JP2003046919A - Apparatus for accommodating record medium, and method for displaying state thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a user to understand whether the record capacity in a record medium is sufficient or not easily in a portable data transmission apparatus. SOLUTION: The apparatus comprises a first accommodation section 7 for accommodating a first record medium, a second accommodation section 8 for accommodating the second record medium, a control circuit 9 for instructing data transfer from a record medium in one accommodation section 7 to that in the other accommodation section 8 and for searching for the record capacity in both the record media, and a storage display lamp 4 that is provided between both the accommodation sections 7 and 8 for indicating a data transfer direction. A control circuit 9 has a switching function for changing the display state of the storage display lamp 4 between the case when the record capacity in the record medium transferring data sufficient, and the case when the record capacity is not sufficient by comparing the record capacity in both the record media.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for accommodating a recording medium such as a card and a disk for storing signals as digital data, and transferring data of one recording medium to the other recording medium, and an apparatus for the apparatus. Regarding the status display method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a conventional digital still camera. The camera stores signals such as images and sounds in the memory card (65) as digital data. When the memory card (65) is full, another memory card (6
Replace with 5).

[0003]

In the conventional digital camera, the memory card (65) used while traveling, for example.
When the capacity is full, the memory card (65) cannot be replaced until a new image or the like can be stored. This is inconvenient because it is necessary to prepare a large number of memory cards (65) when traveling. It is conceivable to erase the data stored in the memory card (65) to store a new image or the like, but it is necessary to store the already stored data in another recording medium. However, a hard disk of a personal computer is generally used as another recording medium, and it cannot be stored in another recording medium at a travel destination without a personal computer. Further, even if there is a personal computer at the travel destination, data transfer is troublesome. In view of this point, the applicant, as described later,
The idea of a portable data transfer device that can easily transfer the contents of 5) to a disk having a larger capacity than the memory card (65) was conceived. However, in this case, other data may be stored in the disk in advance, and the capacity of the disk may be insufficient to store the contents of the memory card (65). On the contrary, when data is transferred from the disk to the memory card (65), the capacity of the memory card (65) may be insufficient. The applicant considered to incorporate a device for easily determining whether or not the recording capacity of the memory card (65) or the disc is sufficient in the device. An object of the present invention is to make it easy for a user to understand whether or not the recording capacity of a recording medium is sufficient in a portable data transfer device.

[0004]

A first storage section (7) for storing a first recording medium and a second storage section (8) for storing a second recording medium are provided, and one storage section ( From the recording medium in 7),
A control circuit for instructing data transfer to the recording medium in the other accommodation section (8) and searching the recording capacities of both recording media
(9) and a storage indicator lamp (4) provided between both storages (7) and (8) for indicating the data transfer direction. The control circuit (9) compares the recording capacities of both recording media, and displays the storage indicator lamp (4) depending on whether the recording media of the data transfer destination have sufficient recording capacity or not. It has a switching function to change.

[0005]

In the device according to the present invention, the storage indicator lamp is used when the capacity of the recording medium of the data transfer destination is sufficient and when the capacity of the recording medium is insufficient.
The display state of (4) is different. That is, one save indicator lamp
In (4), is the capacity of the recording medium of the data transfer destination sufficient?
It is convenient because it can display whether or not it is insufficient. In addition, the storage indicator lamp can
Since it is not necessary to provide two (4), the device can be downsized. Further, if the recording medium of the data transfer destination can save the data, the save display lamp (4) is turned off, and
The light-emitting lamp (41) blinks or lights to indicate that data is being transferred. That is, the save display lamp (4) and the light emitting lamp (41)
Since there is no need to light both, there is a power saving effect.
In particular, since this device is assumed to be portable, it is often driven by a dry battery, and since it has a power saving effect, the dry battery can last a long time.

[0006]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An example of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to this example.
In this example, two types of thin and thin memory cards (65) (66) as a data recording medium and a cartridge (6) containing a disk (60) having a larger capacity than both memory cards (65) (66) are included. )
Discloses a device in which is stored. Both memory cards (65)
(66) has a capacity of about ten to several tens of MByte, and the disk (60) in the cartridge (6) has a capacity of about several hundred MByte. A shutter (61) is provided on the upper surface of the cartridge (6), and when the shutter (61) is opened, the disc (60) is exposed. Equipment is portable, equipment cabinet (1)
Is a first storage part (7) in which the cartridge (6) is stored,
A second storage portion (8) having storage openings (81) (82) for the memory cards (65) (66) is provided side by side. On the cabinet (1), between the storages (7) and (8), the display (2) and the operation button (3)
(30) (31) (32), save indicator lamp showing data transfer direction
(4) (40) and a save button (45) that is pressed when storing data are provided. The display contents of the display unit (2) will be described later.

