JPH0983930A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To sufficiently utilize any of various communication function circuit structure adaptive to itself by recording picture data on a recording medium at need and furthermore providing a transmission function. SOLUTION: When an ID memory card is loaded to a card connector 16, compressed picture data from a coder 14 is recorded in the IC memory card through a memory controller 181 and a bus. On the other hand, when a communication card 45, not the IC memory card, is loaded to the card connector 16, picture data from the coder 14 is stored and held in an incorporated memory (buffer memory) 18. A format similar to a recording format to the IC memory card is applied to the storage of picture data in the incorporated memory 18. Picture data held in the incorporated memory 18 is transmitted by way of the communication card 45 and through an external line.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image signal obtained by an image sensor (image data after processing) of an image obtained through an optical system.
The present invention relates to an electronic camera having a function of converting the image data into a recording medium, recording the image data in a recording medium as required, or holding the image data in a built-in buffer memory and further transmitting the image data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional electronic camera only records an image signal obtained by an image pickup operation on a recording medium to which it is applied, but in recent years, digital image data is compressed. In addition to recording, the function to transmit through an external line is added if necessary.
Its functions and usage range are becoming extremely diverse.

[0003]

However, in the conventional camera of this type, when performing a communication operation, an image is transmitted exclusively by using a single communication function section which is fixed internally. Any consideration has been given to the functions that can be fully utilized in various communication function circuit structures such as so-called modem cards or communication cards that have appeared in recent years (device structures for communication having a similar external shape to a memory card). Absent. In view of the above points, the present invention intends to provide a camera of this type that can fully utilize any of a variety of communication function circuit structures suitable for self, in addition to a communication function unit fixed and built in. It is a thing.

[0004]

The electronic camera of the present invention which achieves the above-mentioned object is, in terms of one aspect, an image pickup for converting an image formed by an optical system into an image signal and outputting the image signal. Means, a device structure holding means for holding the device structure mounted on its own device structure mounting portion in a detachable manner and capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the device structure, and an image output from the imaging means. Recording means for processing a signal and recording image data corresponding to the signal on an image recording medium mounted on the device structure mounting portion of the device structure holding means, and image data recorded on the image recording medium by the recording means. A camera having an image communication means for transmitting through an external line, wherein the camera holds the image data processed by the recording means. And a buffer memory built in the camera, and when it is detected that the image recording medium is mounted in the device body mounting portion, the recording means records the image data only in the image recording medium, Further, the camera is provided with a control means for controlling the image communication means so that the image data recorded in the image recording medium is transmitted through an external line.

According to another aspect of the present invention:
An image pickup means for converting an image formed by an optical system into an image signal and outputting the image signal, and a device structure mounted on a device structure mounting part of the device are detachable, and signals can be transmitted to and received from the device structure. A device structure holding means for holding the image signal output from the image pickup means, and image data corresponding to the signal is recorded on an image recording medium mounted on the device structure mounting portion of the device structure holding means. A camera having a recording means and an image communication means for transmitting the image data recorded on the image recording medium by the recording means through an external line, and holding the image data processed by the recording means. For this purpose, a buffer memory built in the camera and a device structure mounting portion of the device structure holding means are mounted. When it is detected that the device structure is the image communication circuit structure, the recording means is controlled to hold the image data in the buffer memory, and the image communication circuit structure is used by the image communication means. And a control unit that controls the image data held in the buffer memory to be transmitted through an external line.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided: an image pickup means for converting an image formed by an optical system into an image signal and outputting the image signal; and a device structure attached to its own device structure mounting portion. And a device structure holding means for holding the device so as to be detachable and capable of transmitting and receiving a signal to and from the device structure, and an image signal output from the image pickup means to process image data corresponding to the signal to obtain the device structure. Recording means for recording on the image recording medium mounted on the device structure mounting portion of the holding means, and image communication means for transmitting the image data recorded on the image recording medium by the recording means through an external line. A camera,
A buffer memory built in the camera for holding the image data processed by the recording means, and a storage medium for the image data to be transmitted by the image communication means are the image recording medium or the buffer memory. And a transmission data holding medium selecting means for selecting from any one of the above.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided: an image pickup means for converting an image formed by an optical system into an image signal and outputting the image signal; and a device structure attached to its own device structure mounting portion. And a device structure holding means for holding the device so as to be detachable and capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the device structure, and image data output from the image pickup means to process image data corresponding to the signal Recording means for recording on the image recording medium mounted on the device structure mounting portion of the holding means, and image communication means for transmitting the image data recorded on the image recording medium by the recording means through an external line. A camera,
A buffer memory built in the camera for holding the image data processed by the recording means, and a device structure mounted in the device structure mounting portion of the device structure holding means are an image communication circuit structure. When it is detected, the control means for controlling the recording means to hold the image data in the buffer memory, and the image communication in transmitting the image data held in the buffer memory through an external line. And a communication function section selecting means for selectively transmitting using either the means or the image communication circuit structure.

Furthermore, the present invention seen in another aspect is: an image pickup means for converting an image formed by an optical system into an image signal and outputting the image signal; and a device attached to its own device structure attaching portion. Device body holding means for holding the body body detachably and capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the device body body; and image data output from the image pickup means to process image data corresponding to the signal to the device. A camera provided with a recording means for recording on an image recording medium mounted on the structure holding means, and an image communication means for transmitting image data recorded on the image recording medium by the recording means through an external line. is there.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided: an image pickup means for converting an image formed by an optical system into an image signal and outputting the image signal; and a device structure attached to its own device structure mounting portion. And a device structure holding means for holding the device so as to be detachable and capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the device structure, and image data output from the image pickup means to process image data corresponding to the signal Recording means for recording on the image recording medium mounted on the device structure mounting portion of the holding means, and image communication means for transmitting the image data recorded on the image recording medium by the recording means through an external line. A camera,
The device structure holding means has a plurality of device structure mounting portions that are compatible with both the image recording medium and the image communication circuit structure, and further, an image is displayed on one of the device structure mounting portions of the device structure holding means When it is detected that the communication circuit structure is attached, when transmitting the image data through an external line, the image communication circuit structure is preferentially used to transmit an image. It is a camera that does.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided: image pickup means for converting an image formed by an optical system into an image signal and outputting the image signal; and processing the image signal output from the image pickup means. Recording means for recording image data corresponding to this signal on an image recording medium detachably attached to the camera;
A camera having an image communication unit for transmitting image data recorded on the image recording medium by the recording unit through an external line, the image communication unit recording the image data on the image recording medium by the recording unit. The camera is configured so as to start transmission of image data to a preset destination based on the timing of completion of.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided: an image pickup means for converting an image formed by an optical system into an image signal and outputting the image signal; and a device attached to its own device structure attaching portion. A device structure holding means for holding the structure so that the structure can be detachably attached and a signal can be transferred to and from the device structure, and an image signal output from the image pickup means is processed to generate image data corresponding to the signal. Recording means for recording on an image recording medium mounted on the device structure mounting portion of the structure holding means, and image communication means for transmitting the image data recorded on the image recording medium by the recording means through an external line. In the above camera, the device structure holding means has a device structure mounting portion compatible with both the image recording medium and the wireless communication circuit structure, In addition, when it is detected that the wireless communication circuit structure is mounted on the device structure mounting portion of the device structure holding means, power is supplied to the wireless communication circuit structure at predetermined time intervals and it is determined whether image communication is possible at that time. The camera is provided with communication determining means for

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will be clarified through detailed description of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic camera as one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the subject image formed on the photoelectric conversion surface of the CCD image sensor 3 as an image sensor through the imaging lens 1 and the optical low-pass filter 2 is the CCD image sensor 3.
Is converted into an electric signal by. This electric signal is supplied to the imaging process circuit 5 through the sample hold circuit 4, and is converted into a Y signal and a C signal by this circuit 5. The output of the imaging process circuit 5 is the A / D converter 6 for the Y signal.
And C signal are converted into digital image data by the A / D converter 7 and stored in the frame memory 9 through the memory control circuit 8.

The CCD image sensor 3 is driven by a CCD vertical transfer clock driver 10 which responds to a timing signal from a CCD driving timing signal generator 11. The basic clock signal in the CCD driving timing signal generator 11 is generated based on the synchronizing signal supplied from the synchronizing signal generator 12. The output of the CCD driving timing signal generator 11 is also supplied to the imaging process circuit 5 and the memory control circuit 8.

The image data once stored in the frame memory 9 is read out via the memory control circuit 8 and performs a DCT (discrete cosine transform) process which is one of the known image data compression processes. Then, compression processing is performed through the coder 14 that performs encoding processing in this order, and the image data subjected to this compression processing is sent to the IC card interface (I / F) circuit 15.
When the IC memory card 17 is connected to the card connector 16 provided in a predetermined portion of a slot portion (card slot) provided in the camera body (not shown), this I
The C memory card 17 is configured to be able to record the compressed image data output from the IC card interface (I / F) circuit 15.

The compressed image data output from the IC card interface (I / F) circuit 15 is also supplied to a buffer memory 18 incorporated in the camera and can be held there. . The image data stored in the buffer memory 18 can be read from the IC card interface (I / F) circuit 15 side.

The coder 14 includes a decoding and inverse quantization processing function (decoder function), and the DCT circuit 13 has an ID.
Includes CT (Inverse Discrete Cosine Transform) processing function
The flow of image data compression processing from the CT circuit 13 to the IC card interface (I / F) circuit 15 via the coder 14 is reversible, and in the reverse direction, decompression processing of compressed image data is performed.

The compressed image data read from the IC memory card 17 or the buffer memory 18 to the IC card interface (I / F) circuit 15 is subjected to a decompression process in the reverse direction described above, and the memory control circuit 8
Is expanded in the frame memory 9 via. The image data expanded in the frame memory 9 in this way is the Y-system D
/ A converter 19 and C system D / A converter 20
Are converted into analog image signals respectively.

The output of the Y-system D / A converter 19 is added with the synchronizing signal supplied from the memory control circuit 8 in the adder circuit 21, and the low pass filter (LPF) 22
Is supplied to. On the other hand, the output of the C-system D / A converter 20 is supplied to a bandpass filter (BPF) 23.
An analog Y signal output from the low-pass filter (LPF) 22 and a band-pass filter (BPF) 23.
The analog C signal, which is the output of, is supplied to the S terminal 24 and becomes the so-called YC separated S terminal output.

