JP3500733B2 - Digital electronic still camera - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital electronic still camera capable of digitizing a photographed still image, storing it in a storage medium such as a memory, and transmitting the digital data to a computer or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, SRAM (Static Random Access)
Memory) and an IC card (IC memory card) having a built-in flash memory device have been developed as a recording medium for digital data, and their standardization is also progressing. This IC card is characterized by being small and lightweight as a semiconductor memory device, excellent in impact resistance, and the like. Recently, however, its price has been remarkably reduced, and various applications have been proposed. .

In particular, a flash EEPROM (Electrical
IC cards equipped with ly erasable programmable read only memory (so-called flash memory) have the advantages that memory devices have large capacities and low prices, and that they do not require a power supply for storage. Has been done.

On the other hand, some types of IC cards that have been physically and functionally different have been proposed so far, but efforts have been made to standardize them in Japan and the United States since the late 1980s. , At present, a unified format is proposed for each application and accepted by related industries. In other words, JEIDA (Japan Electronic Industry Development Association) in Japan and PCMICA (Persona
l Computer Memory Card International Association)
Centered on the standardization of these
Since the mutual compatibility between EIDA and PCMCIA has been completely achieved, this standardization proposal is becoming a global standard.

At present, several digital electronic still cameras (DSCs) have been developed and announced by the hands of Japanese and American companies, or have been commercialized and are on the market.
The primary use of this camera is to digitize video and send the digital data to a computer.
The transferred image data is processed in a computer environment or placed on a digital communication network and transmitted.

For example, as shown in FIG. 18, a computer (for example, a personal computer 501) is mainly used,
A still image system using the digital electronic still camera 500 as an image input device includes a digital printer, a printing / platemaking system, etc. as the output device 502.
Various configurations can be adopted according to the application. Specifically, an image photographed by the camera 500 is printed as it is by a digital printer as an example of the output device 502 to make an instant photograph, or a print / print operation is performed.
It is possible to print product advertisements and the like on the plate-making device. It is also useful for inserting photographic images into various documents to create effective documents. In either case, the image data is once taken in by the computer 501, processed, and output as needed. Also,
These image data in the computer environment can be transferred to MO disk (magneto-optical disk) or high-capacity HD as required.
It is stored in an external storage device 503 such as (hard disk).

A still image system using such a digital electronic still camera as an image input means is different from a system using a conventional silver halide film camera as an image input means.
Its advantages are that it is simple and advantageous for environmental protection.

That is, in addition to the image obtained by the conventional silver halide film camera being inferior in immediacy, a device such as a scanner is required for converting the film image into digital data, but the digital electronic still camera is itself. Images can be digitized instantly and transferred to a computer. Further, as is well known, a large amount of chemicals and water are required to generate an image by a silver salt film camera, which is disadvantageous from the viewpoint of environmental protection. On the other hand, the digital electronic still camera has an advantage that such a process is unnecessary and no waste liquid is generated.

On the other hand, in terms of image quality, the images obtained by the silver halide film camera are currently superior. This is mainly due to the CCD mounted on the digital electronic still camera.
(Charge Coupled Devise) This is because the resolution performance of the image sensor and the dynamic range of the system including the image processing circuit do not reach the silver halide film. However, recently, the performance of various devices mounted on a digital electronic still camera has been remarkably improved, and a digital electronic still camera that realizes an image quality close to that of a silver halide film camera has been released.
It is objectively predicted that the image quality of digital electronic still cameras will surely improve in the future.

[0010]

By the way, the data size of image data generated by a digital electronic still camera that captures a natural image such as a person, a landscape, or a product is document binary data, CG (Computer Graphics) data, and audio data. Is generally huge compared to.

The original image data of the digital electronic still camera currently commercialized is 0.5 MB before the compression process.
(Megabyte) -10MB, which is large. Image data of such a large size occupies a large amount of memory area, and also requires a huge amount of time for data transfer. In actual use,
The so-called JPEG (Joint Photographi
The original image data is compressed from a fraction of several to several tens of minutes by using a compression algorithm such as c Experts Group) and I
It is recorded in a recording device such as a C card or transferred to a computer.

However, the image data size is still small, and therefore the capacity of the recording device becomes a problem when the digital electronic still camera is actually used. That is, since a large-capacity recording device is large and expensive, an IC card that is small, inexpensive, and has a sufficient capacity is required for the camera application.

