JP2006092211A - Information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor capable of reading and writing data from/to a storage medium desired by a user without requiring any user's operation when connecting a recording medium to each of a plurality of storage medium connection means and more improved in convenience. <P>SOLUTION: A control part 3 detects the file format of stored filed data in each of memory cards 13 connected to a plurality of memory card adaptors 12, and selects the memory card adaptor 12 to which the memory card 13 in which the data filed by the predetermined file format are stored is connected so as to be attachable/detachable. The data format whose user's use frequency is high is set as the predetermined file format so that the memory card adaptor 12 to which the memory card 13 desired as an access object by the user is connected can be selected by the control part 3. Thus, it is possible to improve convenience. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus having a plurality of storage medium connection means for detachably connecting storage media.

  An information processing apparatus such as a personal computer (abbreviated PC), a facsimile apparatus, and a digital camera apparatus is provided with a plurality of memory card adapters for detachably connecting a memory card as an external memory, for example. Hereinafter, the memory card adapter may be referred to as a memory card slot.

In the first conventional technique in an apparatus having a plurality of memory card slots, a CPU (
Central Processing Unit), the memory card that is connected to a predetermined memory card slot among the plurality of memory card slots, or the memory card that is first installed in the memory card slot is preferentially accessed, There is a digital camera that allows a user to select a memory card to be accessed by an operation unit (see, for example, Reference 1).

  As a second conventional technique, there is a camera in which priorities are assigned in advance to memories connected to a plurality of memory card slots, and the memories are accessed in order from the memory with the highest priority (for example, see Reference 2).

  As a third conventional technique, there is a digital camera device that selects an access target memory card from among a plurality of memory cards connected to a memory slot by providing an operation switch and switching the operation switch ( For example, see Patent Document 3).

  Further, as the fourth conventional technique, the ID information of the memory card storing the latest image is stored, or the mark information indicating the latest data is stored, and even if the memory slot is changed, it continues. There is an electronic camera that can store data in the same memory card (see, for example, Patent Document 4).

JP 2001-169224 A JP 2003-134377 A JP 2001-169225 A JP 2002-33946 A

  In the first prior art, only a memory card connected to a predetermined memory card slot among a plurality of memory card slots can be accessed, or the first memory card among a plurality of memory card slots Since only the memory card connected to the memory card slot connected to the memory card can be accessed, the user needs to remove the memory card from the memory card slot when reading the memory card to be accessed. There is a problem that it is not convenient. In addition, a selection operation is required in which the user selects a memory card to be accessed by the operation unit.

  In the second prior art, it is necessary to determine the priority order of the memory cards in advance, and there is a problem that it is difficult to determine the priority order of the memory cards in advance when dealing with many memory cards.

  In the third conventional technique, the user needs to select a memory card to be accessed by the operation unit.

  In the fourth conventional technique, when data is stored in the memory card by the own device, the memory card can be selected, but the memory card in which the data is stored cannot be selected by another device. There is a problem.

  As described above, when a plurality of storage media such as a memory card are connected to a plurality of detachably connected storage medium connection means such as a memory card slot, data is read from the storage medium desired by the user. Alternatively, an information processing apparatus with improved convenience, which can execute data writing to a storage medium desired by a user, is being faced.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to eliminate the need for user operation when a plurality of storage media such as a memory card are simultaneously connected to a storage medium connection means such as a memory card slot, and from the storage medium desired by the user. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus that can execute data reading or data writing and has improved convenience.

The present invention comprises a plurality of storage medium connecting means to which a storage medium for storing data is detachably connected;
Any one of the plurality of storage medium connection means, wherein the storage medium is detachably connected when the storage medium is detachably connected to at least two storage medium connection means. A selection means for selecting one;
Storage medium control means for reading at least data from a storage medium detachably connected to the storage medium connection means selected by the selection means,
The selection unit detects a description format of data stored in each storage medium detachably connected to the storage medium connection unit, and a storage medium storing data in a predetermined description format is removable. It is an information processing apparatus characterized by selecting a storage medium connection means connected to.

  The present invention is characterized in that the predetermined description format is a predetermined file format.

According to the present invention, the data stored in a predetermined description format in the storage medium includes date / time information representing the date / time,
When the data is stored in a predetermined description format in each of the plurality of storage media, the selection unit is configured to store, on the basis of the date / time information, data having the latest date / time represented by the date / time information. A storage medium connecting means to be detachably connected is selected.

The present invention also includes output means for outputting image information to a recording sheet based on data read from the storage medium by the storage medium control means,
The data stored in a predetermined description format in the storage medium includes print setting data relating to image information to be output by the output means,
The output means outputs image information based on the print setting data.

The present invention also includes display means for displaying based on data read from the storage medium by the storage medium control means,
The predetermined description format is a directory hierarchical structure based on the DCF standard.

The present invention also provides a plurality of storage medium connecting means to which a storage medium for storing data is detachably connected;
Any one of the plurality of storage medium connection means, wherein the storage medium is detachably connected when the storage medium is detachably connected to at least two storage medium connection means. A selection means for selecting one;
A storage medium control means for writing at least data so as to have a predetermined directory hierarchical structure in a storage medium detachably connected to the storage medium connection means selected by the selection means;
The selecting means detects a directory hierarchical structure of data stored in each storage medium detachably connected to the storage medium connecting means, and a storage medium in which data is stored in a predetermined directory hierarchical structure. An information processing apparatus is characterized by selecting a storage medium connecting means to be detachably connected.

The present invention also includes a plurality of storage medium connecting means to which a storage medium for storing filed data including date / time information indicating the date / time is detachably connected;
Any one of the plurality of storage medium connection means, wherein the storage medium is detachably connected when the storage medium is detachably connected to at least two storage medium connection means. A selection means for selecting
Storage medium control means for reading at least data from a storage medium detachably connected to the storage medium connection means selected by the selection means,
The selection unit is an information processing apparatus that selects a storage medium connection unit to which a storage medium in which a file having the latest date and time represented by the date and time information is stored is detachably connected.

  According to the present invention, each of the plurality of storage medium connecting means can removably connect the storage medium. When the storage medium is connected to each of the at least two storage medium connection units, the selection unit selects any one of the storage medium connection units to which the storage medium is connected. The storage medium control means can read data from the storage medium connected to the storage medium connection means selected by the selection means.

