JP2006033896A - Electronic imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize an electronic imaging apparatus which eliminates operational complexity, is excellent in handleability and has a handy communication function. <P>SOLUTION: When a transmission mode is selected, operation for sending image data selected by an image selection means to a communication destination is performed and when a reception mode is selected, presence of image data to be received is indicated on a display means, so that the image data to be received can be received according to operation by a user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic imaging apparatus, and more particularly to an electronic imaging apparatus that enables transmission of image data to an external device.

  In recent years, there have been proposals for multifunctionalization of electronic imaging devices such as digital still video cameras (hereinafter referred to as DSCs) that use IC memory cards, magnetic recording media, magneto-optical recording media, flash memories and the like as recording media. Many have been made. As one of them, there is a proposal of a DSC capable of performing personal computer network communication as an image data transmission / reception system to an external device.

  In the conventional apparatus, when transmitting the image data as described above, the operation for transmission is complicated. In particular, an operation for setting a communication destination for transmitting image data is complicated.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and eliminates the complexity of an operation for transmitting image data and an operation for setting a communication destination, and when receiving image data. An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic imaging apparatus that can receive image data with the intention of the user, is easy to use, and has a handy communication function.

  An electronic image pickup apparatus according to the present invention includes an image pickup circuit including an image pickup element for generating an image signal from a subject image obtained through a photographing lens, and an A for converting the image signal into digitized data. / D conversion means, compression means for compressing the data and obtaining compressed image data, signal supply means for recording the image data compressed by the compression means on an image recording medium, and the image Decompression means for decompressing image data read from the recording medium, display means for displaying the data decompressed by the decompression means, and image data recorded on the image recording medium A communication interface for sending to a communication destination, a transmission mode for sending image data recorded on the image recording medium to the outside, or a reception mode for receiving image data from the outside Communication execution means capable of selectively executing, a communication destination memory for storing predetermined communication destination information to which the image data is transmitted, and the communication destination information stored in the communication destination memory. A display controller for displaying on the display means, a communication destination selection means for selecting a desired communication destination while displaying the communication destination information on the display means, and an image recorded on the image recording medium Image selection means for selecting the image data by switching the reproduced image while displaying the data on the display means, and the communication execution means is selected by the image selection means when the transmission mode is selected. The received image data is sent to the communication destination, and when the reception mode is selected, the display means that there is image data to be received is displayed in accordance with the user's operation. It characterized in that for receiving image data to be the reception.

  According to the present invention, arbitrary image data can be selected from image data obtained by photographing with a simple operation and transmitted to the outside.

  Further, the communication destination memory for storing the communication destination information is provided, and the communication destination information stored in the communication destination memory can be displayed on the display means so that a desired communication destination can be selected. Easy to do.

  In addition, when receiving image data, instead of receiving image data suddenly, the display means that there is image data to be received and received according to the user's operation. Such reception of image data can be executed according to the intention of the user.

  As described above, it is possible to realize an electronic imaging apparatus that eliminates the complexity of the operation, is easy to use, and has a handy communication function.

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

  The system system diagram of FIG. 1 uses a personal computer network to transmit and receive image data and / or audio data, control data, etc. of the DSC 20 or DSC 20A, which is the electronic imaging apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention. The system system | strain in the case of performing is shown.

  As shown in the figure, communication such as image data between the DSC 20 or 20A and the personal computer network host 104 is performed via modems 102 and 106 and telephone lines 103 and 105. The image data transmitted from the DSC 20 is uploaded and written in the mail box 104a in the PC 104. Further, the image data in the mailbox 104a is downloaded and written in the receiving side DSC 20A.

  FIG. 2 is an external view of a DSC (digital still camera) 20 according to the present embodiment. The DSC 20 uses a memory card 17 such as a PC card as a recording medium for the image information.

  In the present DSC 20, as shown in FIG. 2, the photographing lens 1 is disposed on the front surface portion of the camera exterior body. On the upper surface of the exterior body 18, an operation switch group 14 (14a to 14g) for operating instructions, an LCD display unit 13, and a release switch button 19 are disposed. Further, on the side portion, a video signal output terminal 7, a connector 15a which is an RS-232CI / F15 (see FIG. 4) connection portion for signal exchange with an external device such as a modem, and a memory card which is a recording medium. Seventeen insertion ports 18a are provided.

  FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the operation switch group 14 (14 a to 14 g) and the LCD display unit 13 disposed on the upper surface of the DSC exterior body 18.

  Among the switch groups, 14a is a DSC power (POWER) switch, 14b is a registration switch for registering a communication protocol (procedure) and telephone number at the time of data communication, and 14c is at the time of registration execution or data communication. The execution switches 14d and 14e operated at the time of execution are the reproduction frame No. This is an up / down switch for designating a registered telephone number. Further, 14g is a slide switch for switching between the DSC camera mode and the communication mode, and 14f is a slide for switching between the reproduction mode and the recording mode in the camera mode, and between the transmission mode and the reception mode in the communication mode. Switch.

  The LCD display unit 13 lights each character of reproduction, transmission, and reception when in the reproduction mode other than the recording mode, the transmission mode, or the reception mode. The 3-digit 7-segment display at the center indicates the frame number being processed. Etc., and a small three-digit seven-segment display in the upper right part displays the number of images that can be shot or the number of remaining reproductions.

  FIG. 4 is a main block configuration diagram of the control unit of the DSC 20, and the operation of each component is controlled by a system controller (hereinafter referred to as “syscon”) 12.

  According to the present DSC 20, in response to the pressing of the release switch 19 (see FIG. 1), it is possible to record an imaging signal as a recorded signal on the memory card 17 mounted, and the operation switch groups 14d and 14e. The image recording signal of the image file having the designated frame number on the memory card 17 can be reproduced by operating the switch button of the memory card 17, the video signal is displayed as a finder image by the EVF 8, and the video signal output terminal 7 to the external monitor.

  Further, the DSC 20 transmits image data or the like to the personal computer network host 104 via the modem 102 and the telephone line 103 as shown in FIG. Alternatively, reception is possible. In addition to the application example shown in FIG. 1, data communication between the DSC 20 and a personal computer or data communication between the DSC 20 and an electronic still camera of the same type as the DSC is also possible.

  Hereinafter, the configuration will be described in detail.

  First, at the time of shooting, a subject image is formed on an image pickup device such as a CCD built in the image pickup circuit 2 via the shooting lens 1 and output to the A / D converter 3 as an image signal. The image data digitally converted by the A / D converter 3 is temporarily stored in the frame memory 4 of the image memory. Then, the image data in the frame memory 4 is converted again into an analog signal by the D / A converter 5 and output from the video output terminal 7 as a video signal via the video encoder 6. The video signal is displayed as a finder image on the EVF 8.

  When recording image data on the memory card 17, the image data is read out from the frame memory 4 in units of blocks, compressed by the compression / decompression circuit 10 using the JPEG method, etc., and a recording signal is supplied via the bus. Input to the card I / F 16 which is one of the means. Therefore, the compressed data is written in a designated area on the memory card 17.

  On the other hand, at the time of reproduction, first, the frame number or the like is designated by operating the up switch 14d and the down switch 14e. The frame number or the file number is displayed on the LCD display unit 13. Based on the designation, the memory area of the memory card 17 is selected, and the corresponding image data is input to the compression / decompression circuit 10 via the card I / F 16 and the bus. Therefore, the image data is decompressed and stored in the frame memory 4. The image data is read again from the frame memory 4, converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 5 as described above, and input to the video encoder 6. Then, it is encoded by the video encoder 6 and outputted from the video signal output terminal 7 as a video signal.

  When data communication is performed, a communication protocol (communication procedure) written in the EEPROM 16 as a network access procedure is read by the system controller 12, and the telephone line is transmitted via the RS-232CI / F 15 and the modem 102 according to the protocol. Data is transmitted / received to / from the personal computer network host 104 or the same type of camera, personal computer, etc. accessed by.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a map of the registration part of the communication protocol stored in the EEPROM 16. The registration data file of this communication protocol constitutes a file “PROTOCOL.DAT” which will be described later.

  In the registration unit memory, a protocol ID is recorded at the head address for identification when the protocol is rewritten. In this embodiment, since four types of protocols are stored, the storage start addresses (pointers) of the four protocols 1 to 4 are recorded following the ID.