Generally, a semiconductor memory built in an IC card is still expensive as compared with a hard disk. Comparing the two according to the price per unit capacity, as of 1994, a hard disk costs about 300 yen per MB (¥ 300 / MB), but a semiconductor memory costs 5 to 10 times that price. However, the recent decrease in the price of the semiconductor memory is remarkable especially in the flash memory. The unit price of flash memory per unit capacity is predicted to fall below the current level of hard disks within the next three to four years. Further, the integration degree of the flash memory device itself has been dramatically improved, and the IC card for use in a digital electronic still camera has great potential.

Now, focusing on the image data recording apparatus and the method of transferring the data to the computer, these electronic still cameras are roughly classified into two types. That is, one of them is, as an image data recording device, an IC memory card or a relatively small hard disk drive (HD
D) is adopted, and this image data recording device is removable (removable). For example, as shown in FIG. 19, an IC memory card (or hard disk drive unit) 504 as an image data recording device can be easily removed from the main body of the camera 500, and the computer 501 can be removed.
Or other compatible digital equipment. By this method, the computer 501
Can directly import image data.

The other is as an image data recording device,
The digital electronic still camera has a dedicated memory section, which is not removable. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, in order to transfer image data to a computer 501 or other corresponding digital equipment, a wired path 505 is necessary, and for example, RS-232C or S
The data is transferred based on a communication protocol such as CSI (Small Computer System Interface).

Although such conventional digital electronic still cameras are hand-held cameras, they are all relatively large. That is, even the most compact and lightweight electronic still camera at the present time has a volume two to three times as large as that of the silver salt film type compact camera on the market, and its weight is proportionally heavy. . With this form and weight, for example, it can be put in a bag, but it is difficult to carry it in a chest pocket of a shirt, for example, and it is hard to say that it is a product that makes full use of the small size and light weight of an IC card.

Further, in the case of a camera of the type in which the image data recording device is removable, it is necessary to take out the IC card or the hard disk unit from the camera once in order to digitally interface it to the computer, which is not only troublesome but also troublesome. It had a drawback that extra parts were needed to make it removable and the cost was high.

Further, in the camera of the type that transmits data via the above-mentioned wired path, a cable is required for connection with a computer, which is not only troublesome to operate but also costly in the cable interface section. In addition, since there is a time required for signal processing and transmission of the cable interface, the image data recording device described above has a drawback that it takes a long time for transmission as compared with a removable type camera.

Furthermore, as a general tendency of the conventional digital electronic still camera, its price is high.

Depending on the performance, these cameras are currently sold at a prevailing price of $ 700 to $ 10,000 in the US market and 120,000 to 1.5 million yen in the Japanese market. Further, when the digital electronic still camera is regarded as a peripheral device of a computer system, the price of the camera is 10% to 30% of the price of the computer main body, which is said to be acceptable to the user. From that perspective, the price of personal computers (so-called personal computers) has dropped to below 200,000 yen,
It must be said that most current digital electronic still cameras are still very expensive. Not to mention the silver-salt film type compact camera, it is far from the price range of lens-equipped film (so-called “disposable camera”), which has been sold in huge numbers in recent years, and it is widely used by general consumer users. It is virtually impossible to buy an electronic still camera casually.

The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a digital electronic still camera which is small in size, light in weight, inexpensive, and easy to handle, which makes the best use of the characteristics of an IC card.

[0022]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been proposed in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, and is an image pickup means for converting an optical image formed on an image pickup surface into an image pickup signal, and the image pickup means. In a digital electronic still camera having a release button for shooting an image and a slot mounting portion having an outer shape that can be mounted in a memory card slot of a host device, a rail portion provided in the longitudinal direction of the outer shape of the slot mounting portion. It is characterized in that the release button is arranged by cutting out a part of it. Further, the present invention has an external slot mounting portion that can be mounted in a slot for an IC memory card of a predetermined standard of a host device, and at least an imaging means for converting an optical image formed on an imaging surface into an imaging signal. An optical system for forming the optical image on the imaging surface of the imaging means, a digital video signal forming means for forming a digital video signal from the imaging signal, and a compression means for performing data compression processing on the digital video signal. And an interface means corresponding to the above-mentioned predetermined standard and a data recording means,
In a digital electronic still camera, which is provided for the slot mounting section and has a release button for performing a shooting operation of the image pickup means, one of a rail section provided in the longitudinal direction of the outer shape of the slot mounting section. It is characterized in that the release button is arranged by cutting out a portion.

Here, in the digital electronic still camera of the present invention, all of these main electric components are mounted on one board, and the data recording means is, for example, a flash EEP.
ROM can be used. Further, the optical system is arranged such that the optical axis thereof is parallel to one side of the slot mounting portion, or the optical system itself is bent by 90 degrees and arranged by using a mirror or a prism. Furthermore, the digital electronic still camera of the present invention also uses a star as a finder application. Further, the digital electronic still camera of the present invention is provided with a compression rate changing means for changing the compression rate of the data compression processing in the compression means, and the compression rate is changed by the user as well as the data recording means. It is automatically changed according to the remaining recording capacity.