The analog Y signal and the analog C signal are mixed by the adder circuit 25 and can be output from the video output terminal 26. YC of adder circuit 25
The mixed output is also supplied to an EVF (electronic viewfinder) 27 provided in the camera so that a reproduced image can be observed, and an appropriate monitor can be connected to the S terminal 24 or the video output terminal 26. For example, the reproduced image can be observed on this monitor as well.

Next, a supplementary description will be given of the configuration around the optical system and the imaging function section. A focusing lens drive motor 28 for AF (auto focus) and a zoom motor 29 for zoom lens drive are configured to be driven by respective outputs from a motor driver 30. Further, the output of the photometric sensor 31 for photometry is input to the photometric circuit 32 to perform photometry during shooting.
The output of the photometry circuit 32 is supplied to the strobe control circuit 33, and the output of the strobe control circuit 33 controls the emission of light from the strobe 34. The output of the strobe control circuit 33 is also supplied to an external strobe terminal 35 so that the external strobe connected to this terminal 35 can be controlled.

The motor driver 30 and the photometric circuit 32 described above are both controlled by a command from the lens CPU 36. The lens CPU 36 is supplied with the signals from the sample hold circuit 4 and the imaging process circuit 5 described above, and the lens CPU 36 issues a control command based on these signals.

An LCD panel 37 is provided at a proper position of the camera for displaying various operating states, and a switch group 38 for performing various operations on the camera is provided. The LCD panel 37 and the switch group 38 are sub-devices. The CPU 39 controls the display operation or accepts the state of switch operation. The switch group 38 will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

The lens CPU 36, the sub CPU 39, the coder 14, and the IC card interface circuit 15
Are under the overall control of the main CPU 40.

The main CPU 40 is connected by a bus to a communication control circuit 41 which is built in and fixed to the camera and which controls the image communication function. This communication control circuit 41 is a main element of the image communication means in the present invention. IC mentioned above
Card interface circuit 15 to main CPU 40
The compressed image data sent to is supplied to the communication control circuit 41 through this bus. An input / output section of the communication control circuit 41 opposite to the main CPU 40 is connected to a communication terminal 42 of the camera. When the communication external modem 43 is connected to the communication terminal 42, the image data can be transmitted through the communication external modem 43 through the communication external modem 43.

On the other hand, the above-mentioned card connector 16 is applicable not only to the IC memory card 17 as a recording medium but also to a device structure such as a so-called communication card 45 which is an image communication circuit structure similar to the IC memory card. To do. That is,
The slot portion (a part or one aspect of the device structure mounting portion) provided in the camera body and the card connector 16
IC memory card 17 inserted in this slot
Etc. or a so-called communication card 45, which is a device structure similar to an IC memory card, is detachably held and serves as a device structure holding means for holding signals so that signals can be transferred to and from the device structure. is there.

The communication card 45 is the card connector 16
When it is connected to, the image data can be transmitted through the communication external line 44 'through the communication card 45 as well.

In each of the above-mentioned circuit parts, from the battery 47 connected to the contact part 46 to the fuse 48 and DC-D.
Power is supplied through the C converter 49 in this order.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart for explaining the outline of the operation of the camera shown in FIG. When the main power is turned on (power on: S2-1), first, a "card confirmation" subroutine, which will be described in detail later, is executed (S2-).
2). This "card confirmation" is a process of confirming the type of the card connected to the card connector 16. Next, a "communication function confirmation" subroutine, which will be described in detail later, is executed (S2-3). Next, it is determined whether the card connected to the card connector 16 is an IC memory card (S
2-4), when it is determined that the card is an IC memory card, the communication function unit (communication control circuit 4
1) and so on, the state for image communication is established (S2).
-5). When the camera is in this state, it is displayed that the recording destination of the image data is the IC memory card (S2-6). At this time, the system of the flow of the image data is set so that the recording destination of the image data is the IC memory card (S2-7). Furthermore, when transmitting the image data, in the case, a message indicating that the communication is performed by using the communication function unit built in the camera is displayed (S2-8). Next, a process for initializing the communication function unit built in the camera is executed (S2-9), and when the initial setting is completed, the process shifts to a recording mode for actual recording (S2-10). As described above, when the card connected to the card connector 16 is an IC memory card, recording is automatically performed by using this IC memory card as the recording destination of image data.

The display on the EVF 27 or the display on the monitor connected to the S terminal 24 or the video output terminal 26 in this case is shown in FIG. In the figure,
"TRANSMIT DATA" and the next line "CARD
"1" indicates that the recording destination of the image data is an IC memory card, "TRANSMITTER" and "I" in the next line.
“NTERNAL” indicates that the communication function unit (such as the communication control circuit 41) built in the camera is used as the communication function unit.

On the other hand, in (S2-4), the card connector 16
When it is determined that the card connected to is not the IC memory card, it is determined whether the card is the image communication circuit structure (communication card) (S2-11). If it is determined that the card is a communication card, image communication is performed using the image communication function of the communication card (S2-12). When this happens,
A display indicating that the recording destination of the image data is the buffer memory 18 built in the camera is displayed (S2-1).
3). At this time, the system of the flow of the image data is set so that the recording destination of the image data is the built-in buffer memory (S2-14). Further, when image data is transmitted, a display indicating that the communication is performed by using the communication card connected to the card connector 16 in this case is displayed (S2-15). Next, a process of initializing the communication card is executed (S2-16), and when the initial setting is completed, the process shifts to a recording mode for actual recording (S2-10).

FIG. 4 shows the camera of FIG. 1 in which the communication card 45 mounted on the device structure holding means (card connector 16 or the like) or the communication function unit (communication control circuit 41 or the like) built in the camera is selectively used. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing details of a portion for performing image communication using the above. 4, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals. The main CPU 40 is for centrally controlling the entire system, and is connected to peripheral devices through an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus. Buffer circuits 151 and 152 are provided between these buses and the communication control circuit 41.
Buffer circuits 153 and 154 are provided between the card connector 16 and the card connector 16, and buffer circuits 155 and 1 are provided between the card connector 16 and the built-in memory (buffer memory) 18.
56 are provided. The coder 14 is connected to the bus via the memory controller 181. The memory controller 181 and the built-in memory (buffer memory) 18 are connected by inserting buffer circuits 157 and 158 between them.

As described in the flowchart of FIG. 2, when the IC memory card is attached to the card connector 16, the compressed image data from the coder 14 is recorded in the IC memory card through the memory controller 181 and the bus. . On the other hand, when the communication card 45 is attached to the card connector 16 instead of the IC memory card, the built-in memory (buffer memory) 1
The image data from the coder 14 is stored and held at 8. For storing image data in the built-in memory 18,
The same format as the recording format for the IC memory card is applied. The image data stored in the built-in memory 18 can be transmitted through the external line via the communication card 45 as described above. The system of the flow of image data is appropriately switched by the above-mentioned buffer circuits performing required operations.

A changeover switch 50 for performing a changeover operation according to a changeover signal SS transmitted from the main CPU 40 through the control bus is provided, and a communication control circuit 41 built into the camera or a communication card 45 attached to the card connector 16 is provided. Is configured to selectively power the operating power supply. That is, when the device structure is attached to the card connector 16, the identification signal CI indicating that the device structure is attached becomes "1", which is the main C through the control bus.
It is recognized by the PU 40. In response to this, the main CPU 40 issues a changeover signal SS to the changeover switch 50 through the control bus. By this switching signal SS, the changeover switch 50 supplies + 5V power to the communication card 45 via the card connector 16 and switches the power supply to the communication control circuit 41 side to be stopped.

On the other hand, when the device structure is not attached to the card connector 16, the signal CI is in the state of "0". At this time, the changeover switch 50 is built in the camera by the changeover signal SS from the main CPU 40. The power of + 5V is supplied to the communication control circuit 41 that has been set, and the power supply to the card connector 16 side is switched so as to be stopped. When the main power switch is turned off, the changeover switch 50 is in the neutral position, and power supply to both the communication control circuit 41 and the card connector 16 side is stopped.

The EVF 2 when the communication card 45 is attached to the card connector 16 and the image data held in the built-in memory 18 is transmitted via the communication control circuit 41.
The display at 7 or the display on the monitor connected to the S terminal 24 or the video output terminal 26 is shown in FIG. In the figure, “TRANSMIT DATA” and “INTERNAL MEMORY” in the next line indicate that the recording destination of the image data is the internal memory 18.
"MITTER" and "CARD 1" in the next row respectively indicate that the communication card 45 as the image communication circuit structure mounted on the card connector 16 is used as the communication function unit.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an embodiment of the invention having the same configuration on the block diagram as that of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 but having different control of the order of operation. In FIG. 6, when the transmission mode is set in S6-1, a "card confirmation" subroutine, which will be described later in detail, is executed (S6-2). This "card confirmation"
Is a process for confirming the type of the card connected to the card connector 16. Next, a "communication function confirmation" subroutine, which will be described in detail later, is executed (S6-3). next,
Whether to hold the image data is selected using the built-in memory (buffer memory) 18 (S6-4). This (S
When it is selected to hold the image data using the built-in memory (buffer memory) 18 in 6-4), the image communication circuit structure (communication card) is then used as the communication function unit.
After confirming whether or not to use (S6-5), and confirming that the communication card is used, the state of performing image communication using the image communication function of the communication card is set (S6-6). Next, the process of initializing the communication card is executed (S6-
The setting is completed in 7) and (S6-12). After this, the actual transmission is performed.

When it is not selected to hold the image data using the built-in memory 18 in the above (S6-4),
That is, when an IC card is attached to the card connector 16 and it is selected to hold the image data in this IC card, the setting for using the communication control circuit 41 built in the camera body as a communication function unit is set. (S
6-8). Further, when it is confirmed in the above (S6-5) that the image communication circuit structure (communication card) is not used as the communication function unit, the setting for using the communication control circuit 41 built in the main body of the camera is performed (S6-). 8). Next, which device is to select the image data to be transmitted is stored, that is, the transmission source device is either the IC card attached to the card connector 16 or the built-in memory 18. A list is displayed on the screen for selection (S6-9).

EVF2 in the case of (S6-9)
7 or a display on a monitor connected to the S terminal 24 or the video output terminal 26 is shown in FIG. In the figure, "SELECT TRANSMIT DA
TA ”and the next two lines“> INTERNAL ”;“ CAR
D 1 ″ is a state in which the internal memory side is selected from the two of the storage source (transmission source) of the image data to be transmitted (transmission source), which is the internal memory or the IC card attached to the card connector. "P" in the bottom line
"LEASE SELECT" indicates that the selection operation is being prompted.