  Note that, for example, protocol 1 is NIKKEI. MIX, protocol 2 is NIFTY. It is possible to apply a protocol applied to domestic commercial services such as SERVE, protocol 3 as a protocol applied to the same type of DSC, and protocol 4 when a personal computer is a terminal.

  In the protocol start address, the storage start address of the data body of the login procedure (protocol) of the corresponding protocol is stored, followed by the start address of the logout procedure (protocol), the start address of the transmission procedure (protocol), and the reception procedure ( Protocol) start address is stored. After that, comment information indicating the contents of the corresponding protocol is stored. When this comment information is displayed, it is converted into character information via the character generator 9 and displayed on the EVF 8 or an external monitor.

  Subsequent to the comment information storage area, the data body of each protocol is stored.

  The log-in is an operation from accessing the network host 104 until the data can be written in the mailbox 104a (FIG. 1) of the host 104. The log-out is the end of data transfer, This operation terminates the modem control.

  The transmission protocol is a writing procedure when data is uploaded to the mailbox 104a, and the receiving protocol is a procedure when capturing data uploaded to the mailbox 104a.

  The protocol is converted into a file of an object file format as a description for executing processing such as login, logout, and transmission / reception. FIG. 6 shows the correspondence between the description language code and the function of the file. The code is indicated by a hexadecimal number (& H).

  As shown in the figure, for example, the code & H00 indicates NOP, that is, no operation. Code & H01 is a code for checking whether or not a specified character string can be received within a specified time. The second byte indicates the specified time, and the third and subsequent bytes give a search character string. However, the head indicates the number of characters.

  The other codes are as shown in the figure. In particular, code & H08 is a predetermined indicator representing attribute information of a file among image data files uploaded to the mailbox 104a of the accessed network. This code reads a list of files with the title “J6I” and creates the list. Note that the image file with the title “J6I” of the file is a file title that is automatically attached to the image file uploaded by the DSC 20 of the present embodiment. Specifically, the title corresponds to an extension in the data file.

  “XMODEM” shown in the function is a general file transmission / reception protocol. Further, the signal ER shown in the figure is a signal for notifying the modem that the DSC side communication preparation is completed, and the signal DR is a signal indicating that the modem can transmit and receive. The signal RS is a transmission request signal, and the signal CS is a transmission permission signal. The signal CD is a signal that is turned on when a carrier from the partner modem is detected.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a description example of a protocol for login processing using the code of FIG. However, & H of code data is omitted in FIG.

  According to the description of this protocol, first, the code “09” is used to turn on the signal ER for notifying the modem 102 that the DSC side communication preparation is complete, and the signal DR indicating that the modem 102 can transmit and receive. Confirm.

  Subsequently, a character string for initial setting of the modem is transmitted. The code “02” indicates that the character string is transmitted subsequently, and “07” indicating the number of characters is followed by the AT command “AT & F ¥ N3”. A character string is written and the modem 102 is initialized.

  Similarly, in order to access the network host 104 to be communicated, “02” is described as the code “02” and the number of characters, and then “DTφXXXXXXXXXX” is described in order to dial the number XXXXXXXXXX by tone dialing.

  Subsequently, in order to confirm the reply from the other party by the dial processing, a code “01”, “20” giving a waiting time (indicating 32 seconds) and “02” indicating the number of confirmation reply characters are described. For example, “NET1” is described as the confirmation character string.

  Protocol description data such as the above-described login protocol, logout protocol, or transmission / reception protocol is converted into a normal object file format and output at each processing.

  FIG. 8 is a communication destination registration unit map written in the EEPROM 16, and communication is executed by selecting this communication destination. The communication destinations 1 to 4 are prepared, and each communication destination is written with a code indicating a protocol distinction, a telephone number, an ID, a password, and a comment so that the user can recognize each communication destination. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the code “00” indicates that the code is not registered, and the codes “01” to “04” are the protocols 1 to 1 shown in FIG. 4 is applicable. The code “0F” applies a procedure (for example, PROTOCOL.CTL) recorded in the recording medium 17 and the like. The protocol data structure is the same as the protocol data structure on the EEPROM 16 shown in FIG. Are the same. The code “0E” is used when a telephone number or the like is designated by a manual operation.

  Telephone numbers, IDs, comments, etc. other than the protocol types in FIG. 8 are stored in ASCII code.