[0024]

According to the present invention, an IC of a predetermined standard for a host device
The overall size of the memory card slot can be mounted because it is configured by integrating various main electrical components such as digital video signal forming means and compression means with the image pickup means and optical system. Is close to the size of an IC memory card.

Further, according to the present invention, the optical system is arranged such that the optical axis is parallel to one side of the slot mounting portion having an outer shape similar to that of an IC memory card, or the optical system itself is set at 90 degrees by a mirror or a prism. By folding and configuring,
The thickness is thin.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, the number of parts for the finder is reduced by using the star as the finder.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, the compression rate of the data compression processing can be changed, and the number of photographed images recorded in the data recording means can be set arbitrarily.

[0028]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, the digital electronic still camera of the embodiment of the present invention has an outer shape which can be mounted in an IC memory card slot of a predetermined standard (a PCMICA standard IC memory card slot described later) of the host device 59. It has a memory card section 60 which is a slot mounting section. For this memory card section 60, at least
A CCD image pickup device 20 which is an image pickup means for converting an optical image formed on an image pickup surface into an image pickup signal, and the CCD image pickup device 2
Interpolation process DSP from lens assembly 10 as an optical system for forming the optical image on the image pickup surface of 0, and analog video signal processing circuit 31 as a digital video signal forming means for forming a digital video signal from the above-mentioned image pickup signal.
33, a compression circuit 36 as a compression means for performing a data compression process on the digital video signal, a card interface circuit 37 and a 68-pin connector 43 as an interface means corresponding to the predetermined standard, and a data recording means. Flash memory device 38.

Before going into a detailed description of the digital electronic still camera of the embodiment of the present invention, the PCMCIA
The specifications related to the present invention will be described in the outline of the IC memory card according to. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the IC memory card incorporating the flash memory device will be simply referred to as a memory card hereinafter. The memory card of this embodiment is the same as the JEIDA / PCMC.
It is based on the IA standard. Also, JEIDA
/ PCMCIA standards are put together and simply referred to as "P
CMCIA standard ".

The PCMCIA standard memory card is
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the projected area is approximately the size of a credit card, and three types of card thickness are specified. It should be noted that FIGS. 2 to 4 show the forms of, for example, three types of memory cards of the PCMCIA standard used as the card 504 of FIG. In each of FIGS. 2 to 4, a plan view of the card is shown in (a), a right side view is shown in (b), and a front view is shown in (c). All of these cards have the same planar shape, and the connection part with the host device is unified by a dedicated 68-pin connector 511. However, the thickness of the card is different, and the thickness of each card is decreasing in order. Type I (Type 1), Type II
They are called (Type 2) and Type III (Type 3).

Corresponding slots (insertion slot into which a memory card is inserted) 520, 530 on the host device side (computer 501 in FIG. 19) in which the cards 504 of each type shown in FIGS. The shape of 540 is as shown in FIGS.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 7, Type
Each of the I to Type III memory cards 540 has a common rail shape that is fitted to the connector 521 (that is, 68-pin shape and signal arrangement) and the guide groove on the side of the slots 520, 530, and 540. Therefore, the shapes of the slots 520, 530, and 540 side in FIGS. 5 to 7 are different only in the dimension of the holes in the lateral direction. This means that if you have a Type I memory card,
To the slots 530 and 540 for II or Type III, or for Type II memory cards, Type
It is shown that it can also be used by inserting it into the slot 540 for III.

Returning to FIG. 1, the digital electronic still camera of the embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described.

The digital electronic still camera according to the present embodiment has the lens assembly 10 and C mounted on the above-mentioned memory card having a built-in flash memory for recording image data.
The CD image pickup device 20, other electric parts, and functional parts as a camera are integrated together.
The camera of the present embodiment can be inserted into the memory card slot.

The CCD image pickup device 20 mounted on the digital electronic still camera of this embodiment corresponds to a 1 / 4-inch diameter light beam system and has an optical size of 4.76 mm × 3.57 m.
m, and the package size is 9 mm square. Further, the pixel shape is a perfect square, and the specifications make it easy to handle on a computer after digital conversion of the image pickup signal. The number of effective pixels is 640 in the horizontal direction and 480 in the vertical direction, for a total of about 300,000 pixels. Furthermore, this CCD image pickup device 20
Adopts a driving method called a so-called "all pixel reading method", and since vertical scanning can be performed in non-interlacing at the time of reading, electronic shutter control of a frame image is possible. This means that when a still image is taken, a frame still image can be taken for a moving subject without using a conventional mechanical shutter. Therefore, the digital electronic still camera of this embodiment does not require a mechanical shutter.

