JP2005318260A - Electronic apparatus, data transfer system of electronic apparatus, and data transfer method of electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a data transfer system capable of simply transferring data recorded on a recording medium of an electronic apparatus to another apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: An electronic camera apparatus 100 being an electronic apparatus is provided with a connector 117, the connector electrically and mechanically interconnects two electronic apparatuses, and both the electronic apparatuses are set to a data transfer mode. Further, the camera apparatus of a transfer source requests the camera apparatus of a transfer destination to transmit transfer history information data unique to the camera apparatus of the transfer source, the camera apparatus of the transfer source receives the history information data when the history data exist, and receives no-history information when no history data exist. The camera apparatus of the transfer source specifies data not transferred to the camera apparatus of the transfer destination among data recorded on the recording medium and transfers the data having been not transferred to the camera apparatus of the transfer destination, updates a transfer history of the camera apparatus of the transfer destination, or newly registers the history data to the camera apparatus of the transfer destination. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic device having a function of recording data such as an electronic camera device on a recording medium, and in particular, transfers data such as image data and audio data recorded on a recording medium to a recording medium of another electronic device. The present invention relates to an electronic device, a data transfer system for the electronic device, and a data transfer method.

An electronic camera device that uses a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) as the imaging device and records captured image data or audio data as a recording medium using a nonvolatile memory card such as a flash memory has appeared on the market. It has been a long time since the resolution of imaging elements has increased, and the capacity of recording media has increased. Recently, products that have the function of recording not only still image data but also moving image data and audio data on recording media are on the market. Is being offered to.

In general, in such an electronic camera device, when data stored in a recording medium is to be exchanged with another electronic camera, first, for example, a memory as a recording medium attached to each electronic camera. Pull out the card from the main unit, attach it to the other electronic camera device, copy the data to be copied from the memory card to the built-in memory, pull out the memory card, and reinsert the original memory card. However, there is only a method of transferring data copied to the built-in memory to a memory card, or copying using a personal computer, and the operability is not good.

In addition, attempts have been made to transfer data recorded on a recording medium to an external device via communication means (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). The operability is not good.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-7805 JP-A-10-341388

As described above, conventionally, in an electronic camera device, when trying to copy image data stored in a recording medium to another memory card, there has been a problem that a complicated operation is forced and the operability is not good. .

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and recording is performed on a recording medium by connecting electronic devices such as an electronic camera device using the recording medium as a recording medium by means of mechanical and electrical coupling. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device excellent in operability and a data transfer system of the electronic device by configuring the received data to be directly transferred to the recording medium of the other electronic device.

The electronic apparatus according to the present invention records and reproduces image data and / or audio data on a recording medium, and records image data and / or audio data on the recording medium. The external connector provided with the recording / reproducing means and the connector to be reproduced, the external connector including the connector that is mechanically and electrically coupled, and the external device coupled with the external device. Control means for detecting and permitting transfer of the data to and from the external device, and executing transfer of the data to the external device or reception from the external device.

The electronic apparatus according to the present invention includes a recording / reproducing unit that records and reproduces image data and / or audio data on a recording medium, and a first connector provided in the external apparatus. An external connection mechanism including a second connector that is mechanically coupled, and a fourth connector that is mechanically and electrically coupled to a third connector provided in the external device, and the second or second When the four connectors are connected to the first or third connector of the external device, transfer of the data to and from the external device is permitted, and the second or fourth connector is allowed. And control means for setting whether to send or receive data via the connector depending on which one is connected.

According to the present invention, there is provided a data transfer system for electronic equipment, recording and reproducing means for recording and reproducing image data and / or audio data on a recording medium, and first and second recording / reproducing means.
A first electronic device having an external connection mechanism comprising a connector, a recording / reproducing means for recording and reproducing image data and / or audio data on a recording medium, and the first connection A second electronic device comprising: a third connector mechanically and electrically coupled to a child; and an external connection mechanism comprising a fourth connector mechanically and electrically coupled to the second connector When,
Provided in either one or both of the first electronic device and the second electronic device;
Alternatively, when the third connector is connected to the second or fourth connector, the first and second connectors
The data transfer between the electronic devices is allowed, and the combination of the first connector and the third connector or the combination of the second connector and the fourth connector is combined. And a control unit configured to set one of the first and second electronic devices as a data transfer source and the other as a data transfer destination.

