is set by a predetermined operation on the key 807, the processing is executed according to this flowchart. That is, the electronic still camera 1
It is determined whether or not image data has been received by infrared rays from 100 (step S21), and a standby state is maintained until image data is received. If image data is received,
The received image data is stored in the screen data storage unit 815 (step S22). Next, it is determined whether or not the reception of the image data has been completed (step S23), and the processes of steps S22 and S23 are repeated until the data reception is completed.

When the reception of the image data transmitted from the electronic still camera 1100 is completed, it is determined whether or not a request to download image data from the server 904 has been made based on the presence or absence of a predetermined operation on the key 807 (step S24). . When the download request is made, the transmission / reception unit 811 is operated to connect to the Internet 903 via the telephone line network 902, and
The image data stored in the server 904 on the server 03 is downloaded (step S25) and stored in the image data storage unit 815.

Therefore, the image data storage unit 815 stores not only the image data of the image captured by the user carrying the electronic still camera 1100, the adapter 1200, and the mobile phone terminal 8 but also the image data captured by another user. The image data of the uploaded image is stored in the server 904. Then, when the image display mode is set by a predetermined operation on the key 807 (Y in step S27).
ES), the display unit 805 displays an image based on the designated image data among the image data stored in the image data storage unit 815.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, images taken by users carrying the same electronic still camera 1100, adapter 1200 and portable telephone terminal 8 can be shared on the Internet and freely enjoyed. A system can be built. Therefore, for example, by setting up a user who has purchased the still camera 1100, the adapter 1200, and the mobile phone terminal 8 as a member, for example, a “enjoying image meeting” is started, and unknown members can capture various images and exchange images with each other. It is also possible to develop a new image business by paying for membership and so on.

In this embodiment, the electronic still camera 1100 is connected to the adapter 1200 and the portable telephone terminal 8 by infrared communication. However, as will be described later in the embodiment, the electronic still camera 1100 is based on the Bluetooth standard. The connection may be made by wireless communication.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a network system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, this network system includes a wristwatch-type electronic still camera 1100, an adapter 1200, a mobile phone terminal 8, a base station 901, a telephone network 902, and the Internet 903 as in the first embodiment. , A server 904 and the like. However, in the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the electronic still camera 1100 and the adapter 1200 communicate with each other by infrared rays 3A, and the adapter 1200 and the mobile phone terminal 8 communicate with each other by radio waves 3B. Is configured.

For this reason, the circuit configuration of the electronic still camera 1100 is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4, but the circuit configuration of the adapter 1200 and the portable telephone terminal 8 is the same as that of the first embodiment. And different. That is, in the adapter 1200, as shown in FIG. 11, a Bluetooth module 1230 including an antenna 1231 is provided instead of the communication unit 1201. In the mobile phone terminal 8, as shown in FIG.
Instead of the Ir communication module 816, an antenna 8
There is provided a Bluetooth module 817 with 18.

In the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, the control unit 1120 of the electronic still camera 1100 operates according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 similarly to the first embodiment, and subsequently to the image recording process. Then, the image data subjected to the recording processing is transmitted from the Ir communication module 1111 by infrared rays.

On the other hand, the controller 122 of the adapter 1200
0 operates according to the flowchart of the control program shown in FIG. 13 and maintains the standby state until the Ir communication module 1211 receives the image data via infrared (step S).
31). If the image data is received by infrared, the image data is stored in the storage memory 1205 (step S3).
2). Thereafter, it is determined whether a predetermined number of image data has been stored in the storage memory 1205 (step S3).
3) Steps S11 to S13 are repeated until a predetermined number of image data is stored.

When a predetermined number of image data are stored in the storage memory 1205, the Bluetooth module 817 is operated to transmit the predetermined number of image data stored in the storage memory 1205 to the mobile phone terminal 8. (Step S34). Subsequently, the transmitted image data in the storage memory 1205 is deleted (step S35), and after the storage area is secured, the processing from step S31 is repeated.

FIG. 14 shows a control unit 809 of the portable telephone terminal 8.
6 is a schematic flowchart of a control program executed by the control program. If the screen data processing mode is set by a predetermined operation on the key 807, the processing is executed according to this flowchart. That is, the adapter 120
It is determined whether image data has been received by wireless communication from 0 (step S41), and the standby state is maintained until image data is received. If image data has been received, the received image data is stored in the screen data storage unit 815 (step S42). Next, it is determined whether or not the reception of the image data has been completed (step S43), and the processes of steps S42 and S43 are repeated until the data reception is completed.

When the reception of the image data transmitted from the adapter 1200 is completed, it is determined whether or not an operation of transmitting the stored image data to a specific partner has been performed based on the presence or absence of a predetermined operation on the key 807 (see FIG. Step S44). If the operation is performed, a calling process for transmitting a calling signal for calling another mobile phone terminal 8 is performed.
5 is transmitted (step S5).
45).

It is determined whether or not an operation for distributing the stored image data to the Internet has been performed based on whether or not a predetermined operation has been performed on the key 807 (step S4).
6). If the operation is performed, the user connects to the Internet 903 via the telephone network 902 and
The image data stored in the image data storage unit 815 is transmitted to the server 904 on the server 3 (step S4).
7). Accordingly, image data captured by each user with the electronic still camera 1100 is sequentially stored in the server 904 on the Internet 903 so that the image data can be accessed from the outside. Therefore, a person other than the photographer can use the server 90 on the Internet 903 with the personal computer 905.
4 to download and reproduce the image data, a system for freely enjoying the personal image of another person is constructed.

Further, it is determined whether or not a request for downloading image data from the server 904 has been made based on the presence or absence of a predetermined operation on the key 807 (step S48).
When a download request is made, the transmitting / receiving unit 811 is operated, and the Internet 9 is transmitted via the telephone network 902.
03 and the server 90 on the Internet 903
4 is downloaded (step S49) and stored in the image data storage unit 815.

Therefore, the image data storage unit 815 stores not only the image data of the image captured by the user carrying the electronic still camera 1100, the adapter 1200, and the mobile phone terminal 8, but also the image data captured by another user. The image data of the uploaded image is stored in the server 904. When the image display mode is set by a predetermined operation on the key 807 (YES in step S50).
S) The display unit 8 based on the designated image data among the image data stored in the image data storage unit 815.
At 05, an image is displayed.

(Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth Embodiments)
In the first and second embodiments described above, the adapter 1200 is carried separately with the electronic still camera 1100 and the mobile phone terminal 8.
In the third embodiment shown in FIG. 1, an adapter 1 incorporating an Ir communication module or a Bluetooth module is provided.
200 is detachable from the electronic still camera 1100 and the mobile phone terminal 8. According to this embodiment, it is not necessary to incorporate an Ir communication module or a Bluetooth module in the electronic still camera 1100 and the mobile phone terminal 8, and the circuit configuration can be simplified. Also,
If necessary, the adapter 1200 may be attached to the electronic still camera 1100 and the mobile phone terminal 8, and portability when the electronic still camera 1100 and the mobile phone terminal 8 are used alone can be improved.

In the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the electronic still camera 1100 incorporates an Ir communication module or a Bluetooth module, while the mobile phone terminal 8 incorporates an Ir communication module or a Bluetooth module. The adapter 1200 is provided detachably. According to this embodiment, it is not necessary to incorporate an Ir communication module or a Bluetooth module in the mobile phone terminal 8, and the circuit configuration can be simplified. In addition, if necessary, the adapter 1200 may be attached to the mobile phone terminal 8, and the electronic still camera 11
00 and the portable telephone terminal 8 can be improved in portability when used alone.

In the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 17, an Ir communication module or a Bluetooth module is built in the portable telephone terminal 8, while an Ir communication module or a Bluetooth module is built in the electronic still camera 1100. The adapter 1200 is provided detachably. According to this embodiment, the electronic still camera 1100 of the wristwatch type, which is particularly required to be downsized, has
It is not necessary to incorporate a communication module or a Bluetooth module, and the miniaturization of the electronic still camera 1100 is not hindered.

In the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the electronic still camera 1100 and the portable telephone
Has an interface and a jack without a built-in Ir communication module or Bluetooth module, and has a cord 1250 detachably connected to the jack.
The image data is transferred from the electronic still camera 1100 to the mobile phone terminal 8 via the. According to the embodiment, the electronic still camera 1100 and the mobile phone 8
Originally, by carrying the code 1250, the image data captured by the electronic still camera 1100 and stored in the storage memory 1105 can be transferred to the mobile phone terminal 8 if necessary.
Can be forwarded to

(Seventh Embodiment) FIG. 19 is a configuration diagram of a network system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment differs from the system of the first embodiment shown in FIG.
0 and an electronic album 1300 for infrared communication.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of electronic album 1300. As shown in FIG.
320 includes a system ROM 1303 and a RAM 130
4. Storage memory (flash memory) 1305, display driver 1306, key input block 1309, and Ir
The communication module 1311 is connected via the bus B. The control unit 1320 controls each unit by operating the RAM 1304 as a work area according to a program stored in the system ROM 1303. The display driver 1306 drives the display unit 1307. The storage memory 1305 stores the image data received by the Ir communication module 1311. The Ir communication module 1311 receives image data transmitted from the electronic still camera 1100 based on the IrDA standard.

In this embodiment having the above configuration,
The electronic still camera 1100, the adapter 1200, and the mobile phone terminal 8 perform control operations as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.
The control unit 1320 operates according to the schematic flowchart of the control program shown in FIG. That is, it is determined whether or not image data has been received by infrared rays from the electronic still camera 1100 (step S61), and the standby state is maintained until image data is received. If image data is received, the received image data is stored in the storage memory 13.
05 (step S62). Next, based on the key input information from the key input unit 1309, it is determined whether or not the image display mode has been set (step S63). If the image display mode has been set, the image data storage unit 81
5 is displayed on the display unit 1307 based on the designated image data among the image data stored in the storage unit 5.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the electronic still camera 11
00, the adapter 1200, and the image taken by each user carrying the mobile phone terminal 8 can be shared on the Internet so that a system that can be freely enjoyed can be constructed, and also the image taken by the user can be obtained. The image data of the image can be stored in the electronic album 1300.

(Eighth Embodiment) FIG. 22 is a configuration diagram of a network system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a game device 1400 is provided instead of the electronic album 1300 in the system of the seventh embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of game device 1400. As shown in FIG.
02 includes a system ROM 1403, a RAM 1404,
Flash memory 1405, display driver 1406, key input block 1409, Ir communication module 141
0, reader / writer 1411, audio processing unit / Amp
1413 is connected via the bus B. Control unit 14
02 controls each circuit unit of the game device 1400 based on a program (OS) in the system ROM 1403 provided in advance. In addition, an image recognition processing unit 1423 is provided in order to implement overall game processing in the present embodiment.

The RAM 1404 functions as a work memory and forms a memory area and the like in accordance with the contents loaded from the game program cassette 1412. The flash memory 1405 includes the electronic still camera 1100
This is a memory for storing a plurality of image data transferred from the server.

The display driver 1406 is connected to the display unit 140
7 is driven. Ir communication module 1410
Is an electronic still camera 1100 based on the IrDA standard.
, And can also transfer the image stored in the flash memory 1405 to an external device. leader/
The writer 1411 reads a program from the game program cassette 1412 based on a predetermined operation from the key input unit 1409, and writes created data and the like. The audio processing unit / Amp 1413 includes the control unit 1
A circuit that expands and demodulates an audio signal from digital data based on control from 402, amplifies the signal, and outputs the amplified signal to a speaker 1414.

In the present embodiment having the above configuration,
The electronic still camera 1100, the adapter 1200, and the mobile phone terminal 8 perform control operations as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 to 9 described above, while the control unit 1402 of the game device 1400 executes the control program shown in FIG. It operates according to a schematic flowchart. That is, it is determined whether or not image data has been received by infrared rays from the electronic still camera 1100 (step S71), and the standby state is maintained until image data is received. If image data has been received, the received image data is stored in the flash memory 1405 (step S72). Next, it is determined whether or not a game start has been instructed based on the key input information from the key input unit 1309 (step S73).
If a game start is instructed, the game program and game data are loaded from the game program cassette 1412 and stored in the RAM 1404 (step S74).

Next, the game background image and the face image of the character included in the loaded game program and game data are combined with the landscape image and the face image of the image data stored in the flash memory 1405 ( Step S75). Thereafter, based on the game program, the game is executed according to the key input information from the key input unit 1409 while performing the game execution processing and displaying the game screen on the display unit 1407 (step S7).
6).

At this time, as the game progresses, the display unit 1
The game background image and character displayed on 407 are
The image synthesized in step S75 is used. Therefore, on the display unit 1407, a character having a face portion combined with the game background screen or the captured image made up of the combined image appears, thereby preventing the player (user) from losing freshness to the game program. Can be prevented. Then, if there is a game end instruction (step S77 is YES), the processing according to the game program is ended.

(Ninth Embodiment) FIG. 25 is a configuration diagram of a network system according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, game device 140
0 is connectable to the Internet 903 via the telephone line 902, which is different from the embodiment shown in FIG. Therefore, as shown in the circuit block diagram of FIG. 26, the game device 1400 includes a communication unit 1420 that includes a modem or the like and can be connected to the telephone network 902, instead of the Ir communication module 1410.

In the present embodiment having the above configuration,
The electronic still camera 1100, the adapter 1200, and the mobile phone terminal 8 perform control operations as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 to 9 described above, while the control unit 1402 of the game device 1400 executes the control program shown in FIG. It operates according to a schematic flowchart. That is, the communication unit 1420 is activated to connect to the Internet 903 via the telephone network 902, download the game program and game data stored in the server 904, and store them in the RAM 1404 (step S8).
1). Subsequently, the image data of the image captured by each user stored in the server 904 described above is downloaded and stored in the flash memory 1405 (step S82).

Next, the game background image and the face image of the character included in the downloaded game program and game data are combined with the landscape image and the face image of the image data stored in the flash memory 1405 ( Step S83). Thereafter, based on the game program, the game is executed according to the key input information from the key input unit 1409 while performing the game execution processing and displaying the game screen on the display unit 1407 (step S8).
4).

