JP2002232765A - Information transmission apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To avoid stick-out of a card from a card slot in an information transmission apparatus inserted into the card slot mounted on information processing equipment when transmitting information between the equipment. SOLUTION: An information transmission apparatus 1 is composed of an apparatus body part 2 allowed to be inserted into the card slot of the information processing equipment and a function expanding pat 3 to be attached detachably to the body part 2 and to add a predetermined function, and the body part 2 has an outside shape of a thin card to be perfectly accommodated into the card slot of the equipment, and comprises a storage part 9 to transfer signals between the equipment and the expanding part 3, a signal processing part 10 to process signals to be transferred to the equipment and a connector 8 to be connected to a connector provided on the card slot of the equipment, where the expanding part 3 is configured to have a predetermined function by being connected to the body part 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a novel information transmission device. Specifically, information for exchanging information such as image information and audio information with an information processing apparatus such as a notebook personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a “notebook personal computer”), a PDA (personal information terminal), and an electronic organizer. The present invention relates to a transmission device, which is inserted into a card slot provided in an information processing device when transmitting information to the information processing device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an information transmission device for transmitting information to and from an information processing device such as a notebook personal computer, a PDA (personal information terminal), and an electronic organizer, for example, electronic devices such as a personal computer are used to transfer captured image information. When the data is transferred to the processing device for processing, display, and the like, a cable such as a USB cable, a non-volatile storage medium such as a semiconductor or a magnetic storage device, and a wireless transfer device may be used.

By the way, the transmission of information between portable information processing apparatuses such as a notebook personal computer, a PDA, an electronic organizer, etc., which is excellent in portability, via the above-described cable, recording medium, and wireless transfer apparatus is performed in a portable manner. In addition, the operability and simplicity of the portable information processing device are impaired.

[0004] Incidentally, a PCMCIA card slot (hereinafter referred to as a PCMCIA card slot) is used as an input / output interface of a notebook personal computer.
It is called "PC card slot". ) Is widely spread, and if the information transmission device has a mechanical shape and an electrical interface that can be attached to and detached from the slot,
Not only portability, but also operability and simplicity are dramatically improved.

There is a card-type electronic camera as an information transmission device having such an interface.
One example is shown in FIGS.

The electronic camera a is provided with a camera body c having a slot insertion portion b. The camera body c takes in a photographic lens d and optical information of an object to be photographed through the photographic lens and converts it into an electric signal. An image sensor and an optical finder e are provided. The slot insertion portion b has the same outer shape as that of a PCMCIA card (hereinafter, referred to as a “PC card”), and is formed so as to be insertable into a PC card slot g of an information processing device, for example, a notebook personal computer f. And a connector h connected to a connector provided in the PC card slot g at the front end.

The photographing is performed in a state where the electronic camera a is separated from the information processing apparatus f by pulling out the slot insertion portion b of the electronic camera a from the PC card slot g of the notebook personal computer (information processing apparatus) f ( When transferring image information captured by the electronic camera a to the notebook computer f, the slot insertion portion b is inserted into the PC card slot g of the notebook computer f, and the connector h is connected to the PC card slot. g (see FIG. 7). As a result, the circuit or storage device in the electronic camera a is connected to the circuit of the notebook computer f,
Image information can be transferred from the electronic camera a to the notebook computer f, and the image information can be processed and displayed on the display device i of the notebook computer f.

[0008]

By the way, in the above-mentioned conventional electronic camera a, the thickness of the camera body c on which the photographing lens d, the image pickup device, and the optical viewfinder e are arranged is set to the slot insertion portion b. There is a problem that it becomes thicker than that.

The types of PC cards include Type I and Type I.
Three types, I and Type III, are specified, and the outer dimensions are all the same (85.6 x 54.0 mm), and the thickness is
They are 3.3 mm, 5.0 mm, and 10.5 mm, respectively.

[0010] For example, when an electronic camera is to be constructed in the above-mentioned Type II shape, a memory, a signal processing circuit, a battery, and the like can be relatively easily incorporated in a thickness of 5 mm. However, the photographing lens and the image sensor need to have the same optical axis.
Assuming a standard or wide-angle lens of the order of degrees, if the size of the image sensor is 1/7 inch and the aspherical single lens is used as the photographing lens, the overall length is designed to be 5 mm or less and the thickness is 5 mm. It is extremely difficult to put in.
If it is designed to fit within a thickness of 5 mm, the quality (distortion aberration) of a photographed image is unavoidably remarkably deteriorated. Further, it is difficult to increase the distance from the photographing lens to the image sensor by arranging the optical system combined with the reflecting mirror not in the thickness direction but in the width direction in view of the size of the image sensor.