The electronic device data transfer method according to the present invention includes first and second electronic devices each having recording / reproducing means for recording and reproducing image data and / or audio data to / from a recording medium and an external connection mechanism. Mechanically and electrically coupling a device with the connector; detecting the coupling of the connector; and setting the first and second electronic devices to a mode in which data transfer is permitted with respect to each other. And transferring the data from the first electronic device to the second electronic device or transferring the data from the second electronic device to the first electronic device.

According to the present invention, data recorded on a recording medium can be easily transferred to another recording medium.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of an electronic apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic camera device 100 as an electronic apparatus of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes an optical system having a lens, which is a CCD (Charge Coupled Devic).
An optical image is formed on the photoelectric conversion surface of the CCD imaging unit 102 using e) as an imaging device. The CCD imaging unit 102 converts an optical image formed on the photoelectric conversion surface into an electrical signal and outputs it as an imaging signal. An A / D (Analog Digital) conversion unit 103 converts an image pickup signal output from the CCD image pickup unit 102 into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the CCD signal processing unit 104. CCD signal processor 1
04 performs processing such as white balance adjustment processing, gamma correction processing, interpolation processing, and color conversion processing on the image pickup signal from the A / D conversion unit 103 and outputs it as an image signal.

The image signal output from the CCD signal processing unit 104 is supplied to the memory controller 105 and temporarily stored in the work memory 106 connected to the memory controller 105. The image signal stored in the work memory 106 is supplied to the image processing unit 107 via the memory controller 105, where it is converted into a video signal such as a standard television signal and displayed on the display unit 108.

The display unit 108 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) having a size of several inches, and can monitor an image captured by the CCD imaging unit 102 by the processing described above.

Furthermore, an image compression / decompression processing unit 109 is connected to the memory controller 105. The image compression / decompression processing unit 109 converts the image signal from the CCD signal processing unit 104 stored in the work memory 106 into, for example, JPEG. Compression (encoding) processing is performed based on (Joint Photographic Experts Group) or MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) standards. Alternatively, a process of expanding (decoding) compressed data reproduced from a recording medium to be described later is performed.

The image compression / decompression processing unit 109 uses the memory controller 105 when executing the processing. In this case, the memory controller 105 uses a DSP (Digital Signal P).
rocessor). In order to execute compression / decompression processing of an image signal, an image compression / decompression processing unit 109 and a memory controller 105 are a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1.
10 to control.

The CPU 110 manages the operation and functions of the entire electronic camera device 100.
Controls image signal processing including image capture and image compression / decompression described above, and controls data recording / playback processing to a recording medium, which will be described later, controls audio signal processing, and processing based on user operation And further controls connection processing with another electronic camera device by a connector, which will be described later, constituting the main part of the present invention.

Therefore, the CPU 110 includes the memory controller 105 and the image compression / decompression processing unit 10.
9, the optical system 101, the CCD imaging unit 102, and the CCD signal processing unit 104 are connected.

For the optical system 101, for example, the CPU 110 performs optical zoom magnification adjustment, aperture adjustment, and the like, and the CCD image pickup unit 102 performs electronic shutter drive control, CCD drive control, and the like, and the CCD signal processing unit 104. As for, control such as automatic white balance adjustment and color conversion is performed.

The CPU 110 is further connected to a recording medium 112 configured by a flash memory or the like via a recording medium I / F (Interface) 111, and controls writing and reading of data with respect to the recording medium 112.

Further, the CPU 110 receives the microphone 114 and the speaker 11 via the voice input / output processing unit 113.
5 is connected to control the writing of the audio data picked up by the microphone 114 to the recording medium 112 and the reproduction of the audio data reproduced from the recording medium 112 from the speaker 115.

The audio input / output processing unit 113 is an automatic gain control circuit that controls the audio signal from the microphone to a certain level under the control of the CPU 110, a converter that converts the level-controlled audio signal into a digital signal, and a recording medium 112. A gain adjustment circuit that performs processing such as volume adjustment on the audio data reproduced from the audio data, a converter that converts a digital signal into an analog signal, and a speaker 114.
Including an audio output circuit for driving.

The recording medium 112 is a removable medium configured to be detachable from the electronic camera device 100, for example. Under the control of the CPU 110, for example, a DCF (Design rule for
Data is recorded and reproduced as a file in a format based on Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format), which is an image file format standard for digital cameras managed by a file system conforming to the Camera File system).

