JP4504579B2 - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic camera that captures a subject image using a semiconductor image sensor such as a CCD two-dimensional image sensor, and more particularly, an electronic camera that can exclusively use a plurality of communication modes in which each performs unique communication. About.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, a subject image is imaged on a solid-state image sensor such as a CCD two-dimensional image sensor by an imaging optical system and converted into an electrical signal, and the image data of the still image obtained thereby is recorded as in a semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk. So-called electronic cameras that record on a medium are becoming widespread.
[0003]
In this electronic camera, a photographed image is usually recorded on a recording medium such as a removable card memory, and when the image is taken into a personal computer, the removable card memory is directly attached to the personal computer, or An image is sent by connecting the external input / output terminal of the camera and the external input / output terminal of the personal computer with a cable.
[0004]
The transfer of images from the electronic camera to the personal computer was previously realized by sending and receiving commands. In this method, a standard mechanism for accessing peripheral devices such as a CD-ROM drive device and an MO drive device is used. Recently, it was necessary to provide the personal computer with another mechanism, so that recently, the CD-ROM drive device and the MO drive can be used so that the personal computer can access the recording medium attached to the electronic camera by a standard mechanism. Similar to devices and the like, electronic cameras having the function of operating as one peripheral device have also appeared.
[0005]
In addition, some electronic cameras of this type have a function of accepting operation instructions from a personal computer connected by a cable via an external input / output terminal for image transfer. For example, a command for instructing photographing is received. Then, an image is taken and recorded on a recording medium such as a removable card memory.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, even if this type of electronic camera has two functions, that is, a function that operates as one peripheral device and a function that receives an operation instruction from a personal computer, the two functions are switched selectively. For example, there were the following problems.
[0007]
In other words, in recent personal computers, each peripheral device is recognized when the power is turned on or when it is connected, but in order to keep track of the status of each peripheral device, the inquiry is periodically executed. When a case occurs, even when a cable is connected to accept an operation instruction from a personal computer, this inquiry will occur periodically, causing a collision between this inquiry and an operation instruction command, In some cases, both the personal computer and the electronic camera may malfunction.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera that can selectively use a plurality of communication modes in which each performs unique communication.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above-described object, the electronic camera of the present invention includes a first communication mode in which communication is performed to operate as one peripheral device, for example, like a CD-ROM drive device or an MO drive device. The first communication mode and the second communication mode can be used exclusively and selectively in providing the second communication mode for communicating in order to operate in response to an instruction from the personal computer. Therefore, a connection detecting means for detecting connection with an external device, a communication selecting means for selecting one communication mode from among a plurality of communication modes each independently performing communication, and detection by the connection detecting means Communication control means for controlling communication with the external device based on the result and the selection result of the communication selection means.
[0010]
In the electronic camera of the present invention, when it is connected to a personal computer with a cable, for example, in the first communication mode, it is as if it is one peripheral device in response to an initial inquiry from the personal computer. An answer for recognizing it is returned to the personal computer. In the second communication mode, this inquiry is ignored to suppress subsequent inquiries for constantly grasping the situation.
[0011]
As a result, when a cable is connected to accept an operation instruction from the personal computer, an inquiry to each peripheral device from the personal computer and an operation instruction command exchanged between the personal computer and the electronic camera are received. Ensure that collisions are prevented.
[0012]
In the electronic camera of the present invention, for example, when the communication selection means is (1) when a plurality of predetermined operation members are operated simultaneously, (2) a switch indicating the state of the camera indicates a predetermined state. And when a plurality of predetermined operation members are operated simultaneously, (3) when power is turned on while a predetermined operation member is operated, and (4) a predetermined recording medium is inserted. It is preferable that the communication mode is selected when the device is attached.
[0013]
In the electronic camera of the present invention, by applying such a unique and complicated procedure as a communication mode selection operation, the general user is in a special communication mode from the first communication mode which is the normal communication mode. It becomes difficult to switch to the second communication mode.
[0014]
The electronic camera according to the present invention further includes a connection detection unit that detects connection with an external device, a lens barrier that is movable between a position where the photographing lens is opened and a position where the photographing lens is protected, and the lens barrier. Based on the communication selection means for selecting one communication mode from among a plurality of communication modes each performing unique communication according to the opening / closing of the connection, the detection result of the connection detection means, and the selection result of the communication selection means And a communication control means for controlling communication with the external device.
