JP2006211209A - Radio communication equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To correctly transmit data to a desired outer apparatus by performing on the side of a user an operation in transmitting the data to the outer apparatus, concerning radio communication equipment such as a digital camera, a portable telephone with a camera, and a portable scanner. <P>SOLUTION: The digital camera 100 includes: a storage 3 for storing a plurality of kinds of data; an input 2 for allowing the user to select the desired kind of data among the plurality of kinds of data stored in the storage unit 3; and a communication part 6 having an operating means (the input part 2) to perform a transmitting function for transmitting the selected data. The communication part 6 starts the transmission of the data when a prescribed time elapses after the operating means operates the transmission. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless communication device such as a digital camera, a camera-equipped mobile phone, or a portable scanner that transmits / receives data to / from an external device using wireless communication.

  Digital cameras and camera-equipped mobile phones equipped with an infrared port for storing captured images as image data and transmitting the image data to an external device by wireless (infrared) communication are widely used. Such a digital camera or camera-equipped mobile phone can easily transmit image data to a printer, personal computer or the like that also has an infrared port. Then, an image can be printed by a printer, or an image can be displayed on a personal computer display.

However, since the directivity of infrared communication is narrow, data communication cannot be performed accurately unless the infrared port of the transmission side device is arranged in the infrared reception range of the reception side device. Therefore, in order to perform data transmission / reception accurately, Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 disclose a technique in which a plurality of infrared ports are arranged in the reception side device to widen the arrangement allowable range of the transmission side device. Yes.
JP-A-10-93507 JP-A-11-150507

  However, since infrared communication has a short transmission distance, when transmitting image data from a digital camera, it is necessary to bring the infrared port of the digital camera closer to the infrared port of a printer or personal computer. In this case, it is necessary to perform a transmission operation for selecting image data and instructing transmission execution in a state where the digital camera is close to an infrared port of a printer or a personal computer, and the operation is difficult. Moreover, even if the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 or 2 is applied, it is necessary to perform the transmission operation of the transmission side device within the arrangement allowable range, and the inconvenience of the operation has not been solved.

  Further, when a plurality of printers are arranged adjacent to each other, after the user performs a transmission operation with the digital camera, the digital camera is moved while moving the digital camera near the infrared port of the desired printer. Infrared communication may start with other printers nearby. In this case, the user needs to perform the transmission operation again on the desired printer, which is troublesome.

  In view of the above circumstances, the present invention is a digital camera capable of performing operations when transmitting data to an external device at a position where the user can easily operate, and then transmitting the data accurately to a desired external device, An object of the present invention is to provide a wireless communication device such as a camera-equipped mobile phone and a portable scanner.

  The wireless communication apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores a plurality of data, a selection unit for a user to select desired data among the plurality of data stored in the storage unit, and the selection unit selects the data. A wireless communication device having an operation means for executing a transmission function for transmitting data, wherein the wireless communication means is configured to transmit the data after a predetermined time has elapsed after a transmission operation of the operation means. The transmission is started.

  Here, the predetermined time is a time sufficient for placing the wireless communication device near a desired external device after the transmission operation, and is preferably in the range of about 3 to 8 seconds. The predetermined time may be fixed in advance, for example, to 5 seconds, but may be set or changed as a user-friendly time.

  The wireless communication device of the present invention further includes detection means for detecting whether or not the wireless communication device can wirelessly communicate with a desired external device after the predetermined time has elapsed, and the wireless communication device includes the detection device. The data may be transmitted after it is determined that the communication is possible.

  The wireless communication unit of the wireless communication apparatus of the present invention may transmit the data by infrared rays.

  The present invention can be applied to portable electronic devices including communication means such as a digital camera, a camera-equipped mobile phone, and a portable scanner.

  According to the wireless communication apparatus of the present invention, after the transmission operation is performed by the operation unit, the selected data is transmitted to the outside by the wireless communication unit after a predetermined time has elapsed, so that the user can easily operate the transmission operation ( For example, the wireless communication device may be arranged near a desired external device within a predetermined time after the user performs the operation. Accordingly, the user does not have to perform the transmission operation by bringing the wireless communication device close to the wireless port of the external device, and the transmission operation is facilitated.