At this time, in the same manner as described above, the image synthesized in step S83 is used as the game background image or character to be displayed on the display unit 1407 as the game proceeds. Therefore, on the display unit 1407, a character having a face portion combined with the game background screen or the captured image made up of the combined image appears, thereby preventing the player (user) from losing freshness to the game program. Can be prevented. Then, if there is a game end instruction (step S85 is YES), the processing according to the game program is ended.

The game device 1400 according to this embodiment also has a reader / writer for reading a program from the game program cassette 1412 and writing created data and the like based on a predetermined operation from the key input unit 1409. Since the image data 1411 is provided, image data downloaded from the server 904 can be combined with image data of a game image read from the game program cassette 1412.

(Tenth Embodiment) <Link Configuration of Camera, Wrist Watch, and Mobile Phone Terminal in Tenth Embodiment> FIG. 28 is a configuration diagram of a wearable network system according to the present embodiment.
Is a so-called electronic still camera such as a digital camera that electronically records images, wherein 1a is a diagram viewed from an obliquely upper front and 1b is a diagram viewed from a rear surface. 101 is a shutter key, 102 is a liquid crystal display, 103 is a microphone for inputting sound, and 104 is a speaker for outputting sound. The speaker may be a detachable earphone or headphones, and the microphone may be a detachable microphone.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a wristwatch; 200, a liquid crystal display of the wristwatch; 210, a microphone for inputting voice; and 211, a speaker for outputting voice.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a portable telephone terminal. The portable telephone terminal 8 has a long device main body 802 which can be held by one hand. A telescopic rod antenna 803 is provided at the top of the device main body 802, and a speaker 804 for a call for reproducing an audio signal sent from a call partner by placing an ear during a call at the top of the front is provided. ing. Below the speaker 804, a display unit 805 including an LCD for displaying a message received on a standby screen to be described later, an operation guide of the mobile phone terminal 8, an operation status, and the like is arranged. A plurality of keys 807 are arranged below the display unit 805, and a microphone 808 for the user to input a voice while holding a call is arranged near the lower end of the keys 807.

The keys 807 are composed of keys generally provided in a portable telephone terminal, such as a power key, an on-hook key, an off-hook key, a numeric keypad, and a mode key.

As will be apparent from the following description, the electronic still camera 1, the wristwatch 2 and the portable telephone terminal 8 each have a wireless communication function using the radio 3 and constitute a local network. For example,
Image information recorded by the electronic still camera 1 is transmitted to the wristwatch 2 and the mobile phone terminal 8, and the image information can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 200 of the wristwatch 2 and the display unit 805 of the mobile phone terminal 8. Also, a transmission function from the wristwatch 2 to the electronic still camera 1 side, and a mobile phone terminal 8
It also has a function of transmitting from the to the electronic still camera 1.
From electronic still camera 1 to wristwatch 2 or mobile phone terminal 8
Is transmitted to one wristwatch 2 by one image information.
Not only a single transmission mode for transmitting only once, but also a mode for transmitting the same image information to a plurality of wristwatches continuously or simultaneously may be included.

The communication system will be described later, but a well-known communication system can be used, so that the details will not be described. It is also conceivable that the electronic still camera 1 transmits the message unilaterally, or that the wristwatch 2 returns a response signal to establish a link. A wireless LAN can also be constructed. Although there is a problem of directivity, infrared communication may be used. In other words, the local network means an environment in which data can be exchanged between electronic devices without being limited to a LAN having a server.

Further, the mobile phone terminal 8 communicates with the base station 901 so that the base station 901 and the telephone network 90 can communicate with each other.
2 can be connected to the Internet 903. A server 904 is connected to the Internet 903, and the server 104 accumulates image data transmitted from the mobile phone terminal 8 and stores the image data so as to be accessible from the outside, as described later. Therefore, the telephone network 90 is provided by the personal computer 905 having a built-in modem.
2 and the server 904 can be accessed via the Internet 903 and image data can be downloaded from the server 904.

<Structure of Electronic Still Camera in Tenth Embodiment> FIG. 29 is a block diagram of the electronic still camera 1. In this figure, 10 is a photographic lens, 11
Denotes an aperture mechanism provided on the optical axis of the photographic lens 10;
Denotes a driving unit of the aperture mechanism 11, 13 denotes an image sensor (hereinafter, referred to as "CCD") that receives light passing through the aperture mechanism 11 and outputs an imaging signal of a subject, 14 denotes a driver for driving the CCD 13, and 15 denotes a driver of the CCD 13. Charge accumulation time (imaging time)
A timing generator (abbreviation: TG) for generating various timing signals such as a signal for controlling the operation, a sample and hold circuit (abbreviation: S / H) 16 for sampling an imaging signal from the CCD 13 and removing noise, and 17 for noise It is an analog-to-digital converter (abbreviation: A / D) that converts an image signal after removal into a digital signal. The image sensor (image sensor) is not limited to a CCD, but may be another device such as a C-MOS or an image pickup tube.

Reference numeral 18 denotes a luminance value from the output of the A / D 17.
A color processing circuit for generating a color difference combined signal (hereinafter, referred to as an "image signal"), 19 is a video transfer circuit, 20 is a buffer memory for holding the image signal, and 21 is an image signal compressed by a predetermined encoding method (generally JPEG method) A compression / expansion circuit 22 for performing / expansion processing, a photometric sensor 22 for measuring the brightness of the subject, and a fixed or removable flash memory 23 for recording the compressed image signal. The buffer memory 20 has an area for storing at least one screen image. A storage area for a plurality of screens is provided, the captured images are sequentially stored, and compression processing is performed later to enable quick shooting. The flash memory 23 has a mode for storing a compressed image and a mode for storing an uncompressed image. Thumbnails can also be saved. Furthermore, audio data can be stored.

A CPU 24 executes a control program stored in the program ROM 24a on the work RAM 24b to control recording and reproduction of an image and various control processes accompanying these controls. Work RAM 24
The same memory as b and the buffer memory 20 may be used or the roles may be changed.

A key input unit 25 generates a key input signal in response to various key operations of the shutter key 101, the transfer key 105, etc., and a signal 26 suitable for displaying an image signal held in the buffer memory 20 is displayed. A digital video encoder for converting to a format; 102, a liquid crystal display for an image monitor for displaying a signal from the digital video encoder 26; 30, data transmitted to and from an external device (wristwatch 2, mobile phone terminal 8) via an antenna 31 A communication unit 32 having a modulation circuit for transmitting and receiving data is provided with a bus 32 for connecting each unit.

A clock circuit 40 stores date and time information. The clocking process is performed by the CPU 24, and the timed date / time information is periodically rewritten. Reference numeral 41 denotes a power supply circuit which supplies power of a battery and a secondary battery to each unit. Reference numeral 42 denotes a voice control unit for taking in voice input from the microphone 103 and outputting voice from the speaker 104.

Reference numeral 50 denotes a remote controller for exchanging signals with the remote controller receiver 51. The remote control receiving unit 51 has a CP
It is controlled by U24. A shutter operation or the like can be performed by the remote controller 50. The electronic still camera 1 having such a configuration includes a key input unit 2
5 can be switched between an image recording mode and an image recording mode by a predetermined key operation.
A through mode in which image signals periodically taken out of the CD 13 are converted into signals suitable for display and sequentially displayed on the liquid crystal display 102, and a capture mode in which a desired image signal is recorded in the flash memory 23 by operating the shutter key 101. And can be divided into Reference numeral 110 denotes a Bluetooth transmission / reception circuit module, and reference numeral 111 denotes a Bluetooth antenna. Reference numeral 112 denotes an interface circuit, which is a data output terminal 11 for connecting to a personal computer.
3 are connected.

<Through Mode in Tenth Embodiment> In the through mode (monitor mode of the subject), the CCD 13 disposed behind the photographic lens 10 uses the driver 1
4 are driven by the signals from the photographic lens 4, the subject images collected by the photographic lens 10 are photoelectrically converted at regular intervals, and a signal for one image is output. Then, this signal is sampled by the S / H 16 and converted into a digital signal by the A / D 17, and then an image signal is generated by the color process circuit 18.
This image signal is transferred to the buffer memory 20 via the video transfer circuit 19, and after the transfer to the buffer is completed, read out by the video transfer circuit 19 and sent to the liquid crystal display 102 via the digital video encoder 26. It is displayed as a through image.

<Capture Mode in Tenth Embodiment> When the direction of the camera is changed in this state, the composition of the through-the-lens image displayed on the liquid crystal display 102 changes, and an appropriate time (a desired composition is obtained). ), The exposure and focus are set automatically or manually by pressing the shutter key halfway, and then fully pressed, the mode switches to the capture mode, and the image signal stored in the image buffer of the buffer memory 20 is displayed. The through image displayed on the liquid crystal display 102 is also fixed at the same time as the image signal at that time. And
The image signal stored in the image buffer of the buffer memory 20 at that time is sent to the compression / expansion circuit 21 via the video transfer circuit 19, and the basic information of 8 × 8 pixels is provided for each component of the luminance information and the color difference information. After being JPEG encoded in units called blocks, they are recorded (captured) in the flash memory 23. After pressing the shutter key “fully”, the microphone 103
Is also recorded in the flash memory 23 together with the captured image when "full-press" is performed. Therefore, an audio recording image is recorded in the flash memory 23.

<Reproduction Mode in Tenth Embodiment> In the reproduction mode, the path from the CCD 13 to the buffer memory 20 is cut off, and the latest captured image is read from the flash memory 23, and compressed / decompressed. After being decompressed by the circuit 21, it is sent to the image buffer of the buffer memory 20 via the video transfer circuit 19. Then, the data in the image buffer is sent to the liquid crystal display 102 via the video transfer circuit 19 and the digital video encoder 26, and is displayed as a reproduced image. At this time, if the audio data is stored together with the captured image, the operation of the audio control circuit 42 causes the speaker 104 to generate a reproduced audio.

The reproduced image can be changed by operating a predetermined key of the key input section 25, for example, a plus (+) key or a minus (-) key, and can be changed by operating a predetermined function key. It is also possible to transmit to the outside via the communication unit 30.

<Structure of Wristwatch in Tenth Embodiment> FIG. 30 is a block diagram of wristwatch 2. In this figure, 201 is an oscillation circuit that generates an accurate periodic signal,
202 is a clock circuit for dividing the periodic signal generated by the oscillation circuit 201 to generate a date and time signal representing the current date and time;
Numeral 203 denotes a key input unit for generating a key signal for setting a date and time, etc., 215 a liquid crystal display as a display unit, 205
Is a memory for storing a control program for realizing a timekeeping function and various functions attached to the function, 207 is an antenna, 206 is a communication unit, and 208 is a control unit which executes the control program and controls the entire wristwatch. . When storing the received image in the memory 205, it is desirable to store the reception date and time information of the image in the image (in a file header or the like) or in a file system that manages the image data. . The date and time information may be displayed so as to overlap a part of the image, or may be used for image management and the like.

The memory 205 may have an area for storing a received image or a sound recording image. If the received image is only displayed on the liquid crystal display 215 as a video through and is not stored, the storage capacity can be reduced.

The liquid crystal display 215 is a small-sized flat display device having n × m pixels, and is preferably a device capable of displaying a color or monochrome multi-gradation.

Reference numeral 209 denotes a voice control unit for taking in voice input from the microphone 210 and outputting voice from the speaker 211. 212 is a remote control transmission unit,
It has the same function as the remote controller 50 in FIG. 29, and can control the electronic still camera 1 by operating the remote controller from the timepiece 2.

Here, the communication unit 206 realizes a wireless data connection using the same protocol as the communication unit 30 of the electronic still camera 1. The protocol may be wireless, for example, infrared communication (IrDA), which is a conventional technique of short-range wireless, may be used. However, in consideration of the shortcomings of IrDA (weak against obstacles), FM has little directivity.
It is preferable to use wireless communication technologies such as (frequency modulation) and spread spectrum. Even if one of the electronic still camera 1 and the wristwatch 2 is in a pocket or a bag, data connection can be performed without any trouble.

For example, a radio wave in the 2.45 GHz band is used to cover a short distance of about 10 m, and a one-to-one connection provides a maximum transfer speed of 721 Kbps (transfer rate is 1 Mb).
ps; the next version will be increased to 2 Mbps). A short-range, weak transmission output mobile communication technology called “Bluetooth” is one of the candidate technologies to be adopted. Small transceiver module (Fig. 29
Bluetooth module 30 of FIG.
6 (equivalent to 6). Other, 64
Third-party standard for Kbps PHS, 11Mbp
wireless LA, such as IEEE 802.11 HR DSSS
N communication systems can be applied.

<Configuration of Mobile Phone Terminal in Tenth Embodiment> FIG. 31 is a block diagram of mobile phone terminal 8. The speaker 804, display unit 805, key 807,
The microphone 808 is connected to the control unit 809. Further, the control unit 809 includes a calling speaker 81.
0, a transmitting / receiving unit 811 connected to the antenna 803,
Received data storage unit 813, I / F (interface)
The unit 814 and the standby screen data storage unit 815 are connected.

The transmission / reception section 811 performs wireless communication with the base station 901 shown in FIG. 30 via the antenna 803. The received data storage unit 813 stores received mail data, and the I / F unit 814 stores
(Personal computer) is an interface for inputting and outputting data to and from other devices. The standby screen data storage unit 815 stores image data transmitted from the electronic still camera 1 as standby screen data.

The control unit 809 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM
The CPU operates in accordance with the program stored in the ROM while using the RAM as a work area, thereby controlling each unit and executing processing necessary for the mobile phone terminal 8. That is, the control unit 8
09 is a telephone line network 9 shown in FIG.
02, a calling process for transmitting a calling signal for calling another telephone terminal, a receiving process for generating a ring tone from the speaker 810 when a calling signal is transmitted from the base station 901, a ring tone. When the user inputs a command to connect the mobile phone terminal 8 to the telephone network 902 in response to the occurrence of the message, connection processing for connecting the mobile phone terminal 8 to the telephone network 902 via the transmission / reception unit 811; When the telephone conversation becomes possible, the transmission / reception unit 811 transmits a voice signal input by the user from the microphone 808 to the base station 901 side, and performs processing such as generating a voice from the speaker 84 based on the received voice signal.