  The selecting means detects the description format of the stored data in each of the storage means connected to each of the plurality of storage medium connecting means, and the storage medium storing the data in a predetermined description format is detachably connected The storage medium connecting means to be selected is selected. This eliminates the need for the user to select the storage medium connection means, and even when the storage medium is connected to each of the plurality of storage medium connection means, the selection means describes the data stored in the storage medium. Based on the format, it is possible to select a storage medium connecting means to be connected to one storage medium among a plurality of storage media. Since the selection means does not detect the content of the data stored in the storage medium but detects the data description format, the time required for the selection process can be shortened as much as possible. By selecting the predetermined data description format as a data description format that is frequently used by the user, the selection means can select the storage medium connection means to which the storage medium that the user wants to access is connected, Since the data can be read immediately by the storage medium control means, the convenience can be improved.

  For example, by attaching or detaching the storage medium, the storage medium is connected to only one storage medium connection means among the plurality of storage medium connection means, and the selection means is one storage medium connection means to which the storage means is attached. If a plurality of storage media are respectively connected to the storage medium connection means, there is a risk that the number of times the user will attach and detach the storage medium may increase. Since the storage medium connection means is selected while the storage medium is connected to the storage medium connection means, it is not necessary to attach or detach the storage medium, thereby reducing the number of operations for attaching or detaching the storage medium and improving convenience. . Further, after selecting the storage medium connection means by the selection means, it is possible to specify one storage medium to be accessed, thereby suppressing the processing load of the storage medium control means.

  According to the invention, the selecting means detects the file format of the data, and selects the storage medium connecting means that is detachably connected to the storage medium that stores the data filed in a predetermined file format. The detection of the file format may be realized by detecting, for example, a file extension and a file name. For example, the file extension differs depending on the file format. Therefore, by detecting the extension of such a file, the selection means can easily detect a predetermined file format.

  According to the present invention, when data is stored in a predetermined description format in the plurality of storage media, the selection means can attach or detach a storage medium storing data with the latest date and time represented by the date and time information The storage medium connection means connected to is selected. The date / time information includes, for example, the date / time when the data was stored and the date / time when the content of the data was changed. Since the storage medium storing the data with the latest date and time represented by the date and time information is likely to be used most frequently by the user, a storage medium connecting means to which such a storage medium is detachably connected is provided. By selecting the selection means, data can be immediately read out from the storage medium that the user most wants to access, thereby improving convenience.

According to the invention, the output means can output the image information to the recording sheet based on the data read by the storage medium control means. The data described in the predetermined description format includes print setting data relating to image information to be output by the output means, and the output means outputs image information represented by the image data based on the print setting data. The predetermined file format is, for example, DPOF (Digital Print Order
Format) or the like. With such a configuration, the storage medium storing the data to be output can be selected by the output means simply by detachably connecting the storage medium to the storage medium connection means. Can be improved.

According to the invention, the display means can display based on the data read by the storage medium control means. The selection means is DCF (Design rule for Camera Film
system) a storage medium connecting means to which a storage medium storing data in a directory hierarchical structure based on the standard is detachably connected is selected. In other words, the data having a directory hierarchical structure based on the DCF standard represents image data obtained by imaging with a digital camera. Since such image data is often desired to be displayed by the display means, it is convenient for the user by selecting a storage medium connection means for detachably connecting a storage medium storing such data. Can be improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, the plurality of storage medium connecting means can connect the storage media in a removable manner. When a storage medium is connected to each of the at least two storage medium connection units, the selection unit selects any one of the storage medium connection units to which the storage medium is connected. The storage medium control means can write data to the storage medium connected to the storage medium connection means selected by the selection means so as to have a predetermined directory hierarchical structure.

  The selection means is a storage medium connection to which a storage medium having a directory hierarchical structure used when the storage medium control means stores data in the storage medium among a plurality of storage medium connection means to which the storage medium is connected. Connect to the means. Having a predetermined directory hierarchy created when data is written to the storage medium by the storage medium control means is highly likely that the storage medium has been previously written, and the user may want to use it again. Since the selection means selects the storage medium connection means to which such a storage medium is connected, the storage medium control means immediately writes data to the storage medium that the user most wants to access. It is possible to improve convenience.

  Further, according to the present invention, the plurality of storage medium connecting means can connect the storage media in a removable manner. When a storage medium is connected to each of the at least two storage medium connection units, the selection unit selects any one of the storage medium connection units to which the storage medium is connected. The storage medium control means can at least read data from the storage medium connected to the storage medium connection means selected by the selection means.

  The selection unit selects a storage medium connection unit to which a storage medium storing data having the latest date and time represented by the date and time information included in the filed data is detachably connected. The date / time information includes, for example, the date / time when the data is described and the date / time when the data description is changed. Since the storage medium storing the data with the latest date and time represented by the date and time information is likely to be used most frequently by the user, the storage medium storing such data is detachably connected. By selecting the storage medium connection means by the selection means, the data can be read immediately from the storage medium that the user most wants to access, thereby improving convenience.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The information processing apparatus 1 is a printer apparatus, and includes an operation input unit 2, a control unit 3, and a ROM (Read Only
Memory) 4, RAM (Random Access Memory) 5, Central processing unit (Central
Processing Unit (abbreviated as CPU) 6, a storage unit 7, an image processing unit 8, an output unit 9, and a bus 10. Consists of including.

  The operation input unit 2 includes a plurality of operation keys. When the user operates each operation key, command information corresponding to each operation key is given to the control unit 3. For example, information indicating the image size and image quality when printing an image in the information processing apparatus 1 can be input by the operation input unit 2.

  The control unit 3 is realized by a microcomputer and based on command information given from the operation input unit 2, each unit of the information processing apparatus 1, that is, ROM 4, RAM 5, CPU 6, storage unit 7, image processing unit 8, and output unit 9. To control.

  The ROM 4 is a nonvolatile storage medium, and stores a control program for the control unit 3 to control each unit of the information processing apparatus 1.

  The RAM 5 is a volatile storage medium and is used as a work memory for the CPU 6. The RAM 5 stores data necessary for the CPU 6 to execute various arithmetic processes, and the stored data is sequentially updated or changed. The necessary data is, for example, a processing result calculated by the CPU 6.

  The CPU 6 is read from the control program stored in the ROM 4 or the flash memory 11 of the storage unit 7 (to be described later) based on the control command given from the control unit 3 and temporarily stored in the RAM 5. Various arithmetic processes are executed based on the program. The CPU 6 stores the processing result of the arithmetic processing in the RAM 5.

  The ROM 4, RAM 5 and CPU 6 are electrically connected to each other via the bus 10. Further, the operation input unit 2, the control unit 3, the storage unit 7, the image processing unit 8, and the output unit 9 are electrically connected to each other via the bus 10.

