JP2006350447A - Portable memory - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable memory for storing image data photographed by a digital camera in a non-contact state with the digital camera. <P>SOLUTION: A portable memory 200 is provided with a communication part 212 and a memory part 210 and a power source 220 for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data(for example, image data) from an external device(for example, a digital camera 10). Thus, it is possible to make the portable memory 200 record the image data photographed by the digital camera 10 in a non-contact state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable memory, and more particularly to a portable memory for storing image data generated by an imaging device such as a digital camera.

  Conventionally, there are various techniques using a wireless tag (“RFID”). For example, in Patent Document 1, a wireless tag is provided in a case of a portable device, and a magnetic flux direction used by the wireless tag (data carrier) for transmission and reception and a magnetic flux leakage path such as an antenna coil are effectively arranged. There has been disclosed a portable device in which a magnetic flux level that can be transmitted and received is ensured by forming and using it, and communication of large-capacity specific information is possible. Patent Document 2 discloses a mobile computer including a wireless tag reader, a battery, and communication means. Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses a power supply method, a power supply system, and a battery unit for an electronic device using a wireless tag. The battery unit includes a wireless tag that transmits information to the digital camera, and the battery pack includes a wireless tag reader that acquires information. When the wireless tag reader acquires information, the battery pack turns on the FET to supply power, and when the wireless tag reader cannot acquire information, the FET is turned off to shut off the output means of the battery pack and stop power supply.

On the other hand, image data obtained by photographing with a digital camera is usually recorded in a memory card inserted in a card slot of the digital camera.
JP 2001-14277 A JP 2002-138605 A JP 2003-97864 A

  When there is no more free space in the memory card inserted in the digital camera, remove the memory card from the card slot, move the image data recorded on the memory card such as a PC or electronic album device, and insert the memory card again into the digital camera. Had to be inserted into. If the above-described wireless tag is used, data can be transmitted and received wirelessly. However, for example, the mobile computer disclosed in Patent Document 2 does not include a memory device for storing data, so record data received by the wireless tag. I can't.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a portable memory capable of storing image data captured by a digital camera in a non-contact state with the digital camera.

  In order to achieve the above object, a portable memory according to the present invention includes a communication unit for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device, and a memory unit that is formed integrally with the communication unit and records the data. And a power supply unit that is formed separately from the communication unit and the memory unit and supplies power to the communication unit and the memory unit, and the power supply unit includes the communication unit and the memory unit A power supply side connection section for connecting to the power supply section, the communication section and the memory section include a memory side connection section for connecting to the power supply section, the power supply section, the communication section and the memory section, The power supply side connection portion and the memory side connection portion are detachably connected.

  Thereby, the portable memory can record the image data captured by the imaging apparatus in a wirelessly received state, that is, in a non-contact state. Therefore, even when the image data recording device provided in the image pickup device, for example, the free space of the memory card or the non-volatile memory is reduced, the image data is copied or moved to the portable memory, and is further added to the image pickup device recording device. Image data can be recorded. In addition, the power supply unit can be easily replaced even when the remaining power supply of the power supply unit is reduced.

  The portable memory according to the present invention includes a memory unit that records data received from an external device, a power unit that is integrally formed with the memory unit, and that supplies power, the memory unit, and the power unit. And a communication unit for wirelessly transmitting and receiving the data, and the memory unit and the power supply unit include a memory side connection unit for connecting to the communication unit, and the communication unit Includes a communication side connection unit for connecting to the memory unit and the power supply unit, and the memory unit, the power supply unit, and the communication unit are attached and detached via the memory side connection unit and the communication side connection unit. It is connected freely.

  Thereby, the portable memory can record the image data captured by the imaging apparatus in a wirelessly received state, that is, in a non-contact state. Therefore, even when the image data recording device provided in the image pickup device, for example, the free space of the memory card or the non-volatile memory is reduced, the image data is copied or moved to the portable memory, and is further added to the image pickup device recording device. Image data can be recorded. Also, by exchanging the communication unit, different types of communication (for example, IrDA, wireless tag, Bluetooth, etc.) are performed.

  The portable memory according to the present invention includes a communication unit for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device, a power unit formed integrally with the communication unit, for supplying power, and the communication unit And a memory unit that is formed separately from the power source unit and stores the data, and the communication unit and the power source unit include a communication side connection unit for connection to the memory unit, and the memory unit Includes a memory side connection unit for connecting to the communication unit and the power source unit, and the communication unit, the power source unit, and the memory unit are connected via the communication side connection unit and the memory side connection unit. It is connected detachably.

  As a result, the portable memory can wirelessly receive data recorded by the imaging device, that is, record it in a non-contact state. Further, since the memory unit can be easily replaced, even when the free space of the memory unit is reduced, it can be replaced with another memory unit to receive and record image data.

