JP2005174530A - Electronic data recorder and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic data recorder in which information such as an amount of remaining capacity or the like of a recording medium is recognized prior to mounting of the recording medium onto the electronic data recorder and operability is made good. <P>SOLUTION: An electronic data recorder 1 records electronic data on a recording medium 2 which is freely attachable and detachable to and from the recorder 1. The recording medium 2 is provided with a first data storage section 13 which is used to record first data that are the recording object data and a second data storage section 15 in which remaining capacity data of the first data storage section are stored. At least in a condition in which the recording medium 2 is not mounted on the electronic data recorder, the electronic data recorder 1 reads the remaining capacity data from the second data storage section 15 through a radio communication section provided on the recording medium 2 and the recorder 1, compares the remaining capacity data with prescribed data. When the remaining capacity is less, warning is displayed to a user so as to notify the fact that the first data can not be recorded onto the recording medium 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

    The present invention relates to a recording medium as a memory device and an electronic data recording apparatus capable of recording electronic data on the recording medium.

  As an electronic data recording device capable of recording electronic data in a detachable memory device (recording medium), there is an imaging device such as a digital camera that digitally converts a subject image picked up by an image pickup device and records it on a memory card as a recording medium. In addition, there are storage devices that record various types of electronic data on a memory cart or a magnetic recording medium.

  In general, this type of apparatus has functions such as reading and displaying data recorded on a recording medium and operating based on the data. For example, the digital camera disclosed in Patent Document 1 monitors the remaining capacity of a recording medium with a control unit in the camera, and displays a warning when the remaining capacity is reduced.

In addition, the digital camera disclosed in Patent Document 2 has a function of displaying recorded image data as thumbnails.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-350950 discloses Patent Document 1. Patent Document 2 is Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-317930.

  In a normal recording medium, it is impossible to distinguish from the appearance what kind of data is recorded inside and how much remaining capacity is. Therefore, in order to confirm it, the recording medium must be actually mounted on an electronic data recording apparatus such as a digital camera and confirmed by the method disclosed in the above-mentioned patent document.

  However, such an operation is very troublesome, and problems such as missing a shirt chance arise with a digital camera.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides an electronic data recording apparatus capable of recognizing information such as recorded contents and remaining capacity of a recording medium before the recording medium is mounted. With the goal.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic data recording apparatus capable of recording electronic data on a detachable recording medium, a mounting part for mounting the recording medium, and at least the mounting part. A wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with the recording medium in a state where the recording medium is not mounted; a reading means for reading state data of the recording medium from the recording medium via the wireless communication means; and the state Display means for displaying information on the state of the recording medium or information recorded on the recording medium based on the data;

  The electronic data recording apparatus according to claim 2 of the present invention is the electronic data recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the status data is data representing a remaining capacity of the recording medium, and the display means includes: A warning is displayed when the remaining capacity is less than a predetermined amount.

  The electronic data recording apparatus according to claim 3 of the present invention is the electronic data recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the status data is data representing a creation date of a data file recorded on the recording medium. The display means displays the creation date of the data file.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic data recording apparatus according to the first aspect, the status data is data representing a file name of a data file recorded on the recording medium. The display means displays the file name of the data file.

  An electronic data recording apparatus according to claim 5 of the present invention is the electronic data recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium is mounted on the electronic data recording apparatus via the wireless communication means. And recording control means for recording the state data on the recording medium.

  The electronic data recording apparatus according to claim 6 of the present invention is the electronic data recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic data recording apparatus is a camera or a PDA, and the electronic data is an image, a sound, or It is text information.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium that can be attached to and detached from an electronic data recording apparatus, a first data storage unit capable of recording a plurality of data files, and status data of the first data storage unit. A second data recording unit capable of storing; and a wireless communication unit configured to wirelessly transmit the state data stored in the second data storage unit to the electronic data recording device in a state where the second data recording unit is not attached to the electronic data recording device. It comprises.

  A recording medium according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the recording medium according to the seventh aspect, wherein the wireless communication unit is supplied with electric power from the electronic data recording device in a non-contact manner.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium according to the eighth aspect, the wireless communication unit has means for generating electric power by a magnetic field generated from the electronic data recording apparatus. .

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium according to the ninth aspect, the wireless communication unit includes an antenna for receiving the magnetic field.

  A recording medium according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the recording medium according to the seventh aspect, wherein the non-volatile memory as the first data storage unit, the non-volatile memory as the second data storage unit, and An IC tag including the wireless communication unit.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic data recording apparatus for recording electronic data on a removable recording medium, wherein the recording medium is first data for recording first data as main data. A storage unit; a second data storage unit for storing second data as state data; and a first wireless communication unit, wherein the electronic data recording device includes the first wireless communication unit. A second wireless communication unit capable of communicating with the second data, and the second data via the first and second wireless communication units in a state where the removable recording medium is not attached to the electronic data recording device. A reading unit that reads the state data from the storage unit and a display unit that performs a predetermined display operation based on the state data are provided.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic data recording device according to the twelfth aspect, the display unit is a remaining capacity of the first data storage unit or the first data recording unit. Displays the index of the data file recorded in.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic data recording apparatus or recording medium capable of recognizing information such as recorded contents and remaining capacity of the recording medium before the recording medium is mounted on the electronic data recording apparatus.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of an electronic data recording apparatus as a first embodiment of the present invention.