The control unit 3 not only functions as a control unit that controls each unit of the information processing apparatus 1 but also as a data processing unit that executes data processing including decompression processing for decompressing image data compressed by a predetermined compression method. Function. The predetermined compression method is JPEG (
Joint Photographic Coding Experts Group). The control unit 3 is a data description format stored in the memory card 13 connected to the memory card adapter 12 of the storage unit 7 to be described later. The memory card adapter 12 functions as a selection means for selecting one memory card adapter 12. The selection refers to reading data from or writing data to the memory card 13 connected to any one of the memory card adapters 12 to which the memory card 13 is connected. It is to make it possible. The control unit 3 reads data stored in the storage unit 7 to be described later, and stores the data in the storage unit 7.

  The storage unit 7 is a rewritable storage medium, and includes a flash memory 11 that is fixed to the information processing apparatus 1, a plurality of memory card adapters 12, and a file management driver unit 14. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 7 is provided with three memory card adapters 12, that is, first to third memory card adapters 12 a to 12 c.

  The flash memory 11 stores command information input by the operation input unit 2 and a control program of the information processing apparatus 1. By providing the flash memory 11, even when the supply of power from the power source to the information processing apparatus 1 is stopped, the storage of the command information input by the user can be maintained. The command information stored in the flash memory 11 is setting information of the information processing apparatus 1, and includes information representing an image size and image quality when an image is printed in the information processing apparatus 1, for example.

  The memory card adapter 12 is a storage medium connection unit. A storage medium is mechanically detachably connected to the memory card adapter 12. The memory card adapter 12 mechanically holds the storage medium in a state where the storage medium is detachably connected. The memory card adapter 12 is electrically connected to the storage medium by detachably connecting the storage medium. The storage medium is realized by a rewritable storage medium such as a flash ROM. In the present embodiment, the storage medium is a flash ROM, and is realized by a memory card 13 whose outer shape is formed in a card shape. When the memory card 13 is detachably connected to the memory card adapter 12, the flash ROM included in the memory card 13 is electrically connected to the file driver management unit 14. In the present embodiment, all the memory cards 13 that are detachably connected to each of the plurality of memory card adapters 12 have the same shape. The memory card adapter 12 has an adapter terminal unit that is electrically connected to the file management driver unit 14. The memory card 13 is provided with a memory terminal portion for reading data from the memory card 13 and writing data to the memory card 13. When the memory card 13 is detachably connected to the memory card adapter 12, the memory terminal portion and the adapter terminal portion come into contact with each other.

  Each memory card 13 stores data, specifically, filed data can be stored. The memory card 13 connected to the first memory card adapter 12a is described as a first memory card 13a, the memory card 13 connected to the second memory card adapter 12b is described as a second memory card 13b, and a third memory card adapter The memory card 13 connected to 12c may be referred to as a third memory card 13b.

  The file management driver unit 14 is used for the control unit 3 to read data from or write data to at least one of the memory card 13 detachably connected to the flash memory 11 and the memory card adapter 12. Functions as an interface. The control unit 3 described above accesses the flash memory 11 and the memory card 13 that is detachably connected to the memory card adapter 12, that is, the control unit 3 reads data stored in the flash memory 11, or stores data in the flash memory 11. Storage medium control means for storing data, reading data stored in the memory card 13, and storing data in the memory card 13 is configured. Since the control unit 3 cannot directly access the flash memory 11 and the memory card 13 due to, for example, a difference in signal voltage, the control unit 3 accesses the flash memory 11 and the memory card 13 via the file management driver unit 14. Based on the command information given from the control unit 3, the file management driver unit 14 converts a signal representing data into a signal suitable for the flash memory 11 and the memory card 13 and gives the signal to the flash memory 11 and the memory card 13. The signal representing the data read from the flash memory 11 and the memory card 13 can be converted into a signal suitable for the control unit 3.

  The control unit 3 reads data from the memory card 13 based on the command information given from the operation input unit 2 and gives the read data to the image processing unit 8 described later.

  Each memory card 13 is logically formatted by a hierarchical file system such as FAT (File Allocation Table). The memory card 13 is controlled by the file driver management unit 14 under the hierarchical file system environment. When the control unit 3 executes a process based on a control program stored in the ROM 4 or the like, the control unit 3 The memory card 13 can be accessed under the concept of directory and image file. Accordingly, the memory card 13 can store, for example, image data given from the control unit 3 as an image file, or the control unit 3 can read a specific image file from the memory card 13. Accessing the memory card 13 includes at least one of reading data from the memory card 13 and writing data to the memory card 13. For example, the control unit 3 designates the name of a file stored in the memory card 13 based on command information given from the operation input unit 2, so that the file management driver unit 14 corresponds to the designated file name. The filed data is given to the control unit 3.

  The image processing unit 8 outputs data given from the control unit 3 based on a control command given from the control unit 3 that operates based on command information inputted by the user operating the operation input unit 2. 9 is converted to a data format conforming to 9 and given to the output unit 9. The data format is converted by, for example, converting the image data expressed in the YUV color space into image data expressed in the CMYK color space, or converting into the color space expressed in the RGB color space. Including conversion processing.

  The output unit 9 is a printing unit. The output unit 9 prints image information based on the data given from the image processing unit 8 on a recording sheet. The output unit 9 is realized by, for example, an ink jet printer that prints a color image. The recording sheet is, for example, recording paper.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the selection operation of the memory card adapter 12 by the control unit 3 in the information processing apparatus 1. When the operator operates a predetermined operation key included in the operation input unit 2, the process proceeds from step S0 to step S1.

  In step S1, it is determined whether or not two or more memory cards 13 are connected to the memory card adapter 12. In step S <b> 1, the control unit 3 gives a control command to the file management driver unit 14 and detects whether or not the memory card 13 is connected to the memory card adapter 12. For example, the file management driver unit 14 gives a signal to the adapter terminal unit, detects a change in the signal, and gives the detection result to the control unit 3. The control unit 3 detects whether or not the memory card 13 is connected based on a change in the signal given from the file management driver unit 14. In step S1, two or more memory cards 13 are connected to the memory card adapter 12, in other words, the memory cards 13 are connected to any two or more of the first to third memory card adapters 12, respectively. If it is determined that it has been performed, the process proceeds to step S2. The control unit 3 functions as a detection unit that detects whether or not the memory card 14 is detachably connected to the memory card adapter 12.