A manual opening / closing lid (80) is provided on the top surface of the second storage portion (8), and a dry battery (not shown) is provided in the lid (80).
Is stored. Storage ports for both memory cards (65) (66) (81) (8
2) is disposed below the battery storage part, and the memory card (65) is provided on the side of the storage opening (81) for the thick memory card (65).
An eject button (71) for ejecting is provided. Second storage
A power button (83) is provided on the side surface of (8), and the second storage section
A light emitting lamp (41) indicating that data is being stored is provided near the storage openings (81) and (82) on the (8). A lid (70) is provided on the top surface of the first storage part (7),
On the front surface of (7), an eject button (72) that slides when opening the lid body (70) is provided. The first accommodating part (7) is provided with a holder (73) for accommodating the cartridge (6) on the lower surface of the lid body (70), and when the lid body (70) is closed, the holder (73) is attached to the disc (60). On the other hand, a data signal is recorded or reproduced.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the cabinet (1). Terminals (10) and (11) are provided below the display unit (2) on the back surface of the cabinet (1). Terminals (10) (11) are
Specifically, it is a terminal of the IEEE 1394 specification, a USB terminal, an IEEE 1394 cable, a U terminal to each terminal (10) (11).
When the SB cable is attached and the power button (83) is operated, it is detected that the cable is connected to the terminals (10) and (11).
A power cord terminal (12) to which an AC adapter is connected is provided beside the terminals (10) and (11).

A mechanical deck (5) for recording a data signal on the disc (60) and reproducing the data signal from the disc (60) is provided in the first storage section (7). Figure 5
FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing the structure of the mechanical deck (5). A chassis (50) for receiving the cartridge (6) is provided with a pickup (51) which moves toward and away from the center of the disc, and the pickup (51) is provided with a recording head (53) via a head lever (52). ) Is provided. At the time of signal recording, the pickup (51) emits a beam B to the back surface of the disk to heat the beam irradiation portion to the Curie temperature and supply a data signal from the recording head (53). During reproduction, the recording head (53) is de-energized and a beam is emitted from the pickup (51) to reproduce the data signal. If the lid (70) is opened carelessly during data signal recording or playback, the data will not be recorded or played back smoothly.Therefore, even if the eject button (72) is slid during data signal recording or playback It is designed so that the body (70) does not open. The details of this device have been previously described by the applicant in Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-166959 (unpublished invention), and a description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 3 shows a display section (2) and operation buttons (3) (30) (3
1) It is a plan view of (32). The operation mode for this device is
There are three operation modes, SAVE, DPOF, and FORMAT, and a connection detection mode with a personal computer. The SAVE mode is a mode for storing data in the disk (60) or the memory card (65) (66).
The OF mode is an abbreviation for Digital Print Order Format, specifically, a memory card to print out (65).
This is a mode for storing the type and number of images in (66) together with the images. The FORMAT mode is a mode for initializing the disk (60) or the memory card (65) (66), and the entire area of the disk (60) or the memory card (65) (66) is fully initialized. F-FORMAT (full format) and used disk (60) or memory card (65)
There is Q-FORMAT (quick format) that is operated when initializing (66). The operation button has a SET button (3) for setting each mode, and C for canceling the setting mode.
There are an ANCEL button (32) and a SELECT button (30) (31) which is operated when the mode is changed or when the data transfer direction is changed. Every time you press the right SELECT button (30) after turning on the power, SAVE mode → DPOF mode → FORMAT
The modes switch in order of mode. SELECT on the left
Each time the button (31) is pressed, the order of mode switching is the reverse of the above, that is, FORMAT mode → DPOF mode → SA
The order is switched to the VE mode.

