JP3392112B2 - External device connectable to imaging apparatus and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an external device connectable to an image pickup device for taking an image and a control method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a memory having a solid-state memory device
Electronic still cameras capable of recording still images using cards as recording media are already on the market, and electronic notebooks, portable computers, etc., which can use memory cards are also on the market. When an image is input to a portable computer or the like, the image taken by the electronic still camera is recorded on a memory card, and the card is inserted into the portable computer to read the image.

[0003]

However, in a method of recording an image taken by such an electronic still camera in a memory card and inserting the card into a portable computer to read the image, There are many steps to do this, and it is inconvenient because I have to carry an electronic still camera and a portable computer together. Therefore, the applicant of the present invention has proposed a system in which an imaging device is detachably configured in such a portable computer.

It is an object of the present invention to further improve such a system and improve its usability.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an external device connectable to the image pickup device according to claim 1 comprises an operation means for causing the image pickup device to perform image pickup, and the image pickup device. A connection detecting unit that detects whether or not the device is connected, and a program storing an image capturing program for controlling the image capturing device when the connection detecting unit detects that the image capturing device is connected. Read from the means and stored in a predetermined storage means,
Control means for displaying data relating to the performance and / or specifications of the imaging device on a display means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling an external device connectable to an image pickup device, which detects whether or not the image pickup device is connected, and detects that the image pickup device is connected. In addition, an imaging program for controlling the imaging device is read from the program storage means and stored in a predetermined storage means, and data relating to the performance and / or specifications of the imaging device is displayed on the display means, and the external device When the operation means is operated, the image pickup device is controlled to execute image pickup.

[0007]

[0008]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 200 denotes an image pickup device, and 300
Is an information processing device.

The image pickup device 200 includes an image pickup means 202, a program storage means 50, an interface 52, and a connector 5.
It is composed of 4.

Reference numeral 50 is a program storage means for storing a program for performing image pickup by the image pickup means 202, and the stored program is executed by the information processing apparatus 300. Reference numeral 52 is an interface with the information processing apparatus 300, and 54 is a connector for exchanging data signals and control signals with the information processing apparatus 300 and for supplying power to the interface 52 and the program storage means 50.

The structure of the image pickup means 202 will be described.

Reference numeral 10 is a photographic lens, 12 is a shutter having a diaphragm function, 14 is an image pickup device for converting an optical image into an electric signal, and 16 is an A / D converter for converting the analog output of 14 into a digital signal. Reference numeral 18 denotes a clock circuit that supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the image sensor 14, the A / D converter 16, the memory control circuit 20, and the D / A converter 36.
It is controlled by the memory control circuit 20 and the imaging control circuit 40. 22 is, for example, adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT)
An image compression / decompression circuit for compressing / decompressing data by, for example, 24
Is an image memory. Reference numeral 20 denotes a memory control circuit that controls the clock circuit 18, the image compression / expansion circuit 22, and the image memory 24, and the data of the A / D converter 16 is written in the image memory 24 via the memory control circuit 20. When compressing an image, the data is read from the image memory 24, data is compressed by the image compression / expansion circuit 22, and then the data is written to the image memory 24. If you want to decompress the image,
The data is read from the image memory 24, decompressed by the image compression / decompression circuit 22, and then written in the image memory 24.

Reference numeral 30 is a shutter drive circuit for driving the shutter 12, 32 is a lens drive circuit for driving the focusing lens of the taking lens 10, 34 is a distance measuring circuit for measuring the distance to the subject, and 36 is the brightness of the subject. A photometric circuit for measurement, 38 is a flash. An image pickup control circuit 40 controls the entire image pickup means.

Reference numeral 42 is a power supply circuit, and 44 is a battery. The power supply circuit 42 is composed of a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch for switching blocks to be energized, and the like, detects whether or not the battery 44 is mounted, the type of the battery, and the remaining battery level, and detects the detection result and the image. The DC-DC converter is controlled based on an instruction from the control circuit 40, and a required voltage is supplied to each unit for a required period.

The image pickup control circuit 40 drives the focusing lens of the taking lens 10 by the lens driving circuit 32 in accordance with the measurement result of the distance measuring circuit 34 to control the taking lens 10 to the in-focus state. The imaging control circuit 40 also determines the opening time of the shutter 12 by the shutter drive circuit 30 based on the measurement result of the photometric circuit 36 so that the optimal exposure amount is obtained.

The configuration of the information processing device 300 will be described.

Reference numeral 60 is a control means for controlling the entire information processing apparatus 300, 62 is a program for operating the control means 60,
A storage means for storing variables and the like, 64 is a liquid crystal display device for displaying characters, images, sounds and the like required according to the execution of the program by the control means 62, a display means such as a speaker, 66.
Is an operation means for inputting various operation instructions to the control means 60.

Reference numeral 68 is a power supply circuit, and 70 is a battery. The power supply circuit 68 is composed of a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch that switches blocks to be energized, and the like, detects whether or not the battery 70 is installed, the type of the battery, and the remaining amount of the battery, and detects the detection result and control. The DC-DC converter is controlled based on the instruction of the means 60, and a required voltage is supplied to each unit for a required period.

Reference numeral 72 is an interface with the image pickup apparatus 200, and 74 is a connector for exchanging data signals and control signals with the image pickup apparatus 200 and for supplying power to the interface 52 and the program storage means 50.

Reference numeral 76 is an interface with a recording medium 90 such as a hard disk or a memory card, or with the communication means 100. Reference numeral 78 denotes a connector for exchanging data signals and control signals with the recording medium 90 and supplying power to the recording medium 90. Reference numeral 80 is a connector for exchanging data signals and control signals with the communication means 100 and supplying power to the communication means 100.

Reference numeral 82 denotes the information processing device 30 of the image pickup device 200.
It is an image pickup device attachment / detachment detection means for detecting the attachment / detachment state to / from 0 by a mechanical, electrical, optical, or other method.

Reference numeral 90 is a recording medium such as a hard disk or a memory card. Reference numeral 92 is a connector for exchanging data signals and control signals with the information processing apparatus 300 and receiving power supply, 94 is an interface with the information processing apparatus 300, and 96 is a recording area for recording an image signal.