  In addition, the detection unit detects whether or not wireless communication between the wireless communication device and a desired external device is possible after a predetermined time has elapsed from the transmission operation, and after it is determined that communication is possible, the data is transmitted from the wireless communication unit. However, even if a predetermined time elapses after the transmission operation is performed at hand, data transmission can be prevented until the wireless communication device is arranged near the desired external device. That is, when a plurality of external devices capable of wireless communication are arranged adjacent to each other, wireless communication with other external devices is prevented from being started while the wireless communication device is disposed near the desired external device. The data can be reliably transmitted to a desired external device.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the following, a case where the wireless communication apparatus is applied to a digital camera will be described as an example. However, a transmission operation for transmitting data to an external device such as a camera-equipped mobile phone equipped with wireless communication means, a portable scanner, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to this as long as the electronic device needs to be moved close to the external device.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic functional block diagram of a digital camera 100 according to the first embodiment. The digital camera 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1, an input unit 2, a storage unit 3, a display unit 4, a timer unit 5, and a communication unit 6, and each unit is connected by a bus 7. Although not shown, the digital camera 100 performs various image processing such as an imaging unit including a photographing lens, a shutter / aperture, an imaging device, etc., and A / D conversion of an image signal obtained by the imaging unit. Like a conventional digital camera, it has functions necessary for photographing, such as a signal processing unit that outputs data.

  The CPU 1 controls the entire digital camera 100 according to the operation content operated in the input unit 2 and outputs a command signal to each unit. Specifically, when an operation signal corresponding to the shutter button is input from the input unit 2, the CPU 1 causes the signal processing unit to perform image processing on the image signal obtained by the imaging unit, and the image data after the image processing is processed. Store in the storage unit 3. Further, when an operation signal corresponding to execution of transmission is input from the input unit 2, the CPU 1 causes the timer unit 5 to count for a predetermined time, and the image data selected according to the standby end signal output after the count is transmitted to the communication unit 6. Output from.

  The input unit 2 includes various operation buttons such as a power button, a menu button, a shutter button, and a transmission button, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operated button to the CPU 1.

  The storage unit 3 stores image data that has been subjected to image processing by the signal processing unit. The storage unit 3 may be a storage medium (such as a memory card) that is detachable from the digital camera 100, or may be a storage medium (such as a semiconductor memory) that is built in the digital camera 100 in advance.

  The display unit 4 includes a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays image data immediately after shooting, image data stored in the storage unit 3, and the like. Further, the operation contents of various operation buttons in the input unit 2 are displayed.

  The timer unit 5 counts a predetermined time using the internal clock signal or the like, that is, a time that elapses after the transmission button of the input unit 2 is operated (for example, 5 seconds), and waits for the CPU 1 to end when the predetermined time elapses. Output a signal.

  The communication unit 6 is for wirelessly transmitting and receiving various data including image data, and includes, for example, an infrared port capable of performing IrDA infrared data communication.

  The external device 200 is an electronic device provided with a wireless port (infrared port). The external device 200 is an electronic device including a printer for printing the image data transmitted from the communication unit 6, a display device (such as a television) for displaying an image based on the image data, and a storage device for storing the image data. (PC etc.)

  Next, a flow until image data is wirelessly transmitted from the digital camera 100 to the external device 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. The printer 200a in FIG. 3 corresponds to the external device 200 in FIG. First, the user selects image data to be transmitted using the input unit 2 (step S11 in FIG. 2, FIG. 3A). When the image data is selected, the CPU 1 puts the digital camera 100 on the display unit 4 near the wireless port 210 of the printer 200a, such as “Print it. Place it near the printer”. A message 41 to be instructed is displayed (step S12 in FIG. 2, FIG. 3B), and the timer unit 5 starts counting for a predetermined time.

  The CPU 1 sets the transmission function of the digital camera 100 in a standby state while the timer unit 5 is counting the predetermined time (step S13 in FIG. 2). Meanwhile, the user places the digital camera 100 near the printer 200a (FIG. 3C). When the standby end signal is output from the timer unit 5, the CPU 1 transmits the selected image data from the communication unit 6 (step S14 in FIG. 2, FIG. 3D).

  As described above, after a transmission operation is performed in the input unit 2, a predetermined time is counted in the timer unit 5, and the selected image data is transmitted from the communication unit 6 after the predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, the user does not have to perform the transmission operation by bringing the digital camera 100 close to the wireless port of the external device 200, and can perform the operation at a position where the user can easily operate. Thereafter, the digital camera 100 may be placed near a desired external device within a predetermined time.