  In step S2, a control command is given to the file management driver unit 14 to read out information representing the file format of the filed data stored in each memory card 13 connected to each memory card adapter 12, It is determined whether data filed in a predetermined file format, in other words, a file of a predetermined file format is stored. In the present embodiment, the predetermined format file is an application file. The control unit 3 detects at least one of the file name and the file extension, and determines whether or not it matches the predetermined file name and the predetermined file extension. File format information indicating a predetermined file name and a predetermined file extension is stored in, for example, the flash memory 11. The control unit 3 compares the file name information indicating the predetermined file name and the predetermined file extension stored in the flash memory 11 with the information indicating the detected file format. It is determined whether there is data stored in a predetermined file format. As described above, the control unit 3 does not detect the content of the data stored in the memory card 13 but detects the data description format, so that the time required for the selection process can be shortened as much as possible. . The file extension varies depending on the file format. Therefore, by detecting the extension of such a file, the control unit 3 can easily detect a predetermined file format. The data in the predetermined file format includes print setting data relating to image information to be output by the output unit 9, and is DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) in the present embodiment.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a directory hierarchical structure of the memory card 13 in which the DPOF file is stored. In the memory card 13 in which the DPOF file is stored, a DCIM (Digital Camera Images) directory 22 and a MISC directory 23 that are directories for recording still image data files are created below the root directory 21. A plurality of directories called DCF directories 24 that actually store still image data files and the like are created below the DCIM directory 22. A plurality of still image data files 25 are stored below the DCF directory 24. A DCIM directory 22 and a subdirectory are created. The DPOF file is stored in the MIDC directory 23. The DCIM directory 22 further has subdirectories 24 in the lower layer, and each subdirectory 24 stores an image file 25 representing image data. The image file is, for example, a JPEG file.

  The DPOF file is stored in the MISC directory 23. Print setting data, specifically, an automatic print file 26, a UNICODE character string description file 27, an automatic transmission file 28, an automatic reproduction file 29, and the like are included.

  If it is determined in step S2 that data filed in a predetermined file format is stored in any one or more of the plurality of memory cards 13, the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S3, whether data filed in a predetermined file format is stored in only one memory card 13 among the plurality of memory cards 13, here, the first to third memory cards 13a to 13c. Determine whether. If it is determined in step S3 that data filed in a predetermined file format is stored in only one memory card, the process proceeds to step S4.

  In step S4, a memory card adapter 12 to which a memory card 13 storing data filed in a predetermined file format is detachably connected is selected. As described above, if the data filed in the predetermined file format is stored in only one memory card 13 among the memory cards 13 connected to each of the plurality of memory card adapters 12, the control unit 3 Then, the memory card adapter 12 to which the memory card 13 is connected is selected. After selecting one memory card adapter 12, the control unit 3 can execute data reading from the memory card 13 connected to the selected memory card adapter 12 and data writing to the memory card 13 at any time. . When the process of step S4 ends, the process proceeds to step S5, and the operation process ends.

  If it is determined in step S1 that two or more memory cards 13 are not connected to the memory card adapter 12, the process proceeds to step S6.

  In step S6, the memory card adapter 12 in which the memory card 13 is mounted, that is, detachably connected is selected, and the process proceeds to step S5. As described above, when the memory card 13 is connected to only one memory card 13 among the memory cards 13 connected to the plurality of memory card adapters 12, the control unit 3 controls the memory card 13. The memory card adapter 12 to which is connected is selected.

  If it is determined in step S2 described above that no data filed in a predetermined file format is stored in any of the plurality of memory cards 13, the process proceeds to step S7.

  In step S7, it is determined whether or not filed data is stored in any of the memory cards 13. If it is determined in step S7 that the filed data is stored, the process proceeds to step S8. The control unit 3 determines whether or not the filed data is stored in the memory card 13 based on whether or not the extension of the file and the name of the file can be detected.

  In step S8, date and time information included in the filed data is detected. The filed data stored in the memory card 13 is stored together with the date and time information representing the date and time when this file was stored and the date and time when the contents of the file were updated. This date / time information is represented, for example, by a time stamp of the DOS file system. When the process of step S8 ends, the process proceeds to step S9.

  In step S9, the memory card adapter 12 to which the memory card 13 storing new data of the date and time represented by the date and time information detected in step S8 is selected, and the process proceeds to step S5.

  If it is determined in step S3 described above that data filed in a predetermined file format is stored in two or more memory cards 13, the process proceeds to step S10. In step S10, date and time information included in data filed in a predetermined file format is detected. When the process of step S10 is completed, the process proceeds to step S11.

  In step S11, the memory card adapter 12 to which the memory card 13 storing the new data of the date and time represented by the date and time information detected in step S10 is selected, and the process proceeds to step S5. As described above, when data is stored in the predetermined file format in the plurality of memory cards 13, the control unit 3 can attach and detach the memory card 13 storing the data with the latest date and time represented by the date and time information. The memory card adapter 12 to be connected is selected. Since the memory card 13 storing the data with the newest date and time represented by the date and time information is likely to be used most frequently by the user, a memory card adapter to which such a memory card 13 is detachably connected can be provided. By selecting the selection means, the data can be immediately read from the memory card 13 that the user most wants to access, thereby improving convenience.

  If it is determined in step S7 that the filed data is not stored, the process proceeds to step S5.

  As described above, in the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 3 stores the memory card adapter storage 12 to which the memory card 13 is connected in a state where the memory card 13 is connected to at least two memory card adapters 13 respectively. Select one of them. As a result, data can be immediately read from the memory card 13 connected to the memory card adapter 12 selected by the control unit 3 based on the command information input from the operation input unit 2.

  When the memory card 13 is connected to each of the plurality of memory card adapters 12, the control unit 3 detects the file format of the filed data stored in each of the memory cards 13, and determines a predetermined file format. The memory card adapter 12 to which the memory card 13 in which the filed data is stored is detachably connected is selected. For example, the user does not need to perform a selection operation to select one memory card adapter 12 from among the plurality of memory card adapters 12 using the operation input unit 2, and connects the memory card 13 to each of the plurality of memory card adapters 12. Even on the basis of the data format of the filed data stored in the memory card 13, the control unit 3 selects the memory card adapter 12 connected to one memory card 13 among the plurality of memory cards 13. be able to. A data format frequently used by the user is set as a predetermined file format. In this example, the information processing apparatus 1 is applied to a printer apparatus. For example, a DPOF file which is a recording format for printing of a digital camera is used. Set it. Thereby, the control unit 3 can select the memory card adapter 12 to which the memory card 13 that the user wants to access is connected, and convenience can be improved.

  Further, by attaching / detaching the memory card 13 and connecting the memory card 13 to only one memory card adapter 12, the control unit 3 can select one memory card adapter in which the memory card 13 is mounted among the plurality of memory card adapters 12. 12 is selected, when a plurality of memory cards 13 are respectively connected to the memory card adapter 12, there is a risk that the number of times the user inserts and removes the memory card 13 may increase. However, in the present invention, the control unit 3 When selecting the memory card adapter 12, it is not necessary to attach or detach the memory card 13 from the memory card adapter 12, that is, it can be used with a plurality of memory cards 13 connected. This improves convenience. To.

