JP2009017310A - Digital camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital camera, where a radio antenna is arranged efficiently in a form advantageous to radio wave characteristics without harming the design of an appearance in the digital camera having a radio communication function. <P>SOLUTION: The digital camera acquires image data, or the like by photographing an object with a photographing means for storage in a storage medium, and transmits the image data, or the like to an external device by radio communication. The digital camera has: a flash unit lighting the object; a pop-up mechanism for projecting the flash unit from the inside of a digital camera casing to the outside; a pop-up control means for controlling the pop-up mechanism; a communication unit for transmitting and receiving information to and from the external device by radio connection; and a radio antenna connected to the communication unit and attached to the flash unit. The pop-up control means operates the pop-up mechanism to project the flash unit automatically when radio communication is started by the communication unit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital camera, and more particularly to a digital camera having a function of photographing a subject by photographing means to acquire image data and the like and storing it in a storage medium and transmitting the image data and the like to an external device by wireless communication It is.

  Conventionally, an optical image formed by a photographing optical system such as a lens is subjected to photoelectric conversion processing by a photoelectric conversion element such as an image pickup element, thereby obtaining an optical image of a desired subject as an electrical image signal. A so-called digital image data file (hereinafter referred to as an image file) formed by including image data in the form of digitalized signal and various information data related to the image signal is so-called storage. An imaging device such as a digital camera (hereinafter simply referred to as a digital camera) has been widely used.

  Such a conventional digital camera or the like has a wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving an image file stored in a storage medium to / from an external device such as a small computer or another digital camera by wireless communication. There is something that is.

  As a wireless communication means provided in a conventional digital camera or the like, for example, a wireless connection interface (IF), specifically, a WUSB connection that performs wireless connection conforming to the wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus; WUSB) standard. Means, ultra wide band (UWB) wireless connection means, wireless LAN connection means, optical wireless connection means for performing infrared communication conforming to IrDA (Infrared Data Association) standards, and the like.

  In a digital camera or the like equipped with such wireless communication means, a wireless communication unit, a wireless antenna, and the like are disposed inside the housing. Regarding the internal arrangement, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-157099 Various proposals are disclosed.

  In the digital camera disclosed by the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-157099, a wireless antenna is arranged at or near a portion that is exposed without being touched by a hand when the camera is used. According to this, it is possible to prevent the user from unintentionally covering the wireless antenna unit of the camera with his / her hand or attached device, and thus deteriorating the wireless communication performance.

On the other hand, in recent digital cameras, a metal member is employed as an exterior member of a digital camera in consideration of an external design. By using a metal member as an exterior member, there is an advantage that a high-class feeling can be obtained.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-157099

  However, when a metal member is applied as an exterior member of a digital camera, radio waves and the like are reflected without passing through the exterior member, so that radio waves for wireless communication cannot be propagated to the wireless antenna inside the housing. There is a problem. Therefore, it is necessary to devise the arrangement of the wireless antenna inside the housing.

  For this reason, considering that the means disclosed in the above Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-157099 is applied to a digital camera with a metal exterior, a metal member is not used as an exterior member corresponding to the portion where the wireless antenna is arranged. It will be configured as follows. However, the means according to the publication has a problem in that the external design of the digital camera is impaired because the wireless antenna is disposed at a portion corresponding to the portion exposed at the time of use.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points. The object of the present invention is to capture a subject by photographing a subject by photographing means, and store the image data in a storage medium. In a digital camera having a function of transmitting to an external device by wireless communication, it is to provide a digital camera in which a wireless antenna is efficiently arranged so as not to impair appearance design and to be disadvantageous in terms of radio wave characteristics. .

  In order to achieve the above object, a digital camera according to the present invention has a function of photographing a subject by photographing means to acquire image data and the like and storing it in a storage medium, and transmitting the image data and the like to an external device by wireless communication. A flash unit that illuminates a subject, a pop-up mechanism that projects the flash unit from the inside of the digital camera housing to the outside, a pop-up control means that controls the pop-up mechanism, and an external device A communication unit that transmits and receives information by wireless connection, and a wireless antenna that is connected to the communication unit and attached to the flash unit, and the pop-up control means performs wireless communication by the communication unit. When started, the pop-up mechanism is operated to operate the flash unit. And characterized in that the Tsu preparative automatically projected.

  According to the present invention, a digital camera having a function of photographing a subject by photographing means to acquire image data and the like and storing it in a storage medium and transmitting the image data and the like to an external device by wireless communication has an appearance design. It is possible to provide a digital camera in which wireless antennas are efficiently arranged so as not to be damaged and not disadvantageous in terms of radio wave characteristics.

