JP4436783B2 - Electronic device, display method of electronic device, and electronic device system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device system in which an electronic device is mounted on a docking station (also referred to as a “cradle”), and data is directly transmitted and received between the docking station and the electronic device.

Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 describe an electronic camera system including an electronic camera and a cradle.
3 and 7 of Patent Document 1 and paragraph numbers [0041] to [0043], when the electronic camera 14 is installed in the cradle 11 so that the photographing lens 16 faces the user side, It is shown that a TV camera function capable of monitoring an image photographed via the photographing lens 16 on a TV and a monitoring function capable of photographing every predetermined time are realized. Also, paragraph number [0044] of the document 1 shows that an electronic photo stand function is realized when the electronic camera 14 is installed in the cradle 11 so that the liquid crystal display unit 17 faces the user side. Yes. In addition, when the electronic camera 14 is installed in the cradle 11 so that the photographing lens 16 is directed toward the user, as shown in FIG. 3A of the document 1, or as shown in FIG. An identification means when the electronic camera 14 is installed in the cradle 11 so that the liquid crystal display unit 17 faces the user side is also disclosed.

In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 and paragraph number [0009] of Patent Document 2, firmware data is transferred from the PC (personal computer) to the cradle, and the cradle is connected via the communication IF controller (second connector 11). It is shown that firmware data is stored in a flash ROM. Further, using the “rewrite control” terminal of the first connector 10, the CPU 17 in the cradle 1 detects that the electronic camera 3 is connected to the cradle 1, and uses the I / F terminal of the first connector 10. It is shown that the firmware data stored in the flash ROM is transferred to the electronic camera 3 and the firmware is rewritten.
JP 2003-198910 A JP 2004-104533 A

  Generally, in the discovery operation, when the electronic camera detects that the peripheral device connected to the electronic camera is a device compliant with DC-001-2003, the electronic camera always recognizes the peripheral device as a printer. There is a fear.

  In view of the above circumstances, the present invention searches and displays a service that can be handled with a docking station before performing processing related to the service when the data is sent to and received from the docking station. An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device, a display method thereof, and an electronic device system including the electronic device.

  In order to achieve the above object, an electronic device according to a first aspect of the present invention is an electronic device that directly transmits and receives data to and from a docking station on which the electronic device can be placed, for each service supported by the electronic device. And a virtual file corresponding to a service supported by the docking station is retrieved from the file stored in the first storage means in the docking station. Second storage means for storing file information of a virtual file corresponding to the searched service transmitted from the docking station, and file information of the virtual file stored in the second storage means Display means for displaying a service corresponding to the above.

  A display method for an electronic device according to a second aspect of the present invention is a display method for an electronic device that directly sends and receives data to and from a docking station on which the electronic device can be placed, for each service supported by the electronic device. When a virtual file to be created is stored in the first storage unit, and a virtual file corresponding to a service supported by the docking station is retrieved from the file stored in the first storage unit in the docking station The file information of the virtual file corresponding to the searched service transmitted from the docking station is stored in the second storage unit, and the file information of the virtual file stored in the second storage unit is stored. It is a configuration that displays services.

  A display method for an electronic device according to a third aspect of the present invention is a display method for an electronic device that directly transmits and receives data to and from a docking station having a detection unit that detects that the electronic device is mounted. A virtual file to be created corresponding to each service supported by the electronic device based on an output signal from a detection unit that detects that the electronic device is placed is stored in the first storage unit, and the docking station File information of the virtual file corresponding to the searched service transmitted from the docking station when a virtual file corresponding to the service supported by the docking station is searched from the file stored in the first storage unit Is stored in the second storage unit, and the file of the virtual file stored in the second storage unit is stored. International Show according to Le information is configured.

In the electronic device system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the electronic device according to the first aspect is placed in a docking station, and data is directly transmitted and received between the docking station and the electronic device. In the electronic device system, a terminal unit is provided in the electronic device, and the direction of the electronic device installed in the docking station is determined by separating signals output from the terminal unit in the docking station. In this configuration, a detection unit for detecting and a display unit for displaying whether the surface on which the display unit of the electronic apparatus is provided by the detection unit is a front surface or a back surface are provided.

  An electronic device system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the electronic device system according to the fourth aspect, wherein the docking station having a host function and the electronic device having a device function are connected via a hub and a changeover switch. The configuration.

  The electronic device system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the electronic device system according to the fourth or fifth aspect, wherein the battery in the electronic device is charged by the electric power that is attached to the docking station and supplied through the docking station. The configuration.

  In the electronic device system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, a function corresponding to the electronic device is changed based on a detection result from a detection unit that detects the orientation of the electronic device. It is a configuration.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device according to the first aspect, wherein the electronic device is at least one of an electronic camera, a PDA, a mobile phone, a portable audio player, and a photo viewer. .

  According to the present invention, image data recorded in an electronic device, firmware data of the electronic device, and the like are stored in the docking station, and an image stored in the docking station is displayed on the display screen of the electronic device. And firmware data of the electronic device stored in the docking station can be stored in the electronic device, and the convenience of the user is improved.

A system using an electronic camera according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as “system”) will be described below with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the main configuration of the present system. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the information processing apparatus when the tray is out. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the display unit and various keys provided on the back surface of the electronic camera included in the present system. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are diagrams for explaining processing related to data transfer and handling related to a service that can be handled. FIG. 6 is an external view of the electronic camera. FIG. 7 is an external view of the electronic camera when the display unit is rotated to the lower position. FIG. 8 is a rear view of the electronic camera showing a state where the display unit is rotated so as to go around the camera rear surface and the rear surface of the display unit is brought into contact with the rear surface of the camera, and a diagram showing a usage state thereof. FIG. 9 is an external view of a docking station included in the present system. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining that there are two methods for attaching an electronic camera to a docking station. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a mechanism for detecting the installation state of the electronic camera. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of another mechanism for detecting the installation state of the electronic camera. 13 and 14 are diagrams illustrating examples of other mechanisms for detecting the installation state of the electronic camera. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the switching operation of the docking station performed when the electronic camera is attached. 16 and 17 are diagrams for explaining the mechanism of the opening / closing lid provided on the upper plate of the information processing apparatus and the USB connector of the USB device controller. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the display unit on the back of the electronic camera when a service supported by the information processing apparatus is searched via the docking station.

In the system according to the present embodiment, instead of the electronic camera described in the present embodiment, another electronic camera or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance) that has a camera function and can send and receive e-mails and the like. Alternatively, a mobile phone that backs up data such as a telephone directory, a portable audio player that backs up audio data, or a photo viewer with audio files may be used. Alternatively, these devices that do not have a camera function can also be used.

  In the system according to the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus is described using an apparatus having a recording function and a printing function. However, an apparatus having only a recording function or an apparatus having only a printing function may be used.

  In the system according to the present embodiment, data transmission / reception between the electronic camera and the docking station is performed by wire, but it may be performed wirelessly (light, sound wave, or radio wave). In the system according to the present embodiment, the USB communication IF is used as a physical communication layer between the electronic camera and the docking station. Instead, IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 1394, LAN (Local Area Network), etc. Other communication IFs such as these may be applied.

First, a schematic configuration of an information processing apparatus included in the present system will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 16.
A cradle assembly (hereinafter referred to as a “docking station”) 2 having functions such as charging to supply power to the electronic camera 1 and displaying an image such as a still image or a moving image on a television is provided in the electronic camera 1. In addition, a USB / HUB 4 is provided as a connection means for transferring image data and control signals to and from the information processing apparatus 3 having a recording function and a printing function. On the upper surface of the information processing apparatus 3, there is a USB connector 6 of a storable USB device controller 16 connected to the docking station 2. The USB connector 6 is connected to a rotatable opening / closing lid 7 with a gear and is rotatably mounted on the connector. The axial direction of the rotation axis that is a fulcrum when the opening / closing lid 7 rotates is not limited when the disk drive unit (recording unit) 21 mounted on the apparatus 3 is a hard disk drive (HDD). In the case of an optical disc drive unit having a tray 9 on which a slim type (1/2 inch) type optical disc (DVD-RW or the like) 8 is placed as in the present embodiment, it is parallel to the direction in which the tray 9 is pulled out. Arranged to be in the direction. In this embodiment, an optical disk drive unit is employed as the disk drive unit 21. However, a magnetic disk drive unit may be employed.