  In addition, the portable memory according to the present invention provides a communication unit for wirelessly transmitting / receiving data to / from an external device, a memory unit for recording the data, and supplying power to the communication unit and the memory unit. And the communication unit, the memory unit, and the power supply unit are formed separately from each other, and the communication unit is connected to at least one of the memory unit and the power supply unit. A connection unit, wherein the memory unit includes a memory side connection unit for connecting to at least one of the communication unit and the power supply unit, and the power supply unit connects to at least one of the memory unit and the communication unit And the communication unit, the memory unit, and the power supply unit are detachably connected to each other via the communication side connection unit, the memory side connection unit, and the power supply side connection unit. , Characterized by .

  Thereby, the portable memory can record the image data captured by the imaging apparatus in a wirelessly received state, that is, in a non-contact state. Furthermore, since the memory unit, the communication unit, and the power supply unit are formed separately, each part (memory unit, communication unit, power supply unit) can be easily replaced.

  The memory further includes at least one additional memory unit for recording the data, and the additional memory unit is connected to at least one of the communication unit, the memory unit, and the power supply unit. May be provided.

  Thereby, the memory capacity can be increased.

  The memory unit and the additional memory unit include memory identification information for identifying the memory unit and the additional memory unit, and a memory designating unit for designating a recording destination of the data based on the memory identification information May be further provided.

  As a result, a memory unit or an expansion memory unit can be designated, and desired image data can be recorded in the designated memory unit or expansion memory unit.

  At least one of the memory unit, the communication unit, and the power supply unit may include a mounting unit for mounting the portable memory on a mounting target.

  The “wearing object” here refers to an object to be worn with a portable memory, such as clothes, a bag, a digital camera or a mobile phone strap.

  Thereby, in a state where the portable memory is configured by combining the memory unit, the communication unit, and the power supply unit, the portable unit can be fixed to the mounting object by the mounting unit, and the convenience when carrying the portable memory is improved. can do.

  The power supply unit, the communication unit, and the memory unit are connected to each other to form a substantially pen shape, the mounting unit is configured as a pocket clip, and the pocket clip is connected to the communication unit. Configured as an antenna.

  Accordingly, the clip can be sandwiched in the pocket, and can be carried while preventing the portable memory from dropping or losing. Furthermore, the antenna can be exposed (exposed), and the reception sensitivity of the antenna can be improved.

  Further, the memory unit is configured in a card shape, and the communication unit and the power supply unit are configured as a card holder that can store the card-shaped memory unit, and the memory unit is inserted into and removed from the card holder. It may be connected detachably.

  Thereby, the thickness of the portable memory can be further reduced.

  The card holder may be configured to be able to store the memory unit and the additional memory unit for expansion.

  Thereby, the memory capacity can be increased.

  The communication unit may be configured with a wireless tag.

  Further, at least one of the memory unit, the communication unit, and the power supply unit may include any free space of the memory unit, the remaining number of times that the memory unit can be read and written, and any data recorded in the memory unit. Thumbnail image of the image data, battery remaining amount, information for identifying the external device capable of wireless transmission / reception by the communication unit, information for identifying the external device registered as the data receiving destination, You may provide the display part for displaying at least one.

  The “arbitrary data” may be any image data as long as it is image data recorded in the memory unit. For example, a thumbnail image of the image data recorded at the nearest time or recorded in the memory unit, It may be a thumbnail image of image data representing the recorded image data, a thumbnail image of image data selected by the user, or the like.

  Thereby, the user can visually recognize information such as the image data recorded in the portable memory, the remaining battery level, and the imaging device to be wirelessly communicated.

  According to the present invention, a portable memory capable of storing image data generated by a digital camera in a non-contact state with the digital camera can be provided.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a portable memory according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[General system configuration]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a configuration of an image transmission / reception system for transmitting / receiving image data between a portable memory 200 and a digital camera 10 according to the present invention. A user of the digital camera 10 transmits image data captured by the digital camera 10 to the portable memory 200 carried by the user. The portable memory 200 and the digital camera 10 transmit and receive image data by wireless communication.

[Digital camera]
FIG. 2 is an external view of the digital camera 10 of FIG. 1 viewed from the photographer side.

  The digital camera 10 includes a display unit 110 for confirming a shooting angle of view on the back of the main body, an up / down / left / right key 81, a power switch 82, a menu button 83, an execution button 84, and a cancel button 85. A mode dial 150, a release button 22, and an antenna 32 are provided on the upper surface of the main body. An imaging lens 14 (not shown) is provided on the front surface of the main body. When the mode of the camera 10 (for example, “playback mode”) is selected on the display unit 110, a frame number that is unique information of the displayed image is displayed.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the digital camera 10 of FIG. First, in the camera 10 shown in the figure, a central processing unit (CPU) 112 is a circuit in the digital camera 10 based on inputs from various buttons and keys of an operation unit 113 including a release switch 22, a mode dial 150, and the like. Oversee and control. A program executed by the CPU 112 is recorded in the EEPROM 119.