Further, a connector 117 is connected to the CPU 110 via a camera connection I / F 116. The connector 117 is connected to a connector of another electronic camera and executes transmission / reception of data. The CPU 110 manages the processing, and details thereof will be described later.

Further, the CPU 110 includes an operation unit 11 including a plurality of operation buttons operated by the user.
8 is connected. Operation buttons include a shutter button for driving the shutter, a mode switching button for switching the shooting mode, such as whether to shoot a still image or a movie, a menu button for displaying a setting menu, and recorded image data. It includes a playback button for playback, a cross button applied to cursor movement, item selection, and the like.

The above processing of the CPU 110 is executed based on a predetermined program, and C
The PU 110 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing the program therein,
A RAM (Random Access Memory) is provided as a work memory, and a nonvolatile memory for storing setting data and the like is also provided.

In the electronic camera device 100 configured as described above, first, basic operations will be described.

The user first operates a predetermined button of the operation unit 118 to set the electronic camera device 100 to, for example, a still image shooting mode. Thereafter, as described above, the signal captured by the CCD imaging unit 102 is displayed on the display unit 108 and monitored via the A / D conversion unit 103, the CCD processing unit 104, the memory controller 105, and the image processing unit 107. When the shutter button of the operation unit 118 is pressed in the state where the image is being used, the CPU 110 causes the CCD imaging unit 10 to
3 once clear the accumulated charge, then the newly accumulated charge for one screen,
The image signal is output as an image signal, processed by the A / D converter 103 and the CCD processor 104, and temporarily stored as an image signal in the work memory 106 via the memory controller 105.

Next, the CPU 110 uses the memory controller 105 and the image compression / decompression processing unit 109 to compress the image signal stored in the work memory 106 based on the JPEG standard, and the compressed image data is stored in the memory controller 105. Recording media I
Write as an Exif file to the recording medium 112 via / F111.

Thus, the still image recording process is completed. In order to reproduce the recorded still image, when the user operates the reproduction button of the operation unit 118, the CPU 110 makes full use of the recording medium I / F 111 to record the still image data recorded on the recording medium 112. File list information is read out and read from the memory controller 105 to the image display unit 107.
To be converted into a display signal and displayed on the display unit 108 as a list.

This list is configured in a GUI (Graphical User Interface) format, and the user operates, for example, the cross button of the operation unit 118 to select a file to be reproduced from the list and operates the enter button.

Thereby, the CPU 110 makes full use of the recording medium I / F 111 to read out and import the selected file from the recording medium 112, and further to the memory controller 105.
Is stored in the work memory 106.

Further, the CPU 110 performs the decompression (decoding) processing of the image data stored in the work memory 106 by using the memory controller 105 and the image compression / decompression processing unit 109, and stores the decompressed image data in the work memory 106. Let Next, the CPU 110 reads image data from the work memory 106, sends it to the image display processing unit 107 via the memory controller 105, performs processing for display, and causes the display unit 108 to display the image data.

Next, when recording a moving image, the user sets the moving image mode using the mode switching button of the operation unit 118 and presses the shutter button.
In response, the CPU 110 captures an image with the CCD imaging unit 102, and the A / D conversion unit 103,
The image signal stored in the work memory via the CCD signal processing unit 104 and the memory controller 105 is subjected to compression processing based on the MPEG standard by the memory controller 105 and the image compression / decompression processing unit 109.

Further, at this time, the CPU 110 performs compression processing on the audio signal picked up by the microphone 114 and converted into a digital signal by the audio input / output processing unit, and multiplexes the compressed moving image signal with a predetermined value. Are output to the recording medium I / F 111 and recorded as a file on the recording medium 112 via the recording medium I / F 111.

The above processing is continuously executed until the next time the shutter button is operated. When the shutter button is operated, the CPU 110 stops recording on the recording medium 112. Thereby, the moving image and audio data files are recorded on the recording medium 112. The audio signal does not necessarily have to be recorded together with the moving image signal, but may be recorded only with the moving image, or only the audio signal may be recorded as a file. Is.

When playing back a moving image signal with an audio signal recorded on the recording medium 112 as described above, the user presses the playback button. As a result, the CPU 110 reads a list of moving image files from the recording medium 112, sends the list of moving image files to the image display processing unit 107 via the memory controller 105, converts the list into an image signal for display in the GUI format, and displays the display unit. 108.

