JP2000020647A - Electronic equipment and control method therefor, and electronic system and memory medium thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce stresses operating between a connector of an image-pickup device and a connector of an information processor. SOLUTION: An image-pickup device 100 has a card shape part 300, and is integrated with an information processor 200, by inserting the card shape part 300 in a card slot 243 of the information processor 200. The card shape part 300 has an engagement part 46, which is engaged with a card lock part 243 of the information processor 200 near upon a center line (a), connecting a center of a line a tip part and a center of a side of a rear edge part. Thus, by arranging the engagement part 46 near upon the center line (a), it is possible to reduce a force operating in a direction in which the card shape part 300 is obliquely pulled out in a locked state.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic device, a control method thereof, an electronic system, and a memory medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is an electronic device such as a computer having a slot for a PC card conforming to the PCMCIA standard and capable of mounting a memory card or an I / O card. According to such an electronic device, it is possible to construct a system to which various extended functions such as a digital camera, a modem, a LAN, and a SCSI are added by mounting a memory card or an I / O card in a PC card slot. It is.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-178177 discloses that
A highly convenient imaging system in which a digital camera is made detachable from a portable computer by allowing an imaging unit to be mounted in a slot for a PC card is described.

A conventional imaging system will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically illustrating the appearance and configuration of an imaging device 600 and an information processing device 400 according to a conventional example. FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically illustrating an appearance and a configuration of the imaging device 600. FIG. 22 (a),
(B) and (c) show the card-shaped portion 70 of the imaging device 600.
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an appearance and a configuration of a No. 0.

[0005] As shown in the figure, the imaging device 600 is a PCM.
Card shape part 70 having PC card shape of CIA standard
0, and a large scale integrated circuit (LSI) 64 therein.
0 is implemented. The card-shaped portion 700 is provided with a concave portion 646 that forms a part of a lock mechanism for coupling the imaging device 600 and the information processing device 400 to one of two sides orthogonal to the side where the connector 642 is arranged. I have.

The card lock mechanism 446 is provided in the recess 646.
Can be locked by locking the imaging device 600 to the information processing device 400.

[0007]

In the conventional imaging system as described above, the imaging device 600 is locked in a state where the card lock mechanism 446 of the information processing device 400 is engaged with the concave portion 646 of the imaging device 600 (locked state). If it is attempted to remove the connector, mechanical stress may act on the connector 642 of the imaging device 600 and the connector 442 of the information processing device 400, for example.

In particular, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, when the length L of the card-shaped portion 900 of the image pickup device 800 is shortened (for example, L <W), the above mechanical stress acts more strongly. there's a possibility that. Here, FIG.
FIGS. 24A, 24B, and 24C schematically show the appearance and configuration of an imaging device 800 in which the card-shaped portion of the conventional example shown in FIGS. 20 to 22 is miniaturized. FIGS.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the appearance and configuration of a card-shaped portion 900 of FIG.

In the example shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the card lock mechanism 446 of the information processing apparatus is moved in the direction A (FIG. 24B).
The imaging device 800 can be coupled to the information processing device by inserting it into the concave portion 846 of the imaging device 800 by protruding in the direction B (see FIG. 24C).

When the image pickup device 800 is to be pulled out from the card slot of the information processing device in this connected state, a force mainly acts in the direction C shown in FIG. At this time, if a force acts also in the D direction or the E direction, the concave portion 8
A force in the direction D ′ or the direction E ′ acts between the connector 842 of the imaging device 800 and the connector of the information processing device, with the joint between the card 46 and the card lock mechanism 446 as a fulcrum.

Here, as shown in FIG. 22C, when the card-shaped portion 700 of the imaging device 600 is relatively large and the length L of the card-shaped portion 700 is longer than the width W, a concave portion 646 serving as a fulcrum. The distance between the connector 642 and the connector between the connector 642 and the card lock mechanism 446 is relatively long. Further, when a force is applied to the card-shaped portion 700 in the C direction, the amount by which the card-shaped portion 700 shifts in the D or E direction is relatively small. Therefore, in this case, D ′ acting between the connector 642 of the imaging device 600 and the connector of the information processing device.
Direction or E 'direction force is relatively small.

However, as shown in FIG. 24C, when the length L of the card-shaped portion 900 of the imaging device 800 is short (for example, L <W), the concave portion 846 serving as a fulcrum and the card lock mechanism 446 are provided. And the distance between the connector and the connector 842 is short. Therefore, when a force is applied to the card-shaped portion 900 in the C-direction, the amount of displacement of the card-shaped portion 900 in the D-direction or the E-direction is large.
0 connector 642 and information processing device-side connector 442
And the force acting in the direction D 'or E' is large.

[0013] The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and has as its object to reduce, for example, a force acting on a portion connecting two electronic devices.

[0014]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic apparatus having a card-shaped portion, wherein the card-shaped portion is inserted into a card slot of another electronic device so that the other electronic device is inserted. An electronic device connected with the locking portion of the other electronic device near a center line connecting the center of the front end side and the center of the rear end side of the card-shaped portion. It is characterized by having.

In the electronic device according to the first aspect, it is preferable that, for example, the engaging portion is disposed near a tip of the card-shaped portion.

In the electronic device according to the first aspect, for example, it is preferable that the engaging portion is arranged at any position of about a quarter of a front end side of the card-shaped portion. .

In the electronic device according to the first aspect, for example, it is preferable that a connector is provided at a tip of the card-shaped portion, and the engaging portion is arranged near a center of the connector.

In the electronic device according to the first aspect, for example, the card-shaped portion has a connector at a tip thereof and an electronic component near a central portion, and the engaging portion includes the connector and the connector. It is preferable to be arranged between the electronic components.

In the electronic device according to the first aspect, it is preferable that, for example, the card-shaped portion has a framework, and the engaging portion is provided on the framework.

In the electronic device according to the first aspect, for example, it is preferable that the engaging portion has a concave shape.

In the electronic device according to the first aspect, for example, it is preferable that the engaging portion has a convex shape.

In the electronic device according to the first aspect, for example, it is preferable that the electronic device has only one engaging portion.

In the electronic device according to the first aspect, for example, an image pickup unit, an image processing unit for processing an image picked up by the image pickup unit, and an image processed by the image processing unit via the connector Preferably, a communication unit for transferring the electronic device to the other electronic device is provided.

In the electronic device according to the first aspect, for example, a portion of the card-shaped portion to be inserted into the card slot preferably has substantially the same structure as a compact flash card.

In the electronic device according to the first aspect, for example, the card-shaped portion is obliquely pulled from the other electronic device in a state where the engaging portion is locked by being engaged with the lock mechanism. It is preferable to further include a detection unit that detects a force acting in a pulling-out direction, and an output unit that outputs a detection result by the detection unit.

In the electronic device according to the first aspect, for example, it is preferable that the output unit transfers the detection result to the other electronic device.

An electronic apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is an electronic apparatus having a card slot and connecting to the other electronic apparatus by inserting a card-shaped portion of the other electronic apparatus into the card slot. When the card-shaped portion is inserted into the card slot to a predetermined depth, the card-shaped portion is provided near a center line connecting the center of the front edge and the center of the rear edge of the card-shaped portion. A lock mechanism is provided for engaging the engaging portion of the card-shaped portion to lock the card-shaped portion.

In the electronic device according to the second aspect, it is preferable that, for example, the engaging portion of the card-shaped portion is disposed near a tip of the card-shaped portion.

In the electronic device according to the second aspect, for example, it is preferable that the engaging portion is disposed at any position of about a quarter of a front end side of the card-shaped portion. .

[0030] In the electronic device according to the second aspect, for example, a connector connected to a connector provided at a tip of the card-shaped portion may be further provided in the back of the card slot, and the card-shaped portion may be engaged. The portion is preferably arranged near the center of the connector on the card-shaped portion side.

In the electronic device according to the second aspect, for example, a connector for connecting to the connector on the card-shaped portion side may be further provided in the back of the card slot, and the connector may be provided at the tip of the card-shaped portion. Preferably, the electronic component has an electronic component near the central portion, and the engagement portion of the card-shaped portion is disposed between the connector on the card-shaped portion side and the electronic component.

In the electronic device according to the second aspect, for example, the engagement portion of the card-shaped portion preferably has a concave shape.