  Now, when the still image shooting mode is set by the mode dial 150, the CPU 112 displays a moving image (through image) on the display unit 110 so that the shooting angle of view can be confirmed. That is, the light that has passed through the imaging lens 14 enters the solid-state imaging device 102a. Photosensors are arranged in a plane on the light receiving surface of the solid-state imaging device 102a, and the subject image formed on the light receiving surface is converted into signal charges of an amount corresponding to the amount of incident light by each photosensor. . The signal charges accumulated in this way are sequentially read out as voltage signals (image signals) corresponding to the signal charges based on pulse signals given from a driver circuit (not shown), and are respectively added to the imaging circuit 102b.

  The imaging circuit 102b includes a gain adjustment circuit, and the obtained image data is sent to the image processing circuit 108 and the high-pass filter (HPF) 125, respectively. The image processing circuit 108 includes an A / D conversion unit 108a, a white balance correction circuit 108b, a gamma correction circuit 108c, a YC processing circuit 108d, a luminance / color difference signal generation circuit, a sharpness correction circuit, a contrast correction circuit, and contour correction for a captured image. The image processing means includes a contour processing unit that performs image processing, a noise reduction processing unit that performs image noise reduction processing, and the like, and processes an image signal in accordance with a command from the CPU 112.

  The image data input to the image processing circuit 108 is converted into a luminance signal (Y signal) and a color difference signal (Cr, Cl signal) and subjected to predetermined processing such as gamma correction, and then stored in the VRAM 132. The

  On the other hand, only the G pixel component is extracted by the high pass filter (HPF) 125 from the image data converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion unit 108 a of the image processing circuit 108. The G pixel component extracted by the integration processing circuit 126 is integrated and sent to the CPU 112. The CPU 112 calculates an average value of four areas in the vicinity of the center of the subject arbitrarily set by the up / down / left / right key 81 out of the 64-division image data for one screen sent from the integration processing circuit 126, and calculates the auto-focus. (AF) Evaluation value. The AF evaluation value is calculated every elapse of a predetermined period, and is updated and recorded in the memory 127 each time it is calculated. The CPU 112 determines the focus of the subject according to the AF evaluation value. The determination method is arbitrary. For example, it is determined whether or not the AF evaluation value has substantially reached the vicinity of the maximum point. If the AF evaluation value has substantially reached the maximum point, it is determined that the focus is achieved. In this case, it is determined that the subject is not in focus. Alternatively, if the AF evaluation value exceeds a predetermined threshold, it can be determined that the subject is in focus.

  When the captured image is output to the display unit 110 as a monitor, the YC signal is read from the VRAM 132 and sent to the video encoder 134. The video encoder 134 converts the input YC signal into a predetermined display signal (for example, an NTSC color composite video signal) and outputs the converted signal to the display unit 110. The display unit 110 is driven via the driver 111.

  The YC signal of each frame processed at a predetermined frame rate is alternately written in the A area and B area of the VRAM 132, and the Y area other than the area where the YC signal is written out of the A area and B area of the VRAM 132. The YC signal that has been written is read out from this area. In this way, the YC signal in the VRAM 132 is periodically rewritten, and the video signal generated from the YC signal is supplied to the display unit 110, whereby the image being captured is displayed on the display unit 110 in real time. . The user can check the shooting angle of view from the video (through) displayed on the display unit 110.

  Here, when the release switch 22 is half-pressed, AE and AF processes are started. AE / AF processing is performed, and when the release switch 22 is fully pressed, a recording operation is started. The image data acquired in response to the release switch 22 being fully pressed is converted into a luminance / color difference signal (Y / C signal) by the image processing circuit 108, subjected to predetermined processing such as gamma correction, and then stored in the VRAM 132. Is done.

  The Y / C signal stored in the VRAM 132 is compressed according to a predetermined format by the compression / decompression processing circuit 144 and then recorded as an Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format) file on the recording medium 40 via the media controller 146. The image is recorded in the data part of the Exif file. The CPU 112 records shooting date / time information and the like in a predetermined tag (such as an image description tag) in the header portion of the Exif file. The recorded image can be transmitted to the printer 200 connected via the communication interface 76. The printer 200 prints the received image.

  The CPU 112 is also connected to a strobe control circuit 115 that controls the light emission of the strobe 18 made of a xenon tube. When still light shooting is detected as having low illuminance, or the light emission is instructed by the strobe button. In this case or when the forced light emission mode is set, the flash 18 is controlled to emit light for a short time (for example, for a short time of 1 second or more) at a timing synchronized with the timing signal generated by the timing generator 120.

  When the moving image shooting mode is set by the mode dial 150, the moving image recording operation starts in conjunction with the full pressing operation of the release switch 22, and when the release switch 22 is pressed again, the moving image recording operation is stopped. The recording operation may be performed while the release switch 22 is continuously pressed, and the recording may be stopped by releasing the pressing. The moving image data is recorded on the recording medium 40 in, for example, a motion JPEG (MPEG) format.