  In addition, the front bezel of the printer unit (printing unit) 10 mounted on the information processing apparatus 3 has a cassette insertion roller 12 into which a cassette 11 storing printing paper is inserted. A changeover switch 13 and an LED display unit 14 (14a, 14b) are provided on the upper surface of the information processing apparatus 3. Further, a power supply SW 117 and an eject button 118 for the tray 9 are provided on the side surface of the information processing apparatus 3 where the cassette insertion slot 12 is provided. When the electronic camera 1 is directly connected to the information processing apparatus 3 via the docking station 2, the insertion direction of the cassette 11 of the printer unit 10, the front or back of the camera of the electronic camera 1 attached to the docking station 2, A rotation shaft for opening and closing the opening / closing lid 7 of the information processing device 3 is arranged in a parallel relationship (details will be described later). In this case, if the cassette insertion slot 12 of the printer unit 10 and the opening / closing lid of the tray 9 of the slim type disk drive unit 21 built in the information processing apparatus 3 are set to the right side, it is easy for the user to use.

Next, the configuration and connection relationship between the information processing apparatus 3 having the printer unit 10 and the disk drive unit 21 and the PC 15 will be described.
The information processing apparatus 3 includes transmission / reception means (not shown) for converting data into a predetermined format in order to transmit / receive the information of the PC 15 wirelessly or by wire. A USB connector (not shown) of the USB device controller 16 that can be connected to an interface such as a USB is connected to the transmission / reception means.

  The PC 16 includes display means for displaying information such as images and characters, input means, a CPU (control circuit), and the like, and performs predetermined control based on information input by the user via the input means. Then, display output to an LED or the like is performed based on an instruction from the CPU. Further, the PC 16 includes a hard disk device (HDD) that records connection information such as attribute information and an address when communicating with a communication device on a network. The CPU and peripheral circuits including each means are connected by a bus, and each is controlled by the CPU. In addition, there are a ROM in which a program for operating the CPU is recorded, a RAM memory serving as a work area of the CPU, and the like.

Next, the main configuration and functions of the electronic camera 1 will be described.
When the user performs a predetermined operation based on the content displayed on the display unit 17 of the electronic camera 1, the operation of the docking station 2 or the printer unit 10 or the disk drive unit 21 of the information processing device 3 can be switched. It is possible. That is, the electronic camera 1 having the operation unit 18 having a switch that can input an operation of the electronic camera 1 that can be directly operated by the user can directly operate the printer unit 10 or the disk drive unit 21 of the information processing apparatus 3, for example. It is configured as follows. In this case, the direct operation unit 19 including the discovery unit 119 and the service search unit 120 transfers and handles data related to a service that can be handled with the information processing apparatus 3 connected to the electronic camera 1. Note that data transfer and handling related to this service will be described in detail later. The photographing unit 20 photographs a subject, generates a photographing signal, and performs various image processing to create image data. The display unit 17 displays, for example, services that can be handled between the information processing apparatus 3 including the disk drive unit 21 and the printer unit 10, service termination, and image data. Image data created by the photographing unit 20 is stored in a recording medium 22 such as a memory card that is a large-capacity storage memory. The memory 23 controls virtual files created corresponding to each service supported by the electronic camera 1, file information of virtual files transmitted from peripheral devices, and operations of each unit of the electronic camera 1. This information is stored. Here, the file information of the virtual file corresponds to, for example, the searched service transmitted from the docking station 2 when the virtual file corresponding to the service supported by the docking station 2 is searched in the docking station 2. File information of the virtual file to be executed. The memory 23 stores a first storage area in which a virtual file created corresponding to each service supported by the electronic camera 1 is stored, and file information of the virtual file transmitted from the peripheral device. And a second storage area. The USB device controller 24 of the electronic camera 1 is connected to the docking station 2 connected to the USB / HUB 4, and the docking station 2 is connected to the printer unit 10 and the disk drive unit 21 of the information processing apparatus 3 connected by the USB connector of the USB / HUB 4. It is an interface that conforms to the USB standard for transmitting and receiving data.

  Although not shown, even in the case of a product separated into individual functions (recording function, printing function, etc.) in the information processing apparatus 3, a part of the upper plate of the upper surface of the printer device or the disk drive device is rotated. When the possible opening / closing lid is moved to the open position, the rotatable connector mounting member having the USB connector and the pair of positioning guide pins attached to the opening formed in the upper plate is exposed. The rotating shaft of the opening / closing lid and the rotating shaft of the connector mounting member are attached so as to be connected by a gear.

  As another usage, the electronic camera 1 and the information processing device 3 can be directly connected without using the docking station 2 provided in the information processing device 3, and the USB stored in the upper surface of the information processing device 3 is used. By making the plurality of pin terminals of the USB connector of the host controller 5 (control system terminals, DC power supply terminals that supply power via bus lines (power supply by bus power), video system terminals, ground terminals, etc.) the same. It becomes easy to connect without going through a cable.

  Furthermore, when the information processing apparatus 3 has only the printing function without mounting the recording function (for example, when only the printer apparatus is mounted without mounting the slim type optical disk apparatus), the electronic camera 1 The docking station 2 is connected to the connector, and in this state, the connector (second connecting portion 121 shown in FIG. 9 to be described later) provided in the docking station 2 and the information processing apparatus 3 having only its printing function are mounted When a USB connector (connector main body 107 shown in FIG. 16 to be described later) provided on the upper surface is connected, signals are transmitted and received between the electronic camera 1 and the information processing apparatus 3 automatically through the docking station 2. Is done.

Next, an example of a liquid crystal display (LCD) that is the display unit 17 and a key that is a part of the operation unit 18 provided on the back surface of the electronic camera 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in the figure, an up / down / left / right key 25 for selecting an image displayed on the display unit 17 and an OK key 26 for determining the selected one are located at the center thereof. Then, a cancel key 27 for canceling the determined one is positioned on the lower side.

  In addition to the display as a camera function corresponding to the general shooting mode and playback mode, the display unit 17 displays a service detected when connected to the information processing apparatus 3 via the docking station 2, for example. In the case of a storage service, a “docking station connected” icon 28 and “print” or “store” are displayed. In addition, a pressure-sensitive and transparent sheet-like touch panel to which a resistance thin film is bonded is disposed on the front surface of the display screen of the display unit 17. For example, “print” or “Store” is also displayed. Alternatively, the display unit 17 may be configured by two liquid crystal display units including a first liquid crystal display unit that displays an image and a second liquid crystal display unit to which a touch panel that can also view the image is joined. It is. In this case, the “print” or “store” display is displayed by the second liquid crystal display unit to which a resistance type or electrostatic type touch panel is bonded.

  Here, when the user presses “Print”, the “Docking Station Connected” icon 28 disappears, and an “Arrow” icon indicating that printing is in progress fades in next to “Print”. The When the printing is completed successfully, the “arrow” icon fades out and disappears, and the “docking station connected” icon 28 is displayed again. Alternatively, when the user presses “Store” displayed, the “docking station connected” icon 28 disappears, and an “arrow” icon indicating copying is faded in and displayed next to “Store”. . When the copying is completed successfully, the “arrow” icon fades out and disappears, and the “docking station connected” icon 28 is displayed again.

  Further, the “information processing device connected” icon 31 is not displayed when the PC 15 is connected by operating the changeover switch unit 29 of the information processing device 3 (blocking the operation / display unit 49 of the docking station 2 and displaying nothing). When the information processing apparatus 3 is directly connected (when not via the docking station 2), the “information processing apparatus connected” icon 31 is displayed on the display unit 17. Further, when the PC 15 is directly connected (when not via the docking station 2), a “PC connected” icon 32 is displayed on the display unit 17. In addition, the “docking station connected” icon 28 is displayed during charging or when the PC 15 is connected via the docking station 2.

  When the detected service is a TV (television) service (docking station service) (when the peripheral device is the docking station 2), the display unit 17 displays a “docking station connected” icon 28 and “ “TV monitor” or “TV video” is displayed. When the display unit 17 is configured by two liquid crystal display units including a first liquid crystal display unit that displays an image and a second liquid crystal display unit to which a touch panel that can also view the image is joined. The “TV monitor” or “TV video” display is displayed by the second liquid crystal display unit to which a resistance type or electrostatic type touch panel is joined.

  “TV video” means that the image data recorded on the DVD recorder is displayed on the TV. Alternatively, when “card copy” is used instead of “TV video”, the image data of the DVD recorder is transferred to a memory card mounted on a portable information terminal (for example, an electronic camera) and recorded. Is also possible.

  Here, when the user presses the displayed “TV monitor”, the “docking station connected” icon 28 disappears, and the “arrow” icon indicating the start of TV monitoring fades in to the side of “TV monitor”. Displayed. Then, the “arrow” icon fades out and disappears. After the cancel key 27 is pressed during the TV monitor, only the “docking station connected” icon 28 is displayed again.