In the electronic device according to the second aspect, it is preferable that, for example, the engaging portion of the card-shaped portion has a convex shape.

In the electronic device according to the second aspect, it is preferable that, for example, only one lock mechanism is provided.

In the electronic device according to the second aspect, for example, a communication unit that communicates with the other electronic device and an image information transferred from the other electronic device via the communication unit may be used. It is preferable to further include a display unit for displaying an image.

In the electronic device according to the second aspect, for example, the card slot is preferably a card slot corresponding to a compact flash card.

In the electronic device according to the second aspect, for example, the card-shaped portion is removed from the card slot in a state where the lock mechanism is engaged with the engaging portion and the card-shaped portion is locked. A detection unit that detects a force acting in a direction in which the card is to be drawn obliquely, and a detection result by the detection unit indicates that a force is acting in a direction in which the card-shaped portion is drawn obliquely from the card slot. In this case, it is preferable to further include a warning unit that issues a warning to that effect.

[0038] In the electronic device according to the second aspect, for example, the detecting section may pull out the card-shaped portion obliquely from the card slot based on information supplied from the other electronic device. It is preferable to detect whether or not a force is acting on the surface.

An electronic system according to a third aspect of the present invention includes the electronic device according to the first aspect and the electronic device according to the second aspect.

[0040] In the electronic system according to the third aspect, for example, the card-shaped portion is removed from the card slot in a state where the lock mechanism is engaged with the engaging portion and the card-shaped portion is locked. A detection unit that detects a force acting in a direction in which the card is to be drawn obliquely, and a detection result by the detection unit indicates that a force is acting in a direction in which the card-shaped portion is drawn obliquely from the card slot. In this case, it is preferable to further include a warning unit that issues a warning to that effect.

A method for controlling an electronic device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention has a card slot and connects to the other electronic device by inserting a card-shaped portion of the other electronic device into the card slot. A method for controlling an electronic device, comprising: a detecting step of detecting that the card-shaped portion has been inserted into the card slot to a predetermined depth; and after detecting by the detecting step, an edge of a front end of the card-shaped portion. A locking step of locking the card-shaped portion by engaging a lock mechanism with an engagement portion of the card-shaped portion provided near a center line connecting the center and the center of the rear end side. I do.

In the method for controlling an electronic device according to the fourth aspect, for example, the card-shaped portion may be locked in a state where the lock mechanism is engaged with the engaging portion and the card-shaped portion is locked. A detecting step of detecting a force acting in a direction obliquely withdrawing from the card slot, and a detection result of the detecting step indicates that a force is acting in a direction in which the card-shaped portion is obliquely withdrawn from the card slot. In the case where it is indicated, it is preferable to further include a warning step of issuing a warning to that effect.

The memory medium according to the fifth aspect of the present invention comprises:
A memory medium having a card slot and storing a program for controlling an electronic device connected to the other electronic device by inserting a card-shaped portion of the other electronic device into the card slot, the program comprising: Is a detecting step of detecting that the card-shaped portion has been inserted into the card slot to a predetermined depth, and after the detection by the detecting step, the center of the front end side and the rear end side of the card-shaped portion are detected. A locking step of engaging a lock mechanism with an engagement portion of the card-shaped portion provided near the center line connecting the center to lock the card-shaped portion.

[0044] In the memory medium according to the fifth aspect, the program may be, for example, the card-shaped portion locked in a state where the lock mechanism is engaged with the engaging portion and the card-shaped portion is locked. A detection step of detecting a force acting in a direction of obliquely pulling out from the card slot, and a detection result of the detection step indicates that a force is acting in a direction of obliquely pulling out the card-shaped portion from the card slot. And a warning step of issuing a warning to that effect.

[0045]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an imaging system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1
Reference numeral 00 denotes an imaging device, and reference numeral 200 denotes an information processing device represented by, for example, a portable computer or a notebook computer.

First, the imaging device 100 will be described.
Reference numeral 10 denotes a photographing lens, and 12 denotes a shutter having an aperture function. 14 is an image sensor that converts an optical image into an electric signal,
Reference numeral 16 denotes an A / D converter for converting an analog signal output from the image sensor 14 into a digital signal.

Reference numeral 18 denotes an image sensor 14 and an A / D converter 16
And a timing generation circuit that supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the D / A converter 26, and is controlled by the memory control circuit 22 and the imaging control circuit 50.

Reference numeral 20 denotes an image processing circuit, which stores data supplied from the A / D converter 16 or a memory control circuit 22.
Is subjected to image processing such as pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing.

In the image processing circuit 20, the imaging control circuit 50 uses the image data relating to the imaging to
0 and the TTL (through-the-
Lens) AF (autofocus) processing, AE
Calculation processing for realizing (automatic exposure) processing and EF (flash pre-emission) processing is performed. Further, the image processing circuit 20 also performs TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing using the captured image data.

Reference numeral 22 denotes a memory control circuit, which includes an A / D converter 16, a timing generation circuit 18, and an image processing circuit 2.
0, controls the image memory 26 and the compression / decompression circuit 24. Data output from the A / D converter 16 is transmitted through the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22 or
The data is written to the image memory 26 via only the memory control circuit 22 without passing through the image processing circuit 20.

24 is an adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADC)
T) is a compression / decompression circuit that compresses / decompresses image data by reading the image data stored in the image memory 26, performing compression processing or decompression processing, and writing the processed data to the image memory 26.

Reference numeral 26 denotes an image memory for storing photographed still images and moving images, which has a sufficient storage capacity to store a predetermined number of still images and moving images for a predetermined time.
It is also possible to cope with continuous shooting or panoramic shooting in which a plurality of still images are continuously shot. The image memory 2
6 can also be used as a work area of the imaging control circuit 50.

Reference numeral 30 denotes an exposure control unit for controlling the shutter 12 having an aperture function, and also realizes a flash dimming function by cooperating with the flash 38. Reference numeral 32 denotes a distance measurement control unit that controls focusing of the photographing lens 10;
Reference numeral 4 denotes a zoom control unit that controls zooming of the photographing lens 10. A barrier control unit 36 controls the operation of the barrier 52. Reference numeral 38 denotes a flash, which also has a function of projecting AF auxiliary light and a function of controlling flash light.

The exposure control unit 30 and the immediate distance control unit 32
It is controlled using the TL method. Specifically, the exposure control unit 30 and the distance measurement control unit 32 are controlled based on the result of the image processing circuit 20 calculating the image data related to imaging.

Reference numeral 40 denotes an interface for connecting to the information processing apparatus 200. 42 exchanges a data signal, an address signal line, and a control signal with the information processing apparatus 200, and controls the power supply control unit 60 and / or the interface 40
Is a connector for supplying power from the information processing apparatus 200 to the power supply. The interface 40 includes the imaging device 10
A card attribute information storage unit 41 for transmitting attribute information of 0 (card attribute information) to the information processing device 200 via the connector 42 is provided. The card attribute information may be stored in a block other than the interface 40.

Reference numeral 44 denotes a program storage unit for storing a program for controlling processing (for example, imaging) in the image pickup apparatus 100. This program is stored in the information processing apparatus 20.
0 and is executed by the information processing apparatus 200. 5
Reference numeral 0 denotes an imaging control circuit that controls the entire imaging device 100. Reference numeral 58 denotes a barrier that functions as a protection unit that covers the imaging unit including the lens 10 of the imaging device 100 to prevent the imaging unit from being stained or damaged.

Reference numeral 60 denotes a power control unit, which includes a battery detection circuit,
It comprises a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching a block to be energized, and the like, and detects the presence or absence of a battery, the type of the battery, the remaining battery level, and performs DC based on the detection result and an instruction from the imaging control circuit 50. -Controlling the DC converter to provide the required voltage for the required period
Supply to each part.

Reference numeral 62 denotes a battery composed of a primary battery such as an alkaline battery and a lithium battery, and a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery and a Li battery.

Next, the information processing apparatus 200 will be described. Reference numeral 240 denotes an interface for connecting to the imaging device 100; and 242, a connector for exchanging data signals, address signals, and control signals with the imaging device 100 and for supplying power from the power supply control unit 260 to the imaging device 100. .

The connector 242 is attached inside the card slot of the information processing device 200,
When the whole or a part of 00 is inserted into the card slot, the connector 42 of the image capturing apparatus 100 and the connector 242 of the information processing apparatus 200 are fitted and operate integrally.