Light from a subject incident through the lenses 11, 13 and the diaphragm (iris) 12 in the lens assembly 10 forms an image on the CCD image pickup device 20 and is photoelectrically converted there. After that, they are read out in non-interlaced order in the order of pixel arrangement and input to the analog image pickup signal processing circuit 31. In the signal processing circuit 31, the image pickup signal from the CCD image pickup device 20 is subjected to predetermined analog processing such as sample hold and gain control. The video signal processed by the signal processing circuit 31 is converted into a digital signal by the analog / digital conversion circuit 32. From this point onward, it becomes the digital processing area of the signal.

This digital video signal is then subjected to luminance signal processing and color signal processing such as color interpolation, gamma control, white clipping, etc. in an interpolation process DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 33. The interpolation process D
The SP33 also detects (detects) the video signal to detect the AE (Auto Expos) of the digital electronic still camera.
ure Control: AF (Auto Focusing Co)
ntrol: Automatic focus control) or AWB (Auto White Balan
ce Control: has a function of outputting a detection signal necessary for automatic color temperature control) to a system control CPU (Centrl Processing Unit) 41.

The video signal processed by the interpolation process DSP 33 is separated into a luminance (Y) signal and a color difference (Cr / Cb) signal, and a frame memory controller (FMC: Fram) is generated.
e Memory Controller) 34, and under the control of this controller 34, a frame memory (FM: Frame Memo)
ry) 35. The frame memory 35 is a memory for temporarily holding and storing a signal from the controller 34, and for example, a DRAM (Dynamic Ra
ndom Access Memory) It is composed of devices.

The signal once stored / held in the frame memory 35 is divided into a predetermined amount of dot data (for example, 16 dots in the horizontal direction and 16 dots in the vertical direction) and sequentially read out, and input to the compression circuit 36. To be done. The signal input to the compression circuit 36 is subjected to data compression at a predetermined ratio, and has a small data size. As a compression algorithm in the compression circuit 36, for example, a so-called JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) system is adopted. The compression ratio is determined as a design specification of the digital electronic still camera. For example, the data size of the signal when compressed to 1/16 is as follows.

Original image: 0.3072 MB After interpolation process DSP processing: 0.4608 MB After 1/16 compression: 0.0288 MB The signal processed by this compression circuit 36 is sent to the flash memory device 38 via the card interface circuit 37. To be The card interface circuit 37 is controlled by a CPU (flash memory control CPU) 39 that controls writing / reading of data to / from the memory device 38. The interface circuit 37
An input signal to is stored in a designated storage area in the memory device 38 under the control of the CPU 39.
The CPU 39 also communicates with the system control CPU 41 through an internal bus.

Here, assuming that the memory capacity of the flash memory device 38 is 2 MB, the number of shots can be estimated as follows. Since the data size after compression (0.0288 MB) is purely the amount of the video signal, considering the header information necessary for storing (file) in the memory, the total data size including the header information: 0 .0350
Since MB / video is 1 and 2 ÷ 0.035≈57, 57 videos can be stored.
In this case, the storage amount (number of shots) of the memory card of 57 sheets is necessary and sufficient for normal use of the digital electronic still camera.

Thereafter, the flash memory device 3
The video data stored in 8 is sent to the external host device 59 via the card interface circuit 37 and further via the 68-pin connector 43.

Further, in the digital electronic still camera of this embodiment, a small power source 50, a power source control circuit 42 having, for example, a DC-DC converter, a CCD driver 40, a release button and the like of the camera. Operation part (D
SC operation unit) 42 and, for example, a liquid crystal display (LC
An information display unit (DSC information display unit) 52 configured to display information about the camera, such as the number of recordable images and a battery indicator, is also provided. The control and the processing of information from them are performed by the system control CPU 41.

That is, the system control CPU 41 is
Using the detection signal from the interpolation process DSP 33,
AE (automatic exposure control) is performed by controlling the operation of the diaphragm 12 of the lens assembly 10, and AF (automatic focus control) is performed by controlling the movement of the lens (for example, the lens 13 in the case of so-called inner focus). , The CCD image pickup device 20 through the CCD driver 40
Control the above-mentioned operation of. Also, the system control CPU 41
Generates a signal for driving the liquid crystal display of the DSC information display section 52, and controls each section according to the operation signal from the DSC operation section 51.

