JP2004104533A - Cradle device for digital camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device for storing firmware for a digital camera in a cradle without using a flash ROM of a digital camera as programmable for the firmware and without arranging a rewritable function object code in the flash ROM, and also to provide a cradle device for a digital camera which has a function for rewriting firmware for a digital camera. <P>SOLUTION: This cradle device for a digital camera has a first connector part 10 connectable to a digital camera 3 and a second connector part 11 connectable to an information processor 2, rewrites the firmware of the digital camera 3 through the first connector 10 and has a storage medium 18 for storing firmware for rewriting of the digital camera 3 by the information processor 2 through the second connector 11. In addition, the firmware for a digital camera stored in the recording medium 18 is written in the digital camera 3 by connecting the digital camera 3 to the first connector 10. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a digital camera cradle device in which firmware of a digital camera can be rewritten.
[0002]
[Prior art]
At present, digital cameras have become widespread in the market, and as the number of users of the digital cameras has increased, the functional requirements of users for the digital cameras have also increased, and the digital cameras have become more diverse.
In order to respond to such a function request for a digital camera after shipment from the market, for example, it is conceivable to rewrite firmware data which is a control program for controlling the operation of the digital camera. In addition, when any trouble is found in the digital camera after the market is shipped, the trouble may be solved by rewriting the firmware data of the digital camera. Therefore, the fact that the firmware of the digital camera is programmable is extremely useful for both digital camera users and digital camera manufacturers.
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-232599
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In order to make the firmware of the digital camera programmable, attention is paid to a flash ROM that stores the firmware of the digital camera. In a flash ROM having a large ROM capacity, more digital camera functions can be arranged, but the cost of parts is reduced. Will be expensive. Therefore, it is not possible to mount a flash ROM having a larger ROM capacity than necessary with a programmable firmware on a digital camera.
Also, if the digital camera itself has a firmware rewriting function, the object code of the rewriting function will be placed in the firmware of the digital camera. Is limited to not have other digital camera functions, which goes against the user's function request.
Furthermore, for example, if the object code of the firmware rewriting function in the digital camera is deleted or damaged due to a power failure or the like during the firmware rewriting, the digital camera may not be able to start.
As described above, there is a problem in using the flash ROM of the digital camera as the firmware programmable and arranging the rewritable function object code in the flash ROM.
Therefore, it is conceivable that a device other than the digital camera should have the firmware rewriting function of the digital camera.
[0004]
As a prior art, a digital camera cradle device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-232599 is provided with a digital camera that automatically transfers image data directly from a digital camera to a destination computer system or server. An image sensing device operable to accept light containing the image and output image data representative of the image, a memory operable to record the image data, and that a connection to the network has been established. And an input / output adapter operable to detect and establish a communication connection with the destination system over the network and transmit the stored image data to the destination system, including an external power connection and a communication connection, It is disclosed to provide by a cradle assembly. Although the invention of this publication discloses a case using a cradle assembly as a device other than a digital camera, it does not mention a device for storing firmware of a digital camera and a function of rewriting the firmware of a digital camera.
The present invention provides an apparatus for storing the firmware of a digital camera without using a flash ROM of a digital camera as firmware programmable and without placing a rewriting function object code in the flash ROM, and a digital camera having a function of rewriting the firmware of the digital camera. An object of the present invention is to provide a camera cradle device.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the problem, the present invention is directed to a first connector unit connectable to a digital camera, a second connector unit connectable to an information processing device, and the digital camera through the first connector. A rewriting means for rewriting firmware, and a storage medium for storing rewriting firmware for the digital camera from the information processing device through the second connector, wherein the first connector is connected to the digital camera, The digital camera firmware stored in a recording medium is written to the digital camera.