Further, the control unit 809 controls the telephone network 902
Then, a process of transmitting message data to the server via the Internet 903 or taking in the message data stored in the server and displaying the message data on the display unit 805 is executed. In addition to such general message data transmission / reception processing, the standby screen data storage unit 815
Display the standby screen image based on the image data (standby screen data) stored in the display unit 805, or transmit the standby screen data to the other party's mobile phone terminal 8 via the telephone network 902, or A process for transmitting to the server via the telephone network 902 and the Internet 903 is executed.

Further, the control unit 809 includes, as described above,
An encoder 891 for converting the message data and the standby screen data into a signal for transmission to perform data communication of the message data and the standby screen data, and a decoder 8 for restoring the message data and the standby screen data from the received signal
92 are built in.

The antenna 803 and the transmission / reception unit 811 connected to the antenna 803 not only have a function of performing wireless communication with the base station 901, but also have a function of transmitting from the transmission unit 30 of the electronic still camera 1 via the antenna 31. It also has a function of receiving transmitted data.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 32 is a flowchart of a control program of the electronic still camera 1, and is a schematic flowchart of a program executed by the CPU 24 in the recording mode. This program determines a mode change in response to a predetermined key operation of the key input unit 25 (step S102) while performing a display process (step S101) of a through image that displays a captured image on the liquid crystal display 102 as a monitor. If the mode is not changed, an exposure control process (step S104) and an image recording process (step S106) are executed in response to the pressing operation of the shutter key 101 (steps S103 and S105).

In addition, a voice recording process (step S107) for recording the voice input from the microphone 103 within a predetermined time from the pressing operation of the shutter key 101 is also executed. It is determined whether the previous mode is the reproduction mode (step S
108) Then, in the case of the reproduction mode, the "reproduction mode control" of FIG. 33 is executed, and otherwise, the other mode selection processing is executed. Here, the operation of the shutter key 101 is not limited to pressing down, and may be performed by a touch key, a remote controller, a computer control, or the like.

Referring to FIG. 33, in the “reproduction mode control”, first, the i-th captured image is read from the flash memory 23, expanded by the compression / expansion circuit 21, and then sent to the liquid crystal display 102 via the digital video encoder 26. It is displayed (step S111). When audio data is stored together with the i-th captured image, the audio data is read from the flash memory 23 and reproduced by the speaker 104 via the audio control circuit 42 (step S112). Here, the initial value of the variable i is the number of the last captured image stored in the flash memory 23, that is, the number of the last recorded image.

If the user wants to change the displayed image (YES in step S112), the user operates a predetermined key of the key input unit 25, for example, a plus (+) key or a minus (-) key to set the value of the variable i. Is updated (step S114), the i-th captured image is read out again from the flash memory 23, decompressed by the compression / decompression circuit 21, and displayed on the liquid crystal display 102 via the digital video encoder 26 (step S111). ), And reproduce the sound (step S112).

When the desired image display and sound are confirmed, it is next determined whether or not to transmit an image (or a sound recording image) (step S115). This determination is performed, for example, by determining the operation of a predetermined key of the key input unit 25. When not transmitting an image (N in step S115)
If the image transmission is performed (YES determination in step S115), the i-th captured image, that is, the liquid crystal display 10
In step S116, a reduced image (also referred to as a thumbnail image) of the captured image being displayed is generated.

Next, it is checked whether the receiving electronic device (in this case, the portable telephone terminal) is busy (step S117). When the receiving-side electronic device performs communication between the local network and the outside using the same receiving unit, even if an attempt is made to transmit data, it is physically busy and cannot be transmitted. In the case where the telephone communication receiving unit and the Bluetooth receiving unit are separately provided, reception may be permitted even when the telephone is busy, and the reception data may be stored in a buffer. In the present embodiment, while the telephone receiving unit is transmitting and receiving, it is determined that the telephone is busy and does not accept transmission. If the user is busy, after waiting for a predetermined time (step S118), the processing from S115 is repeated. If the user is not busy, the reduced image is transmitted to the outside via the communication unit 30 (step S1).
19). If there is audio data, the audio data is transmitted (step S120), and the program ends. Here, the size of the reduced image is, for example, a size suitable for the display size of the liquid crystal display 215 of the wristwatch 2,
For example, when the number of pixels of the captured image is M × N, the M × N can be converted into the number of pixels (n × m) of the display unit 43 of the wristwatch 2 and the display unit 805 of the mobile phone terminal 8. Value. In general, a thumbnail often indicates a heading screen for an index created by thinning out large images. When an image is stored in a flash memory or the like, an image compressed by a compression method such as JPEG and a thumbnail of the image are stored and stored as a set (the thumbnail is also often JPEG-compressed).
At the time of reproduction, first, a list is displayed by thumbnails, and a compressed image corresponding to the selected thumbnail is read, decompressed, and displayed. In the present invention, when an image is transferred, the captured image itself may be transferred, but generally, a compressed image that has been JPEG-compressed is transferred. When transferring to an electronic device having a small display unit such as a wristwatch, it is sufficient to send an uncompressed thumbnail. Then, the transmission capacity is small, and there is no need to provide an extension circuit on the receiving side. In the above description, a thumbnail is created when an image is transmitted (step S11).
6) If the thumbnail is stored in advance as a set with the image, the stored one may be read out without being created again. This also applies to other embodiments described later.

In this embodiment, S11
Immediately after the end of the process in step 6, it is checked whether the receiving electronic device (mobile phone terminal) is busy.
When the transmission processing is performed in steps 119 and 20, it is checked whether the receiving electronic device (in this case, the mobile phone terminal) is busy, and if it is busy, the transmitting device (in this embodiment, Camera) may retransmit after a predetermined time.

FIG. 34 is a schematic flowchart of a timekeeping control program executed by control unit 208 of wristwatch 2. This program first reads a date and time signal from the clock circuit 202 (step S121), and then determines whether or not data has been received from the electronic still camera 1 by the communication unit 206 (step S122). If it is (NO determination in step S122), the clock circuit 40
LCD 21 using the date and time signal read from
The date and time display of No. 5 is updated (step S123).

On the other hand, if it is determined in S122 that there is data reception, it is next determined whether or not the received data is appropriate (step S124).
The image is reproduced from the received data (step S125),
The reproduced image is displayed on the display unit 43 (step S12).
6). If there is audio data in the received data, the audio is reproduced by the speaker 211 via the audio circuit 209 (step S126).

FIG. 35 shows a control unit 809 of the portable telephone terminal 8.
6 is a schematic flowchart of a control program executed by the control program.

If the standby screen data processing mode is set by a predetermined operation on key 807, the processing is executed according to this flowchart. That is, it is determined whether or not image data has been received from the electronic still camera 1 (step S131), and the standby state is maintained until image data is received. If image data has been received, the received image data is stored in the standby screen data storage unit 815 as standby screen data (step S132). next,
It is determined whether or not the reception of the image data has been completed (step S133), and step S13 is performed until the data reception is completed.
2. The process of S133 is repeated.

When the reception of the image data transmitted from the electronic still camera 1 is completed, it is determined whether or not an operation of transmitting the stored image data to a specific party has been performed based on the presence or absence of a predetermined operation on the key 807. (Step S134). If the operation is performed, a calling process for transmitting a calling signal for calling another mobile phone terminal 8 is performed, and when a call state is established, the image stored in the standby screen data storage unit 815 is stored. The data is transmitted (step S18). Therefore, by this process, the other party's mobile phone terminal 8 stores it in the standby screen data storage unit 815.
And display it as a standby screen on the display unit 805 as described later.

Further, it is determined whether or not an operation of distributing the stored image data to the Internet has been performed based on the presence or absence of a predetermined operation on the key 807 (step S13).
6). If the operation is performed, the user connects to the Internet 903 via the telephone network 902 and
3 in the server 904 on the standby screen data storage unit 815.
Is transmitted (step S1).
37). Therefore, in the server 904 on the Internet 903, image data captured by each user with the electronic still camera 1 is sequentially stored so as to be accessible from the outside. Therefore, a person other than the photographer can use the personal computer 9
By accessing the server 904 on the Internet 903 via the Internet 05 and downloading and reproducing the image data, a system is constructed in which the personal image of another person can be freely enjoyed. Of course, the download of the image data may be charged by a known charging method.

In step S138, it is determined whether any of the plurality of types of image data already stored in standby screen data storage section 815 has been selected.
If any image data is selected, the image data is set as a standby screen (step S139), and a standby screen is displayed as a standby screen on the display unit 805 based on the standby screen data (step S140). ). Therefore, by the processes in steps S139 and S140, as shown in FIG. 36A, the standby screen image W1 based on the selected image data is displayed on the display unit 805 of the mobile phone terminal 8 as the standby screen. be able to. Also, as shown in FIG. 13B, by selecting another image data, the display state of the display unit 805 can be changed to the standby screen image W2.

In the above description, FIG.
As shown in (a), the person A is the electronic still camera 1,
It is assumed that the wristwatch 2 and the mobile phone terminal 8 are both carried, but as shown in FIG. 2B, the person B carries the electronic still camera 1 and the person C carries the wristwatch 2 and the mobile phone. A case where the terminal 8 is carried can also be assumed. In this case, if the distance between the persons B and C is short and they are located in the range of radio waves, the data transmitted from the electronic still camera 1 can be received by the wristwatch 2 or the mobile phone terminal 8 of the person C. According to this usage, persons around the person B (persons belonging to the group)
May have common standby screen data. (Eleventh Embodiment) Although a mobile phone terminal is not shown in the following embodiments, similar to the tenth embodiment, a mobile phone terminal can be applied as an electronic device constituting a wearable network. Of course. <Link Configuration of Camera and Watch in Eleventh Embodiment>

FIG. 38 is a block diagram of a link system between a camera and a wristwatch according to the eleventh embodiment. Reference numeral 600 denotes a so-called electronic still camera such as a digital camera for electronically recording images. A diagram viewed obliquely from above, 600b is a diagram viewed from the back. 601 is a shutter, 602 is a liquid crystal display, 603 is a microphone for inputting sound, and 604 is a speaker for outputting sound. 700 is a wristwatch, 715 is a liquid crystal display of the wristwatch, 710 is a microphone for inputting sound, and 720 is a speaker for outputting sound.

As will be apparent from the following description, these electronic still camera 600 and wristwatch 700 each have a wireless communication function using radio 3, and for example,
The image information recorded by the electronic still camera 600 is stored in the wristwatch 7.
00, and the image information can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 715 of the wristwatch 700. Also,
It also has a transmission function from the wristwatch 700 to the electronic still camera 600 side. Electronic still camera 600 to watch 7
In the transmission mode to 00, one image information is transmitted to one wristwatch 7
Not only a single transmission mode in which transmission is performed once every 00, but also a mode in which the same image information is continuously or simultaneously transmitted to a plurality of wristwatches may be included.

The communication method will be described later, but a well-known communication method can be used, and therefore will not be described in detail. Also,
The antenna of the electronic still camera 600 is not shown in FIG. It is also conceivable that the electronic still camera 600 transmits unidirectionally, or that a response signal is returned from the wristwatch 700 to establish a link. A wireless LAN can also be constructed. Although there is a problem of directivity, infrared communication may be used.

<Configuration of Electronic Still Camera in Eleventh Embodiment>

FIG. 39 is a block diagram of the electronic still camera 600. In this figure, 610 is a photographic lens,
Reference numeral 611 denotes an aperture mechanism provided on the optical axis of the photographic lens 610; 612, a driving unit of the aperture mechanism 611; 613, an image sensor (hereinafter, referred to as "CCD" ), 614 is the CCD 61
And 615, a timing generator (abbreviation: T) for generating various timing signals such as a signal for controlling the charge accumulation time (imaging time) of the CCD 613.
G) and 616, a sample-and-hold circuit (abbreviation: S / H) for sampling the imaging signal from the CCD 613 and removing noise, and 617, an analog-to-digital converter (abbreviation: A / D). The image sensor (image sensor) is not limited to a CCD, but may be another device such as a C-MOS or an image pickup tube.

Reference numeral 618 denotes a color process circuit for generating a combined luminance / color difference signal (hereinafter referred to as “image signal”) from the output of the A / D 617, reference numeral 619 denotes a video transfer circuit,
620, a buffer memory for holding image signals; 621, a compression / expansion circuit for compressing / expanding the image signals by a predetermined encoding method (generally, JPEG method); The flash memory is a fixed or removable flash memory that records a compressed image signal. The buffer memory 620 has at least one
It has an area for storing images for the screen. If a storage area for a plurality of screens is provided, the captured images are sequentially stored, and compression processing is performed later, rapid shooting becomes possible. The flash memory 623 has a mode for storing a compressed image and a mode for storing an uncompressed image. Thumbnails can also be saved.

624 is a program ROM 624a.
Is a CPU that executes a control program stored in the work RAM 624b to perform recording and reproduction control of an image and various control processes accompanying these controls. Work RA
The same memory may be used for the M624b and the buffer memory 620, or roles may be changed.

Reference numeral 625 denotes a key input unit for generating a key input signal in response to various key operations such as a shutter key 601 and a transfer key 605, and 626 denotes a buffer memory 620.
A digital video encoder 602 for converting an image signal held in a digital video encoder into a signal format suitable for display;
A communication unit having a modulation circuit for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device (wristwatch 700) through the communication unit 632 is a bus connecting each unit.

A clock circuit 640 stores date and time information. The timekeeping process is performed by the CPU 624, and the timed date / time information is periodically rewritten. Reference numeral 641 denotes a power supply circuit that supplies power of a battery and a secondary battery to each unit.

Reference numeral 650 denotes a remote controller.
Exchanges signals with 1 Remote control receiver 651
Is controlled by the CPU 624. A shutter operation or the like can be performed with the remote controller 650.