  The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the digital camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 2 and 4 are external perspective views of the digital camera of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the flash unit is housed in the housing, and FIG. 4 shows the flash unit from the inside to the outside. The state which protrudes is shown. 3 and 5 are enlarged cross-sectional views of the main part in the vicinity of the flash unit in the digital camera of this embodiment. FIG. 3 shows the storage state of the flash unit, and FIG. 5 shows the protruding state of the flash unit. . FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the playback mode process in the operation of the digital camera of this embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the wireless mode initialization process in the playback mode process of FIG.

  The digital camera of this embodiment receives a subject image formed by a lens, photoelectrically converts it and stores it as electronic image data, and also stores an external device (for example, an external device such as a small computer or other digital devices). A wireless device having a wireless communication function for performing wireless communication with a camera or the like.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the digital camera 100 of this embodiment includes a lens 1, an image sensor 2, an image pickup circuit 3, and an A / D converter (in FIG. 1, simply referred to as “A / D”). 4, signal processing circuit 5, frame memory 6, FIFO memory 7, TFT liquid crystal drive circuit 9, TFT panel 10, backlight unit 11, video output circuit 12, and video output terminal 13. A storage buffer 14, a storage medium interface (I / F) 15, a storage medium 16, an actuator 17, an actuator drive circuit 18, an external wired data interface (I / F) 22, a key matrix 23, LCD display circuit 24, LCD panel 25, battery 26, power supply circuit 27, backup power supply 28, battery state detection circuit 29, and first CPU 31 A second CPU 32, an EEPROM 19, an external wireless data interface (I / F) 20, a wireless antenna 21, an antenna radio wave level detection function unit 35, a flash 38, a flash circuit 39, a flash pop-up detection function unit 36, It is mainly configured by the flash automatic pop-up mechanism 37 and the like.

  The lens 1 is provided to form an optical subject image and form it on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 2.

  The image sensor 2 is an element that receives an optical subject image formed by the lens 1 and performs photoelectric conversion processing to output an electrical image signal. The image pickup device 2 is a solid-state image pickup device that can perform high-speed reading, and includes, for example, a CCD (charge coupled device), a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor), or other various types of image pickup devices. Can be applied.

  The imaging circuit 3 is an electronic circuit that receives an output signal from the imaging device 2 and performs various analog signal processing on the image signal.

  The A / D converter 4 is a circuit for receiving an analog image signal output from the imaging circuit 3 and converting it into a digital image signal.

  In the digital camera 100 of this embodiment, the lens 1, the image sensor 2, the imaging circuit 3, the A / D converter 4 and the like constitute the main part of the photographing means for photographing the subject.

  The signal processing circuit 5 is a circuit that receives the digital image signal output from the A / D converter 4 and performs various digital signal processing.

  The frame memory 6 is a temporary storage unit that receives the image signal processed by the signal processing circuit 5 and temporarily stores the processed image signal and various data related to the image signal. As the frame memory 6, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as SDRAM is applied.

  The FIFO memory 7 is a memory provided to temporarily store the image signal when outputting the image signal to various display devices.

  The TFT liquid crystal driving circuit 9 is a circuit that receives the image signal output from the FIFO memory 7 and controls the TFT panel 10.

  The TFT panel 10 is a display unit for displaying an image based on an image signal, various kinds of information in the digital camera 100, and the like under the control of the TFT liquid crystal driving circuit 9, and is capable of color display.

  The backlight unit 11 is provided on the back side of the TFT panel 10 and illuminates the TFT panel 10 from the back side.

  In the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment, display means for displaying the subject image photographed by the photographing means as an electronic image by the above-described TFT liquid crystal driving circuit 9, TFT panel 10, backlight unit 11 and the like. The main part of is composed.

  The video output circuit 12 receives the image signal from the FIFO memory 7, converts it into, for example, an NTSC format video signal, and outputs it to the external display device connected to the video output terminal 13 via the video output terminal 13. It is a circuit for doing.

  The video output terminal 13 is a connection terminal for connecting a signal line such as a video cable for electrically connecting the digital camera 100 and an external display device.

  The storage buffer 14 stores image signals and the like temporarily stored in the frame memory 6 as image data in the storage medium 16 or reads image data from the storage medium 16 and temporarily stores them in the frame memory 6. This is a buffer (temporary storage area) used at times.

  The storage medium I / F 15 is for controlling a storage process of image data and the like to the storage medium 16 and a read process of image data and the like from the storage medium 16.

  The storage medium 16 is a non-volatile storage medium for storing image data and other various data, such as a memory card having a thin plate shape or a card shape. The storage medium 16 may have various forms such as a form that is detachable from a device such as the digital camera 100 and a form that is fixed to an electric circuit inside the device such as the digital camera 100. Any one of them can be applied to the digital camera 100 of this embodiment.