According to the present invention, by providing the firmware rewriting function of the digital camera to the cradle device, the object code of the firmware rewriting function does not need to be arranged in the program ROM of the digital camera, and the program ROM corresponding to the object code is replaced with other digital ROMs. It can be assigned to a camera function, and can provide many digital camera functions to the user. Further, the object of the firmware rewriting function in the digital camera is not deleted or damaged due to a power failure or the like during rewriting, and a highly secure firmware updating function can be provided to the user. In addition, since the firmware data is stored in the flash ROM of the cradle device, even if the user does not have a PC, the firmware version can be upgraded if the cradle device is provided, for example, without having to carry the PC when going out. In both cases, the firmware can be updated, and user convenience is improved.
[0006]
3. The information processing device, comprising: a first connector unit connectable to a digital camera; a second connector unit connectable to an information processing device; rewriting means for rewriting firmware of the digital camera through the first connector; A storage medium for storing the rewriting firmware of the digital camera through the second connector, and an operation unit for starting writing the firmware to the digital camera, wherein the recording medium is operated by operating the operation unit. The firmware for the digital camera stored in the first connector is written to the digital camera connected to the first connector.
According to the present invention, by providing the firmware rewriting function of the digital camera to the cradle device, the object code of the firmware rewriting function does not need to be arranged in the program ROM of the digital camera, and the program ROM corresponding to the object code is replaced with other digital ROMs. It can be assigned to a camera function, and can provide many digital camera functions to the user. Further, the object of the firmware rewriting function in the digital camera is not deleted or damaged due to a power failure or the like during rewriting, and a highly secure firmware updating function can be provided to the user. In addition, since the firmware data is stored in the flash ROM of the cradle device, even if the user does not have a PC, the firmware version can be upgraded if the cradle device is provided, for example, without having to carry the PC when going out. In both cases, the firmware can be updated, and user convenience is improved.
4. The device according to claim 3, further comprising a version number comparing unit that compares a version number of the firmware stored on the recording medium of the cradle with a firmware version number of the digital camera connected to the first connector of the cradle. As a result of the comparison by the means, if the firmware version stored on the recording medium of the cradle is higher than the firmware version of the digital camera connected to the first connector, It is characterized in that the firmware of the digital camera is rewritten.
According to the present invention, by comparing the version numbers of the firmware data to be rewritten, when the version upgrade is unnecessary, the version upgrade work can be automatically avoided, and unnecessary work is eliminated. The version upgrade work can be performed automatically, and the convenience of the user in upgrading the firmware is improved.
[0007]
Claim 4 is a configuration in which the recording medium of the cradle is configured to be able to store a plurality of the firmware for the digital camera, and name display means for displaying the names of the firmware for the plurality of digital cameras stored in the recording medium. Firmware selection means capable of selecting the firmware for the digital camera for writing to the digital camera, wherein the digital camera is connected to the first connector of the cradle and the selected digital camera firmware is stored in the recording medium. And writing the updated firmware to the digital camera.
According to the present invention, firmware data having a plurality of different functions is stored in the flash ROM of the cradle. Can be rewritten and used. Even if you do not have a PC, you can upgrade the firmware if you have a cradle device. For example, you can update the firmware without having to carry your PC when you go out, improving user convenience. I do.
Claim 5 is a configuration in which the recording medium of the cradle is configured to be able to store a plurality of the firmware for the digital camera, and name display means for displaying the names of the firmware for the plurality of digital cameras stored in the recording medium. Firmware selection means for selecting the firmware for the digital camera for writing to the digital camera, and operating the operation unit of the cradle to operate the selected firmware stored in the recording medium. It is characterized by writing to a camera.
According to the present invention, firmware data having a plurality of different functions is stored in the flash ROM of the cradle. Can be rewritten and used. Even if you do not have a PC, you can upgrade the firmware if you have a cradle device. For example, you can update the firmware without having to carry your PC when you go out, improving user convenience. I do.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium of the cradle, an image file photographed by the digital camera is stored in the storage medium via the first connector together with the firmware for the digital camera.
According to the present invention, by using the flash ROM for storing the firmware of the cradle as an auxiliary storage device for image data taken by a digital camera, even if the user does not have a PC, the user can carry the cradle device. In addition, the image data of the digital camera can be stored, and the convenience of the user is improved.