On the other hand, when the selection of the transmission source device is completed in (S6-10), a process for initializing the communication function unit (communication control circuit 41 etc.) built in the camera is executed (S6). The setting is completed in -11) and (S6-12). After this, the actual transmission is performed.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an embodiment of the invention which has the same configuration on the block diagram as that of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, but differs in the control of the order of operation. In FIG. 8, (S8-1) to (S8-1)
Steps 1) and (S8-12) are the same as in FIG.
(S8-1) to (S8-11) and (S8-12)
Although it is the same as each step of (S8-11) and (S8-7) in the operation procedure of FIG.
A step of displaying which device is the storage source (transmission source) of the image data to be transmitted, which is selected as a result of the selection operation in step (S8-10) during the transition to -12) (S8-10a) is provided. Incidentally, in this step (S8-10a), (S8-
When it is selected to hold the image data using the built-in memory (buffer memory) 18 in -4), it is naturally displayed that the built-in memory is the storage source (transmission source) of the image data to be transmitted. Will be done.

The display on the EVF 27 in the step (S8-10a) or the display on the monitor connected to the S terminal 24 or the video output terminal 26 is shown in FIG. In the figure, "TRANSMITTER = CA
RD 1 "indicates that the image communication circuit structure (communication card) is used as the communication function unit, and" TRANSMIT DATA = INTERNAL "at the bottom line.
Indicates that the built-in memory is a storage source (transmission source) of image data to be transmitted.

FIG. 10 is a subroutine (S2-2; S6-2;) for "card confirmation" in FIGS. 2, 6 and 8.
It is a flow chart which shows the contents of S8-2). When the card confirmation routine is entered (S10-1), it is first determined whether or not the main power source is turned on (S10-2). Next, it is determined whether or not the device is attached to the card connector 16 (whether or not the card drive configured including the card connector is active) (S10).
-3). This (S10-3) is determined by touching a predetermined signal line of the card. Card connector 1 here
When it is determined that the device is attached to the device 6, the device (card) is supplied with + 5V of the power supply VCC (S10-4), and the attribute information of the card is read (S10-5). Based on this attribute information, it is determined whether the card is an IC memory card or a communication card (S10-6). As a result, when it is determined that the card is an IC memory card, the flag for indicating the type of function of the card is set to "0" (S10-7), and when it is determined that the card is a communication card, the flag is set to "1". (S10
-8) After that, the power supply of + 5V of the power supply VCC is stopped (S10-9). After making the determination in this way, the power supply is stopped (S10-9), or the above step (S10-).
When it is determined in 3) that no device is attached to the card connector 16, the confirmation operation is completed (S1).
0-10).

FIG. 11 is a subroutine (S2-2; S6-) for the "communication function confirmation" in FIGS. 2, 6 and 8.
2 is a flowchart showing the contents of S8-2). When the communication function confirmation routine is entered (S11-1), the flag (S10-) as the determination result of (S10-6) in FIG.
7), the read operation of (S10-8) is executed (S
11-2). As a result of determining the card type by this flag (S11-3), if the flag is "1" and it is determined that this card is a communication card, the communication function display flag is set to "1" (S11-4). . This "1"
The flag set to is the original data for displaying that the communication card is installed. Next, the communication function selection data is set (S11-5), and the communication function confirmation routine is completed (S11-6). Above (S11-
After the judgment of 3), the flag is "0" and this card is IC.
If it is determined that the memory card is used, next, the communication function selection data is set to use the communication function unit (communication control circuit 41 etc.) built in the camera (S11-
5), the communication function confirmation routine is completed (S11-
6).

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an embodiment of the invention having the same configuration as that of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 but having the same configuration on the block diagram, but having different control of the order of operation. From power-on (S12-1) to "card confirmation" (S12-2), "communication function confirmation" (S12-
Up to 3), it is the same as the "card confirmation" and the "communication function confirmation" in FIGS. 2, 6 and 8. Next, using the communication control circuit 41 built in as a communication function unit,
A communication function selection display for selecting whether to use the communication card 45 connected to the card connector 16 (S12-
4).

EVF in the case of (S12-4)
The display at 27 or on a monitor connected to the S terminal 24 or the video output terminal 26 is shown in FIG. In the figure, "SELECT TRANSMITT
ER ”and the next two lines“ INTERNAL ”;“> CAR
D 1 ″ is a communication function unit used for performing image transmission, and the communication card side is selected at the time point from either a built-in communication control circuit or a communication card connected to a card connector. "PLEASE SELECT" in the bottom line indicates that the above selection operation is being promoted.

Next, wait for the completion of this selection operation (S1
2-5) When completed, the initial setting operation for the selected communication function device (communication control circuit or communication card) is executed (S12-6), and the state of the communication function is displayed (S12-). 7) Complete the above settings (S
12-8).

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the invention. The parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. 1 is different from that of FIG. 1 in that both are connected to the IC card interface circuit 15 and two systems of card connectors 16a and 16b are provided, and the buffer memory 18 of FIG. 14 is not provided. Both the card connectors 16a and 16b are suitable for both an IC memory card as an image recording medium and a communication card as an image communication circuit structure.

FIG. 15 shows a device structure holding means (card connectors 16a and 16b) in the camera of FIG.
Communication card 45a or 45b attached to the communication function unit (communication control circuit 41)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing details of a portion for performing image communication by selectively using () and the like). In FIG. 15, FIG. 4 and FIG.
4, corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description of those parts is omitted.

In the configuration of FIG. 15 as well, the buffer circuit 15 is used to switch the image data transmission path as required.
1, 152, 153a, 154a, 155b, 156b
Made by. Both of the card connectors 16a and 16b are provided with identification signals CIa and C for identifying whether or not a device structure (IC card) is attached to them.
Ib can be transmitted so that it can be recognized by the main CPU 40 through the control bus. Similar to the identification signal CI in FIG. 4, when the device structure is attached to the card connector, these identification signals CIa and CIb are also “1”.
Becomes

A changeover switch 501 for performing a changeover operation according to a changeover signal SS transmitted from the main CPU 40 through the control bus is provided, and the communication control circuit 41 built into the camera or the communication card 45a mounted on the card connector 16a. Or card connector 16b
It is configured to selectively supply the operating power supply to the communication card 45b attached to the. That is, the card connector 1
When the device structure is attached to 6a, the identification signal CIa indicating the attachment is "1", which is recognized by the main CPU 40 through the control bus. Main CP
In response, U40 issues a changeover signal SS to the changeover switch 501 through the control bus. The changeover signal SS causes the changeover switch 501 to supply the power supply VCC to the communication card 45a via the card connector 16a.
+ 5V as 2 is supplied, and on the other hand, the communication control circuit 41 side and the communication card 45b side of the card connector 16b are switched so that power supply is stopped. Card connector 16
Even when the device structure is attached to b, similarly to the case where the device structure is attached to the card connector 16a, + 5V as the power supply VCC3 is supplied to the communication card 45b attached to the card connector 16b. .

On the other hand, when the device structure is not attached to the card connectors 16a and 16b, the identification signals CIa and CIb are in the state of "0". At this time, the changeover switch 501 is turned on by the changeover signal SS from the main CPU 40. , Communication control circuit 4 built in this camera
1 is supplied with + 5V as the power supply VCC1, and switching is performed so that the power supply to the card connectors 16a and 16b is stopped. When the main power switch is turned off, the changeover switch 501 is in the neutral position, and the communication control circuit 41 and the card connector 16a,
Power supply to any of the 16b sides is stopped.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, as a communication function unit used when transmitting an image, the communication control circuit 41 built into the camera or the communication card 45a or the card connector 16b attached to the card connector 16a.
Any one of the communication cards 45b attached to the can be selectively applied. In the example of FIG. 15, the card connector has two systems of 16a and 16b, but it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which more systems are provided.

The outline of the operation according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 is represented by a flow chart, which is similar to the flow chart shown in FIG. However, the communication function selection display (S12-4) for selecting which device to use as the communication function unit is as shown in FIG.
In FIG. 16, “SELECT TRANSMITTER” and the next three lines “INTERNAL”; “> CARD”
1 ”;“ CARD 2 ”is a communication function unit used for performing image transmission, which is a built-in communication control circuit or 3 of two communication cards connected to a card connector.
"PLEASE SELECT" in the bottom row indicates that the communication card 45a side attached to the card connector 16a is being selected from the
Indicates that it is in a state of prompting the above selection operation.

In addition, a card confirmation subroutine (S12
Regarding -2), it becomes as shown in FIG. The operation in FIG. 17 is clear from comparison with the flowchart in FIG. 10, and the attribute determination operation for the device structure mounted in one card connector 16 in FIG. 10 is performed for each of the two card connectors 16a and 16b. The device structures are sequentially executed. That is, after it is confirmed in (S17-2) that the main power source is turned on, first, in (S17-3) to (17-9), the device structure attached to the card connector 16a is first shown in FIG.
The same determination as 0 is made, and then (S17-10)-
In (17-15), the same determination as in FIG. 10 is made for the device structure attached to the card connector 16b.

Further, in the sequence of operations in the embodiments of FIGS. 14 and 15, the communication function confirmation subroutine (S12-3) is as shown in FIG. When the communication function confirmation routine (S18-1) is entered, each flag (S17-7), (S17-8), (S1) as the determination result of (S17-6) and (S17-13) in FIG.
The read operation of (7-14) and (S17-15) is executed (S18-2). Next, it is determined whether all the read flags are "0", that is, whether all the IC cards attached to the card connectors are IC memory cards (S18-3). Either IC card is IC
When it is determined that the IC card is not a memory card, it is determined whether the IC cards attached to the card connectors 16a and 16b are communication cards, and a flag is set to "1" for those that are determined to be communication cards (( S18
-4), (S18-5), (S18-6), (S18-
7). In this way one of the flags is set,
Alternatively, in (S18-3) above, all IC cards are IC
When it is determined that the memory card is used, the selection data indicating the device that can be selected as the communication function unit used when performing image transmission is set according to these determination results (S18-8). The confirmation operation of this routine is finished (S18-9). Based on this selection data, the same screen display as in FIG. 16 is performed. When one device is selected as the communication function unit based on the display similar to FIG. 16, a screen display as shown in FIG. 19 is made. FIG.
Indicates that the communication card 45a mounted on the card connector 16a is selected as the communication function unit.