Reference numeral 100 is a communication means for communicating with external equipment and communication lines. Reference numeral 102 denotes a connector for exchanging data signals and control signals with the information processing apparatus 300 and being supplied with power, 104 denotes an interface with the information processing apparatus 300, and 106 denotes a communication control circuit for controlling communication with an external device. According to the program, communication control according to the protocol of the layer to be connected, conversion / inverse conversion of data, modulation / demodulation, etc. are performed. Reference numeral 108 denotes a connector for exchanging data signals and control signals with external devices and communication lines. By using 108, communication such as electric transmission can be performed with an external device directly or via a communication line.

78, 80, 92, 102 and 108 can transmit various signals such as mechanical, optical and acoustic as well as electrical signals. The interface 76,
Even if the connector 78, the connector 80, the recording medium 90, and the communication means 100 are provided in a plurality, or the recording medium 90 and / or the communication means 100 are integrated with the information processing apparatus 300, there is a problem. Needless to say

The operation of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5. FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of the main routine of this embodiment.

When the information processing apparatus 300 is turned on by replacing the battery or the like, the control means 60 initializes flags and control variables, and executes a control program such as an operating system stored in a part of the storage means 62. Execute (S1). The control means 60 is set to receive the main switch included in the operation means 66 by executing the control program.

The control means 60, if the main switch included in the operating means 66 is off (S2), the power supply circuit 68.
Is in a power-off state for supplying power to the minimum required block, or a power-on state for supplying power including the display means 64 (S15). If it is in the on state, the display by the display means 64 is terminated, the power supply circuit 68 is set in the power off state (S16), and the main circuit included in the operation means 66 is turned on.
Wait for switch operation (S2).

If the main switch included in the operating means 66 is on (S2), the control means 60 causes the power supply circuit 68 to operate.
It is judged whether the state of is in the power-off state or the power-on state (S3), and if it is not in the power-on state, the power supply circuit 68 is set to the power-on state, and the display means 64 displays characters. A necessary predetermined display is made with images such as numbers and icons, and setting is made so as to accept the input by the operating means 66 (S4).

The control means 60 comprises the image pickup device attachment / detachment detection means 8
2, it is determined whether or not the image pickup apparatus 200 is connected to the information processing apparatus 300 (S5), and the image pickup apparatus connection flag is set (S6) / released (S7) according to the connection state. This image pickup device connection flag is stored in an internal register of the control means 60 or a part of the storage means 62.

If the image pickup switch included in the operation means 66 is off (S8), the control means 60 terminates the display of the predetermined display necessary for image pickup by the display means 64 (S17), and the operation means. Wait for command input by 66.

When a command is input (S18), a predetermined process is executed by the information processing device 300 according to the command (S19), and when the predetermined process is completed, the display means 6 is displayed.
A necessary predetermined display is made on the image of characters, numbers, icons, etc. on the display 4, setting is made so that the input by the operating means 66 is accepted, and the operation of the main switch included in the operating means 66 is awaited (S2).

If the image pickup switch included in the operation means 66 is turned on (S8), the control means 60 causes the display means 64 to perform a predetermined display necessary for image pickup (S9).

The predetermined display necessary for taking an image includes, for example, operation modes such as single shooting, continuous shooting and self-timer shooting of the image pickup device 200, distance measuring / photometric information, operating state of the flash 38, and battery 44. Remaining amount, shutter speed value, aperture value, exposure correction value, gain up operation state for increasing the sensitivity of the image sensor, usage state of the image memory 24,
The operation state of the compression / expansion circuit 22, the recording operation state of the recording medium 90, the number of shots, the shot capacity, the remaining number, the remaining capacity, etc. are displayed on the display means 64 using images such as letters / numbers and icons. It In addition, the function of the image pickup apparatus 200 is used as an image of a general camera operation unit such as a release button, an electronic dial, and a mode select dial.
You may display on the display means 64. Further, display means 64
It is also possible to select the image of the operation unit of the camera displayed on the screen with a pointing device such as a pen, a mouse, a trackball, a touch panel, or a line-of-sight detection to be used as the input of the operation unit 66. Further, the display means 64 is a viewfinder for performing through mode display in which signals from the image pickup device are continuously displayed and monitor mode display in which captured images and recorded images are displayed in parallel or by switching. Provide inside. As a result, even in the information processing apparatus 300, it is possible to perform the same image capturing operation as that of the camera without a sense of discomfort.

If the image pickup device connection flag is cleared (S10), the control means 60 displays the monitor mode on the display means 64 (S14) and waits for the operation of the main switch included in the operation means 66. (S2).

If the image pickup device connection flag is set (S10), the control means 60 displays the through mode on the display means 64 (S11) to operate the image pickup device 200 from the program storage means 50. The program is read, and the storage means 6 is operated via the interface 52, the connector 54, the connector 74, and the interface 72.
The data is stored in a part of the area 2 (S12).

The control means 60 reads the program for operating the image pickup apparatus 200 from the storage means 62 and executes it (S13). By executing the program, the control means 6
Reference numeral 0 indicates a predetermined display necessary for capturing an image on the display unit 64, and the image capturing apparatus 2 according to an input command from the operation unit 66.
The respective units of No. 00 are sequentially operated and an image is taken.

When all the image pickup operations are completed, the control means 60 finishes the execution of the image pickup mode, displays the necessary predetermined images such as images of characters, numbers and icons on the display means 64, and the operation means 66 is operated. The input is set to be accepted, and the operation of the main switch included in the operating means 66 is awaited (S2).

FIG. 3 shows a detailed flowchart of the execution of the image pickup program in S13 of FIG. In the description, the exchange of the data signal and the control signal between the control unit 60 and the photographing control circuit 40 will be described in the interface 72,
It shall be performed via the connector 74, the connector 54, and the interface 52.

The control means 60 uses the program for operating the image pickup device 200 stored in a part of the area of the storage means 62 in S12 of FIG. ) Is read (S2
1) In accordance with the read imaging information, the display necessary for imaging on the display unit 64 is displayed (S22).

In S9 of FIG. 2, general-purpose items such as the position, color, and frame of each display content of "display necessary for image pickup" are already displayed, and therefore, they are mounted here. Information unique to the image pickup apparatus 200, for example, items and numerical values depending on the specifications and performances of the apparatus are displayed in the form of characters, numbers, icons, and the like.