  Next, the communication protocol writing operation will be described with reference to the EVFs of FIGS. In these display screens, character data is displayed via the character generator 9 in a state of being superimposed on the screen of the image data currently being reproduced.

  When the registration switch 14b is pressed, a registration operation is started, and a registration menu screen is displayed on the EVF 8 or the monitor as shown in FIG. The up / down switches 14d and 14e are operated to move the cursor to the communication destination registration or protocol registration position, and the execution switch 14c is operated to specify one of the processes.

  When the protocol registration is designated, “protocol registration in progress” is displayed on the monitor or the like as shown in FIG. 11, and the protocol data file “PROTOCOL.DAT” on the medium is searched. When the file is searched, the validity of the file is checked. This is a check of whether a valid ID is recorded in the file. If it is valid, the file is written in the EEPROM 16 and the display returns to the normal display screen.

  In this way, by sending the above-mentioned file “PROTOCOL.DAT” to the EEPROM 16, it is possible to exchange and register protocols not included in the four types of the protocol registration unit of FIG.

  Next, a communication destination registration operation will be described.

  When the communication destination registration is selected and designated by the up / down switches 14d and 14e and the execution switch 14c in the registration menu of FIG. 10, the communication destination registration screen of FIG. 12 is displayed. Therefore, communication destination numbers 1 to 4 on the communication destination registration map shown in FIG. 8 are displayed with a cursor. The numbers are sequentially switched by the up / down switches 14d and 14e, and the communication destination is designated by the execution switch 14c. Next, the cursor moves to the comment display section of the communication destination, and the comment is written there. Characters are designated by operating the up / down switches 14d and 14e to display and circulate display characters 0 to 9, A to Z, etc., and designate the displayed characters.

  After that, the protocol 01 is designated. At that time, the network name is displayed at the same time.

  Next, the operation moves to designation of the telephone number, and after specifying the tone line and the pulse line, the telephone number is circulated through the display numbers 0 to 9 and the desired number is designated. Thereafter, the ID and password are specified at the same time. When all settings are complete, the normal screen is restored.

  In addition, even when each item other than the above is selected, the display character or the like at the portion where the cursor is positioned is circulated and displayed by operating the down switches 14d and 14e, and a desired character or the like is displayed. Thus, the execution switch 14c is operated and designated.

  Next, the above-described protocol registration method will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  By the operation of the registration switch 14b, the subroutine “registration process” in FIG. 13 is called. Then, it is determined whether or not the communication mode is currently set (step S1), and in the case of the communication mode, the registration menu shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the monitor or the like (step S2). Then, the type of registration is selected by the up / down switches 14d and 14e (step S3), and after the execution switch 14c is turned on (step S4), it is determined whether the designation is protocol registration or communication destination registration ( Step S5), subroutine "protocol registration" (step S6) or subroutine "communication destination registration" (step S7) is called.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the subroutine “protocol registration”. This routine is a process for rewriting the protocol registration unit shown in FIG. 5. First, the protocol registration display shown in FIG. 11 is performed on a monitor or the like (step S 11). Then, the file “PROTOCOL.DAT” written in the memory card 17 is searched (step S12). If the file can be retrieved (step S13), it is checked whether the format is correct (steps S14 and S15). This check is, for example, a check as to whether the ID is predetermined data.

  Subsequently, the data of the file is sequentially read and written to the designated address of the EEPROM 16 (step S16). After writing, a registration end display is performed to display a communication mode display screen, and this routine is ended (steps S17 and S18).

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the above-described subroutine “communication destination registration”. This routine is a process for registering a communication destination in the communication destination registration unit map of FIG. 8, and first displays a communication destination registration display as shown in FIG. 12 on a monitor or the like (step S21). The up / down switches 14d and 14e are operated to switch the communication destination numbers 1 to 4 with the cursor, and designated by the execution switch 14c.

  Then, by operating the up / down switches 14d and 14e, the characters related to the communication destination are displayed in a circulating manner and designated by the execution switch 14c. Thereafter, input of protocol code, telephone number, ID, password, etc. is executed while switching the display digits (steps S23 and S24). After completion of registration, the display screen is changed to a registration end screen, and then this routine is ended as a communication mode screen.