Although an IC memory card is used as the image recording medium in the above description, various types such as an SRAM card, a flash memory card, and an ATA card are applicable. Further, even a device that does not belong to the category of an IC memory card can be applied as long as the device structure holding means (card connector, card slot, etc.) and the signal processing method inside the camera are compatible with it. is there. On the other hand, the communication circuit structure (communication card) includes a public telephone line modem, a mobile telephone line modem, an analog mobile telephone adapter, a digital mobile telephone adapter, a digital line adapter, an ISDN line modem, and a wireless line adapter. , A personal handy phone (PHS) adapter, an infrared light adapter for serial communication with infrared light, a network adapter, a communication card such as a LAN / Ethernet, and the like.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing an embodiment of the invention which has the same configuration on the block diagram as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, but differs in the control of the order of operation. When the power is turned on in (S20-1), "card confirmation" (S20-2) and then "communication function confirmation" (S20-3) are executed. This "card confirmation" subroutine is the same as that shown in FIG. Also, for the "communication function confirmation" subroutine, see FIG.
It will be described later in detail with reference to 2. In the case of this embodiment, when the communication card is connected to the card connector, the communication card is configured to be preferentially applied as a device corresponding to the communication function unit. With respect to, the initial setting operation of the communication function is performed (S20-4). Next, a status display indicating that the communication function unit is set in this way is displayed (S20-4), and the setting is completed (S20-5).

EVF in the case of (S20-4) above
The display at 27 or on a monitor connected to the S terminal 24 or the video output terminal 26 is shown in FIG. In the figure, "TRANSMITTER" and the following 3
Line "INTERNAL";"> CARD 1""CA
The RD 2 ″ is a communication function unit used to perform image transmission, and is a communication function circuit that is a built-in communication control circuit or two communication cards connected to a card connector. One side (card connector 1
6a indicates that the communication card 45a) attached to 6a is being selected.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart for explaining the details of the "communication function confirmation" (S20-3 in FIG. 20) subroutine. In the "card confirmation" in S20-2 of FIG. 20, the function flag of the card already attached to each card connector has been confirmed. When the "communication function confirmation" routine is started (S22-1), first,
The above function flags are read (S22-
2) Whether all flags are "0", that is, all cards are IC
It is determined whether or not it is a memory card (S22-3). When it is determined that all cards are IC memory cards,
The built-in communication control circuit is set (S22-1)
0). On the other hand, if all the flags are not "0" in (S22-3), that is, if it is determined that at least one card other than the IC memory card is installed, all the flags are "1". ", That is, whether or not all cards are communication cards (S22-4).

When it is determined that all the cards are communication cards, the mode is changed to a communication function selecting operation (S22-9). When it is determined that only one of the cards is the communication card, it is determined whether the card (card 1) attached to the card connector 16a is the communication card (S22-5), and the card 1 is the communication card. If there is, it is set that the device which is the communication function unit used when performing image transmission is the communication card on the card 1 side (card connector 16a side) (S22-7). Card 1
Is not a communication card, the card connector 16
It is determined whether or not the card (card 2) attached to b is a communication card (S22-6), and when the card 2 is a communication card, a device that is a communication function unit used when performing image transmission is selected. Card 2 side (card connector 16
The communication card of the (b side) is set (S22-8).
Above (S22-7), (S22-8), (S22-9)
Alternatively, after (S22-10), the confirmation operation in this routine is finished (S22-11).

FIG. 23 is a flow chart for explaining the operation relating to recording and image data transmission in the embodiment of the camera of the present invention. Power on (S23-
After 1), the transmission mode is set (S23).
-2). Next, the transmission destination is set (S23-3). That is, prior to recording, the setting of the transmission mode for transmitting after recording and the transmission destination are set in advance. afterwards,
The actual recording mode is entered (S23-4). In the recording mode, first, the trigger 1 switch (the first step of pressing operation on the trigger switch) is turned on (S23-5), the AF operation is performed (S23-6), and then A
The E operation (S23-7) is performed respectively. After this, trigger 2
Waiting for the switch (second step of pressing operation on the trigger switch) to be turned on (S23-8), the operation of writing the image data to the frame memory is executed (S).
23-9). After writing to the frame memory, the image data is read out and subjected to data compression processing (S23).
-10). The image data compressed in this step (S23-10) is written in the IC memory card or the built-in buffer memory (S23-11). Next, after the process for managing the image data file after recording is performed (S23-12), the process automatically proceeds to the transmission process.

At the beginning of this transmission process, it is judged whether or not the transmission is in suspension, depending on whether or not the flag TRN representing the suspension of transmission is "1" (S23-13). Since no transmission is initially performed, the process directly proceeds to the start of the next transmission process (S23-18). When the transmission is started, it is always determined whether or not the trigger 1 switch is turned on and waits until the transmission is completed (S23-19), (S23).
-20). When the transmission is completed, it is determined whether or not the recording mode is completed (S23-16), and if not completed, the process returns to step (S23-5) to wait for the trigger 1 switch to be turned on. Become. This step (S
If it is determined in 23-16) that the recording mode has ended, the operation relating to recording and image data transmission ends (S23-17).

When the transmission is not completed, the step (S23-
When it is determined in 20) that the trigger 1 switch is turned on, the transmission is stopped, the flag TRN indicating that the transmission is stopped is set to "1" (S23-21), and the normal camera operation is resumed. If recording is performed again after returning to the camera operation (S23-6) to (S23-12), next, whether or not the transmission is suspended is a flag T indicating that the transmission is suspended.
It is determined whether the RN is “1” (S23-1).
3). When the flag TRN is "1" and it is determined that the transmission is suspended, the data indicating that the recording is performed is added to the data indicating that the transmission is suspended (S23-14), and the transmission is suspended. The flag TRN that indicates is set to "0" (S23-
15) Then, the transmission is restarted (S23-18). When the transmission is restarted, it is continuously determined whether or not the trigger 1 switch is turned on again and waits until the transmission is completed (S2).
3-19), (S23-20). When the transmission is complete, the above routine is repeated. If the recording mode is canceled midway, the operations relating to recording and image data transmission are terminated (S23-16), (S23-17).

FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing the operation of another embodiment. While the embodiment according to the flowchart of FIG. 23 described above has a configuration in which transmission is performed immediately after the end of recording, in the embodiment of FIG. 24, transmission is started after a fixed time has elapsed after the end of recording. The difference is that it is configured to do.

In the flowchart of FIG. 24, the power
After turning on (S24-1), the image data compressed in (S24-10) is written to the IC memory card or the built-in buffer memory (S24-11), and the step (S24-1).
Up to (S23-1) in the flowchart of FIG. 23 described above, up to the point where it is determined in 24-13) whether or not the transmission is suspended by whether or not the flag TRN indicating the suspension of the transmission is "1". This is the same as the steps up to S23-13).

That is, after the power is turned on (S24-1), the transmission mode is set (S24-2).
Next, the transmission destination is set (S24-3). As a result, prior to recording, the setting of the transmission mode for transmitting after recording and the transmission destination are set in advance. afterwards,
The actual recording mode is entered (S24-4). In the recording mode, first, the trigger 1 switch (the first step of the pressing operation on the trigger switch) is turned on (S24-5), the AF operation is performed (S24-6), and then A
The E operation (S24-7) is performed. After this, trigger 2
Waiting for the switch (the second step of the pressing operation on the trigger switch) to be turned on (S24-8), the operation of writing the image data in the frame memory is executed (S).
24-9). After writing to the frame memory, the image data is read out and subjected to data compression processing (S24).
-10). The image data compressed in this (S24-10) is written in the IC memory card or the built-in buffer memory (S24-11). Next, a process for managing the image data file after recording is performed (S24-
12), automatically shifts to transmission processing. At the beginning of this transmission processing, it is determined whether or not the transmission is in suspension, depending on whether or not the flag TRN indicating that the transmission is in suspension is "1" (S).
24-13).

In the flowchart of FIG. 24, a counter start for starting a timing operation is performed between a step (S24-13) for determining whether or not transmission is suspended and a step (S24-18) for starting transmission processing. Step (S24-T
1) and the step of waiting for the end of counting (S24-T
2) Start transmission process by timer (S24-1)
The difference from FIG. 23 is that a delay element for the transition timing to 8) is provided. The other steps are the same as those described with reference to FIG. That is, when the transmission is started in step (S24-18), the transmission is completed while always determining whether or not the trigger 1 switch is turned on (S24-19), (S24-2).
0). When the transmission is completed, it is judged whether or not the recording mode is finished (S24-16), and if it is not finished, the process returns to step (S24-5) to wait for the trigger 1 switch to be turned on. Become. Step (S24-1
If it is determined in 6) that the recording mode has ended, the operations relating to recording and image data transmission are ended (S23-17).

When the transmission is not completed, the step (S24-
When it is determined in 20) that the trigger 1 switch is turned on, the transmission is stopped, the flag TRN indicating that the transmission is stopped is set to "1" (S24-21), and the normal camera operation is resumed. If recording is performed again after returning to the camera operation (S24-6) to (S24-12), then whether or not the transmission is suspended is a flag T indicating that the transmission is suspended.
It is determined by whether or not RN is "1" (S24-1).
3). When the flag TRN is "1" and it is determined that the transmission is suspended, the data indicating that the recording has been performed is added to the data indicating that the transmission is suspended (S24-14), and the transmission is suspended. The flag TRN that indicates is set to "0" (S24-
15), Steps (S24-T1), (S24-T2)
After the transfer timing is delayed by the timer of, the transmission processing is restarted (S23-18). When the transmission is restarted, it is continuously determined whether or not the trigger 1 switch is turned on again and the completion of the transmission is waited (S24-19),
(S24-20). When the transmission is complete, the above routine is repeated. If the recording mode is canceled in the middle, the operations relating to recording and image data transmission are terminated (S24).
-16), (S24-17).

In the configuration of FIG. 24, the transmission is not performed immediately after the recording is finished, but the transmission is started after a fixed time after the recording is finished. ), A time margin is ensured for checking whether or not there is no failure, and when the failure is determined, the image can be cancelled.

FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing the operation in still another embodiment. In the embodiment according to the flow chart of FIG. 24 described above, after the end of recording, it is configured to automatically start the transmission after a fixed time, whereas the embodiment of FIG. After the end, the operation to confirm whether or not the operation to stop the transmission is performed while measuring the fixed time, and if the operation to stop the transmission is performed, the operation is switched to the operation not to perform the transmission. The difference is.

In the flowchart of FIG. 25, the power
After turning on (S25-1), the image data compressed in (S25-10) is written to the IC memory card or the built-in buffer memory (S25-11), and step (S25-1).
25-13), it is determined from (S23-1) in the flowchart of FIG. This is the same as the steps up to S23-13), and therefore the same as the steps from (S24-1) to (S24-13) in the flowchart of FIG.