The user operates, for example, the cross button of the operation unit 118, selects a desired file from the displayed list, and operates the enter button. As a result, the CPU 110 reads the selected file from the recording medium 112, separates the compressed moving image data by demultiplex processing, and sequentially stores the compressed moving image data in the work memory 106 via the memory controller 105, while compressing / decompressing the image. Using the processing unit 109, it is decompressed and sequentially stored in the work memory 106 as an uncompressed image signal. At the same time, uncompressed moving image signals are sequentially read from the work memory 106, and the image display processing unit 10 is connected via the memory controller 105.
7 is converted into a video signal for display and displayed on the display unit 108 as a moving image.

At the same time, the CPU 110 extracts compressed audio data from the read file data from the recording medium 112 by demultiplex processing, decompresses it, sends it to the audio input / output processing unit 113, and converts it into an analog signal. The sound is output from the speaker 114.

Through the above process, playback of a moving image with sound is executed.
Next, the connector 117 and the camera connection I / F, which are the main parts of the present invention, will be described. The connector 117 is housed with respect to the main body housing of the electronic camera device, a convex connector formed such that the tip moves between positions protruding from the housing, and the convex connector It consists of a concave connector to be fitted.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the electronic camera device 100. A lens 202 that constitutes a part of the optical system 101 and an optical viewfinder 203 are provided on the front surface of the housing 201.
A shutter button 204 is provided on the top surface of 1, and a lid member 205 that covers a housing portion that houses the connector 117 is slidable in the longitudinal direction of the top surface.

FIG. 3 is a view of the electronic camera device 100 as viewed from the rear side of the housing. A convex connector 301 and a concave connector 302 constituting the connector 117 are arranged in a connector housing 303 inside the housing. The state of being is also shown by a dotted line.

In FIG. 3, the same components as those in FIGS. Reference numeral 108 denotes a display unit, and L
It consists of a CD panel. FIG. 3 shows the optical viewfinder 203 and the shutter button 2.
04 and lid member 205 are also shown.

An opening 304 is formed on the rear surface of the housing 201 corresponding to the convex connector 301 of the connector 117, and the convex connector 301 protrudes from the opening 304.
5 is provided integrally. As a result, the user pushes up the operation element 305 in the direction of the top surface in a state where the cover member 205 is slid in the direction A in FIG. It is possible to project from the top surface.

Further, the detailed structure of the connector 117 and the connector housing 303 will be described. FIG.
These are figures which show the state which looked at the convex connector 301 and the connector accommodating part 303 from the housing | casing side surface in a partial cross section, and attach | subject the same code | symbol to the same component as FIGS.

The convex connector 301 is made of resin, and the tip thereof is provided with a taper that is inclined inward, and the flange 401 that protrudes in the radial direction is formed at the base end on the opposite side. . The inside of the tip portion provided with the taper is formed as a hollow portion 402, and a plurality of conductive pins 403 for connection are provided in the hollow portion 402 with the tips facing toward the lid member 205.

Further, an elastic piece 404 extending in the proximal direction is formed on the surface of the intermediate portion of the convex connector 301. The elastic piece 404 has a base end fixed at a predetermined position on the distal end side of the convex connector 301 and a distal end extending toward the flange 401 side as a free end, on the surface of the opposing convex connector 301. It arrange | positions so that it may be accommodated in the provided groove part 405. FIG. The elastic piece 404 is provided with the elasticity of its own material, and is formed so as to bend when a force is applied in the depth direction of the groove 405 (the radial direction of the convex connector 301), and to return to the original state when the force is removed. ing.

On the surface of the elastic piece 404, an operation element 305 is integrally formed in the vicinity of its tip so as to protrude through the opening 304. Further, a protrusion 406 for holding the convex connector 301 in the connector housing 303 is formed at the tip of the elastic piece 404 so as to protrude on the opposite side to the groove 405. Further, a protrusion 407 for holding the convex connector 301 at a position protruding from the top surface of the housing 201 protrudes in the same direction as the protrusion 406 at a predetermined position in the middle of the elastic piece 404. ing.

A groove 408 that engages with the protrusion 406 is formed on the inner wall of the rear surface of the housing 201 to hold the convex connector 301 in the connector housing 303. Further, the convex connector 301 is connected to the housing 20.
A groove 409 that engages with the protrusion 407 is formed at a position protruding from 1. Further, a stepped portion 410 with which the flange portion 401 abuts is formed on the inner wall of the rear surface of the housing 201 in order to restrict the protruding position of the convex connector 301.