[0015]
The communication control means communicates to execute access to a recording medium attached to the camera body under the control of the external device when the lens barrier is in a position to protect the photographing lens. A communication mode is selected, and when the lens barrier is in a position to open the photographing lens, a second communication mode is selected for communication in order to operate in accordance with an instruction from the external device.
[0016]
In the electronic camera of the present invention, by using the opening and closing of the lens barrier for protecting and opening the lens as a specific instruction means for switching between the first communication mode and the second communication mode, Usability at the time of switching can be improved.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0018]
(First embodiment)
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0019]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a connection state of a computer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a personal computer 100 and an electronic camera 200 are connected via a USB cable A as necessary. Connected. The personal computer 100 is a computer of a desktop type, a notebook type, or the like. When the electronic camera 200 is operated remotely or when it is desired to read image data from a recording medium attached to the electronic camera 200, the personal computer 100 is an electronic computer. Connection with the camera 200 is executed.
[0020]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the electronic camera 200.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 2, this electronic camera is roughly divided into a camera body 1 and a lens barrel 2. In addition to an electronic viewfinder (EVF) 3 and strobe 4, the camera body 1 is provided with a release button 5, a power switch 6, a four-way button 7, and an OK / menu button 8 as an operation unit, and a color liquid crystal as a display unit. A display (LCD) 9 is provided. Although not shown, the side surface of the camera body 1 is provided with a terminal for inserting the USB cable A, a slot for detachably mounting a recording medium, and a lid for protecting the slot. ing.
[0022]
Next, the detailed configuration inside the electronic camera 200 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0023]
In FIG. 3, the subject light passes through a lens 11 provided in the lens barrel 2, and then the amount of light is controlled by the diaphragm 12. The lens 11 is driven by an AF mechanism 13, and subject light that has passed through the lens 11 and the aperture 12 is guided into the camera body 1, and a CCD two-dimensional color image sensor (hereinafter referred to as a color solid-state image sensor) when the shutter 14 is opened. , Simply referred to as CCD). Thereby, a subject image is formed on the imaging surface of the CCD 15.
[0024]
The CCD 15 is configured by arranging a plurality of pixels that perform photoelectric conversion in a two-dimensional matrix to form an imaging surface, and further arranging a color filter on the imaging surface, corresponding to a subject image formed on the imaging surface. Accumulated signal charge. An imaging circuit 16 is attached to the CCD 15, and exposure, readout, element shutter, gain adjustment (ISO setting), power supply, and the like are controlled by the imaging circuit 16. The output from the CCD 15 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 17 and then guided to the image processing unit 18 where auto white balance, luminance / color signal generation, gamma processing, and the like are performed. A color image signal of a predetermined format is generated.
[0025]
The color image signal generated by the image processing unit 18 is temporarily stored in a buffer memory 19 composed of, for example, a DRAM. A liquid crystal control unit 20 is connected to the buffer memory 19, and the color image signal is converted into a form suitable for display output here, and then supplied to a color liquid crystal display (LCD) 9 such as a TFT system, and as an image. Is displayed.
[0026]
Further, a compression / decompression unit 21 is further connected to the buffer memory 19. The compression / decompression unit 21 reads out an image signal stored in the buffer memory 19 and performs a compression (encoding) process, thereby forming a compression processing unit suitable for recording on the recording medium 22, and a recording An expansion processing unit that reads out image data recorded on the medium 22 and performs expansion (decoding) processing. As the compression processing method, for example, the JPEG method is used, but is not limited thereto. At the time of reproduction, the decompressed image signal is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 19 and is appropriately displayed on the color liquid crystal display (LCD) 9 via the liquid crystal control unit 20. The recording medium 22 is generally a memory card composed of a semiconductor memory such as a card-type flash memory. However, the recording medium 22 is not limited to this, and a magnetic recording such as a hard disk or a floppy disk. Various forms such as a medium can be used.