  Further, after the memory card adapter 13 is selected by the control unit 3, it is possible to specify one memory card 13 to be accessed, thereby suppressing the processing load on the control unit 3.

  Further, in the information processing apparatus 1, when data filed in a predetermined file format is stored in the plurality of memory cards 13, a memory card storing data with the latest date and time represented by the date and time information included in the data The control unit 3 selects the memory card adapter 12 to which 13 is detachably connected. Since the memory card 13 storing the data with the latest date and time represented by the date and time information is likely to be used most frequently by the user, the memory card adapter 12 to which such a memory card 13 is detachably connected. Can be read immediately from the memory card 13 that the user most wants to access, thereby improving convenience.

  The output unit 9 can output information to the recording sheet based on the data read by the control unit 3. The output unit 9 outputs image information based on the print setting data. With such a configuration, the memory card 13 storing the image information to be output is selected by the output unit 9 only by detachably connecting the plurality of memory cards 13 to the memory card adapter 12. And convenience can be improved.

  Since the control unit 3 selects the memory card adapter 12 based on the description format of data stored in the memory card 13, there is no need to write special information to the memory card 13, for example, a personal computer and a digital camera device In other information processing apparatuses, even the memory card adapter 12 to which the memory card 13 into which data has been written is connected can be selected.

  In the present embodiment, the memory unit 7 is provided with three memory card adapters 12. However, in another embodiment of the present invention, the number of memory card adapters 12 is not limited to this and may be two or more. .

  In the present embodiment, the memory cards 13 that are detachably connected to each of the plurality of memory card adapters 12 have the same shape. However, in another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of memory card adapters 12 may be connected. The memory cards 13 that are detachably connected to each of them may include different shapes. In this case, a plurality of types of memory card adapters 12 corresponding to the shape of the memory card 13 are provided in the apparatus.

  In still another embodiment of the present invention, the selection operation of the memory card adapter 12 of the control unit 3 may be started when the memory card 13 is attached to the memory card adapter 12. With such a configuration, the selection operation process of the memory card adapter 12 to which the memory card 13 is connected is executed only by detachably connecting the memory card 13 to the memory card adapter 12 without operating a predetermined operation key. Therefore, convenience can be further improved.

  In this embodiment, when the memory card 13 storing data filed in a predetermined file format is connected to each of the plurality of memory card adapters 12, the date is based on the date information included in the data. The control unit 3 selects the memory card adapter 12 to which the memory card 13 storing the data with the new date represented by the information is connected. However, in still another embodiment of the present invention, data filed in a predetermined file format Is connected to a plurality of memory card adapters 12, the control unit 3 first detects that data filed in a predetermined file format is stored. Even if the memory card adapter 12 to which the memory card 13 is detachably connected is selected, There. Even in such a configuration, the control unit 3 selects the memory card adapter 12 to which any one of the memory cards 13 storing data filed in a predetermined file format is connected. Similar effects can be obtained.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the selection process of the memory card adapter 12 of the control unit 3 in the information processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the information processing apparatus of the present embodiment is the same as that of the information processing apparatus 1 described above, and only the control operation of the control unit 3 is different. Therefore, the same components as those of the information processing apparatus 1 of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same parts is omitted.

  When the operator operates a predetermined operation key included in the operation input unit 2, the process proceeds from step A0 to step A1.

  In step A1, it is determined whether or not two or more memory cards 13 are connected to the memory card adapter 12. In step A <b> 1, the control unit 3 gives a control command to the file management driver unit 14 and detects whether or not the memory card 13 is connected to the memory card adapter 12. For example, the file management driver unit 14 gives a signal to the adapter terminal unit, detects a change in the signal, and gives the detection result to the control unit 3. The control unit 3 detects whether or not the memory card 13 is connected based on a change in the signal given from the file management driver unit 14. If it is determined in step A1 that two or more memory cards 13 are connected to the memory card adapter 12, the process proceeds to step A2.

  In step A2, it is determined whether or not filed data is stored in any of the memory cards 13. If it is determined in step A2 that the filed data is stored, the process proceeds to step A3.

  In step A3, date / time information included in the filed data is detected. The date / time information is represented by the time stamp of the DOS file system or the date / time information included in the JPEG header of Exif (Exchangenble Image File Format). Exif is an image file standard for digital cameras that is standardized by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (abbreviated as JEITA). The date / time information included in the Exif file represents the shooting date / time. Whether the time stamp of the DOS file system or the date information included in the JPEG header of Exif is used as the date / time information is stored as setting information in the flash memory 11 by a selection operation by the operation input unit 2, for example. Is done. Based on the setting information stored in the flash memory 11, the control unit 3 detects either the time stamp of the DOS file system or the date / time information included in the JPEG header of Exif as the date / time information.

  When the process of step A3 is completed, the process proceeds to step A4. In step A4, the memory card adapter 12 to which the memory card 13 storing the new data of the date and time represented by the date and time information detected in step A3 is selected, the process proceeds to step A5, and the operation process is terminated.

  When it is determined in step A1 that two or more memory cards 13 are not connected to the memory card adapter 12, in other words, only one memory card 13 is determined to be connected to the memory card adapter 12, the process proceeds to step A5. Move.

  In step A5, the memory card adapter 12 to which the memory card 13 is attached is selected, that is, the memory card adapter 12 that is detachably connected is selected, and the process proceeds to step A4.

  If it is determined in step A2 that the filed data is not stored, the process proceeds to step A5.

  As described above, in the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the control unit 3 is detachably connected to the memory card 13 in which data having the latest date and time represented by the date and time information included in the filed data is stored. The memory card adapter 12 is selected. Since the memory card 13 storing the data with the latest date and time represented by the date and time information is likely to be used most frequently by the user, the memory card 13 storing such data is detachably connected. When the control unit 3 selects the memory card adapter 12 to be used, data can be read immediately from the memory card 13 that the user most wants to access, thereby improving convenience.

  Further, when the memory card 13 is attached / detached, the control unit 3 selects one memory card adapter 12 to which the memory card 13 is mounted from among the plurality of memory card adapters 12. When connected to the card adapter 12, the user may increase the number of times the memory card 13 is attached or detached. However, in the present invention, when the control unit 3 selects the memory card adapter 12, the memory card adapter 12 stores the memory card. Since it is not necessary to attach or detach the card 13, that is, it can be used with a plurality of memory cards 13 connected, the number of operations for attaching and detaching the memory card 13 is reduced, thereby improving convenience.