The control means 60 commands the image pickup control circuit 40 to initialize the image pickup means 202. Accordingly
The imaging control circuit 40 initializes flags and variables, and
The power supply circuit 42 is turned on, and each unit of the image pickup means 202 is set to the initial state (S23).

The control means 60 commands the image pickup control circuit 40 to display the through mode. In response to this, the image pickup control circuit 40 converts the image formed on the image pickup element 12 into an A / D image.
The information is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 300 via the converter 16, the memory control circuit 20, the image memory 24, the memory control circuit 20, the interface 52, and the connector 54 again. Control means 6
0 writes the imaged image data in the internal video memory of the display means 64 via the connector 74 and the interface 72, reads it out, and displays it by the display means 64 as a finder display (S24).

If the image pickup switch included in the operating means 66 is off (S25), the control means 60 ends the image pickup display and finder display by the display means 64 (S36), and ends the image pickup program execution (S13).

The control means 60 judges whether the image data picked up by the image pickup device 200 can be recorded in the storage means 62 or the recording medium 90 (S26), and there is no recordable free area or the recording medium. If it is not possible to record due to, for example, not being connected, a warning is given by the display means 64 (S
35), the image pickup display and the finder display by the display means 64 are ended (S36), and the image pickup program execution (S13) is ended. At the end of execution of the image pickup program, the control unit 60 instructs the image pickup control circuit 40 to end the operation of the image pickup unit 202, the image pickup control circuit 40 performs necessary end processing in each unit of the image pickup unit 202, and the power supply circuit 42 is terminated. Turn off the output.

The control means 60 has an area in which image information can be recorded (S26), and if the distance measuring / photometry switch (SW1) is set by the operating means 66 (S27), the image pickup control circuit 40 is instructed. Orders distance measurement and photometry operations. The image pickup control circuit 40 includes the distance measuring circuit 34 and the photometric circuit 36.
Distance measurement and photometry are performed, the photographing lens 10 is focused on the subject, and the shutter time is determined (S28). This distance measurement
Details of the photometric operation will be described later.

In the control means 60, until the distance measuring / photometry switch (SW1) is set by the operating means 66 and the photographing switch (SW2) is set by the operating means 66 (S2).
9) Repeat the distance measurement / photometry operation (S28).

When the photographing switch (SW2) is set by the operation means 66 (S29), the control means 60 stores the image data picked up by the image pickup device 200 in the storage means 62.
Alternatively, it is determined whether or not the data can be recorded on the recording medium 90 (S3
0) If there is no recordable free space or recording cannot be performed because the recording medium has been removed, a warning is given by the display means 64 (S34), and the image pickup switch included in the operation means 66 is operated. Wait for (S25).

If there is a recordable area (S30), the control means 60 commands the image pickup control circuit 40 to perform a shooting operation. The photographing control circuit 40 executes the photographing operation and writes the image data in the image memory 24 (S31). Details of this shooting operation will be described later.

If the next shooting is to be performed (S32),
Returning to S29, the same processing is repeated.

When the next photographing is not continuously performed because the continuous photographing is not performed or the image memory 24 is full (S3)
2) The control means 60 commands the image pickup control circuit 40 to perform a recording operation. The imaging control circuit 40 reads the image data from the image memory 24, and through the memory control circuit 20, the interface 52, and the connector 54, the information processing device 3
The image data is sent to 00. The control means 60 stores the received image data in the storage means 62 via the connector 74 and the interface 72, or further in the interface 76,
Writing to the recording medium 90 via the connector 78 (S3
3) and returns to S29.

If the distance measuring / photometering switch (SW1) is released by the operating means 66, the control means 60 releases the setting (S
27), and waits for the operation of the image pickup switch included in the operation means 66 (S25).

FIG. 4 shows a detailed flow chart of distance measurement / photometry in S28 of FIG. The imaging control circuit 40 is
The distance measuring circuit 34 measures the distance to the subject, and the measured data is stored in the internal memory of the image pickup control circuit 40 (S4).
1), the brightness of the subject is measured by the photometric circuit 36,
The measurement data is stored in the internal memory of the imaging control circuit 40 (S42). Whether or not a flash is required is determined based on the photometric value obtained by the photometric circuit 36 (S43), and if necessary, the flash flag is set and the flash 38 is charged (S44).

FIG. 5 shows a detailed flow chart of photographing in S31 of FIG. The imaging control circuit 40 reads the distance data to the subject stored in the internal memory of the imaging control circuit 40, and drives the focusing lens of the taking lens 10 by the lens drive circuit 32 to focus on the subject (S51). ). Further, according to the photometric data stored in the internal memory of the image pickup control circuit 40, the shutter drive circuit 30 opens the shutter 12 to expose the image pickup element 14 (S52, S53). It is determined whether or not the flash 38 is necessary by the flash flag (S54), and if necessary, the flash 38 is caused to emit light (S55).
The shutter 1 waits for the exposure of the image sensor 14 to end (S56).
2 is closed (S57), the charge signal is read from the image sensor 14, and the data of the captured image is written in the image memory 24 via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 20.
(S58).

(Other Embodiments) The second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 6, reference numeral 400 is an image pickup device.

The image pickup device 400 comprises an image pickup means 402, a recording medium 426, a program storage means 450, an interface 452 and a connector 454.

Reference numeral 450 denotes a program storage means for storing a program for performing image pickup by the image pickup means 402, and the stored program is the information processing apparatus 300.
Executed by.

The recording medium 426 is composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, etc., and may be fixed to the image pickup device 400 or detachable. The recording medium 426 may be composed of a plurality of recording media or a plurality of recording media 426, and one or a part of the recording media 426 may be fixed to the imaging device 400 and the remaining part may be configured to be removable.

The image pickup means 402 includes 410-424 and 4
Although it is composed of 30 to 446, these correspond to 10 to 24 and 30 to 46 in the first embodiment, and therefore the explanation is omitted in the second embodiment.

The operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 4, 5, and 7. The flow chart of the main routine of the second embodiment has been described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 shows a detailed flowchart of the execution of the image pickup program in S13 of FIG. In the description, the exchange of the data signal and the control signal between the control unit 60 and the photographing control circuit 440 is described in the interface 7
2, connector 74, connector 454, interface 4
It shall be performed via 52.