A card slot is provided in the imaging device 100, a connector 42 is mounted inside the card slot, and a part of the information processing device 200 is inserted into the card slot.
It is also possible to adopt a structure in which the connector 42 and the connector 42 of the image pickup apparatus 100 are fitted and operated integrally.

Reference numeral 244 denotes a connector 242 connected to the imaging device 100.
Is a card attachment / detachment detection unit for detecting whether or not the card is attached. Reference numeral 246 denotes a card lock unit for fixing the imaging device 100 to the information processing device 200 with the imaging device 100 attached to the connector 242. Reference numeral 248 denotes a diagonal pullout detection unit that detects whether the imaging device 100 is about to be pulled out from the information processing device 200 in a diagonal direction. Note that the imaging device 100 is connected to the information processing device 20.
When a force acts in a direction in which the connector 42 and the connector 242 are pulled obliquely from 0, stress may act between the connector 42 and the connector 242 as described above.

Reference numeral 250 denotes a control unit for controlling the entire information processing apparatus 200; 252, a storage unit for storing an operation program and variables of the control unit 250; and 254, a storage unit for executing the program by the control unit 250. It is an information output unit such as a liquid crystal display device or a speaker for outputting information such as characters, images, and sounds.

Reference numeral 256 denotes an operation unit for inputting various operation instructions to the control unit 250. For example, a switch, a dial, a button, a pen, a mouse, a trackball, a touch panel, a pointing by a line of sight, etc.
A device, a voice recognition device, or the like, or a combination of all or some of them.

Reference numeral 260 denotes a power control unit, which includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching a block to be energized, and the like. And controls the DC-DC converter on the basis of the detection result and the instruction of the control unit 250, and sets the required voltage to the information processing device 2 for a required period.
00 as well as to the imaging device 100 via the connector 242.

Reference numeral 262 denotes a battery composed of a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery. 264 denotes a detachable battery unit incorporating the battery 262. And 268 are connectors.

Reference numeral 270 denotes the recording medium 500 or the communication unit 51.
This is an interface for connecting to 0. Reference numerals 272 and 274 denote connectors for exchanging data signals and control signals with the recording medium 500 or the communication unit 510, and for supplying power to the recording medium 500 or the communication unit 510.

In FIG. 1, an interface 270 for connecting a recording medium and / or a communication unit is one system.
Although two systems of the connectors 272 and 274 are shown, the number of interfaces and connectors for connecting to the recording medium and / or the communication unit may be one or more. Further, a configuration in which interfaces and connectors of different standards are provided in combination may be adopted. Interfaces and connectors include, for example, PCMCIA cards and C
A card conforming to a standard such as an F (compact flash) card can be adopted.

Reference numeral 500 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk. Reference numeral 502 denotes a connector for exchanging data signals and control signals with the information processing apparatus 200 and receiving power supply, 504 an interface for connecting to the information processing apparatus 200, and 506 a storage area.

Reference numeral 510 denotes a communication unit including an I / O card having functions such as a modem, a LAN, a high-speed serial bus, a mobile phone, and a PHS for communicating with other devices via a communication line or a wireless line. is there.

Reference numeral 512 denotes a connector for exchanging data signals and control signals with the information processing apparatus 200 and receiving power supply, 514 an interface for connecting to the information processing apparatus 200, and 516 controlling communication with external devices. Communication control circuit, according to a predetermined program,
It performs communication control, data conversion / inverse conversion, modulation / demodulation, etc. according to the protocol of the layer to be connected.

Reference numeral 518 denotes a connector or an antenna for exchanging data signals and control signals via an external device, a communication line, a wireless line, or the like. With the connector or the antenna 518, the information processing device 200 can communicate with an external device via a communication line or a wireless line. It is to be noted that a configuration in which an external device is directly connected without using a communication line or a wireless line may be employed.

Hereinafter, the operations of the imaging apparatus 100 and the information processing apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are flowcharts showing the operation of the main routine of the information processing apparatus 200 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. When the battery is replaced and the power is turned on, in step S101, the control unit 250
Initializes flags, control variables, and the like, and performs predetermined initial settings for each unit of the information processing apparatus 200.

In step S102, the control unit 250
It is checked whether the main switch included in the operation unit 256 is set to power ON. If the power is ON, the process proceeds to step S103. If the power is OFF, the process proceeds to step S103.
Wait until the power is turned on.

In step S103, the control unit 250
Using the power control unit 260, it is determined whether or not the remaining capacity of the battery 262 or the operating condition has an effect on the operation of the information processing device 200. If there is, the process proceeds to step S104.
A predetermined warning is issued by display or voice using the information output unit 254, and the process returns to step S102.

On the other hand, if the remaining capacity or the operating state of the battery 262 does not hinder the operation of the information processing apparatus 200, the control unit 250 proceeds to step S105.
It is determined whether the card ejection switch included in No. 6 has been set. If the card ejection switch has not been set, the process proceeds to step S106, and if it has been set, the process proceeds to step S112.

In step S106, the control unit 250 inserts the image pickup device 10 into the card slot corresponding to the connector 242.
0 is newly attached or not.
Is determined on the basis of the output of step S121, and when the imaging unit 100 is not newly mounted, the process proceeds to step S121.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the imaging device 100 is newly installed in the card slot corresponding to the connector 242, the power supply to the card slot is turned on to start the power supply to the connector 242 in step S107. .

Next, in step S108, the control unit 2
50 executes a card lock correspondence determination process of determining whether or not the mounted imaging device 100 supports a card lock mechanism for mechanically fixing the image pickup device 100 to the information processing device 200 by the card lock unit 246. The details of the card lock correspondence determination process (step S108) will be described later with reference to FIG. In step S109, the process branches based on the result of the card lock correspondence determination process. That is,
When it is determined that the mounted imaging device does not support the card lock mechanism, the process proceeds to step S121, and when it is determined that the image capturing device does support the card lock mechanism, the process proceeds to step S110.

In step S110, the control unit 250
By causing the card lock unit 246 to execute a card lock operation, the imaging device 100 is mechanically fixed to the information processing device 200. Next, the control unit 250 proceeds to step S111.
, A card lock flag is set and the control unit 250
Is stored in the internal memory or the storage unit 252 of Step S
Go to 121.

In step S105, operation unit 256
In step S112, the control unit 250 sets the power supply to the card slot corresponding to the connector 242 to OFF, and turns off the power to the connector 242 in step S112. Stop the power supply.

Then, in a step S113, it is determined whether or not a card lock flag is set. If the card lock flag is set, the process proceeds to a step S114, and if not, the process proceeds to a step S117.

In steps S 114 and S 118, control unit 250 determines that card removal detection unit 248
By monitoring whether or not a force is acting in a direction in which the imaging device 100 is obliquely withdrawn from the information processing device 200, if the force is not acting, the process proceeds to step S115. If the predetermined time has elapsed while the force is applied, the process proceeds to step S119.

Here, the imaging device 100 is connected to the information processing device 2
As a state in which a force acts in a direction in which the imaging device 100 is pulled obliquely from 00, for example, in a state where the imaging device 100 is inserted into the card slot portion of the information processing device 200 and the connectors 42 and 242 are coupled, A state in which the imaging device 100 is forcibly pulled out from the information processing device 200 while swinging left and right, a state in which the operator swings while holding one of the imaging device 100 and the information processing device 200, and the like are assumed.

In step S119, the control section 250
Using the information output unit 254, a predetermined warning is issued by display, image, or sound, and the process returns to step S102.

In step S115, the control unit 250
The card lock operation is released by the card lock unit 246, and in step S116, the control unit 250 releases the card lock flag and stores the card lock flag in the internal memory or the storage unit 252 of the control unit 250.

In step S117, the control unit 250
A display and / or sound indicating that the card ejection is permitted is output to the information output unit 254, and the process proceeds to step S121. Thereby, the operator can recognize that the imaging device 100 can be pulled out from the information processing device 200.

In step S121, the control unit 250
It is determined whether or not the shooting mode switch included in the operation unit 256 has been set. If the shooting mode switch has been set, the process proceeds to step S123. If not, the process proceeds to step S1.
Proceed to 22.