  Further, after the memory card adapter 13 is selected by the control unit 3, it is possible to specify one memory card 13 to be accessed, thereby suppressing the processing load on the control unit 3.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing apparatus 30 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The information processing apparatus 30 is a so-called digital camera apparatus, and has the same configuration as that of the information processing apparatus 1 described above shown in FIG. 1, and the same reference numerals are given to the same parts, and the detailed description thereof will be given. Omitted. The information processing apparatus 30 includes an operation input unit 2, a control unit 3, a ROM 4, a RAM 5, a CPU 6, a storage unit 7, an image processing unit 8, an output unit 9, a bus 10, and an image input unit 31.

  In the present embodiment, the output unit 9 is a display device that displays an image, and is realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display device. The output unit 9 displays image information based on the image data given from the image processing unit 8.

  The image input unit 31 is an input unit for inputting image data, and includes a camera unit 32. The camera unit 32 includes a lens 33, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) unit 34, a shutter, and an optical filter. The CCD unit 34 includes a CCD image sensor, converts light collected from the subject via the lens 33 into an electrical signal, and generates image data.

  The image input unit 31 operates based on command information given from the control unit 3, and the image data generated by the camera unit 32 of the image input unit 31 is given to the control unit 3 and compressed by a predetermined compression method. After that, it is filed in a predetermined file format. The control unit 3 can decompress the image data compressed by a predetermined compression method. The predetermined compression method is JPEG. Based on the command information given from the operation input unit 2, the control unit 3 is obtained by the image input unit 31 in the memory card 13 detachably connected to the selected memory card adapter 12 among the plurality of memory card adapters 12. Store image data.

  When the image data generated by the camera unit 31 is stored in the memory card 13, the control unit 3 stores the data in a predetermined description format, and here stores the data in a predetermined directory hierarchical structure. The predetermined directory hierarchy is based on the DCF standard.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a directory hierarchical structure based on the DCF standard. In DCF, it is defined that a DCIM directory 22 is created in the root directory 21. It is defined that a plurality of directories called DCF directories 24 are generated below the DCIM directory 22. A plurality of still image data files 25 can be stored below the DCF directory 24.

  In the DCF standard, the name of the DCF directory 24 and how to name the file are defined. The name of the DCF directory 24 has a fixed length and consists of 8 characters as a whole. Of the eight characters, the upper three characters, that is, the three characters from the left represent a number called a directory number (D1), and the lower five characters, that is, the five characters from the right represent a character code called a free character (D2). . Further, the file name is fixed to 8 characters as a whole, and the upper 4 characters are composed of a character code called a free character (F1), and the lower 4 characters are made up of a number called a file number (F2). Here, it is specified that numbers “100” to “999” that do not overlap each other are used for the directory number D1, and numbers “0001” to “9999” that do not overlap each other are used for the file number F2.

  Furthermore, it is specified that the image file is compressed by the JPEG method standardized by ISO (International Organization for Standard), and an image file whose extension is “JPG” is used. In addition to the main image obtained by compressing the input image data itself, the image file is configured as a single image by adding a thumbnail image (Thumbnail Image) obtained by reducing and compressing the main image.

  In addition to the image file having the extension “JPG”, the DCF directory 24 includes an image file obtained by compressing only a thumbnail image having the extension “THM”, and an audio file having the extension “WAV”. It may be stored.

FIG. 7 shows the data structure of DCF. The DCF basic file 41 includes an SOI (Start Of Image) unit 42, an APP (APPlication marker) in order from the top of the data.
segment) 1 part 43, thumbnail part 44, JPEG data part 45, and EOI (End Of Image) part 46. The SOI part 42 represents the head of JPEG data. The EOI unit 46 represents the end of JPEG data. The APP1 unit 43 includes Exif information. Exif information includes date and time information. The thumbnail portion 44 includes a thumbnail SOI portion 47, a thumbnail JPEG data portion 48, and a thumbnail EOI portion 49. The thumbnail SOI unit 47 represents the beginning of JPEG data. The thumbnail EOI section 49 represents the end of JPEG data. The thumbnail JPEG data portion 48 includes JPEG compressed data for displaying the JPEG compressed data included in the JPEG data portion 45 as a thumbnail. The JPEG data portion 45 includes JPEG compressed data. Data obtained by compressing the image data generated by the camera unit 32 by JPEG is stored in the JPEG data unit 45.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the selection operation of the memory card adapter 12 of the control unit 3 in the information processing apparatus 30. When the operator operates a predetermined operation key included in the operation input unit 2, the process proceeds from step B0 to step B1.

  In step B1, it is determined whether or not two or more memory cards 13 are connected to the memory card adapter 12. In step A <b> 1, the control unit 3 gives a control command to the file management driver unit 14 and detects whether or not the memory card 13 is connected to the memory card adapter 12. For example, the file management driver unit 14 gives a signal to the adapter terminal unit, detects a change in the signal, and gives the detection result to the control unit 3. The control unit 3 detects whether or not the memory card 13 is connected based on a change in the signal given from the file management driver unit 14. If it is determined in step B1 that two or more memory cards 13 are connected to the memory card adapter 12, the process proceeds to step B2.

  In step B2, it is determined whether the filed data stored in each memory card 13 connected to each memory card adapter 12 has a predetermined directory hierarchical structure. In the present embodiment, the predetermined directory hierarchical structure is based on the DCF standard and has the hierarchical structure shown in FIG. The control unit 3 determines whether the data stored in the memory card 13 is stored in a predetermined directory hierarchy structure by detecting the directory name and the hierarchy of each directory. The control unit 3 detects the name of the directory and the hierarchy of each directory. For example, if the DIMM directory is below the root directory, it determines that the directory hierarchy structure is predetermined.

  If it is determined in step B2 that data is stored in any one or more of the memory cards 13 in a predetermined directory hierarchical structure, the process proceeds to step B3.

  In step B3, it is determined whether or not data is stored in a predetermined directory hierarchy structure in only one memory card 13 among the plurality of memory cards 13. If it is determined in step B3 that data is stored in a predetermined directory hierarchy structure in only one memory card, the process proceeds to step B4.

  In step B4, the memory card adapter 12 to which the memory card 13 storing data in a predetermined directory hierarchical structure is detachably connected is selected, and the process proceeds to step B5 to end the operation process.

  If it is determined in step B1 that two or more memory cards 13 are not connected to the memory card adapter 12, the process proceeds to step B6.