  An electronic data recording apparatus 1 according to this embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is an apparatus in which a recording medium 2 is detachable and image data or other various data can be written to or erased from the recording medium 2. is there. As the electronic data recording apparatus 1, for example, a digital camera, a mobile phone, a PDA, or the like is applicable.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an electronic data recording apparatus 1 includes a first data generation unit 3 for generating first data including management data and general data (main data), and a first data for recording first data. A data recording unit 4, a first data reading unit 5, a remaining capacity determining unit 6, and a second data for recording second data indicating the remaining capacity and the corresponding model in a second data storage unit 15 to be described later by wireless communication. Two data recording unit 7, second data reading unit 8 as means for reading out second data which is the remaining capacity data of recording medium 2 from a second data storage unit 15 to be described later by wireless communication, and mounted or unmounted A second wireless communication unit 9 for performing wireless communication with the recording medium 2 in a state, a comparison unit 10, a warning display unit 11 as a means for displaying a warning, and the recording medium 2 that is mounted electrically Connectable connectors Made and a section 12.

  The recording medium 2 is composed of a memory card or the like, and the first data storage unit 13 which is a main storage unit for storing the first data, and the second data is electronic data via the second wireless communication unit 9. A first wireless communication unit 14 for performing wireless communication with the recording device 1, a second data storage unit 15 for storing second data, and a contact unit 16 that can be electrically connected to the connector unit 12. Have.

  In the electronic data recording apparatus 1, the first data generation unit 3 generates first data composed of management data and general data, and sends the first data to the first data recording unit 4. The management data is data relating to general data management to be recorded, such as the generation date and time data of the general data as well as the total storage capacity and used storage capacity of the mounted recording medium (mounted recording medium) 2. The general data is data to be recorded that is recorded on a recording medium such as image data, audio data, and text data.

  The first data (management data + general data) recorded in the first data recording unit 4 when the recording medium 2 is mounted is stored in the first data storage unit 13 of the recording medium 2 via the connector 12 and the contact unit 16. Is written to.

  Then, the management data including the recorded storage capacity in the first data storage unit 13 is read by the first data reading unit 5. Of the management data, second data including the remaining capacity data that can be recorded on the attached recording medium 2 by the remaining capacity determination unit 6 based on the recorded storage capacity and the total storage capacity of the recording medium 2 (hereinafter also referred to as status data). ) Is required. The second data is written into the second data storage unit 15 of the recording medium 2 by the second data recording unit 7 by wireless communication via the second wireless communication unit 9 and the first wireless communication unit 14. Note that the second data includes model data of the recording apparatus to which the recording medium corresponds, the name of the data file recorded on the recording medium, the creation date of this data, and the like.

  On the other hand, when a user tries to attach another recording medium 2 to the electronic data recording apparatus 1 with the main switch turned on, the recording medium 2 is brought close to the connector portion 2 of the electronic data recording apparatus 1 to a predetermined distance ( (Not-attached state), it becomes a state where data can be exchanged by wireless communication between the second wireless communication unit 9 and the first wireless communication unit 14. Second data recorded in the second data storage unit 15 of the recording medium 2, that is, remaining capacity data and the like is read by the second data reading unit 8 on the electronic data recording apparatus 1 side through the second wireless communication unit 9. . The remaining capacity data in the read second data is compared with a predetermined capacity value by the comparison unit 10. If it is determined by the comparison process that the remaining capacity of the second data is less than the predetermined capacity, a warning that the predetermined data cannot be recorded even if the recording medium 2 is mounted is displayed on the warning display unit 11. Done. If the remaining capacity is equal to or greater than the predetermined capacity, no warning is displayed, so that the user can record the recording medium 2 without any trouble by mounting the recording medium 2 on the electronic data recording apparatus as it is. The series of operations of the electronic data recording apparatus 1 described above is controlled by a control unit built in the electronic data recording apparatus 1. Further, even when it is determined from the second data read by the electronic data recording apparatus 1 that the recording medium 2 is a medium that does not correspond to the recording apparatus 1, a warning display indicating that recording is impossible is performed.

  As described above, according to the electronic data recording apparatus 1 and the recording medium 2 detachable from the apparatus, the second data of the recording medium 2 is wirelessly communicated before the recording medium 2 is attached to the connector unit 12 (connector connection). Is read. If the remaining capacity is less than the predetermined capacity, a warning is issued. That is, it can be seen that the recording medium has insufficient remaining capacity before the recording medium 2 is connected to the electronic data recording apparatus 1 by a connector. If the recording medium is not compatible, it is understood that recording is impossible. Accordingly, when the recording medium is mounted, such as the conventional electronic data recording apparatus described above, it can be determined that the remaining capacity of the recording medium is small after the recording medium is mounted, and the recording medium must be repeatedly attached and detached. Can be avoided.

Next, an example in which the electronic data recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied to a digital camera will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the digital camera of the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the digital camera. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of an IC tag provided on the image recording medium (media) for the digital camera.