In step S123, the control unit 250
It is determined whether or not the imaging device 100 is connected by referring to the card slot flag. If not, the information output unit 25 is determined in step S124.
4, a predetermined warning is given by display or voice, and the process returns to step S102.

On the other hand, when the imaging device 100 is connected, in step S125, the control unit 250 reads a program for operating the imaging device 100 from the program storage unit 44, and reads the interface 40, the connector 42, and the connector 242 and interface 240
Through a part of the area of the storage unit 252.

Next, in step S126, the control unit 2
50 reads out a program for operating the imaging apparatus 100 from the storage unit 252 and executes the program. By executing this program, the control unit 250 displays predetermined information necessary for photographing on the information output unit 254, and sequentially operates each unit of the imaging apparatus 100 according to a command given from the operator via the operation unit 256. Then, imaging is performed (imaging program execution processing). Details of the imaging program execution processing (step S126) will be described later with reference to FIG.

When the imaging operation is completed, the control unit 250
Images such as characters, numbers, icons, and the like are displayed on the information output unit 254, and settings are made so as to receive an input given via the operation unit 256. Thereafter, the process returns to step S102.

FIG. 4 shows a card lock correspondence determination process (FIG. 2).
It is a flowchart which shows the detail of step S108). In step S201, the control unit 250 initializes each signal in the card slot. In step S202, the control unit 250 reads card attribute information via the interface 40, the connector 42, the connector 242, and the interface 240. In step S203, based on the card attribute information, it is determined whether or not the connected imaging device is the imaging device 100 corresponding to the card lock mechanism. If not, the process proceeds to step S205.

Here, the case where the image pickup apparatus corresponds to the card lock mechanism in this embodiment corresponds to, for example, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 19 to FIG.
And the lock mechanism 246 of the information processing device 200 correspond to each other, and this refers to a case where the imaging device 100 and the information processing device 200 can be coupled (locked) by the engagement portion 46 and the lock mechanism 246. When the imaging device includes the card lock engagement portion 46 as in the imaging device 100 according to the present embodiment, the card attribute information storage portion 41 in the interface 40 corresponds to the card lock mechanism. Is stored. By reading the predetermined information, the information processing apparatus 200 is mechanically coupled to only the imaging apparatus 100 corresponding to the card lock mechanism using the card lock unit 246, and the imaging apparatus 1
00 is prevented from dropping from the information processing apparatus 200.

In step S204, a card lock corresponding flag is set, and a card lock corresponding determination processing routine is performed.
(Step S108) ends. On the other hand, step S2
In 05, the card lock corresponding flag is released, and the card lock corresponding determination processing routine (step S108) ends.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing details of the imaging program execution processing (step S126 in FIG. 3). In the following description, the exchange of the data signal, the address signal, and the control signal between the control unit 250 and the imaging control circuit 50 is performed by the interface 240 and the connector 2.
42, the connector 42, and the interface 40.

In step S301, the control unit 250
It orders the imaging control circuit 50 to initialize the imaging device 100. In response, the imaging control circuit 50 initializes flags and variables, turns on the power control unit 60, and sets each unit of the imaging device 100 to an initial state.

In step S302, the control unit 250
A predetermined display required for imaging is output to the information output unit 254. The display contents include, for example, a single shooting / continuous shooting display, a self-timer display, a compression ratio display, a recording pixel number display, a recording number display, a remaining image number display, a shutter speed display, an aperture value display, an exposure correction display, Flash display, red-eye reduction display, macro shooting display, buzzer setting display, remaining battery level display for clock, remaining battery level display, error display, information display using a plurality of digits, display of attachment / detachment state of imaging device 100, recording medium 500 and / Or communication unit 510
Display, communication I / F operation display, date / time display, connection status display with external computer, in-focus display, shooting ready display, camera shake warning display, flash charging display, flash charging completion display, The display includes a recording medium writing operation display, a self-timer notification display, a gain-up operation state for increasing the sensitivity of the image sensor 14, a use state of the image memory 26, an operation state of the compression / decompression circuit 24, and the like.

Also, a release button, an electronic dial,
An image imitating a general camera operation unit such as a mode select dial may be displayed on the information output unit 254.
Further, the operator selects an image of the operation unit of the camera displayed on the information output unit 254 by using a pointing device such as a pen, a mouse, a trackball, or a touch panel, and operates an instruction input in this manner. The input provided via the unit 256 may be captured. As a result, the operator can take a picture in the information processing apparatus 200 by the same operation as the normal operation of the camera without any discomfort.

In step S303, the control section 250
By checking the state of the imaging mode switch included in the operation unit 256, it is determined whether or not the imaging mode is designated. If the imaging mode is designated, the process proceeds to step S305, and the imaging mode is designated. If not, the process proceeds to step S304.

In step S304, the information output unit 254
A predetermined display required for shooting by the camera is terminated, and the imaging control circuit 50 is instructed to end the operation of the imaging device 100. In response, the imaging control circuit 50 controls the imaging device 10
0 performs necessary termination processing, and turns off the output of the power supply control unit 60. Thus, the imaging program execution processing routine (step S126) ends.

On the other hand, in step S305, the control unit 25
0 instructs the imaging control circuit 50 to start a finder imaging operation for sequentially transferring captured image data.
The imaging control circuit 50 includes the imaging device 14, the A / D converter 1
6. The data sequentially written in the image memory 26 is read out via the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22 and transferred to the information processing apparatus 200 via the interface 40 and the connector 42. The control unit 250 writes the data sequentially transferred from the imaging device 100 to the storage unit 252 via the connector 242 and the interface 240, reads out the data, and supplies the read data to the information output unit 254 to sequentially display images. As a result, an electronic finder function by continuous display of through images is realized.

Next, the control unit 250 proceeds to step S30.
In step S6, the imaging control circuit 50 is instructed to start AE (auto exposure) control processing. In step S307, the imaging control circuit 50 is instructed to start AF (auto focus) control processing. , And instructs the imaging control circuit 50 to start AWB (white balance) control processing. In response, the imaging control circuit 50 reads a charge signal from the imaging device 14 and
The image data converted into digital data by the A / D converter 16 is sequentially read by the image processing circuit 20.
Using the image data sequentially read in this way,
The image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined calculations used for TTL (through-the-lens) AE processing, AF processing, and AWB processing.

The images on which the AE control, the AF control, and the AWB control have been appropriately performed by these processes are sequentially displayed on the information output unit 254 as through images.

Next, at step S309, control unit 2
50 determines whether or not the release switch has been pressed. If the release switch has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S310. If the release switch has not been pressed, the process returns to step S303.

At step S310, control unit 250
It instructs the imaging control circuit 50 to execute an imaging operation. In response, the imaging control circuit 50 controls the imaging device 14, A /
D converter 16, image processing circuit 20, and memory control circuit 2
The operation of writing image data to the image memory 26 via the interface 2 is prohibited, the image data written to the image memory 26 is read immediately before the operation is prohibited, and the information processing apparatus 200 is connected via the interface 40 and the connector 42. Transfer to

The control unit 250 writes data transferred from the image pickup apparatus 100 to the storage unit 252 via the connector 242 and the interface 240, reads out the data, and supplies the read data to the information output unit 254 to display an image. . Thereby, an electronic finder function by displaying a frozen image is realized.

In step S311, the imaging control circuit 50
According to an instruction from the control unit 250,
The image is captured in the image memory 26 via the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22, or via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22 without passing through the image processing circuit 20. The exposure processing for writing the image data according to the above is executed.

In step S312, the imaging control circuit 50
Executes the development process of reading the photographed image data written in the image memory 26 and performing various processes using the memory control circuit 22 and the image processing circuit 20 as necessary in accordance with a command from the control unit 250. .

In step S513, the imaging control circuit 50
Is stored in the image memory 26 in accordance with a command from the control unit 250.
The read image data written in the memory controller 22 is read out, various image processing is performed using the image processing circuit 20 as necessary in addition to the memory control circuit 22, and the mode is set according to the mode set using the compression / decompression circuit 32. The image is compressed and transferred to the information processing device 200 via the interface 40 and the connector 42.

At step S314, the control unit 250
A recording process of writing captured image data transferred from the imaging apparatus 100 to the storage unit 252 via the connector 242 and the interface 240, reading the captured image data, and writing the data on the recording medium 500 via the interface 270 and the connector 272. Execute Thereafter, the process returns to step S309.