FIG. 4 shows a state in which the convex connector 301 is held in the connector collecting portion 303. The protrusion 406 is provided at the tip of the elastic piece 404 and is engaged with the groove 408.

From the state of FIG. 4, when the user applies a force inward to the housing 201 to the operation element 305, the elastic piece 404 is bent, the engagement between the protrusion 406 and the groove 408 is released, and the lid member 205 is slid. When the operation element 305 is pushed upward in the figure with the connector housing 303 exposed, the convex connector 301 protrudes from the top surface of the housing 201.

FIG. 5 is a view of the state shown in FIG. 4 as viewed from the back side of the housing 201. In FIG. 5, FIG.
The same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those of.
The concave connector 302 has a terminal holding portion 502 fitted in the hollow portion 402 of the convex connector 301 shown in FIG. 4 in the concave portion 501, and the terminal holding portion 502 has a convex connector. A conductive tubular terminal 503 into which the pin 403 of 301 is inserted is provided so as to correspond to the pin 403.

The distal end portion of the convex connector 301 has a hollow portion 402 whose terminal holding portion 50 is a concave connector 302.
2, the pin 403 is inserted into the terminal 503 so as to be in contact with each other, and the electrical and mechanical coupling between the convex connector 301 and the concave connector 302 is established. become.

6 and 7 show a state in which the convex connector 301 protrudes from the top of the housing 201.
These correspond to FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively. 6 and 7, the same reference numerals are given to the same portions as those in FIGS.

In a state where the convex connector 301 protrudes from the housing 201, the protrusion 407 of the elastic piece 404
Is engaged with the groove 409 on the inner wall of the housing 201, and the protruding position of the convex connector 301 is maintained. Thereby, the coupling with the concave connector 302 is made possible.

In the state shown in FIG. 6, if the operating element 305 is pushed inward of the housing 201, the elastic piece 404 is bent, the engagement between the protrusion 407 and the groove 409 is released, and the convex connector 301 is connected to the connector housing 303. Can be housed inside.

In the present invention, as described above, the electronic camera devices each including the connector 117 composed of the convex connector 301 and the concave connector 302 are recorded on each recording medium by connecting the connectors 117 to each other. FIG. 8 shows a state in which two electronic camera devices 100 are prepared and the connectors 117 are connected to each other.

In FIG. 8, the convex connector 3 of the connector 117 of the lower electronic camera device 100A in the figure.
A state where 01 is fitted in the recess 501 of the connector 117 of the other electronic camera device 100B is shown.

Next, data transfer processing according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, when two electronic camera devices 100A and 100B are coupled, the CPUs 110 determine that the connector 117 is coupled to the connector 117 of the other electronic camera device, Set the electronic camera device to the data transfer mode.

Further, for example, the camera device 100A in which the convex connector 301 is used for the coupling is set as the data transfer source camera by the CPU 110, and the camera device 100B in which the concave connector 302 is used is the CPU 110. To set the data transfer destination camera.

The data transfer process can be set to automatically execute, for example, when connector connection is detected, or can be set to transfer data after selection. It is possible to set and register in advance which method is used to execute data transfer. Alternatively, the screen can be selected for selection each time.

When the data transfer process is automatically performed, the camera device 100A set as the transfer source first detects the connection of the connector 117, and then first the recording medium 11 of the transfer destination camera device 100B.
2 or whether the internal transfer history data is stored in the built-in memory.

If it is detected that its own transfer history data is stored, the history data is fetched and temporarily stored in the memory in the CPU 110, and based on the history data, transferred data and untransferred data are identified, Only untransferred data is transferred to the camera device 100B.

The counterpart camera device 100B records the sent data on the recording medium 112. When the data transfer is completed, the camera device 100A updates the history data stored in the CPU 110, transfers the history data together with its own unique information to the camera device 100B on the other side, and records it.

Further, when there is no history data unique to the transfer source camera apparatus 100A in the transfer destination camera apparatus 100B, all data is transferred, and the transfer destination camera apparatus 100B transfers the sent data to the recording medium 112. Record. When the data transfer is completed, the camera device 10
0A newly creates history data, transfers it to the camera device 100B on the other side together with its own unique information, and records it.

Note that the process of specifying whether each data has been transferred can be executed by management using, for example, an Exif file name.

By uncoupling the connector 117, the transfer mode of both camera devices 100A and 100B is cancelled.
The above-described series of processing procedures will be described again with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 9, it is started in step S901, and in step S902, it is determined whether or not connector connection is detected. If detected, the transfer source camera device 100A and the transfer destination camera device 100B are identified in step S903. Is done.