Next, main configurations of the information processing apparatus 3 and the docking station 2 will be described.
First, the information processing apparatus 3 will be described.
In the information processing apparatus 3, a control circuit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 33 includes a direct operation unit 36 including a service search unit 34, a discovery unit 35, and the like, and performs overall control of operations of each unit of the apparatus 3. . The service search unit 34 searches for a service that can be handled with the electronic camera 1 connected to the device 3. The discovery unit 35 detects whether or not the electronic camera 1 connected to the device 3 is a model that can be directly modified. The direct operation unit 36 transfers and handles data related to services that can be handled with the electronic camera 1 connected to the apparatus 3. The memory 37 stores virtual files created corresponding to the print service and storage service supported by the device 3, information for controlling the operation of each unit of the device 3, and the like. The printing unit 10 performs image printing based on the image data. The recording unit 21 stores image data. The USB host controller 5 is an interface conforming to the USB standard for transmitting and receiving data to and from the connected electronic camera 1. In addition, the display unit 38 performs a predetermined display such as an LED display according to switching of the changeover switch unit 29, for example. The power supply unit 39 supplies power to each unit of the device 3.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow related to transfer and handling of data related to a service that can be performed between the electronic camera 1 and peripheral devices such as the docking station 2 and the information processing device 3.

In the figure, when the electronic camera 1 and the peripheral device are connected via USB (S1), first, negotiation is performed as to whether the devices are compatible with PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol),
If the devices are compatible with each other, a PTP connection is established (S2).

  Next, negotiation is performed to determine whether the devices are directly operating devices (S3). If they are directly operating devices, then a service search is performed (S4). In this service search, if a service that can be handled between the electronic camera 1 and the peripheral device can be searched, then a direct operation connection is established by direct operation connection establishment processing (S5). After establishing the direct operation connection, it is possible to execute processing (for example, print or store) related to a service that can be handled between the electronic camera 1 and the peripheral device (S6).

In the flowchart of the present invention, discovery (S3) and service search (S4) are separate processes. However, these processes may be a single process.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow when a service that can be handled between the electronic camera 1 and the peripheral device is searched in the flow of FIG. 4, and in particular, processing related to service search (S4) Is shown in detail.

In FIG. 5, the processing of S1 to S3 is as described above.
In the subsequent process related to service search in S4, first, a file identifier number request signal is transmitted from the peripheral device to the electronic camera 1 (S4a). In the electronic camera 1 that has received this, a virtual file corresponding to each service supported by the electronic camera 1 is created (S4b) and stored in the memory 23.

  In this embodiment, when the service supported by the electronic camera 1 is any one or a plurality of services of a print service, a storage service, and a docking station service, one or a plurality of services corresponding to the one or a plurality of services are provided. Are created and stored in the memory 23. These virtual files may be empty files with a file size of 0, and may be created anytime before the subsequent S4c is started.

  When a virtual file is created and stored in the memory 23 as described above, subsequently, a file provided corresponding to each of the files stored in the memory 23 as a response to the file identifier count request in S4a described above. The number of identifiers is transmitted from the electronic camera 1 to the peripheral device (S4c).

  Subsequently, a file identifier list request signal is transmitted from the peripheral device to the electronic camera 1 (S4d), and as a response, the aforementioned list of file identifiers is transmitted from the electronic camera 1 to the peripheral device (S4e).

  Subsequently, since the peripheral device detects services that are mutually supported with the electronic camera 1, based on the file identifier list acquired in S4e described above, a virtual file corresponding to the service supported by the peripheral device is obtained. Processing for searching is performed (S4f, S4g, S4h).

  In this embodiment, when the service supported by the peripheral device is a print service (when the peripheral device is a printer), the virtual file corresponding to the print service is a storage service (when the peripheral device is a storage device). If the virtual file corresponding to the storage service is a print service and storage service (if the peripheral device is the information processing device 3), the virtual file corresponding to the print service and the storage service are supported. When the virtual file to be processed is the docking station service (when the peripheral device is the docking station 2), the virtual file corresponding to the docking station service is searched.

  In this virtual file search process, for each file identifier in the acquired file identifier list, a signal requesting file information of the file according to the file identifier is transmitted from the peripheral device to the electronic camera 1 (S4g), and the response As the file information (including the file name and the like) is transmitted from the electronic camera 1 to the peripheral device (S4h), the processing is repeated for the number of file identifiers acquired in S4c described above. The file information including the same file name as the virtual file corresponding to the service to be searched is searched (S4f).

In this embodiment, by searching for such file information, a virtual file corresponding to a service supported by the peripheral device is searched.
In this virtual file search process, when file information including the same file name as that of the virtual file corresponding to the service supported by the peripheral device is searched, the peripheral device mutually exchanges data with the electronic camera 1. As a service to be supported, a service corresponding to the file (virtual file) related to the retrieved file information is detected (S4i).

  As described above, when services mutually supporting the electronic camera 1 are detected, a virtual file corresponding to each service supported by the peripheral device is created (S4k), and a memory (for example, an information processing device) of the peripheral device is created. 3 memory 37).

  In this embodiment, when the service supported by the peripheral device is a print service (when the peripheral device is a printer), the virtual file corresponding to the print service is a storage service (when the peripheral device is a storage device). If the virtual file corresponding to the storage service is a print service and storage service (if the peripheral device is the information processing device 3), the virtual file corresponding to the print service and the storage service are supported. If the virtual file to be processed is a docking station service (when the peripheral device is the docking station 2), a virtual file corresponding to the docking station service is created and stored in the memory. These virtual files may be empty files with a file size of 0, and may be created anytime before the subsequent S4l is started.

  When the virtual file is created and stored in the memory as described above, the file information (including the file name) of the virtual file is subsequently transmitted from the peripheral device to the electronic camera 1 (S4l), and the file information is returned as a response. A transmission response signal is transmitted from the electronic camera 1 to the peripheral device (S4m). In the electronic camera 1, when the file information of the virtual file transmitted from the peripheral device is acquired, the file information is temporarily stored in the memory 23, and the connected peripheral information is obtained from the file information (file name, etc.). Services supported by the device are detected, and the detected services are displayed on the display unit 9 (S4n). For example, when the docking station service is detected, the aforementioned “docking station connected” icon 28 is displayed. Alternatively, when the electronic camera 1 obtains the file information of the virtual file corresponding to the docking station service, the electronic camera 1 may detect that the docking station 2 is connected and display the “docking station connected” icon 28. it can.

  In this way, processing relating to transfer and handling of data related to a service that can be handled, including service search and the like, is performed. Details of this process are described in detail in Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-357294 filed earlier by the applicant.

  As described above, the docking station 2 operates as a USB host device, and the electronic camera 1 and the information processing apparatus 3 operate as USB device devices, and copy (save) image data by operating the electronic camera 1 using the communication protocol PTP. ) And printing (printing).

Next, the docking station 2 will be described.
In the docking station 2, a control circuit (hereinafter referred to as “CPU”) 40 has a direct operation unit 43 including a service search unit 41, a discovery unit 42, and the like, and performs overall control of operations of each unit of the docking station 2. The service search unit 41 searches for a service that can be handled with the electronic camera 1 connected to the docking station 2. The discovery unit 42 detects whether or not the electronic camera 1 connected to the docking station 2 is a model that can be directly operated. The direct operation unit 43 transfers and handles data related to services that can be handled with the electronic camera 1 connected to the docking station 2. The memory 44 stores virtual files created corresponding to the docking station service supported by the docking station 2, information for controlling the operation of each part of the docking station 2, and the like. The USB host controller 45 is an interface conforming to the USB standard for transmitting and receiving data to and from the electronic camera 1 tangent to the USB / HUB 4. The USB selector switch 122 is a switch for switching the connection destination with the USB / HUB 4 to either the USB host controller 45 or the PC terminal 51. For example, when the electronic camera 1 and the information processing device 3 are connected to the docking station 2, the first shielding plate 52 blocks the PC terminal 51 when the information processing device 3 is connected to the docking station 2. In synchronization (synchronized with the connection of the information processing apparatus 3), the USB selector switch 122 switches the connection destination with the USB / HUB 4 to the USB host controller 45. Thereby, USB communication between the electronic camera 1 and the docking station 2 is possible. When the electronic camera 1 and a PC (for example, PC 15) are connected to the docking station 2, the information processing apparatus 3 is not connected, so the first shielding plate 52 does not block the PC terminal 51 and synchronizes with this. The USB selector switch 122 switches the connection destination with the USB / HUB 4 to the PC terminal 51 (in synchronization with the information processing device 3 not being connected). This enables USB communication among the electronic camera 1, the docking station 2, and the PC.