[0158] The electronic still camera 600 having such a configuration is operated by a predetermined key operation of the key input section 625.
The mode can be switched between an image recording mode and a reproduction mode. The recording mode includes a through mode in which an image pickup signal periodically taken out from the CCD 613 is converted into a signal suitable for display and sequentially displayed on the liquid crystal display 602, and a shutter mode. The capture mode can be divided into a capture mode in which a desired image signal is recorded in the flash memory 623 by operating the key 601.

<Through Mode in Eleventh Embodiment> In the through mode, the CCD 613 disposed behind the photographic lens 610 is driven by a signal from the driver 614, and the subject image collected by the photographic lens 610 is fixed. Each time, photoelectric conversion is performed and a signal for one image is output. Then, this signal is sampled by the S / H 616,
After being converted into a digital signal by / D617, an image signal is generated by the color process circuit 618. This image signal is transferred to the buffer memory 620 via the video transfer circuit 619, and after the transfer to the buffer is completed, is read out by the video transfer circuit 619 and sent to the liquid crystal display 602 via the digital video encoder 626. It is displayed as a through image.

<Capture Mode in Eleventh Embodiment> When the direction of the camera is changed in this state, the composition of the through image displayed on the liquid crystal display 602 changes, and an appropriate time (a desired composition is obtained). After pressing the shutter key “half-pressed” to set the exposure and focus automatically or manually, and then pressing “full-press”, the mode switches to the capture mode and the image signal stored in the image buffer of the buffer memory 620 is displayed. The through image displayed on the liquid crystal display 602 is also fixed at the same time as the image signal at that time. Then, the image signal stored in the image buffer of the buffer memory 620 at that time is sent to the compression / expansion circuit 21 via the video transfer circuit 619, and the 8 × 8 pixel is output for each component of the luminance information and the color difference information. After being JPEG-encoded in units called basic blocks, they are recorded (captured) in the flash memory 623.

<Reproduction Mode in Eleventh Embodiment> In the reproduction mode, the path from the CCD 613 to the buffer memory 620 is cut off, and the latest captured image is read from the flash memory 623, and compressed / decompressed. After being decompressed by the circuit 21, the buffer memory 620 is transmitted via the video transfer circuit 619.
Sent to the image buffer. The data in the image buffer is transferred to the liquid crystal display 6 via a video transfer circuit 619 and a digital video encoder 626.
02 and displayed as a reproduced image.

The reproduced image can be changed by operating a predetermined key of the key input section 625, for example, a plus (+) key or a minus (-) key, and can be changed by operating a predetermined function key. It is also possible to transmit to the outside via the communication unit 630.

<Structure of Wristwatch in Eleventh Embodiment> FIG. 40 is a block diagram of wristwatch 700. In this figure, reference numeral 701 denotes an oscillation circuit for generating an accurate periodic signal; 702, a clock circuit for dividing the periodic signal generated by the oscillation circuit 701 to generate a date and time signal indicating the current date and time; A key input unit for generating a key signal such as a keypad;
Reference numeral 05 denotes a memory for storing a control program for realizing a timekeeping function and various functions attached to the function, 707 an antenna, 706 a communication unit, and 708 a control unit for executing the control program and controlling the entire wristwatch. is there.

The memory 705 may have an area for storing the received image. If the received image is only displayed on the liquid crystal display 715 as a video through and is not stored, the storage capacity can be reduced. Also, the memory 70
In the case where the received image is stored in the file 5, it is desirable to store the reception date and time information of the image within the file (such as a file header) or in a file system or the like that manages the image data. The date and time information may be displayed so as to overlap a part of the image, or may be used for image management and the like. The liquid crystal display 715 is a small flat display device with n × m pixels, and desirably uses a device capable of performing color or monochrome multi-tone display. An audio control unit 709 captures audio input from the microphone 710 and outputs audio from the speaker 711. A remote control transmission unit 712 has the same function as the remote control 650 in FIG. 39, and can control the electronic still camera 600 from the clock 700 by remote control operation.

Next, the operation will be described.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart of a control program of the electronic still camera 600, and is a schematic flowchart of a program executed by the CPU 624 in the recording mode. This program executes a display process of a through image (step S601) for displaying a captured image on a liquid crystal display 602 as a monitor, while the key input unit 6
The mode change is determined in response to the predetermined key operation of step S25 (step S602). If there is no mode change, the shutter key 601 is pressed down (steps S603 and S6).
05), the exposure control process (step S604) and the image recording process (step S606) are executed. If there is a mode change, it is determined whether or not the change destination mode is the reproduction mode. (Step S607)
In the case of the reproduction mode, the "reproduction mode control" of FIG.
Is executed, otherwise, other mode selection processing is executed. Here, the operation of the shutter key 601 is not limited to pressing down, but may be performed by a touch key, a remote controller, a computer control, or the like.

In FIG. 42, in the “reproduction mode control”, first, the i-th captured image is read out from the flash memory 623 and decompressed by the compression / decompression circuit 621, and is then transmitted to the liquid crystal display 602 via the digital video encoder 626. Display (Step S61)
1). Here, the initial value of the variable i is
23 is the number of the last captured image, that is, the number of the last recorded image.

If the user wants to change the display image (YES in step S612), the user operates a predetermined key of the key input unit 25, for example, a plus (+) key or a minus (-) key to set the value of the variable i. Is updated (step S613), the i-th captured image is read out again from the flash memory 623, decompressed by the compression / decompression circuit 621, and displayed on the liquid crystal display 602 via the digital video encoder 626 (step S61).
1).

After confirming the desired image display, it is next determined whether or not to transmit an image (step S614). This determination is made, for example, by determining the operation of a predetermined key of the key input unit 625. If image transmission is not to be performed (NO in step S614), the program is terminated as it is, but if image transmission is to be performed (step S614).
Is YES), the i-th captured image, that is, a reduced image (also called a thumbnail image) of the captured image displayed on the liquid crystal display 602 is generated, and the reduced image is transmitted to the outside via the communication unit 630. Then, the program ends. Here, the size of the reduced image is, for example, a size compatible with the display size of the liquid crystal display 715 of the wristwatch 700, and the reduction ratio is, for example, when the number of pixels of the captured image is M × N. × N is the number of pixels of the liquid crystal display 715 of the wristwatch 700 (n ×
m).

FIG. 43 is a schematic flowchart of a timekeeping control program executed by control unit 708 of wristwatch 700. This program first reads a date and time signal from the clock circuit 702 (step S621),
The communication unit 706 determines whether or not data has been received from the electronic still camera 600 (step S622). If no data has been received (NO in step S622), display is performed using the date and time signal read from the timing circuit 701. The date and time display of the copy is updated (step S623). For example, FIG.
FIG. 4A shows an example of the date and time display on the liquid crystal display 715 of the wristwatch 700. In this example, “1999/0” is displayed.
8/11 "date information and" 12:23 "time information are displayed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S622 that there is data reception, it is next determined whether or not the received data is proper (step S624).
An image is reproduced from the received data (step S625),
The reproduced image is displayed on the display unit (step S62).
6). For example, FIG. 44B shows an example of an image display on the liquid crystal display 715 of the wristwatch 700. In this example, an image of the upper body of a person is displayed.

Next, a modification of the second embodiment will be described.

FIG. 45 is a flow chart for transferring an image of the electronic still camera 600 to the wristwatch 700 in response to the operation of the shutter key 601. In this flowchart, the operation of the shutter key 601 is detected (step S6).
31) Then, an imaging process is performed. That is, the CCD 61
3 performs predetermined processing on the image picked up in the buffer memory 620 (in the video through processing, performs display processing while repeatedly loading the image into the buffer memory 620) (step S632), performs compression processing (step S633), and flashes. The data is recorded in the memory 623 (step S634). At this time, for example, the image compressed in the JPEG format and the thumbnail image are recorded as a pair. At the same time, the compressed image or thumbnail image is modulated and transmitted (step S635).

The image to be modulated is temporarily stored in the flash memory 62.
3, the modulation / transmission processing may be directly performed in parallel with or without performing the writing to the flash memory 623.

FIG. 46 shows that the image transfer processing is not performed in response to the operation of the shutter key
9 is a flowchart of performing a transfer process in response to the operation of FIG. In this flowchart, first, the reproduction mode is set (step S641). Then flash memory 2
3, generally the last image captured, is read out and subjected to decompression processing, and then read out to the buffer memory 620. The thumbnails may be read together or earlier. Then, the image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 602 (step S643). Here, when an image is to be sent to the wristwatch 700, the transfer key 605 is operated (step S64).
4). Then, the image or the thumbnail image compressed under the control of the CPU 624 is modulated and transmitted (step S645).

FIG. 47 shows a case where an image is not transferred in response to an artificial key operation such as a shutter key 601 or a transfer key 605.
This is a flow in which an image is transferred in accordance with the timekeeping data of 40. That is, the clock data of the clock circuit 640 of the electronic still camera 600 is captured (step S65).
1) When the timekeeping data is, for example, every hour or a specific set date / time (step S652), an image is automatically transmitted (step S653).

FIG. 48 is a flowchart for transmitting a transfer request signal to the electronic still camera 600 using the clock data of the clock circuit 640 of the wristwatch 700 instead of the clock unit 640 of the camera. That is, the wristwatch 700
The timing data of the timing circuit 702 is fetched (step S
661) When the timekeeping data becomes, for example, every hour or a specific set date / time (step S662),
An image transfer request is automatically output to the electronic still camera 600 (step S663).
The electronic still camera 600 that has received the transfer request signal performs an image transfer process, and the wristwatch 700 receives the transferred image.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG.
When a predetermined switch of 00 is pressed (step S671)
Alternatively, a modification may be made to transmit an image transfer request signal to the electronic still camera 600 (step S672).

As described above, according to the electronic still camera 600 and the wristwatch 700 of the eleventh embodiment, while an arbitrary image is being reproduced by the electronic still camera 600, reduced image data of the reproduced image is wirelessly transmitted. And the wristwatch 700 can be located within a radio wave reach area.
Is present, the reduced image data is stored in the wristwatch 7.
00 and the liquid crystal display 715 of the wristwatch 700
Can be displayed.

Therefore, the following system usage can be realized, and a new use of a wristwatch equipped with a display device can be sought. (A) In FIG. 50A, a person A carries both the electronic still camera 600 and the wristwatch 700. The person A can confirm the image captured by the electronic still camera 600 on the liquid crystal display 602 of the electronic still camera 600 when reproducing and confirming the image. It can also be confirmed on the display 715. According to this usage, the liquid crystal display 715 of the wristwatch 700
Can be used instead of the monitor screen (liquid crystal display 602) of the electronic still camera 600. (B) In FIG. 50B, a person B carries an electronic still camera 600, and a person C carries (wears) a wristwatch 700. In a case where the distance between the persons B and C is close to each other and the radio waves are located within the range, image data transmitted from the electronic still camera 600 can be received by the wristwatch 700 of the person C.
According to this usage method, it is possible to easily transfer an image between the persons B and C. Further, when the persons B and C are other persons, it is possible to perform image transfer to an unspecified person,
For example, it can be used like an encounter game in a crowd.

In the above embodiment, an electronic still camera has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. Any image recording device that can electronically record an image may be used.
Needless to say, it can be applied to a video camera.

Further, it is needless to say that the above-described embodiment can be variously modified within the range intended by the present invention. For example, the image transmitted to the wristwatch 700 may be JPEG-compressed image data. In this case, the watch 70
It is natural that the JPEG decompression function is installed in the “0”.

Alternatively, the image transferred to the wristwatch 700 does not necessarily have to be one set of image data. For example, the data of the image to be transferred may be divided into a plurality of pieces and transferred for each divided data. . The image data may be divided at a fixed length from the beginning of the image data, or may be divided into pixels, for example, by dividing a two-dimensional plane of the image into a plurality of regions (or scan line units). May be used as a transfer unit. Alternatively, the frequency components of the image may be divided and the data of each divided frequency component may be used as a transfer unit. The reproduction of the image may be performed after all the transfer data is received, or may be sequentially performed every time the transfer data is received.

Alternatively, the image transferred to wristwatch 700 may be a through image displayed on liquid crystal display 602 of electronic still camera 600 at a predetermined cycle (generally 1/30 second cycle). In this case, the through image may be directly used as the transfer image to the wristwatch 700, or an intermittent image of the through image may be used as the transfer image.

Alternatively, the electronic still camera 600 may be operated from the wristwatch 700. For example, a zoom operation of the electronic still camera 600 from the wristwatch 700,
It is preferable that the wristwatch 700 can be used as a remote control of the electronic still camera 600 when an exposure operation, a focusing operation, an image quality adjustment operation, an angle of view adjustment operation, an on / off operation of a continuous shooting function, and the like can be performed. Further, the present invention can be applied to a personal LAN and a network game.

(Twelfth Embodiment)

FIG. 51 is a block diagram of an information recording system according to the second embodiment. Reference numeral 301 denotes a so-called electronic still camera such as a digital camera for electronically recording images, and reference numeral 2 denotes a wristwatch. These electronic still cameras 30
The watch 1 and the wristwatch 302 are housed in independent and exclusive bodies (corresponding to the first housing and the second housing described in the gist of the invention), respectively, as can be understood from the drawing.

The electronic still camera 301 and the wristwatch 302 each have a wireless communication function using the radio 3 as will be apparent from the following description.
The electronic still camera 301 transmits a date and time acquisition request at the time of recording, the electronic still camera 301 receives date and time information transmitted from the wristwatch 302 in response to the request, and uses the date and time information to transmit the date and time of the electronic still camera 301. It manages.

FIG. 52 is a block diagram of the electronic still camera 301. In this figure, 310 is a photographic lens,
Reference numeral 311 denotes an aperture mechanism provided on the optical axis of the photographic lens 310. Reference numeral 312 denotes a driving unit of the aperture mechanism 311. Reference numeral 313 denotes an image sensor (hereinafter referred to as "CCD") which receives light passing through the aperture mechanism 311 and outputs an imaging signal of a subject. )) 314 is CC
D313 is a driver for driving, and 315 is a CCD3.
13, a timing generator (abbreviation: TG) for generating various timing signals such as a signal for controlling a charge accumulation time (imaging time), and a sample and hold circuit (abbreviation) for sampling an imaging signal from the CCD 313 and removing noise : S / H) 317 is an analog-to-digital converter (abbreviation: A / D) for converting the image signal after noise removal into a digital signal.