That is, after the power is turned on (S25-1), the transmission mode is first set (S25-2). Next, the transmission destination is set (S25-3). This allows
Prior to recording, the setting of the transmission mode for transmitting after recording and the transmission destination are set in advance. Then, the actual recording mode is entered (S25-4). In the recording mode, first, wait until the trigger 1 switch (first step of pressing operation on the trigger switch) is turned on (S
25-5), AF operation (S25-6), and then AE operation (S25-7). After that, waiting for the trigger 2 switch (the second step of the pressing operation on the trigger switch) to be turned on (S24-8), the operation of writing the image data in the frame memory is executed (S25-).
9). After writing to the frame memory, the image data is read out and subjected to data compression processing (S25-1).
0). The image data compressed in this (S25-10) is written in the IC memory card or the built-in buffer memory (S25-11). Next, a process for managing the image data file after recording is performed (S25-1
2) Automatically shift to transmission processing. At the beginning of this transmission process, it is determined whether or not the transmission is suspended, depending on whether or not the flag TRN indicating that the transmission is suspended is "1" (S2).
5-13).

Also in the flowchart of FIG. 25, as in the case of FIG. 24, the step of determining whether or not the transmission is suspended (S25-13) and the step of starting the transmission process (S25-).
18) between the step of starting the counter (S25-T1) for starting the time counting operation and the step of waiting for the end of counting (S25-T2) to start the transmission processing by the timer (S25-18). Although a delay element is provided, in addition to this, a confirmation operation is performed to check whether or not the operation of stopping the transmission is performed while the timer is measuring the time (the counter is continuing the counting operation) (S25-D).
1) The difference from that of FIG. 24 is that when a transmission stop operation is performed, the transmission stop process is performed (S25-D2). Transmission cancellation processing (S2
After 5-D2), the process returns to step (S25-5) and waits for the trigger 1 switch to be turned on. If the operation of stopping the transmission is not performed, when the timing operation of the timer ends (when the counter is counted up), the process proceeds to the step of the transmission start process (S25-18). The other steps are the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram for explaining an embodiment in which a circuit configuration relating to a communication function for transmitting image data is improved. FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing a general circuit configuration relating to a communication function for transmitting image data, and FIG. 1B is a block diagram showing an improved embodiment of that shown in FIG. Is. In FIG. 26, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description of those parts will be omitted.

In the case of the general configuration of FIG.
The buffer memory 18 such as an AM is connected to the main CPU 40 by an address bus, a data bus and a control bus. When performing image transmission processing, the main CPU 40 temporarily stores image data to be transmitted in the buffer memory 18
To be stored. Next, when the communication becomes possible, the data stored in the buffer memory 18 is read and written in the communication control circuit 41, and the written data is connected to the communication terminal 42. It is transmitted through the communication external line 44 via 43. Main C
Each time the communication control circuit 41 sends data, the PU 40
Each time, the data to be transmitted must be read from the buffer memory 18 and transferred to the communication control circuit 41.
Therefore, there is a problem that the main CPU 40 cannot perform other processing during the communication processing.

FIG. 26B corresponds to the above-mentioned FIG.
This is a solution to the problem in the case of the general configuration of (A), in which F is provided between the main CPU 40 and the communication control circuit 41 '.
The communication buffer memory 18a, which is an IFO (First In First Out) memory, is provided, and the communication buffer memory 1 is further controlled under the control of the timing control circuit 18b that responds to a command from the main CPU 40.
Data is transferred from 8a to the communication control circuit 41 '. The communication buffer memory 18a is a FIFO type input / output separation type memory, and after the main CPU 40 once writes data to the communication buffer memory 18a, the communication buffer memory 18a is exclusively controlled by the timing control circuit 18b. Since data is transferred to the communication control circuit 41 ',
The main CPU 40 is released from the communication control operation, and can perform other operation processing even during transmission of image data.

FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing the operation in the embodiment having the above-mentioned components of FIG. 26 (B). In the flowchart of FIG. 27, after power-on (S27-1), the image data compressed in (S27-10) is written to the IC memory card or the built-in buffer memory (S27-11), and the step (S27).
Up to the point where the file management process is performed in -12), the process in the flowchart of FIG. 23 described above is performed (S23-1).
It is the same as the steps from to (S23-12).

That is, after the power is turned on (S27-1), the transmission mode is set first (S27-2).
Next, the transmission destination is set (S27-3). As a result, prior to recording, the setting of the transmission mode for transmitting after recording and the transmission destination are set in advance. afterwards,
The process shifts to the actual recording mode (S27-4). In the recording mode, first, the trigger 1 switch (the first step of the pressing operation on the trigger switch) is turned on (S27-5), the AF operation is performed (S27-6), and then A
The E operation (S27-7) is performed respectively. After this, trigger 2
Waiting for the switch (second step of pressing operation on the trigger switch) to be turned on (S27-8), the operation of writing the image data to the frame memory is executed (S).
27-9). After writing to the frame memory, the image data is read out and subjected to data compression processing (S27).
-10). The image data compressed in this (S27-10) is written in the IC memory card or the built-in buffer memory (S27-11). Next, a process for managing the recorded image data file is performed (S27-
12).

In the embodiment of the flow chart of FIG. 27, after the above-mentioned step (S27-12), FIG.
Data is written in the communication buffer memory 18a described in (B) (S27-BU). Main CPU 40
After the data is once written in the communication buffer memory 18a, the timing control circuit 18b is exclusively used.
Data is transferred from the communication buffer memory 18a to the communication control circuit 41 'under control of the main CP.
U40 is released from the communication control operation. Unless the recording mode is canceled midway, the operations after step (S27-5) are repeated, and if the recording mode is canceled, the operations relating to recording and image data transmission are terminated (S27).
-16), (S27-17).

FIG. 28 shows FIGS. 1, 4, 14, and 15.
Although the configuration on the block diagram is the same as that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the like, a wireless communication circuit structure having a wireless communication function as a device structure can be attached to the card connector, and communication by this wireless communication circuit structure is possible. 6 is a flowchart for explaining control of an operation sequence according to the embodiment of the present invention. When the transmission mode is set in (S28-1), "card confirmation" (S28-2) is first executed, and then "communication function confirmation" (S28-3) is executed. This "card confirmation" subroutine is shown in FIG.
The same as the above can be applied. As for the "communication function confirmation" subroutine, the same subroutine as that shown in FIG. 11 or 22 can be applied. In the case of this embodiment, when a communication card is connected to the card connector, a check is made as to whether or not the card is required to constantly monitor the communication status and the like (S28-
4). When it is determined that such a check is not necessary, a status display indicating that a normal communication card is set as a device corresponding to the communication function unit is displayed (S28-4).

When it is determined in the above (S28-4) that the card is required to constantly monitor the communication status and the like, the communication status is confirmed (S28).
-6). Next, a delay process of a certain time on the order of several minutes is performed (S28-7), and it is further confirmed whether or not the communication mode is finished (S28-8). Unless the communication mode is finished, The loop of confirmation of the communication state and delay processing for a fixed time is continued (S28-6), (S28-
7). By continuing this loop, even when the communication state changes due to movement of the camera or the like, it is possible to check the state that changes momentarily. When the communication mode ends, the communication mode ends (S28-9).

FIG. 29 is a flow chart for explaining the details of the "communication state confirmation" subroutine (S28-6 in FIG. 28). When the communication state confirmation routine is entered (S29-1), it is first determined whether or not the main power source is turned on (S29-2). Next, it is determined whether or not the device is attached to the card connector (whether or not the card drive including the card connector is active) (S29-3). This (S29-3) is determined by touching a predetermined signal line of the card. When it is determined that the device is attached to the card connector, + 5V of the power supply VCC is supplied to the device (card) (S29-4), and the attribute information of the card is read (S29-5). .

Based on the attribute information read in step (S29-5), it is determined whether the card is an IC memory card (recording medium) or a communication card (communication function circuit structure) (S29-6), and the IC memory If the card is determined to be a card, an error message is displayed (S29-12) and the power source V
The power supply of + 5V of CC is turned off (S29-11) and the confirmation is finished (S29-13). Step (S29-6)
If it is determined that the card is a communication card, the above-mentioned card function flag is set to "1" (S29-7). Next, the communication card is initialized (S29-8), and communication propagation check is further performed (S29-9). The communication propagation check is a check as to whether or not good communication (transmission) can be performed in the environment where the camera is installed at that time. If it is determined in step (S29-9) that a good propagation state can be secured in the communication propagation check, the communication state flag TRN. Set COND to "1" (S29-
10). This communication status flag TRN. When COND is set, the + 5V power supply of the power supply VCC is turned off (S
29-11) The confirmation is completed (S29-13).

FIG. 30 is similar to FIG. 28, but is a flow chart for explaining the control of the operation sequence of another embodiment in which the operation for displaying the communication status is provided in the routine for confirming the communication status. Is. When the transmission mode is set in (S30-1), similar to the embodiment of FIG. 28, first, "card confirmation" (S30-2), and then "communication function confirmation" (S30
-3) is executed. As the "card confirmation" subroutine, the same one as in FIG. 10 or 17 can be applied. As for the "communication function confirmation" subroutine, the same subroutine as that shown in FIG. 11 or 22 can be applied. In the case of this embodiment, when a communication card is connected to the card connector, a check is made as to whether or not the card is required to constantly monitor the communication status and the like (S30-4). When it is determined that such a check is not necessary, a status display indicating that a normal communication card is set as a device corresponding to the communication function unit is displayed (S30-4).

When it is determined in the above (S30-4) that the card is required to constantly monitor the communication status, etc., the communication status is confirmed as described above with reference to FIG. S30-6). Next, a delaying process of a certain time of the order of several minutes is performed (S30-7), and it is further confirmed whether or not the communication mode is finished (S30-8). Unless the communication mode is finished, The loop of confirmation of the communication state and delay processing for a fixed time is continued (S30-6), (S30-7). As described above with reference to FIG. 28, by continuing this loop, even when the communication state changes due to movement of the camera or the like, it is possible to check the state that changes momentarily. When the communication mode ends, the communication mode ends (S30-9). In the embodiment of FIG. 30 described above, particularly in the routine for confirming the communication state by the above loop, when the communication mode is not finished (S30-8), the communication state display processing operation is provided. (S30-10).