  In addition, the docking station 2 includes a first TV terminal 47, a second shielding plate 103, a camera installation state detection unit 48, an operation / display unit 49, a second TV terminal 50, and an AC power cable terminal 124. , And an AC / DC conversion circuit 104 that converts an AC power source (for example, AC 100V) to a DC power source (for example, DC 6V). The second shielding plate 103 closes the first power supply terminal 123 of the electronic camera 1 when the docking station 2 and the electronic camera 1 are connected.

  In addition to the above, the memory 44 can also be used for temporarily storing image data transmitted from the electronic camera 1. Generally, if the image data (image signal) photographed by the electronic camera 1 is in an uncompressed state without being subjected to compression processing, higher quality printing can be performed later, but the data capacity becomes too large. As a result, the recording capacity of the recording medium 22 is insufficient. Therefore, in such a case, the data is temporarily stored in the memory 44 of the docking station 2 and transmitted to the information processing apparatus 3, or a PC connected to the PC terminal 51 (for example, PC15). It is also possible to print by sending it to an external printer via. Alternatively, the docking station 2 is provided with a network I / F (interface) that enables transmission and reception of data to and from an external network, and is transmitted to a printer connected to the external network or a server printer connected to the external network. By doing so, it is possible to print. Alternatively, it can be sent back to the electronic camera 1 and recorded on the recording medium 22 of the electronic camera 1 or displayed on the display unit 17. Alternatively, the image data stored in the memory 44 is transmitted to another device (another electronic camera, a mobile phone, a PDA, etc.) connected to the docking station 2 instead of the electronic camera 1, and a copy of the image data is transmitted. It is also possible to perform.

  The memory 44 can also be used for storing firmware data of the electronic camera 1. In this case, the firmware data of the electronic camera 1 can be updated by transmitting firmware data to the electronic camera 1 as necessary.

  Next, a card reader / writer function realized by the operation of the CPU 40 of the docking station 2 will be described. The service search unit 41 can also search for a service that can be handled with the electronic camera 1 connected to the TV so that the image data can be recorded from the TV. In this case, when the electronic camera 1 is installed in the docking station 2 so that the liquid crystal display screen of the display unit 17 of the electronic camera 1 is directed to the user side, the electronic camera 1 is attached to the electronic camera 1 using a TV connected to the docking station 2. A function for performing recording or reproduction on the memory card (recording medium 22) is realized. At this time, the control is performed by the signal processing unit (NTSC conversion unit or PAL conversion unit) 46 in the electronic camera 1 without being controlled by the docking station 2. The signal processing unit 46 is directly connected to the second TV terminal 50 without going through the USB host controller 45. Note that the input / output terminal 30 connected to the signal processing unit (NTSC conversion unit or PAL conversion unit) 46 and the second TV terminal 50 are connected via a dedicated cable 108 and are used for the first TV. It is connected to the terminal 47. In this case, the connector for connecting to the electronic camera 1 includes a connection terminal related to USB / HUB 4, a connection terminal related to the second TV terminal 50, and docking with the electronic camera 1 when the virtual file is not used. A dedicated connector in which a connection terminal for detecting connection with the station 2 is housed in a single connector may be used. Image data and audio data can be written to the memory card (recording medium 22). Conversely, image data and audio data recorded on the memory card (recording medium 22) can be displayed on a TV monitor via the signal processing unit 46 of the electronic camera 1. By operating the electronic camera 1, it is possible to view image data stored in the memory card (recording medium 22) of the electronic camera 1 using the TV and record the TV image on the memory card.

  Next, a charging function realized by the operation of the CPU 40 of the docking station 2 will be described. When the CPU 40 recognizes that the electronic camera 1 has been installed in the docking station 2 from the output signal of the camera installation state detection unit 48, the CPU 40 controls the operation / display unit 49 to display the installation state with an LED. Specifically, it is possible to identify two states, such as when continuous light emission is intermittent and when it is blue or red. Then, power is supplied from the AC power cable terminal 124 of the docking station 2 via the AC / DC conversion circuit 104, the second power supply terminal 125, and the bus line of the USB connector as necessary (power is supplied by bus power). ) Electric power is supplied to the battery (battery) 54 via the DC power supply terminal of the USB connector, the first power supply terminal 123 of the electronic camera 1, the USB device controller 24, and the charging circuit 53 as necessary. Function is realized. This charging function is based on an operation state according to a command from a control circuit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 55 of the electronic camera 1 (for example, an LCD control circuit of the electronic camera 1 is displayed by program control in the camera, or the docking station 2 and the electronic camera 1 The electronic camera is configured so that the CPU 40 recognizes the connected state, the CPU 49 of the electronic camera 1 receives a transmission signal from the CPU 40, and the charging function is activated when the power on the camera side is on or off. The charging circuit 53 is controlled by one CPU 55.

Next, the camera installation state detection unit 48 for detecting the camera installation state and the operation / display unit 49 will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, an external configuration of the electronic camera 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. However, although the electronic camera 1 described here has the same function as that shown in FIG. 3 described above, the appearance configuration is slightly different.

6A and 6B are external views of the electronic camera 1. FIG. 6A is a front view of the electronic camera 1, FIG. 6B is a right side view of the camera, and FIG. 6C is a top view of the camera. .
In addition, the same figure (a), (b), (c) is an external view of a camera when the display part 17 of the electronic camera 1 is folded to the closed position.

  There is a mechanical switch (not shown) for detecting when the display unit of the electronic camera is closed (closed position). In this state, the terminal of the mechanical switch mounted on the camera body 56 is pressed against the frame of the display unit 17, and the output from the mechanical switch terminal is “ON”. This “on state” can be recognized by a control circuit (CPU) in the camera.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, the electronic camera 1 is formed with a gripping portion 57 on the left side of the front view of the camera body 56 (approximately 1/3 in the width direction). A self-timer notification window 58 is provided on the upper portion of the grip portion 57. Further, the display unit 17 covers almost the right side of the right side of the camera body 56 with its rear side facing the front of the camera, and the upper part of the display unit 17 is used to notify various states of the camera to light up or blink. A notification light transmission window 59 is provided, and a double hinge 60 is attached to the lower part of the display unit 17. Further, as shown in FIG. 5C, a stepped portion 56a is formed on the back side of the camera body 56 facing the display unit 17 on the end side of the body side.

  On the upper surface of the camera, a zoom lever 61 and a shutter button 62 are disposed at a position above the self-timer notification window 58, and a remote control light receiving portion 63 is disposed on the right side thereof. As shown in FIG. 2B, the electronic camera 1 is provided with a camera connection unit 64. The position of the camera connecting portion 64 in the height direction of the camera 1 is arranged so as to be located at the center (1 / 2h) in the height direction of the camera 1. Thereby, even if the top and bottom of the electronic camera 1 are reversed, the height position of the camera connection unit 64 does not change.

7A and 7B are external views of the camera when the display unit 17 is rotated to the lower position. FIG. 7A is a front view of the camera, FIG. 7B is a right side view of the camera, and FIG. Is a top view of the camera.
As shown in FIG. 5A, when the display unit 17 is rotated downward with the double hinge 60 as a fulcrum, a photographing lens window is formed on the upper left side of the front surface of the camera body 56 (approximately the center as a whole). 65, a strobe window 66 at the upper right end, and a microphone 67 below it. The display unit 17 is arranged with its display surface 17a facing the front.

  A power button 68 is provided on the lower right side of the display surface 17 a of the display unit 17. The notification light transmission window 59 radiates the notification light to the outside even when the display unit 17 is folded as shown in FIG. 6A or when it is opened as shown in FIG. 7A. That is, the notification light is diffused in the front and back both sides of the display unit 17.

  7A, 7B, and 7C, the electronic camera 1 is used at the opened position of the display unit 17 so that the user of the camera 1 can photograph the direction in which the user is present. In this case, it is a method used while viewing the display surface 17a of the display unit 17 as a monitor.

  There is a mechanical switch (not shown) for detecting when the display unit of the electronic camera is open (open position). In this state, the terminal of the mechanical switch mounted on the camera body 56 is released from the frame of the display unit 17, and the output from the mechanical switch terminal is in the “off state”. This “off state” can be recognized by a control circuit (CPU) in the camera.