Therefore, in the conventional electronic camera a,
When installed in the information processing device f, the portion other than the slot insertion portion b protrudes from the PC card slot g, not only does the appearance deteriorate, but also the PC card slot g
There is a problem that a foreign matter may collide with the protruding portion and cause damage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to prevent information from protruding from a card slot provided in an information processing apparatus when transmitting information to the information processing apparatus.

[0013]

The information transmitting apparatus of the present invention comprises:
In order to solve the above-described problem, the information processing apparatus includes a main body that can be inserted into a card slot and a function expansion unit that is detachably attached to the main body and adds a predetermined function,
The main body has a thin card shape whose outer shape is completely housed in a card slot of the information processing device, and has a storage unit that mediates signal transmission between the information processing device and the function expansion unit. A signal processing unit that processes signals transmitted to and from the device, and a connector that is connected to a connector provided in a card slot of the information processing device;
The function expansion unit is combined with the main unit to have a predetermined function.

Therefore, in the information transmission device of the present invention,
By pulling out the main unit from the card slot of the information processing device and connecting it to the function expansion unit, it can be used as a device having a predetermined function. By separating the section from the function expansion section, the section can be completely inserted into the card slot of the information processing apparatus, and does not protrude from the card slot.

[0015]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an information transmission apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition,
In the illustrated embodiment, the present invention is applied to an electronic camera.

The electronic camera 1 has a main body 2 and a function extension 3
And

The function expansion section 3 is combined with the main body section 2 and functions as an electronic camera. Of the various sections required for the electronic camera, those which are not suitable for being accommodated mainly in a limited thickness are provided. ing. That is, a photographic lens 4, an image sensor (not shown) such as a CMOS or a CCD for converting optical information of a photographic subject obtained by the photographic lens 4 into an electric signal, an optical finder 5, a shutter release switch 6, and the like are arranged. (See FIGS. 1, 2 and 3). When the electronic camera 1 is mounted on an information processing device such as a notebook computer, the function expansion unit 3 is separated from the main unit 2 and only the main unit 2 is mounted on the PC card slot of the information processing device. The external shape of the unit 3 is not restricted by the relationship with the PC card slot of the information processing device. Therefore, by providing the photographing lens 4 and the image pickup device in the function expansion unit 3, a desired optical system can be obtained. Further, by providing the optical viewfinder 5 close to the photographing lens 4 and the image sensor, parallax (parallax) can be reduced. In addition,
An image output device such as a liquid crystal display device may be mounted in place of the optical finder 5 or together with the optical finder 5.

A connector 7 having an insertion concave shape is formed in the function expansion section 3 (see FIG. 1), and an interface connector described later provided in the main body 2 is connected to the connector 7.

In addition, the function expansion unit 3 includes an amplifier for amplifying an analog signal from the image sensor, an A / D converter for converting the amplified signal into a digital signal, and a D for processing an image.
It is preferable to incorporate SP and the like.

The main body 2 has the same planar shape and the same thickness as a PC card, for example, a Type 2 PC card.
At one end of the main body 2, the same interface connector (I / F connector) 8 as that provided on the PC card is provided. In addition, a memory 9 serving as a storage unit, a signal processing circuit 1
0, a battery 11 is incorporated (see FIG. 3).

The image data processed by the circuit provided in the function expansion unit 3 is sent to the signal processing circuit 10 of the main unit 2.
After being processed, the data is stored in the memory 9. The signal processing circuit 10 includes a system control unit, which controls and controls each circuit of the electronic camera 1 by the system control unit, and performs photographing based on an input signal from an operation switch (not shown) in addition to the shutter release switch 6. Control, write control of image data to the memory 9, I / F connector 8
, Transfer control of image data with an information processing apparatus such as a notebook personal computer, control of erasure of image data, and the like.

The memory 9 may be fixedly provided inside the main body 2, or may be replaced with a fixed memory or together with a fixed memory, such as a memory stick, CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)). The memory may be a replaceable non-volatile memory such as a card or a smart media. By using such a replaceable non-volatile memory, data portability is improved. Further, by providing a memory slot so that a replaceable non-volatile memory can be attached to and detached from the main unit 2 with the main unit 2 inserted into the PC card slot of the information processing apparatus, usability is improved. .