[0008]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a system configuration of a cradle device including a digital camera. In FIG. 1, the cradle 1 includes a first connector 10 for connecting to a digital camera 3 and a second connector 11 for connecting to a PC (personal computer) 2. Here, the cable 4 for connecting to the PC 2 can be connected to the second connector 11.
Further, the cradle 1 includes a selection button 12, a start button 13, a display unit 14, and an AC jack 15 in addition to the first connector 10 and the second connector 11. A cable 6 having an AC adapter 5 for converting power to AC-DC is connected to the AC jack 15.
[0009]
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the cradle 1. To the cradle 1, a first connector 10 for connecting the digital camera 3 also shown in FIG. 1, a second connector 11 for connecting to the PC 2, and an AC adapter 5 for supplying DC power to the cradle 1 are connected. An AC jack 15 is provided.
The cradle 1 has a DC-DC converter circuit 19 for supplying power to each unit of the communication I / F controller 16, the CPU 17, and the flash ROM 18. The CPU 17 is connected to the selection button 12 and the start button 13 for obtaining inputs. , An output display unit 14, and a communication I / F controller 16 connected to the second connector 11, a flash ROM 18, and the first connector 10.
In this case, the flash ROM 18 stores firmware data for the digital camera. Further, the communication I / F controller 16 performs data communication with the PC 2 connected via the second connector 11. Therefore, the digital camera firmware data can be transferred from the PC 2 to the cradle 1 via the communication I / F controller 16 and stored in the flash ROM 18. The flash ROM 18 can store a plurality of firmware for digital cameras.
In such a configuration, when the digital camera 3 is connected to the first connector 10, the “rewrite control” terminal of the first connector 10 is used, and the CPU 17 determines that the digital camera 3 is connected to the cradle 1. Detected, the firmware data stored in the flash ROM 18 is transferred to the digital camera 3 using the "communication I / F" terminal of the first connector 10, and the firmware is rewritten.
On the other hand, when the PC 2 is connected to the second connector 11, the “communication I / F” terminal of the second connector 11 is used, and the firmware data is stored in the flash ROM 18 via the communication I / F controller 16.
The selection button 12 is a button for selecting a plurality of firmware stored in the flash ROM 18, the display unit 14 displays the name of the selected firmware, and the start button 13 is Is a button for starting rewriting.
[0010]
FIG. 3 shows a configuration of the digital camera 3 connected to the cradle 1. A subject image is input to the CCD 30, which is an image sensor, and is converted into an electric signal. An image sensor output signal is converted into a digital signal at an optimum sampling frequency (for example, an integral multiple of the number of color subcarriers in the NTSC system) by an A / D conversion circuit 32 through a CDS (correlated double sampling) circuit 31. . The CDS output signal converted to a digital signal by the A / D conversion circuit 32 is subjected to normal camera signal processing such as gamma correction and color separation by a digital signal processing circuit 33, and Y (luminance), Cb, Cr (color difference) ) A signal is created. This signal is encoded by an image compression circuit in the digital signal processing circuit 33. The CPU 34 records the encoded image data in the removable memory 35.
Here, the CPU 34 controls all operations inside the digital camera. Further, a program for controlling the digital camera 3 is stored in the flash ROM 36. The program data in the flash ROM 36 is rewritable. The CPU 34 controls the digital camera 3 based on a program stored in the flash ROM 36.
As a power source of the digital camera 3, a charging battery 37, for example, a NiCd, nickel-metal hydride, lithium battery, or the like is connected to the DC-DC converter 38.
The cradle 1 is connected to the connector 39 connected to the CPU 34. The CPU 34 notifies the connection to the cradle 1 from the “rewrite control” terminal of the connector 39, and uses the “communication I / F” terminal of the connector 39 to store the firmware data stored in the flash ROM 18 of the cradle 1. Is transferred to the digital camera 3, and the firmware data of the digital camera 3 is updated by writing the firmware data in the flash ROM 36 of the digital camera 3. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 40 denotes a drive control unit for the CCD 30, CDS 31, and A / D 32.