[0027]
In addition to the color liquid crystal display (LCD) 9, this electronic camera is provided with a view-type electronic view finder (EVF) 3, and with respect to the output from the A / D converter 17, a finder image is provided. The generating unit 23 performs n-frame / second moving image processing, and displays a through image from the electronic viewfinder (EVF) 3 via the liquid crystal control unit 24 or the color liquid crystal display (LCD) 9 via the liquid crystal control unit 20. Is displayed.
[0028]
The communication control unit 25 controls communication with the personal computer 100 via the USB cable A. When the communication control unit 25 performs a remote operation from the personal computer 100, or the personal computer 100 A command, address information, image data, and the like when reading image data from the recording medium 22 are exchanged by the same mechanism as other peripheral devices. The command at the time of remote operation is delivered to the system controller 27 and a predetermined operation is performed. On the other hand, the command and address information at the time of image data reading are transferred to the interface unit of the recording medium 22 and an access process is executed. The
[0029]
The strobe 4 is a light source for photographing a dark subject, and the light emission amount of the strobe 4 is controlled by the strobe control circuit 26. The strobe control circuit 26 includes a strobe capacitor capable of storing a predetermined amount of charge, and drives the strobe 4 by charging and discharging the strobe capacitor.
[0030]
The above operations are all controlled by the system controller 27, and the system controller 27 is notified from the operation unit 28 of the operation contents of the release button 5, power switch 6, four-way button 7, and OK / menu button 8. In response to this, the above-described operation control is executed. The system controller 27 controls each part of the camera based on the set shooting conditions, and provides necessary image processing parameters. Note that the shooting conditions here include not only narrow shooting conditions common to silver halide cameras such as so-called exposure, shutter speed, strobe light emission, light emission amount correction, etc., but also white balance, color processing (color table), gamma. The image processing conditions such as the above are also included.
[0031]
In addition, the system controller 27 includes a mode setting unit 29 and a connection detection unit 30. The mode setting unit 29 is for setting a communication mode of the electronic camera 200 based on a notification from the operation unit 28 and a detection result of a connection detection unit 30 described later. On the other hand, the connection detection unit 30 is for detecting whether the USB cable A is connected.
[0032]
Here, the control unique to the present invention will be described in detail such that a plurality of communication modes in which communication is performed independently can be used exclusively.
[0033]
The electronic camera 200 includes (1) a normal shooting / playback mode in which shooting and playback are performed in response to a notification from the operation unit 28 such as pressing of the release button 5, and (2) a personal computer 100 via the USB cable A. Camera control communication mode in which shooting and playback are executed in response to a command transferred from the computer, and (3) access to the recording medium 22 using the command and address information transferred from the personal computer 100 via the USB cable A. The storage communication mode has three operation modes.
[0034]
In the electronic camera 200, the settings of the three operation modes are performed exclusively by the following procedure, so that it is possible to surely prevent a situation in which the respective communication in the camera control communication mode and the storage communication mode particularly collide. .
[0035]
The system controller 27 stores which one of the camera control communication mode and the storage communication mode is selected as the operation mode when connected to the personal computer 100. When the three buttons of the up button and the left button and the OK / menu button 8 are pressed simultaneously, the operation mode to be stored is switched.
[0036]
Further, the system controller 27 detects whether or not the USB cable A is connected by the connection detection unit 30, and sets the shooting / playback mode unconditionally when the USB cable A is not connected. On the other hand, when it is detected that the USB cable A is connected, the system controller 27 sets one of the camera control communication mode and the storage communication mode stored earlier.
[0037]
When the USB cable A is connected to the personal computer 100, an initial inquiry for recognizing the peripheral device type or the like is received from the personal computer 100 by a hot-swap function called plug and play, for example. Sent. Here, if the storage communication mode is set, the system controller 27 returns an answer to this inquiry and makes the personal computer 100 recognize itself as one peripheral device. On the other hand, if the camera control communication mode is set, the personal computer 100 is not aware of its presence by ignoring this inquiry. Then, the system controller 27 that performs different responses to this inquiry according to the operation mode at that time continues to operate while operating in either the storage communication mode or the camera control communication mode. Prohibits switching to the other operation mode.