Next, in step S904, the transfer source camera device 100A and the transfer destination camera device 1
00B is set to the transfer mode, and in step S905, the transfer source camera apparatus 100A makes an inquiry to the transfer destination camera apparatus 100B regarding history data unique to the transfer source camera apparatus 100A. In step S906, A determination is made as to whether unique history data exists.

If it is determined that unique history data related to the transfer source camera device 100A exists, in step S907, untransferred data is identified based on the history data and transferred to the transfer destination camera device 100B. .

Next, in step S908, it is determined whether or not the data transfer is completed. If completed, in step S909, the history data of the camera device 100B is updated so that the newly transferred data is included, and in step S910. The process ends.

If it is determined in step S906 that there is no history data unique to the transfer source camera apparatus 100A, in step S911, all data recorded on the recording medium 112 of the transfer source camera apparatus 100A is transferred to the transfer destination camera apparatus 100B. To do. If it is determined in step S912 that the data transfer has been completed, history data relating to the data transferred in step S913 is newly generated, transferred to the transfer destination camera device 100B, recorded, and the process ends.

According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, the electronic camera device is provided with connectors that are electrically and mechanically coupled to other electronic camera devices, and the connectors are coupled to each other.
Since data to be transferred can be automatically transferred from the transfer source camera device to the transfer destination camera device, the operability can be remarkably improved.

Since such automatic processing is performed, it is important that the user can manage which of the two camera devices is the transfer source or the transfer destination. In the description of the embodiment described above, the device using the convex connector 301 is used as the transfer source in the connection, but it goes without saying that the device using the concave connector 302 may be used as the transfer source.

When the transfer source and transfer destination camera devices are specified by the connectors 301 and 302, it is necessary to avoid simultaneously using both the convex connector 301 and the concave connector 302 in each camera device. The sliding range of the lid member 205 may be limited between a position where only the convex connector 301 is exposed and a position where only the concave connector 302 is exposed.

Alternatively, the mechanical distance between the convex connector 301 and the concave connector 302 may be different between the camera devices, but it is difficult to correspond to all the commercially available camera devices, which is very realistic. is not.

Note that if the user can select the data to be transferred, detailed response is possible. In that case, the display unit 108 of the electronic camera device displays a menu that allows the user to select an item. The operation unit 118 can be configured to select data to be transferred.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a menu display for executing the data transfer process. For example, after the connectors of the electronic camera device are coupled to each other, the operation unit 118 of the electronic camera device desired to be the transfer source is operated. Thus, the display unit 108 can be configured to display.

The CPU 110 sets both camera apparatuses to the communication mode when the connection between the connectors is detected. Next, the camera device on which the transfer menu is displayed on the display unit 108 is specified as the transfer source camera device, and identification information for specifying the transfer source camera device is sent to the transfer destination camera device, and the identification information is supported. Request transfer history information data.

Upon receiving the request for transfer history information data from the transfer source camera device, the transfer destination camera device sends the corresponding data back to the transfer source camera device. At this time, if there is no data corresponding to the transfer destination camera device, information indicating that there is no history information is sent back.

The source camera device captures the history information data sent from the destination camera device and
It memorize | stores in the memory in U110.

Further, when a menu is displayed on the display unit 108 of the transfer source camera device and there is a request for history information data to the transfer destination camera device, the transfer destination camera device is displayed on the display unit 108 in FIG. As shown, a display 1102 indicating that the image data transfer is waiting is displayed on the screen 1101.

In FIG. 10, “all images” 1002, “image selection” 1003, and “image taken today” 1004 are displayed as selection items on the screen 1001, and the cursor 10 indicated by diagonal lines is displayed.
05 is moved to a desired item by using, for example, the cross button of the operation unit 118, and the enter button is pressed, so that item is selected.

For example, when “all images” 1002 is selected, the data recorded on the recording medium of the transfer source camera device is to be transferred, and the CPU 110 is sent from the transfer destination camera device to Based on the history information stored in the memory, each data recorded on the recording medium 112 is identified as to whether or not it has been transferred to the transfer destination camera device, and the untransferred data is transferred to the transfer destination camera device. Forward to.
At this time, the transfer destination camera apparatus records all the transmitted data on the recording medium 112.

As described above, of the data recorded on the recording medium of the transfer source camera device, only the data that has not been transferred to the transfer destination camera device can be newly transferred to the transfer destination camera device and recorded.