  The digital camera 20 of this embodiment includes a camera body 21 and a lens barrel 22 that can be attached to and detached from the camera body. The camera body 21 is a memory card to which a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory is applied. An image recording medium (hereinafter referred to as a medium) 81 as a medium is detachable.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a lens barrel 22 can be attached to the camera body 21 on the front side of the body exterior, and a main switch button 23 for operating the main switch 89 (FIG. 3) is provided on the top surface of the body exterior. A release switch button 25 for operating the switch 91 (FIG. 3), an operation display LCD 75, and a buzzer opening 85a are arranged. Further, a finder eyepiece window 26, a mode setting switch button 24 for operating the mode switch 90 (FIG. 3), and an image display liquid crystal monitor (LCD) 69 are arranged on the rear surface of the body exterior. An openable / closable medium (medium) mounting part lid 28 is arranged on the side surface of the body exterior, and a recording medium (medium) mounting part 27 having a communication connector 53 described later is provided inside the lid. Further, an antenna 84 serving as a second wireless communication unit is disposed in the vicinity of the media mounting unit 27. Further, a lid switch 92 (FIG. 3) for detecting the open / closed state of the media mounting portion lid 28 is disposed inside the body exterior.

  In the camera body 21, as shown in FIG. 3, a single-lens reflex constituent member including a reflecting mirror 31, a sub mirror 32, a pentaprism 38, an eyepiece lens 39, and the like as an optical system, and a focal plane shutter unit 33 are arranged. ing. Further, an imaging unit 34 and an AF sensor unit 40 are arranged as an imaging and ranging system.

  The imaging unit 34 is disposed on the dust filter 35 made of a transparent glass material for protecting the dust of the image sensor, the piezoelectric element 36 for driving the dust filter, and the optical axis O, and photoelectrically converts the subject image that has passed through the optical system. And an image sensor 37 for the purpose.

  The piezoelectric element 36 is attached to the peripheral portion of the dustproof filter 35 as a part of vibration means for vibrating the dustproof filter 35 at a predetermined frequency. The piezoelectric element 36 has two electrodes, and the dust filter 35 is vibrated by a dust filter driving circuit 66 (described later) as a part of the vibration means to remove dust adhering to the glass surface. Is configured to do.

  The camera body 21 includes an AF sensor drive circuit 61 as a control drive system, a mirror drive mechanism unit, in addition to a body control microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as Bμcom) 51 that controls the entire camera body. 62, a shutter charge mechanism 63, a temperature measurement circuit 67, a dust filter driving circuit 66, a photometry circuit 68, and a nonvolatile memory 65 are provided. As an image processing system, an interface circuit 71, an image processing controller 72, an SDRAM 73, and a Flash ROM 74 are provided. An image display liquid crystal monitor (LCD) 69, an operation display LCD 75, and a warning buzzer 85 are provided as a display system, and a main switch 89, a mode switch 90, a release switch 91, a lid switch 92, etc. are provided as operation switch groups. It is done. In addition, a battery 87 as a power supply system, a power supply circuit 88, a reader / writer circuit 83 as a wireless communication system, and an antenna 84 as a part of the second wireless communication unit are provided, and a lens mirror as a communication connector system. A communication connector 52 for electrical connection to the cylinder 22 via the contact portion 98 and a communication connector 53 capable of being electrically connected via the contact portion 81c to the medium 81 on which the media mounting portion 27 is mounted are provided.

  The medium (image recording medium) 81 has a flash memory unit 81a as a first data storage unit (main storage unit) that stores first data, an IC tag 82, and a camera-side communication connector 53 when the camera 20 is attached. A contact portion 81c that can be connected is provided.

  The first data stored in the memory unit 81a includes captured image data and management data related to each image data. The management data is data such as model data of the camera body corresponding to the media 81, shooting date, size of image data, shooting conditions, recorded data file name, and the like. The memory unit 81a is divided into a data area for storing the captured image data and a management data area for storing the management data. The size of the unused area of the memory unit 81a, that is, the remaining capacity can be obtained from the management data.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the IC tag 82 has remaining capacity data as second data (status data). Specifically, the remaining memory capacity data and camera body model data that can be handled by the media, and various data relating to recorded contents And an IC chip 82a including a control unit 82b as a second data storage unit and an antenna 82d as a part of the first wireless communication unit.

  When the medium 81 is brought close to a predetermined distance with respect to the camera body side antenna 84 disposed in the vicinity of the medium mounting portion 27 with the main switch of the camera body 21 turned on, the medium 81 is generated by the magnetic field from the camera body side antenna 84. A voltage is generated in the antenna 82d of the IC tag 82 on the side, the memory unit 82a is activated via the control unit 82b of the IC tag 82, and recording and reading to the memory unit 82a are possible. That is, the IC tag 82 operates by receiving power supply from the camera body 21 in a non-contact manner.

  In Bμcom 51, in addition to the control unit for camera control, the captured first data (image data including management data) is transferred to the memory unit 81a of the first data storage unit on the medium 81 side via the communication connector 53. A first data recording unit for writing, a first data reading unit for reading the first data written in the memory unit 81a, management data (size of image data) and media in the read first data A remaining capacity determination unit that determines a remaining capacity from the total storage capacity of the memory unit 81a, and memory remaining capacity data read by the reader / writer circuit 83 via wireless communication described later, or the remaining capacity A comparison unit that compares the remaining memory capacity obtained by the determination unit with a predetermined capacity is incorporated.