  The main part of the image storage means for storing the image signal related to the image photographed by the photographing means and the accompanying data in the storage medium 16 as data in a predetermined form by the storage buffer 14 and the storage medium I / F 15 described above. Composed.

  The actuator 17 is a drive source for driving the lens 1 to perform an autofocus operation or a zooming operation.

  The actuator drive circuit 18 is a circuit that controls and drives the actuator 17 based on the control of the first CPU 31.

  The external wired I / F 22 is a connection portion (interface) for performing transmission / reception of data and the like between the digital camera 100 and an external device via a connection cable, for example, USB ((Universal Serial Bus)). Those conforming to standards and IEEE 1394 are applied.

  The external wired I / F 22 is electrically connected to the first CPU 31, and the external wired I / F 22 is controlled by a USB communication control function unit 31c (described later) of the system control unit 31a of the first CPU 31. It is like that.

  The external wired I / F 22, the connection cable (not shown), the USB communication control function unit 31c, and the like constitute a main part of wired communication means for transmitting and receiving information to and from an external device by wired connection.

  The key matrix 23 is used as a general term for operation input means including various operation switches and operation buttons provided in the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment. That is, a specific configuration example of the key matrix 23 is, for example, a power button for switching the power state of the digital camera 100 to an on or off state, a release button for starting a photographing operation, and a four-way direction for selecting and setting a menu screen. Various operation members such as a selection key (also referred to as a cross key), a switch member that generates a predetermined instruction signal in conjunction with each of these operation members, and an electric circuit that transmits an instruction signal from each switch member . A signal generated by operating each operation member of the key matrix 23 is output to the first CPU 31.

  The LCD display circuit 24 is a circuit that controls the LCD panel 25 based on the control of the first CPU 31 and displays various information on the LCD panel 25.

  The LCD panel 25 is composed of, for example, a monochrome LCD or the like, and various setting information set in the digital camera 100, for example, operation mode information such as a shooting mode, information on the number of images that can be stored in the storage medium 16, and information at the time of shooting. It is an information display member that displays information related to exposure such as shutter speed and aperture value. Note that some or all of the various types of information that can be displayed by the LCD panel 25 can be displayed using the TFT panel 10 described above.

  The battery 26 is a main power source in the digital camera 100.

  The backup power supply 28 is provided to constantly supply power to the internal memory, internal clock, etc. of the digital camera 100. For example, the backup power supply 28 holds information such as various setting values in the digital camera 100, date information, This is a sub power supply for enabling the date display to be always performed using the LCD panel 25 or the like.

  The power supply circuit 27 is a circuit that performs control to receive power from the battery 26 and the backup power supply 28 based on a command from the first CPU 31 and supply the power to each electric circuit in the digital camera 100 as appropriate.

  The battery state detection circuit 29 is a circuit that detects the state of the battery 26, such as the voltage in the battery 26, calculates the remaining battery level of the battery 26, and outputs the result to the first CPU 31.

  The first CPU 31 is arranged as a main CPU. The first CPU 31 is a control means for comprehensively controlling each circuit in the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment. For this purpose, the first CPU 31 of the digital camera 100 includes a system control unit 31a for appropriately controlling (controlling) the entire system of the digital camera 100.

  The system control unit 31a includes various electric circuits such as a WUSB communication control function unit 31b, a USB communication control function unit 31c, a pop-up mechanism control function unit 31d, an antenna radio wave level management function unit 31e, and the like, for example, an external device. A control circuit that realizes various functions such as a control circuit for a function of performing wireless communication with the communication device is configured (details will be described later).

  The first CPU 31 mainly functions as a control unit that performs operation control of various components.

  On the other hand, the second CPU 32 performs various processing controls mainly on information such as image data acquired by the photographing means.

  That is, the second CPU 32 is a circuit that receives the image data stored in the frame memory 6 and performs various signal processing. The second CPU 32 includes an image compression / decompression unit 32a, a storage medium access unit 32b, and the like.

  The image compression / decompression unit 32a reads the image data stored in the frame memory 6 and performs, for example, JPEG compression processing or the like, or performs decompression processing of the compressed image data read from the storage medium 16, etc. It is.

  The storage medium access unit 32 b is a circuit unit for controlling access to the storage medium 16 by the storage medium I / F 15.

  The EEPROM 19 is a processing program (application software) executed by the first CPU 31 and the second CPU 32, data such as communication setting information for communicating with an external device, and various setting data and unique data in the digital camera 100. Is a non-volatile storage medium for storing and maintaining the communication setting memory.