Reference numeral 318 denotes a color process circuit for generating a combined luminance / color difference signal (hereinafter, referred to as an "image signal") from the output of the A / D 317; 319, a video transfer circuit;
320 is a buffer memory for holding image signals, 321 is a compression / expansion circuit for compressing / expanding the image signals by a predetermined encoding method (generally, JPEG method), 322 is a photometric sensor for measuring the brightness of a subject, and 323 is The flash memory is a fixed or removable flash memory that records a compressed image signal.

324 is a program ROM 324a.
Is executed on the work RAM 324b to perform image recording and reproduction control and various control processes accompanying these controls (for example, one of them is a process relating to a recording mode control described later). CPU.

Reference numeral 325 denotes a key input unit for generating a key input signal in response to operation of a shutter button or various buttons. Reference numeral 326 denotes a digital signal for converting an image signal held in the buffer memory 320 into a signal format suitable for display. A video encoder 327 is a liquid crystal display for an image monitor that displays a signal from the digital video encoder 326, and 330 is a communication unit 332 that transmits and receives data to and from an external device (for example, a wristwatch 302 described later) via an antenna 331. Is a bus connecting each part.

The electronic still camera 301 having such a configuration can be switched between an image recording mode and a reproduction mode by a predetermined key operation of the key input unit 25.
Further, the recording mode includes a through mode in which an image pickup signal periodically taken out from the CCD 313 is converted into a signal suitable for display and sequentially displayed on the liquid crystal display 327, and a desired image pickup signal is operated by operating a shutter key.
23, and a capture mode for recording the data in the capture mode 23.

In the through mode, the CCD 313 disposed behind the photographic lens 310 is driven by a signal from the driver 314, and the subject image collected by the photographic lens 310 is photoelectrically converted at regular intervals to generate a signal for one image. Is output. After this signal is sampled by the S / H 316 and converted to a digital signal by the A / D 317,
The color process circuit 318 generates an image signal. This image signal is transferred to the image buffer of the buffer memory 320 via the video transfer circuit 319, read out by the video transfer circuit 319 after the transfer to the buffer is completed, and sent to the liquid crystal display 327 via the digital video encoder 326. Sent and displayed as a through image.

When the direction of the camera is changed in this state, the composition of the through image displayed on the liquid crystal display 327 changes, and the shutter key is "half-pressed" at an appropriate time (when a desired composition is obtained). After the exposure and focus are set and "full press", the mode is switched to the capture mode, and the image signal stored in the image buffer of the buffer memory 320 is fixed with the image signal at that time and displayed on the liquid crystal display 327. The through image is fixed at the image at the same point. Then, the image signal stored in the image buffer of the buffer memory 320 at that time is sent to the compression / expansion circuit 321 via the video transfer circuit 319, and the luminance signal and the color difference information are divided into 8 × 8 pixels. After being JPEG-encoded in units called basic blocks, they are recorded (captured) in the flash memory 323.

In the reproduction mode, the path from the CCD 313 to the buffer memory 320 is cut off, and the latest captured image is stored in the flash memory 323.
, And after being decompressed by the compression / decompression circuit 321, is sent to the image buffer of the buffer memory 320 via the video transfer circuit 319. The data in the image buffer is transferred to the video transfer circuit 3.
19 and the digital video encoder 326 are sent to the liquid crystal display 327 and displayed as a reproduced image.

FIG. 53 is a block diagram of the wristwatch 302. In this figure, 340 is an oscillation circuit that generates an accurate periodic signal, 341 is a clock circuit that divides the periodic signal generated by the oscillation circuit 340 to generate a date and time signal indicating the current date and time, and 342 is a date and time adjustment A key input unit for generating a key signal such as 343 is a display unit for mainly displaying date and time information, 344 is a memory for storing a control program for realizing a clock function and various functions attached to the function, 345 is an antenna, Reference numeral 346 denotes a communication unit, and 347 denotes a control unit that executes a control program and controls the entire wristwatch.

Here, the communication section 346 realizes wireless data connection using the same protocol as the communication section 330 of the electronic still camera 301.

FIG. 54 is a schematic flowchart of a timekeeping control program executed by control unit 347 of wristwatch 302. The program first reads a date and time signal from the clock circuit 341 (step S301),
The communication unit 346 determines whether a data request has been received from the camera device 301 (step S302), and if no data request has been received (step S3).
02), the date and time display on the display unit 343 is updated using the date and time signal read from the clock circuit 341 (step S303), and if a data request has been received (YES in step S302), After returning a response signal (step S304), the communication unit 346 transmits the date and time signal read from the clock circuit 341 (step S30).
5) The date and time display on the display unit 343 is updated using the same date and time signal (step S303).

The above processing is repeatedly executed in accordance with the cycle of updating the display of the date and time information (generally, the cycle of one second). As a result, the date and time information display on the display unit 343 is updated in the same cycle, and the presence / absence of a data request from the outside is periodically determined. The effect of being transmitted from the antenna 345 via the communication unit 346 is obtained.

FIG. 55 is a flowchart of a control program of the electronic still camera 301, and is a schematic flowchart of a program executed by the CPU 324 in the recording mode. The program executes the display processing of the through image (step S310) while performing the key input unit 325.
In response to the predetermined key operation, a mode other than the recording mode is selected (steps S311 and S312), and the shutter key is pressed down (steps S313 and S31).
In response to step (5), an exposure control process (step S314) and an image recording process (step S319) are executed. In particular, the image recording process (step S31) is performed.
Before performing 9), a process of requesting a date and time signal (step S31)
6) and a characteristic processing routine of performing reception processing of date and time information (step S318).

That is, when a full-press operation of the shutter key is detected (YES determination in step S315), first,
A request signal for date and time information is transmitted from the antenna 331 via the communication unit 330. If the wristwatch 302 is located at a short distance, the wristwatch 302 returns a response signal to the request signal (see S304 in FIG. 54), so that it is determined that the response signal has been received (step S317). Subsequently, while receiving the date / time information (see S305 in FIG. 517) transmitted from the wristwatch 302, the date / time information is temporarily stored in a predetermined area of the work RAM 324b. And
The image is compressed and recorded in the flash memory 323. If date and time information is stored in a predetermined area of the work RAM 324b, the date and time information is recorded in the flash memory 323 in association with the image data. The “predetermined area” does not necessarily need to be the area of the work RAM 324b. A dedicated memory may be prepared and all or part of the memory may be used.

FIG. 56 is a conceptual diagram showing the recording state of the flash memory 323. The image storage area 350 of the flash memory 323 has a first area 352 for recording compressed image data, A second area 351 for recording date and time information indicating the recording date and time of the image data recorded in the area 352. In addition, the first area 3
It goes without saying that the image data to be recorded in the second area 352 may be uncompressed data, and the date and time information to be recorded in the second area 351 may be in the display format of the Christian era or the Japanese calendar as shown in the figure. May be data arranged in
Alternatively, a specific date and time in the past (for example,
(01 00:00:00) as an initial value, it may be numerical data representing an elapsed time since then. Numerical data is preferable because it can be easily processed into a display format of the Christian era or the Japanese calendar.

FIG. 57 is a diagram in which data recorded in the flash memory 323 is reproduced and displayed on the liquid crystal display 327 of the electronic still camera 301. In this figure,
360 is a reproduced image, 361 is a subject image, 362 is date and time information, and a reproduced image 360 including a subject image 361 other than the date and time information 362 corresponds to data recorded in the first area 352 of the flash memory 323. Date and time information 362
Corresponds to the data recorded in the second area 351.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when an image is recorded by the electronic still camera 301, the request signal of the date and time signal is transmitted to the nearby wristwatch 302, and the date and time signal transmitted from the wristwatch 302 is transmitted. Is received and recorded simultaneously as data indicating the recording date and time of the image. However, since the reliability of the date and time information of the wristwatch 302 is high, such highly reliable date and time information can be used as the image recording date and time. The electronic still camera 301 according to the present embodiment naturally has a special effect that the reliability of the recording date and time can be greatly improved.

The electronic still camera 3 according to the present embodiment
01 may have its own timekeeping function. When the above-mentioned wristwatch 302 is not carried around or not near, the shooting date and time can be recorded without any trouble using the built-in timekeeping function.
The date and time information of the wristwatch 302 can also be used to adjust the date and time of the built-in clock function.

Further, in the above embodiment, the electronic still camera has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. Any image recording device having a recording function of the date and time of photographing may be used, and as described above, a camera using a silver halide film such as an APS camera may be used. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a movie camera.

In the above description, the image recording apparatus has:
The date and time information acquired by another device (the wristwatch 302 in the above example) is transferred, but the transfer information is not limited to this.
Any information that is necessary for our daily life and specific actions may be used, such as navigation information such as the current position and direction, and weather information such as temperature and humidity. Navigation information is provided by a compass or GPS (Global Positioning S).
The sensors may be incorporated in the wristwatch 302, and the weather information may be incorporated in the wristwatch 302 such as a temperature and humidity sensor. In any case, useful information such as navigation information and weather information can be transferred to the image recording device and recorded at the same time as the image. For example, it is possible to carry a preferable information recording system by carrying on a trip or climbing a mountain. Can be.

Further, in the above description, the information recording system using the electronic still camera 301 and the wristwatch 302 has been described as an example. Applicable to

For example, when a system mainly including a camera is called a “camera system”, a camera system in accordance with the concept of the present invention includes at least a time measuring means (FIG. 5).
(See the block diagram of the wrist watch 302 in FIG. 53).
And a camera device (see the block diagram of the electronic still camera 301 in FIG. 52) having an image pickup means (see the CCD 313 in FIG. 52).
The clock device includes a transmission unit (see a communication unit 346 in FIG. 53) that transmits data of the time information or date information to be measured (see the date and time signal read in step S301 in FIG. 54) to the camera device. The camera device may have a receiving unit (see the communication unit 330 in FIG. 52) for receiving the data transmitted from the transmitting unit.

[0211] Alternatively, the timepiece device has sensor means (for example, a GPS sensor) and transmits data acquired by the sensor means or data generated based on the acquired data to the camera device. The camera device may include a transmission unit (see the communication unit 346 in FIG. 53), and the camera device may include a reception unit (see the communication unit 330 in FIG. 52) that receives the data transmitted from the transmission unit.

Alternatively, the clock device is a wristwatch,
The camera device is carried by a person who wears the wristwatch on the wrist, and the transmission unit has a weak transmission output for a short distance (for example, by the above-described mobile communication technology called Bluetooth). Is also good.

Alternatively, the transmission means of the clock device (FIG. 53)
May perform transmission processing in response to a predetermined operation (for example, an artificial button operation).

Alternatively, the transmitting means of the timepiece device (FIG. 53)
The communication unit 346 may automatically perform transmission processing at a predetermined time (date or time).

Also, when viewed as an information recording system, not only data transmission from the wristwatch 302 to the electronic still camera 301 (or a silver halide camera or a movie camera) but also, for example, the wristwatch 302 and the electronic still camera 3
01 (or a silver halide camera or a movie camera) may transmit data to a printing device (printer device). Transmission means to the electronic still camera 301 (or a silver halide camera or a movie camera) (FIG. 52)
And a receiving unit (corresponding to the communication unit 330 in FIG. 52; however, only a reception function) may be provided in the printer device. Body of printer device (not shown) (corresponding to third housing described in the gist of the invention)
Is separate from the body of the wristwatch or camera device.

(Thirteenth Embodiment) <Link Configuration of Camera and Watch in Thirteenth Embodiment> FIG. 58 is a configuration diagram of a link system between a camera and a watch in the thirteenth embodiment. Is a so-called electronic still camera such as a digital camera that electronically records images, and 400a is a diagram viewed from an obliquely upper front,
400b is the figure seen from the back. Reference numeral 401 denotes a shutter key, 402 denotes a liquid crystal display, 403 denotes a microphone for inputting sound, and 404 denotes a speaker for outputting sound. The speaker may be a detachable earphone or headphones, and the microphone may be a detachable microphone. Also, 50
0 is a wristwatch, 515 is a liquid crystal display of the wristwatch, 510 is a microphone for inputting sound, and 511 is a speaker for outputting sound.

As will be apparent from the following description, the electronic still camera 400 and the wristwatch 500 each have a wireless communication function using the radio 3.
Image information recorded by the electronic still camera 400 is stored in the wristwatch 5.
00, and the image information can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 515 of the wristwatch 500. Also,
It also has a transmission function from the wristwatch 500 to the electronic still camera 400 side. Electronic still camera 400 to watch 5
In the transmission mode to 00, one image information is transmitted to one wristwatch 5
Not only a single transmission mode in which transmission is performed once every 00, but also a mode in which the same image information is continuously or simultaneously transmitted to a plurality of wristwatches may be included.

<Structure of Electronic Still Camera in Thirteenth Embodiment> FIG. 59 is a block diagram of an electronic still camera 400. In this figure, 410 is a photographic lens, 411 is a diaphragm mechanism provided on the optical axis of the photographic lens 410, 412 is a drive unit of the diaphragm mechanism 411, and 413 is an image pickup signal of a subject receiving light passing through the diaphragm mechanism 411. (Hereinafter referred to as “CCD”), 414 is a CCD
A driver 413 drives the CCD 415.
3. A timing generator (abbreviation: generating various timing signals such as a signal for controlling the charge accumulation time (imaging time)
TG), 416 is a sample-and-hold circuit (abbreviation: S / H) that samples the image signal from the CCD 413 and removes noise, and 417 is an analog-to-digital converter (abbreviation: S / H) that converts the image signal after noise removal into a digital signal. A / D). The image sensor (image sensor) is not limited to a CCD, but may be another device such as a C-MOS or an image pickup tube.