As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the oblique pull-out detection unit 2
The oblique withdrawal detection unit 248 detects whether or not a force is acting in a direction in which the imaging device 100 is obliquely withdrawn from the information processing device 200. And the card lock unit 2
When a force is applied in a direction in which the imaging device 100 is pulled out obliquely in a state where the mechanical coupling (lock) by 46 has not been released, a warning is issued to the operator, and the Connector 42 and information processing device 20
It is possible to prevent mechanical stress from acting between the connector 242 and the connector 242.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of an imaging system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 100 denotes an imaging device, and reference numeral 200 denotes an information processing device represented by, for example, a portable computer, a notebook computer, or the like. The imaging system according to the second embodiment includes a card diagonal withdrawal detection unit 48 corresponding to the card diagonal withdrawal detection unit 248 in the imaging system according to the first embodiment (FIG. 1) provided on the imaging device 100 side. I have. The card oblique removal detection unit 48 detects whether a force is acting in a direction in which the imaging device 100 is obliquely separated from the information processing device 200, similarly to the card oblique removal detection unit 248 according to the first embodiment. I do.

Items not mentioned in the description of this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The operation of the imaging device 100 and the information processing device 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are flowcharts showing the operation of the main routine of the information processing apparatus 200 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. When the battery is replaced and the power is turned on, in step S101, the control unit 250
Initializes flags, control variables, and the like, and performs predetermined initial settings for each unit of the information processing apparatus 200.

At step S102, the control unit 250
It is determined whether or not the main switch included in the operation unit 256 is set to the power-on state. If the power is on, the process proceeds to step S103. If the power is off, the power is turned on. Wait for

At step S103, the control unit 250
Using the power control unit 260, it is determined whether or not the remaining capacity of the battery 262 or the operating condition has an effect on the operation of the information processing device 200. If there is, the process proceeds to step S104.
A predetermined warning is issued by display or voice using the information output unit 254, and the process returns to step S102.

On the other hand, if the remaining capacity or the operating state of the battery 262 does not hinder the operation of the information processing device 200, the control unit 250 proceeds to step S105.
It is determined whether the card ejection switch included in No. 6 has been set. If the card ejection switch has not been set, the process proceeds to step S106, and if it has been set, the process proceeds to step S112.

In step S106, the control unit 250
The imaging device 1 is inserted into the card slot corresponding to the connector 242.
00 is newly attached or not.
The determination is made based on the output of No. 4, and if the imaging device 100 is not newly attached, the process proceeds to step S121.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the imaging device 100 is newly installed in the card slot corresponding to the connector 242, the power supply to the card slot is turned on, and the power supply to the connector 242 is started.

Next, in step S108, the control unit 2
50 executes a card lock correspondence determination process of determining whether or not the mounted imaging device 100 supports a card lock mechanism for mechanically fixing the image pickup device 100 to the information processing device 200 by the card lock unit 246. The details of the card lock correspondence determination processing (step S108) are as described above with reference to FIG. When it is determined that the mounted imaging device does not support the card lock mechanism, the process proceeds to step S121, and when it is determined that the image capturing device does support the card lock mechanism, the process proceeds to step S110.

In step S110, the control unit 250
By causing the card lock unit 246 to execute a card lock operation, the imaging device 100 is mechanically fixed to the information processing device 200. Next, the control unit 250 proceeds to step S111.
, A card lock flag is set and the control unit 250
Is stored in the internal memory or the storage unit 252 of Step S
Go to 121.

In step S105, operation unit 256
In step S112, the control unit 250 sets the power supply to the card slot corresponding to the connector 242 to OFF, and turns off the power to the connector 242 in step S112. Stop the power supply.

In step S113, the control unit 250
Determine whether the card lock flag is set,
If it has been set, the process proceeds to step S114. If it has not been set, the process proceeds to step S117.

In steps S114 and S118, the control unit 250 controls the interface 240, the connector 242,
By interrogating the card oblique withdrawal detection unit 48 of the imaging apparatus 100 via the connector 42 and the interface 40, it is monitored whether or not a force is acting in a direction in which the imaging apparatus 100 is obliquely withdrawn from the information processing apparatus 200. If no such force is applied, the process proceeds to step S115. If a predetermined time has elapsed while the applied force is applied, the process proceeds to step S119.

At step S119, the control unit 250
A predetermined warning is issued by display or voice using the information output unit 254, and the process returns to step S102.

In step S115, the control unit 250
The card lock operation is released by the card lock unit 246, and in step S116, the card lock flag is released and stored in the internal memory or the storage unit 252 of the control unit 250.

At step S117, the control unit 250
A display and / or sound indicating that the card ejection is permitted is output to the information output unit 254, and the process proceeds to step S121. Thereby, the operator can recognize that the imaging device 100 can be pulled out from the information processing device 200.

In step S121, the control unit 250
It is determined whether or not the shooting mode switch included in the operation unit 256 has been set. If the shooting mode switch has been set, the process proceeds to step S123. If not, the process proceeds to step S1.
Proceed to 22.

In step S123, the control unit 250
It is determined whether or not the imaging device 100 is connected by referring to the card slot flag. If not, the information output unit 25 is determined in step S124.
4, a predetermined warning is given by display or voice, and the process returns to step S102.

On the other hand, when the imaging device 100 is connected, in step S125, the control unit 250 reads a program for operating the imaging device 100 from the program storage unit 44, and reads the interface 40, the connector 42, and the connector 242 and interface 240
Through a part of the area of the storage unit 252.

Next, in step S126, the control unit 2
50 reads out a program for operating the imaging apparatus 100 from the storage unit 252 and executes the program. By executing this program, the control unit 250 displays predetermined information necessary for photographing on the information output unit 254, and sequentially operates each unit of the imaging apparatus 100 according to a command given from the operator via the operation unit 256. Then, imaging is performed (imaging program execution processing). The details of the imaging program execution processing (step S126) are described in FIG.
Is referred to.

When the imaging operation is completed, the control unit 250
Images such as characters, numbers, icons, and the like are displayed on the information output unit 254, and settings are made so as to receive an input given via the operation unit 256. Thereafter, the process returns to step S102.

As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the image pickup apparatus 100 is provided with the card oblique pull-out detecting section 48, and the image pickup apparatus 100 is obliquely pulled out of the information processing apparatus 200 in the direction of obliquely pulling out. Whether or not a force is acting is detected by the card oblique pull-out detection unit 48. By issuing a warning to the operator when a force is applied in a direction in which the imaging device 100 is pulled out obliquely in a state where the mechanical connection (lock) by the card lock unit 246 is not released. , Connector 42 of imaging device 100 and information processing device 2
It is possible to prevent mechanical stress from acting between the connector 242 and the connector 242.

[Configuration Example of Lock Mechanism] In each of the above embodiments, when a force is acting in a direction in which the imaging device 100 is obliquely pulled out of the information processing device 200, a warning to that effect is issued. It prevents mechanical stress from acting between the connector 42 of the imaging device 100 and the connector 242 of the information processing device 200. This method can substantially prevent mechanical stress from acting between the connectors, but in this case, it is ultimately necessary for the operator to prevent mechanical stress from acting between the connectors. It depends on awareness.

Therefore, the structure of the lock mechanism for reducing the stress acting between the connectors regardless of the carelessness of the operator will be described below. By employing the lock mechanism described below in the above-described imaging system, the stress acting between the connectors can be reduced more effectively.

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a first configuration example of a lock mechanism suitable for the imaging device 100 and the information processing device 200 according to the first or second embodiment. FIG.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the imaging device 100 shown in FIG. 7.

The imaging device 100 has a card-shaped portion 300 having a card-like shape adapted to the shape of the card slot 243 of the information processing device 200.
A connector 42 is provided at the end of 00.

An engaging portion 46 for mechanically connecting the imaging device 100 to the information processing device 200 is provided near the tip of the card-shaped portion 300. It is preferable that the engaging portion 46 is disposed near a center line a connecting the center of the front end side and the center of the rear end side of the card-shaped portion 300. This reduces the force acting in the direction in which the imaging device 100 is obliquely pulled out of the information processing device 200 in a state where the imaging device 100 is locked, and the connector 42 of the imaging device 100 and the connector 242 of the information processing device 200 It is possible to prevent mechanical stress from acting during the operation.