[0011]
Hereinafter, rewriting of firmware data using the cradle 1 shown in FIG. 2 and the digital camera 3 shown in FIG. 3 will be described.
6, the digital camera firmware data is transferred to the cradle 1 from the PC 2 connected to the second connector 11 of the cradle 1 in FIG. 2 (step S50). In this case, the communication I / F controller 16 of FIG. 2 performs data communication with the PC 2, and the firmware data is stored in the flash ROM 18 of FIG. 2 via the CPU 17 of FIG. 2 (step S51). Next, when the digital camera 3 shown in FIG. 3 is connected to the first connector 10 of FIG. 2 (step S52), the cradle 1 is connected to the cradle 1 from the “rewrite control” terminal of the first connector 10. Is detected (step S53). When the cradle 1 detects that the digital camera 3 is connected, the cradle 1 reads out the firmware data for the digital camera from the flash ROM 18 in FIG. 2 and transfers the firmware data through the “communication I / F” terminal of the first connector 10 in FIG. 3 (step S54), and writes this firmware data into the flash ROM 36 of FIG. 3 (step S55).
As yet another second example, in FIG. 7, the digital camera firmware data is transferred to the cradle 1 from the PC 2 connected to the second connector 11 of the cradle 1 in FIG. 2 (step S60). The communication I / F controller 16 of FIG. 2 performs data communication with the PC 2, and stores the data in the flash ROM 18 of FIG. 2 via the CPU 17 of FIG. 2 (step S61). The connector 39 of the digital camera 3 shown in FIG. 3 is connected to the first connector 10 of the cradle 1 of FIG. 2 (Step S62). When the start button 13 in FIG. 2 is pressed, the firmware data for the digital camera is read from the flash ROM 18 in FIG. 2, and the firmware data is transferred to the digital camera 3 through the “communication I / F” terminal of the first connector 10 in FIG. (Step S64), the firmware data is written to the flash ROM 36 of FIG. 3 (Step S65).
Further, in another third example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the digital camera 3 according to FIG. 6 is connected to the cradle 1 and the cradle 1 detects the connection, or when the start button 13 of the cradle 1 shown in FIG. At this time, the CPU 17 of FIG. 2 reads the version number (version number) of the firmware data stored in the flash ROM 18 of FIG. 2 (step S70), and the CPU 34 of FIG. 3 stores the version number in the flash ROM 36 of FIG. The CPU 17 of FIG. 2 reads out the version number of the firmware data that has been written (step S71), and acquires the firmware data version number information of the flash ROM 36 of FIG. 3 via the communication I / F terminal of the first connector 10 of FIG. Then (step S72), the CPU 17 of FIG. 2 compares the respective firmware version numbers. (Step S73), and a determination is made (Step S74). Only when the version number of the firmware data stored in the flash ROM 18 in FIG. 2 is a newer version, the "communication I / F" of the first connector in FIG. The firmware data is transferred to the digital camera through the "" terminal, and the firmware data is written in the flash ROM of FIG. 3 (step S75). If not, no rewriting is performed (step S76).
[0012]
In FIG. 9, another fourth example will be described. The digital camera firmware data is transferred to the cradle 1 from the PC 2 connected to the second connector 11 of the cradle 1 in FIG. 2 (step S80). The communication I / F controller 16 of FIG. 2 performs data communication with the PC 2 and stores the data in the flash ROM 18 of FIG. 2 via the CPU 17 of FIG. 2 (step S81). A plurality of different firmware data for digital cameras can be stored in the flash ROM 18 in FIG. 2, and a plurality of firmware data is stored in the flash ROM 18 in FIG. 2 as in a memory area shown in FIG. It is possible. The name of the firmware data to be written to the digital camera 3 is displayed on the display unit 14 in FIG. 2, and the firmware to be written is selected by pressing the selection button 12 in FIG. 2 (step S82). When the digital camera 3 shown in FIG. 3 is connected to the first connector 10 of FIG. 2 (step S83), the cradle 1 connects the digital camera 3 to the cradle 1 from the “rewrite control” terminal of the first connector 10. It is detected that the operation has been performed (step S84). When the cradle 1 detects that the digital camera 3 is connected, the cradle 1 reads the digital camera firmware data from the flash ROM 18 of FIG. 2 and transfers the firmware data to the digital camera through the “communication I / F” terminal of the first connector 10 of FIG. 3 (step S85), and writes the firmware data into the flash ROM 36 of FIG. 3 (step S86).