  For example, a flash ROM is used as the EEPROM 19. Of the data held in the EEPROM 19, as communication setting information for communicating with an external device, for example, WUSB authentication information 19a relating to communication means, a unique ID number (CDID; Connection) for specifying the digital camera 100, or the like. Device ID) information and the like.

  The wireless antenna 21 receives a wireless signal such as an electromagnetic wave of a predetermined form transmitted from the external device when performing data communication or the like by wireless connection between the digital camera 100 and the external device. An input / output unit for a radio signal that transmits a radio signal such as an electromagnetic wave of a predetermined form transmitted from 100.

  The wireless antenna 21 is connected to the external wireless data I / F 20 via the antenna radio wave level detection function unit 35, and inputs / outputs transmitted / received wireless signals to / from the external wireless data I / F 20.

  The antenna radio wave level detection function unit 35 is interposed between the radio antenna 21 and the external radio data I / F 20 and receives the radio wave level or input signal strength of the input signal from the external device received by the radio antenna 21 or the transmission / reception data. By detecting the transmission error rate and the like, it serves as a communication status detecting means for detecting the quality of the communication status between the digital camera 100 and the external device.

  The antenna radio wave level detection function unit 35 is connected to the first CPU 31, and the detection result is output to the antenna radio wave level management function unit 31e of the system control unit 31a and the WUSB communication control function unit 31b. It has become.

  The external wireless I / F 20 is interposed between the wireless antenna 21 and the first CPU 31, converts the wireless signal input by the wireless antenna 21 into an electric signal of a predetermined form, and outputs it to the first CPU 31. 1 Functions as a wireless communication connection unit (interface) that converts a signal from the CPU 31 into a wireless signal and outputs the wireless signal to the wireless antenna 21.

  The wireless antenna 21, the antenna radio wave level detection function unit 35, the external radio I / F 20, the WUSB communication control function unit 31b in the system control unit 31a of the first CPU 31, the antenna radio wave level management function unit 31e, etc. The main part of the wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving information by wireless communication is configured.

  Of these wireless communication means, the unit comprising the antenna radio wave level detection function unit 35, the external wireless I / F 20 and the like and connected to the wireless antenna 21 constitutes a communication unit.

  Of the components of the wireless communication means, the WUSB communication control function unit 31b is a control circuit for performing wireless connection in accordance with the WUSB standard, and particularly communication setting information for establishing communication with an external device. It serves as a communication control means for automatically generating and the like.

  The antenna radio wave level management function unit 31e receives the detection result from the antenna radio wave level detection function unit 35, and receives various information such as the radio wave level of the input signal of the wireless antenna 21, the input signal strength, and the transmission error rate of transmission / reception data. Is a circuit for managing and processing

  A flash light emitting device that emits flash light toward a flash 38 and a subject existing in front of the digital camera 100 to illuminate the subject, and a flash unit 40 (FIGS. 2 to 5) together with a flash circuit 39 described later. Reference).

  A flash circuit 39 and a drive control circuit that controls the flash light emission operation by driving the flash 38.

  The flash automatic pop-up mechanism unit 37 pops up the flash unit 40 from the inside of the housing of the digital camera 100 to the outside at a predetermined time by the drive control of the pop-up mechanism control function unit 31d of the system control unit 31a of the first CPU 31. Mechanism. Here, the pop-up mechanism control function unit 31 d serves as a pop-up control means for driving and controlling the flash automatic pop-up mechanism unit 37.

  The flash pop-up detection function unit 36 is a detection circuit having a function of detecting the state of the flash unit 40, in particular, the state in which the flash unit 40 protrudes outside the housing of the digital camera 100.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the flash unit 40 in the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment includes a flash 38, a flash circuit 39, and the like.

  The flash 38 includes, for example, a xenon tube 38a, a reflector 38b, a flash light emission window 38c, and the like, and a flash circuit 39 is electrically connected to the flash 38.

  In addition, a radio antenna 21 is disposed inside the flash unit 40 as shown in FIGS. The wireless antenna 21 includes an antenna substrate 21b on which an antenna element 21a is mounted, a lead wire 21c extending from the antenna substrate 21b, and the like.

  The flash unit 40 is arranged so as to be rotatable in the direction of arrow R shown in FIG. 5 via a support shaft 100d with respect to a fixing member (not shown) of the digital camera 100.

  When the flash unit 40 is in the state shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a part of the flash unit 40, particularly a part at the upper end portion where the flash 38, the flash circuit 39, the wireless antenna 21, etc. are disposed. Is completely housed in a flash housing portion 100c having a concave shape in the housing of the digital camera 100. This state is referred to as a storage state of the flash unit 40.