[0038]
Thus, for example, even if the specification of the personal computer 100 periodically executes the inquiry so as to keep track of the status of each peripheral device, this inquiry can be suppressed in the camera control communication mode. Does not cause a collision with the operation command.
[0039]
In addition, a unique and complicated procedure of simultaneously pressing two buttons, the up button and the left button of the four buttons of the four-way button 7, and the three buttons of the OK / menu button 8 is operated. By adopting it as a switching operation, the storage communication mode and the camera control communication mode are both installed in advance, but for example, the storage communication mode is selected as the initial setting before shipment, and only a limited number of users can control the camera. For example, the use in the communication mode can be disclosed.
[0040]
Next, with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, an operation procedure relating to mode switching of the electronic camera 200 will be described.
[0041]
When the three buttons of the up button and the left button of the four buttons of the four-way button 7 and the three buttons of the OK / menu button 8 are pressed simultaneously, the system controller 27 (step of FIG. 4). A1) The operation mode in the selected state is switched between the camera control communication mode and the storage communication mode (step A2 in FIG. 4).
[0042]
Next, the system controller 27 checks whether or not the USB cable A is connected (step A3 in FIG. 4). If it is connected (YES in step A3 in FIG. 4), the camera control communication mode in the selected state or One of the storage communication modes is set (step A4 in FIG. 4). On the other hand, if not connected (NO in step A3 in FIG. 4), the normal shooting / playback mode is set (step A5 in FIG. 4).
[0043]
When connected to the personal computer 100 via the USB cable A, the system controller 27 receives an inquiry from the personal computer 100 (step B1 in FIG. 5). If the storage communication mode is set (YES in step B2 in FIG. 5), an answer to this inquiry is returned to the personal computer 100 (step B3 in FIG. 5), while the storage communication mode must be set. In other words, in the case of the camera control communication mode (NO in step B2 in FIG. 5), the inquiry from the personal computer 100 is ignored (step B4 in FIG. 5).
[0044]
As a result, the electronic camera 200 can exclusively use the storage communication mode and the camera control communication mode in which each communication with the personal computer 100 is independently performed, and reliably prevents such communication collisions. To prevent.
[0045]
In the above description, storage communication is performed by simultaneously pressing the three buttons, the up button and the left button, and the OK / menu button 8 among the four buttons of the four-way button 7. Although an example of switching between the mode and the camera control communication mode has been shown, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a recording medium 22 in which predetermined information is recorded is stored in a slot, or a cover for protecting this slot The storage communication mode and the camera control communication mode may be switched when two buttons, the up button and the left button, of the four buttons of the four-way button 7 are pressed with the button opened. I do not care. When these operations are performed, a menu for switching between the storage communication mode and the camera control communication mode is displayed on the color liquid crystal display (LCD) 9, and the four-way button 7 and the button performed in response to the menu are displayed. It is also effective to switch between the storage communication mode and the camera control communication mode according to the selection operation by the OK / menu button 8.
[0046]
Furthermore, it is also possible to provide a recording medium 22 corresponding to each operation mode, and set the operation mode corresponding to the recording medium 22 when the recording medium 22 is stored in the slot. It is also effective to set the camera control communication mode only when the power switch 6 and the OK / menu button 8 are pressed when the power is turned on. In short, any procedure that is unique and complicated can be applied as the mode switching operation.
[0047]
Also, there is a reset button, and when this reset button is operated, the storage communication mode, which is the factory default setting, regardless of whether the storage communication mode or camera control communication mode is selected. It is also effective to return to. Similarly, it is also effective to provide something like a communication release button, and when this communication release button is operated, terminate the operation in the storage communication mode or camera control communication mode and return to the normal shooting / playback mode. It is. Furthermore, the operation for returning to the normal shooting / playback mode is also performed by simultaneously pressing a plurality of operation buttons or displaying a menu, or when the USB cable A is disconnected or the predetermined recording medium 22 is removed from the slot. You may make it return to photography reproduction mode automatically, when it removes.
[0048]
(Second Embodiment)
Next explained is the second embodiment of the invention.
[0049]
FIG. 6 is a view showing the appearance of the electronic camera according to the second embodiment.