FIG. 31 shows steps in FIG. 30 (S30-1).
It is a figure which shows a mode of a display of the communication state by (0). This display is the EVF of FIG. 1 or 14 as a display means.
27, or on the monitor connected to the S terminal 24 or the video output terminal 26. In Fig. 31, 1 at the bottom of the screen
Line "TRANSMIT CONDITION = GOO
D "indicates that the transmission state is good. In the embodiment of FIG. 30, such a communication state display is always made. Incidentally, the above communication card, that is, the wireless communication having the wireless communication function. As a circuit structure, a mobile phone line modem, a digital mobile phone modem, a digital line adapter, I
SDN line / wireless line adapters, PHS infrared light adapters, wireless LAN network adapters, etc. correspond to this.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing details of the switch group 38 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 14. As shown, an LCD panel 3 for displaying various operating states
A switch group 38 for performing various operations on the camera 7 and the camera is connected to the sub CPU 39. Also,
The sub CPU 39 and the main CPU 40 are connected to each other, and the operation of the switch group 38 accepted by the sub CPU 39 is recognized by the main CPU 40 and various control operations described above are performed.

The various operation keys of the switch group 38 will be described below: (down) .... A key for selecting various items in reverse order on the EVF or monitor screen (up) .... on the EVF or monitor screen. Keys for selecting various items in the normal order (tele) ………… Switch to the tele side (increase the magnification) by zoom operation (wide) …… Zoom operation to the wide side (decrease the magnification) operation Key for trigger (Trigger 1) …………………………………… Key for operating the first step of the shutter button (Trigger 2) ……………… Second step operation of the shutter button (shooting) Trigger) key “+”… Keys for increasing operation by selecting various settings and white balance and exposure compensation “-”… Keys for decreasing operation by selecting various settings and white balance and exposure compensation CAMERA / TRANSMIT …… Camera Behavior and transmission Operation switch key PLAY / REC ……………………………… Mode switch key for playback and recording Flash ……… Mode selection key for strobe flash, auto, off, etc. Focus ... Manual focus Mode selection key for autofocus WB ………………………………………… White balance switching key Mode… For selecting various recording modes such as image compression ratio, continuous shooting, single shooting, etc. Key Auto / Manu …… Key for switching between automatic and manual operation for all operations Transmit Set ……………… Key for setting operation of various transmission functions Transmit Mode ………… Selection of various transmission modes Keys for operation Transmit Cancel ………… Keys for operation to interrupt transmission midway Power ………………………………………… Key for .................. main power operation

In the above-mentioned embodiments, the image communication has been described in detail only for the case where the image is transmitted from the camera side, but the communication according to these embodiments is substantially the same when the image is received by the camera side. It is valid.
In this case, since the data will be received in the built-in buffer memory or the memory card attached to another card connector, the switching control of the medium or functional unit for receiving the received data, the display of the switching status, etc. It is possible to realize a camera having a communication function with excellent operability, which is substantially the same as that described in the transmission.

The present invention described in the above embodiments will be summarized below in terms of the structure, technical problems and effects in the order of the claims.

(1) An image pickup means for converting an image formed by the optical system into an image signal and outputting the image signal, and a device structure attached to its own device structure mounting portion in a detachable manner, and a signal for this device structure A device structure holding means for holding the device structure holding means and a device structure holding means for processing the image signal output from the image pickup means and mounting image data corresponding to the signal on the device structure mounting portion of the device structure holding means. A camera provided with a recording means for recording on an image recording medium and an image communication means for transmitting image data recorded on the image recording medium by the recording means through an external line, the camera being processed by the recording means. Buffer memory built in the camera for holding the image data, and the image recording medium in the device structure mounting portion. When it is detected that the image is recorded, the recording means is caused to record the image data only on the image recording medium, and the image data recorded on the image recording medium is transmitted to the image communication means through an external line. A camera, comprising: a control unit that controls so that the camera can be pressed.

Prior to the invention of (1) above, in a camera having a built-in image communication means, the serial line port used for communication was usually constructed as hardware unique to the apparatus. In recent years, a so-called communication card as a communication circuit structure adapted to the same IC card slot has appeared for a device having an IC card slot to which an IC memory card can be attached. If this communication card is applied, data communication compatible with various communication modes becomes possible. In the case of a device having a single IC card slot, of course, only one of the IC memory card and the communication card can be applied at the same time. Therefore, in order to enable recording of image data even when a communication card is attached, a camera having a structure having a built-in memory corresponding to an IC memory card can be considered. When recording on the built-in memory, the recording is performed in the same format as the recording on the IC memory card (for example, DOS file format). However, if no measures are taken, whether the camera itself should record the recorded image data in the IC memory card or in the built-in memory, and in which device it is recorded. It becomes impossible to judge whether the existing data should be transmitted.

The invention of the above (1) is to solve such a technical problem, and a device structure mounting portion of the device structure holding means (in the embodiment, a card connector is provided at the bottom of the slot portion). It is considered that this is because when the IC memory card is attached to the IC memory card, the operator intends to record the image on the IC memory card (image recording medium). The image data is recorded on the side, which ensures convenience. Further, since image data is recorded on the image recording medium side at the time of recording, this image recording medium (IC
The image data recorded on the (memory card) side is automatically selected as a transmission target, and convenience is secured also in this respect.

(2) The image pickup means for converting the image formed by the optical system into an image signal and outputting the image signal, and the device structure attached to the own device structure attachment portion are detachable and the signal to the device structure is transmitted. A device structure holding means for holding the device structure holding means and a device structure holding means for processing the image signal output from the image pickup means and mounting image data corresponding to this signal on the device structure mounting portion of the device structure holding means. A camera having a recording means for recording on an image recording medium and an image communication means for transmitting the image data recorded on the image recording medium by the recording means through an external line, the camera being processed by the recording means. A buffer memory built in the camera for holding the image data, and a device structure device of the device structure holding means. When it is detected that the device structure attached to the unit is the image communication circuit structure, the recording unit is controlled to hold the image data in the buffer memory, and the image communication unit is connected to the image communication unit. A camera, comprising: a control means for controlling the image data held in the buffer memory to be transmitted through an external line using a circuit structure.

Prior to the invention of (2) above, the camera having the image communication means built-in was in the situation as described in the technology prior to the invention of (1) above. Therefore, when the image communication circuit structure (so-called communication card in the above-described embodiments) is mounted on the camera, what device should the camera itself record the data unless any measures are taken. Alternatively, it becomes impossible to determine whether the image communication means built in the camera should be used or the image communication circuit structure should be used as the communication function unit.

The invention of the above (2) is to solve such a technical problem, and when the image communication circuit structure (so-called communication card) is mounted on the device structure mounting portion of the device structure holding means, image recording is performed. At times, the image is automatically recorded in the buffer memory built into the camera, and the image communication circuit structure is automatically used as the image communication function unit, which ensures convenience.

(3) The image pickup means for converting the image formed by the optical system into an image signal and outputting the image signal, and the device structure attached to the own device structure attaching portion in a detachable manner, and of the signal for this device structure. A device structure holding means for holding the device structure holding means and a device structure holding means for processing the image signal output from the image pickup means and mounting image data corresponding to the signal on the device structure mounting portion of the device structure holding means. A camera provided with a recording means for recording on an image recording medium and an image communication means for transmitting the image data recorded on the image recording medium by the recording means through an external line, the camera being processed by the recording means. Buffer memory built in the camera for holding the image data, and an image to be transmitted by the image communication means. Camera, characterized in that the storage medium of data and a transmission data holding medium selection means for performing an operation selected from among any of the above image recording medium or buffer memory.

Before the invention of the above (3), the camera having the image communication means was in the situation as described in the technology before the invention of the above (1). Therefore, an image recording medium (in the embodiment, an IC memory card) is attached to the camera.
When is attached, if no measures are taken, the camera itself can determine whether the source of the data to be transmitted is the internal buffer memory of the camera or the attached image recording medium. It's gone.

The invention of the above (3) is to solve such a technical problem, and to transmit an image when an image recording medium (IC memory card) is attached to the device structure holding means, Transmission data holding medium selecting means for performing an operation of arbitrarily selecting whether to select a buffer memory built in the camera or an attached image recording medium as a device that is a recording source of the target data By providing the above, it is possible to faithfully reflect the intention of the operator at the time of use and ensure convenience.

(4) The camera described in (3) above, further comprising display means for displaying the storage medium of the image data selected by the transmission data holding medium selection means.

The invention of the above (4) relates to the problem of the invention of the above (3) and its solution means. In particular, which device is provided with the transmission data holding medium selecting means and is selected by the operation for this? At present, it is possible to clearly recognize which device is in the selected state, and the operability is further improved.

(5) The image pickup means for converting the image formed by the optical system into an image signal and outputting the image signal, and the device structure attached to the own device structure attaching portion in a detachable manner, and of the signal for this device structure. Device structure holding means for holding the device structure holding means so as to be able to send and receive, and image recording in which the image signal output from the image pickup means is processed and image data corresponding to this signal is mounted in the slot portion of the device structure holding means. A camera provided with a recording means for recording on a medium and an image communication means for transmitting image data recorded on the image recording medium by the recording means through an external line, the image processed by the recording means. A buffer memory built in the camera for holding data and a device structure mounting section of the device structure holding means are mounted. When the device structure being detected detects that the image communication circuit structure is, control means for controlling the recording means to hold the image data in the buffer memory, and image data held in the buffer memory When transmitting through an external line, communication function section selecting means for performing an operation of selecting either the image communication means or the image communication circuit structure as a function section for the transmission is provided. camera.

Prior to the invention of (5) above, the camera having the built-in image communication means was in the situation described in the technology prior to the invention of (1) above. Therefore, when the image communication circuit structure (so-called communication card in the above-described embodiment) is mounted on the camera, the camera itself transmits the data stored in which device unless any measures are taken. It becomes impossible to determine whether or not the image communication means built in the camera should be used as the communication function unit or the image communication circuit structure should be used.

The invention of the above (5) is to solve such a technical problem, and when an image communication circuit structure (so-called communication card) is mounted in the device structure mounting portion of the device structure holding means, image transmission is performed. Sometimes, as the device that is the source of recording the data to be transmitted, the camera automatically selects the buffer memory built in the camera and uses the image communication means built in the camera as the image communication function unit or the image communication circuit structure. Whether or not to use is arbitrarily selected, and the convenience is ensured by faithfully reflecting the intention of the operator at the time of use.