  From this state, when the flash unit 40 rotates about the support shaft 100d in the direction of arrow R in FIG. 5, the flash unit 40 is displaced to the state shown in FIGS.

  When the flash unit 40 is in the state shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the flash unit 40 protrudes from the housing of the digital camera 100. At this time, the flash unit 40 has an upper end portion where the flash 38, the flash circuit 39, the wireless antenna 21, and the like are disposed inside and exposed to the outside of the casing of the digital camera 100. Become. This state is referred to as a protruding state of the flash unit 40.

  As described above, the flash unit 40 in the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment is displaced from the housed state shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 to the protruding state shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

  Incidentally, the housing 100a of the digital camera 100 is mainly formed of, for example, a plastic member, and the exterior surface of the housing 100a is disposed so that the exterior member 100b made of a metal member covers the exterior surface.

  Similarly, the flash housing 40a of the flash unit 40 is mainly formed of, for example, a plastic member or the like, and is exposed to the outside in a part of the outer surface of the flash housing 40a, that is, in the storage state of FIGS. A flash exterior member 40b made of a metal member is disposed at the site to cover the outer surface. That is, the other part of the outer surface of the flash housing 40a of the flash unit 40, that is, the portion that is exposed to the outside for the first time when the protruding state shown in FIGS.

  In addition, about the structure of the part which is not related to this invention, the detailed illustration and description are abbreviate | omitted as what is the structure similar to a normal digital camera normally.

  In the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the operation when transmitting the captured image data and the like by performing data communication by wireless connection with the external device will be described below with reference to FIG. To do.

  In the digital camera 100 of this embodiment, when establishing a wireless connection with an external device and performing wireless data communication to transmit captured image data or the like, first, image data stored in the storage medium 16 is stored. The digital camera 100 is operated in a reproduction mode in which an image based on a file is reproduced and displayed on the display means.

  In order to operate the digital camera 100 in the reproduction mode, for example, a mode switch or the like for switching between the photographing mode and the reproduction mode among the operation members of the key matrix 23 is operated.

  Thus, when the digital camera 100 enters a state of operating in the playback mode, the first CPU 31 and the second CPU 32 execute image selection / playback processing in step S1 of FIG. In this image selection / playback process, for example, an image data file stored in the storage medium 16 is read, and an image based on the file is displayed in a predetermined form (one-screen one-image display form or multiple-image list display) using the display means. Display). And the digital camera 100 will be in the state which waits for input signals, such as a selection button operated by the user. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S2.

  In step S2, the first CPU 31 confirms whether or not the wireless mode switching signal is in an on state. That is, it is confirmed whether or not a wireless mode switching instruction signal generated when the user operates an operation member for switching to the wireless mode in the key matrix 23 is generated. If the wireless mode on signal is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, if the wireless mode on signal is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S3, the first CPU 31 checks whether or not the shooting mode switching signal is in an on state. That is, it is confirmed whether or not a shooting mode switching instruction signal generated when the user operates an operation member for switching to the shooting mode in the key matrix 23 is generated. Here, when the shooting mode ON signal is confirmed, the process proceeds to a predetermined shooting mode process. On the other hand, if the shooting mode ON signal is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S4.

  In step S4, the first CPU 31 checks whether or not a power-off signal has been generated. That is, it is confirmed whether or not a power-off instruction signal generated by the user operating the power button in the key matrix 23 is generated. Here, when the power-off signal is not confirmed, the processing returns to the above-described step S1, and the subsequent processing is repeated. If the power-off signal is confirmed here, the process proceeds to step S5.

  In step S5, the first CPU 31 executes a power-off process. Thereafter, the series of processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the wireless mode ON signal is confirmed in the process of step S2 described above and the process proceeds to the process of step S6, the first CPU 31 executes a wireless mode initialization process in step S6. Details of the wireless mode initialization processing are as shown in FIG.

  That is, when the wireless mode initialization process of step S6 is executed, first, in step S11 shown in FIG. 7, the first CPU 31 performs initialization processing of each circuit unit (wireless processing part) that executes the wireless connection process. Do. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S12.

  In step S12, the first CPU 31 executes a process for initializing (clearing) the pop-up error flag. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, the first CPU 31 checks whether or not the flash unit 40 is in a pop-up state (a protruding state). This confirmation is performed based on the presence / absence of a signal from the flash pop-up detection function unit 36. Here, when it is confirmed that the flash unit 40 is in the pop-up state, the series of processing is terminated and the processing sequence of FIG. 6 is restored (return), and the processing of step S7 in FIG. 6 is performed. Proceed to

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the flash unit 40 is not in the pop-up state, the process proceeds to step S14A.