The control means 60 uses the program for operating the image pickup device 400 stored in a part of the area of the storage means 62 in S12 of FIG. ) Is read (S6
1) In accordance with the read imaging information, the display necessary for imaging is displayed on the display unit 64 (S62).

Note that, in S9 of FIG. 2, general-purpose items such as the position, color, and frame of each display content of "display necessary for image pickup" are already displayed, and therefore, they are mounted here. Items and numerical values that depend on the specifications and performance unique to the imaging device 400 are displayed as images of characters, numbers, icons, and the like.

The control means 60 commands the image pickup control circuit 440 to initialize the image pickup means 402. In response to this, the imaging control circuit 440 initializes the flags and variables, turns on the power supply circuit 442, and sets each unit of the imaging unit 402 to the initial state (S63).

The control means 60 commands the image pickup control circuit 440 to display the through mode. In response to this, the image pickup control circuit 440 transmits the image formed on the image pickup element 412 via the A / D converter 416, the memory control circuit 420, the image memory 424, the memory control circuit 420 again, the interface 452, and the connector 454. Notify the information processing device 300. The control unit 60 displays the captured image data via the connector 74 and the interface 72, and the display unit 64.
Write to internal video memory of
It is displayed by the display means 64 as a finder display (S
64).

If the image pickup switch included in the operation means 66 is off (S65), the control means 60 ends the image pickup display and finder display by the display means 64 (S76), and ends the image pickup program execution (S13).

The control means 60 judges whether the image data picked up by the image pickup device 400 can be recorded in the storage means 62 or the recording medium 90 (S66), and there is no recordable free area or the recording medium. If it is not possible to record due to, for example, not being connected, a warning is given by the display means 64 (S
75), the image pickup display and the finder display by the display means 64 are ended (S76), and the image pickup program execution (S13) is ended. At the end of execution of the imaging program, the control unit 60 instructs the imaging control circuit 440 to end the operation of the imaging unit 402, and the imaging control circuit 440 causes the imaging unit 402.
Then, the necessary termination processing is carried out in each of the sections to turn off the output of the power supply circuit 442.

If the control means 60 has a recordable area (S66) and the distance measurement / photometry switch (SW1) is set by the operation means 66 (S67), the distance measurement / measurement to the image pickup control circuit 440 is performed. Order photometric operation. The image pickup control circuit 440 performs distance measurement / photometry by the distance measurement circuit 434 and the photometry circuit 436, focuses the photographing lens 410 on the subject, and determines the shutter time (S68).

The control means 60 operates until the distance measuring / photometry switch (SW1) is set by the operating means 66 and the photographing switch (SW2) is set by the operating means 66 (S6).
9), the distance measurement / photometry operation (S68) is repeated.

When the photographing switch (SW2) is set by the operating means 66 (S69), the control means 60 stores the image data picked up by the image pickup device 400 in the recording medium 42.
It is determined whether the data can be recorded in the recording medium 6 (S70), and the recording medium 42
If there is no recordable area in No. 6, it is judged whether or not recording is possible in the storage means 62 or the recording medium 90 (S77), and there is no recordable free area in the storage means 62 or the recording medium 90. Alternatively, if the recording medium 90 cannot be recorded because the recording medium 90 is removed, a warning is given by the display means 64 (S7).
4) Wait for the operation of the imaging switch included in the operation unit 66 (S65).

If there is a recordable free area in the storage means 62 or the recording medium 90 (S77), the medium for recording the captured image data is changed from the recording medium 426 to the storage means 62.
Alternatively, the recording medium 90 is set to be changed, and the setting change is displayed (S78).

The control means 60, if there is a recordable area in the recording medium 426 (S70), or if there is a recordable area in the storage means 62 or the recording medium 90 (S77, S7).
8), command the imaging control circuit 440 to perform a shooting operation.
The photographing control circuit 440 executes the photographing operation and writes the image data in the image memory 424 (S71).

If the next photographing is to be carried out (S72),
Returning to S69, the same processing is repeated.

When continuous shooting is not performed or the image memory 424 is full and the next shooting is not performed (S7).
2), the control means 60 commands the imaging control circuit 440 to perform a recording operation. When the recording medium is set to the recording medium 426, the imaging control circuit 440 reads the image data from the image memory 424 and writes the image data in the recording medium 426 via the memory control circuit 420 and the interface 452.
On the other hand, the setting of the recording medium is the storage means 62 or the recording medium 90.
If it is, the image data is read from the image memory 424, and the image data is sent to the information processing device 300 via the memory control circuit 420, the interface 452, and the connector 454. The control means 60 writes the received image data into the storage means 62 via the connector 74 and the interface 72, or further into the recording medium 90 via the interface 76 and the connector 78 (S73), and returns to S69.

If the distance measuring / photometric switch (SW1) is released by the operating means 66, the control means 60 will cancel the setting (S
67), and waits for the operation of the image pickup switch included in the operation means 66 (S65).

Distance measurement / photometry in S68 of FIG. 7 and S7
The detailed flow chart of shooting in No. 1 has been described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 in the first embodiment, and will be omitted here.

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the third embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 8, reference numeral 500 denotes an image pickup device.

The image pickup apparatus 500 comprises an image pickup means 502, a recording medium 526, an interface 552 and a connector 554.

The recording medium 526 is composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, and the like, and it does not matter whether it is fixed to the image pickup device 500 or removable. The recording medium 526 may be composed of a plurality of recording media or a plurality of recording media 526, and one or a part of the recording media 526 may be fixed to the imaging device 500 and the remaining part may be configured to be removable.

The recording medium 526 comprises a recording area 558 and a program storing means 550.

Reference numeral 550 is a program storage means for storing a program for performing image pickup by the image pickup means 502, and the stored program is the information processing apparatus 300.
Executed by.

Reference numeral 558 denotes a recording area of the recording medium 526, in which imaged image data and information associated with the image pickup are recorded.

Although the recording area 558 and the program storing means 550 have been described as being separately configured in the recording medium 526, the recording area 558 and the program storing means 550 are integrated, and a part thereof is imaged. Of course, there is no problem even if it is assigned to record data and store imaging program.

The image pickup means 502 includes 510-524 and 5
Although it is composed of 30 to 546, these correspond to 10 to 24 and 30 to 46 in the first embodiment, and therefore the explanation is omitted in the third embodiment.