  FIG. 8A is a view showing a state in which the display unit 17 is rotated from the lower position so as to further turn around the back of the camera, and the back of the display unit 17 is brought into contact with the back of the camera body 56. FIG. 2B is a diagram showing the usage state. 2A and 2B show the original usage method of the electronic camera 1. FIG. 8 (a) and 8 (b) show the same components as those shown in FIGS. 6 (a), (b) and (c) and FIGS. 7 (a), (b) and (c). The same numbers are assigned to a), (b), (c) and FIGS. 7 (a), (b), (c).

  As shown in FIG. 8 (a), when the electronic camera 1 is used, when the display surface 17a is disposed on the back of the camera so that the display unit 17 is wrapped around the back of the camera 1 and covers about 2/3 of the back of the camera. A mode dial 69, a cross button 70, and other operation buttons are arranged on the remaining 1/3 surface of the back of the camera. While viewing the display screen displayed on the display surface 17a of the display unit 17, a variety of operations can be performed. The operation can be performed.

  Then, at the time of shooting, as shown in FIG. 5B, the user can hold the grip portion 57 in his hand and press the shutter button 62 while confirming the image displayed on the display surface 17a. Further, as shown in the lower part of the figure, when the display unit 17 is turned to the back of the camera, the tripod screw hole 71 formed on the back surface of the double hinge 60 turned upside down from the arrangement at the time of carrying shown in FIG. It is exposed to the outside. Thus, it is possible to take a picture using a tripod in the state shown in FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b).

Subsequently, an external configuration of the docking station 2 will be described with reference to FIG.
9A and 9B are external views of the docking station 2. FIG. 9A is a top view, FIGS. 9B and 9C are front views, and FIG. 9D is a right side view. As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D, the docking station 2 includes a main body 72 and a storage portion 73.

  The storage unit 73 is formed by a mounting surface 74 on which the electronic camera 1 is mounted, and a side wall 75 that is erected from two opposite edges of the mounting surface 74. The side wall 75 protects and positions two side surfaces in the height direction of the electronic camera 1 placed on the placement surface 74.

  The main body 72 has a flat surface portion 72a that forms a rear side wall of the storage portion 73, and the cylindrical rotation portion 76 having a rotation surface 76a formed on substantially the same plane as the flat surface portion 72a is a flat surface. It is provided at the center of the portion 72a.

  The rotating unit 76 has a cylindrical end surface as a rotating surface 76 a, and the rotating surface 76 a is arranged on the main body 72 so as to face the camera connecting unit 64 when the electronic camera 1 is stored in the storing unit 73. Has been. Further, the rotating unit 76 is arranged so that a part of the rotating unit 76 is exposed to the upper part of the main body 72 with a cylindrical peripheral surface as an operation unit.

  A first connecting portion 77 that is electrically connected to the camera connecting portion 64 of the electronic camera 1 protrudes from the rotating surface 76 a of the rotating portion 76. The first connecting portion 77 is a connector of the above-described USB / HUB 4 and is configured to include at least a power supply terminal that supplies power to the electronic camera 1. In this example, the first connection portion 77 further includes a USB output terminal and a video-in terminal. It has been. In addition, the first connecting portion 77 is provided at a position slightly shifted in the radial direction from the rotation center of the rotation surface 76 a of the rotation portion 76.

  As a result, in response to the camera connection unit 64 of the electronic camera 1 whose position in the storage unit 73 differs depending on the front direction or the reverse direction of the electronic camera 1 stored in the storage unit 73, the rotation by the operation of the user is performed. By the rotation of the moving part 76, the position is changed to two positions as shown in FIG. That is, the two positions of the position shown in (b) or the position shown in (c) are displaced from one position to the other.

  Further, a plate-like connection prohibiting member 78 is provided in the vicinity of the first connecting portion 77 on the rotating surface 76 a of the rotating portion 76. The connection prohibiting member 78 is provided so as to protrude from the first connecting portion 77. As a result, as will be described in detail later, when the position of the first connecting portion 77 is in a position not corresponding to the position of the camera connecting portion 64, the connection between the first connecting portion 77 and the camera connecting portion 64 is prohibited. It is supposed to be. Accordingly, the connection prohibiting member 78 is also a positioning member.

  9 and subsequent FIG. 10, the shape of the connection prohibiting member 78 and the shape of the rotating portion 76 are simply shown. However, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. The member 78 has a cutout portion, the rotating portion 76 has an inner wall portion, and a steel ball is embedded at a position of 180 degrees on the outer peripheral surface.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4D, a second connecting portion 121 is provided downward at the lower part of the docking station 2 in the back direction. The second connection portion 121 is for directly electrically connecting to a connector of another device without using an external wiring. For example, this is connected to the connector 107 of the information processing apparatus 3. However, on both sides of the connecting portion 121 in the longitudinal direction of the second connecting portion 121, it is formed on one surface side of the first mounting member 109 of the information processing apparatus 3 which will be described in detail later using FIG. A pair of protrusions are provided corresponding to the hole portions (screw arrangement holes 109b) of the pair of positioning convex portions 109a, and when the second connection portion 121 is connected to the connector 107 of the information processing device 3, The pair of protrusions enter the hole portions of the pair of positioning projections 109a so that the second connecting portion 121 and the connector 107 of the information processing device 3 are positioned at the time of connection. It has become.

FIGS. 10A, 10 </ b> B, 10 </ b> C, and 10 </ b> D are diagrams for explaining that there are two methods for attaching the electronic camera 1 to the docking station 2.
FIG. 10 (a) shows a state in which the electronic camera 1 shown in FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b) is laid with the display surface 17a of the display unit 17 facing upward, and FIG. 10 (b). 9 shows a state in which the rotating portion 76 of the docking station 2 is rotated to displace the positional relationship between the docking station 2 and the connection prohibiting member 78 to the position shown in FIG. 9B.

  In this state, the electronic camera 1 is moved with respect to the storage section 73 of the docking station 2 as indicated by an arrow b in FIG. 10, and the electronic camera 1 is moved to the docking station 2 as indicated by a broken line in FIG. When attached, the tip of the connection prohibiting member 78 enters the stepped portion 56 a of the camera body 56 and the first connecting portion 77 is coupled to the camera connecting portion 64.

  Thus, when the electronic camera 1 is attached to the docking station 2 so as to face down, while being charged from a DC power supply via a DC power supply connector (not shown), the display screen on the display surface 17a of the display unit 17 is viewed. Various processes can be performed by operating the mode dial 69, the cross button 70, or other operation buttons.

  FIG. 10 (c) shows a state in which the electronic camera 1 in the state shown in FIGS. 6 (a), 6 (b) and 6 (c) is laid with its front side facing up. On the other hand, the docking station 2 shown in FIG. 10 (d) rotates the turning portion 76 so that the positional relationship between the first connecting portion 77 and the connection prohibiting member 78 is at the position shown in FIG. 9 (c). The displaced state is shown.

  In this state, the electronic camera 1 is moved as shown by an arrow c in FIG. 10 with respect to the storage section 73 of the docking station 2, and the electronic camera 1 is moved to the docking station 2 as shown by a broken line in FIG. When mounted, the tip of the connection prohibiting member 78 also enters the stepped portion 56 a of the camera body 56 in this case, and the first connecting portion 77 is connected to the camera connecting portion 64.

  As described above, even if the electronic camera 1 is attached to the storage unit 73 of the docking station 2 with the front and back facing up, that is, when the electronic camera 1 is turned upside down in FIG. Since the height position of the electronic camera 1 with respect to the electronic camera 1 does not change, the rotation of the rotating part 76 arranged at the center of the camera connecting part 64 and the flat part 72a forming the back wall surface of the storage part 73 of the docking station 2 is performed. There is no change in the correspondence with the moving surface 76a.

  Therefore, the rotation part 76 is rotated 180 °, and the first connection part 77 arranged on the rotation surface 76a is moved to the position shown in FIG. 9 (b) and the position shown in FIG. 9 (c). It is possible to easily cope with the camera connection portion 64 of the electronic camera 1 whose mounting posture has changed to either the front or back side by simply displacing to any one of the above.

  If the relationship between the mounting posture of the electronic camera 1 and the first connecting portion 77 of the rotating portion 76 of the docking station 2 is in the state shown in FIG. 10 (a) and FIG. 10 (d), the electronic camera 1 is attached to the docking station 2, the connection prohibiting member 78 collides with the side surface of the camera body 56 where the stepped portion 56 a is not formed before the first connecting portion 77 is connected to the camera connecting portion 64. Therefore, the electronic camera 1 cannot be pushed into the docking station 2 any more. As a result, erroneous connection between the first connecting portion 77 and the camera connecting portion 64 is prohibited.