By the way, the digital electronic still camera according to the present embodiment has a great feature that the number of photographed images can be changed by adopting the image data compression technique. This function is not possible with existing silver halide film cameras. The digital electronic still camera can take, for example, 30 or 60 shots of a memory card having a memory capacity of 2 MB by changing the compression ratio, or 1 shot.
It can be arbitrarily handled as a recording device for taking 20 images. That is, the digital electronic still camera can realize a "camera that can be used by the user without worrying about the remaining number of shots" by the compression technique. The operation of varying the compression rate is performed by, for example, the user operating a button or the like provided on the DSC operation unit 51 for selecting the compression rate, and for example, the flash memory device 3
It is also possible for the camera itself to automatically change according to the remaining storage capacity of 8.

Next, the shape specifications of the first concrete example of the digital electronic still camera of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A is a plan view of the camera of this embodiment, FIG. 8B is a right side view thereof, FIG. 8C is a front view thereof, and FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the camera of this embodiment. Is shown.

The camera of this embodiment is roughly divided into a memory card section 60 and a lens / finder section 55. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the memory card section 60 is a PC.
The shape of Type I of the MCIA standard is stored as it is, and the memory card section 60 and the lens / finder section 55 are integrated.

The lens / finder section 55 is composed of the following components among the components shown in FIG. That is, the lens / finder section 55 is the same as the lens 1 in FIG.
Lens assembly portion 10 including reference numerals 1 and 13 and diaphragm 12
And a finder section 54 (54a is the front of the finder, 54
(b shows the rear surface of the finder), the CCD image pickup device 20 provided at the rear stage of the lens assembly unit 10, the power source 50, the operation unit 51 such as the release button 53, and the information display unit for displaying the number of shootable images. And 56.

Further, the memory card section 60 is the same as that shown in FIG.
Among the respective constituent elements of (1), the constituent elements within the range shown by the dotted line in FIG. That is, the memory card unit 60 is
CCD driver 40 and analog image pickup signal processing circuit 3
1, an analog / digital conversion circuit 32, an interpolation process DSP 33, a system control CPU 41, a power supply control circuit 42, a frame memory controller 34 and a frame memory 35, a compression circuit 36, a card interface circuit 37, and a flash. CPU3 for memory control
7, a flash memory device 38, and a 68-pin connector 43. In this way, the memory card unit 60
Each of these components is mounted at high density.

Next, FIG. 10 shows a mounting state of each component on a printed circuit board (PCB) 71 provided inside the digital electronic still camera of the first specific example. 10A shows a front view of the circuit board, and FIG. 10B shows a right side view thereof. The portion indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 10 shows the outer shape of the first specific example camera.

That is, the first specific example camera includes the lens assembly 10 and the CCD image pickup device 20, and the power source 5
From 0 to the flash memory device 38, all the main components are mounted on one printed circuit board 71. This means that the camera is naturally advantageous for downsizing / lightening, and further, no harness (wiring) and connector are required inside the camera. As a result, it is possible to reduce the material cost of the product and at the same time, simplify the electric adjustments and inspections at the time of manufacturing the camera, thus making it possible to reduce the overall manufacturing cost.

As described above, the digital electronic still camera of this embodiment is much smaller and lighter than the conventional electronic still camera. Therefore, each operation such as photographing can be easily performed. As for carrying, you can put it in your handbag or pouch without any problems, or you can put it in your shirt pocket. Such ease of carrying is a particularly important function in still image shooting in which the user does not want to miss a photo opportunity.

Since the digital electronic still camera of this embodiment has the AE (automatic exposure control), AF (automatic focus control) and AWB (automatic color temperature control) functions as described above, the photographing operation is fully automatic. Yes, the photographer only has to push the release button 53 toward the target subject. In addition, the digital electronic still camera according to the present embodiment has the information display unit 5
2, the number of shots, a battery indicator, etc. are also displayed, and the photographer can always know the number of shots and the remaining battery level.

That is, the camera of the embodiment of the present invention can be easily used like a so-called "film with a lens", and the user can carry around the digital electronic still camera without being aware of it, and can easily take a picture. it can.

In the above description, the analog / digital conversion circuit 3 after the analog image pickup signal processing circuit 31 is used.
Although the electronic circuits such as 2, the interpolation process DSP 33, and the CPUs 41 and 39 are all shown as separate configurations, it is also possible to use an LSI (large scale integrated circuit) having all of these functions. By using the LSI as described above, it is possible to further reduce the size and reduce the number of manufacturing steps.

Now, in the digital electronic still camera of this embodiment, when the photographing is completed, the 68-pin connector 43
The video data is transferred to the host device 59 via the. The host device in this case is a computer in most cases at the present time, and in particular, is a so-called personal computer (for example, a disc type or a laptop type).