[0013]
FIG. 10 shows still another fifth example, in which firmware data for a digital camera is transferred to the cradle 1 from the PC 2 connected to the second connector 11 of the cradle 1 in FIG. 2 (step S90). The communication I / F controller 16 of FIG. 2 performs data communication with the PC 2, and the firmware data is stored in the flash ROM 18 of FIG. 2 via the CPU 17 of FIG. 2 (step S91). Note that a plurality of different firmware data for digital cameras can be stored in the flash ROM 18 of FIG. 2, and a plurality of firmware data can be stored in the flash ROM 18 of FIG. 2 as shown in FIG. . The name of the firmware data to be written to the digital camera 3 is displayed on the display unit 14 in FIG. 2, and the firmware to be written is selected by pressing the selection button 12 in FIG. 2 (step S92). The digital camera 3 shown in FIG. 3 is connected to the first connector 10 in FIG. 2 (Step S93). When the start button 13 in FIG. 2 is pressed (step S94), the firmware data for the digital camera is read from the flash ROM 18 in FIG. 2, and the firmware data is transferred to the digital camera through the “communication I / F” terminal of the first connector 10 in FIG. 3 (step S95), and writes the firmware data into the flash ROM 36 of FIG. 3 (step S96).
[0014]
In another sixth example, as shown in FIG. 11, the digital camera 3 shown in FIG. 3 is connected to the first connector 10 in FIG. 2 (step S100). When the start button 13 in FIG. 2 is pressed (step S101), an image transfer request is made to the connected digital camera 3 through the “communication I / F” terminal of the first connector 10 in FIG. Upon receiving the request, the CPU 36 in FIG. 3 reads out the captured image data stored in the memory 35 in FIG. 3 (step S102), and via the “communication I / F” terminal of the connector 39 in FIG. The image data is transferred to the cradle 1 (Step S102). The cradle 1 of FIG. 2 writes the received image data into the flash ROM 18 of FIG. 2 (Step S104). As shown in FIG. 5, data is written in the flash ROM 18 in FIG. 2 by sharing the firmware data and the flash ROM.
[0015]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, by providing the cradle device with the firmware rewriting function of the digital camera, the object code of the firmware rewriting function does not need to be arranged in the program ROM of the digital camera. The program ROM can be assigned to other digital camera functions, and one or more digital camera functions can be provided to the user. Further, the object of the firmware rewriting function in the digital camera is not deleted or damaged due to a power failure or the like during rewriting, and a highly secure firmware updating function can be provided to the user. In addition, since the firmware data is stored in the flash ROM of the cradle device, even if the user does not have a PC, the firmware version can be upgraded if the cradle device is provided, for example, without having to carry the PC when going out. In both cases, the firmware can be updated, and user convenience is improved.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the cradle device has the firmware rewriting function of the digital camera, so that the object code of the firmware rewriting function does not need to be arranged in the program ROM of the digital camera. It can be assigned to a camera function, and can provide many digital camera functions to the user. Further, the object of the firmware rewriting function in the digital camera is not deleted or damaged due to a power failure or the like during rewriting, and a highly secure firmware updating function can be provided to the user. In addition, since the firmware data is stored in the flash ROM of the cradle device, even if the user does not have a PC, the firmware version can be upgraded if the cradle device is provided, for example, without having to carry the PC when going out. In both cases, the firmware can be updated, and user convenience is improved.
According to the third aspect of the invention, by comparing the version numbers of the firmware data to be rewritten, when the version upgrade is unnecessary, the version upgrade work can be automatically avoided, and the unnecessary work is eliminated. The version upgrade work can be performed automatically, and the convenience of the user in upgrading the firmware is improved.