Power is supplied from the battery 11 to the circuits and the like of the main body 2 and the function expansion unit 3. In addition, the battery 11
If the main body 2 is provided with a charging circuit and is connected to an information processing device such as a notebook computer and transmits data while the main body 2 is connected to the information processing device, the main body 2 may be charged. Thus, the battery 11 is charged, and there is no need to separately provide a charger for the battery 11.

When the electronic camera 1 is used, the I / F connector 8 of the main unit 2 is inserted into the connector 7 of the function expansion unit 3 for connection (see FIG. 2). Then, an image is captured by pressing the shutter release switch 6, the image data converted into an electrical signal by the image sensor is subjected to various processes, and then stored in the memory 9.

When transferring image data stored in the memory 9 to an information processing device such as a notebook personal computer, the main unit 2 is separated from the function expansion unit 3 (see FIG. 1), and the main unit 2 is connected to the information processing device. And the I / F connector 8 of the main body 2 is connected to a connector provided at the back of the PC card slot. As a result, the circuit of the main body 2 and the circuit of the information processing device are connected, and data can be transmitted. That is, data can be transferred from the main unit 2 to the information processing device, and the data can be transferred from the information processing device to the main unit 2.
Can also receive the data into the memory 9 of the computer. Then, processing such as processing of the transferred data can be performed in the information processing device, and an image based on the image data can be displayed by an image display device included in the information processing device.

The main body 2 has an outer shape of P
Since it is formed in the same manner as the C card, when it is inserted into the PC card slot of the information processing device when transmitting information to and from the information processing device, it is completely inserted into the PC card slot. That is, it does not protrude from the information processing device. Accordingly, the appearance of the information processing apparatus in a state where the main body 2 is inserted is improved, and there is no fear that the foreign body collides with the main body 2 and the main body 2 is damaged.

The I / F connector 8 provided on the main unit 2 is connected to the connector 7 of the function expansion unit 3 when used as an electronic camera, and is used for transmitting information to and from the information processing apparatus. Since it is inserted into the PC card slot of the information processing device and is connected to the connector provided in the PC card slot, dust and the like can be removed from the I / O slot.
There is no danger of entering the F connector 8 and there is no need to provide a protective cover for dust protection on the I / F connector 8.

Further, since the components specific to the electronic camera 1 are provided in the function expansion section 3 which is detachable from the main body 2, the size is not restricted, and the photographing lens 4 and the image pickup device are not restricted. Can have a size necessary to realize desired characteristics, and a high-performance electronic camera can be obtained.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a modification.

This modified example 1A is different from the electronic camera 1 according to the above-described embodiment in that the shutter release switch 12 is provided not in the function expansion section 3 but in the main body section 2 and the other points are the same as those of the electronic camera 1 according to the above embodiment. The same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the same parts in the electronic camera 1, and the description is omitted.

In the electronic camera 1A, the shutter release switch 12 is arranged on one of the side surfaces along the longitudinal direction of the main body 2. Since the main body 2 is entirely inserted into the PC card slot of the information processing apparatus, no protrusion from the side surface can be provided. Therefore, in the electronic camera 1, the shutter release switch 6 can be made to protrude from the side surface of the function expansion unit 3. However, in the electronic camera 1 A according to this modification, the shutter release switch 12 is When a touch sensor is used so as not to protrude from the side surface of the unit 2 or when a push button switch is used, a recess is formed in the side surface of the main body 2 and the shutter release switch 12 is arranged in the recess. Thus, the shutter release switch 12 is prevented from protruding from the side surface of the main body 2.

The electronic camera 1A according to this modification has the same effect as the electronic camera 1 described above.

In the above-described embodiment, the present invention has been described as an example in which the function as an electronic camera is added by the function expansion unit. It is not limited to functions. For example, if a function expansion unit having an image output device such as a liquid crystal display device is prepared and the function expansion unit is used by being connected to the main body unit 2, an image captured by connecting the function expansion unit 3 can be obtained. An image based on the image data read from the information processing device can be viewed, and a function extension unit having a voice input / output device is prepared.
Can be used as a portable music player by reading music data obtained from the Internet via an information processing device.

Further, by enabling the use of the exchangeable nonvolatile memory as described above, a plurality of information processing apparatuses, for example, a notebook personal computer and a
It can also be used as an interface that mediates the transmission of information between a DA and an electronic organizer via a non-volatile memory.