  The reader / writer circuit 83 records the second data (including the camera body model data and the remaining memory capacity data) by wireless communication via the antenna 84 in the IC tag memory section 82c of the medium 81 in accordance with an instruction from the Bμcom 51. A second data recording unit, and a second data reading unit for reading out the second data (memory remaining capacity data including camera body model data) from the memory unit 82c of the medium 81 via the antenna 84 by wireless communication. .

  The AF sensor drive circuit 61 drives and controls the AF sensor unit 40, and the output of the AF sensor is taken into the Bμcom 51 as a distance measurement signal. The mirror drive mechanism unit 62 controls driving of the reflecting mirror 31 and retracts the reflecting mirror 31 on the photographing optical path from the photographing optical path during photographing when not photographing. The shutter charge mechanism 63 charges a spring force for driving the front curtain and the rear curtain of the shutter unit 33, and the movement of the front curtain and the rear curtain is controlled by the shutter control circuit 64. The photometric circuit 68 performs photometric processing based on the light flux from the pentaprism 38, and the photometric output is taken into the Bμcom 51. The temperature measurement circuit 67 is provided in the vicinity of the dust filter 35 and measures the temperature around the image sensor 37.

  The interface circuit 71 is connected to the image sensor 37, and the imaging signal of the subject obtained through the interface circuit 71 is subjected to image processing using the SDRAM 73 and the Flash ROM 74 provided as a storage area by the image processing controller 72. Is done.

  The non-volatile memory 65 includes an EEPROM, and is provided so as to be accessible from the Bμcom 51 as non-volatile storage means for storing predetermined control parameters required for camera control.

  The power supply circuit 88 converts the voltage of the battery 87 into a voltage required by each circuit unit constituting the camera system and supplies the converted voltage.

  The lens barrel 22 includes a photographing lens 41 having an optical axis O, a diaphragm unit 42, a lens control microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as Lμcom) 95, a lens driving unit 96, a diaphragm driving unit 97, A contact portion 98 that can be electrically connected to the communication connector 53 is disposed.

  When the lens barrel 22 is attached to the camera body 21, the Lμcom 95 is connected to the Bμcom 51 on the camera body side via the communication connector 53, and the Lμcom 95 is controlled according to the instruction of the Bμcom 51. Control within 22 is performed.

  The photographing optical system 41 is driven by a DC motor (not shown) disposed in the lens driving mechanism 96. The diaphragm 42 is driven by a stepping motor (not shown) arranged in the diaphragm driving mechanism 97. These motors are driven in accordance with commands from Lμcom 95 and Bμcom 51.

  The outline of the photographing operation by the digital camera 20 having the above-described configuration will be described. First, the lens barrel 22 is attached to the camera body 21, and further the medium 81 is attached to the media attachment portion 27 (the medium 81 is the communication connector 53). Connected with). When the main switch 89 is turned on in the mounted state, an imaging sequence is started under the control of Bμcom 51 and Lμcom95. Then, photometry and distance measurement are executed by the first operation of the release switch 91, and further lens driving and diaphragm driving of the lens barrel 22 are performed. Therefore, the subject image is taken into the image sensor 37 by the second operation of the release switch 91 and converted into an image signal. Then, the captured image data as the first data is stored in the SDRAM by the image controller 72. The image data and management data are written to the memory unit 81 a of the medium 81 via the communication connector 53. After the writing, the management data in the memory 81 a is taken into the Bμcom 51 via the communication connector 53. The memory remaining capacity data as the second data is calculated from the written capacity included in the management data fetched by the Bμcom 51 and the total storage capacity of the medium. The remaining capacity data is recorded together with the corresponding camera body model data in the memory 82c by the reader / writer 83 via the antenna unit 84 and the antenna unit 82d of the IC tag 82 on the medium 81 side.

  On the other hand, when the photographer attaches another medium 81 to the camera body 21, the medium 81 is loaded with the medium loading cover 28 opened or closed (no medium loaded) with the main switch 89 turned on. When approaching the unit 27 within a predetermined distance, the remaining capacity data (corresponding camera body model data) recorded in the memory unit 82a by wireless communication via the camera body side antenna 84 and the antenna 82d of the media 81 side IC tag 82. Is read by the reader / writer 83 and taken into the Bμcom 51. The remaining capacity data is compared with predetermined capacity data at Bμcom 51. If the remaining capacity is insufficient with respect to the predetermined capacity, the Bμcom 51 determines that it is difficult to shoot with the medium 81 to be mounted, and causes the warning buzzer 85 to sound and shoots that shooting is difficult. Inform the person. The warning may be displayed simultaneously on the image display liquid crystal monitor 69 and the operation display LCD 75. The warning is also displayed when it is determined that the corresponding camera body cannot be supported by the corresponding camera body model data included in the remaining capacity data.

  If the remaining capacity is larger than the predetermined capacity, the Bμcom 51 does not display the warning, and the photographer can mount the medium 81 on the medium mounting unit 27 as it is and perform shooting.

  In order to load the remaining capacity data of the medium 81 into the camera body 21 side with the medium 81 attached to the medium attachment unit 27 (communication connector connected state), the medium 81 is connected via the communication connector 53 as described above. Management data is read from the memory unit 81a, and the remaining capacity of the medium 81 is obtained from the management data.