  In step B6, the memory card adapter 12 to which the memory card 13 is attached is selected, that is, the memory card adapter 12 that is detachably connected is selected, and the process proceeds to step B5.

  In step B2 described above, it is determined that no data is stored in any one or more of the plurality of memory cards 13 in a predetermined directory hierarchical structure, in other words, predetermined in all the memory cards. If it is determined that no data is stored in the directory hierarchical structure, the process proceeds to step B7. In step B7, it is determined whether or not filed data is stored in any of the memory cards 13. If it is determined in step B7 that the filed data is stored, the process proceeds to step B8.

  In step B8, date and time information included in the filed data is detected. The date and time information is represented by a time stamp of the DOS file system.

  When the process of step B8 ends, the process proceeds to step B9. In step B9, the memory card adapter 12 to which the memory card 13 storing the new date and time data indicated by the date and time information detected in step B8 is selected, and the process proceeds to step B5.

  If it is determined in step B3 described above that data is stored in two or more memory cards 13 in a predetermined directory hierarchical structure, the process proceeds to step B10. In step B10, the date and time information included in the filed data is detected from the memory card 13 in which the data is stored in a predetermined directory hierarchical structure. When the process of step B10 is completed, the process proceeds to step B11.

  In step B11, the memory card adapter 12 to which the memory card 13 storing the new data having the date and time indicated by the date and time information detected in step B10 is selected, and the process proceeds to step B5.

  If it is determined in step B7 that the filed data is not stored, the process proceeds to step S5.

  As described above, in the information processing apparatus 30, the plurality of memory card adapters 12 can connect the memory card 13 in a detachable manner. When the memory card 13 is connected to at least two memory card adapters 12, the control unit 3 selects any one of the memory card adapters 12 to which the memory card 13 is connected. The control unit 13 can write data to and read data from the memory card 13 connected to the selected memory card adapter 12.

  The control unit 3 is a memory to which a memory card 13 having a directory hierarchical structure used when the control unit 3 stores data in the memory card 13 among the plurality of memory card adapters 12 to which the memory card 13 is connected. Connect to the card adapter 12. The fact that the controller 3 has a predetermined directory hierarchical structure created when data is written to the memory card 13 means that data may have been read from or written to the memory card 13 before. Since the user is highly likely to want to use again, the convenience of the user can be improved by selecting the memory card adapter 12 to which the memory card 13 is connected.

  Further, since the control unit 3 selects the memory card adapter 12 based on the directory hierarchical structure of data stored in the memory card 13, it is not necessary to detect all of the data stored in the memory card 13. Thereby, even when the memory card 13 is detachably connected to each of the plurality of memory card adapters 12, the selection process of the memory card adapter 12 of the control unit 3 can be made as short as possible.

  Further, when the memory card 13 is attached / detached, the control unit 3 selects one memory card adapter 12 to which the memory card 13 is mounted from among the plurality of memory card adapters 12. When connected to the card adapter 12, the user may increase the number of times the memory card 13 is attached or detached. However, in the present invention, when the control unit 3 selects the memory card adapter 12, the memory card adapter 12 stores the memory card. Since it is not necessary to attach or detach the card 13, that is, it can be used with a plurality of memory cards 13 connected, the number of operations for attaching and detaching the memory card 13 is reduced, thereby improving convenience.

  Further, after the memory card adapter 13 is selected by the control unit 3, it is possible to specify one memory card 13 to be accessed, thereby suppressing the processing load on the control unit 3.

  Further, in the information processing apparatus 30, when data is stored in a predetermined directory hierarchical structure in the plurality of memory cards 13, the memory card 13 in which data having the latest date and time represented by the date and time information included in the data is stored. The control unit 3 selects a memory card adapter 12 that is detachably connected. Since the memory card 13 storing the data with the newest date and time represented by the date and time information is likely to be used most frequently by the user, the memory card adapter 12 to which such a memory card 13 is detachably connected. Can be read immediately from the memory card 13 that the user most wants to access, thereby improving convenience.

  The control unit 3 selects a memory card adapter 12 to which a memory card 13 storing data filed so as to have a directory hierarchical structure based on the DCF standard is detachably connected. The data filed so as to have a directory hierarchical structure based on the DCF standard, in other words, represents image data obtained by imaging with a digital camera. Such image data is often desired to be displayed by a display device that is the output unit 9, and the digital camera device stores image data in the memory card 13 based on the DCF standard. The user convenience can be improved by selecting the memory card adapter 12 to which the memory card storing the data of the directory hierarchy structure is detachably connected.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing apparatus 50 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. The information processing apparatus 50 is a so-called facsimile apparatus, and has the same configuration as the information processing apparatuses 1 and 30 of the above-described embodiments. In the information processing apparatus 30 described above, the camera unit 32 is replaced with the facsimile communication unit 51. Therefore, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same parts as those in the above-described embodiment, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The information processing apparatus 50 includes an operation input unit 2, a control unit 3, a ROM 4, a RAM 5, a CPU 6, a storage unit 7, an image processing unit 8, an output unit 9, a bus 10, and an image input unit 31. In the present embodiment, the output unit 9 includes both the printing unit described above and a display device that displays an image.

  The image input unit 31 includes a facsimile communication unit 51 and an image reading unit 52. The facsimile communication unit 51 has a facsimile communication function. The facsimile communication unit 51 is connected to a communication line including a public line, receives facsimile information given through the communication line by facsimile communication, and receives image data read by the image reading unit 52 via the communication line. Send by facsimile communication. The facsimile information received by the facsimile communication unit 51 is filed in a predetermined file format by the control unit 3 and stored as a facsimile image data file in the flash memory 11 or the memory card 13 in a predetermined directory hierarchical structure. .

  Whether the data received by facsimile is stored in the flash memory 11 or the memory card 13 is determined based on command information given from the operation input unit 2. The user stores in advance in the flash memory 11 as setting information whether the data received by facsimile is stored in the flash memory 11 or the memory card 13. The control unit 3 stores the received data in at least one of the flash memory 11 and the memory card 13 based on the setting information stored in the flash memory 11.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a predetermined directory hierarchical structure when data received by facsimile is stored in the memory card 13. The predetermined directory hierarchy has a directory unique to the information processing apparatus 50, called a SHFAX directory 55, below the root directory 21. Further, a directory unique to the information processing apparatus 50, which is an image directory 56, is provided below the SHFAX directory 55. A plurality of facsimile image data files 57 can be stored in the image directory 56.

