JP4043819B2 - Cradle - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a cradle on which a digital information device is placed for charging, connection with another device, or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Today, many digital information devices such as digital cameras that record digital data such as image files and audio files in a built-in memory or exchangeable recording media are known. Such a digital information device is generally driven by a battery such as a lithium ion battery, and the battery is often charged by being set in a cradle when not in use. Some digital camera cradles have not only a battery charging function but also a function of outputting digital data of an image file to a monitor.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, when the user transmits the digital data recorded on the digital information device using e-mail or the like, the recording medium on which the digital data is recorded is taken out from the digital camera, or the digital data is transferred to the flexible disk or MO. Record it in an external storage, etc., and read it with a computer, or let the computer read digital data using a cable that can transfer data such as USB, then connect the computer to a network and send e-mail, etc. Had been sending. For this reason, the user must always move the digital data recorded in the digital information device to the computer, and there is a problem that it takes time and effort.
[0004]
There are also digital information devices that can send e-mails by providing a mobile phone function or the like, but with the addition of such communication functions, the price of digital information devices increases and miniaturization is difficult. Become. On the other hand, since the demand for downsizing of digital information equipment is particularly remarkable recently, it is not preferable to provide the digital information equipment itself with a communication function from this point of view.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is a cradle capable of easily and quickly transmitting digital data recorded in a digital information device without adding a communication function to the digital information device itself. It is an issue to provide.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a cradle according to claim 1 acquires and stores digital data from a mounting unit on which a digital information device is mounted, and a digital information device mounted on the mounting unit, and A data storage unit storing an application program for transmitting digital data such as e-mail transmission software, browser software, FTP client software, an interface unit to which a communication device having a communication function is connected, and necessary information A monitor for displaying and a setting storage unit for storing settings of a network environment, connected to a network via a communication device connected to the interface unit, and storing digital data stored in the data storage unit through the network It is characterized by transmitting.
[0007]
The cradle according to claim 2 acquires and stores digital data from the mounting unit on which the digital information device is mounted, the digital information device mounted on the mounting unit, and e-mail transmission software, browser software, Data storage unit storing an application program for transmitting digital data such as FTP client software , a communication unit having a communication function and connected to a network, a monitor for displaying necessary information, and a network environment And a setting storage unit for storing the settings, and transmitting the digital data stored in the data storage unit through a network to which the communication unit is connected.
[0008]
A third aspect of the present invention is the cradle according to the first or second aspect, further comprising a setting input unit for inputting the setting of the network environment to the setting storage unit.
[0009]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the cradle according to the third aspect, the setting input unit can input destination information on a network that transmits the digital data, and the setting storage unit The transmission destination information input by a setting input unit is further stored, and the digital data is transmitted based on the transmission destination information stored in the setting storage unit.
[0010]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the cradle according to the first or second aspect, the setting of the network environment is input to the setting storage unit through the network.
[0011]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the cradle according to the fifth aspect, the setting storage unit further stores transmission destination information on a network that transmits the digital data, and sets the communication destination information through the network. Is input.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0013]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a cradle on which a digital camera is set. A communication card I / F 5 to which a digital camera I / F unit (digital camera interface unit) 3 and a communication card device (communication device) 4 are connected to mount the digital camera 2 on the cradle 1 according to the present invention. An AC connector 7 to which the AC adapter cable 6 is connected, an operation unit 8 for performing various settings and operations on the cradle 1, and a monitor 9 for displaying necessary information. When the AC adapter cable 6 is connected to the AC connector 7 and the AC adapter cable 6 is set in an outlet (not shown), power is supplied to the cradle 1.
[0014]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digital camera. The digital camera 2 includes an imaging system 10 for performing imaging, an image processing system 11 for processing image data captured by the imaging system 10, an audio processing system 12 for performing digital audio processing, and the like, and an image processing system. 11 and a CPU 13 that controls the sound processing system 12, a display unit 14 that displays captured image data, a memory 15 that records necessary data, and a recording medium that records image data and the like. A memory card I / F unit 16 that transfers data, a cradle I / F unit 17 that connects the digital camera camera I / F unit 3 of the cradle 1, and an operation unit 18 that operates the digital camera 2. And.