Reference numeral 418 denotes a color process circuit for generating a luminance / color difference combined signal (hereinafter, referred to as an "image signal") from the output of the A / D 417; 419, a video transfer circuit;
420 is a buffer memory for holding image signals, 421 is a compression / expansion circuit for compressing / expanding the image signals by a predetermined encoding method (generally JPEG method), 422 is a photometric sensor for measuring the brightness of the object, and 423 is The flash memory is a fixed or removable flash memory that records a compressed image signal. Buffer memory 420 has at least one
It has an area for storing images for the screen. A storage area for a plurality of screens is provided, the captured images are sequentially stored, and compression processing is performed later to enable quick shooting. The flash memory 423 has a mode for storing a compressed image and a mode for storing an uncompressed image. Thumbnails can also be saved. Furthermore, audio data can be stored.

424 is a program ROM 424a.
Is a CPU that executes a control program stored in the work RAM 424b to control recording and reproduction of an image and various control processes accompanying these controls. Work RA
The same memory may be used for the M424b and the buffer memory 420, or the role assignment may be changed.

Reference numeral 425 denotes a key input unit for generating a key input signal in response to various key operations such as a shutter key 401 and a transfer key 405;
A digital video encoder 402 converts an image signal held in the digital video encoder into a signal format suitable for display. 402 is a liquid crystal display for an image monitor that displays a signal from the digital video encoder 426. 430 is an antenna 431.
A communication unit 432 provided with a modulation circuit for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device (wristwatch 500) via the interface 432 is a bus connecting each unit.

A clock circuit 440 stores date and time information. The timekeeping process is performed by the CPU 424, and the timed date / time information is periodically rewritten. A power supply circuit 441 supplies electric power of the battery and the secondary battery to each unit. An audio control unit 442 captures audio input from the microphone 403 and outputs audio from the speaker 404.

Reference numeral 450 denotes a remote control, and a remote control receiving unit 45
Exchanges signals with 1 Remote control receiver 451
Is controlled by the CPU 424. A shutter operation or the like can be performed with the remote controller 450.

[0224] The electronic still camera 400 having such a configuration is operated by a predetermined key operation of the key input section 425.
The mode can be switched between an image recording mode and a reproduction mode. The recording mode includes a through mode in which an image pickup signal periodically taken out from the CCD 413 is converted into a signal suitable for display and sequentially displayed on the liquid crystal display 402, and a shutter mode. By operating the key 401, a capture mode in which a desired imaging signal is recorded in the flash memory 423 can be divided.

<Through Mode in the Thirteenth Embodiment> In the through mode, the CCD 413 disposed behind the photographic lens 410 is driven by a signal from the driver 14, and the subject image collected by the photographic lens 410 is fixed. Each time, photoelectric conversion is performed and a signal for one image is output. This signal is sampled by the S / H 416 and A / H
After being converted into a digital signal in D417, an image signal is generated in a color process circuit 418. This image signal is transferred to the buffer memory 420 via the video transfer circuit 419, and after the transfer to the buffer is completed, read out by the video transfer circuit 419 and sent to the liquid crystal display 402 via the digital video encoder 426. It is displayed as a through image.

<Capture Mode in the Thirteenth Embodiment> When the camera is turned in this state, the composition of the through image displayed on the liquid crystal display 402 changes, and an appropriate time (a desired composition is obtained). After pressing the shutter key “half-press” to set the exposure and focus automatically or manually and then “full-press”, the mode switches to the capture mode and the image signal stored in the image buffer of the buffer memory 420 is displayed. The through image displayed on the liquid crystal display 402 and fixed at the image signal at that time is also fixed at the same point. Then, the image signal stored in the image buffer of the buffer memory 420 at that time is sent to the compression / expansion circuit 421 via the video transfer circuit 419, and 8 × 8 pixels for each component of the luminance information and the color difference information. After being JPEG-encoded in units called basic blocks, they are recorded (captured) in the flash memory 423. Further, after the shutter key is “fully pressed”, the voice input from the microphone 403 within a predetermined time is also recorded in the flash memory 423 together with the captured image when the “full press”. Therefore, an audio recording image is recorded in the flash memory 423.

<Reproduction Mode in the Thirteenth Embodiment> In the reproduction mode, the path from the CCD 413 to the buffer memory 420 is cut off, and the latest captured image is read from the flash memory 423 and compressed / decompressed. After being decompressed by the circuit 421, the buffer memory 42
0 image buffer. Then, the data in the image buffer is sent to the liquid crystal display 402 via the video transfer circuit 419 and the digital video encoder 426, and displayed as a reproduced image. At this time, when audio data is stored together with the captured image, a reproduced audio is generated from the speaker 404 by the operation of the audio control circuit 442.

The reproduced image can be changed by operating a predetermined key of the key input section 425, for example, a plus (+) key or a minus (-) key, and can be changed by operating a predetermined function key. It is also possible to transmit to the outside via the communication unit 430.

<Structure of Wristwatch in Thirteenth Embodiment> FIG. 60 is a block diagram of wristwatch 500. In this drawing, reference numeral 501 denotes an oscillation circuit that generates an accurate periodic signal; 502, a clock circuit that divides the periodic signal generated by the oscillation circuit 501 to generate a date and time signal representing the current date and time; A key input unit 515 for generating a key signal such as a liquid crystal display as a display unit,
Reference numeral 05 denotes a memory for storing a control program for realizing a clock function and various functions attached to the function, 507 an antenna, 506 a communication unit, and 508 a control unit for executing the control program and controlling the entire wristwatch. is there. Also,
When storing the received image in the memory 505, it is desirable to store the reception date and time information of the image in the file (such as a file header thereof) or in a file system that manages the image data. The date and time information may be displayed so as to overlap a part of the image, or may be used for image management and the like.

[0230] The memory 505 may have an area for storing the received image or the sound recording image. If the received image is only displayed on the liquid crystal display 515 as a video through and is not stored, the storage capacity can be reduced.

The liquid crystal display 515 is a small flat display device having nxm pixels, and is preferably a display device capable of color or monochrome multi-tone display.

Reference numeral 509 denotes a voice control unit for taking in voice input from the microphone 510 and outputting voice from the speaker 511. 212 is a remote control transmission unit,
It has the same function as the remote control 450 in FIG. 59, and can control the electronic still camera 400 from the timepiece 2 by remote control operation.

Here, the communication unit 506 realizes wireless data connection using the same protocol as the communication unit 430 of the electronic still camera 400. The protocol may be wireless, for example, infrared communication (IrDA), which is a conventional technique of short-range wireless, may be IrD.
In consideration of the disadvantage of A (weak against obstacles), it is preferable to use a wireless communication technique such as FM (frequency modulation) or spread spectrum with low directivity. Even if one of the electronic still camera 400 or the wristwatch 500 is in a pocket or a bag, data connection can be performed without any trouble.

For example, a radio wave in the 2.45 GHz band is used to cover a short distance of about 10 m, and a maximum transfer rate of 721 Kbps (a transfer rate of 1 Mb) is possible by one-to-one connection.
ps; the next version will be increased to 2 Mbps). A short-range, weak transmission output mobile communication technology called “Bluetooth” is one of the candidate technologies to be adopted. Currently, a small transceiver module of about 0.5 square meters (communication unit 430 in FIG. 59 and FIG. 60)
(Equivalent to the communication unit 506).
In addition, 64Kbps PHS self-management standard 3rd edition standard, 11Mbps IEEE 802.11 HR DSS
A wireless LAN communication method such as S can be applied.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 61 is a flowchart of a control program of the electronic still camera 400, and is a schematic flowchart of a program executed by the CPU 424 in the recording mode. This program determines a mode change in response to a predetermined key operation of the key input unit 425 (step S402), while performing a through image display process (step S401) of displaying a captured image on the liquid crystal display 402 as a monitor. If the mode is not changed, the exposure control process (step S404) and the image recording process (step S4) are performed in response to the pressing operation of the shutter key 401 (steps S403 and S405).
06).

In addition, a voice recording process (step S407) for recording voice input from the microphone 403 within a predetermined time after the pressing operation of the shutter key 401 is also executed. It is determined whether the previous mode is the reproduction mode (step S
408) Then, if the mode is the reproduction mode, the "reproduction mode control" of FIG. 62 is executed, and if not, the other mode selection processing is executed. Here, the operation of the shutter key 401 is not limited to pressing down, but may be touch key, remote control, computer control, or the like.

In FIG. 62, in the “reproduction mode control”, first, the i-th captured image is read out from the flash memory 423, decompressed by the compression / decompression circuit 421, and then transmitted to the liquid crystal display 402 via the digital video encoder 426. Display (Step S41)
1). If audio data is stored together with the i-th captured image, the audio data is read from the flash memory 423, and reproduced by the speaker 404 via the audio control circuit 442 (step S412). Here, the initial value of the variable i is the number of the last captured image stored in the flash memory 423, that is, the number of the last recorded image.

If the user wants to change the display image (YES in step S 412), the user operates a predetermined key of the key input unit 425, for example, a plus (+) key or a minus (−) key to set the value of the variable i. Is updated (step S414), the i-th captured image is read out again from the flash memory 423, decompressed by the compression / decompression circuit 421, and displayed on the liquid crystal display 402 via the digital video encoder 426 (step S411). ),
The sound is reproduced (step S412).

When the desired image display and sound are confirmed, it is next determined whether or not to transmit an image (or a sound recording image) (step S415). This determination is performed, for example, by determining the operation of a predetermined key of the key input unit 425. If image transmission is not to be performed (NO determination in step S415), the program is terminated as it is. If image transmission is to be performed (YES determination in step S415), i
The second captured image, ie, the liquid crystal display 4
In step S416, a reduced image (also referred to as a thumbnail image) of the captured image being displayed on the display unit 02 is generated, and the reduced image is transmitted to the outside via the communication unit 430 (step S417). If there is voice data, it is transmitted (step S418), and the program ends. Here, the size of the reduced image is, for example,
0 is a size suitable for the display size of the display unit 43,
The reduction ratio is a value that can be converted into the number of pixels (n × m) of the display unit 43 of the wristwatch 500, for example, when the number of pixels of the captured image is M × N.

FIG. 63 is a schematic flowchart of a timekeeping control program executed by control unit 508 of wristwatch 500. This program first reads a date and time signal from the clock circuit 502 (step S421), and then
The communication unit 506 determines whether or not data has been received from the electronic still camera 400 (step S422). If no data has been received (NO in step S422), the liquid crystal is displayed using the date and time signal read from the clock circuit 402. Update the date and time display on the display 515 (step S42)
3). For example, FIG. 64A shows an example of date and time display on the liquid crystal display 515 of the wristwatch 500. In this example, date information of “1999/08/11” and “12: 2” are displayed.
3 ”time information is displayed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S422 that there is data reception, it is next determined whether or not the received data is appropriate (step S424).
The image is reproduced from the received data (step S425),
The reproduced image is displayed on the display unit 43 (step S42).
6). If there is audio data in the received data, the audio is reproduced by the speaker 511 via the audio circuit 509 (step S426). For example, FIG.
(B) is an example of an image display on the liquid crystal display 515 of the wristwatch 500. In this example, an image of the upper body of a person is displayed. Although not shown, the voice recorded when the person is photographed is reproduced.

(14th Embodiment)

FIG. 65 shows the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, and is a flow chart for transferring the image of the electronic still camera 400 to the wristwatch 500 in response to the operation of the shutter key 401. In this flowchart, the operation of the shutter key 401 is detected (step S4).
31) Then, an imaging process is performed. That is, the CCD 41
3 and performs predetermined processing on the image captured in the buffer memory 420 (in video through processing, display processing is performed while repeatedly capturing the image in the buffer memory 420) (step S432), compression processing is performed (step S433), and flashing is performed. The data is recorded in the memory 423 (step S434). At this time, for example, the image compressed in the JPEG format and the thumbnail image are recorded as a pair. Also,
The voice input from the microphone 403 within a predetermined time after the operation of the shutter key is also recorded in the flash memory 423 (step S435). Thereafter, the compressed image or thumbnail image and audio data are modulated and transmitted (step S435).

The image and sound to be modulated may be written to the flash memory 423 once and then read out, or the modulation and transmission processing may be directly performed in parallel with or without writing to the flash memory 423. Good.

(Fifteenth Embodiment) FIG. 66 shows a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention, in which an image or voice recording image transfer process is performed in response to the operation of the shutter key 401. 10 is a flowchart for performing transfer processing in response to an operation of the transfer key 405 instead of the transfer key 405. In this flowchart, first, the reproduction mode is set (step S
441). Then, the image recorded in the flash memory 423, generally, the last captured image is read out, expanded, and read out to the buffer memory 420. The thumbnails may be read together or earlier. Then, the image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 402 (step S44).
3). If audio data is recorded together with the image, the audio data is reproduced by the speaker 404 (step S444). Here, when an image is to be sent to the wristwatch 500, the transfer key 405 is operated (step S44).
5). Then, the image or the thumbnail image compressed under the control of the CPU 424 and the audio data are modulated and transmitted (step S446).

(Sixteenth Embodiment) FIG. 67 shows a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention, in which an image is displayed in response to an artificial key operation of a shutter key 401, a transfer key 405, or the like. This is a flow in which an image is transferred in accordance with the clock data of the clock circuit 440 of the electronic still camera 400 instead of transferring the image. That is, the clock data of the clock circuit 40 of the electronic still camera 400 is fetched (step S451). The audio recording image is transmitted (step S453).

(Seventeenth Embodiment)

FIG. 68 shows a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flowchart of transmitting a transfer request signal to the electronic still camera 400 using the timing data of the timing circuit 502 of the wristwatch 500. That is, the clock data of the clock circuit 502 of the wristwatch 500 is captured (step S46).
1) When the timekeeping data becomes, for example, every hour or a specific set date and time (step S462), a transfer request of an image or a sound recording image is automatically output to the electronic still camera 400 (step S462). In step S463), the electronic still camera 400 that has received the transfer request signal performs an image transfer process, and the wristwatch 500 receives the transferred image.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG.
When a predetermined switch of 00 is pressed (step S471)
Alternatively, the electronic still camera 400 may be modified to transmit an image transfer request signal to the electronic still camera 400 (step S472).