The operation of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 4, 5, and 9. Since the flowchart of the main routine of the third embodiment has been described with reference to FIG. 2 in the first embodiment, it will be omitted here.

FIG. 9 shows a detailed flowchart of the execution of the image pickup program in S13 of FIG. It should be noted that in the description, the data signals and the control signals are exchanged between the control means 60 and the photographing control circuit 540 by referring to the interface 7
2, connector 74, connector 554, interface 5
It shall be performed via 52.

The control means 60 uses the program for operating the image pickup apparatus 500 stored in a part of the area of the storage section 62 in S12 of FIG. ) Is read (S8
1) In accordance with the read imaging information, the display necessary for imaging is displayed on the display unit 64 (S82).

Note that, in S9 of FIG. 2, general-purpose items such as the position, color, and frame of each display content of "display necessary for image pickup" have already been displayed, so they are mounted here. Items and numerical values depending on the specifications and performance unique to the image pickup apparatus 500 are displayed in the form of characters, numbers, icons and the like.

The control means 60 commands the image pickup control circuit 540 to initialize the image pickup means 502. In response to this, the imaging control circuit 540 initializes the flags and variables, turns on the power supply circuit 542, and sets each part of the imaging unit 502 to the initial state (S83).

The control means 60 commands the image pickup control circuit 540 to display the through mode. In response to this, the image pickup control circuit 540 transmits the image formed on the image pickup element 512 via the A / D converter 516, the memory control circuit 520, the image memory 524, the memory control circuit 520, the interface 552, and the connector 554 again. Notify the information processing device 300. The control unit 60 displays the captured image data via the connector 74 and the interface 72, and the display unit 64.
Write to internal video memory of
It is displayed by the display means 64 as a finder display (S
84).

If the image pickup switch included in the operation means 66 is off (S85), the control means 60 ends the image pickup display and finder display by the display means 64 (S96), and ends the image pickup program execution (S13).

The control means 60 judges whether the image data picked up by the image pickup device 500 can be recorded in the storage means 62 or the recording medium 90 (S86), and there is no recordable free area or the recording medium. If it is not possible to record due to, for example, not being connected, a warning is given by the display means 64 (S
95), the image pickup display and finder display by the display means 64 are ended (S96), and the image pickup program execution (S13) is ended. At the end of execution of the imaging program, the control unit 60 instructs the imaging control circuit 540 to end the operation of the imaging unit 502, and the imaging control circuit 540 causes the imaging unit 502.
Then, the necessary termination processing is performed in each part of the above and the output of the power supply circuit 542 is turned off.

If there is a recordable area (S86) and the active switch (SW0) is set by the operating means 66 (S100), the control means 60 sets the viewfinder display to the through mode (S101). If the distance measuring / light measuring switch (SW1) is set by the operation means 66 (S87), the image pickup control circuit 540 is instructed to perform the distance measuring / light measuring operation. The image pickup control circuit 540 performs distance measurement / photometry by the distance measurement circuit 534 and the photometry circuit 536,
The focus of the taking lens 510 is focused on the subject, and the shutter time is determined (S88).

In the control means 60, the active switch (SW0) is set by the operating means 66, and the operating means 66
The distance measurement / photometry switch (SW1) is set by and the distance measurement / photometry operation (S88) is repeated until the photographing switch (SW2) is set by the operation means 66 (S89).

If the photographing switch (SW2) is set by the operating means 66 (S89), the control means 60 stores the image data picked up by the image pickup device 500 in the recording medium 52.
It is determined whether the data can be recorded in the recording medium 6 (S90), and the recording medium 52
If there is no recordable area in No. 6, it is judged whether or not recording is possible in the storage means 62 or the recording medium 90 (S97), and there is no recordable free area in the storage means 62 or the recording medium 90. Alternatively, if recording cannot be performed because the recording medium 90 has been removed, a warning is given by the display means 64 (S9).
4) Set the viewfinder display to monitor mode (S9
9), waiting for the operation of the image pickup switch included in the operation means 66 (S85).

If there is a recordable free area in the storage means 62 or the recording medium 90 (S97), the medium for recording the captured image data is changed from the recording medium 526 to the storage means 62.
Alternatively, the recording medium 90 is set to be changed, and the setting change is displayed (S98).

If there is a recordable area in the recording medium 526 (S90), or if there is a recordable area in the storage unit 62 or the recording medium 90 (S97, S9).
8) Instruct the image pickup control circuit 540 to perform a shooting operation.
The shooting control circuit 540 executes the shooting operation and writes the image data in the image memory 524 (S91).

If the next photographing is to be carried out (S92),
The process returns to S89 and the same processing is repeated.

When the next photographing is not continuously performed because the continuous photographing is not performed or the image memory 524 is full (S9)
2), the control unit 60 commands the imaging control circuit 540 to perform the recording operation. When the recording medium is set to the recording medium 526, the imaging control circuit 540 reads the image data from the image memory 524 and writes the image data in the recording medium 526 via the memory control circuit 520 and the interface 552.
On the other hand, the setting of the recording medium is the storage means 62 or the recording medium 90.
If it is, the image data is read from the image memory 524, and the image data is sent to the information processing device 300 via the memory control circuit 520, the interface 552, and the connector 554. The control means 60 writes the received image data to the storage means 62 via the connector 74 and the interface 72, or to the recording medium 90 via the interface 76 and the connector 78 (S93), and returns to S89.

In the control means 60, the setting of the active switch (SW0) is released by the operation means 66 (S10).
0) or the setting of the distance measuring / photometry switch (SW1) is canceled by the operating means 66 (S87), the finder display is set to the monitor mode (S99), and the image pickup switch included in the operating means 66 is set. Wait for the operation (S8
5).

Distance measurement / photometry in S88 of FIG. 9 and S9
The detailed flow chart of shooting in No. 1 has been described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 in the first embodiment, and will be omitted here.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 8, reference numeral 500 denotes an image pickup device.

The image pickup apparatus 500 comprises an image pickup means 502, a recording medium 526, an interface 552 and a connector 554.

The recording medium 526 is composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, etc., and may be fixed to the image pickup apparatus 500 or removable. The recording medium 526 may be composed of a plurality of recording media or a plurality of recording media 526, and one or a part of the recording media 526 may be fixed to the imaging device 500 and the remaining part may be configured to be removable.

The recording medium 526 comprises a recording area 558 and a program storing means 550.