  When the playback mode is selected by the mode dial 150, the compressed data of the last image file (last recorded file) recorded on the recording medium 40 is read. When the file related to the last recording is a still image file, the read image compressed data is decompressed into an uncompressed YC signal via the compression / decompression processing circuit 144 and stored in the VRAM 132. The YC signal stored in the VRAM 132 is added to the video encoder 134. The video encoder 134 creates an NTSC RGB color composite video signal from the input YC signal and outputs it to the display unit 110. Thereby, the frame image of the last frame recorded on the recording medium 40 is displayed on the display unit 110.

  Thereafter, when the right key of the up / down / left / right key 81 is pressed, the frame is advanced in the forward direction, and when the left key of the up / down / left / right key 81 is pressed, the frame is advanced in the reverse direction. Then, the frame-positioned image file at the frame position is read from the recording medium 40, and the frame image is reproduced on the display unit 110 in the same manner as described above. If the last frame image is displayed and the frame is advanced in the forward direction, the first frame image file recorded on the recording medium 40 is read and the first frame image is displayed. Played back to the unit 110.

  The display unit 110 corresponds to an external display device connected to an LCD 114, a finder, a video output terminal, or the like built in the camera 10. The CPU 112 includes an OSD signal generation circuit, and the OSD signal generation circuit generates a signal for displaying characters such as a shutter speed, an aperture value, the number of shootable images, a shooting date and time, a warning instruction, and symbols such as icons. A signal output from the OSD signal generation circuit is mixed with an image signal as necessary and supplied to the LCD 114. As a result, a composite image in which characters, icons, and the like are combined with the through image and the playback image is displayed.

  The recording medium 40 is means for holding image data obtained by shooting, and for example, a memory card called an xD-picture card is used. The form of the recording medium is not limited to this, and it may be a PC card, a compact flash (registered trademark), a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a memory stick, etc., electronic, magnetic, optical, or a combination thereof A readable / writable medium can be used in accordance with the above-described method. A configuration in which a plurality of media can be mounted regardless of different types or the same type of recording media may be adopted. The means for storing the image file is not limited to the removable medium that can be attached to and detached from the camera body, but may be a recording medium (nonvolatile memory 128) built in the camera.

  The CPU 112 is a control circuit that performs overall control of each circuit of the digital camera 10, and includes a release switch 22, an up / down / left / right key 81, a power switch 82, a mode dial 150, an information position designation key 83 or a not-shown strobe button, zoom key, menu / Based on a signal received from the operation unit 113 including an execution button and the like, the operation of the corresponding circuit is controlled, and display control, strobe light emission control, autofocus (AF) control, automatic exposure (AE) control, and the like in the display unit 110 are performed. I do.

  Each time the power of the digital camera 10 is turned on by the power switch 82, power is supplied to each circuit of the digital camera 10 from the main power supply 164 formed of a battery mounted inside the camera body.

  Image data from the image processing circuit 108 is also sent to the photometric processing unit 157. The photometric processing unit 157 is an example of a unit that measures the amount of external light. The photometric processing unit 157 calculates a photometric value (EV value) of subject brightness based on each input image data and the charge accumulation time of the solid-state imaging device 102a, that is, the shutter time of the electronic shutter. Can be configured. Thereby, the drive of the solid-state image sensor 102a is adjusted. The aperture value may be changed with the shutter time of the electronic shutter. When changing the aperture value, the photometric value corresponding to the subject brightness is calculated with the aperture value taken into account. As described above, the photometry processing unit 157 detects the brightness of the subject (subject brightness) by TTL (Through The Lens) photometry using the solid-state imaging device 102a as a light receiving sensor. The photometric processing unit 157 may be a photometric sensor composed of a phototransistor, and is not particularly limited as long as it is a means capable of photometry.

  The digital camera 10 includes a wireless tag reader 50. Then, information on the wireless tag provided in the portable memory 200 is read, and the portable memory is identified as an image transmission destination.

  The digital camera 10 includes a communication unit 31 that performs transmission control of image data in the portable memory 200. The communication unit 31 is connected to the antenna 32. The communication unit 31 is configured as a wireless communication unit, and performs wireless communication control using a wireless tag, Bluetooth, and infrared communication (IrDA) format.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing details of the mode dial. The mode dial 150 is, for example, “Play” (playback mode), “Mov” (movie shooting mode), “Cam” (still image shooting mode), “wireless” (wireless communication mode), or “Setup” (setup mode). Five modes are set. The mode can be set by rotating the mode dial 150 to place the desired mode at the determination position 151. When performing image transmission, the mode dial 150 is operated to select the “wireless” mode.

[Portable memory]
Next, the configuration of the portable memory 200 of FIG. 1 will be described based on FIG.

  A portable memory (hereinafter referred to as “memory”) 200 has a substantially pen shape, and prevents a mobile phone from falling out of the pocket by holding the clip in a breast pocket provided in a user's clothes. Can do.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the portable memory 200 includes a memory unit 210 mainly in a part corresponding to a cap part of a pen, and a power supply unit 220 that is connected to the cap part by a screw mechanism and stores a battery 222. Is provided. The memory unit 210 includes a recording unit 211 and a radio tag (RFID) 212 (not shown in FIG. 5A), an antenna 213 configured as a clip, and a display unit 214 for displaying thumbnail images, the remaining amount of power, and the like. And a cap 215. A thread groove 217 is provided at the end of the memory unit 210 opposite to the cap 215. In addition, the memory unit 210 includes a switch 218 for inputting an instruction to switch display contents of the display unit 214.