  Similarly, if the relationship between the mounting posture of the electronic camera 1 and the first connecting portion 77 of the rotating portion 76 of the docking station 2 is in the state shown in FIG. 10 (c) and FIG. Even if the camera 1 is to be mounted on the docking station 2, the connection prohibiting member 78 is not formed with the stepped portion 56a of the camera main body 56 before the first connecting portion 77 is coupled to the camera connecting portion 64. Since it collides with the side, the electronic camera 1 cannot be pushed into the docking station 2 any more. Accordingly, in this case as well, erroneous connection between the first connecting portion 77 and the camera connecting portion 64 is prohibited.

  When the electronic camera 1 is thus mounted on the docking station 2 so as to face up, another object accidentally falls on the electronic camera 1 while being charged from the DC power supply via a DC power connector (not shown). There is no possibility of damaging the display surface 17a of the display unit 17 even if it is touched or abutted, so it is possible to go out in a safe state while being charged.

  In this way, when the user mounts the electronic camera 1 on the docking station 2 face-up or face-down and the electronic camera 1 is installed on the docking station 2, the installation state at this time is face-up or face-down. Can be detected by the above-described camera installation state detection unit 48. And CPU40 controls the operation / display part 49 based on the output signal of the camera installation state detection part 48, and displays so that a user can recognize an installation state. This display is performed by, for example, an LED (not shown) provided on the main body 72 of the docking station 2. In this case, the blue LED emits light when the electronic camera 1 is face up, and the red LED emits light when the electronic camera 1 is face down.

When the docking station 2 is installed in the information processing apparatus 3, the PC terminal 51 (USB connector that can be connected to a PC) is hidden by the first shielding plate 52.
Here, a mechanism for detecting the installation state of the electronic camera 1 will be described in detail.

  11 (a) and 11 (b) are diagrams for explaining this detection mechanism. FIG. 11 (a) is a partial sectional view of the docking station 2 as viewed from the front, and FIG. It is a partial cross section figure when the docking station 2 is seen from the right side.

  In FIGS. 9A and 9B, a part of the outer peripheral surface of the rotating portion 76 is splined (see FIG. 9A). Further, the first connecting portion 77 and the connection prohibiting member 78 provided on the turning surface 76 a of the turning portion 76 are provided such that the first connecting portion 77 is separated from the turning center of the turning portion 76 by a. The connection prohibiting member 78 is provided at a distance b from the center of rotation. Thus, the first connecting portion 77 and the connection prohibiting member 78 are eccentrically rotated by the rotation of the rotating portion 76.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, when viewed from the right side, the tip of the connection prohibiting member 78 is provided so as to protrude by d from the tip of the first connecting portion 77. This is so that the camera body 56 to be installed first comes into contact with one surface of the connection prohibiting member 78 so that the terminal pin of the first connecting portion 77 is not burdened.

  The rotation part 76 has an inner wall part in the center. Further, a notch 79 is provided in a part of the connection prohibiting member 78. Further, a fitting hole 81 through which the mounting screw 80 passes is provided. The neck length of the mounting screw 80 is longer by 0.05 mm than the length of the fitting hole 81 of the rotating portion 76. The mounting screw 80 is fixed with a fastening nut 82 and an adhesive so as not to come out on the left side in FIG. Steel balls 83 (83a, 83b) are embedded in the outer peripheral surface of the rotating portion 76 at positions of 180 degrees.

  On the other hand, in the main body 72 of the docking station 2, a pair of leaf springs 84 (84 a, 84 b) that are slightly inclined upward with holes for dropping the steel balls 83 are formed by small screws 85 (85 a, 85 b). Attached. In addition, mechanical microswitches 88 (88a, 88b) are attached to the main body 72 of the docking station 2 so as to contact the leaf springs 84, respectively.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12, a contact terminal 87 having a circular portion is provided at the tip of a pair of leaf springs 86 (only one is shown in the figure), and the leaf spring 86 is further provided with a mechanical micro switch. It is also possible to attach to the main body 72 of the docking station 2 so that 88 contacts. However, in this case, a V-groove (provided that the position is shifted in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of the figure) is provided at a position of 180 degrees on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating portion 76.

Subsequently, the operation of these mechanisms will be described.
The rotating portion 76 is rotated so as to match the mounting direction of the electronic camera 1, and the steel ball 83 enters the hole of the leaf spring 84 by the pressing force of the leaf spring 84 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, when the circular portion of the contact terminal 87 enters the V groove, the rotating portion 76 is fixed in a locked state. The state in which the rotating portion 76 is locked is detected when one of the pair of micro switches 88 is pushed by the leaf spring 86 and the micro switch 88 is switched. That is, a state where the rotation unit 76 is locked when the installation state of the electronic camera 1 is face up is detected by one micro switch 88 (for example, 88a), and the rotation unit 76 is locked when the electronic camera 1 is facing down. This state is detected by the other micro switch (for example, 88b). Then, the CPU 40 detects the output signals of the pair of microswitches 88 and controls the operation / display unit 49 based on the output signals to perform display by color corresponding to the installation state. For example, you may make it display by color display whether the surface in which the display surface of the display part 17 of the electronic camera 1 is provided is a front surface or a back surface. Therefore, the user can determine how the electronic camera 1 is set by looking at the display according to color, and there is an advantage that it can easily cope with a dark place.

Or the mechanism which detects the installation state of this electronic camera 1 can also be comprised as follows.
FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing another example of the mechanism.

  As shown in the drawing, the first connecting portion 77 and the connection prohibiting member 78 are provided in the rotating portion 76 whose outer peripheral surface is splined, as described above. Steel balls 90 are embedded at two locations on the rotation surface of the rotation portion 76 opposite to the rotation surface 76a. Two semi-spherical recesses (dents) 91 are also provided on the side surface of the main body 72 of the docking station 2 facing the rotating surface. Further, a shaft portion 92 is provided at the central axis of the rotating portion 76, and the tip is fixed by an E ring 93. A compression spring 94 is interposed between the E-ring 93 and the inner surface of the main body 72 of the docking station 2. A cover 95 for concealing the E-ring 93 and the compression spring 94 is adhered and fixed to the main body 72 of the docking station 2. In this way, the user picks and turns the rotating portion 76 to the left side of FIG. 5 (a) (by applying a force sufficient to overcome the pressing force of the compression spring 94), thereby allowing the main body 76 of the docking station 2 to move. The steel ball 90 jumps out of a semicircular dent (indentation) 91 on the side surface of the sphere, thereby enabling switching. Here, as described above, the shape of a semispherical dent (dent) is used, but the shape of the dent is a rail having a long semispherical cross section extending 180 degrees, and only about 0.5 mm at both ends, a rail groove. You may make it the shape made into the deeper spherical short part. In this case, the rotation unit 76 can be rotated without providing a gap between the side surface of the rotation unit 76 and the end surface of the main body 72 facing the side surface, and is easier to handle for the user without rotating 360 degrees. It becomes. As a mechanism for detecting the position at this time, as shown in FIG. 5B, a pair of magnetic sensitive sensors 96 are used, and permanent magnets embedded in two locations on the outer peripheral surface of the corresponding rotating portion 76, respectively. One of the magnets 97 (97a, 97b) is detected. In this case, the CPU 40 detects an output signal of the magnetic sensor 94 and controls the operation / display unit 49 based on the output signal to display according to the color corresponding to the installation state. Therefore, the user can determine how the electronic camera 1 is set by looking at the display according to color, and there is an advantage that it can easily cope with a dark place.

In addition, or alternatively, the mechanism for detecting the installation state of the electronic camera 1 can be configured as follows.
FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C are diagrams showing another example of the mechanism.

  In this example, the electronic camera 1 is not provided with a stepped portion 56a, but is provided with a projecting portion 98 that is shorter than the first connecting portion 77 that is a USB / HUB4 connector. Correspondingly, the docking station 2 is provided with a recess 99 on the side surface on the installation side of the first connecting portion 77 of the rotating portion 76. Other configurations are as described with reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B except that the connection prohibiting member 78 is omitted.

  If it does in this way, the camera connection part 64 will be inserted in the 1st connection part 77 in the state which locked the rotation part 76, and the projection part 98 of the camera main body 56 will be the hollow part 99 in the side surface of the rotation part 76 when insertion is completed. The electronic camera 1 is fixed by fitting.

Next, an example of the switching operation of the docking station 2 performed when the electronic camera 1 is mounted will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the switching operation.