  Conventionally, after a transmission operation is performed by the user, a search for a wireless port that can be communicated by the communication unit 6 is performed on the periphery. If no search is made for a certain period of time, the search is terminated and image data is transmitted. Was canceled. Alternatively, the image data is transmitted immediately after the transmission operation is performed, and if the image data is not received by a desired external device, it is necessary to perform the image data transmission operation again. However, the transmission operation is performed as in the present embodiment, and the image data is transmitted after a lapse of a predetermined time, thereby giving the user time to arrange the digital camera 100 near the desired external device. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the search for the wireless port of the external device and the transmission of useless image data after the transmission operation, and the power consumption of the digital camera 100 can be reduced.

  The predetermined time counted by the timer unit 5 may be a time set in advance at the time of factory shipment of the digital camera 100 or may be set by the user using the input unit 2.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, a digital camera has been described in which image data is transmitted from the communication unit 6 after a predetermined time has elapsed since a transmission operation was performed. In the second embodiment, after a predetermined time elapses after a transmission operation is performed, it is detected whether the digital camera is in a posture suitable for wireless communication with respect to a desired external device, and image data is transmitted after it is detected as possible. A digital camera that performs the above will be described. Hereinafter, description of components having the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic functional block diagram of a digital camera 100a according to the second embodiment. The digital camera 100 a includes a CPU 1, an input unit 2, a storage unit 3, a display unit 4, a timer unit 5, a communication unit 6, and a tilt sensor unit 8, and each unit is connected by a bus 7. Although not shown, the digital camera 100a performs various image processing such as an imaging unit including a photographic lens, a shutter / aperture, an imaging device, and A / D conversion of an image signal obtained by the imaging unit. Like a conventional digital camera, it has functions necessary for shooting, such as a signal processing unit that outputs data.

  The CPU 1 controls the entire digital camera 100a according to the operation content operated in the input unit 2, and outputs a command signal to each unit. Specifically, when an operation signal corresponding to the shutter button is input from the input unit 2, the CPU 1 causes the signal processing unit to perform image processing on the image signal obtained by the imaging unit, and the image data after the image processing is processed. Store in the storage unit 3. Furthermore, when an operation signal corresponding to transmission execution is input from the input unit 2, the CPU 1 causes the timer unit 5 to count for a predetermined time, and after the count, the image selected after the transmission permission signal is output from the tilt sensor unit 8. Data is output to the communication unit 6.

  The tilt sensor unit 8 detects whether the digital camera 100a is in a posture suitable for wireless communication with the external device 200, and outputs a transmission permission signal when it is detected as a suitable posture.

  More specifically, when the user performs selection or transmission operation of image data, the digital camera 100a is set up so that the back surface of the digital camera 100a in which the input unit 2 and the display unit 4 are arranged faces the user side (rear surface). It is common to use a posture in which is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal direction). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3A, the back surface B of the digital camera 100a is operated in a posture that is substantially parallel to the arrow x indicating the horizontal direction. Further, the communication unit 6 is not necessary at the time of photographing or various operations by the user. In general, it is not disposed on the side surface but is disposed on the side surface or the like (for example, the communication unit 6 in FIG. 3A). In this case, when wireless communication is performed between the communication unit 6 and the external device 200, the digital camera 100a is placed sideways, specifically, the back surface B of the digital camera 100a is placed horizontally as shown in FIG. It arrange | positions with the attitude | position which becomes substantially parallel with respect to the arrow x which shows a direction, and radio | wireless communication is performed so that the communication part 6 and the radio | wireless port of the external device 200 may oppose. That is, by detecting the tilt of the digital camera 100a, it is possible to determine whether or not the posture allows wireless communication.

  That is, the tilt sensor unit 8 determines whether or not the digital camera 100a is in a posture suitable for wireless communication after a predetermined time elapses after the transmission operation is performed by the user (for example, the back B of the digital camera 100a is in the horizontal direction). The transmission permission signal is output to the CPU 1 when it is detected that the posture is appropriate. After inputting the transmission permission signal, the CPU 1 transmits the image data selected from the communication unit 6.