The shooting sequence processing by the digital camera 20 of the present embodiment described above will be described in more detail using the flowcharts of FIGS.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the main process of the photographing sequence of the digital camera. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a media exchange process of a subroutine called in the main process of FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the release process of the subroutine called in the main process of FIG.

  When the main switch 89 is turned on in the state where the medium 81 is attached to the camera body 21 to which the lens barrel 22 is attached, the main process shown in FIG. 5 starts. Each step of the main routine is processed under the control of Bμcom 51. In step S1, a subroutine remaining capacity check is performed. In this case, the remaining memory capacity of the medium is obtained from the management data read via the communication connector 53 because the medium 81 is already attached. If it is determined in step S2 that the remaining memory capacity is equal to or larger than a predetermined amount (for example, a capacity capable of recording one image), the process proceeds to step S3. If the remaining memory capacity is insufficient to the predetermined amount, the process proceeds to step S11.

  When the process proceeds to step S11, a warning display A process is executed. In the process of the warning display A, the warning buzzer 85 generates a predetermined sound for a predetermined time. At the same time, the liquid crystal monitor 69 or the operation display LCD 75 displays that the remaining memory capacity of the medium is insufficient or, as will be described later, that photography is impossible due to media incompatibility. In step S12, when it is confirmed by the lid open / close detection lid switch 92 that the photographer has opened the media mounting portion lid 28 to replace the media, a subroutine media exchange process is called in step S13, and the B.mu. The media exchange process is executed under the control.

  In the media exchange process, as shown in FIG. 6, a request signal for reading the remaining memory capacity data by wireless communication is output to the IC tag 82 of the medium 81 via the antenna 84 in step S20. In step S21, it is checked whether or not there is a reply from the IC tag 82 to the request signal. If a reply signal cannot be obtained from the IC tag 82, the open / close state of the media mounting unit lid is checked by the lid switch 92 in step S30, and if it is closed, the photographer mounts another media 81. It is determined that the mounting portion lid is closed without returning to step S1 of the main routine.

  When the return signal is confirmed in step S21, that is, when the photographer brings another medium 81 close to the vicinity of the medium mounting portion 27 of the camera body 21, the return signal from the IC tag 82 causes the antennas 82d and 84 to be connected. If it is obtained through the process, the process proceeds to step S22.

  In step S 22, the remaining memory capacity data and the corresponding camera body model data recorded in the memory unit 82 b of the IC tag 82 are taken into the Bμcom 51 via the reader / writer 85 by wireless communication. If it is determined in step S23 that the medium is not correct, that is, not compatible with the camera body 21, or in step S24, it is checked whether the remaining memory capacity of the medium 81 is equal to or larger than a predetermined amount. If it is less than (capable of recording one image), the process jumps to step S29 to perform warning display A, and returns to step S12 of the main routine. If it is determined in step S23 that it is correct (the medium is compatible), or if it is determined in step S24 that the remaining memory capacity of the medium 81 is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, the process proceeds to step S25.

  In step S25, the number of images that can be shot is calculated based on the remaining memory capacity. In step S26, it is checked whether or not the number of shootable images is 5 or more. If it is 5 or more, the process jumps to step S28, but if it is not 5 or more, the process proceeds to step S27 to execute warning display B. . In the warning display B, a sound different from the warning display A is generated by the warning buzzer 85. At the same time, the display indicating that the number of shootable media is 5 or less than 5 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 69 or the operation display LCD 75.

  In step S28, it is checked by the lid switch 92 whether or not the media loading unit lid 28 has been closed by the photographer. If it is closed, it is assumed that the medium 81 is recordable and the main routine of FIG. Return to step S8. If not closed, the process returns to step S20 of this subroutine.

  When returning to step S8 of the main routine, it is checked whether or not the main switch 89 is turned off. If it is off, this routine is terminated and the camera is stopped. If not OFF, the process returns to step S3.

  If it is determined in step S2 of the main routine that the remaining memory capacity of the medium 81 is equal to or larger than a predetermined amount (for example, a capacity capable of recording one image) and the process proceeds to step S3, the on / off state of the operation switch group is read. If it is determined in step S4 that the mode switch 90 is turned on and a menu selection is made, the process jumps to step S10 to execute a subroutine menu selection process, and then proceeds to step S8. If it is detected in step S5 that the 1st switch of the release switch 91 is turned on, the process jumps to step S9 to call a subroutine release process. Further, in step S6, it is checked by the lid switch 92 whether the media mounting portion lid 28 is open. If it is open, the media exchange process of the subroutine described above is called in step S7. If not open, the process jumps to step S8.

  The subroutine release process is processed under the control of Bμcom 51 and Lμcom 95, and as shown in FIG. 7, a photometric process and a focus adjustment process are performed in steps S40 and S41. That is, photometry is performed by the photometry circuit 69, and an aperture setting and a shutter time setting are made. Subsequently, based on the distance measurement data by the AF sensor 40, the focus driving of the photographing lens 41 by the lens driving mechanism 96 is executed according to the instruction of Lμcom 95, and the process proceeds to step S42.