The display unit (2) displays the SAVE mode, DPO
Display locations in F mode and FORMAT mode (20) (21) (22)
There is, and the part of the corresponding mode lights up. That is, SA
In the VE mode, the letters "SAVE" light up,
The other parts go out. The display unit (2) also has display portions (23), (24) and (25) which are turned on when the cartridge (6) and the memory cards (65) and (66) are inserted. This display location (23) (24) (2
5) is a so-called icon, and the disk in the icon indicating the cartridge rotates during a predetermined operation. Furthermore,
The capacity of the battery in the battery compartment is shown in white (2
8) Also, when the battery capacity is full, the inside of the area is painted black. When an AC power source is connected, the inside of the area is of course painted black. The display unit (2) also has an arrow (26) that lights up to indicate the data transfer direction, and the display state of the arrow (26) changes according to the progress of the data transfer. Specifically, the rear end portion of the arrow (26) is divided into five segments (27) and (27), and is turned on at the outermost side each time 1/5 of the time required for data transfer elapses. One segment (27) goes out. When the power is initially turned on, the arrow (26) indicates that the data is transferred to the left, that is, in the direction from the memory card (65) (66) to the cartridge (6). After selecting the SAVE mode, press any SELECT button (30) (31) and the arrow (26)
Turn to the right as shown in. The arrow (26) indicates the substantially central portion of the upper surface of the storage section (7) (8) to which it points, whether facing left or right.

FIG. 6 is a circuit block diagram in the apparatus.
Each circuit is located at the lower end of the device. The operation of each mode is determined by the control circuit (9), and the control circuit (9) is supplied with stable DC power from the AC power supply or the battery via the regulator (91). In addition, power may be supplied from the terminal (10) of the IEEE 1394 specification through the regulator (91). The operation buttons (3) (30) and the light emitting lamp (41) are connected to the control circuit (9) via the microcomputer (90). Control circuit
(9) is RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer)
Type microprocessor, JPEG encoder /
It has a built-in decoder and video encoder. A first SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM) (92) is connected to the control circuit (9), and a first storage is performed via two bus lines (93) (94) and buffers (95) (96). The part (7) and the second storage part (8) are connected. IEEE 1394 specification terminal (10)
Is connected to the driving IC (97), and the second IC is connected to the driving IC (97).
The DRAM (98) is connected. Both SDRAMs (92) (98)
Is supplied with a clock signal.

(Summary of each operation) At power-on and data storage In advance, the cartridge (6) and at least one memory card
Insert (65) and (66) and turn on the power. Initially when the power is turned on, the SAVE mode is entered, and as described above, the arrow (2
6) indicates that data is transferred to the left, that is, in the direction from the memory cards (65) (66) to the cartridge (6). The control circuit (9) calculates the remaining capacity of the disk (60) of the memory card (65) (66) and the cartridge (6). The remaining capacity of the memory cards (65) (66) is stored in the controller in the memory cards (65) (66), and the remaining capacity of the disk (60) is recorded in the TOC on the inner circumference of the disk. The remaining capacity of the disk (60) is displayed on the display unit (2), and if it is determined that the disk (60) is not initialized, the FORM
The display portion (22) of the AT mode blinks.

When transferring and storing data from the memory card (65) to the cartridge (6), the user has to press the save button (45).
push. When the remaining capacity of the memory card (65) and the disk (60) is sufficient, the left storage indicator lamp (4) lights up for about 3 seconds, indicating that data can be stored. After 3 seconds, the save indicator lamp (4) goes out and the light emitting lamp (41)
Blinks or lights to indicate that data is being transferred from the memory card (65) to the cartridge (6). Data is stored on the disk (60). At this time, if the memory card (65) is removed, the data will be stored incorrectly, so be careful not to remove the memory card (65) by blinking or lighting the light emitting lamp (41). Is evoking. At this time, the icon corresponding to the memory card (65) will blink,
The disc in the icon corresponding to the cartridge (6) rotates. As mentioned above, 1/5 of the time required for data transfer
Each time elapses, one of the outermost illuminated segments (27) at the rear end of the arrow (26) is extinguished. When all the segments (27) are turned off and the data transfer is completed, the disk in the icon stops rotating and the icon corresponding to the memory card (65) blinks and turns on. The light-emitting lamp (41) goes out. After this, if left for about 3 minutes, the power is automatically turned off. After the data transfer is completed, the memory card (65) can be inserted into the digital still camera to store the image again. If the remaining capacity of the memory card (65) and the disk (60) is insufficient, the left storage indicator lamp (4) blinks for about 3 seconds, indicating that data cannot be stored.

From the cartridge (6) to the memory card (65) (6
To transfer the data to 6) and save it, press the SET button (3) in the SAVE mode to set the mode. SE
By pressing the LECT button (30), the direction of the arrow (26) is changed, that is, the direction is set to the right as shown in FIG. SET button again
Press (3) to set the arrow (26) to the right. A folder of the disc (60) is displayed on the display unit (2).
Here, the folder is a number assigned to each stored image, and the user presses the SELECT button (30) to display the folder of images to be transferred. After pressing the SET button (3) to confirm the folder to be transferred, press the save button (4
5) and push the cartridge (6) to the memory card (65) (6
Start data transfer to 6). Similarly to the above, if the capacity of the memory cards (65) (66) is sufficient, the storage indicator lamp (40) on the right side lights up for about 3 seconds. If the memory card (65) (66) is out of space, the right storage indicator lamp (40) will blink for about 3 seconds. The operation from the start to the end of the data transfer is almost the same as when the data is transferred from the memory cards (65) (66) to the cartridge (6).