  In step S14A, the first CPU 31 controls the flash automatic pop-up mechanism 37 to execute a process of automatically popping up (protruding) the flash unit 40. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S15A.

  In step S15A, the first CPU 31 confirms again whether or not the flash unit 40 is in the pop-up state (projecting state). Here, when it is confirmed that the flash unit 40 is in the pop-up state, the series of processing ends, the processing sequence returns to FIG. 6 (return), and the processing proceeds to step S7 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the flash unit 40 is not in the pop-up state, the process proceeds to step S16A.

  In step S <b> 16 </ b> A, the first CPU 31 sets a pop-up error flag (turns on), and simultaneously executes a process of displaying a predetermined failure warning display on the display screen of the TFT panel 9 using the display unit. To do. Thereafter, the series of processes is terminated, the process sequence returns to FIG. 6 (return), and the process proceeds to step S7 in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 6, in step S <b> 7, the first CPU 31 confirms whether or not the pop-up error flag is turned on. If it is confirmed that the pop-up error flag is on (ON), the process proceeds to step S9.

  In step S <b> 9, the first CPU 31 executes a process of displaying an antenna error display on the display screen of the TFT panel 9 using the display unit. At the same time, a process for canceling the wireless mode is executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S4, and the subsequent processes are executed.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the process of step S7 described above that the pop-up error flag is not on (ON), the process proceeds to step S8.

  In step S8, the first CPU 31 executes data communication processing (wireless communication processing) by wireless connection. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S4, and the subsequent processes are executed.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the wireless mode is selected and the mode is switched by the user, the state of the flash unit 40 including the wireless antenna 21 is confirmed, and the flash unit 40 is checked. Is in a pop-up state in which the flash unit 40 is automatically protruded when the flash unit 40 is in the stowed state.

  Therefore, when performing data communication by wireless connection, the wireless antenna 21 is automatically exposed to the metal exterior member 100b and disposed at a position protruding outside the casing 100a of the digital camera 100. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the stability during data communication by wireless connection.

  The pop-up flash unit 40 is normally housed inside the housing of the digital camera 100 and protrudes from the housing when in use. The present invention pays attention to this point, and when the communication unit including the wireless antenna 21 is arranged inside the flash unit 40 and the wireless unit 21 performs data communication by wireless connection by switching to the wireless mode, the flash unit 40 is automatically To pop up. Thus, when not in use, the wireless antenna 21 and the like are housed inside the housing together with the flash unit 40, and are arranged at positions protruding outside the housing when in use.

  In this case, when the flash unit 40 is in the pop-up state, the wireless antenna 21 is arranged at a higher position than in the housed state, so that the antenna performance during use can be improved. . On the other hand, when it is in the storage state when not in use, it is disposed at a position that does not get in the way, so that efficient member arrangement can be realized without impairing the design of the camera itself.

  In the digital camera 100, since the wireless antenna 21 and the communication unit are arranged inside the flash unit 40 originally provided, the above effect can be easily obtained without adding a special mechanism. it can.

  In the first embodiment described above, when the wireless mode in the playback mode is selected from the operation modes of the digital camera 100 and it is detected that the wireless mode has been switched to, the wireless mode initialization process (step of FIG. 6) is performed. In the process of S6 (see FIG. 7), the flash unit 40 automatically pops up.

  As the wireless mode initialization process, for example, an operation sequence as shown in FIG. 8 can be used separately from the process in the first embodiment (automatic pop-up process of the flash unit 40).

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a modification of the wireless mode initialization process in the digital camera of the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The wireless mode initialization processing of the modification shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is basically the same as the processing sequence of the first embodiment described above, and only some processing steps are different. Therefore, in this embodiment, the same process number is attached to the same process step, the description thereof is omitted, and only different process steps are described in detail below.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the wireless mode initialization process in the present modification, the processes in steps S11 to S13 are the same as the processes in the first embodiment described above (FIG. 7).

  In step S13, it is confirmed that the flash unit 40 is not in the pop-up state. When the process proceeds to step S14B, the first CPU 31 controls the TFT liquid crystal driving circuit 9 to display the TFT panel 9 in step S14B. A process for displaying an instruction to pop up (project) the flash unit 40 on the screen is performed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S15B.

  In step S15B, the first CPU 31 monitors an instruction signal from a predetermined operation member of the key matrix 23 to confirm whether or not a cancel operation has been performed. If the predetermined cancel instruction signal is not confirmed, the process returns to the above-described step S13 and the subsequent processes are repeated. On the other hand, if a predetermined cancel instruction signal is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S16B.

  In step S <b> 16 </ b> B, the first CPU 31 executes a process of setting a pop-up error flag (turning it on). Thereafter, the series of processes is terminated, the process returns to the sequence of FIG. 6 (return), and the process proceeds to step S7 of FIG.