In the digital electronic still camera of this embodiment, since the specification form of the memory card of the PCMCIA standard is stored as it is as described above, it can be used by inserting it into the computer slot for each camera. This means that it is not necessary to take out the memory card from the electronic still camera and insert it into the slot of the computer, or to connect the electronic still camera and the computer with a cable, as in the past. .

After connecting the electronic still camera of this embodiment to the computer, the computer reads the image data from the camera (that is, the image data is downloaded from the memory in the electronic still camera to the memory on the computer side). This operation is performed on the computer side. At this time, the CPU on the computer side accesses the memory control CPU 39 in the memory card unit 60 of the electronic still camera of this embodiment. Here, in the PCMCIA standard, PCMCIA ATA (AT bus Attachabl) is a versatile standard that defines a communication algorithm between a computer CPU and an internal / external storage device (memory).
e) is specified, and the read operation can be performed as it is if the combination of the memory card and the computer corresponding to the ATA algorithm is used. On the other hand, in the case of a combination of a memory card that does not support the ATA standard and a computer, or a combination in which only one supports the ATA standard, the computer side has to perform a read operation according to the interface specification of the memory card Driver software is required.

In order to expand the image data transferred to the computer on each application software installed in the computer, it may be necessary to convert the file format of the image data according to the application. is there. Generally, this conversion is executed by dedicated software, but the digital electronic still camera of the embodiment of the present invention is provided with file conversion software, and the user can use this file conversion software on his computer. After installing, you will be using each application.

Further, in the personal computers currently in circulation, the number of models equipped with the slot for the memory card of the PCMCIA standard is relatively small. The standard slot is a 3.5-inch FDD
(Floppy Disk Drive) and CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Re
Ad Only Memory) Drive is common. However, in the future, the major vendors that have declared support for PCMCIA standard memory cards will also make up a large number of hardware / software vendors, and in the near future PCMCIA standard memory cards will be added to each personal computer. It is believed that slots will be standard equipment. In addition, SCS on each personal computer
A memory card reader system compatible with the PCMCIA standard, which is used by connecting with an I cable or the like, is also sold as hardware / software. Currently, even in a personal computer that is not equipped with a slot for the PCMCIA standard memory card, the PCMCIA standard is used. An environment is in place where the memory card can be used as an external storage device.

Next, another specific example of the digital electronic still camera of this embodiment will be described.

In the above description, the digital electronic still camera of this embodiment has two CPUs. That is, one is the CPU 41 that controls the system control / image processing control inside the camera, and the other is the CPU 39 that controls the flash memory control / communication with the host device. As a second concrete example, it is possible to integrate a plurality of these CPUs into a one-chip CPU so that it can be easily devised from the functions of both CPUs and the inherent properties of the CPUs. , Material cost can be reduced.

By the way, in the above description, the memory card unit 60 of the camera of this embodiment is the Type of the PCMCIA standard.
The memory card part 60 has the form specification of I.
Is the PCMCIA standard Type II or Type I.
It is clear from the above description that the form specification of II may be used.

Further, the dimension L in FIG. 8, that is, the maximum thickness of the electronic still camera has a great influence on downsizing / weight reduction of the camera. In order to make this dimension L as small as possible, the focal length f of the lens must be made small. In addition, it is not desirable to change the value of the focal length f, that is, to provide the zoom function, because the dimension L becomes large, and therefore, in the configuration of FIG. Although the value of the focal length f of the lens of the digital electronic still camera according to the embodiment of the present invention is fixed at 4 mm, the dimension L in FIG. 8 is still about 25 mm.

As an example in which the dimension L is made as small as possible, the third example is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 as in FIGS. 8 and 9.
And a fourth specific example is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. According to the third and fourth specific examples, not only when the value of the focal length f of the lens is fixed, but also when the lens assembly length is further increased by providing the lens with the zoom function, It is possible to realize a compact / lightweight digital electronic still camera without sacrificing the convenience of carrying the camera as described above.

First, the feature of the third specific example shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is that the thickness of the card is made thinner than the previous specific example by arranging the lateral direction of the memory card and the optical axis of the lens in parallel. is doing. Further, in the third specific example, the lens / finder section 155 is not disturbed when the memory card section 160 is inserted into the slot. That is, in the above specific example, when the memory card unit 60 is inserted into the slot, the lens 11 and the viewfinders 54a and 54b of the lens / finder unit 55 and the information display unit 52 are held by hand (grasping with fingers). While there is a risk that fingerprints may be attached to or dirty on the lenses 11 and the like, in the third specific example, the lens / finder section 155 is not provided with a lens at a place to be held by a hand (grasping with a finger). Since there is no such thing (not exposed), there is less concern about the above-mentioned stains.