[0050]
As shown in FIG. 6, the electronic camera has a lens barrier 31 for protecting the lens 11. The lens barrier 31 is provided so that the front surface of the camera body is slidable in the horizontal direction. When the lens barrier 31 is slid in the direction of the lens 11, the lens barrier 31 is closed to protect the lens 11. The lens 11 is released in a state. Further, the lens 11 sinks into the camera body in conjunction with the lens barrier 31 from the open state to the closed state, and the camera operates in conjunction with the lens barrier 31 when the lens barrier 31 moves from the closed state to the open state. It is attached so as to rise from the body. Further, a terminal (USB cable terminal) for inserting a USB cable is provided on the side surface of the camera body, as in the electronic camera of the first embodiment.
[0051]
The electronic camera of the second embodiment opens and closes the lens barrier 31 as various switching instruction means including switching between the storage communication mode and the camera control communication mode described in the first embodiment. This point is used, and this point will be described in detail below.
[0052]
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a detailed configuration inside the electronic camera of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the electronic camera of the second embodiment includes a lens barrier 31 and an opening / closing sensor 32 for detecting the opening / closing of the lens barrier 31 in the configuration of the electronic camera of the first embodiment described above. It is added. The system controller 27 of the electronic camera according to the second embodiment switches between various modes based on the open / close state of the lens barrier 31 detected by the open / close sensor 32 and the presence / absence of a USB cable connection detected by the connection detection unit 30. To control.
[0053]
The opening / closing sensor 32 is, for example, a mechanical switch, and detects opening / closing of the lens barrier 31 by turning on / off. Further, the connection detection unit 30 pulls down or pulls up a predetermined signal line of the USB cable terminal, for example, and uses the potential difference between the unconnected state and the connected state obtained thereby to determine whether or not the USB cable is connected. Is detected. These are merely examples, and any practical detection method can be applied as long as the intended purpose can be achieved.
[0054]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, an operation procedure related to mode switching of the electronic camera of the second embodiment will be described.
[0055]
When the power is turned on, the system controller 27 first executes an initialization process in the camera body (step C1 in FIG. 8). When the initialization process is completed, the system controller 27 checks whether the USB cable A is connected (step C2 in FIG. 8). If not connected (NO in step C2 in FIG. 8), the normal operation mode is set. That is, the camera is activated in either a camera mode for shooting or a playback mode for playing back a shot image (step C3 in FIG. 8).
[0056]
On the other hand, if connected (YES in step C2 in FIG. 8), the system controller 27 starts in the PC connection mode, that is, the storage communication mode or the camera control communication mode described in the first embodiment. (Step C4 in FIG. 8).
[0057]
Further, when the system controller 27 is activated in the PC connection mode, first, the system controller 27 detects the open / close state of the lens barrier 31 (step D1 in FIG. 9). If the lens barrier 31 is in the open state (YES in step D2 in FIG. 9), the system controller 27 sets the operation mode to the camera control communication mode (step D3 in FIG. 9), while being in the closed state. If (NO in step D2 in FIG. 9), the operation mode is set to the storage communication mode (step D4 in FIG. 9).
[0058]
In addition, not only when starting in the PC connection mode but also when starting in the normal operation mode, in conjunction with the state of the lens barrier 31, for example, if the lens barrier 31 is open, the camera mode, In the closed state, it is possible to set the playback mode.
[0059]
As described above, in the electronic camera according to the second embodiment, by using the opening / closing of the lens barrier 31 as an instruction unit for switching between the storage communication mode and the camera control communication mode or between the camera mode and the playback mode, Usability at the time of switching can be improved.
[0060]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the electronic camera of the present invention, as in the case of, for example, a CD-ROM drive device or an MO drive device, the first communication mode for communicating as if operating as one peripheral device; The first communication mode and the second communication mode can be used exclusively and selectively in providing the second communication mode for communicating in order to operate in response to an instruction from the personal computer. When a cable is connected to a personal computer, for example, in the first communication mode, an answer to make an initial inquiry from the personal computer as if it were one peripheral device Is returned to the personal computer, but this query is ignored in the second communication mode. Ri, for example, to suppress the subsequent inquiry in order to always grasp the situation. As a result, when a cable is connected to accept an operation instruction from the personal computer, an inquiry to each peripheral device from the personal computer and an operation instruction command exchanged between the personal computer and the electronic camera are received. Ensure that collisions are prevented.