  Other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  According to this modification, it is detected that the mode has been switched to the wireless mode, and a display prompting the pop-up operation of the flash unit 40 is performed. That is, in this modification, when the wireless mode is selected, the user manually performs a pop-up operation of the flash unit 40. Accordingly, since the user always operates with the operation mode of the digital camera 100 consciously operated, for example, even when a malfunction or the like occurs in the pop-up mechanism or the like of the digital camera 100, the user can be surely dealt with. can do.

  Next, a digital camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the playback mode process in the operation of the digital camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of the wireless communication process in the reproduction mode process of FIG.

  The configuration of the digital camera of this embodiment is exactly the same as that of the digital camera of the first embodiment described above, and the processing sequence of the wireless communication process during operation in the wireless mode in the playback mode process is different. Therefore, in this embodiment, description about the structure of a digital camera is abbreviate | omitted, and FIGS. 1-5 is referred.

  Also, the playback mode processing in the present embodiment is basically the same as the playback mode processing (see FIG. 6) of the first embodiment described above, and only some processing steps are different. Therefore, in this embodiment, the same process number is attached to the same process step, the description thereof is omitted, and only different process steps are described in detail below.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the playback mode processing in this embodiment, the processing in steps S1 to S5 is the same as the processing in the first embodiment (FIG. 6).

  When the wireless mode ON signal is confirmed in the process of step S2 and the process proceeds to the process of step S21, in this step S21, the first CPU 31 initializes each circuit unit (wireless processing unit) that executes the wireless connection process. Process. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S22.

  In step S22, the first CPU 31 executes host selection processing for selecting an external device (host) that is a counterpart of wireless data communication. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S23.

  In step S23, the first CPU 31 executes wireless communication processing. The details of this wireless communication process are as shown in FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S4, and the subsequent processes are executed.

  When the wireless communication processing in step S23 is executed, first, in step S31 shown in FIG. 10, the first CPU 31 executes host authentication processing. This host authentication process is a series of processes for identifying the digital camera 100 itself and an external device that is a communication partner prior to performing data communication by wireless connection. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S32.

  In step S32, the first CPU 31 detects the received radio wave level by controlling the antenna radio wave level detection function unit 35 via the antenna radio wave level management function unit 31e, and whether the radio wave level of the detection result is a certain level or more. Confirm whether or not. If it is confirmed that the radio wave level is above a certain level, the process proceeds to step S34. If it is confirmed that the radio wave level has not reached a certain level, the process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S <b> 33, the first CPU 31 controls the flash automatic pop-up mechanism unit 37 to execute processing for automatically popping up the flash unit 40. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S34.

  In step S34, the first CPU 31 executes transmission image selection processing. In this new image selection process, for example, a list of images based on the image file stored in the storage medium 16 is displayed on the display screen of the TFT panel 10 in the display means, and the user is viewing this image list display. When a selection operation is performed using a predetermined operation member of the key matrix 23, a series of processing is performed in which the selected image signal is received and the designated image file is registered as a transmission target image file (a flag is set). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S35.

  In step S <b> 35, the first CPU 31 starts executing a transmission operation process for the transmission target image file specified in the process of step S <b> 34 described above. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S36.

  In step S36, as in step S32 described above, the first CPU 31 controls the antenna radio wave level detection function unit 35 via the antenna radio wave level management function unit 31e to detect the received radio wave level, and the radio wave level of the detection result. Confirm whether or not is at a certain level or higher. If it is confirmed that the radio wave level is above a certain level, the process proceeds to step S37.

  In step S37, the first CPU 31 executes a transfer process in units of blocks for the transmission target image file. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S38.

  In step S38, the first CPU 31 checks whether or not the transfer process (for example, one image file process) in step S37 described above has been completed. If all the transfer processes for the transmission target image file have not been completed, the process returns to the above-described step S36 and the subsequent processes are repeated. If it is confirmed that all the transfer processes for the transmission target image file have been completed, the process proceeds to step S39.

  In step S39, the first CPU 31 executes a transfer end display process for controlling the TFT liquid crystal drive circuit 9 to display on the display screen of the TFT panel 10 that the transfer has ended. Thereafter, a series of wireless communication processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S36 that the radio wave level has not reached a certain level, the process proceeds to step S40.

  In step S40, the first CPU 31 confirms whether the flash unit 40 is in the pop-up state by confirming the signal from the flash pop-up detection function unit 36. If it is confirmed that the flash unit 40 is not in the pop-up state, the process proceeds to step S41.