Reference numeral 550 is a program storage means for storing a program for performing image pickup by the image pickup means 502, and the stored program is the information processing apparatus 300.
Executed by.

Reference numeral 558 denotes a recording area of the recording medium 526, and imaged image data and information associated with the image pickup are recorded therein.

Although the recording area 558 and the program storing means 550 have been described as being configured separately in the recording medium 526, the recording area 558 and the program storing means 550 are integrated, and a part of each is recorded as an image. Of course, there is no problem even if it is assigned to record data and store imaging program.

The image pickup means 502 includes 510-524 and 5
Although it is composed of 30 to 546, these correspond to 10 to 24 and 30 to 46 in the first embodiment, and therefore the explanation is omitted in the fourth embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG.
The operation of the fourth embodiment will be described. The flow chart of the main routine of the fourth embodiment has been described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG.

FIG. 10 shows a detailed flowchart of the execution of the image pickup program in S13 of FIG. It should be noted that in the description, the data signals and the control signals are exchanged between the control means 60 and the photographing control circuit 540 by referring to the interface 7
2, connector 74, connector 554, interface 5
It shall be performed via 52.

The control means 60 uses the program for operating the image pickup device 500 stored in a part of the area of the storage means 62 in S12 of FIG. ) Is read (S11
1) In accordance with the read imaging information, the display necessary for imaging on the display unit 64 is displayed (S112).

Note that, in S9 of FIG. 2, general-purpose items such as the position, color, and frame of each display content of "display necessary for image pickup" have already been displayed, so they are mounted here. Items and numerical values depending on the specifications and performance unique to the image pickup apparatus 500 are displayed in the form of characters, numbers, icons and the like.

The control means 60 commands the image pickup control circuit 540 to initialize the image pickup means 502. In response to this, the imaging control circuit 540 initializes the flags and variables, turns on the power supply circuit 542, and sets each unit of the imaging unit 502 to the initial state (S113).

The control means 60 commands the image pickup control circuit 540 to display the through mode. In response to this, the image pickup control circuit 540 transmits the image formed on the image pickup element 512 via the A / D converter 516, the memory control circuit 520, the image memory 524, the memory control circuit 520, the interface 552, and the connector 554 again. Notify the information processing device 300. The control unit 60 displays the captured image data via the connector 74 and the interface 72, and the display unit 64.
Write to internal video memory of
It is displayed by the display means 64 as a finder display (S
114).

If the image pickup switch included in the operation means 66 is off (S115), the control means 60 will display means 64.
The image pickup display and the viewfinder display by the
6) The image pickup program execution (S13) ends.

The control means 60 judges whether the image data picked up by the image pickup device 500 can be recorded in the storage means 62 or the recording medium 90 (S116), and there is no recordable free area or the recording medium. If it cannot be recorded due to the fact that is not connected, etc., a warning is given by the display means 64 (S125), the image pickup display and the finder display by the display means 64 are terminated (S126), and the image pickup program is executed (S125).
13) is ended. At the end of execution of the image pickup program, the control unit 60 instructs the image pickup control circuit 540 to end the operation of the image pickup unit 502, the image pickup control circuit 540 performs necessary end processing in each unit of the image pickup unit 502, and the power supply circuit 5
Turn off the output of 42.

If there is a recordable area (S116) and the active switch (SW0) is set by the operating means 66 (S130), the control means 60 sets the viewfinder display to the through mode (S131). If the distance measurement / photometry switch (SW1) is set by the operation means 66 (S117), the image pickup control circuit 540 is instructed to perform the distance measurement / photometry operation. The image pickup control circuit 540 performs distance measurement / photometry by the distance measurement circuit 534 and the photometry circuit 536, focuses the photographing lens 510 on the subject, and determines the shutter time (S118).

In the control means 60, the active switch (SW0) is set by the operating means 66, and the operating means 66
The distance measurement / photometry switch (SW1) is set by and the distance measurement / photometry operation (S118) is repeated until the photographing switch (SW2) is set by the operation means 66 (S119).

If the photographing switch (SW2) is set by the operation means 66 (S119), the control means 60,
Image data picked up by the image pickup apparatus 500 is recorded on the recording medium 5.
It is judged whether or not the data can be recorded in the recording medium 26 (S120), and if there is no recordable area in the recording medium 526, it is judged whether or not the recording medium 62 or the recording medium 90 can be recorded (S12).
7) If the recording means 90 cannot be recorded because there is no recordable free area in the storage means 62 or the recording medium 90, or the recording medium 90 is removed, a warning is issued by the display means 64 (S124). According to the setting of the finder display mode changeover switch by the operation means 66 (S132),
The through mode display (S133) and the memory mode display (S129) are set, and the operation of the imaging switch included in the operating means 66 is waited for (S115).

The through mode display and the memory mode display may be switched to display only one of them or may be displayed together depending on the setting. Furthermore, while displaying both the through mode display and the memory mode display, the selected one is enlarged, or the selected one is displayed in the upper window,
You may display it.

The control means 60, if there is a recordable free area in the storage means 62 or the recording medium 90 (S12).
7) The setting for changing the medium for recording the captured image data from the recording medium 526 to the storage unit 62 or the recording medium 90 is performed, and the setting change is displayed (S128).

The control means 60, if there is a recordable area in the recording medium 526 (S120) or if there is a recordable area in the storage means 62 or the recording medium 90 (S127,
(S128), the imaging control circuit 540 is instructed to perform an imaging operation. The shooting control circuit 540 executes the shooting operation and writes the image data in the image memory 524 (S121).

If the next photographing is to be carried out continuously (S12)
2) and returns to S119 to repeat the same processing.

When the next photographing is not continuously performed because continuous photographing is not performed or the image memory 524 is full (S12)
2), the control unit 60 commands the imaging control circuit 540 to perform the recording operation. When the recording medium is set to the recording medium 526, the imaging control circuit 540 reads the image data from the image memory 524 and writes the image data in the recording medium 526 via the memory control circuit 520 and the interface 552.
On the other hand, the setting of the recording medium is the storage means 62 or the recording medium 90.
If it is, the image data is read from the image memory 524, and the image data is sent to the information processing device 300 via the memory control circuit 520, the interface 552, and the connector 554. The control means 60 writes the received image data into the storage means 62 via the connector 74 and the interface 72, or further into the recording medium 90 via the interface 76 and the connector 78 (S123), S119.
Return to.