(6) The image pickup means for converting the image formed by the optical system into an image signal and outputting the image signal, and the device structure attached to the own device structure attaching portion in a detachable manner, and of the signal to the device structure. A device structure holding means for holding the device structure holding means and a device structure holding means for processing the image signal output from the image pickup means and mounting image data corresponding to the signal on the device structure mounting portion of the device structure holding means. A camera having a recording means for recording on an image recording medium and an image communication means for transmitting the image data recorded on the image recording medium by the recording means through an external line, wherein the device structure holding means is It has a plurality of device structure mounting portions adapted to both the image recording medium and the image communication circuit structure, and further has the device structure holding hand. When it is detected that the image communication circuit structure is attached to any one of the device structure attachment units, when transmitting the image data through an external line, the image communication means or the image communication unit is used as a function unit for the transmission. A camera provided with a communication function unit selecting means for performing an operation of selecting one of the circuit structures.

Prior to the invention (6), the camera having the built-in image communication means was in the situation described in the technology prior to the invention (1). Therefore, when an image communication circuit structure (a so-called communication card in the above-described embodiments) is attached to the camera, the camera itself is a communication function unit, and the image stored in the camera is taken unless any measures are taken. It becomes impossible to judge whether the communication means should be used or the image communication circuit structure should be used.

The invention of the above (6) is to solve such a technical problem, and when an image communication circuit structure (so-called communication card) is mounted in the device structure mounting portion of the device structure holding means, image transmission is performed. Sometimes, as the communication function unit, it is possible to arbitrarily select whether to use the image communication means built in the camera or to use the image communication circuit structure, so that the intention of the operator is faithfully reflected when using. This is to ensure convenience.

(7) A display means for displaying which of the image communication means and the image communication circuit structure is selected by the communication function section selecting means is further provided. The camera according to 5) or (6).

The invention of (7) relates to the problem of the invention of (5) or (6) and its solving means, in particular, which device is provided with the communication function selecting means and which is selected by an operation for the communication function selecting means. Is it something
At present, it can be clearly recognized which device is in the selected state, and the operability is further improved.

(8) The above-mentioned (5) is characterized by further comprising power supply stopping means for stopping the power supply to the image communication means or the image communication circuit structure not selected by the communication function section selecting means. Alternatively, the camera described in (6).

In addition to the problem of the invention of (5) or (6), the invention of the above (8) is conventionally such that the image communication circuit structure (so-called communication card) is always installed when the image communication circuit structure is mounted. The problem that the power consumption is remarkable in a camera or the like whose power supply capacity is extremely limited in order to make the configuration suitable for carrying, and the solution to the problem By further providing the stopping means, power consumption can be suppressed as much as possible, and even a small-capacity power supply can be used for a long time, and operability is further improved.

(9) The image pickup means for converting the image formed by the optical system into an image signal and outputting the image signal, and the device structure attached to the own device structure attaching portion in a detachable manner, and of the signal to the device structure. A device structure holding means for holding the device structure holding means and a device structure holding means for processing the image signal output from the image pickup means and mounting image data corresponding to the signal on the device structure mounting portion of the device structure holding means. A camera having a recording means for recording on an image recording medium and an image communication means for transmitting the image data recorded on the image recording medium by the recording means through an external line, wherein the device structure holding means is It has a plurality of device structure mounting portions adapted to both the image recording medium and the image communication circuit structure, and further has the device structure holding hand. When it is detected that the image communication circuit structure is attached to any one of the device structure attachment parts, when transmitting the image data through an external line, the image communication circuit structure is preferentially used to transmit an image. A camera provided with a priority selection unit for

Before the invention of (9) above, the camera having the built-in image communication means was in the situation described in the technology prior to the invention of (1) above. Therefore, when an image communication circuit structure (a so-called communication card in the above-described embodiments) is attached to the camera, the camera itself is a communication function unit, and the image stored in the camera is taken unless any measures are taken. It becomes impossible to judge whether the communication means should be used or the image communication circuit structure should be used.

The invention of the above (9) is to solve such a technical problem, and when the image communication circuit structure (so-called communication card) is mounted on the device structure mounting portion of the device structure holding means, image transmission is performed. At times, the use of the image communication circuit structure as the communication function unit is preferentially selected, which ensures convenience in use.

(10) Image pickup means for converting an image formed by the optical system into an image signal and outputting the image signal, and an image signal output from the image pickup means for processing image data corresponding to this signal to the camera. A camera comprising recording means for recording on an image recording medium detachably mounted, and image communication means for transmitting image data recorded on the image recording medium by the recording means through an external line, The image communication means is configured to start transmission of image data to a preset destination based on the timing when the recording means completes recording on the image recording medium. A camera characterized by.

Before the invention of the above (10), the camera having the image communication function unit was configured to transmit the recorded image data file by this photographing after all photographing is completed. Therefore, the operation for transmitting the image file is started only after the photographing is completed, and there is a problem that the total time required from the photographing to the transmission completion is undesirably long.

The invention of the above (10) relates to the problem of the above invention, in particular, based on the timing when the recording of the communication means to the image recording medium by the recording means is completed, the communication destination is set to the preset destination. Since it is configured to start transmitting image data, transmission of image data to a preset destination is started immediately after one shooting, and the time between the next shooting is effectively used. The transmission is performed, and the time required from the entire shooting to the completion of the transmission is shortened.

(11) The image communication means is configured to start the transmission of the subsequent image data after a predetermined time delay from the timing at which the recording on the image recording medium by the recording means is completed. The camera according to (10) above.

In addition to the problem of the invention of the above (10), the invention of the above (11) immediately transmits the image data when the image capturing fails if the image data transmission is automatically started immediately after the image capturing is completed. Regarding the problem that the transmission (communication) is wasted due to the above, and a solution to the problem, particularly, the transmission of the post-image data is started after a predetermined time delay from the timing at which the recording (imaging) is completed. As a result, when shooting fails, there is sufficient time to cancel the transmission, and the operability is further improved.

(12) The camera described in (11) above, further comprising a transmission stopping means for stopping the transmission of the image data only within the predetermined time delay period.

The invention of the above (12) relates to the same problem as the invention of the above (11), and particularly, the transmission of the subsequent image data is started after a predetermined time delay from the timing when the recording (imaging) is completed. In addition, since the transmission canceling means for canceling the transmission of the image data only in advance within this time delay period is further provided, there is enough time to cancel the transmission when the photographing fails. In addition, since it is automatically transmitted when the time delay period elapses, the transmission is started without any special operation when the transmission is intended such as when shooting is successful. Further improve.

(13) The above-mentioned image communication means comprises a communication buffer memory for holding image data to be transmitted.
The camera described in 0), (11) or (12).

In addition to the problems of the invention of (11) or (12), the invention of the above (13) can conventionally perform a photographing operation and a communication (image transmission) operation in parallel in time. With regard to the problem and its solution, in particular, since the communication buffer memory is further provided, shooting (recording of an image) and transmission (transmission of an already recorded image) can be performed in parallel, and operability is improved. Is further improved.

(14) An image pickup means for converting an image formed by the optical system into an image signal and outputting the image signal, and a device structure attached to its own device structure mounting portion in a detachable manner, and a signal for the device structure. A device structure holding means for holding the device structure holding means and a device structure holding means for processing the image signal output from the image pickup means and mounting image data corresponding to the signal on the device structure mounting portion of the device structure holding means. A camera having a recording means for recording on an image recording medium and an image communication means for transmitting the image data recorded on the image recording medium by the recording means through an external line, wherein the device structure holding means is A device structure mounting portion adapted to both the image recording medium and the wireless communication circuit structure is provided, and further, the device structure holding means is provided. When it is detected that the wireless communication circuit structure is mounted on the vice structure mounting part, the wireless communication circuit structure is provided with power every predetermined time, and communication determination means for determining whether or not image communication is possible at that time is provided. A camera characterized by that.

Prior to the invention of (13) above, the camera having the built-in image communication means was in the situation described in the technology prior to the invention of (2) above. In particular, when the image communication circuit structure (so-called communication card) is mounted, the image communication circuit structure is always supplied with power. Especially when the image communication circuit structure is related to the wireless communication function, it is necessary to monitor whether or not the situation at that time is suitable for communication because the propagation of radio waves and other waves is easily disturbed in the communication situation in wireless communication. However, if this monitoring is performed while power is being supplied at all, the power supply will be significantly consumed. It is also a big problem that the power consumption of a camera or the like whose power supply capacity is extremely limited in order to make the structure suitable for carrying is significantly consumed.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention of the above (13) is provided with a communication judging means for supplying electric power to the wireless communication circuit structure at every predetermined time and judging whether or not the image communication is possible at that time. As a result, power consumption can be suppressed as much as possible and even a small-capacity power supply can be used for a long time, further improving operability.

(15) The camera according to claim 14, further comprising an informing unit for informing whether or not the image communication determined by the communication determining unit is possible.

In addition to the effect of the invention of the above (14), the invention of the above (15) enables the operator to take an appropriate response according to the availability of communication by the notifying means, and the operability is further improved.

[0129]

According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a camera of this type in which a variety of communication function circuit structures suitable for self can be fully utilized in addition to the communication function unit fixed and built in.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic camera as one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of operation of the camera shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a display in EVF in the operation of FIG. 2, or
It is a figure which shows the display on the monitor connected to the S terminal or the video output terminal.

FIG. 4 is a view showing the camera of FIG. 1, in which image communication is performed by selectively using a communication card attached to a device structure holding unit (card connector or the like) or a communication function unit (communication control circuit or the like) built in the camera. It is a block diagram which shows the detail of the performed part.

FIG. 5 is an EVF in the camera of FIG. 1 when a communication card is attached to a card connector and image data held in a built-in memory is transmitted via a communication control circuit.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display on the monitor, or a display on a monitor connected to the S terminal or the video output terminal.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the invention having the same configuration on the block diagram as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 but different in the control of the order of operation.

7 is a display in EVF in the operation of FIG. 6, or
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display on a monitor connected to an S terminal 24 or a video output terminal 26.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an embodiment of the invention having the same configuration on the block diagram as that of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 but different in the control of the order of operation.

9 is a display in EVF in the operation of FIG. 8, or
It is a figure which shows the display on the monitor connected to the S terminal or the video output terminal.

10 is a flowchart showing the contents of a "card confirmation" subroutine in FIGS. 2, 6 and 8. FIG.

11 is a flowchart showing the contents of a "communication function confirmation" subroutine in FIGS. 2, 6 and 8. FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the invention having the same configuration on the block diagram as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, but different in the control of the order of operation.