[0015]
The CPU 13 is a device that controls the entire digital camera 2, and performs control by determining processing contents based on setting contents by a switch or the like installed in the operation unit 18.
[0016]
The imaging system 10 includes a lens 20, a mechanical shutter 21, and a CCD 22, and a driver unit 23 controls the focus driving of the lens 20 and the shutter opening / closing operation of the mechanical shutter 21 in accordance with instructions from the CPU 13, and a CCD driving circuit 24. Performs the driving process of the CCD 22.
[0017]
The image processing system 11 includes a CDS that performs correlated double sampling of data (CCD signal) imaged by the imaging system 10 and a signal processing unit 25 having an AD unit for digital conversion, and converts the converted digital signal into a digital image format. And an image processor 26. The image processor 26 converts the digital signal into a Y signal that is a luminance signal, a U signal that indicates the hue and saturation of the blue system, and a V signal that indicates the hue and saturation of the red system, and the YUV data. It plays a role of JPEG compression and image size change.
[0018]
The audio processing system 12 includes a CODEC unit 27 that compresses and decompresses audio data, an analog input unit 28 that inputs audio, and an analog output unit 29 that outputs audio. The CODEC unit 27 digitally converts the audio input from the analog input unit 28 to create a digital audio file. At the time of output, the CODEC unit 27 develops the digital audio file into analog data and outputs it from a speaker provided in the analog output unit 29. To do.
[0019]
The memory 15 is used not only for temporarily storing the digital data created by the image processing system 11 or the sound processing system 12 but also used as a work memory for the image processing processor 26 and the CPU 13.
[0020]
The memory card I / F 16 is an interface for connecting to a built-in memory for storing digital data or an exchangeable recording medium, and the like, and a compact flash (registered trademark) and smart media are connected via the memory card I / F 16. A recording medium such as a card (registered trademark) is connected.
[0021]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the cradle 1. The cradle 1 includes a CPU 30 for controlling the cradle 1, a digital camera I / F 3 for connecting to the digital camera 2, a RAM 31 used as a temporary work area, and a network environment for connecting to a network. A communication processing unit 32 that enables connection to the network by setting the network, a communication card I / F 5 that performs connection with a communication device having a communication function, an operation unit 8 that performs network setting and the like, A monitor 9 for displaying a set network environment and the like, and a memory 33 for storing digital data obtained from the digital camera 2 are provided.
[0022]
The operation unit 8 is used when performing network settings for connecting the cradle 1 to a network, or performing settings for transmitting / receiving digital data to / from a computer connected to the network. By displaying the network setting or the like input by the operation unit 8 on the monitor 9, the user can confirm the setting contents.
[0023]
The memory 33 stores image data of the digital camera and network settings input from the operation unit 8. The memory 33 stores (installs) application programs for transmitting digital data from the cradle 1, such as programs such as e-mail transmission software and FTP client software. In this embodiment, e-mail transmission software, a browser, and FTP client software are stored.
[0024]
The communication card I / F 5 is connected to a communication device 4, for example, a device that can be connected to a network such as an analog modem, a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, and a mobile phone. In this embodiment, a communication card I / F 5 capable of setting a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) (registered trademark) communication card device is provided, but communication for a compact flash (registered trademark) card is provided. It may be a card I / F.
[0025]
Based on the network settings stored in the memory 33, the communication processing unit 32 performs a network setting process using the communication device 4 connected to the communication card I / F 5 to connect the cradle 1 to the network.
[0026]
Next, processing from when the cradle 1 acquires digital data from the digital camera 2 until it is connected to the network will be described.