  The power supply unit 220 includes a battery unit cover 221 having a hollow part for housing the battery 222. A screw part 223 for engaging with the screw groove 217 is provided at one end of the battery part cover 221.

  FIG. 5B is a diagram showing that each component of the memory 200 can be disassembled.

  The antenna 213 and the cap 215 can be separated from the memory unit 210. The antenna 213 and the cap 215 are detachably fixed from the memory unit 210 by fitting the ring of the antenna 213 into the projection 216 of the memory unit 210 and further fitting the cap 215 into the screw groove provided in the projection 216. Can do.

  In addition, the memory unit 210 and the power source unit 220 can be detachably coupled by fitting the screw groove 217 of the memory unit 210 and the screw unit 223 of the battery unit cover 221 together. When the battery unit cover 221 and the memory unit 210 are connected with the battery 222 inserted into the power source unit 220, the battery 222 comes into contact with a contact provided inside the memory unit 210, and the recording provided in the memory unit 210. Power can be supplied to the unit 211 and the wireless tag 212.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the portable memory 200. As shown in the figure, the portable memory 200 mainly includes a control unit 201, a recording unit 211, a display unit 214, an operation unit 218, a communication unit tag 212, an antenna 213, a power supply control unit 219, and a battery 222. .

The control unit 201 includes a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, and controls the overall operation of the portable memory 200 according to a predetermined control program.
The display unit 214 includes a liquid crystal display, a TFT, electronic paper, and the like. The display unit 214 displays predetermined information on the display surface under the control of the control unit 201, and erases the displayed information. The control unit 201 reads a thumbnail image from the Exif format image data recorded in the recording unit 211 and displays the thumbnail image on the display unit 214. This thumbnail image may be a thumbnail image of a frame image selected by the user, or a thumbnail image of image data that has been taken or recorded most recently. Also, a thumbnail image representing the image data recorded in the recording unit 211 may be used. For example, a user may designate and display a landscape photograph suitable for grasping a travel destination from a series of image data taken during a trip. Further, the control unit 201 displays the remaining amount of the battery 222 on the display unit 214 via the power supply control unit 219. Further, the control unit 201 may cause the display unit 214 to display the free space of the recording unit 211 and the remaining number of readable and writable times. Furthermore, the name of the digital camera 10 that can be wirelessly received via the communication unit 212 or the name of the digital camera 10 registered as the image data receiving destination may be displayed.

  The operation unit 218 is configured by a rubber switch. By depressing the rubber switch, information to be displayed on the display unit 214 can be instructed, and the power source of the portable memory 200 can be switched on / off.

  The power control unit 219 supplies power from the battery 222 to each component of the portable memory 200 under the control of the control unit 201.

  The communication unit 212 includes a wireless tag, establishes a wireless communication path with the digital camera 10 under the control of the control unit 201, transmits identification information of the portable memory 200, and receives image data from the digital camera 10. . The wireless tag is connected to the antenna 213. The communication unit 212 may be configured by other wireless communication means such as IrDA or Bluetooth instead of the wireless tag.

  The recording unit 211 includes a non-volatile memory, and records image data received via the communication unit 212 under the control of the control unit 201.

  In the present embodiment, the cap-corresponding portion of the substantially pen-shaped portable memory 200 is configured as the memory unit 210, and the portion corresponding to the pen is configured as the power supply unit 220. A portion corresponding to a pen may be configured as the memory unit 210. Further, although the antenna 213 is configured as a clip, the entire outer surface of the portable memory 200 may be configured as an antenna.

  Next, the flow of processing for transmitting and receiving images will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of processing for transmitting image data generated by photographing by the digital camera 10 to the portable memory 200. Hereinafter, each step in FIG. 7 will be described.

(Step S1)
The digital camera 10 is set to the image transmission mode (S1). In S1, the user of the digital camera 10 operates the mode dial 150 to select the wireless mode, and a wireless communication function selection screen as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. Then, the image transmission mode is selected. In FIG. 8, the selected mode is displayed in black and white reversed display. If the portable memory 200 has a function for registering the digital camera 10 as an image receiving destination in advance, the user operates the digital camera 10 in S1 and sets the image transmission destination before the portable memory 200 is set. The switch 218 of 200 may be pressed to display the name (identification information) of the digital camera that is the image receiving destination on the display unit 214. Thus, the user can proceed with the image transmission process after confirming that the image data of the digital camera 10 can be recorded in the portable memory 200.