Further, in the third specific example, the finder is simplified to form the star 154. Terrible star 154
Is used, for example, when aiming a rifle or the like, and in this example, it is formed as a round hole in the upper end of the lens 111 of the lens / finder section 155 as shown in FIG. This greatly contributes to downsizing / weight reduction and cost reduction of the electronic still camera. Further, in this specific example, the memory card section 160 has a PCMCIA standard Type II shape. Further, since the information display section 152 is disposed in the memory card section 160, it is formed in a recessed seat and has a Type II of PCMCIA standard.
It does not stick out from the maximum outer shape of. In the third specific example, as is apparent from FIG. 11, the dimension L can be reduced to, for example, about 10 to 15 mm regardless of the focal length of the lens and the zoom ratio.

Next, the feature of the fourth specific example shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 is that the lens / finder section 255 is completely contained in the volume of the memory card.
Therefore, the memory card unit 260 uses the Type III of the PCMCIA standard. The optical axes of the lens 211 and the finder 254 are parallel to the lateral direction of the memory card, as in the third specific example. Further, the information display portion 252 is formed in a recessed seat. The release button 253 is, as shown in FIG. 13B, the memory card section 260.
It is arranged by cutting out a part of the rail. The rail part
So that the user does not get in the way when looking through the finder,
It is cut out to the extent that its function is not impaired. In the fourth specific example, the electronic still camera is completely P
Since the memory card conforms to the CMCIA standard, the dimension L is 10.5 mm. This fourth example camera is
There are no unnecessary protrusions and it has excellent portability.

Next, the fifth concrete example shows a structural modification in the form of Type III of the PCMCIA standard, and FIG. 15 and FIG. 15 showing this fifth concrete example in the same manner as FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 described above. This will be described using 16. Further, FIG. 17 shows a sectional view taken along the chain double-dashed line indicated by AA in FIG. Note that in FIG. 17, the outline range of the fifth specific example camera is indicated by a dashed line in the figure for the sake of simplicity of illustration.

In the case of the fifth specific example, unlike the fourth specific example, the lens assembly in the lens / finder section 355 includes a condensing / protecting lens 311, a 45-degree mirror 352, a front lens group 383. Aperture 312, Rear lens group 3
The optical axis of these lens systems is 90 degrees by the 45-degree mirror 352 after the condenser / protection lens 311.
It is bent so as to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the memory card section 360. The image light transmitted through the rear lens group 313 of the lens assembly is CCD image sensor 320.
An image is formed on the upper surface, and the image pickup signal from the CCD image pickup device 320 is sent to the signal processing system of the printed circuit board 371.
In addition, in the fifth specific example, the release button 353, the information display portion 352 are formed in the recessed seat so that the maximum outer shape of the Type III is not protruded, and the lens 311 and the viewfinders 354a and 354b are flush with the outer shape of the memory card. It is kept within. Incidentally, the condensing / protecting lens 311
As means for bending the optical axis after that, the 45-degree mirror 35 is used.
Instead of 2, a prism can also be used.

The feature of the fifth embodiment is that, as shown in the sectional view of FIG. 17, a 45-degree mirror 352 (or prism).
That is, the lens assembly optical system is bent 90 degrees by using. By doing this, a margin of length is created in the optical axis direction of the lens assembly,
It is possible to increase the value of the focal length f of the lens assembly optical system and to make the focal length f variable (that is, to have a zoom function). By this method,
After all, since the external shape of the electronic still camera can be completely converted to a memory card, there is no unnecessary protrusion and it is excellent in portability. According to the fifth specific example,
Needless to say, the camera itself is the Type on the host side.
It is possible to insert it into the memory card slot for III as it is.

[0073]

As described above, according to the present invention, a digital video signal forming means together with an image pickup means and an optical system is provided for a slot mounting portion having an outer shape which can be mounted in a slot for an IC memory card of a predetermined standard of a host device. Since various main electrical components such as the compression means are integrally formed, the overall size is close to that of the IC memory card.
Further, in the present invention, the optical system is arranged such that the optical axis is parallel to one side of the slot mounting portion having an outer shape similar to that of an IC memory card, or the optical system itself is bent 90 degrees by a mirror or a prism. By making it thinner, and by using the star as a finder,
The number of parts for the finder has been reduced. Furthermore,
According to the present invention, the compression rate of the data compression process can be changed, and the number of captured images recorded in the data recording means can be set arbitrarily.