  Next, an operation when image data is transmitted / received to / from a communication destination registered by the above method will be described.

  First, the image file transmission processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 19. When the slide switch 14g is switched to the communication side, the slide switch 14f is switched to the transmission side, and the power switch 14a is turned on, the image file is displayed on the monitor or the like. A transmission login screen showing the 16 communication destinations is displayed.

  The transmission login screen in FIG. 16 displays a communication destination number with a cursor corresponding to FIG. 8 and a communication destination net name as a comment, such as NET1. Note that this screen displays the transmission login display superimposed on the currently reproduced transmission image, and the upper right number is the current reproduction frame number. Is shown.

  When the cursor is moved with the up / down switches 14d and 14e and the communication destination is designated with the execution switch 14c in this screen display state, the login operation is executed in accordance with the registered protocol, and the access destination mailbox 104a is accessed. Is done.

  When the above access is completed, the screen of the monitor or the like becomes a screen selection display (FIG. 17). Therefore, the playback frame is switched by operating the up / down switches 14d and 14e. When a screen to be transmitted is displayed as shown in FIG. 17 and the execution switch 14c is pressed, the image data of the selection screen is uploaded to the mailbox 104a according to a transmission protocol, for example, a protocol of XMODEM.

  During this transmission process, the display screen is displayed during transmission as shown in FIG. And the current transmission data amount (%) is displayed. When the data transmission is completed, “J6I” is added to the uploaded image file as the file title. This transmission of image data is repeated for the number of necessary transmission frames.

  When the transmission is completed, the logout process is executed according to the logout protocol by selecting “END” corresponding to the last frame by operating the up / down switches 14d and 14e and pressing the execution switch 14c. That is, the modem control is finished, and the display returns to the display state of the communication destination selection screen in FIG.

  The image data transmission operation described above is a process of repeating transmission while observing the playback screen one frame at a time. As a modification, a plurality of frames to be transmitted are operated by operating the up / down switches 14d and 14e. Marking may be performed, and image data of frames with the marking may be automatically selected and transmitted continuously. Further, the data to be transmitted may be image data stored in a memory card to be mounted, audio data, control data, or the like in addition to the image data captured by the DSC 20.

  The above-described image file transmission process will be described again with reference to a flowchart. When data transmission is set, a subroutine “transmission process” shown in FIG. 20 is called, and first, a transmission login display is displayed on a monitor or the like (see FIG. 16). Is performed (step S31). A communication destination is designated by operating the up / down switches 14d and 14e or the execution switch 14c (steps S32 and 33). The login procedure based on the communication protocol of the designated communication destination is read and the login procedure is sequentially executed (steps S34 and S35).

  After the login process, it is checked whether or not the login is successful (step S36). If unsuccessful, a message to that effect is displayed and the process ends (step S48). If the login is successful, a message indicating the success is displayed (step S37), and a screen selection on which the reproduction image screen is superimposed as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed (step S38). While observing the reproduction screen, by operating the up / down switches 14d and 14e or the execution switch 14c, the transmission frame No. Is designated (steps S39 and S40).

  If there is no instruction to end data transmission, the file transmission procedure to the designated communication destination is read (step S44). Although file transmission is executed according to the above procedure, the ratio of the image being transmitted and the current amount of transmission data is displayed on the display screen (see FIG. 18). Then, it is checked whether or not the transmission is successful. If the transmission is unsuccessful, a message to that effect is displayed and this routine is terminated. If the transmission is successful, “J6I” is set as the title of the transmission file uploaded to the mailbox 104a (step S47), and the process returns to step S38 to select the screen of the frame to be transmitted again. When the transmission of the last frame ends and “END” selection in FIG. 19 is displayed, the transmission ends (step S41), the logout procedure is executed (step S42), and the end screen is displayed (step S42). S43), this routine is finished.

  Next, a reception process for downloading a file uploaded to the mail box 104a and importing it into the DSC 20 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When the slide switch 14g is switched to the communication side, the slide switch 14f is switched to the reception side, and the power switch 14a is turned on, a reception login screen indicating the communication destination selected in FIG. 21 is displayed on the monitor or the like.

  The reception login screen is a screen in which transmission is changed to reception with respect to FIG. 16, and the communication destination is selected by the same method. When a communication destination is designated, a login operation is executed according to a registered protocol, and the communication destination mailbox 104a is accessed.