After the data transfer is completed, the transfer history information data stored in the internal memory of the CPU 110 is newly transferred and added to update the transfer history information data.
Along with the specific information of the transfer source camera device, it is transferred to the transfer destination camera device i and recorded.
If there is no transfer history, transfer information data is newly generated, transferred to the transfer destination camera device together with the transfer source camera device specific information, and recorded.

Next, when “Select Image” 1003 in the menu of FIG. 10 is selected, the CPU 110
Causes the display unit 108 to display a list of data recorded on the recording medium 112.
At this time, based on the history data stored in the internal memory of the CPU 110, when the transferred data is displayed, for example, a specific code is attached so that the data cannot be transferred, or The display itself can be configured not to be performed.

The user can confirm the untransferred data from the list displayed on the display unit 108 and select the data to be transferred with, for example, a cursor and a determination button, thereby transferring the data to the transfer destination camera device. It can be done.
Also in this case, after the transfer is completed, the history information is updated or newly registered.

Next, when the “image captured today” 1004 in FIG. 10 is selected, the CPU 110 first identifies the data captured today among the data recorded on the recording medium 112. The shooting date and time can be specified from the information attached to the file based on, for example, Exif, and the CPU 110 compares the date of its own internal clock with the date of the data recorded on the recording medium 112. Thus, it is possible to specify the data shot today.

After identifying the data captured today, the CPU 110 further compares the history information stored in the internal memory to identify whether there is any transferred data, and transfers the untransferred data to the transfer destination camera device. Forward. Once all the target data has been transferred, the history information data stored in the transfer destination camera device is updated again or the history information data is newly created on the transfer source camera device and transferred. Send to the destination camera device and save.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining again the processing procedure using the menu screen described above.

In FIG. 12, it is started in step S1201, and in step S1202, it is determined whether or not the connectors 117 of the two camera devices are coupled to each other. If detected, the two units connected by the connector 117 in step S1203. Set each device to the communication mode.

Next, in step S1204, it is determined whether or not there is a request for display of the transfer process menu from the user. A processing menu is displayed on the display unit of the transfer source device, specified as the destination device, and a message indicating that the transfer is waiting is displayed on the display unit of the transfer destination device. Further, the transfer source device requests transfer history data specific to the transfer source device to the transfer destination device.

In step S1206, the transfer history data of the transfer source device sent from the transfer destination device or the data without the transfer history is stored in the transfer source device.

Next, in step S1207, it is determined whether or not an item has been selected from the menu displayed in step S1205. If it is determined that the item has been selected, in step S1208, it is determined.
For each selected item, based on the stored history data or data without history, the data to be transferred is specified and transferred to the transmission destination device. That is, untransferred data is transferred.

Next, it is determined whether or not the transfer from the transfer source device to the transfer destination device is completed. If it is determined that the data transfer is completed, in step S1210, history data stored in the transfer source device is updated. Or newly generated, transferred to the transfer destination device, recorded, and step S
In step 1211, the process ends.

As described above, according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the menu for performing the transfer process is displayed, and the data to be transferred is specified based on the menu. This makes it possible to execute the transfer of data more reliably and easily.

In the embodiment described above, the two electronic camera devices connected by the connector are
Although the internal configuration has been described as being exactly the same, it is possible to transfer data between devices that have connectors that can be connected to each other. The invention is applicable.

Although it has been described that a connector is used as means for electrically and mechanically coupling two devices, other means having similar functions can be realized.

As described above, according to the present invention, the data recorded on the recording medium of one electronic camera is transferred to the recording medium of the other electronic camera by combining the electronic devices with the means for electrically and mechanically connecting them. Therefore, data can be easily and surely copied to other recording media.

1 is a circuit block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electronic apparatus according to the invention. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of an embodiment of an electronic device according to the present invention. The figure for demonstrating the structure of the apparatus shown in FIG. The figure for demonstrating the structure of the principal part of the apparatus shown in FIG. The figure for demonstrating the structure of the principal part of the apparatus shown in FIG. The figure for demonstrating the structure of the principal part of the apparatus shown in FIG. The figure for demonstrating the structure of the principal part of the apparatus shown in FIG. The figure for demonstrating one Embodiment of the data transfer system of the electronic device of this invention. The flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the system shown in FIG. The figure for demonstrating operation | movement of other embodiment of the system which concerns on this invention. The figure for demonstrating operation | movement of other embodiment of the system which concerns on this invention. The flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of other embodiment of the electronic camera system which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Electronic camera apparatus 101 ... Optical system 102 ... CCD imaging part 103 ... A / D conversion part 104 ... CCD signal processing part 105 ... Memory controller 106 ... Work memory 107 ... Image processing part 108 ... Display part 109 ... Image compression / decompression Processing unit 110 ... CPU
111 ... Recording media I / F
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 112 ... Recording medium 113 ... Audio | voice input / output processing part 114 ... Microphone 115 ... Speaker 116 ... Camera connection I / F
117 ... Connector 118 ... Operation unit