(Step S2)
The digital camera 10 reads the RFID tag information in the portable memory 200 (S2). When the digital camera 10 is set to the image transmission mode, the wireless tag reader 50 reads wireless tag information transmitted from the wireless tag within the wireless communication range from the digital camera 10. The CPU 112 of the digital camera 10 displays a communication device capable of communication on the display unit 110 based on the read RFID tag information. FIG. 9 shows an example of the screen display. The display unit 110 notifies the user that the digital camera 10 can communicate with the portable memory 200 with the name “Hiroshi”.

(Step S3)
The transmission destination of the image is selected (S3). The user operates the mode dial 150 to select the portable memory 200 with the name “Hiroshi”. The digital camera 10 establishes a wireless communication path with the selected portable memory 200. When the wireless communication path is established, the name of the digital camera 10 may be displayed on the display unit 214 of the portable memory 200 as a communication device capable of wireless communication.

(Step S4)
Image data is transmitted (S4). The user operates the mode dial 150 to display a function selection screen of “Wireless Mode” shown in FIG. Then, an “image transmission (automatic) mode” in which image data recorded in the non-volatile memory 128 of the digital camera 10 is transmitted in a batch, and only image data for which frame selection has been selected from the image data is transmitted. (Frame selection) mode "is selected. When the image transmission mode is selected, the digital camera 10 transmits image data according to the selected image transmission mode. Note that “move” or “copy” of the image data may be selected as the image data transmission mode. In this case, if “Move” is selected, the transmitted data is automatically deleted from the digital camera 10 after being transmitted to the portable memory 200, and if “Copy” is selected, the transmitted data is also transmitted to the portable memory 200. The transmitted data is stored in the digital camera 10.

(Step S5)
The portable memory 200 receives and records the image data (S5). The portable memory 200 receives the image data via the antenna 213 and the communication unit 212 and records it in the recording unit 211. When the transmission / reception of the image data ends, the processing of this flow ends.

  When the reception and recording of the image data is completed, the portable memory 200 displays a thumbnail image representing the image data recorded in the recording unit 211 in order to inform the user of the content of the image data recorded in the portable memory 200. May be displayed on the display unit 214. The thumbnail image representing the image data recorded in the recording unit 211 is, for example, the thumbnail image of the image data recorded last or the image data designated by the user.

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to record image data in the portable memory 200 in a non-contact state with the digital camera 10. As a result, even when the non-volatile memory 128 of the digital camera 10 and the recording medium (memory card) 30 run out of space, the image data is moved to the portable memory 200 and the non-volatile memory 128 of the digital camera 10 or the recording medium is recorded. Image data can be recorded on the medium 30 again. Also, by copying image data from the nonvolatile memory 128 or the recording medium (memory card) 30 of the digital camera 10 to the portable memory 200, a backup copy of the image data can be copied to the portable memory 200 regardless of the amount of free space. The image data can be generated and the storage safety of the image data can be improved.

  When image data is extracted from the portable memory 100, the image data may be transmitted from the communication unit to another portable memory, an electronic album, a personal computer, or the like. Moreover, you may provide the terminal for apparatus connection cables, such as a USB cable.

  As another mode of the substantially pen-shaped portable memory 200, a plate-shaped portable memory 200a shown in FIG. 11 may be used. The portable memory 200a mainly includes a memory unit 210a and a power supply unit 220a. Similar to the substantially pen-shaped portable memory 200, the memory unit 210a includes a clip-shaped antenna 213. As shown in FIG. 11B, the power supply unit 220a includes a gum type battery 222a and a battery unit cover 221a that can accommodate the gum type battery 222a. Although the display unit 214 is provided in the battery unit cover 221a, the display unit 214 may be provided in the memory unit 210 like the substantially pen-shaped portable memory 200 described above. Other configurations are the same as those of the substantially pen-shaped portable memory 200.

<Second embodiment>
FIG. 12 is an external configuration diagram showing the portable memory 300 according to the second embodiment. 12A is a diagram showing a state where the components of the portable memory 300 are not connected, and FIG. 12B is a diagram showing a state where the components of the portable memory 300 are connected.

  The portable memory 300 in FIG. 12 is a quadrangular prism-like portable memory 300 and includes a clip for fixing to a pocket, as in the first embodiment.

  The portable memory 300 mainly includes a memory unit 310, a communication unit 312, a power supply unit 320, and an expansion memory unit 350. The memory unit 310, the communication unit 312, the power supply unit 320, and the expansion memory unit 350 are formed separately.

  The memory unit 310 includes a display unit 314 and operation buttons 318 as in the first embodiment. One end of the memory unit 310 includes a USB connector 319a and a USB port 319b.

  The communication unit 312 includes an antenna unit 313 formed in a clip shape and a USB port 312b. The communication unit 312 includes a wireless tag (not shown).

  The power supply unit 320 includes a USB connector 320a. The power supply unit 320 stores a gum type battery, and supplies power from the battery to each component of the portable memory 300 via the USB connector 320a.