  When the above access is completed, a file whose file title is “J6I” is selected from the file list in the mailbox 104a and its one-column table is taken in. Then, a mail list screen for displaying the number of files, the total number of bytes, etc. of the corresponding file as shown in FIG. 22 is displayed. In the screen of this example, three files are uploaded in the mailbox 104a, and the total number of bytes of the file is 128K bytes. Therefore, when the execution switch 14c is pressed, the reception of the file whose file title is “J9I” is started according to the registered reception protocol in accordance with the above table.

  During the reception process, the reception screen shown in FIG. 23 is displayed. This receiving screen is an indication of what file is currently being received and a file name that is automatically added at the time of reading, applying the extension “J6I” as the extension, For example, a serial file name “DS000001.J6I” is added. Furthermore, the read status of each file is displayed as a received data amount (%).

  Files that have been successfully received are automatically deleted from the host mailbox 104a. As a modification, it may be inquired from the host side whether or not this erasure is executed.

  When reception is completed, logout processing is performed according to the registered protocol, modem control is terminated, and the screen returns to the original communication destination selection screen (FIG. 21).

  In this process or the above-described process, when the execution of the process is instructed, the execution switch 14c is pressed. This is a pressing operation of the photographic release switch 19 disposed on the upper part of the camera body. The execution of the process may be input as described above.

  In this embodiment, “J6I” is added as the title of the file transmitted by the DSC 20, but as a modification, the title name is treated as meaningful and the title name is buffered in the system controller 12. In addition, it may be written in the header of the received image data.

  The image file reception process described above will be described again with reference to the flowchart. When the data reception setting is made, a subroutine “reception process” shown in FIG. 24 is called, and first, a reception log-in display (see FIG. 21) is displayed on the monitor or the like. (Step S51). The communication destination is specified by operating the up / down switches 14d and 14e or the execution switch 14c (steps S52 and 53). The login procedure based on the communication protocol of the designated communication destination is read, and the login procedure is sequentially executed (steps S54 and 55).

  After the login process, it is checked whether or not the login is successful (step S56). If unsuccessful, a message to that effect is displayed and the process ends (step S69). If the login is successful, a message indicating that the login has succeeded is displayed (step S57). Then, based on the file list of the mail box 104a, a file list of the title “J6I” is created, and the mail list screen shown in FIG. 22 is displayed. It is displayed (steps S58 and 59).

  The pressing operation of the execution switch 14c is confirmed (step S60), and the file name to be transmitted is automatically generated (step S61). Further, the file of the title “J6I” is read according to the reception procedure of the designated communication destination (step S62). It is checked whether it has succeeded (step S63), and if successful, the file is closed (step S64), and the received file in the mailbox 104a is automatically deleted (step S65). The reception process is repeated until the reception of the file with the title “J6I” on all the mailboxes 104a is completed (step S66). If completed, an end display is performed (step S67), a logout procedure for the designated communication destination is executed (step S68), and this routine is terminated.

  As described above, according to the DSC 20 of the present embodiment, it is possible to transmit and receive image data and the like conforming to the communication system between personal computers without using a personal computer and using only a DSC and a small modem.

  Further, since the DSC has means for registering an access procedure to the personal computer communication network, it can cope with a change in the protocol of the network. In addition, since telephone numbers, IDs, passwords, and the like can be registered corresponding to a plurality of communication destinations, automatic login to the network is possible.

  Further, since the network mailbox can be automatically accessed, it is easy to access the network. In addition, since the title, for example, “J6I” is designated when uploading to the mailbox, the image data can be easily identified.

  In addition, when downloading image data, a title, for example, “J6I” can be selected and downloaded, and only target data can be downloaded. Since the access procedure recorded on the medium can be executed, various access procedures can be freely executed.

  Next, DSC which is 2nd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  The DSC is an electronic image pickup apparatus in which an HD (Hard Disk) device which is a large-capacity storage means is built in a camera.

  FIG. 25 is an external view of a DSC (digital still camera) 30 which is an image recording apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of the display unit 13 and the operation switch unit 14 of the DSC 30.