The engaging portion 46 according to this configuration example has a concave structure in which the card-shaped portion 300 is depressed in the thickness direction of the card-shaped portion 300. An electronic component 310 such as an IC, an ASIC, or an ASSP that constitutes a functional block such as the interface 40 is provided inside the card-shaped portion 300.
Has been implemented.

Further, the image pickup device 100 includes the card-shaped portion 3
00 has two openings 56 on both sides of the rear end. The opening 56 is used when the imaging apparatus 100 is connected to an electronic device (for example, an information processing device) in which an ejecting operation unit (for example, an eject button, an eject lever, and the like) is arranged on both sides inside the card slot. This is provided in order to secure a space so as not to hinder the operation of the ejecting operation unit. The shape, number, arrangement position, and the like of the openings 56 can be changed as necessary.

On the other hand, the information processing device 200
When the card-shaped portion 300 is inserted into the card slot 243 to a predetermined depth, the card-shaped portion 300 has a card lock portion 246 for engaging with the engagement portion 46 to lock the imaging device 100.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams schematically showing an example of a lock mechanism by the engagement portion 46 and the card lock portion 246 shown in FIGS. In the example shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the card-shaped portion 300 of the imaging device 100 is inserted into a card slot of the information processing device 200 to a predetermined depth, and the engagement portion 4 of the card-shaped portion is inserted.
6, the thickness direction of the card-shaped part 300 (A direction)
By inserting the card lock unit 246 into the information processing apparatus 200, the imaging apparatus 100 is fixed (locked) to the information processing apparatus 200.

FIG. 10 shows the imaging apparatus 1 shown in FIGS.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a card shape part 300 of FIG. Card shape part 30
Numeral 0 has a framework 54 for securing the rigidity of the housing of the imaging device 100, and the engaging portion 46 is provided so as to depress a part of the surface of the framework 54. By providing the framework 54 on the card-shaped portion 300 and providing the engagement portion 46 on the framework, high strength can be obtained with a simple structure.

FIG. 11A is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a card oblique pull-out detection unit suitable for the imaging system (FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment. As described above, in the first embodiment, the imaging device 100 is
The information processing apparatus 200 is provided with a card diagonal withdrawal detection unit 248 for detecting whether or not a force is acting in a direction in which the card is diagonally pulled from the card.

In the example shown in FIG. 11A, a card oblique pull-out detecting section 248 composed of, for example, a pressure sensor for detecting a mechanical pressure is fixed to both sides inside the card slot section of the information processing apparatus 200. Have been.

In FIG. 11A, when a force is applied also in the direction D or the direction E when the image pickup device 100 (card-shaped part 300) is pulled out in the direction C, the card diagonal withdrawal detecting unit 248 picks up the image. The card-shaped part 300 of the device 100 is pressed, and this is detected by the card diagonal withdrawal detecting unit 248. Thereby, the connector 42 of the imaging device 100
It can be detected that a mechanical stress is acting between and the connector 242 of the information processing device 200.

FIG. 11B is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a card oblique pull-out detection unit suitable for the imaging system (FIG. 6) according to the second embodiment. As described above, in the second embodiment, the imaging device 100 is
A card oblique withdrawal detection unit 48 for detecting whether or not a force is acting in a direction in which the card is obliquely withdrawn from the imaging device 100
Prepared on the side.

In the example shown in FIG.
On both sides of the rear end of the zero card-shaped portion 300, for example, a card oblique pull-out detecting portion 48 including a pressure sensor for detecting a mechanical pressure is fixed.

In FIG. 11B, when a force is applied also in the direction D or the direction E when the imaging device 100 (card-shaped part 300) is pulled out in the direction C, the card oblique pull-out detecting unit 48 outputs information. The card is pressed against the inner wall of the card slot of the processing device 200, and the pressing force is
Is detected. Thus, it is possible to detect that a mechanical stress is acting between the connector 42 of the imaging device 100 and the connector 242 of the information processing device 200.

FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing a second configuration example of a lock mechanism suitable for the imaging device 100 and the information processing device 200 according to the first or second embodiment. FIG.
13 is an enlarged view of the imaging device 100 shown in FIG.

The imaging device 100 has a card-shaped portion 300 having a card-like shape adapted to the shape of the card slot 243 of the information processing device 200.
A connector 42 is provided at the end of 00.

The rear end of the card-shaped portion 300 (the lens 10
An engagement portion 46 for mechanically coupling the imaging device 100 to the information processing device 200 is provided near (side). It is preferable that the engaging portion 46 is disposed near a center line a connecting the center of the front end side and the center of the rear end side of the card-shaped portion 300. This reduces the force acting in the direction in which the imaging device 100 is obliquely pulled out of the information processing device 200 in a state where the imaging device 100 is locked, and the imaging device 10
0 connector 42 and information processing device 200 connector 24
2 can be prevented from acting on mechanical stress.

The engaging portion 46 according to this configuration example has a concave structure in which the card-shaped portion 300 is depressed in the thickness direction of the card-shaped portion 300. An electronic component 310 such as an IC, an ASIC, or an ASSP that constitutes a functional block such as the interface 40 is provided inside the card-shaped portion 300.
Has been implemented.

[0158] The imaging device 100 has a
00 has two openings 56 on both sides of the rear end. The opening 56 is used when the imaging apparatus 100 is connected to an electronic device (for example, an information processing device) in which an ejecting operation unit (for example, an eject button, an eject lever, and the like) is arranged on both sides inside the card slot. This is provided in order to secure a space so as not to hinder the operation of the ejecting operation unit. The shape, number, arrangement position, and the like of the openings 56 can be changed as necessary.

On the other hand, the information processing device 200
When the card-shaped portion 300 is inserted into the card slot 243 to a predetermined depth, the card-shaped portion 300 has a card lock portion 246 for engaging with the engagement portion 46 to lock the imaging device 100.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are diagrams schematically showing an example of a lock mechanism using the engagement portion 46 and the card lock portion 246 shown in FIGS. FIG.
In the examples shown in (a) and (b), the card-shaped portion 300 of the imaging device 100 is inserted into the card slot of the information processing device 200 to a predetermined depth, and By inserting the card lock portion 246 in the thickness direction (A direction) of the card shape portion 300, the imaging device 100 is fixed (locked) to the information processing device 200.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the card-shaped portion 300 of the imaging device 100 and the card lock portion 246 of the information processing device 200 shown in FIGS. The card-shaped part 300 has a framework 54 for securing the rigidity of the housing of the imaging device 100, and the engaging part 46 is provided so as to depress a part of the surface of the framework 54. I have. By providing the framework 54 on the card-shaped portion 300 and providing the engagement portion 46 on the framework, high strength can be obtained with a simple structure.

FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing a third configuration example of a lock mechanism suitable for the imaging device 100 and the information processing device 200 according to the first or second embodiment. FIG.
FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the imaging device 100 shown in FIG.

The imaging device 100 has a card-shaped portion 300 having a card-like shape adapted to the shape of the card slot 243 of the information processing device 200.
A connector 42 is provided at the end of 00.

An engaging portion 46 for mechanically connecting the imaging device 100 to the information processing device is provided near the tip of the card-shaped portion 300. It is preferable that the engaging portion 46 is disposed near a center line a connecting the center of the front end side and the center of the rear end side of the card-shaped portion 300. Thereby, the imaging device 1 is locked in a state where the imaging device 100 is locked.
To reduce the force acting in the direction of obliquely pulling out 00 from the information processing device 200 to prevent mechanical stress from acting between the connector 42 of the imaging device 100 and the connector 242 of the information processing device 200. Can be.

The engaging portion 46 according to this configuration example has a convex structure protruding in the thickness direction of the card-shaped portion 300. Inside the card-shaped part 300, for example, an IC, an ASI
Electronic components 310 such as C and ASSP are mounted.

Further, the imaging device 100 is provided with the card-shaped portion 3.
00 has two openings 56 on both sides of the rear end. The opening 56 is used when the imaging apparatus 100 is connected to an electronic device (for example, an information processing device) in which an ejecting operation unit (for example, an eject button, an eject lever, and the like) is arranged on both sides inside the card slot. This is provided in order to secure a space so as not to hinder the operation of the ejecting operation unit. The shape, number, arrangement position, and the like of the openings 56 can be changed as necessary.