  The expansion memory 350 includes a USB connector 350a and a USB port 350b. The USB connector 320a of the power supply unit 320 is inserted into the USB port 350b, and the memory unit 310, the expansion memory unit 350, and the power supply unit 320 are inserted by inserting the USB connector 350a of the expansion memory 350 into the USB port 319b of the memory unit 310. Is electrically connected. Other configurations are the same as the portable memory 200 of the first embodiment.

  The memory unit 310 and the expansion memory unit 350 have identification information for identifying the memory unit 310 and the expansion memory unit 350, respectively. By pressing a button on the operation unit 318, either the memory unit 310 or the expansion memory unit 350 can be selected as a recording destination of the received image data. The display unit 314 displays a display image indicating which of the memory unit 310 or the additional memory unit 350 is selected. Image data received from the digital camera 10 via the communication unit provided in the memory unit 310 is recorded in the selected memory unit 310 or the expansion memory unit 350.

  Further, when the button of the operation unit 318 is pressed, the mode can be switched to the backup mode. Thus, the image data in the memory unit 310 can be backed up by copying the image in the expansion memory unit 350 or the image in the expansion memory unit 350 to the memory unit 310.

  According to the present embodiment, the additional memory unit 350 can be added to the portable memory 300, and the recording capacity of the portable memory 300 can be increased. In FIG. 12, only one additional memory unit 350 is connected to the memory unit 310, but a plurality of additional memory units 350 may be provided. Also in this case, a display image for confirming one of the selected memory unit 310 and the plurality of additional memory units 350 is displayed on the display unit 314 by depressing the button of the operation unit 318. be able to.

  In this embodiment, the communication unit 312, the memory unit 310, the additional memory unit 350, and the power supply unit 320 are connected in this order. However, the connection order is not limited to this, and the communication unit 312, the additional memory unit 350, and the memory unit 310 are connected. The power supply unit 320 may be used. Furthermore, a USB port or a USB connector may be provided at the end of the power supply unit 320 or the communication unit 312, and the parts of the communication unit 312, the memory unit 310, the additional memory unit 350, and the power supply unit 320 may be combined in a desired order.

  Note that the image data of the portable memory 300 can be taken out by inserting the USB connector 319a of the memory unit 310 and the USB connector 350a of the expansion memory 350 into another portable memory, an electronic album, or a personal computer.

<Third embodiment>
A portable memory 400 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13A is an overall perspective view showing the appearance of the portable memory 400. FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view showing the portable memory 400. FIG. 13C is a top view showing a card holder that constitutes the portable memory 400.

  The portable memory 400 includes a card-shaped memory unit 410 and a card boulder 420 including a communication unit and a power supply unit. The card holder 420 includes a support plate 421 and a card pocket 422 that is provided at one end of the support plate and into which a card-like memory unit 410 can be inserted. As shown in FIGS. 13B and 13C, the card pocket 422 is divided on the inner side by a support plate 421 so that two memory portions 410 can be inserted. A terminal 423 for electrical connection with the memory unit 410 is provided inside the card pocket 422. One end of the memory unit 410 includes a terminal 413 connected to the terminal 423 of the card holder 420. The card holder 420 in FIG. 13 does not include an operation button and a display unit, but, like the first embodiment and the second embodiment, includes an operation button and a display unit, and represents image data recorded in the memory unit 410. You may display an image, a battery remaining charge, etc.

  According to the present embodiment, two card-like memory portions 410 can be stacked and stored in the card holder 420, and a memory can be added in a state where the card-like memory portions are stacked.

  Note that the image data of the portable memory 400 can be taken out by inserting the memory unit 410 into another portable memory, an electronic album, or a card slot of a personal computer.

<Fourth embodiment>
A portable memory 500 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14A is an overall perspective view showing the appearance of the portable memory 500. FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view showing the portable memory 500.

  The portable memory 500 includes a card-like memory unit 510, a communication unit 520, and a power supply unit 530. The communication unit 520 and the power supply unit 530 constitute a card boulder in which the memory unit 510 can be accommodated by fitting.

  The memory unit 510 includes a terminal 512 for electrical connection with the communication unit 520 and the power supply unit 530.

  The communication unit 520 is electrically connected to another recording apparatus, and includes a connector 521 for transmitting and receiving image data recorded in the memory unit 510 and a terminal 522 for connecting to the memory unit 510. Although not illustrated, the communication unit 520 includes a wireless tag. The communication unit 520 transmits and receives data via the wireless tag or connector 521.

  The power supply unit 530 includes a gum-type battery 531. Further, a terminal 532 for connecting to the memory unit 510 is provided.

  According to the present embodiment, a portable memory can be configured by combining a card-shaped memory unit, a communication unit, and a power source unit that are separately formed.

  In addition to the portable memory according to the embodiment, the portable memory may be formed in a stick shape with a string or a ring, and the portable memory may be hung on the strap of the digital camera 10.

  Furthermore, all of the communication unit, the memory unit, and the power supply unit may be integrally configured, and image data may be received and recorded by wireless communication from the imaging device.

  In the above embodiment, image data is transmitted and received between the imaging device and the portable memory, but the external device is not limited to the imaging device. For example, image data, text data, and data (file) in a format corresponding to various application software may be transmitted / received to / from a data processing apparatus such as a PC or PDA and recorded in a portable memory.

Schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of an image transmission / reception system that transmits and receives image data between the portable memory 200 and the digital camera 10 External view of digital camera 10 viewed from the photographer side Block diagram of digital camera 10 Figure showing details of mode dial 1 is an external configuration diagram showing the configuration of the portable memory according to the first embodiment. Block diagram showing electrical configuration of portable memory A flowchart showing a flow of processing for transmitting image data from a digital camera to a portable memory The figure which shows the example of a selection screen of a wireless communication function The figure which shows the example of the screen display which displays the image transmission destination The figure which shows the example of a function selection screen of Wireless Mode External appearance block diagram which shows the structure of the portable memory which concerns on another aspect of 1st embodiment. External appearance block diagram which shows portable memory which concerns on 2nd embodiment External appearance diagram showing portable memory according to the third embodiment External appearance diagram showing portable memory according to the fourth embodiment

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Digital camera, 200 ... Portable memory, 200a ... Portable memory, 300 ... Portable memory, 400 ... Portable memory, 500 ... Portable memory

Claims (12)

A communication unit for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device;
A memory unit that is formed integrally with the communication unit and records the data;
A power supply unit that is formed separately from the communication unit and the memory unit, and supplies power to the communication unit and the memory unit;
The power supply unit includes a power supply side connection unit for connecting to the communication unit and the memory unit,
The communication unit and the memory unit include a memory side connection unit for connecting to the power supply unit,
The power supply unit, the communication unit, and the memory unit are detachably connected via the power supply side connection unit and the memory side connection unit.
A portable memory characterized by that. A memory unit for recording data received from an external device;
A power supply unit formed integrally with the memory unit for supplying power;
The memory unit and the power supply unit are formed separately from each other, and include a communication unit for wirelessly transmitting and receiving the data,
The memory unit and the power supply unit include a memory side connection unit for connecting to the communication unit,
The communication unit includes a communication side connection unit for connecting to the memory unit and the power supply unit,
The memory unit, the power supply unit, and the communication unit are detachably connected via the memory side connection unit and the communication side connection unit.
A portable memory characterized by that. A communication unit for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device;
A power supply unit formed integrally with the communication unit for supplying power;
A memory unit that is formed separately from the communication unit and the power supply unit and records the data;
The communication unit and the power supply unit include a communication side connection unit for connecting to the memory unit,
The memory unit includes a memory side connection unit for connecting to the communication unit and the power supply unit,
The communication unit, the power supply unit, and the memory unit are detachably connected via the communication side connection unit and the memory side connection unit.
A portable memory characterized by that. A communication unit for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device;
A memory unit for recording the data;
A power supply unit for supplying power to the communication unit and the memory unit,
The communication unit, the memory unit, and the power supply unit are formed separately from each other.
The communication unit includes a communication side connection unit for connecting to at least one of the memory unit and the power supply unit,
The memory unit includes a memory side connection unit for connecting to at least one of the communication unit and the power supply unit,
The power supply unit includes a power supply side connection unit for connecting to at least one of the memory unit and the communication unit,
The communication unit, the memory unit, and the power supply unit are detachably connected via the communication side connection unit, the memory side connection unit, and the power supply side connection unit.
A portable memory characterized by that. It further comprises at least one additional memory unit for recording the data,
The additional memory unit includes an additional memory side connection unit for connecting to at least one of the communication unit, the memory unit, and the power supply unit.
The portable memory according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The memory unit and the additional memory unit include memory identification information for identifying the memory unit and the additional memory unit,
A memory designating unit for designating a recording destination of the data based on the memory identification information;
The portable memory according to claim 5. At least one of the memory unit, the communication unit, and the power supply unit includes a mounting unit for mounting the portable memory on a mounting target.
The portable memory according to claim 1, wherein the portable memory is provided. In a state where the power supply unit, the communication unit, and the memory unit are connected, a substantially pen shape is configured,
The mounting portion is configured as a pocket clip,
The pocket clip is configured as an antenna connected to the communication unit,
The portable memory according to claim 7. The memory unit is configured in a card shape,
The communication unit and the power supply unit are configured as a card holder capable of storing the card-shaped memory unit,
The memory unit is detachably connected by being inserted into and removed from the card holder.
The portable memory according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by the above. The card holder is configured to store the memory unit and an additional memory unit for expansion,
The portable memory according to claim 9. The communication unit includes a wireless tag.
11. The portable memory according to claim 1, wherein the portable memory is any one of the above. At least one of the memory unit, the communication unit, and the power supply unit has a free space in the memory unit, the remaining number of times that the memory unit can be read and written, and an arbitrary image among the data recorded in the memory unit At least one of a thumbnail image of data, a remaining battery level, information for identifying an external device that can be wirelessly transmitted and received by the communication unit, and information for identifying the external device registered as the data receiving destination A display unit for displaying the
The portable memory according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein:

Images