  Thus, image data is not transmitted until a predetermined time has elapsed after the user performs a transmission operation at hand and the digital camera 100a is in a posture suitable for wireless communication. That is, when the user does not arrange the digital camera 100a near the external device 200 even after a predetermined time elapses, or when the user is in the middle of the arrangement, the image data transmitted after the predetermined time elapses is transferred to another external device. There was a case to be received. However, image data can be reliably transmitted to the external device 200 by transmitting the image data after the tilt sensor unit 8 detects that the digital camera 100a is in a posture suitable for wireless communication.

  Note that the posture suitable for wireless communication is preferably set other than the posture at the time of shooting of the digital camera 100a and the general posture when performing various operations such as a transmission operation.

  Next, a flow until image data is wirelessly transmitted from the digital camera 100a to the external device 200 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. First, the user selects image data to be transmitted using the input unit 2 (step S21). When the image data is selected, the CPU 1 instructs the user to place the digital camera 100a near the wireless port of the external device 200 on the display unit 4 such as “Print it. Place it near the printer”. A message to be instructed is displayed (step S22 in FIG. 3), and the timer unit 5 starts counting for a predetermined time.

  The CPU 1 sets the transmission function of the digital camera 100a in a standby state while the timer unit 5 is counting the predetermined time (step S23). Then, when the standby end signal is output from the timer unit 5, the CPU 1 determines whether or not a transmission permission signal is output from the tilt sensor unit 8 (step S24). When the transmission permission signal is output (step S24; YES), the CPU 1 transmits the selected image data from the communication unit 6 (step S25).

  On the other hand, the CPU 1 repeats step S24 until a transmission permission signal is output from the tilt sensor unit 8. For example, if the output is not output even after a predetermined time has elapsed, or if a transmission stop operation is performed from the input unit 2, an image is displayed. Stop sending data.

  As described above, when a predetermined time elapses after the transmission operation is performed in the input unit 2 and the tilt sensor unit 8 detects that the digital camera 100a is in a posture suitable for wireless communication, the image data is stored. By being transmitted, data can be reliably transmitted to a desired external device.

  In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the digital camera 100a can perform wireless communication using the tilt sensor unit 8 that detects the tilt of the digital camera 100a. However, wireless communication between the digital camera and a desired external device is possible. Prior to communication, it may be determined whether or not the digital camera can wirelessly communicate with a desired external device by using negotiation for exchanging information such as communication conditions. In this case, the information transmitted from the desired external device is received by the communication unit 6, and after the communication conditions are determined by the CPU 1 and it is determined that wireless communication is possible, the image data is transmitted from the communication unit 6. . That is, if the user does not place the digital camera within the predetermined time within a predetermined time after the transmission operation has been performed or the predetermined time has elapsed, negotiation is performed between the digital camera and the desired external device. Therefore, the image data is not transmitted. On the other hand, when the digital camera is placed near a desired external device and negotiation is established, image data is transmitted.

Schematic functional block diagram of the digital camera of the first embodiment The flowchart for demonstrating the flow until image data is transmitted in the digital camera of 1st Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the flow until image data is transmitted in the digital camera of 1st Embodiment. Schematic functional block diagram of the digital camera of the second embodiment The flowchart for demonstrating the flow until image data is transmitted in the digital camera of 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

100, 100a Digital camera 1 CPU
2 Input unit 3 Storage unit 4 Display unit 5 Timer unit 6 Communication unit 7 Bus 8 Tilt sensor unit 200 External device

Claims (7)

A storage means for storing a plurality of data; a selection means for the user to select desired data from the plurality of data stored in the storage means; and a transmission function for transmitting the data selected by the selection means. In a wireless communication device comprising a wireless communication means having an operation means for executing,
The wireless communication device, wherein the wireless communication unit starts transmitting the data after a predetermined time has elapsed after the transmission operation of the operation unit. The wireless communication apparatus further comprises detection means for detecting whether the wireless communication apparatus can wirelessly communicate with a desired external device after the predetermined time has elapsed,
The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication unit transmits the data after the detection unit determines that the communication is possible.   The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication unit transmits the data by infrared rays.   The wireless communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined time is in a range of 3 seconds to 8 seconds.   It is a digital camera, The radio | wireless communication apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-4 characterized by the above-mentioned.   The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication apparatus is a mobile phone with a camera.   It is a portable scanner, The radio | wireless communication apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-4 characterized by the above-mentioned.

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