DPOF Mode To print out the image of the memory card (65), after the power is turned on, the SELECT button (30) is pressed to select the DPOF mode, and then the SET button (3) is pressed to set the mode. In the apparatus according to the present example, the DPOF mode is set to print out each image one by one. Display location (2) corresponding to the DPOF mode of the display section (2)
1) lights up, and a message to enter the number of the image to be selected is displayed. When the desired image number is displayed by pressing the SELECT button (30), the SET button (3) is pressed. The date input part of the display part (21) blinks. Here, when the date is unnecessary, the SET button (3) is pressed as it is. The setting of DPOF is started. If you need to enter the date, select SELE
If you hold down the CT button (30) and the desired date is displayed,
Press the SET button (3). DPOF setting is started, DP
When the OF setting is completed, the initial state is restored.

FORMAT mode When only one memory card (65) (66) is stored or when only the cartridge (6) is stored, the FO
Switch to RMAT mode and use multiple memory cards (65) (66)
Alternatively, if the memory card (65) and the cartridge (6) are housed, the FORMAT mode will not be entered. When initializing the cartridge (6) or memory card (65) (66),
Cartridge (6) or memory card (65) (6) to be initialized
After storing one of the 6) in the device, select button
Press (30) to select FORMAT mode, then SE
Press the T button (3) to set the mode. SELECT button
When (30) is pressed, "Q-FORMAT", that is, quick format is displayed at the display portion (22) in the FORMAT mode of the display unit (2). As it is, SET button (3)
Press to start quick format. FOR
When "Q-FORMAT" is displayed in the display area (22) of the MAT mode, press the SELECT button (30), then "F-FORMAT" is displayed, and press the SET button (3). Full format starts. In both quick format and full format, when the format operation is completed, the initial state is returned to and the remaining capacity is displayed. During the setting of each mode, CANCEL
If the button (32) is pressed, the operation before setting is restored.

Connection to a personal computer When the power is turned on to the device, a USB cable or IEEE
If the E1394 cable is connected, the connection detection mode is set. If the IEEE 1394 cable is connected here, the stored data of the disk (60) can be transferred to the personal computer, and if the USB cable is connected, the disk (60) or the memory card (65) (6)
The data of 6) is ready to be transferred to the personal computer, and is transferred according to the operation on the personal computer side. When the USB cable is connected,
If all three types of recording media, that is, the disk (60) and the memory cards (65) (66) are stored, they are transferred in order according to the operation of the personal computer.

When the USB cable is connected, all the icons corresponding to the cartridge (6) and the memory cards (65) (66) are lit on the display section (2). When the cartridge (6) is inserted, the data stored in the disc (60) is transferred to the personal computer, and the icon corresponding to the disc (60) rotates. When the memory card (65) is inserted, the data stored in the memory card (65) is transferred to the personal computer, and the icon corresponding to the memory card (65) blinks. When the data transfer is completed, disconnect the USB cable and turn off the power. When the IEEE 1394 cable is connected, only the icon corresponding to the cartridge (6) lights up on the display section (2). Data transfer is performed in the same manner as when a USB cable is connected.

(Advantages of the apparatus of this example) FIG. 7 shows a cabinet.
Connect the USB cable (1) to the personal computer (15)
It is a front view of the state connected in 6). Icons (17), (17) and (17) corresponding to the cartridge (6) and the memory cards (65) and (66) are displayed on the screen of the personal computer (15). The USB cable (16) extends from the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the cabinet (1), and the user who sees the screen of the personal computer (15) can see the first storage section (7) and the second storage section (7). 8) Data from personal computer (1
It is easy to understand that it is transmitted to 5). On the other hand, if the USB cable (16) extends from the second storage section (8), which is the end of the cabinet (1), as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 2 I get the impression that only the data from the storage part (8) is transmitted to the personal computer (15). In order to avoid such a misunderstanding, the USB cable (16) is extended from the longitudinal center of the cabinet (1). Of course, the IEEE 1394 cable also extends from the longitudinal center of the cabinet (1).