[0027]
When the digital camera 2 is set in the digital camera I / F 3 of the cradle 1, the CPU 30 of the cradle 1 recognizes that the digital camera 1 is set and automatically records it in the built-in memory or recording medium of the digital camera 2. The obtained digital data is acquired and recorded in the memory 33.
[0028]
In order for the user to transmit the digital data recorded in the memory 33 to a specific transmission destination, first, the cradle 1 needs to be connected to the network. The user sets the network of the cradle 1 by operating the operation unit 8.
[0029]
Communication device 4, in the case of an analog modem connected to the network by dial-up connection via the public times line is connected to the network after performing a predetermined authentication process to access through a telephone line to a predetermined access point There is a need.
[0030]
In this case, the user operates the operation unit 8 to call the telephone number 045-111-1111.
User account name dialupuser
Password *********
As shown, a predetermined telephone number, user account name, and password are input.
[0031]
The above telephone number is a telephone number for accessing the access point, the user account name is set to specify who is trying to access the network, and the password is the user account. This is set to determine whether the person accessing by name is the person himself / herself. When the password is input, “******” is displayed on the monitor 9 as described above, but in reality, a character string set by alphabets and numbers is input.
[0032]
If it is determined that the user account name and password are correct based on the network settings described above, the cradle 1 is connected to the network.
[0033]
The communication device 4 is not connected to the network by the analog modem as described above, but is a network connection device for wired LAN or wireless LAN, and the cradle 1 is connected to a specific server as a predetermined client. For network configurations,
Host name RicohCamera1
DNS server name RicohDNS
Gateway address 123.123.123.5
Cradle IP address 113.123.123.1
Subnet mask 255.255.255.0
Such network setting is performed from the operation unit 8.
[0034]
Here, the host name specifies the host of the network to which the cradle 1 is to be connected, and the DNS server name indicates the name of the server for replacing the IP address expressed in numbers with a human-readable alphabet. . The gateway address is an identification number for specifying a gateway provided for connecting to a network other than the LAN to which the cradle is connected, such as the Internet. The cradle IP address is an address for specifying the cradle in the LAN. The subnet mask is set in consideration of host management on the same network.
[0035]
By performing such network settings, the cradle can be connected to the network.
[0036]
In addition, when a DHCP server is connected to the network, the cradle 1 is set so as to automatically obtain the settings such as the IP address described above, thereby connecting to the network without setting the IP address or the like. It becomes possible to do.
[0037]
Next, processing for transmitting digital data from a cradle connected to the network to a predetermined transmission destination on the network will be described.
[0038]
When the cradle 1 is connected to the network with the above settings, the user can transmit digital data by using the following means.
[0039]
First, it is possible to transmit data by attaching digital data to an e-mail using the e-mail transmission function of the cradle 1.
[0040]
In this case, the user needs to set an outgoing mail (SMTP) server for sending an e-mail and an e-mail account and a password for obtaining permission for sending an e-mail by operating the operation unit 8. After the setting of the e-mail is completed, the digital data can be transmitted by transmitting the e-mail attached with the digital data to the e-mail address of the other party to whom the e-mail is to be transmitted. The mail address of the transmission destination may be directly input when mail is transmitted, or a specific address may be specified from a plurality of mail addresses stored in the address book of the electronic mail transmission software. Since a detailed setting method for transmitting an e-mail is a known content, a description thereof is omitted here.
[0041]
Second, using the browsing function of the cradle 1, it is also possible to send an electronic mail with digital data attached to the mail address of the other party to be transmitted using the web mail. When a user transmits mail using a browser, the user accesses a predetermined home page for sending and receiving mail using the browser, and performs authentication by inputting a predetermined user account name and password using the browser. If authentication is accepted by the user account name and password, enter the e-mail address of the person you want to send e-mail on the browser and send the e-mail with the digital data to be sent attached, Data can be transmitted. Note that the specific description for transmitting the mail by the browser is publicly known content, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.