  In FIG. 10, when the electronic camera 1 is attached to the docking station 2, the installation state of the electronic camera 1 is detected by the camera installation state detection unit 48 by the mechanism described above (S11), and the electronic camera 1 is face up (FIG. 10). It is determined whether it is installed in the (installation state shown in (d)) or in the reverse direction (installation state shown in FIG. 10 (b)) (S12).

  In this flow, when the electronic camera 1 is face up, the photographing lens is basically hidden by the display unit 17 as shown in FIG. 10 (d). It is installed in either. If the electronic camera 1 is a type in which a display unit 17 is provided on the back surface like a general electronic camera, if it is determined that the electronic camera 1 is installed face up in the determination of S12, the process "charging" of S17 is performed. Will proceed to.

  On the other hand, when the electronic camera 1 is attached to the docking station 2, as described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 described above, processing such as discovery / service search is performed to establish a connection with the electronic camera 1. (S13). In this discovery / service search, a virtual file corresponding to a service that supports the electronic camera 1 or the information processing apparatus 3 and its version number are stored in advance in the memory 44 of the docking station 2 or the SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic of the electronic camera 1). Random Access Memory) can also be stored and downloaded from the PC 15.

  Then, after the determination process of S3 is completed and the connection is established in S13, the playback mode operation is started (S14), and the TV screen display process or further is not shown in this flow. Is connected to the information processing apparatus 3, print / store is executed (S 16), charging is performed (S 17), and this flow can be ended.

  If the AV terminal is not connected to the display unit 17 of the electronic camera 1 in the playback mode, the “TV monitor” shown in FIG. 3 cannot be selected. When the AV terminal is connected, the menu screen shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. When the user operates the “TV monitor” of the remote controller, nine thumbnail images are displayed on the display unit 17 with priority on the latest shooting date, and at the same time, a signal processing unit (NTSC conversion unit PAL conversion unit) 46 in the camera 1 is displayed. The analog signal is transferred to the TV display screen via the AV connector, and the thumbnail image is also displayed on the TV screen. Further, when the user selects one still image or album with title (year / month group) from among the thumbnail images, the multi-thumbnail image is replaced with desired image data. Further, the image data displayed on the display unit or TV screen of the electronic camera 1 may be one by one. Alternatively, the reserved print can be automatically printed by operating the “print” button. Further, when the “Store” button is operated, all image data recorded on the memory card attached to the electronic camera 1 can be recorded on the DVD recording disk. In this case, overwrite saving processing is also performed.

  However, when it is determined in S12 that the electronic camera 1 is mounted face up, the playback mode operation in S14 is started only when the display unit 17 of the electronic camera 1 is opened. Is kept closed, the image data stored in the electronic camera 1 is automatically recorded in the recording unit 21 of the information processing apparatus 3 only when the information processing apparatus 3 is connected. .

  In the present flow, the electronic camera is different from the electronic camera 1 shown in FIG. 6 and the like only in its external configuration, and when the photographing lens is mounted on the docking station 2 so as to face up without being hidden, the first camera is used. When the connecting portion and the connection prohibiting member 78 are in the positions shown in FIG. 10 (d) and the liquid crystal display portion for displaying an image or the like is attached to the docking station 2 so as to face up without being hidden, the first connection is made. When the electronic camera is mounted on the docking station 2 when there is a camera configured so that the connection portion and the connection prohibiting member 78 are positioned as shown in FIG. When it is determined that the electronic camera 1 is installed face up (the first connecting portion and the connection prohibiting member 78 are at the position shown in FIG. 10 (d)), the electronic camera 1 When the shadow mode is set and it is determined that the electronic camera 1 is installed face down (the first connecting portion and the connection prohibiting member 78 are at the position shown in FIG. 10B), the playback mode is set in the electronic camera 1. It is also possible to configure so that the following operation is performed according to each mode.

  When the shooting mode is set, for example, firmware data of the electronic camera stored in advance in the memory 44 of the docking station 2 is transmitted to the electronic camera, and the firmware data of the camera is updated in the electronic camera. . Alternatively, the above-described charging operation is performed. Alternatively, moving image data captured by the electronic camera for monitoring is transmitted to the docking station 2 and stored in the memory 44.

  Further, when the reproduction mode is set, for example, image data stored in advance in the memory 44 of the docking station 2 is transmitted to the electronic camera, and the image data is reproduced in the electronic camera. Alternatively, as described above, when the electronic camera is connected to the TV via the docking station 2, the image data recorded on the recording medium 22 of the electronic camera is played back on the TV, or the display of the electronic camera is displayed. The unit 17 reproduces the TV video.

  In addition, when a mobile phone, a PDA, or the like is connected to the docking station 2, the image data stored in the memory 44 of the docking station 2 may be transmitted to these devices to copy the image data. Is possible.

Next, the mechanism between the opening / closing lid 7 provided on the upper plate of the information processing apparatus 3 and the USB connector 6 of the USB device controller 16 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.
FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of the information processing apparatus 3 when the upper plate opening / closing lid 7 is opened, and FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration related to the opening / closing lid 7 and the USB connector 6.

  16 and 17, the upper plate 100 is formed with an opening 100a that is closed by the open / close lid 7 and a through hole 100b in which the switch terminal 101 is disposed. The switch terminal 101 is substantially T-shaped, and is provided with an action portion 101a that slides a connecting terminal (reference numeral 102 in FIG. 17), which will be described later, in a predetermined direction against an urging force of the connecting terminal 102. Yes.

  The opening / closing lid 7 is formed so as to close the opening 100a with almost no gap. On both sides of the opening / closing lid 7, convex portions 7a serving as support portions described later are provided. One convex portion 7a is integrally provided with an opening / closing lid gear 105 formed with a predetermined number of teeth, for example.

  A flange 107c that divides the connector main body 107 into a distal end side portion 107a and a proximal end side portion 107b is provided at a substantially central portion of the connector main body 107 having the protective cover 106.

  The first placement member 109 is formed of a flat and hard resin member. A square hole 109c in which the protective cover 106 is slidably disposed is formed in a substantially central portion of the first placement member 109. The pair of positioning convex portions 109 a is formed on one surface side of the first placement member 109.

  The second mounting member 110 is made of a hard resin member. In addition, columnar rotation holding portions 110b are provided on both sides of the second placement member 110, respectively. A convex portion 110c on which a biasing torsion coil spring 111 is disposed is provided on the tip side of one rotation holding portion 110b, and the other rotation holding portion 110b has a predetermined number of teeth. A gear 112 is provided integrally. Further, the second mounting member 110 is provided with a female screw portion (not shown) facing the screw arrangement hole 109b and a concave portion (not shown) in which the flange 107c is arranged.

  Accordingly, the square hole 109c of the first mounting member 109 is inserted and disposed in the distal end side portion 107a of the connector main body 107, while the second mounting member 110 is disposed in the proximal end side portion 107b of the connector main body 107. In this arrangement state, the fixing screw 113 is inserted into the screw disposing hole 109 b of the first mounting member 109, and this fixing screw 113 is screwed into the female screw portion provided in the second mounting member 110. As a result, the connector main body 107 is sandwiched and held between the first mounting member 109 and the second mounting member 110 to form the connector 6.

  The connector installation frame 114 is made of a hard resin member and has a substantially concave shape. The connector 6 is disposed in the recess 114 a provided in the connector installation frame 114. The connector installation frame 114 is provided with a pair of first support recesses 114b and 114c in which a rotation holding portion 110b provided on the second mounting member 110 constituting the connector 6 is rotatably disposed. Yes. The shaft portion of the connector-side gear 112 is rotatably provided in the first support recess 114c.

  In addition, a transmission gear 115 formed with a predetermined number of teeth is slidably disposed at a predetermined position on the side of the connector installation frame 114 in the vicinity of the first support recess 114 c by a switch terminal 101. A connection terminal installation portion 114e is provided in which a frame portion (reference numeral 102a in the drawing), which will be described later, constituting the connection terminal 102 to be moved is disposed. An opening 114f is formed in the connecting terminal installation portion 114e.

Further, the connector installation frame 114 is provided with a pair of second support recesses 114g in which the projections 7a provided on the opening / closing lid 7 are rotatably disposed.
The connecting terminal 102 is provided with a frame portion 102a and an urging portion 102b. The frame part 102a is disposed on the connection terminal installation part 114e. An opening is formed in the frame part 102a, and the action part 101a of the switch terminal 101 is disposed in the opening through an opening 114f. The urging portion 102 b has a predetermined urging force that urges and arranges the connection terminal 102 at a predetermined position of the connection terminal installation portion 114 c formed on the connector installation frame 114.