Therefore, the digital electronic still camera of the present invention is much smaller and lighter in weight than the conventional electronic still camera and is easy to carry, and therefore still image shooting can be performed very quickly and easily. Further, since the digital electronic still camera of the present invention has a very simple structure, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost such as material cost, processing cost, and the like. Therefore, it is possible to provide an inexpensive electronic still camera.

Further, for example, by having a memory card form standardized by the PCMCIA standard, it has a very wide versatility, and the digital electronic still camera of the present invention can be inserted and operated in a memory card slot of a host device. It enables quick work when used in a computer environment.

From the above, the user can feel free to purchase the digital electronic still camera of the present invention and easily handle it, as if he / she were using a film with a lens.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital electronic still camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outer shape of a Type I memory card of PCMCIA standard.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outer shape of a PCMCIA standard Type II memory card.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outer shape of a PCMCIA standard Type III memory card.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a slot shape on the host device side for a PCMCIA standard Type I memory card.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a slot shape on the host device side for a PCMCIA standard Type II memory card.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a slot shape on the host device side for a PCMCIA standard Type III memory card.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a plane surface, a right side surface, and a front surface of the outer shape of the digital electronic still camera of the first specific example.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the bottom surface of the outer shape of the digital electronic still camera of the first specific example.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an arrangement example of each component mounted on the internal printed circuit board of the digital electronic still camera of the first specific example.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a plane surface, a right side surface, and a front surface of an outer shape of a digital electronic still camera of a third specific example.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the bottom surface of the outer shape of the digital electronic still camera of the third specific example.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a plane surface, a right side surface, and a front surface of an outer shape of a digital electronic still camera of a fourth specific example.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the bottom surface of the outer shape of the digital electronic still camera of the fourth specific example.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a plane surface, a right side surface, and a front surface of an outer shape of a digital electronic still camera of a fifth specific example.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the bottom surface of the outer shape of the digital electronic still camera of the fifth specific example.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the arrangement of lenses and the like that make up the lens assembly of the digital electronic still camera of the fifth specific example.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a conventional digital electronic still camera, a host device, and other peripheral devices.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining an example in which an IC memory card is used for data transfer between a conventional digital electronic still camera and a host device.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining an example of using a cable for data transfer between a conventional digital electronic still camera and a host device.

[Explanation of symbols] 10 Lens assembly 20 CCD image sensor 32 analog / digital conversion circuit 36 compression circuit 37 Card interface circuit 38 Flash memory device 39 Flash memory control CPU 41 System control CPU 43 68-pin connector 51 DSC operation unit 52 DSC information display section 59 Host device

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Claims (9)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image pickup means for converting an optical image formed on an image pickup surface into an image pickup signal, and a release button for operating the image pickup means.
And a digital electronic still camera having an external slot mounting portion that can be mounted in a memory card slot of a host device.
In La, rail provided in the longitudinal direction of the upper Symbol slot mounting portion outer
A digital electronic still camera characterized in that the release button is arranged by cutting out a part of the portion . 2. An image pickup means which has a slot mounting portion having an outer shape that can be mounted in an IC memory card slot of a predetermined standard of a host device, and which converts at least an optical image formed on an image pickup surface into an image pickup signal. An optical system for forming the optical image on the imaging surface of the imaging means, a digital video signal forming means for forming a digital video signal from the imaging signal, and a compression means for performing data compression processing on the digital video signal. ,
An interface means corresponding to the predetermined standard and a data recording means are arranged in the slot mounting portion, and a relay for performing a photographing operation of the image pickup means.
For digital electronic still cameras with a zoom button
Te, rail provided in the longitudinal direction of the slot mounting portion outer
Cut out a part of the part and place the above release button.
And a digital electronic still camera. 3. A flash EE as data recording means.
3. The digital electronic still camera according to claim 2, wherein a PROM is used. 4. The digital electronic still camera according to claim 2, wherein all the main electrical components are mounted on a single board. 5. The digital electronic still camera according to claim 2, wherein the optical axis of the optical system is arranged parallel to one side of the slot mounting portion. 6. The digital electronic still camera according to claim 2, wherein a star is provided as a finder. 7. The digital electronic still camera according to claim 2, wherein the optical system is bent at 90 degrees and arranged by using a mirror or a prism. 8. The digital electronic still camera according to claim 2, further comprising compression rate changing means for changing the compression rate of the data compression processing in said compression means. 9. A compression rate changing means for changing the compression rate of the data compression processing in said compression means is provided, and the compression rate is automatically varied according to the remaining recording capacity of the data recording means. 2. A digital electronic still camera as described in 2.