In the control means 60, the setting of the active switch (SW0) is released by the operation means 66 (S13).
0) Or, if the setting of the distance measuring / photometry switch (SW1) is canceled by the operating means 66 (S117), the through mode is set in accordance with the setting of the finder display mode changeover switch by the operating means 66 (S132). Display (S
133), the memory mode display (S129) is set, and the operation of the imaging switch included in the operation unit 66 is waited for (S115).

The detailed flow chart of the distance measurement / photometry in S118 and the photographing in S121 of FIG.
As described in the embodiment of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5,
It is omitted here.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of the image pickup apparatus 200 of the present invention.

In the image pickup apparatus 200, the connector 54
On the side opposite to the above, the components necessary for imaging by the imaging means 202, for example, the lens 10, the distance measuring circuit 34, the photometric circuit 36, the white balance measuring circuit 46, the flash 38 and the like are arranged. As described above, according to the present invention, when the image pickup apparatus 200 is mounted on the information processing apparatus 300, the lens 10, the distance measuring circuit 34, the photometric circuit 36, the white balance measuring circuit 46, the flash 38, and the like are necessary for image pickup. The feature is that the elements are arranged so as to be exposed from the information processing apparatus 300.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of the image pickup apparatus 500 of the present invention.

In the image pickup apparatus 500, the connector 55
The recording medium 526 is arranged on the fourth side, and the image pickup means 502 is arranged on the side opposite to the connector 554. As described above, according to the present invention, when the image pickup apparatus 500 is attached to the information processing apparatus 300, the lens 510, the distance measuring circuit 534, and the photometric circuit 53.
6, white balance measuring circuit 546, flash 5
It is characterized in that constituent elements such as 38 necessary for imaging are arranged so as to be exposed from the information processing apparatus 300.

13 and 14 show an embodiment of the image pickup system of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows an example in which a portable computer is used as the information processing device 300.

On the display means 64, a display showing the state and operating method of the image pickup means 202 and a finder display in the through mode and / or the memory mode are displayed. The image pickup means 20 is operated separately from the display means 64 or by the same operation means 66.
The operation of 2 is performed to capture an image. The input by the operation means 66 is generally performed by a key or a switch, but the display by the display means 64 is selected by a pointing device such as a pen, a mouse, a trackball, a touch panel, or a line-of-sight detection operation means. It may be input as 66.

FIG. 14 shows an example in which a portable radio telephone is used as the information processing device 300.

On the display means 64, a display showing the state and operating method of the image pickup means 202 and a viewfinder display in the through mode and / or the memory mode are displayed. In this example, the display showing the state and the operation method is shown in the lower window, and the finder display is shown in the upper window. A window may be further added to these two windows to display both the through mode and the memory mode. Display means 6
The operation means 66 which is separate from or the same as the operation means 4 operates the image pickup means 202 to pick up an image. The input by the operation means 66 is generally performed by a key or a switch, but the display by the display means 64 is selected by a pointing device such as a pen, a mouse, a trackball, a touch panel, or a line-of-sight detection operation means. It may be input as 66.

Further, if the state of the information processing apparatus 300 is set to a form suitable for image pickup, the image pickup switch is set, and if it is set to a form suitable for communication such as a telephone, the image pickup switch is released. May be. For example, in FIG.
In this case, if the opening angle of the information processing device 300 is considerably larger than 90 degrees and it is set to the face so that it is easy to talk on the face, it is determined that the information processing device 300 is used for a telephone and the image pickup switch is released. On the other hand, if the opening angle of the information processing device 300 is set to about 90 degrees and it is set to a form in which it is easy to take an image while viewing the finder display, it is determined to be used for imaging, and the imaging switch is set. The image pickup switch may be arranged, for example, in the vicinity of the hinge portion of the information processing device 300 and configured to be set / released according to the opening angle. In this way, the present invention can be used more effectively.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 6 and 8. The recording medium 90 and the recording medium 526 are a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, a micro DA.
Of course, there is no problem whether it is composed of T, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or the like.

There is no problem if the recording medium 90 and the recording medium 526 are a composite medium in which a semiconductor memory and a magnetic disk are integrated. There is no problem even if the semiconductor memory portion is separated from the composite medium and can be arbitrarily connected to the main body of the composite medium. On the contrary, there is no problem even if the magnetic disk portion is separated from the composite medium and can be arbitrarily connected to the main body of the composite medium. Of course, composite media
Not only semiconductor memory and magnetic disk, but also micro D
There is no problem even if the configuration is a combination of two or more including an AT, a magneto-optical disc, an optical disc, and the like.

In the description of the embodiment, the recording medium 9
Although 0 is described as being separated from the information processing apparatus body and can be arbitrarily connected, it does not matter if it is fixed to the information processing apparatus body.

Then, the recording medium 90 is added to the information processing device.
There is no problem even with a configuration in which one or more are connected. There is no problem even if one or more recording media 90 are fixed to the information processing apparatus main body and one or more recording media 90 can be arbitrarily connected.

Further, although the communication means 100 has been described as being separated from the information processing apparatus main body and arbitrarily connectable, it does not matter if it is fixed to the information processing apparatus main body.

There is no problem even if two or more communication means 100 are connected to the information processing apparatus. There is no problem even if one or more communication means 100 are fixed to the information processing apparatus main body and one or more communication means 100 can be arbitrarily connected.

The image pickup device 200 is provided with the image pickup means 20.
2. It has been described that the program is constituted by the program storing means 50 for storing the program for performing the image capturing by the image capturing means 202, but the configuration including the recording means and the program storing means for storing the program for performing the recording is also possible. no problem. In this case, when the program for image pickup is read from the program storage means 50, the program for recording is also read, and both are read together.
It may be executed at 0, and imaging and recording may be performed. The same applies to the imaging devices 400 and 500.

Further, it becomes possible to change the operation / display function of the information processing apparatus 300 according to the attached image pickup apparatus, and even if an image pickup apparatus having better performance / specification is required, only the image pickup apparatus is newly added. Can be replaced, and an image can be taken without replacing the information processing device 300 of the main body. Lens zoom function, flash function, shutter function, distance measurement / photometry function, color reproducibility, resolution, dynamic range, shooting speed, image memory 24 capacity, compression / expansion circuit 22 function, battery capacity, etc. Even when the apparatus is mounted, the operation / display function of the information processing apparatus 300 may be changed according to the program stored in the program storage unit and corresponding to each imaging apparatus.