  In step S41, the first CPU 31 controls the flash automatic pop-up mechanism unit 37 to execute a process of automatically popping up the flash unit 40. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S38, and the subsequent processes are executed.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the flash unit 40 is in the pop-up state in the process of step S40 described above, the process proceeds to step S42.

  In step S42, the first CPU 31 executes communication level error processing, interrupts the communication operation, and controls the TFT liquid crystal driving circuit 9 to display a predetermined error on the display screen of the TFT panel 10. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S43.

  In step S43, the first CPU 31 executes a transfer cancel process for canceling a series of transfer processes. Thereafter, a series of wireless communication processing is terminated.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, after starting the data communication process by wireless connection, the radio wave level is detected again, and if the received radio wave level becomes less than a certain level according to the detection result, Since the flash unit 40 is popped up, for example, even if the communication status changes during the data communication operation and the radio wave level is lowered, the flash unit 40 is automatically popped up to bring the wireless antenna 21 to a higher position. Since it is arranged, it is easy to always ensure stable data communication.

  In the present embodiment as well, the processing mode shown in the modification of the first embodiment described above, that is, the processing mode in which the flash unit 40 is popped up manually by the user can be similarly applied. it can.

  In the second embodiment, the radio wave level is detected, and the pop-up control of the flash unit 40 is performed according to the detection result. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, for example, the intensity of the input signal of the radio antenna 21 may be detected, or the ratio of transmission / reception data transmission errors may be detected. Then, it is also possible to easily perform the pop-up control of the flash unit 40 according to the detection result derived based on these various types of information.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications can of course be implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention. Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, the problem described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved, and the effect described in the effect of the invention Can be obtained as an invention.

1 is a block configuration diagram showing a main configuration of a digital camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the digital camera of FIG. 1, showing a state in which a flash unit is housed inside a housing. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part in the vicinity of a flash unit in the digital camera of FIG. 1 and showing a storage state of the flash unit. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the digital camera of FIG. 1, showing a state in which a flash unit protrudes from the inside of the housing. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part in the vicinity of a flash unit in the digital camera of FIG. 1 and showing a protruding state of the flash unit. The flowchart which shows a reproduction | regeneration mode process among the effects | actions of the digital camera of FIG. The flowchart which shows the detail of the radio | wireless mode initialization process in the reproduction | regeneration mode process of FIG. The flowchart which shows the modification of the radio | wireless mode initialization process of FIG. The flowchart which shows a reproduction | regeneration mode process among the effects | actions of the digital camera of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the detail of the radio | wireless communication process in the reproduction | regeneration mode process of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Lens 2 ... Imaging device 3 ... Imaging circuit 16 ... Storage medium 21 ... Wireless antenna 21a ... Antenna element 21b ... Antenna substrate 31 ... 1st CPU
31a: System control unit 31b: WUSB communication control function unit 31c: USB communication control function unit 31d: Pop-up mechanism control function unit 31e: Antenna radio wave level management function unit 32: Second CPU
35 …… Antenna radio wave level detection function unit 36 …… Flash pop-up detection function unit 37 …… Flash automatic pop-up mechanism unit 38 …… Flash 38a …… Xenon tube 38b …… Reflective umbrella 38c …… Flash light emission window 39 …… Flash circuit 40... Flash unit 40 a... Flash housing 40 b... Flash exterior member 100... Digital camera 100 a.

Claims (4)

A digital camera having a function of photographing a subject by photographing means to acquire image data or the like and storing it in a storage medium, and transmitting the image data or the like to an external device by wireless communication,
A flash unit that illuminates the subject;
A pop-up mechanism for projecting the flash unit from the inside of the digital camera housing to the outside;
Popup control means for controlling the popup mechanism;
A communication unit that transmits and receives information by wireless connection with an external device;
A wireless antenna connected to the communication unit and attached to the flash unit;
Comprising
The digital camera characterized in that the pop-up control means operates the pop-up mechanism to automatically project the flash unit when wireless communication is started by the communication unit. Further comprising communication status detection means for detecting the quality of the communication status with the external device,
The pop-up control means operates the pop-up mechanism to automatically project the flash unit when the communication status with the external device is deteriorated as compared with a predetermined condition. The digital camera described in 1. The communication status detection means detects the input signal strength from the wireless antenna,
The pop-up control means operates the pop-up mechanism to automatically project the flash unit when the signal intensity detected by the communication status detection means becomes weaker than a predetermined value. The digital camera according to claim 2. The communication status detecting means detects a transmission error rate of data transmitted or received by the communication unit,
The pop-up control means operates the pop-up mechanism to automatically project the flash unit when the ratio of transmission errors detected by the communication status detection means exceeds a predetermined value. The digital camera according to claim 2.

Images