  In step S42, the ON / OFF state of the 2nd switch of the release switch 91 is checked. If ON is detected, the process proceeds to steps S43 and 44. If ON is not detected, the process jumps to step S48. In step S48, the on / off state of the 1st switch of the release switch 91 is checked. If it is on, the process returns to step S42. If not, the present subroutine is terminated and the process returns to step S8 of the main routine.

  In steps S43 and S44, the subject image captured via the photographing lens 41 is converted into an imaging signal by the image sensor 37, processed as a photographed image signal by the image controller 72 and the like, and the memory of the medium 81 via the communication connector 53. Image signal data and management data are written in the section 81a.

  Subsequently, in step S45, the management data is read from the memory unit 81a of the medium 81 via the communication connector 53, and the remaining memory capacity of the memory unit 81a is obtained by the Bμcom 51. In step S46, the remaining memory capacity data based on the remaining capacity is recorded in the memory section 82c of the IC tag 82 on the medium 81 side via the reader / writer 83 and the antenna 84. In step S47, the remaining memory capacity data is checked, and if the remaining memory capacity is equal to or less than the predetermined amount, the process jumps to step S11 of the main routine to perform warning display A. When the remaining capacity is a predetermined amount or more, this subroutine is terminated and the process returns to step S8 of the main routine.

  According to the digital camera 20 of the present embodiment described above, when the medium 81 is mounted on the camera body 21, the memory of the medium 81 is wirelessly communicated in a state before being inserted into the medium mounting portion 27 (non-contact state with the camera body). The remaining capacity information and further information on whether the media is suitable for the camera body 20 are taken into the camera body 20 side. Therefore, it is possible to provide an easy-to-use digital camera without the trouble of replacing the medium again after inserting a medium into which the photographed image cannot be recorded into the medium mounting portion 27. In addition, since the chip-shaped IC tag 82 is applied as a remaining capacity data storage memory attached to the medium 81, the shape of the medium does not increase, and there is no inconvenience in handling the medium.

  In the digital camera 20 of the first embodiment described above, the second data of the IC tag memory unit 82c can be captured by bringing the media 81 close to the vicinity of the media mounting unit 27 with the main switch turned on. If the main switch is turned on, for example, the main switch is turned on temporarily by an on signal of a lid detection switch that detects opening / closing of the media mounting unit lid, the second data can be read more easily. become.

Next, an example in which the electronic data recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied to a PDA apparatus (personal information terminal apparatus) will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the PDA device of this embodiment.

  The PDA device 100 includes a main switch (button) 102, a mode setting switch (button) 106, a recording / erasing switch (button), etc., a touch panel display (LCD) 103, and a side surface of the device main body. A media mounting unit 105 for mounting the media 101 is arranged on the screen. Further, as an electric control unit mounted inside the apparatus main body, a μcom 108 that is a control unit that controls the PDA apparatus, a first data generation / recording unit 109 that generates and records first data on the medium 101, and a medium The antenna unit 104 of the second wireless communication unit disposed in the vicinity of the mounting unit 105, the communication connector unit 105a disposed in the media mounting unit 105, and a warning buzzer 107 serving as a warning display unit are provided.

  In the PDA apparatus, data is input by bringing the tip of the stylus pen 111 into contact with an arbitrary input point on the touch panel display (LCD) 103. The first data includes input recording target data to be recorded and management data related to the recording date and time, recording capacity, and the like.

  When the medium 101 as a recording medium is attached to the flash memory unit 101a as the first data storage unit (main storage unit) that stores the first data, the IC tag 110, and the PDA device 100, the PDA side communication connector 105a and a contact portion that can be connected.

  The IC tag 110 has the same configuration as the IC tag 82 applied to the medium 81 shown in the second embodiment. The remaining capacity data represented by the second data, specifically, the remaining memory capacity data and the corresponding It has an IC chip including a memory unit 110c and a control unit as a second data storage unit that stores model data of a PDA device capable of handling media, and an antenna 110d as a first wireless communication unit.

  In the μcom 108 on the PDA device side, in addition to the control unit for controlling the entire device, the input first data (recording data including management data) is input to the memory unit 101a of the medium 101 via the communication connector 105a. A first data recording unit for writing, a first data reading unit for reading the first data written in the media-side memory unit 101a, and management data (size of image data) in the read first data And the remaining capacity determination unit that determines the remaining capacity from the total storage capacity of the medium side memory unit 81a, and the remaining capacity determination data that is read through wireless communication that will be described later, or the remaining capacity determination unit. A comparison unit that compares the remaining memory capacity with a predetermined capacity is incorporated.

  In the PDA device 100 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, data recording on the medium 101 is executed under the control of the μcom 108. That is, recording data to be recorded by the stylus pen 111 is input on the touch panel display unit 103 with the medium 101 mounted on the medium mounting unit 105. Recording data including management data generated in the data generation / recording unit 109 under the control of the μcom 108 is recorded in the memory unit 101a of the medium 101 via the communication connector 105a. At the same time, remaining capacity data indicating the unused memory capacity of the media-side memory unit 101a obtained from the management data by wireless communication via the device-side antenna unit 104 and the media-side antenna unit 110d is recorded in the memory unit 110c of the IC tag 110. The

  When the other medium 101 is replaced and mounted, if the user brings the other medium 101 close to the medium mounting unit 105 in the main switch on state (non-mounted state), the apparatus side antenna unit 104 and the media side antenna unit Reading of the second data by wireless communication via 110d is executed.