[0042]
Thirdly, digital data can be transmitted to a predetermined computer or the like connected to the network by using the FTP client function of the cradle 1. In this case, the user operates the operation unit 8 to set the FTP server address 123.123.123.10.
Destination folder Holder 1
User account name superuser
Password ******
By performing the setting as described above, the FTP server at the FTP server address described above is accessed, and the user account name and password authentication processing is performed. When access to the FTP server is permitted by the user account name and password, digital data can be transferred to the transfer destination folder.
[0043]
In this way, by connecting the cradle 1 to the network using the network connection function provided in the cradle 1, it is possible to transmit the digital data without moving the digital data to the computer. It becomes possible to transmit quickly.
[0044]
Further, by providing the cradle 1 with a communication function, it is not necessary to provide a communication function or the like in the digital camera, so that it becomes easy to cope with the downsizing of the digital camera and an increase in price can be avoided.
[0045]
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, by storing an HTTP daemon application in the memory 33 of the cradle 1 and providing the cradle 1 with a WWW server function, the computer 1 (35) and computer 2 (36) connected to the network. The network settings stored in the memory 33 of the cradle 1 can be changed via the browser. By setting the network of the cradle 1 by the computer 1 (35) and the computer 2 (36) connected to the network, the operation unit 8, the monitor 9, and the like become unnecessary, and the cradle 1 is simplified and reduced in price. It becomes possible.
[0046]
Although the cradle according to the present invention has been described using the embodiments, the cradle according to the present invention is not limited to those shown in the embodiments. For example, in the embodiment, the communication device 4 is connected to the network by connecting the communication device 4 to the communication card I / F 5, but the device device 4 such as an analog modem or a LAN communication card is built in the cradle 1 body. You may do.
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the cradle according to the present invention transmits digital data without moving it to a computer by adding a network connection function such as a communication unit and a setting storage unit to connect the cradle to the network. It becomes possible to transmit data easily and quickly.
[0048]
Further, by providing a communication function in the cradle, it is not necessary to provide a communication function or the like in the digital camera, so that it becomes easy to cope with the downsizing of the digital camera and an increase in price can be avoided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cradle according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital camera according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a cradle according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a cradle to which a WWW server function is added and a computer connected to the cradle via a network.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Cradle 2 Digital Camera 3 Digital Camera I / F (Mounting Section)
4 Communication equipment 5 Communication card I / F (interface part)
8 Operation part (setting input part)
9 Monitor 33 Memory (setting storage unit, data storage unit)

Claims (6)

A placement unit on which digital information equipment is placed;
Data storing application programs for acquiring and storing digital data from the digital information device mounted on the above-mentioned mounting unit and transmitting digital data such as e-mail transmission software, browser software, FTP client software, etc. A storage unit;
An interface unit to which a communication device having a communication function is connected;
A monitor that displays the necessary information;
A setting storage unit for storing network environment settings;
A cradle connected to a network via a communication device connected to the interface unit, and transmitting digital data stored in the data storage unit through the network. A placement unit on which digital information equipment is placed;
Data storage that stores application programs for acquiring and storing digital data from the digital information device mounted on the above-mentioned mounting unit and transmitting digital data such as e-mail transmission software, browser software, FTP client software, etc. And
A communication unit having a communication function and connected to the network;
A monitor that displays the necessary information;
A setting storage unit for storing network environment settings;
A cradle that transmits digital data stored in the data storage unit through a network to which the communication unit is connected.   The cradle according to claim 1, further comprising a setting input unit configured to input the setting of the network environment to the setting storage unit. The setting input unit can input destination information on the network for transmitting the digital data,
The setting storage unit further stores the transmission destination information input by the setting input unit,
The cradle according to claim 3, wherein the digital data is transmitted based on transmission destination information stored in the setting storage unit.    The cradle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the setting of the network environment is input to the setting storage unit through the network.   The cradle according to claim 5, wherein the setting storage unit further stores transmission destination information on a network that transmits the digital data, and the setting of the communication destination information is input through the network.

Images