  As described above, the DSC 30 uses HD as a relatively large capacity information recording medium, and has a SCSI 23 (see FIG. 27) which is a high-speed parallel interface in addition to RS-232C as a means for communication with the outside. .

  In this DSC 30, as shown in FIG. 25, the camera exterior body 29 is provided with a photographic lens 1, a trigger switch 19 and the like. However, the side surface of the DSC 30 is for SCSI instead of the memory card insertion port of the first embodiment. A connector 23a is provided. Also, as shown in FIG. 26, the display unit 13 displays a playback display that is lit in a playback mode other than the recording mode, and an HD display that is lit when switched to an HD mode, which will be described later. The 7-segment display 13a, 13b is the same as in the first embodiment.

  As the operation switch 14, a power switch 14a and up / down switches 14d and 14e are provided. The DSC 30 has a camera mode for performing normal recording / playback used as a camera and an HD mode for use as an HD device, and only exchanges signals with an external device. 'Is provided. The slide switch 14f is a switch for switching recording / reproduction in the camera mode.

  FIG. 27 is a main block configuration diagram of the control unit of the DSC 30, and the operation of each component is controlled by a system controller (hereinafter referred to as “syscon”) 12 as in the DSC 20 of the first embodiment. As a configuration different from the DSC 20 of the first embodiment, an HD device 22 is incorporated, and an SCSII / F 23 for exchanging signals with an external device of the HD device 22 is incorporated. A switch element 21 for switching whether the bus of the HD device 22 is connected to the internal image signal compression / decompression circuit 10 or the SCSII / F 23 is provided. The switch element 21 is switched in conjunction with the mode switching slide switch 14g '.

  When the switch element 21 is switched to the compression / expansion circuit 10 side, the DSC 30 operates as a camera. Further, when the switch element 21 is switched to the SCSII / F 23 side, it operates as a normal HD device and transfers large-capacity image data captured by the camera to an external device, or from the external device to the SCSII / F23. It becomes possible to load a large amount of image data or the like into the HD via / F23. This switching is selected independently on either side.

  FIG. 28 shows the state of the display unit 13 in the DSC of the present embodiment, which is a display state when the slide switch 14g ′ is switched to the camera mode side and the slide switch 14f is set to the recording mode side. Currently, the first frame is shot, and the remaining number of frames is 31.

  FIG. 29 shows the same camera mode, but when the slide switch 14f is set to the playback mode side, “playback” is displayed and the second frame is currently being played back. It shows that the number is five.

  FIG. 30 shows a state in which the slide switch 14g ′ is switched to the HD mode side. Only “HD” is displayed, and the camera does not operate.

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing processing when the DSC 30 is set to the camera mode. When the slide switch 14g 'is operated to specify the camera mode, this subroutine is called. Then, the HD 23 bus is first switched to connect to the compression / decompression circuit 10 side (step S71). Then, the switching state of the slide switch 14f is checked, and if the recording mode is selected, the process jumps to step S76, and if the reproduction mode is selected, the process jumps to step S73.

  In step S76, the recording mode is displayed, a recordable frame is searched (step S77), the process jumps to step S75 and waits for a switch input. In step S73, “playback” is displayed, and in step S74, the first frame is played back. Similarly, the process proceeds to step S75. In step S75, input from the power switch 14a, up / down switches 14d, 14e, etc. is permitted.

  On the other hand, FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing processing when the DSC 30 is set to the HD mode. In this processing operation, first, switching is performed so that the bus of the HD 23 is connected to the SCSII / F 23 side (step S81). Then, “HD” is displayed (step S82), and a switch input other than the power switch 14a and the slide switch 14g ′ is prohibited.

  As described above, according to the DSC 30 of the present embodiment, when switched to the HD mode, the DSC 30 functions as an HD unit as a peripheral device and is completely equivalent to a general HD unit with SCSII. Can be used as a simple device. At this time, since the input of switches other than the power switch 14a and the slide switch 14g 'is prohibited in step S83 of FIG. 32, malfunction of the DSC can be prevented.

  In the DSC 30 of the present embodiment, the HD device is applied as a large-capacity recording medium. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a magneto-optical disk device or a high-capacity flash memory may be applied.