  In the reading of the second data by the wireless communication, the second data recorded in the memory unit 110c of the IC tag 110 is taken into the PDA device 100 side by the wireless communication under the control of the μcom 108. The remaining capacity of the memory unit 101a of the medium 101 is obtained from the second data. The remaining capacity is checked, and if it is less than a predetermined capacity, a warning buzzer issues a warning. At the same time, the display unit 103 displays that the remaining capacity is equal to or less than the predetermined capacity. If the model data included in the second data is not applicable to the PDA device 100, a warning is issued in the same manner. When the model data is compatible and the remaining capacity is a predetermined capacity or more, the above warning is not issued, and the user installs the media 101 on the media loading unit 105 as it is and inputs data. It can be carried out.

  According to the PDA device 100, when the media 101 is mounted on the PDA device 100 as in the case of the digital camera 20, wireless communication is performed in a state before being inserted into the media mounting unit 105 (a non-contact state with the PDA device). Information on the remaining memory capacity of the medium 101 and information on whether the medium is compatible with the PDA apparatus 100 are taken into the PDA apparatus 100 side. There is no need to load a medium again after loading a medium unsuitable for recording, and the PDA device 100 that is easy to use can be provided.

Next, an electronic data recording apparatus as a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an outline of the electronic data recording apparatus of the present embodiment.

  An electronic data recording device 121 shown in FIG. 9 is a device in which a recording medium 211 is detachable and image data or other various data can be written to or erased from the recording medium 211. As this electronic data recording device 121, for example, a digital camera, a mobile phone, a PDA, or the like is applicable.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the electronic data recording device 121 includes a first data generation unit 123 for generating first data including management data and general data (main data), and a first data for recording the first data. The data recording unit 124, the first data reading unit 125, the second data generation unit 126, and second data (status data) related to the contents of data recorded on the recording medium 211 will be described later by wireless communication. The second data recording unit 127 for recording in the two data storage unit 215 and the second data as means for reading out the second data, which is data related to the recording contents of the recording medium 211, from the second data storage unit 215 described later by wireless communication A second wireless communication unit 129 for performing wireless communication between the data reading unit 128 and the recording medium 211 that has been mounted or is not mounted; A display unit 130 for displaying a second data read out by the data reading unit 128 in a predetermined format, comprising and a connector portion 122 can record medium 211 and electrical connections are attached.

  The configuration of the recording medium 211 is the same as that of the recording medium 2 shown in FIG.

  In the electronic data recording device 121, the first data generation unit 123 generates first data composed of management data and general data, and sends the first data to the first data recording unit 124. The management data is data relating to general data management to be recorded, such as the generation date and time of the general data and the data file name. The general data is data to be recorded that is recorded on a recording medium such as image data, audio data, and text data.

  The first data (management data + general data) recorded in the first data recording unit 124 in the mounted state of the recording medium 211 is stored in the first data storage unit 213 of the recording medium 211 via the connector 122 and the contact unit 216. Is written to.

  Then, the management data related to the data file stored in the first data storage unit 213 is read by the first data reading unit 125 and converted into the second data by the second data generation unit 126. Here, the second data is state data representing the recording contents of the first data storage unit, that is, the file name and generation date and time of the data file recorded on the recording medium 211 at that time.

  The second data is written into the second data storage unit 215 of the recording medium 211 by the second data recording unit 127 by wireless communication via the second wireless communication unit 129 and the first wireless communication unit 214.

  On the other hand, when the user tries to attach another recording medium 211 to the electronic data recording apparatus 121 with the main switch turned on, if the recording medium 211 is brought close to the connector portion 122 of the electronic data recording apparatus 121 to a predetermined distance. (Unattached state), a state in which data can be exchanged by wireless communication between the second wireless communication unit 129 and the first wireless communication unit 214. Second data recorded in the second data storage unit 215 of the recording medium 211 is read by the second data reading unit 128 on the electronic data recording device 121 side through the second wireless communication unit 129. The read second data is displayed on the display unit 130 in a predetermined format.

  The series of operations of the electronic data recording apparatus 121 described above is controlled by a control unit built in the electronic data recording apparatus 121, which is the same as in the first embodiment described above.

  As described above, according to the electronic data recording apparatus 121 and the recording medium 211 that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus, the second data of the recording medium 211 is wirelessly communicated before the recording medium 211 is attached to the connector portion 122 (connector connection). Is read. The read second data (that is, data relating to the file name and generation date and time of the data file recorded on the recording medium 211) is displayed on the display unit 130 in a predetermined format. That is, it can be seen what data file is recorded on the recording medium 211 before connecting the recording medium 211 to the electronic data recording apparatus 121 with a connector.

  Next, an example in which the electronic data recording apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention is applied to a digital camera will be described with reference to a perspective view of the digital camera shown in FIG.

  The configuration of the digital camera 20A is the same as that shown in FIG. 2, except that an image display liquid crystal monitor 69 is used as the display unit 130 (FIG. 9) for performing display based on the second data. Yes.