(Eighteenth Embodiment) FIGS.
It shows an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention. That is, the flash memory 4 of the electronic still camera 400
23, an image data storage area 431 and an audio data storage area 432 are provided as shown in FIG. In the image data storage area 431, in the capture mode, image data captured and JPEG-encoded is stored with the image data NO. Is stored in correspondence with. In the audio data storage area 432, the audio data transmitted from the wristwatch 500 is stored in the audio data N, as described later.
O. Is stored in correspondence with.

Further, as shown in FIG. 71, a data correspondence memory 441 is provided in a part of the work RAM 424b. The data correspondence memory 441 stores the correspondence between the image data stored in the image data storage area 431 and the audio data stored in the audio data storage area 432 in the image data NO. And voice data NO. And memorize it.

FIG. 72 is a flowchart of a control program for electronic still camera 400 according to the present embodiment. In this flowchart, S481 to S486
And S491 are the same as S401 to S49 in FIG.
This is the same processing as 407. However, in the image recording process (step S486), the image data is stored in the image data storage area 431 shown in FIG. Next, the image data No. of the image data storage area 431 in which the image data is stored. Is read, and the data corresponding memory 44 is read.
1 (step S487). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not audio data transmitted from the wristwatch 500 has been received, as described later (step S488). If received, the voice data is stored in the voice data storage area 432 (step S489). Further, an audio data storage area 432 storing the audio data
Voice data NO. Is read, and the image data No. stored in S487 is read. Is stored in the data correspondence memory 441 (step S490).

In the “reproduction mode control” of FIG.
Steps 501 to S506 correspond to S411 in FIG. 62 described above.
This is the same process as steps S416. Then, when the i-th reduced image is transmitted (step S416), the audio data corresponding to the i-th image (image of image data No. i) is stored by referring to the data correspondence memory 241. Is determined (step S5).
07). If the corresponding image data is stored,
This is read from the voice data storage area 432 and transmitted (step S508).

FIG. 74 is a schematic flowchart of a timekeeping control program executed by control unit 508 of wristwatch 500. This program first reads a date and time signal from the clock circuit 502 (step S511), and then determines whether or not data has been received from the electronic still camera 400 by the communication unit 506, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. It is determined (step S512). If there is no data reception (NO determination in step S512), it is determined whether there is audio data to be transmitted to the electronic still camera 400 (step S513). At this time, for example, the key input unit 5
When voice is input from the microphone 510 while performing the predetermined key operation of No. 03, it is determined that voice data is transmitted (YES determination in step S512), and the voice data input from the microphone 510 is transmitted (step S51).
4). The presence or absence of reception of the data transmitted in S514 is determined in S488 of FIG. 72 described above. The date and time display on the liquid crystal display 515 is updated using the date and time signal read from the clock circuit 502 (step S51).
5).

On the other hand, if it is determined in S522 that there is data reception, it is next determined whether or not the received data is proper (step S516).
The image is reproduced from the received data (step S517),
The reproduced image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 515 (step S518). Further, it is determined whether or not there is audio data in the received data (step S519). If there is, audio is reproduced based on the audio data (step S510). Therefore, by performing the processes of S517 and S520, not only the image of the upper body of the person is displayed on the liquid crystal display 515 of the wristwatch 500 as illustrated in FIG. At the time of recording, a comment or the like recorded at the same time is output from the speaker 511.

As described above, according to electronic still camera 400 and wristwatch 500 of the present embodiment, while an arbitrary image is being reproduced by electronic still camera 400, reduced image data of the reproduced image can be transmitted by radio. In addition, when the wristwatch 500 is present in the radio wave reach area, the reduced image data can be received by the wristwatch 500 and displayed on the liquid crystal display 515 of the wristwatch 500. Further, while an electronic still camera 400 is reproducing an arbitrary image, the reduced image data of the reproduced image and the audio data associated with the reduced image data can be wirelessly transmitted, and the wristwatch 500 is located within the radio wave reach area. Exists, the reduced image data can be received by the wristwatch 500 and displayed on the liquid crystal display 515 of the wristwatch 500, and the audio data can be received and reproduced by the speaker 511.

Therefore, the following systematic usage can be realized, and a new use of a wristwatch having a display device can be sought. (A) In FIG. 75 (a), a person A carries both the electronic still camera 400 and the wristwatch 500. The person A can check the image captured by the electronic still camera 400 on the liquid crystal display 402 of the electronic still camera 400 when playing and checking the image. It can also be confirmed on the display 515. According to this usage, the liquid crystal display 515 of the wristwatch 500
Can be used instead of the monitor screen (liquid crystal display 402) of the electronic still camera 400.

[0258] The person A is the electronic still camera 400.
When an image is captured by the electronic camera, the voice can be transmitted from the wristwatch 500 to the electronic still camera 400, and the image captured by the electronic still camera 400 and the received voice can be stored in association with each other. Further, by transmitting the image and the sound stored in association with the electronic still camera 400, the image can be confirmed on the liquid crystal display 515 of the wristwatch 500 and the related sound from the speaker 511 can be received. (B) In FIG. 75 (b), a person B carries an electronic still camera 400, and a person C carries (wears) a wristwatch 500. When the distance between the persons B and C is short and located within the radio wave reach, the image data and audio data transmitted from the electronic still camera 400 can be received by the wristwatch 500 of the person C. According to this usage, the transfer of images and sounds between the persons B and C can be easily performed. Further, when the persons B and C are other persons, the image and the voice can be transferred to an unspecified person, and for example, it can be used like a meeting game in a crowd.

In the above embodiment, an electronic still camera has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. Any image recording device that can electronically record an image may be used.
Needless to say, it can be applied to a video camera.

Further, it is needless to say that the above-described embodiment can be variously modified within the range intended by the present invention. For example, an image transmitted to the wristwatch 500 may be JPEG-compressed image data. In this case, the watch 50
It is natural that the JPEG decompression function is installed in the “0”.

Alternatively, the image transferred to the wristwatch 500 does not necessarily have to be one set of image data. For example, the data of the image to be transferred may be divided into a plurality of pieces and transferred for each divided data. . The image data may be divided at a fixed length from the beginning of the image data, or may be divided into pixels, for example, by dividing a two-dimensional plane of the image into a plurality of regions (or scan line units). May be used as a transfer unit. Alternatively, the frequency components of the image may be divided and the data of each divided frequency component may be used as a transfer unit. The reproduction of the image may be performed after all the transfer data is received, or may be sequentially performed every time the transfer data is received.

Alternatively, the image transferred to wristwatch 500 may be a through image displayed on liquid crystal display 402 of electronic still camera 400 at a predetermined cycle (generally 1/30 second cycle). In this case, the through image may be used as it is as the transfer image to the wristwatch 500, or an intermittent image of the through image may be used as the transfer image. Or watch 500
The user may be able to operate the electronic still camera 400 from. For example, from the wristwatch 500 to the electronic still camera 4
It is preferable that the zoom operation, the exposure operation, the focus adjustment operation, the image quality adjustment operation, the angle of view adjustment operation, the on / off operation of the continuous shooting function, etc. of the 00 can be performed because the wristwatch 500 can be used as a remote control of the electronic still camera 400. . Further, the present invention can be applied to a personal LAN and a network game. Further, the present invention can be applied to a link system between a mobile phone and a portable information device and a clock.

Further, by incorporating a camera in the timepiece, a link system between the camera and the timepiece with various variations can be constructed. That is, an image captured on the clock side can be transferred to the camera, or can be associated with the sound on the clock side or the camera side. Furthermore,
By connecting to a wireless LAN or the Internet, it can also be used as a network.

[0264]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A camera and a clock can be combined so that the system can be used, and a wristwatch having an image display function and a camera can be communicatively linked to provide a new usage pattern.

That is, according to the present invention (claim 1),
Since the audio recording image is transmitted from the camera side and the audio reproducing means is provided on the clock side, it is possible to form a usage mode in which the audio recorded together with the image on the camera side is reproduced on the clock side.

[0266] Also, in response to the operation of the shutter key (Claim 2), the arrival at the set time (Claim 3), or the transmission request (Claim 4), the sound recording image is transmitted from the camera to the clock. With this configuration, it is possible to construct a system for transmitting a voice recording image from the camera to the wristwatch without delay.

Further, according to the present invention (claim 5), the photographed image data and the sound data transmitted from the watch are stored in association with each other, so that a sound memo or the like is blown on the watch. By transferring this to a camera and recording it, an image with a voice memo can be recorded.

Further, since the audio data and the image data associated with each other can be transmitted from the camera side (claim 6), it is possible to easily transfer the image and the audio to a plurality of persons. In addition, this makes it possible to transfer images and sounds to an unspecified person, and it is also possible to provide a usage such as an encounter game in a crowd.

Also, since the image data of the image captured and transmitted by the first device is received by the second device and uploaded to a server on the network (claims 13 and 33), The above server can store image data from a plurality of users who own and use the first and second devices. Therefore, by downloading the image data stored in the server by the third device, the user who owns and uses the first to third devices can obtain an unspecified number of persons as well as the image captured by the user. Enjoy the images captured by each other,
Alternatively, a system that can be used mutually can be constructed.

Further, image data of an image captured and transmitted by the first device is received by the third device via the second device, and the third device transmits the received image data to the network. Not only uploading to the server, but also downloading the image data stored in the server (claims 14 and 34). Therefore, the server on the network accumulates image data from a plurality of users who own and use the first to third devices,
By downloading the image data stored in the server, the user can mutually obtain not only the image captured by the user but also the image captured by an unspecified number of persons.

Further, by making the second device detachable from at least one of the first and third devices (claim 15), the second device can be connected to the first or second device as necessary.
It can be mounted on any of the devices, and the portability can be improved.

[0272] Also, the second device has input means for inputting image data from the first device, upload means for uploading image data received by the input means to a server on a network, and Download means for downloading the image data stored in the server (claim 16), so that an unspecified number of persons can be imaged by not only the first and second devices but also the image captured by the user. It is possible to construct a system that allows the users to enjoy each other or use each other.

In addition, since the generation and transmission of image data are performed in response to the operation of the shutter key provided in the first device (claim 17), a single operation makes it easy and simple. The imaging and the transmission of the captured image data can be performed quickly.

Further, the second device stores the predetermined number of received image data and then uploads the predetermined number of image data to a server on the network (claim 18). The image data can be efficiently uploaded while suppressing the number of times.

Further, the second device is made to function as an electronic album for storing the received image data, and the third device uploads the image data to the server and downloads the image data from the server. 1
9, 36), it is possible to construct a system that allows mutual use of image data while separately storing images captured by the user in an electronic album.

Further, the second device executes a game process based on the receiving means for receiving the image data transmitted from the first device, and the image data received by the receiving means and a game program stored in advance. By doing so (claims 20 and 37), a new way of enjoying the captured image can be created by using the image data of the captured image in the game.

Further, the apparatus further includes a third device, which receives the image data transmitted from the first device, uploads the image data to a server on the network, and stores the image data in the server. By downloading the image data (claim 21), the second device can function as a game machine, and the third device can mutually use the image data.

Also, the third device receives the image data transmitted from the first device and uploads it to a server on the network, and the second device downloads the image data stored in the server. By executing a game process based on the downloaded image data and a previously stored game program (claim 22,
38) The game can be advanced while reflecting the image data uploaded from an unspecified number of persons and stored in the server in the game.

[0279] Further, by using the first device as a portable electronic still camera by wearing it on an arm and using the third device as a portable telephone terminal (claim 22), an electronic still camera that can be worn on the arm and portable. The utilization of the still camera and the mobile phone terminal can be systematically improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the electronic still camera according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a view shown by an arrow A in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the electronic still camera according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the adapter in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the mobile phone terminal according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control program of the electronic still camera according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control program of the adapter in the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control program of the mobile phone terminal according to the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a system configuration diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the adapter in the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the mobile phone terminal according to the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a control program of the adapter in the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a control program of the mobile phone terminal according to the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a system configuration diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a system configuration diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a system configuration diagram showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a system configuration diagram showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a system configuration diagram showing a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the electronic album in the embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a control program of the electronic album in the embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a system configuration diagram showing an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the game device in the embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a control program of the game device in the embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a system configuration diagram showing a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the game device in the embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a control program of the game device in the embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a system configuration diagram showing a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram of the electronic still camera according to the embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram of the wristwatch according to the embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram of a mobile phone terminal 8 according to the embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart of a recording mode control program in the electronic still camera according to the eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart of a playback mode control program in the electronic still camera according to the embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart of a timekeeping control program in the wristwatch of the embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart of a standby screen data processing program in the mobile phone terminal of the embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a display example of a standby screen in the mobile phone terminal of the embodiment.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an example of using the system of the embodiment.

FIG. 38 is a system configuration diagram of an eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 39 is a block diagram of the electronic still camera according to the embodiment.

FIG. 40 is a block diagram of a wristwatch according to the embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart of a recording mode control program in the electronic still camera according to the embodiment.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart of a playback mode control program in the electronic still camera according to the embodiment.

FIG. 43 is a flowchart of a timekeeping control program in the wristwatch of the embodiment.

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a display example of the wristwatch in the embodiment.

FIG. 45 is a flowchart at the time of operating a shutter key in the electronic still camera of the embodiment.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart at the time of operating a transfer key in the electronic still camera of the embodiment.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing time-based image transfer in the electronic still camera of the embodiment.

FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing an image transfer request by time measurement in the timepiece of the embodiment.

FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing an image transfer request by a predetermined switch in the timepiece according to the embodiment.

FIG. 50 is a diagram showing an example of using the system of the embodiment.

FIG. 51 is a configuration diagram of an information recording system according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 52 is a block diagram of an electronic still camera according to the embodiment.

FIG. 53 is a block diagram of a wristwatch according to the embodiment.

FIG. 54 is a schematic flowchart of a timekeeping control program in the embodiment.

FIG. 55 is a flowchart of a control program of the electronic still camera according to the embodiment.