It should be noted that the shapes and structures of the respective parts shown in the above-described embodiments and modified examples are merely examples of the specific embodiments performed when carrying out the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Should not be interpreted in a limited manner.

[0036]

As is apparent from the above description, the information transmitting apparatus of the present invention has a main body that can be inserted into a card slot of an information processing apparatus and a predetermined function that is detachably mounted on the main body. The main body has a thin card shape whose outer shape is completely accommodated in a card slot of the information processing device, and transmits a signal between the information processing device and the function expansion portion. A signal processing unit that processes signals transmitted between the storage unit that mediates the transmission and the information processing device; and a connector that is connected to a connector provided in a card slot of the information processing device. It is characterized by having a predetermined function by being combined with the main body.

Therefore, in the information transmission device of the present invention,
By pulling out the main unit from the card slot of the information processing device and connecting it to the function expansion unit, it can be used as a device having a predetermined function. By separating the section from the function expansion section, the section can be completely inserted into the card slot of the information processing apparatus, and does not protrude from the card slot.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the function expansion unit includes a photographic lens and an image sensor that converts light information captured by the photographic lens into an electric signal. Since the camera function is added by being attached to the information processing device, the image information captured by combining the main body portion and the function extension portion is inserted into the card slot of the information processing device, and Can be forwarded to

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the connector connected to the connector provided for the connection with the information processing apparatus is provided in the function expansion section, the main body section is provided with the connector. There is no need to provide a separate connector for coupling with the function expansion unit.Also, the connector of the information processing unit or the connector of the function expansion unit is always connected to the connector of the main unit, so that the There is no need to receive a separate dustproof cover for the connector.

According to the invention described in claim 4, the power supply for supplying power to each unit provided in the main unit such as the storage unit and the signal processing unit and each unit provided in the function expansion unit is provided in the main unit. A rechargeable battery and a charging circuit are provided, and the battery is charged via the information processing device while the main body is inserted into the card slot of the information processing device. Since the battery is charged via the information processing device while being inserted into the card slot of the processing device, there is no need to separately prepare a charger for charging the battery.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 show an embodiment of the information transmission apparatus of the present invention, and are schematic perspective views showing a state where a main body and a function expansion section are separated.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a main body and a function expansion unit are combined.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an example of a device provided in a main body.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a modification of the information transmission device of the present invention together with FIG. 5, and showing a state in which a main unit and a function expansion unit are separated.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a state where the main body and the function expansion unit are combined.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing an electronic camera as an example of a conventional information transmission device together with a notebook personal computer as an example of an information processing device together with FIG. 7, and shows a state where the electronic camera is separated from the notebook personal computer. Things.

FIG. 7 shows a state in which a slot insertion portion of the electronic camera is inserted into a PC card slot of a notebook computer.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electronic camera (information transmission device), 2 ... Body part, 3 ... Function expansion part, 4 ... Photographing lens, 7 ... Connector, 8 ... I /
F connector (connector), 9 memory (storage unit), 10 signal processing circuit (signal processing unit), 11 battery, 1A electronic camera (information transmission device)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Kenji Shintani 6-7-35 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Inside Sony Corporation (72) Inventor Yuji Morimiya 6-35, Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Inside Sony Corporation (72) Inventor Tsutomu Nishi 6-35 Kita Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Sony Corporation F-term (reference) 2H100 AA31 5C022 AA13 AC42 AC51 AC77 AC78 AC80

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus comprising: a main body that can be inserted into a card slot of the information processing apparatus; and a function expansion unit that is detachably attached to the main body and adds a predetermined function. A thin card that is completely stored in the card slot of the processing device, and a signal that is transmitted between the information processing device and the storage unit that mediates signal transmission between the function expansion unit and the information transmission device. A signal processing unit for performing processing; and a connector connected to a connector provided in a card slot of the information processing device, wherein the function expansion unit is coupled to the main unit to have a predetermined function. Characteristic information transmission device. 2. The function expansion unit includes a photographing lens and an image pickup device that converts optical information captured by the photographing lens into an electric signal, and a camera function is provided by attaching the function expansion unit to a main body. The information transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the information transmission device is added. 3. The information transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a connector connected to a connector provided for connecting the information processing apparatus to the main body is provided in the function expansion unit. 4. A rechargeable battery and a charging circuit for supplying power to each unit provided in the main unit such as a storage unit and a signal processing unit and each unit provided in the function expansion unit are provided in the main unit. The information transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the battery is charged via the information processing device while the main body is inserted into a card slot of the information processing device.