It is also conceivable to provide the display section (2) at the front end of the cabinet (1) as shown in FIG.
However, in this case, the arrow (26) does not directly face the first storage unit (7) or the second storage unit (8), and the user transfers data between the storage units (7) and (8). It is difficult to understand that it is done. In this example, the data transfer direction indicated by the display unit (2) provided on the upper surface between the storage units (7) and (8) is one of the storage units (7).
Since it faces the substantially central portion of the upper surface, it is easy to see which storage unit (8) the data is being transferred to. Further, in order to shorten the depth of the cabinet (1), as shown in FIG. 8, the SET button (3), SELECT
It is necessary to dispose the T button (30) (31) and the CANCEL button (32) separately on the left and right, which requires the user to operate each button with both hands, which is troublesome. In this example, by disposing the operation buttons (3) and (30) between the storage parts (7) and (8) in the vicinity of the display part (2), a plurality of operation buttons (3) (30) ) Can be operated with one hand. Further, since the operation buttons (3) (30) and the display unit (2) are close to each other, the operation contents of the operation buttons (3) (30) are displayed at hand. It is easy for the user to understand the operation contents and is easy to use.

In this example, if the capacity of the recording medium of the data transfer destination is sufficient, the storage indicator lamp (4) is lit for a predetermined time, specifically about 3 seconds. When the capacity of the recording medium of the data transfer destination is insufficient, the storage indicator lamp (4) blinks for a predetermined time, specifically about 3 seconds. That is, one storage indicator lamp (4) can display whether the capacity of the recording medium of the data transfer destination is sufficient or insufficient, which is convenient, and the capacity of the recording medium is sufficient or insufficient. Correspondingly, it is not necessary to provide two storage indicator lamps (4), so that the device can be downsized. If the recording medium of the data transfer destination is capable of storing data, the storage indicator lamp (4) is turned off and the light emitting lamp (41) blinks or lights to notify that the data is being transferred. That is, the save display lamp
Since both (4) and the light-emitting lamp (41) are not turned on,
There is a power saving effect. In particular, the effect is high in this device driven by a dry battery.

The above description of the embodiments is for explaining the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the invention described in the claims or limiting the scope. The configuration of each part of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made within the technical scope described in the claims.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to this example.

2 is a rear view of the device of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a display unit and operation buttons.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a right-pointing arrow.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view showing a structure of a mechanical deck.

FIG. 6 is a circuit block diagram in the apparatus.

[Figure 7] US cabinet and personal computer
It is a front view of the state connected with the B cable.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of another device.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a conventional digital still camera.

[Explanation of symbols]

(4) Storage indicator lamp (7) First storage (8) Second storage (9) Control circuit (41) Light emitting lamp

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 5/91 G06K 19/00 Q H04N 5/91 J (72) Inventor Takahiro Mio Osaka Prefecture Moriguchi Keihan Osaka 2-5-5 Hondori Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Kimura 2-5-5 Keihan Hondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 5B035 BB09 BC00 CA29 5C052 AA01 AB04 DD04 DD08 5C053 FA15 FA23 FA27 JA16 JA30 LA04 5D044 AB08 BC01 CC05 HL06

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A first storage section for storing a first recording medium.
(7) and a second storage section (8) for storing the second recording medium are provided, and from the recording medium in one storage section (7) to the recording medium in the other storage section (8). A control circuit (9) for instructing data transfer and searching the recording capacities of both recording media;
A storage indicator lamp (4) provided between both storages (7) and (8) for indicating the data transfer direction is provided, and the control circuit (9) compares the recording capacities of both recording media to determine the data transfer destination. 2. A recording medium storage device having a switching function for changing the display state of the storage indicator lamp (4) depending on whether the recording capacity of the recording medium is sufficient or insufficient. 2. A light emitting lamp (41) for indicating that data is being stored is provided in either one of the storage sections (7), (8), and the control circuit (9) records the data transfer destination. The recording medium storage device according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the recording capacity of the medium is sufficient, the light emitting lamp (41) is blinked or lit and the storage display lamp (4) is turned off. 3. A first storage part for storing a first recording medium.
(7) and a second storage section (8) for storing the second recording medium are provided, and from the recording medium in one storage section (7) to the recording medium in the other storage section (8). A control circuit (9) for instructing data transfer and searching the recording capacities of both recording media;
A method of displaying the status of a device, which is provided between both storages (7) and (8) and comprises a storage display lamp (4) indicating a data transfer direction, the method comprising: comparing the recording capacities of both recording media; A method for displaying the status of a recording medium storage device, comprising the step of changing the display status of the storage indicator lamp (4) depending on whether the recording capacity of the data transfer destination is sufficient or not.