  Since the selection operation of the memory card adapter 12 of the control unit 3 of the information processing apparatus 50 of the present embodiment is the same as that of the information processing apparatus 30 shown in FIG. 8 described above, detailed description thereof is omitted. In the information processing apparatus 30 described above, the predetermined directory hierarchy structure is based on the DCF standard. However, in the information processing apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment, the predetermined directory hierarchy structure is unique to the information processing apparatus 50. Yes. Therefore, the control unit 3 stores the names of directories such as the SHFAX directory 55 and the image directory 56 described above in the memory card 13 and detects the order of the layers, thereby determining a directory hierarchy predetermined in the memory card 13. It is determined whether data is stored in the structure. The control unit 3 is a memory to which a memory card 13 having a directory hierarchical structure used when the control unit 3 stores data in the memory card 13 among the plurality of memory card adapters 12 to which the memory card 13 is connected. Connect to the card adapter 12. Having a predetermined directory hierarchical structure created when data is written to the memory card 13 by the control unit 3 means that data may be written to the memory card 13 by the information processing device 50 before. Since the user is highly likely to want to use again, the convenience of the user can be improved by the controller 3 selecting the memory card adapter 12 to which the memory card 13 is connected.

  Further, when the memory card 13 is attached / detached, the control unit 3 selects one memory card adapter 12 to which the memory card 13 is mounted from among the plurality of memory card adapters 12. When connected to the card adapter 12, the user may increase the number of times the memory card 13 is attached or detached. However, in the present invention, when the control unit 3 selects the memory card adapter 12, the memory card adapter 12 stores the memory card. Since it is not necessary to attach or detach the card 13, that is, it can be used with a plurality of memory cards 13 connected, the number of operations for attaching and detaching the memory card 13 is reduced, thereby improving convenience.

  Further, after the memory card adapter 12 is selected by the control unit 3, it is possible to specify one memory card 13 to be accessed, thereby suppressing the processing load on the control unit 3.

  The information processing device 50 also functions as a scanner device, and can store the image data read by the image reading unit 52 in the memory card 13. Even in this case, the control unit 3 can store the read image data in the memory card 13 with the unique directory hierarchy of the information processing apparatus 1 as in the case of storing the data received by facsimile communication.

Further, the information processing apparatus according to still another embodiment of the present invention may be a television receiver. In such a television receiver, the output unit 9 in the information processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 described above is connected to, for example, a liquid crystal display device, a plasma display device, and an EL (Electro
Luminescence) is realized by using a display device such as a display device. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the information processing apparatus according to the above-described embodiment. In such an embodiment, the control unit 3 selects a memory card adapter 12 to which a memory card 13 in which data is stored in the data format of moving image data is detachably connected among the plurality of memory card adapters 12. It is good.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the storage medium that is detachably connected is realized by the memory card 13, but in yet another embodiment of the present invention, the storage medium that is detachably connected is a hard disk It may be a drive device. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the detachably connected storage medium is, for example, a DVDRAM (
Digital Versatile Disk RAM) and DVDR may be used. When an optical disk is used as the storage medium, an optical pickup device is used as the storage medium connecting means instead of the memory card adapter.

  In each embodiment described above, the control unit 3 selects any one of the plurality of memory card adapters 12. In addition to such a configuration, the user inputs a command via the operation input unit 2. A configuration in which any one of the plurality of memory card adapters 12 is selected by inputting information may be added. The control unit 3 selects one of the plurality of memory card adapters 12 based on the command information given from the operation input unit 2. As a result, the user can directly select the memory card adapter 12 and the convenience can be further improved.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the information processing apparatus 1 of one Embodiment of this invention. 3 is a flowchart showing a selection operation of the memory card adapter 12 of the control unit 3 of the information processing apparatus 1 It is a figure showing the directory hierarchical structure of the memory card 13 in which a DPOF file is stored. It is a flowchart which shows the selection process of the memory card adapter 12 of the control part 3 in the information processing apparatus of the other embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the information processing apparatus 30 of other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the directory hierarchical structure based on DCF specification. It is a figure which shows the data structure of DCF. 4 is a flowchart showing a selection operation of the memory card adapter 12 of the control unit 3 of the information processing apparatus 30. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the information processing apparatus 50 of further another embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the directory hierarchy structure defined beforehand used when storing the data received by facsimile.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Facsimile device 3 Control part 12 Memory card adapter 13 Memory card 14 File management driver part

Claims (7)

A plurality of storage medium connecting means for detachably connecting a storage medium for storing data;
Any one of the plurality of storage medium connection means, wherein the storage medium is detachably connected when the storage medium is detachably connected to at least two storage medium connection means. A selection means for selecting one;
Storage medium control means for reading at least data from a storage medium detachably connected to the storage medium connection means selected by the selection means,
The selection unit detects a description format of data stored in each storage medium detachably connected to the storage medium connection unit, and a storage medium storing data in a predetermined description format is removable. An information processing apparatus characterized by selecting a storage medium connecting means connected to the computer.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined description format is a predetermined file format. The data stored in a predetermined description format in the storage medium includes date and time information representing the date and time,
When the data is stored in a predetermined description format in each of the plurality of storage media, the selection unit is configured to store, on the basis of the date / time information, data having the latest date / time represented by the date / time information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a storage medium connecting means to be detachably connected is selected. Output means for outputting image information to a recording sheet based on data read from the storage medium by the storage medium control means;
The data stored in a predetermined description format in the storage medium includes print setting data relating to image information to be output by the output means,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs image information based on the print setting data. Display means for displaying based on data read from the storage medium by the storage medium control means;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined description format is a directory hierarchical structure based on a DCF standard. A plurality of storage medium connecting means for detachably connecting a storage medium for storing data;
Any one of the plurality of storage medium connection means, wherein the storage medium is detachably connected when the storage medium is detachably connected to at least two storage medium connection means. A selection means for selecting one;
A storage medium control means for writing at least data so as to have a predetermined directory hierarchical structure in a storage medium detachably connected to the storage medium connection means selected by the selection means;
The selecting means detects a directory hierarchical structure of data stored in each storage medium detachably connected to the storage medium connecting means, and a storage medium in which data is stored in a predetermined directory hierarchical structure. An information processing apparatus characterized by selecting a storage medium connecting means to be detachably connected. A plurality of storage medium connecting means for removably connecting a storage medium for storing filed data including date and time information representing the date and time;
Any one of the plurality of storage medium connection means, wherein the storage medium is detachably connected when the storage medium is detachably connected to at least two storage medium connection means. A selection means for selecting
Storage medium control means for reading at least data from a storage medium detachably connected to the storage medium connection means selected by the selection means,
The information processing apparatus, wherein the selection unit selects a storage medium connection unit to which a storage medium storing a file having the latest date and time represented by the date and time information is detachably connected.

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