  Finally, an example of the display screen of the display unit 17 on the back of the electronic camera 1 when a service supported by the information processing apparatus 3 is searched for via the docking station 2 in the electronic camera 1 will be described with reference to FIG. To do. FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D are diagrams corresponding to FIG. 3 described above, and all are examples in which a photographed image and an operation menu are displayed at the same time. .

  As shown in Figure (a), if the detected service is a print service or store service, "Print" or "Store" is displayed as an item displayed via the transparent touch panel. . In this case, an icon 28 indicating that the connection is established via the docking station 2 is also displayed at the lower right of the screen.

  FIG. 5B shows a display example when a desired time has elapsed since “print” was pressed through the touch panel and printing was started. This indicates that the part where the arrow (the arrow displayed on the right side of “Print” in the figure (b)) is interrupted is printed. Further, by displaying the printing state in real time by directly shading the thumbnail image, it is possible to make the user confirm it easily. For example, when the shading is executed, the print state of the thumbnail image becomes clearer and easier to understand by deleting or semi-transparenting the items “Store” and “Print”.

  FIG. 6C shows a display example when a desired time has elapsed after the item “Store” is pressed via the touch panel and copying is started. The part where the arrow (the arrow displayed to the right of “Store” in the figure (c)) is interrupted is copied (saved).

  FIG. 4D shows a display example when copying is completed. The last thumbnail image saved is displayed on the screen, indicating that the saving is complete. At this time, a mark 116 corresponding to the up / down / left / right key is also displayed on the screen to indicate that the key input of the up / down / left / right key can be accepted.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various improvements and changes may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows the main structures of an electronic camera system. It is an appearance perspective view of an information processor when a tray has come out. It is a figure explaining the display part and various keys which were provided in the back surface of the electronic camera contained in a system. It is a figure explaining the process regarding transfer and handling of the data regarding the service which can respond. It is a figure explaining the process regarding transfer and handling of the data regarding the service which can respond. (a) is a front view of the camera of the electronic camera, (b) is a right side view of the camera, and (c) is a top view of the camera. (a) is a front view of the camera when the display unit is rotated to the lower position, (b) is a right side view of the camera at that time, and (c) is a top view of the camera at that time. (a) is a diagram showing a state in which the display unit is further rotated from the lower position so as to turn around the back of the camera, and the back of the display unit is brought into contact with the back of the camera body, and (b) is a diagram showing the state of use. It is. (a) is a top view of the docking station, (b) and (c) are front views thereof, and (d) is a right side view thereof. (a), (b), (c), (d) is a diagram for explaining that there are two methods for attaching an electronic camera to a docking station. (a), (b) is a figure explaining the mechanism which detects the installation state of an electronic camera. It is a figure which shows the partial structure of the other mechanism which detects the installation state of an electronic camera. It is a figure which shows the example of the other mechanism which detects the installation state of an electronic camera. It is a figure which shows the example of the other mechanism which detects the installation state of an electronic camera. It is a flowchart which shows the switching operation | movement of a docking station performed when an electronic camera is mounted | worn. It is a figure explaining the mechanism of the opening-and-closing lid | cover provided in the upper board of information processing apparatus, and the USB connector of a USB device controller. It is a figure explaining the mechanism of the opening-and-closing lid | cover provided in the upper board of information processing apparatus, and the USB connector of a USB device controller. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the display part of an electronic camera back surface when the service which an information processing apparatus supports is searched via the docking station.

Explanation of symbols

1 Electronic Camera 2 Docking Station 3 Information Processing Device 4 USB / HUB
5 USB host controller 6 USB connector 7 Open / close lid 8 Optical disk 9 Tray 10 Printer unit 11 Cassette 12 Cassette insertion port 13 Changeover switch 14 LED display unit 15 PC
16 USB device controller 17 Display unit 18 Operation unit 19 Direct operation unit 20 Imaging unit 21 Disk drive unit 22 Recording medium 23 Memory 24 USB device controller 25 Up / down / left / right key 26 OK key 27 Cancel key 28 Icon 29 Changeover switch unit 30 Input / output terminal 31, 32 Icon 33 Control circuit 34 Service search unit 35 Discovery unit 36 Direct operation unit 37 Memory 38 Display unit 39 Power supply unit 40 Control circuit 41 Service search unit 42 Discovery unit 43 Direct operation unit 44 Memory 45 USB host controller 46 Signal processing unit 47 first TV terminal 48 camera installation state detection unit 49 operation / display unit 50 second TV terminal 51 PC terminal 52 first shielding plate 53 charging circuit 54 battery 55 control circuit 56 camera book Body 57 Grasping part 58 Self-timer notification window 59 Notification light transmission window 60 Double hinge 61 Zoom lever 62 Shutter button 63 Remote control light receiving part 64 Camera connection part 65 Shooting lens window 66 Strobe window 67 Microphone 68 Power button 69 Mode dial 70 Cross Button 71 Tripod screw hole 72 Docking station main body 73 Docking station storage part 74 Placement surface 75 Side wall 76 Rotating part 77 First connection part 78 Connection prohibition member 79 Notch part 80 Mounting screw 81 Engagement hole 82 Tighten Nut 83 Steel ball 84 Leaf spring 85 Machine screw 86 Leaf spring 87 Contact terminal 88 Micro switch 90 Steel ball 91 Semi-spherical recess (dent)
92 Shaft portion 93 E ring 94 Compression spring 95 Cover 96 Magnetic sensitive sensor 97 Permanent magnet 98 Protruding portion 99 Recessed portion 100 Upper plate 101 Switch terminal 102 Connection terminal 103 Second shielding plate 104 AC / DC conversion circuit 105 Gear for opening / closing lid 106 Protective cover 107 Connector body 108 Dedicated cable 109 First mounting member 110 Second mounting member 111 Torsion coil spring 112 Connector side gear 113 Fixing screw 114 Connector installation frame 115 Transmission gear 116 Mark 117 Power SW
118 Eject Button 119 Discovery Unit 120 Service Search Unit 121 Second Connection Unit 122 USB Switch 123 First Power Supply Terminal 124 AC Power Cable Terminal 125 Second Power Supply Terminal

Claims (8)

An electronic device that directly sends and receives data to and from a docking station where electronic devices can be placed
First storage means for storing a virtual file to be created corresponding to each service supported by the electronic device;
A virtual corresponding to the retrieved service transmitted from the docking station when a virtual file corresponding to a service supported by the docking station is retrieved from a file stored in the first storage means in the docking station. Second storage means for storing file information of the file;
Display means for displaying a service corresponding to file information of the virtual file stored in the second storage means;
An electronic device comprising: A display method for an electronic device that directly sends and receives data to and from a docking station where the electronic device can be placed
Storing a virtual file to be created corresponding to each service supported by the electronic device in the first storage unit;
A virtual corresponding to the searched service transmitted from the docking station when a virtual file corresponding to a service supported by the docking station is searched from a file stored in the first storage unit in the docking station. Storing file information of the file in the second storage unit;
Displaying a service according to file information of the virtual file stored in the second storage unit;
A display method for an electronic device. A display method of an electronic device that directly transmits and receives data with a docking station having a detection unit that detects that the electronic device is mounted,
A virtual file to be created corresponding to each service supported by the electronic device based on an output signal from the detection unit that detects that the electronic device is placed is stored in the first storage unit,
A virtual corresponding to the searched service transmitted from the docking station when a virtual file corresponding to a service supported by the docking station is searched from a file stored in the first storage unit in the docking station. Storing file information of the file in the second storage unit;
Displaying a service according to file information of the virtual file stored in the second storage unit;
A display method for an electronic device. An electronic device system in which the electronic device according to claim 1 is placed in a docking station, and data is directly transmitted and received between the docking station and the electronic device,
The electronic device is provided with a terminal portion, and the docking station detects a direction of the electronic device installed in the docking station by separating signals output from the terminal portion; and Display means for displaying whether the surface on which the display means of the electronic device is provided by the detection unit is a front surface or a back surface;
An electronic device system characterized by that. The docking station having a host function and the electronic device having a device function are connected via a hub and a changeover switch.
The electronic device system according to claim 4. The battery in the electronic device is charged with power supplied to the docking station and supplied through the docking station.
The electronic apparatus system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein The function corresponding to the electronic device is changed based on the detection result from the detection unit that detects the orientation of the electronic device.
The electronic device system according to claim 5. The electronic device is at least one of an electronic camera, a PDA, a mobile phone, a portable audio player, and a photo viewer.
The electronic device according to claim 1.