[0061]
For example, (1) when a plurality of predetermined operation members are operated simultaneously, (2) a switch indicating the state of the camera indicates a predetermined state, and the plurality of predetermined operation members are simultaneously When operated, (3) When a power is turned on with a predetermined operation member operated, (4) When a predetermined recording medium is loaded, etc., a unique and complicated procedure is communicated By applying as a mode switching operation, it is possible for a general user to make it difficult to switch from the first communication mode, which is a normal communication mode, to the second communication mode, which is a special communication mode.
[0062]
Furthermore, by using the opening and closing of the lens barrier for protecting and opening the lens as a specific instruction means for switching between the first communication mode and the second communication mode, the usability at the time of switching is improved. It is possible to improve.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a connection state of a computer system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view showing an appearance of the electronic camera of the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a view for explaining a detailed configuration inside the electronic camera of the first embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a first flowchart for explaining an operation procedure related to mode switching of the electronic camera of the first embodiment;
FIG. 5 is a second flowchart for explaining an operation procedure related to mode switching of the electronic camera of the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is an external view of the electronic camera according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a view for explaining a detailed configuration inside the electronic camera of the second embodiment;
FIG. 8 is a first flowchart for explaining an operation procedure related to mode switching of the electronic camera of the second embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a second flowchart for explaining an operation procedure related to mode switching of the electronic camera of the second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Camera body
2 ... Lens barrel
3. Electronic viewfinder (EVF)
4. Strobe
5 ... Release button
6 ... Power switch
7 ... 4-way button
8 ... OK / Menu button
9. Color liquid crystal display (LCD)
11 ... Lens
12 ... Aperture
13 ... AF mechanism
14 ... Shutter
15. CCD two-dimensional color image sensor (CCD)
16 ... Imaging circuit
17 ... A / D converter
18. Image processing unit
19 ... Buffer memory
20 ... Liquid crystal controller
21: Compression / extension part
22. Recording medium
23. Finder image generation unit
24 ... Liquid crystal controller
25. Communication control unit
26. Strobe control circuit
27 ... System controller
28 ... operation unit
29 ... Mode setting section
30: Connection detector
31 ... Lens barrier
32 ... Open / close sensor
100: Personal computer
200 ... Electronic camera
A ... USB cable

Claims (21)

Connection detection means for detecting connection with an external device;
Communication selection means for selecting one communication mode from among a plurality of communication modes, each of which performs unique communication;
Communication control means for controlling communication with the external device based on the detection result of the connection detection means and the selection result of the communication selection means;
A plurality of operating members;
Equipped with,
The communication selection unit executes selection of a predetermined communication mode when a predetermined operation member among the plurality of operation members is operated when the power is turned on. .   A first communication mode for communicating to execute access to a recording medium mounted on the camera body under the control of the external device, and a second communication mode for communicating to operate in accordance with an instruction from the external device The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of communication modes is included in the plurality of communication modes.   The communication control unit executes communication for causing the external device to recognize itself only when the first communication mode is selected by the communication selection unit. Electronic camera.   The communication control means starts communication control in a communication mode selected by the communication selection means when it is detected that the connection detection means is connected to the external device. 1. The electronic camera according to 1.   The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the communication selection unit performs selection of the communication mode when a plurality of predetermined operation members are operated simultaneously. The communication selection unit executes the selection of the communication mode when two or more predetermined operation members among the plurality of operation members are operated simultaneously for a predetermined time. Item 1. The electronic camera according to Item 1 . It further comprises a switch that indicates the camera status,
The communication selection means executes the selection of the communication mode when the switch indicates a predetermined state and two or more predetermined operation members among the plurality of operation members are operated simultaneously. The electronic camera according to claim 1 . It further comprises a switch that indicates the camera status,
The communication selection means indicates the communication mode when the switch indicates a predetermined state and two or more predetermined operation members of the plurality of operation members are operated simultaneously over a predetermined time. claim 1 electronic camera, wherein the performing the selection. Wherein the plurality of any of the electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the further ingredients Bei to Rukoto display means for performing display for selecting a communication mode in a communication mode.   The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising a communication canceling unit that terminates communication control by the communication control unit being executed in the communication mode selected by the communication selection unit. Before SL communication releasing means, according to the operation of the predetermined operation members among the plurality of operation members, an electronic camera according to claim 10, wherein to terminate the communication control by the communication control means. Further comprising a release display means for performing display for terminating the communication control by the communication control means,