13 is a diagram showing a display on the EVF in the operation of FIG. 12 or a display on a monitor connected to the S terminal or the video output terminal.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a detailed view of a part of the camera of FIG. 14 which performs image communication by selectively using a communication card mounted on the device structure holding means or a communication function unit (communication control circuit or the like) built in the camera. It is a block diagram shown.

16 is a diagram showing a communication function selection display for selecting which device to use as a communication function unit in the operation according to the embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a card confirmation subroutine in the operation according to the embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing a communication function confirmation subroutine in the operation according to the embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a screen display when one device is selected as a communication function unit based on the same display as in FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the invention having the same configuration on the block diagram as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, but different in the control of the order of operation.

21 is a diagram showing a display on an EVF or a display on a monitor connected to an S terminal or a video output terminal in the embodiment of FIG. 20. FIG.

22 is a flowchart for illustrating details of a "communication function confirmation" subroutine in the operation according to the embodiment of FIG. 20. FIG.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart for explaining an operation relating to recording and image data transmission in the embodiment of the camera of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an operation according to another embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an operation according to still another embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram for explaining an embodiment in which a circuit configuration relating to a communication function for transmitting image data is improved.

27 is a flowchart showing an operation in the embodiment having the component shown in FIG. 26 (B).

FIG. 28 is a wireless communication circuit having the same configuration on the block diagram as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 14 and 15, etc., but having a wireless communication function as a device structure in the card connector. 6 is a flowchart for explaining control of an operation sequence according to an embodiment of the invention in which a structure can be mounted and communication by the wireless communication circuit structure is enabled.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart for illustrating details of a subroutine of a “communication state confirmation” operation in the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is provided with a communication status display operation in the communication status confirmation routine in the operation of the embodiment of FIG.
9 is a flowchart for explaining control of an operation sequence according to another embodiment.

31 is a diagram showing how communication states are displayed in steps during the operation of FIG. 30. FIG.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing details of a switch group in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 14;

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Imaging Lens 2 Optical Low Pass Filter 3 CCD Image Sensor 4 Sample Hold Circuit 5 Imaging Process Circuit 6 A / D Converter (Y Signal) 7 A / D Converter (C Signal) 8 Memory Control Circuit 9 Frame Memory 10 CCD Vertical Transfer Clock Driver 11 CCD driving timing signal generator 12 Synchronous signal generator 13 DCT circuit 14 Coder 15 IC card interface (I / F) circuit 16, 16a, 16b Card connector 17 IC memory card 18 Buffer memory 18a Communication buffer memory 18b Timing Control circuit 19 D / A converter (Y system) 20 D / A converter (C system) 21 Adder circuit 22 Low pass filter (LPF) 23 Band pass filter (BPF) 24 S terminal 25 Addition times 26 Video Output Terminal 27 EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) 28 Focusing Lens Drive Motor 29 Zoom Motor for Driving Zoom Lens 30 Motor Driver 31 Photometric Sensor 32 Photometric Circuit 33 Strobe Control Circuit 34 Strobe 35 External Strobe Terminal 36 Lens CPU 37 LCD Panel 38 Switch group 39 Sub CPU 40 Main CPU 41, 41 'Communication control circuit 42 Communication terminal 43 Communication external modem 44, 44' Communication external line 45, 45 ', 45a, 45b Communication card (image communication circuit structure) 46 contacts Part 47 Battery 48 Fuse 49 DC-DC converter 50,501 Changeover switch 151,152 Buffer circuit 153,153a Buffer circuit 154,154a Buffer circuit 155,155b Buff Circuit 156,156b buffer circuit 181 memory controller

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup means for converting an image formed by an optical system into an image signal and outputting the image signal, and a device structure mounted on a device structure mounting portion of the device in a detachable manner, and a signal is transferred to and from the device structure. Device structure holding means for holding the image data output from the image pickup means, and image data corresponding to this signal is attached to the device structure mounting portion of the device structure holding means. A camera provided with recording means for recording on a recording medium, and image communication means for transmitting image data recorded on the image recording medium by the recording means through an external line, the camera being processed by the recording means. A buffer memory built in the camera for holding image data, and the image recording medium mounted in the device structure mounting portion. When it is detected that the image data is recorded, only the image data is recorded in the image recording medium by the recording means, and the image data recorded in the image recording medium is transmitted by the image communication means through an external line. And a control means for controlling the camera as described above. 2. An image pickup means for converting an image formed by an optical system into an image signal and outputting the image signal, and a device structure mounted on a device structure mounting portion of the device in a detachable manner, and sending and receiving of a signal to and from the device structure. Device structure holding means for holding the image data output from the image pickup means, and image data corresponding to this signal is attached to the device structure mounting portion of the device structure holding means. A camera having recording means for recording on a recording medium and image communication means for transmitting image data recorded on the image recording medium by the recording means through an external line, the camera being processed by the recording means. A buffer memory built in the camera for holding image data, and a device structure attachment of the device structure holding means. Device structure mounted on is controlled so that allowed to hold the image data in the buffer memory to said recording means when it detects that the image communication circuit assembly, and,
A camera, comprising: control means for controlling the image communication means so that the image data held in the buffer memory is transmitted through an external line using the image communication circuit structure. 3. An image pickup means for converting an image formed by an optical system into an image signal and outputting the image signal, and a device structure attached to its own device structure mounting portion in a detachable manner, and a signal is transmitted / received to / from the device structure. Device structure holding means for holding the image data output from the image pickup means, and image data corresponding to this signal is attached to the device structure mounting portion of the device structure holding means. A camera having recording means for recording on a recording medium and image communication means for transmitting image data recorded on the image recording medium by the recording means through an external line, the camera being processed by the recording means. A buffer memory built in the camera for holding image data, and an image to be transmitted by the image communication means. Camera, characterized in that the storage medium over data with a, a transmission data holding medium selection means for performing an operation selected from among any of the above image recording medium or buffer memory. 4. The camera according to claim 3, further comprising display means for displaying a storage medium of the image data selected by the transmission data holding medium selection means. 5. An image pickup means for converting an image formed by an optical system into an image signal and outputting the image signal, and a device structure mounted on a device structure mounting portion of the device in a detachable manner, and a signal is transferred to and from the device structure. Device structure holding means for holding the image data output from the image pickup means, and image data corresponding to this signal is attached to the device structure mounting portion of the device structure holding means. A camera having recording means for recording on a recording medium and image communication means for transmitting image data recorded on the image recording medium by the recording means through an external line, the camera being processed by the recording means. A buffer memory built in the camera for holding image data, and a device structure attachment of the device structure holding means. When the device structure attached to the device detects that the image communication circuit structure is, the control device controls the recording device to hold the image data in the buffer memory, and the image stored in the buffer memory. When transmitting data through an external line, a communication function unit selecting unit for performing an operation of selecting either the image communication unit or the image communication circuit structure as a function unit for the above transmission is provided. And the camera. 6. An image pickup means for converting an image formed by an optical system into an image signal and outputting the image signal, and a device structure mounted on a device structure mounting portion of the device in a detachable manner, and transmitting and receiving a signal to and from the device structure. Device structure holding means for holding the image data output from the image pickup means, and image data corresponding to this signal is attached to the device structure mounting portion of the device structure holding means. A camera having recording means for recording on a recording medium and image communication means for transmitting image data recorded on the image recording medium by the recording means through an external line, wherein the device structure holding means is an image. It has a plurality of device structure mounting portions adapted to both the recording medium and the image communication circuit structure, and further has the device structure holding means. When it is detected that the image communication circuit structure is attached to any one of the device structure attachment units, when transmitting the image data through an external line, the image communication means or the image communication circuit serves as a function unit for the transmission. A camera, comprising: a communication function unit selecting unit for performing an operation of selecting one of the structures. 7. A display means for displaying whether the image communication means or the image communication circuit structure is selected by the communication function section selecting means. Or the camera according to 6. 8. A power supply stopping means for stopping power supply to the image communication means or the image communication circuit structure not selected by the communication function section selecting means, further comprising: The camera described in. 9. An image pickup means for converting an image formed by an optical system into an image signal and outputting the image signal, and a device structure attached to its own device structure mounting portion in a detachable manner, and a signal is transferred to and from the device structure. Device structure holding means for holding the image data output from the image pickup means, and image data corresponding to this signal is attached to the device structure mounting portion of the device structure holding means. A camera having recording means for recording on a recording medium and image communication means for transmitting image data recorded on the image recording medium by the recording means through an external line, wherein the device structure holding means is an image. It has a plurality of device structure mounting portions adapted to both the recording medium and the image communication circuit structure, and further has the device structure holding means. When it is detected that the image communication circuit structure is attached to any of the device structure attachment parts, when transmitting the image data through an external line, the image communication circuit structure is preferentially used to transmit an image. A camera provided with priority selection means. 10. An image pickup means for converting an image formed by an optical system into an image signal and outputting the image signal, and an image signal outputted from the image pickup means for processing the image data corresponding to this signal to and from the camera. A camera provided with a recording means for recording on an image recording medium mounted freely, and an image communication means for transmitting image data recorded on the image recording medium by the recording means through an external line, The image communication means is configured to start transmission of image data to a preset destination based on the timing of completion of recording on the image recording medium by the recording means. Characteristic camera. 11. The image communication means is configured to start the transmission of the subsequent image data after a predetermined time delay from the timing at which recording on the image recording medium by the recording means is completed. The camera according to claim 10, wherein the camera is provided. 12. The camera according to claim 11, further comprising a transmission stopping means for stopping transmission of image data only within the predetermined time delay period. 13. The image communication means comprises a communication buffer memory for holding image data to be transmitted.
Or the camera according to item 12. 14. An image pickup means for converting an image formed by an optical system into an image signal and outputting the image signal, and a device structure mounted on a device structure mounting portion of the device so that the device structure can be detachably attached to and received from the device structure. Device structure holding means for holding the image data output from the image pickup means, and image data corresponding to this signal is attached to the device structure mounting portion of the device structure holding means. A camera having recording means for recording on a recording medium and image communication means for transmitting image data recorded on the image recording medium by the recording means through an external line, wherein the device structure holding means is an image. The recording medium and the wireless communication circuit structure have a device structure mounting portion that is compatible with both, and the device structure holding means has a device When it is detected that the wireless communication circuit structure is mounted on the chair structure mounting portion, the wireless communication circuit structure is supplied with power every predetermined time, and a communication determination means for determining whether or not image communication is possible at that time is provided. A camera characterized by that. 15. The camera according to claim 14, further comprising an informing unit for informing whether or not the image communication determined by the communication determining unit is possible.