On the other hand, the information processing device 200
When the card-shaped portion 300 is inserted into the card slot 243 to a predetermined depth, the card-shaped portion 300 has a card lock portion 246 for engaging with the engagement portion 46 to lock the imaging device 100.

FIG. 18A is a view schematically showing an example of a lock mechanism using the engagement section 46 and the card lock section 246 shown in FIGS. In the example shown in FIG. 18A, the card-shaped portion 300 of the imaging device 100 is inserted into the card slot of the information processing device 200 to a predetermined depth, and the rear end side of the engagement portion 46 of the card-shaped portion is inserted. By ejecting and engaging the card lock portion 246 in the thickness direction (A direction) of the card-shaped portion 300 with respect to the (lens 10 side), the imaging device 100
Fixed (locked) to

FIG. 18B is a diagram showing a modification of the card lock section 246 in the example of the configuration shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 18B, the card-shaped portion 300 of the imaging device 100 is inserted into the card slot of the information processing device 200 to a predetermined depth, and the rear end side of the engagement portion 46 of the card-shaped portion is inserted. With respect to the (lens 10 side), the card lock 2
46 is ejected and engaged, so that the imaging device 10
0 is fixed (locked) to the information processing device 200.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the card-shaped portion 300 of the imaging device 100 and the card lock portion 246 of the information processing device 200 shown in FIGS. The card-shaped portion 300 has a framework 54 for securing the rigidity of the housing of the imaging device 100, and the engaging portion 46 is provided on the framework 54. By providing the framework 54 on the card-shaped portion 300 and providing the engagement portion 46 on the framework, high strength can be obtained with a simple structure.

As in the first to third configuration examples, the engaging portion 46 is arranged near the center line a connecting the center of the front end side and the center of the rear end side of the card-shaped portion 300. This allows the imaging device 1 to be locked in a state where the imaging device 100 is locked.
00 can be reduced from the information processing apparatus 200. As a result, the imaging device 1
00 connector 42 and information processing apparatus 200 connector 2
42 and the mechanical stress acting between them. Further, even when only a lock mechanism (engagement portion, card lock portion) for one set of cards is provided, the mechanical stress acting between the connectors can be effectively reduced, so that the structure of the lock mechanism is provided. Can be simplified.

Further, by providing the framework 54 on the card-shaped portion 300 and providing the engaging portion 46 on the framework 54, high strength can be obtained with a simple structure.

[Modification] The above description relates to a technique for locking an image pickup apparatus having a card-shaped portion by coupling the image pickup apparatus to the information processing apparatus. However, the object connected to the information processing apparatus is not limited to the image pickup apparatus. An apparatus (electronic device) having a card-shaped portion or a card (for example, a memory card or an I / O card) itself may be used. The same applies to the following description.

Each of the above examples corresponds to step S11 shown in FIG.
7, a message indicating that the ejection of the imaging device 100 is permitted is displayed, and the ejection (pulling-out) of the imaging device 100 is entrusted to the operator.
A discharging mechanism for discharging 0 may be provided, and in step S117, the card-shaped portion 300 may be automatically discharged by the discharging mechanism. In this case, an indication to eject the card may be displayed in step S117.

In each of the above examples, it is preferable to provide only one set of card lock mechanisms in order to simplify the structure. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and includes a plurality of sets of card lock mechanisms. The case also applies.

In the above example, the card-shaped portion 30 is used to detect the stress acting between the connector 42 of the imaging device 100 and the connector 242 of the information processing device 200.
The force acting in the direction of obliquely withdrawing 0 from the card slot is detected by the card oblique withdrawal detecting section 48 or 248, but other detecting means for detecting the stress acting between the connectors may be employed.

Further, in each of the above examples, a concave or convex engaging portion and a card lock portion are given as examples of the lock mechanism. Any other structure can be adopted as long as it can be fixed or released as needed.

In each of the above examples, the card-shaped portion 30
The position of the engagement portion 46 of the card-shaped portion 300
An example of a central portion near the front end of the card-shaped portion 300 and an example of a central portion near the rear end of the card-shaped portion 300 are described.
As long as the position is near the center line a connecting the center of the front end side and the center of the rear end side of the card-shaped portion 300, any position has an appropriate effect. Here, the disposition position of the engaging portion 46 is, for example, from the viewpoint of increasing the size of the electronic component 310 or reducing the size of the card-shaped portion 300, the card-shaped portion 3
00 near the center line a and the card-shaped portion 30
0 of the front end or rear end of the card, in particular, near the front end, near the connector, adjacent to the connector on the plan view, or inside the card-shaped portion on the plan view. Preferably, the position is between the electronic component and the connector.

Further, in each of the above examples, the shape of each connector portion of the imaging device 100 and the information processing device 200 has been described as having a card shape and a card slot shape, respectively. Other shapes such as a shape, a card edge shape, a connector shape of a memory module such as a SIMM or a DIMM, a round shape, a polygonal shape, and a bar shape may be used.

In each of the above examples, one device to be connected is described as the information processing device 200 such as a portable computer. However, the one device may be, for example, a mobile phone, a personal information terminal, a WWW browser terminal, Other types of electronic devices such as a vehicle-mounted terminal, an electronic wallet, a communication device, a printer device, and an image display device may be used. For example, information processing device 2
If 00 is a device having a communication function such as a mobile phone,
The information processing apparatus 200 includes an audio input unit such as a microphone, an audio output unit such as a speaker, an audio processing unit, and the like.
The voice can be stored and communicated with the still image and / or the moving image captured at 00. Also,
In this case, a sound input unit such as a microphone, a sound output unit such as a speaker, a sound processing unit, and the like may be provided on the imaging device 100 side.

In each of the above examples, the release button, the zoom button, the manual focus button, the manual aperture setting button, the macro shooting switching button, and the like have been described as being included in the operation unit 256 of the information processing apparatus 200. , May be provided in the imaging device 100 in whole or in part. In this case, these buttons are
It is preferable that the operator's finger be placed in a position where the operator's finger touches it unaware when holding the 0 with one or both hands. For example, in the case of the form shown in FIG. 7, a release button or the like that is used most frequently is arranged on the front right upper surface or the upper right shoulder of the imaging device 100, and a button that is set less frequently is set on the left shoulder portion of the imaging device 100. When set to, operability is good. Also,
All or some of these buttons are used for the information processing device 200
And the imaging device 100 may be provided.

In the case where a microphone, a flash, and the like are provided in the image pickup apparatus 100, it is preferable to dispose them on the taking lens 10 and the lens barrel. Thereby, the photographing lens 1
When the lens barrel 0 is rotatable, the taking lens 10
And the direction of the microphone, flash, etc., can be matched.

The storage medium 500 is a memory card such as a PCMCIA card or a compact flash, a hard disk, a micro DAT, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-R or a CD-WR.
And a phase change optical disk such as a DVD.

The storage medium 500 may be a composite storage medium in which a memory card and a hard disk are integrated. In this case, a part of the composite medium may be configured to be removable.

The communication unit 510 is, for example, an I / O card such as a modem card, a LAN card, a SCSI card, a USB card, an IEEE1394 card, a P1284 card, an RS232C card, a mobile phone card, a PHS card, and a camera card. May be configured.

Further, a composite card in which the functions of the storage medium 500 and the communication section 510 are integrated may be mounted on the information processing apparatus 200. In this case, a part of the composite card may be detachable.

In addition, the storage medium 500 and / or the communication unit 510 are different from the information processing device 200 in that the information processing device 200
May be fixedly connected.

Further, the number of storage media 500 and / or communication units 510 connected to information processing device 200 can be arbitrarily selected.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device.

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (or CPU) of the system or apparatus.
And MPU) read and execute the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program codes, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instructions of the program codes. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0195]

According to the present invention, for example, a force acting on a portion (for example, a connector) connecting two electronic devices can be reduced.

[0196]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an imaging system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation of the imaging system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of the imaging system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating details of a card lock correspondence determination process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating details of an imaging program execution process.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view schematically showing a first configuration example of a lock mechanism.

FIG. 8 is a view schematically showing a first configuration example of a lock mechanism.

FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing a first configuration example of a lock mechanism.

FIG. 10 is a view schematically showing a first configuration example of a lock mechanism.

FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration example of a card oblique removal detection unit.

FIG. 12 is a view schematically showing a second configuration example of the lock mechanism.

FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing a second configuration example of the lock mechanism.

FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing a second configuration example of the lock mechanism.

FIG. 15 is a view schematically showing a second configuration example of the lock mechanism.

FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing a third configuration example of the lock mechanism.

FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically showing a third configuration example of the lock mechanism.

FIG. 18 is a view schematically showing a third configuration example of the lock mechanism.

FIG. 19 is a view schematically showing a third configuration example of the lock mechanism.

FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically illustrating the appearance and configuration of an imaging device and an information processing device according to a conventional example.

FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically illustrating an appearance and a configuration of an imaging device in FIG. 20;

22 is an enlarged view of the imaging device shown in FIG.

FIG. 23 is a diagram schematically showing the appearance and configuration of an imaging device according to a conventional example.

24 is a diagram illustrating an appearance and a configuration of a card-shaped portion of the imaging device illustrated in FIG. 23.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 imaging device 10 imaging lens 12 shutter 14 imaging device 16 A / D converter 18 timing generation circuit 20 image processing circuit 22 memory control circuit 24 image compression / decompression circuit 26 image memory 30 exposure control unit 32 distance measurement control unit 34 zoom control Unit 36 barrier control unit 38 flash 40 interface 42 connector 44 program storage unit 46 fitting unit 48 card oblique removal detection unit 50 imaging control circuit 56 opening 58 protection unit 60 power supply control unit 62 battery 200 information processing device 240 interface 242 connector 244 card Attaching / detaching detecting means 246 Card locking means 248 Card oblique pull-out detecting means 250 Control unit 252 Storage means 254 Display means 256 Operating means 260 Power control unit 262 Battery 264 Battery unit 26 6 connector 268 connector 270 interface 272 connector 274 connector 500 recording medium 502 connector 504 interface 506 storage area 510 communication means 512 connector 514 interface 516 communication control unit 518 connector (antenna)

Claims (31)

[Claims] An electronic device having a card-shaped portion and connected to the other electronic device by inserting the card-shaped portion into a card slot of another electronic device, wherein the electronic device has a card-shaped portion. An electronic device, comprising: an engaging portion that engages with a lock mechanism of the another electronic device near a center line connecting a center of the side and a center of the rear end side. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the engagement portion is disposed near a tip of the card-shaped portion. 3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the engagement portion is arranged at any one of a position about a quarter of a front end side of the card-shaped portion. 4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a connector is provided at an end of the card-shaped portion, and the engagement portion is arranged near a center of the connector. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the card-shaped portion has a connector at an end thereof and has an electronic component near a central portion, and the engaging portion is disposed between the connector and the electronic component. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: 6. The card-shaped portion has a framework, and the engaging portion is provided on the framework. Electronic equipment. 7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the engagement portion has a concave shape. 8. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the engagement portion has a convex shape. 9. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device has only one engagement portion. An image processing unit configured to process an image captured by the image capturing unit; a communication unit configured to transfer the image processed by the image processing unit to the other electronic device via the connector; The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: 11. A card according to claim 1, wherein a portion of said card-shaped portion to be inserted into said card slot has substantially the same structure as a compact flash card. An electronic device according to claim 1. 12. A detection unit for detecting a force acting in a direction of obliquely pulling out the card-shaped portion from the another electronic device in a state where the engagement portion is locked by being engaged with the lock mechanism. An output unit for outputting a detection result by the detection unit, further comprising:
The electronic device according to any one of the above. 13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit transfers the detection result to the another electronic device.
3. The electronic device according to 2. 14. An electronic device having a card slot and connected to another electronic device by inserting a card-shaped portion of another electronic device into the card slot, wherein the card-shaped portion is the card slot. When the card-shaped portion is inserted to a predetermined depth, the card-shaped portion engages with the engaging portion of the card-shaped portion provided near the center line connecting the center of the front end side and the center of the rear end side. An electronic device comprising: a lock mechanism for locking the card-shaped portion. 15. The electronic device according to claim 14, wherein the engaging portion of the card-shaped portion is disposed near a tip of the card-shaped portion. 16. The electronic device according to claim 14, wherein the engagement portion is disposed at any one of a position corresponding to about a quarter of a front end side of the card-shaped portion. 17. A connector further provided at the back of the card slot for connecting to a connector provided at a tip of the card-shaped portion, wherein the engagement portion of the card-shaped portion is located at the center of the connector on the card-shaped portion side. The electronic device according to claim 14, wherein the electronic device is arranged near the electronic device. 18. The electronic device according to claim 18, further comprising: a connector connected to a connector on the card-shaped portion at the back of the card slot, wherein the card-shaped portion has the connector at a front end thereof and an electronic component near a central portion, 15. The electronic component according to claim 14, wherein the engagement portion of the card-shaped portion is disposed between the connector on the card-shaped portion and the electronic component. 19. The method according to claim 14, wherein the engaging portion of the card-shaped portion has a concave shape.
9. The electronic device according to any one of items 8 to 8. 20. The card according to claim 14, wherein the engaging portion of the card-shaped portion has a convex shape.
9. The electronic device according to any one of items 8 to 8. 21. The electronic device according to claim 14, wherein the electronic device has only one lock mechanism. 22. The electronic apparatus further comprising: a communication unit that communicates with the another electronic device; and a display unit that displays an image based on image information transferred from the another electronic device via the communication unit. Claims 14 to 2 characterized by the following:
The electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims. 23. The electronic device according to claim 14, wherein the card slot is a card slot corresponding to a compact flash card. 24. When the lock mechanism is engaged with the engaging portion and the card-shaped portion is locked, a force acting in a direction of obliquely pulling the card-shaped portion from the card slot is detected. A detection unit, and a warning unit that issues a warning when the detection result by the detection unit indicates that a force is acting in a direction in which the card-shaped portion is obliquely pulled out of the card slot. 3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
6. The electronic device according to any one of 5. 25. The detecting section detects whether or not a force acts in a direction in which the card-shaped section is obliquely pulled out of the card slot based on information supplied from the other electronic device. The electronic device according to claim 24, wherein: 26. One of claims 1 to 11
An electronic system comprising: the electronic device according to claim 14; and the electronic device according to claim 14 to claim 23. 27. A force that acts in a direction in which the card-shaped portion is obliquely pulled out of the card slot in a state where the lock mechanism is engaged with the engagement portion and the card-shaped portion is locked. A detection unit, and a warning unit that issues a warning when the detection result by the detection unit indicates that a force is acting in a direction in which the card-shaped portion is obliquely pulled out of the card slot. The electronic system according to claim 26, further comprising: 28. A method for controlling an electronic device having a card slot and connecting to another electronic device by inserting a card-shaped portion of another electronic device into the card slot, wherein the card-shaped portion is A detecting step of detecting that the card is inserted into the card slot to a predetermined depth; and, after the detection by the detecting step, near a center line connecting the center of the front side and the center of the rear side of the card-shaped portion. A locking step of engaging a locking mechanism with an engaging portion of the card-shaped portion provided in the above to lock the card-shaped portion. 29. A force acting in a direction in which the card-shaped portion is obliquely pulled out of the card slot in a state where the lock mechanism is engaged with the engagement portion and the card-shaped portion is locked. A detection step, and when the detection result of the detection step indicates that a force is acting in a direction in which the card-shaped portion is obliquely pulled out of the card slot, a warning step of issuing a warning to that effect. The method of controlling an electronic device according to claim 28, further comprising: 30. A memory medium having a card slot and storing a program for controlling an electronic device connected to the other electronic device by inserting a card-shaped portion of the other electronic device into the card slot. A detection step of detecting that the card-shaped portion has been inserted into the card slot to a predetermined depth; and, after the detection by the detection step, a center of a side of a tip of the card-shaped portion. A locking step of locking the card-shaped portion by engaging a lock mechanism with an engaging portion of the card-shaped portion provided near a center line connecting to the center of the rear end side. Memory medium. 31. The program acts in a direction in which the card-shaped portion is obliquely pulled out of the card slot in a state where the lock mechanism is engaged with the engagement portion and the card-shaped portion is locked. In the detection step of detecting a force, and when the detection result of the detection step indicates that a force is acting in a direction in which the card-shaped portion is obliquely pulled out of the card slot, a warning to that effect is issued. 31. The memory medium of claim 30, further comprising: issuing a warning step.