Claims (12)

Recording / reproducing means for recording and reproducing image data and / or audio data on a recording medium;
Recording / reproducing means for recording and reproducing image data and / or audio data to / from a recording medium and an external device including a connector and an external device including a connector mechanically and electrically coupled A connection mechanism;
Control that detects that the external device is coupled to the external device by the external connection mechanism, allows the transfer of the data to and from the external device, and transfers the data to the external device or receives the data from the external device Means,
An electronic device characterized by comprising: Recording and reproducing means for recording and reproducing image data and / or audio data on a recording medium;
A second connector mechanically and electrically coupled to a first connector provided in the external device, and a fourth connector mechanically and electrically coupled to a third connector provided in the external device. An external connection mechanism including a connector of
When the second or fourth connector is connected to the first or third connector of the external device, the transfer of the data to and from the external device is permitted, and the second or fourth connector Depending on which of the fourth connectors is connected, data is sent through the connector,
Control means for setting whether to receive,
An electronic device characterized by comprising: The second connector is configured in the same structure as the third connector of the external device, and the fourth terminal is configured in the same structure as the first connector of the external device. Claim 2
The electronic device as described in. The second connector is configured as a convex connector that protrudes from the main body of the electronic device and is coupled to the first connector of the external device, and the fourth connector is connected to the third connector of the external device. The electronic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the electronic apparatus is configured as a concave connector that receives and couples. The control means includes means for detecting that the second or fourth connector is coupled to the connector of the external device, and when detected, automatically enters a mode in which transfer of the data is permitted. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the electronic device is set. The control means sets a mode allowing data transfer with the external device, acquires transfer history information from the external device, and specifies the data to be transferred based on the transfer history information The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic apparatus is an electronic device. Recording / reproducing means for recording and reproducing image data and / or audio data on a recording medium, and a first electronic device having an external connection mechanism composed of first and second connectors,
Recording / reproducing means for recording and reproducing image data and / or audio data on a recording medium, a third connector mechanically and electrically coupled to the first connector, and the first A second electronic device comprising an external connection mechanism comprising a fourth connector that mechanically and electrically couples to the two connectors;
Provided in one or both of the first electronic device and the second electronic device, and the first or third connector is connected to the second or fourth connector; The transfer of the data between the first and second electronic devices is allowed, and the first connector and the third connector group, or the second connector and the fourth connector group. Control means for setting one of the first and second electronic devices as a data transfer source and the other as a data transfer destination, depending on which one of them is coupled;
A data transfer system for electronic equipment, comprising: The second connector is configured in the same structure as the third connector of the external device, and the fourth terminal is configured in the same structure as the first connector of the external device. Claim 5 characterized
A data transfer system for electronic equipment as described in 1. The second connector is configured as a convex connector that protrudes from the main body of the electronic device and is coupled to the first connector of the external device, and the fourth connector is connected to the third connector of the external device. The electronic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the electronic apparatus is configured as a concave connector that receives and couples. The control means includes means for detecting that the connector is coupled, and when detected, the control means automatically sets the mode to permit the data transfer. 5. A data transfer system for an electronic device according to 5 or 6. The control means sets a mode allowing data transfer between the first and second electronic devices, acquires transfer history information from the electronic device set as the data transfer destination, and transfers the transfer history information. 8. The data transfer system for an electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the data to be transferred is specified based on the data. A first and second electronic device having a recording / reproducing means and an external connection mechanism for recording and reproducing image data and / or audio data to / from a recording medium are mechanically and electrically connected by the connector. Combining steps,
The connection of the connector is detected, and the first and second electronic devices are set to a mode in which data transfer is permitted, and the data is transferred from the first electronic device to the second electronic device. Or transferring from the second electronic device to the first electronic device;
A data transfer method for electronic equipment, comprising:

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