[0016]
In the fourth aspect, firmware data having a plurality of different functions is stored in the flash ROM of the cradle. Can be rewritten and used. Even if you do not have a PC, you can upgrade the firmware if you have a cradle device. For example, you can update the firmware without having to carry your PC when you go out, improving user convenience. I do.
According to the fifth aspect, firmware data having a plurality of different functions is stored in the flash ROM of the cradle. Can be rewritten and used. Even if you do not have a PC, you can upgrade the firmware if you have a cradle device. For example, you can update the firmware without having to carry your PC when you go out, improving user convenience. I do.
According to the present invention, not only the firmware for the digital camera but also the image file photographed by the digital camera is stored in the storage medium via the first connector on the recording medium of the cradle. By using a flash ROM as an auxiliary storage device for image data captured by a digital camera, even if you do not have a PC, you can save image data from the digital camera if you have a cradle device. It becomes possible, and the convenience for the user is improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a cradle device including a digital camera.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a cradle.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a digital camera connected to a cradle.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a memory area.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a memory area.
FIG. 6 is a first flowchart for rewriting firmware data.
FIG. 7 is a second flowchart for rewriting firmware data.
FIG. 8 is a third rewriting flowchart of firmware data.
FIG. 9 is a fourth flowchart for rewriting firmware data.
FIG. 10 is a fifth flowchart for rewriting firmware data.
FIG. 11 is a sixth flowchart for rewriting firmware data.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 cradle, 2 PC, 3 digital camera, 10 first connector, 11 second connector, 12 selection button, 13 start button, 14 display, 16 communication I / F controller, 17, 34 CPU, 18, 36 flash ROM, 35 memories, 39 connectors.

Claims (6)

A first connector unit connectable to a digital camera, a second connector unit connectable to an information processing device, rewriting means for rewriting firmware of the digital camera through the first connector, and a second connector from the information processing device. A storage medium for storing rewriting firmware of the digital camera through
The digital camera cradle device, wherein the first connector writes the digital camera firmware stored in the recording medium to the digital camera by connecting the digital camera. A first connector unit connectable to a digital camera, a second connector unit connectable to an information processing device, rewriting means for rewriting firmware of the digital camera through the first connector, and a second connector from the information processing device. A storage medium for storing rewriting firmware of the digital camera through, and an operation unit for starting writing the firmware to the digital camera,
A cradle device for a digital camera, wherein the firmware for the digital camera stored in the recording medium is written to the digital camera connected to the first connector by operating the operation unit. . A version number comparison unit that compares the firmware version number stored in the recording medium of the cradle and the firmware version number of the digital camera connected to the first connector of the cradle,
As a result of the comparison by the version number comparing means, the version number of the firmware stored in the recording medium of the cradle is higher than the firmware version number of the digital camera connected to the first connector. 3. The digital camera cradle device according to claim 1, wherein in the case of (1), the firmware of the digital camera is rewritten. The recording medium of the cradle has a configuration capable of storing a plurality of firmware for the digital camera, a name display means for displaying names of the firmware for the plurality of digital cameras stored in the recording medium, and writing in the digital camera. Firmware selection means capable of selecting the firmware for the digital camera for,
2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the selected firmware stored in the recording medium is written into the digital camera by connecting the digital camera to a first connector of the cradle. 3. Cradle device for digital camera. The recording medium of the cradle has a configuration capable of storing a plurality of firmware for the digital camera, a name display means for displaying names of the firmware for the plurality of digital cameras stored in the recording medium, and writing in the digital camera. Firmware selection means capable of selecting the firmware for the digital camera for,
The digital camera cradle device according to claim 2, wherein the selected firmware stored in the recording medium is written to the digital camera by operating an operation unit of the cradle. . The recording medium of the cradle, together with the firmware for the digital camera, stores an image file photographed by the digital camera in the storage medium via a first connector. Item 8. A cradle device for a digital camera according to item 1.

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