1 is a system system diagram in a case where data communication is performed using a DSC (digital still camera) which is an electronic imaging apparatus showing a first embodiment of the present invention. The external view of DSC of the said FIG. FIG. 2 is an enlarged layout view of a display unit and operation switch group of the DSC of FIG. The main block block diagram of DSC of the said FIG. The map of the protocol registration part stored in EEPROM of DSC of the said FIG. The figure which shows the protocol description language applied to DSC of the said FIG. The figure which shows the example of a description of the login protocol applied to DSC of the said FIG. The figure which shows the map of the communication destination registration part applied to DSC of the said FIG. The code allocation figure of the protocol part of the communication registration part of the said FIG. The registration menu screen of a monitor etc. at the time of the DSC communication protocol registration operation of FIG. The display screen of the monitor etc. during the protocol registration at the time of the DSC communication protocol registration operation of FIG. 1. A registration menu screen such as a monitor at the time of DSC communication destination registration in FIG. The flowchart of the subroutine "registration process" applied to the DSC of FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a subroutine “protocol registration process” applied to the DSC of FIG. The flowchart of the subroutine "communication destination registration process" applied to the DSC of FIG. A transmission login display screen such as a monitor in the DSC file transmission processing of FIG. Screen selection display screen such as a monitor in the DSC file transmission processing of FIG. The display screen of a monitor or the like during transmission in the DSC file transmission process of FIG. The display screen of a monitor etc. at the end of the DSC file transmission process of FIG. The flowchart of a subroutine “transmission process” applied to the DSC of FIG. A reception login display screen such as a monitor in the DSC file reception processing of FIG. A mail list display screen such as a monitor in the DSC file reception process of FIG. The display screen of the monitor etc. during reception in the file reception process of the DSC of FIG. The flowchart of the subroutine "reception process" applied to DSC of the said FIG. The external view of DSC which is an electronic imaging device of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 26 is an enlarged arrangement view of a display unit and an operation switch unit of the DSC of FIG. The block diagram of the DSC of FIG. The figure which shows the display state of the display part in the recording mode of DSC of the said FIG. The figure which shows the display state of the display part in the reproduction | regeneration mode of DSC of the said FIG. The figure which shows the display state of the display part in HD mode of DSC of the said FIG. 26 is a flowchart of a subroutine “camera mode setting process” applied to the DSC of FIG. 26 is a flowchart of a subroutine “HD mode setting process” applied to the DSC of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

2 …………… Imaging circuit 12 ………… System controller 15 ………… RS-232CI / F
(Data communication means)
16 …… EEPROM (registration means)
17 …… Memory card (information recording medium)
21 …………………… Switch element
(External control mode means)
22 …………………… HD device
(Large capacity information storage means)
23 …………………… SCSII / F (communication means)
J6I ……… Title (attribute information)
Steps S1-S7
…………… Registration process (registration means)
Step S35, 55
…………… (Communication destination recognition means,
Automatic access means)
Steps S51 to S68
………… (Automatic selection downloading means,
Means for erasing,
File name automatic generation means)
Steps S34 and S54
………………… Access procedure reading means

Claims (1)

An imaging circuit including an imaging element for generating an image signal from a subject image obtained through a photographing lens;
A / D conversion means for converting the image signal into digitized data;
Compression means for compressing the data and obtaining compressed image data;
Signal supply means for recording the image data compressed by the compression means on an image recording medium;
Decompression means for decompressing image data read from the image recording medium;
Display means for displaying the data decompressed by the decompressing means;
A communication interface for sending image data recorded on the image recording medium to a predetermined external communication destination;
Communication execution means capable of selectively executing a transmission mode for sending image data recorded on the image recording medium to the outside or a reception mode for receiving image data from the outside;
A communication destination memory for storing predetermined communication destination information to which the image data is transmitted;
A display controller for displaying the communication destination information stored in the communication destination memory on the display means;
A communication destination selection means for selecting a desired communication destination while displaying the communication destination information on the display means;
Image selecting means for selecting image data by switching reproduced images while displaying the image data recorded on the image recording medium on the display means;
With
The communication execution means performs an operation of sending the image data selected by the image selection means to the communication destination when the transmission mode is selected, and receives the reception when the reception mode is selected. An electronic imaging apparatus characterized by displaying on the display means that there is image data to be received, and receiving the image data to be received in response to a user's operation.

Images