Said communication releasing means, according to the operation of the plurality of operation members to be made to display by the release display unit, an electronic camera according to claim 10, wherein to terminate the communication control by the communication control means . Connection detection means for detecting connection with an external device;
Communication selection means for selecting one communication mode from among a plurality of communication modes, each of which performs unique communication;
Communication control means for controlling communication with the external device based on the detection result of the connection detection means and the selection result of the communication selection means;
A mounting section for detachably mounting the recording medium;
A mounting detecting means for detecting that a predetermined recording medium is mounted on the mounting portion;
Was immediately Bei,
The communication selection means, when the fact that the the predetermined recording medium by the mounting detection means mounted to the mounting portion is detected, to that electronic means executes the selection of the communication mode camera. Connection detection means for detecting connection with an external device;
Communication selection means for selecting one communication mode from among a plurality of communication modes, each of which performs unique communication;
Communication control means for controlling communication with the external device based on the detection result of the connection detection means and the selection result of the communication selection means;
A mounting section for detachably mounting the recording medium;
A mounting detecting means for detecting that a predetermined recording medium is mounted on the mounting portion;
Display for selecting a communication mode from among the plurality of communication modes when the attachment detection unit detects that the predetermined recording medium is attached to the attachment unit. Means and
Was immediately Bei,
The communication selection means, in response to the selection operation performed on the display by the display means, characterized and to that electronic camera that performs the selection of the communication mode. A connection detecting means for detecting connection of a cable for communicating with an external device;
Communication selecting means for selecting one communication mode from among a plurality of communication modes, each of which performs unique communication;
Communication control means for controlling communication with the external device based on the detection result of the connection detection means and the selection result of the communication selection means;
Comprising
When the connection detection unit detects that the cable has been disconnected during the communication mode selected by the communication selection unit, the communication control by the communication control unit is terminated and the operation mode is set to the shooting / playback mode. An electronic camera characterized by being returned to Connection detection means for detecting connection with an external device;
Communication selection means for selecting one communication mode from among a plurality of communication modes, each of which performs unique communication;
Communication control means for controlling communication with the external device based on the detection result of the connection detection means and the selection result of the communication selection means;
Communication canceling means for ending communication control by the communication control means being executed in the communication mode selected by the communication selecting means;
A mounting section for detachably mounting the recording medium;
It said predetermined recording medium mounted to the mounting portion is immediately Bei and pulled out detection means for detecting that which is pulled out,
The communication release means terminates communication control by the communication control means when the removal detection means detects that the predetermined recording medium is removed from the mounting portion. It is that electronic camera. Said communication control unit, either running communication control in the communication mode, the electronic camera according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that inhibits selection of other communication modes. The communication selection means includes means for selecting any one of the plurality of communication modes as an initial setting state.
The electronic camera according to claim 1, characterized by including the selection of the communication mode by the communication selection means further reset means for returning to the state of the initialization. Before SL reset hand stage, and wherein in response to an operation of a predetermined operation members among a plurality of operating members, to return the selected communication mode by the communication selection means to the state of the initialization The electronic camera according to claim 18 . Connection detection means for detecting connection with an external device;
A lens barrier movable between a position where the photographing lens is opened and a position where the photographing lens is protected;
Communication selecting means for selecting one communication mode from among a plurality of communication modes each performing unique communication according to opening and closing of the lens barrier;
An electronic camera comprising: a communication control unit that controls communication with the external device based on a detection result of the connection detection unit and a selection result of the communication selection unit. The communication control means is a first communication mode for communicating to execute access to a recording medium mounted on a camera body under the control of the external device when the lens barrier is in a position protecting the photographing lens. select the when the lens barrier is in position to open the taking lens, according to claim and selects the second communication mode to communicate in order to operate in accordance with an instruction from the external device 20 The electronic camera described.

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