As can be easily understood from the above description,
According to the present embodiment, the image pickup apparatus having the image pickup section and the program storage section can be attached to and detached from the information processing apparatus having the operation section, the display section, the storage section, the control section, and the image pickup apparatus attachment / detachment detection section. Thus, it is possible to provide an image processing system that is excellent in performance and is easy to perform a shooting operation.

Further, by having the function of setting the display content of the display means in accordance with the detection output of the image pickup device attachment / detachment detection means, it is possible to provide an image processing system which is excellent in portability and in which the photographing operation can be easily performed. It will be possible.

Further, the detection output of the image pickup device attachment / detachment detection means is a signal indicating non-connection of the image pickup device, and the function of setting the display content of the display means prohibits the setting of displaying the image being picked up by the image pickup means. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image processing system which is excellent in portability and which is easy to perform a shooting operation.

Since the information processing apparatus having the operation means, the display means, the storage means and the control means can be photographed with the image pickup device having the image pickup means and the program storage means attached, it is excellent in portability. It is possible to provide an image processing system that facilitates shooting operations.

Further, the output image of the image pickup means is displayed on the display means during the image pickup operation of the image pickup means, and the output image of the storage means is displayed on the display means while the image pickup operation of the image pickup means is stopped, thereby improving portability. It is possible to provide an image processing system that is excellent and that allows easy shooting operations.

Further, the output image of the image pickup means is displayed on the display means while the image pickup operation of the image pickup means is being executed, and the output image of the image pickup means and / or the output image of the storage means is automatically or while the image pickup operation of the image pickup means is stopped. By displaying the image on the display unit in response to the input from the operation unit, it is possible to provide an image processing system which is excellent in portability and in which the photographing operation is easily performed.

When the image pickup apparatus is mounted on the information processing apparatus, the functional portion used for photographing by the image pickup means is located at a position exposed from the information processing apparatus. It is possible to provide an image processing system that is easy to operate.

[0159]

According to the present invention, when an image pickup device is connected to the external device, the program for controlling the image pickup device can be read to control the image pickup device by the external device. By displaying the data relating to the performance and / or specifications of the image capturing apparatus on the display means, the operator can recognize the performance and / or the specification of the image capturing apparatus, and then the image capturing can be executed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a main routine of this embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an imaging program execution routine of this embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a distance measuring / photometric routine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a shooting routine of this embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a configuration block diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an imaging program execution routine of a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a configuration block diagram of a third embodiment and a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an imaging program execution routine of a third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an imaging program execution routine of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an image pickup apparatus 200 of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an image pickup apparatus 500 of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an image pickup system of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an image pickup system of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Shooting lens 12 shutters 14 Image sensor 16 A / D converter 18 clock circuits 20 memory control circuit 22 Image compression / decompression circuit 24 image memory 30 shutter drive circuit 32 lens drive circuit 34 Distance measuring circuit 36 Photometric circuit 38 flash 40 system control circuit 42 power supply circuit 44 batteries 46 White balance measuring circuit 50 Program storage means 52 Interface 54 connector 60 control means 62 storage means 64 display means 66 Operation means 68 Power circuit 70 power supply 72 Interface 74 connector 76 interface 78 connector 80 connector 82 Image pickup device attachment / detachment detection means 90 recording media 92 connector 94 interface 96 recording areas 100 communication means 102 connector 104 interface 106 communication control circuit 108 connector 200 Imaging device 202 image pickup means 300 Information processing device 400 imaging device 402 image pickup means 410 shooting lens 412 shutter 414 image sensor 416 A / D converter 418 clock circuit 420 Memory control circuit 422 Image compression / decompression circuit 424 image memory 426 recording medium 430 shutter drive circuit 432 lens drive circuit 434 Distance measuring circuit 436 Photometric circuit 438 flash 440 system control circuit 442 power supply circuit 444 batteries 446 White balance measurement circuit 450 Program storage means 452 interface 454 connector 500 imaging device 502 Imaging means 530 shutter drive circuit 532 lens drive circuit 534 Distance measuring circuit 536 Photometric circuit 538 flash 540 system control circuit 542 power supply circuit 544 battery 546 White balance measurement circuit 550 program storage means 552 interface 554 connector 556 interface 558 recording area

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI G06F 1/00 312M (56) References JP 62-150987 (JP, A) JP 63-271217 (JP, A) JP-A-4-70898 (JP, A) JP-A-4-295886 (JP, A) JP-A-3-144861 (JP, A) JP-A-3-55655 (JP, A) Actual development flat 2-55337 (JP, U) Actual Kaihei 1-171156 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06F 1/16-1/18 H04N 5/222-5/257 G06F 15 / 02

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. An external device connectable to an image pickup apparatus, comprising: an operation unit for causing the image pickup apparatus to perform image pickup; a connection detection unit for detecting whether or not the image pickup apparatus is connected; When the connection detecting means detects that the image pickup apparatus is connected, an image pickup program for controlling the image pickup apparatus is read from the program storage means and stored in a predetermined storage means, and An external device comprising: a control unit that causes the display unit to display data relating to performance and / or specifications. 2. The external device according to claim 1, further comprising a slot into which at least a part of the imaging device is inserted. 3. The external device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display an image sent from the imaging device. 4. The external device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to perform a window-like display and displays an image sent from the imaging device in the window. 5. The external device according to claim 1, wherein the program storage unit is built in the imaging device. 6. A method of controlling an external device connectable to an imaging device, comprising: detecting whether or not the imaging device is connected, and detecting that the imaging device is connected, An image pickup program for controlling the image pickup apparatus is read from the program storage unit and stored in a predetermined storage unit, and data relating to the performance and / or specifications of the image pickup apparatus is displayed on the display unit, and the operation unit of the external device is displayed. The control method is characterized by controlling the imaging device to perform imaging when is operated. 7. The control method according to claim 6, further comprising causing the display unit to display the image sent from the imaging device. 8. The control method according to claim 7, wherein the display means is caused to perform window-like display, and the image sent from the image pickup device is displayed in the window.