  That is, in the digital camera 20A to which the second embodiment of the present invention is applied, when the medium 81 is attached to the camera body 21, it is wireless in a state before being inserted into the media attachment portion 27 (non-contact state with the camera body). The recorded contents of the medium 81 (the file name of the recorded data file, the generation date and time, etc.) are taken into the camera body 20 by communication. The data is converted into a form suitable for display and displayed on the liquid crystal display monitor 69 as shown in FIG. Here, the display data 301 of FIG. 10 displayed on the monitor 69 is the name of the data file recorded on the medium 81, and the display data 302 of FIG. 10 is the date of creation of the data file.

  Therefore, the user of the digital camera 20A can check the contents recorded on the medium 81 without inserting the medium 81 into the medium mounting unit 27. It is possible to provide an easy-to-use digital camera with no problems.

  The electronic data recording apparatus according to the present invention can recognize information such as the remaining capacity of the recording medium before mounting the recording medium, and can be used as an electronic data recording apparatus that does not bother the operation of mounting the recording medium. is there.

It is a block block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the electronic data recording apparatus which is 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the digital camera to which the electronic data recording device of FIG. 1 is applied. It is a block block diagram of the digital camera of FIG. It is a block diagram of the IC tag provided in the image recording medium (media) for the digital camera of FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a main process of a shooting sequence of the digital camera of FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a media exchange process of a subroutine called in the main process of FIG. It is a flowchart of the release process of the subroutine called by the main process of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the PDA apparatus to which the electronic data recording apparatus of FIG. 1 is applied. It is a block block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the electronic data recording device of 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the digital camera to which the electronic data recording device of FIG. 9 is applied.

Explanation of symbols

1,121
... Electronic data recording device 2,211
... Recording medium 6 ... Remaining capacity determination unit 7,127
... Second data recording unit 8,128
... Second data reading unit 9,129
... Second wireless communication unit 10 ... Comparison unit 11 ... Warning display unit 13,213
... 1st data storage part 14,214
... First wireless communication unit 15,215
... Second data storage unit 20, 20A
... Digital cameras (electronic data recording devices)
51… Bμcom
(Second data reading section, comparison section,
(Second data recording part, remaining capacity judgment part)
81, 211
... Image recording media, media (recording media)
81a, 101a
... Memory unit (first data storage unit)
82c, 110c
... Memory part (second data storage part)
82d, 110d
... Antenna part (first wireless communication part)
84,104
... antenna part (second wireless communication part)
85,107
... Warning buzzer (warning display)
100: PDA device (electronic data recording device)
101: Media (recording medium)
108… μcom
(Second data reading section, comparison section,
(Second data recording part, remaining capacity judgment part)

Agent Patent Attorney Susumu Ito

Claims (13)

In an electronic data recording apparatus capable of recording electronic data on a detachable recording medium,
A mounting portion for mounting the recording medium;
Wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with the recording medium at least in a state where the recording medium is not attached to the attachment unit;
Reading means for reading status data of the recording medium from the recording medium via the wireless communication means;
Display means for displaying information on the state of the recording medium or the recording content of the recording medium based on the state data;
An electronic data recording apparatus comprising: 2. The electronic data according to claim 1, wherein the status data is data representing a remaining capacity of the recording medium, and the display means displays a warning when the remaining capacity is less than a predetermined amount. Recording device. 2. The status data according to claim 1, wherein the status data is data representing a creation date of the data file recorded in the recording medium, and the display means displays the creation date of the data file. Electronic data recording device. 2. The status data according to claim 1, wherein the status data is data representing a file name of a data file recorded on the recording medium, and the display means displays the file name of the data file. Electronic data recording device. 2. The recording control unit according to claim 1, further comprising a recording control unit configured to record the state data on the recording medium via the wireless communication unit when the recording medium is mounted on the electronic data recording apparatus. Electronic data recording device. 2. The electronic data recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic data recording apparatus is a camera or a PDA, and the electronic data is image, sound, or text information. In a recording medium detachable from the electronic data recording device,
A first data storage unit capable of recording a plurality of data files;
A second data recording unit capable of storing state data of the first data storage unit;
A wireless communication unit that wirelessly transmits the state data stored in the second data storage unit to the electronic data recording device in a state in which the electronic data recording device is not mounted;
A recording medium comprising: The recording medium according to claim 7, wherein the wireless communication unit receives power supply from the electronic data recording device in a non-contact manner. The recording medium according to claim 8, wherein the wireless communication unit includes means for generating electric power by a magnetic field generated from the electronic data recording device. The recording medium according to claim 9, wherein the wireless communication unit includes an antenna for receiving the magnetic field. A nonvolatile memory as the first data storage unit;
An IC tag including a nonvolatile memory as the second data storage unit, and the wireless communication unit;
The recording medium according to claim 7, further comprising: In an electronic data recording apparatus for recording electronic data on a detachable recording medium,
The recording medium is
A first data storage unit for recording first data as main data;
A second data storage unit for storing second data as state data;
A first wireless communication unit;
It has
The electronic data recording device comprises:
A second wireless communication unit capable of communicating with the first wireless communication unit;
A reading unit that reads out the state data from the second data storage unit via the first and second wireless communication units in a state where the detachable recording medium is not mounted at least on the electronic data recording device;
A display unit that performs a predetermined display operation based on the state data;
An electronic data recording apparatus comprising: The electronic data recording apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the display unit displays a remaining capacity of the first data storage unit or an index of a data file recorded in the first data recording unit. .

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