FIG. 56 is a conceptual diagram showing the recording state of the flash memory in the embodiment.

FIG. 57 is a diagram showing a display example of the liquid crystal display in the embodiment.

FIG. 58 is a system configuration diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 59 is a block diagram of an electronic still camera according to the embodiment.

FIG. 60 is a block diagram of the wristwatch according to the embodiment.

FIG. 61 is a flowchart of a recording mode control program in the electronic still camera according to the thirteenth embodiment.

FIG. 62 is a flowchart of a playback mode control program in the electronic still camera according to the embodiment.

FIG. 63 is a flowchart of a timekeeping control program in the wristwatch of the embodiment.

FIG. 64 is a diagram showing a display example of the wristwatch in the embodiment.

FIG. 65 is a flowchart at the time of operating a shutter key in an electronic still camera according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 66 is a flowchart at the time of operating a transfer key in the electronic still camera according to the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 67 is a flowchart showing image transfer by time measurement in the electronic still camera according to the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 68 is a flowchart showing an image transfer request by time measurement in the timepiece according to the seventeenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 69 is a flowchart showing an image transfer request by a predetermined switch of a timepiece according to a modification.

FIG. 70 is a memory configuration diagram of a flash memory according to an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 71 is a memory configuration diagram of a work RAM in the embodiment.

FIG. 72 is a flowchart of a recording mode control program in the electronic still camera according to the embodiment.

FIG. 73 is a flowchart of a playback mode control program in the electronic still camera according to the embodiment.

FIG. 74 is a flowchart of a timekeeping control program in the wristwatch of the embodiment.

FIG. 75 is a diagram showing an example of using the system of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 electronic still camera 2 wristwatch 8 mobile phone terminal 20 buffer memory 21 compression / expansion circuit 23 flash memory 24 CPU 24a program ROM 24b work RAM 25 key input unit 30 communication unit 40 clock circuit 50 remote control 101 shutter key 102 liquid crystal display 103 microphone 104 Speaker 105 Transfer key 200 Liquid crystal display 204 Display unit 205 Memory 206 Communication unit 208 Control unit 210 Microphone 211 Speaker 301 Electronic still camera 302 Watch 313 CCD 323 Flash memory 324 CPU 324b Work RAM 330 Communication unit 340 Clock circuit 344 Memory 346 Communication unit 347 Control unit 400 Electronic still camera 500 Wrist watch 420 Buffer memory 421 Compression / expansion circuit 42 Flash memory 424 CPU 424a program ROM 424b work RAM 425 key input unit 815 standby screen data storing unit 1100 the electronic still camera 1200 Adapter

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/765 H04B 7/26 M 7/14 R H04N 5/91 L

Claims (38)

[Claims] 1. An image data transmission system constituting a link system between a camera and a timepiece, comprising: an image recording means for electronically recording an image of a subject; and a sound inputted in connection with an operation of the image recording means. A camera provided with a voice recording means for recording the voice data and a transmission means for transmitting the voice data recorded by the voice recording means on a radio wave, a display means capable of displaying the current time, and a radio signal from a camera located in the vicinity. An image data transmission system comprising: a clock provided with an audio reproducing unit that receives an electric wave and reproduces the audio data. 2. The image data transmission system according to claim 1, wherein said transmission means transmits said audio data in response to an operation of a shutter key provided on said camera. 3. The camera according to claim 2, further comprising a clock unit for clocking a current time, wherein the transmission unit transmits the voice data when the current time measured by the clock unit reaches a set time. The image data transmission system according to claim 1, wherein 4. The timepiece further comprises means for transmitting a transmission request for the audio data, the camera further comprises receiving means for receiving the transmission request, wherein the transmission means responds to the transmission request. The image data transmission system according to claim 1, wherein the audio data is transmitted. 5. The audio recording means can record a plurality of audio data, and the transmitting means transmits the last recorded audio data among the plurality of recorded audio data. The image data transmission system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: 6. The audio recording device according to claim 3, wherein the audio recording device is capable of recording a plurality of audio data, and the transmitting device transmits the recorded audio data.
Or the image data transmission system according to 4. 7. An image data transmission system comprising a clock and a camera, and comprising a link system between the camera and the clock which can transfer data from the clock to the camera by communication means, wherein the clock has audio input means, An audio encoding unit that encodes the audio input by the input unit, and a transmission unit that wirelessly transmits the audio data encoded by the audio encoding unit, wherein the camera is transmitted from the transmission unit. Receiving means for receiving incoming radio waves, sound data storing means for storing sound data received by the receiving means, and means for associating photographed image data with the received sound data. Image data transmission system. 8. The image data transmission system according to claim 7, wherein said camera further comprises means for transmitting the associated audio data and image data. 9. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the camera is incorporated in the image data transmission system. 10. The timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the timepiece is incorporated in the image data transmission system, wherein the timepiece is a wristwatch. 11. An image data transmission method for transmitting imaged image data and recorded audio data, wherein: electronically recording audio input in connection with the recording operation; Transmitting the radio wave on a radio wave, displaying the current time, and receiving the transmitted radio wave located in the vicinity to reproduce the audio data. Imaging data transmission method. 12. An image data transmission method for transmitting imaged image data and recorded audio data, wherein: a step of displaying a current time; a step of encoding audio input by audio input means; Wirelessly transmitting the received audio data; receiving the transmitted radio wave; storing the received audio data; and associating the captured image data with the received audio data. An imaging data transmission method, comprising: 13. A plurality of portable electronic devices (8, 11).
00, 1200), and a first device (1100) of the plurality of electronic devices.
Comprises image data generating means for capturing an object image to generate image data, and transmitting means for transmitting the image data generated by the image data generating means. The second device (1200) 1 device (110
Receiving means for receiving the image data transmitted from 0),
Uploading means for uploading the image data received by the receiving means to the server (904) on the network (903), wherein the third device (8) is transmitted from the first device (1100). An image data transmission system comprising: receiving means for receiving image data; and download means for downloading the image data stored in a server (904) on the network (903). 14. A plurality of portable electronic devices (8, 11).
00, 1200), and a first device (1100) of the plurality of electronic devices.
Comprises image data generating means for capturing an object image to generate image data, and transmitting means for transmitting the image data generated by the image data generating means. The second device (1200) 1 device (110
Receiving means for receiving the image data transmitted from 0),
Transmitting means for transmitting the image data received by the receiving means to a third device (8), wherein the third device (8) is provided with the second device (1200)
Receiving means for receiving the image data transmitted from the server, uploading means for uploading the image data received by the receiving means to a server (904) on a network (903), and a server (904) on the network (603). And d) downloading the image data stored in the image data transmission system. 15. The device according to claim 13, wherein the second device is detachably attached to at least one of the first and third devices.
The image data transmission system according to claim 1. 16. A plurality of portable electronic devices (110)
0, 1200), and a first device (1100) of the plurality of electronic devices.
Comprises image data generating means for generating image data by capturing an image of a subject, and output means for outputting image data generated by the image data generating means. The second device (1200) comprises: One device (120
And input means for inputting the image data from the input device, and the image data input by the input means is transmitted to the network (9).
03) An image data transmission system, comprising: upload means for uploading to the server (904) on the network; and download means for downloading the image data stored in the server (904) on the network (903). . 17. The first device (1100) includes a shutter key (F0), and both the image data generating unit and the transmitting unit operate in response to an operation of the shutter key (F0) to generate an image. 17. The image data transmission system according to claim 14, wherein data is generated, and the generated image data is transmitted. 18. The second device (120) further includes a storage unit for storing a plurality of image data received by the reception unit, and the upload unit stores a predetermined number of image data in the storage unit. Operates when the image data for the plurality of sheets is stored in the network (90
The image data transmission system according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the image data is uploaded to the server (904) on 3). 19. A plurality of portable electronic devices (8, 11).
00, 1200), and a first device (1100) of the plurality of electronic devices.
Comprises image data generating means for capturing an object image to generate image data, and transmitting means for transmitting the image data generated by the image data generating means. The second device (1200) 1 device (110
Receiving means for receiving the image data transmitted from 0),
Storage means for storing image data received by the receiving means, wherein the third device (8) is the first device (1100)
Receiving means for receiving the image data transmitted from the server, uploading means for uploading the image data received by the receiving means to a server (904) on a network (903), and An image data transmission system, comprising: download means for downloading image data. 20. A plurality of portable electronic devices (110)
0, 1400), and a first device (1100) of the plurality of electronic devices.
Comprises image data generating means for capturing an object image to generate image data, and transmitting means for transmitting the image data generated by the image data generating means. The second device (1400) includes: 1 device (110
Receiving means for receiving the image data transmitted from 0),
An image data transmission system comprising: game processing means for executing a game process based on image data received by the receiving means and a game program stored in advance. 21. A receiving device for receiving image data transmitted from the first device (1100), further comprising a third device (8), the third device (8) comprising: The image data received by the means is transferred to a network (90
21. An apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising: uploading means for uploading to the server on the network, and downloading means for downloading the image data stored in the server on the network. Image data transmission system. 22. A plurality of electronic devices (8, 1100, 14)
00), and a first device (1100) of the plurality of electronic devices.
Comprises image data generating means for capturing an image of a subject and generating image data, and transmitting means for transmitting the image data generated by the image data generating means. The second device (1400) includes a network (1400). 903), the server (904) is accessed, and the server (9) is accessed.
04) a download unit for downloading the image data stored in the third unit, and a game processing unit for executing a game process based on the image data downloaded by the download unit and a game program stored in advance. (8) receiving means for receiving the image data transmitted from the first device (1100), and transmitting the image data received by the receiving means to a network (90).
3) An image data transmission system comprising an upload unit for uploading to an upper server (904). 23. The image data transmission system according to claim 22, wherein the download unit of the second device (1400) downloads the game program from the server. 24. The first device (1100) is an electronic still camera that can be worn on a wrist and portable.
24. The image data transmission system according to claim 13, wherein the device (8) is a mobile phone terminal. 25. A camera which is incorporated as a first device into the image data transmission system according to claim 13, comprising: an image data generating unit which captures a subject image to generate image data; An electronic still camera, comprising: transmission means for transmitting generated image data. 26. An adapter incorporated as a second device in the image data transmission system according to claim 13, comprising: receiving means for receiving the image data; and a network (903) for receiving the image data received by the receiving means. An upload means for uploading to the above server (904). 27. A mobile telephone terminal incorporated as a third device in the image data transmission system according to claim 13, wherein the receiving unit receives image data, and the image data is stored in a server (904) on a network (903). And a download unit for downloading the image data. 28. A mobile telephone terminal incorporated as a third device in the image data transmission system according to claim 14, wherein: a receiving unit for receiving the image data; A mobile phone terminal comprising: upload means for uploading to the server (904) on the server (903); and download means for downloading the image data stored in the server (904) on the network (603). 29. An adapter incorporated as a second device in the image data transmission system according to claim 16, wherein: input means for inputting image data; and a network (903) for inputting the image data input by the input means. An adapter comprising: upload means for uploading to the server (904) above; and download means for downloading the image data stored in the server (904) on the network (903). 30. An electronic album incorporated as a second device in the image data transmission system according to claim 19, wherein: a receiving unit for receiving the image data; and a storage for storing the image data received by the receiving unit. And an electronic album. 31. A game device incorporated as a second device in the image data transmission system according to claim 20, wherein a receiving means for receiving the image data, and the image data received by the receiving means are stored in advance. A game device comprising: a game processing unit that executes a game process based on a game program. 32. A game device incorporated as a second device in the image data transmission system according to claim 22, wherein the game device accesses a server (904) on a network (903) and stores the server in the server (904). A game apparatus comprising: download means for downloading downloaded image data; and game processing means for executing a game process based on the image data downloaded by the download means and a game program stored in advance. 33. A plurality of portable electronic devices (8, 11
00, 1200), wherein a first device (1100) of the plurality of electronic devices captures a subject image to generate image data, and transmits the generated image data. The first device (11) is provided by the second device (1200).
00), and uploads the received image data to the server (904) on the network (903). The third device (8) uses the first device (1100).
Receiving the image data transmitted from the server and downloading the image data stored in the server (904) on the network (903). 34. A plurality of portable electronic devices (8, 11).
00, 1200), wherein a first device (1100) of the plurality of electronic devices captures a subject image to generate image data, and transmits the generated image data. The first device (11) is provided by the second device (1200).
00), and transmits the received image data to the third device (8). The third device (8) allows the second device (120)
0), the received image data is uploaded to the server (904) on the network (903), and is stored in the server (904) on the network (603). An image data transmission method, wherein the image data is downloaded. 35. A plurality of portable electronic devices (110)
0, 1200), wherein the first device (1100) of the plurality of electronic devices captures a subject image to generate image data, and outputs the generated image data. The second device (1200) has the first device (120).
0) and inputs the input image data to the server (90) on the network (903).
And 4) uploading the image data and downloading the image data stored in a server on the network. 36. A plurality of portable electronic devices (8, 11).
00, 1200), wherein a first device (1100) of the plurality of electronic devices captures a subject image to generate image data and transmits the generated image data. Then, the first device (11)
00), stores the received image data, and stores the received image data in the first device (110) by the third device (8).
0), the received image data is uploaded to the server (904) on the network (903), and the image data stored in the server on the network is downloaded. An imaging data transmission method, characterized in that: 37. A plurality of portable electronic devices (110)
0, 1400), wherein the first device (1100) of the plurality of electronic devices captures a subject image to generate image data, and transmits the generated image data. The second device (1400) uses the first device (11
00) receiving the image data transmitted from (00) and executing a game process based on the received image data and a game program stored in advance. 38. A plurality of electronic devices (8, 1100, 14
00), a first device (1100) of the plurality of electronic devices captures a subject image to generate image data, and transmits the generated image data. Network (90) by the second device (1400).
3) Accessing the server (904) above, downloading the image data stored in the server (904), and executing game processing based on the downloaded image data and a game program stored in advance. The first device (1100) by the third device (8);
And transmits the received image data to the server (90) on the network (903).
4) An imaging data transmission method characterized by uploading.