KR20060012035A - Portable composition apparatus changing mode automatically on the occasion laid on cradle and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided are a portable composite device for automatically switching an operation mode when seated in a cradle and a method for automatically switching an operation mode. The portable multi-device capable of operating in any one selected from among a plurality of operation modes includes a control unit for controlling the operation mode to be switched to a predetermined operation mode when the connection unit and the connection unit which are connected and disconnected from the external device are connected to the external device. It includes. This allows the portable composite device to automatically switch to a playback mode, which is an operation mode suitable for use with the cradle seated when the cradle is seated, resulting in the storage space and power of the recording medium due to the shooting / recording of unwanted images. To prevent wasting, and to switch the operation mode of the portable composite device from the shooting mode to the playback mode, the portable composite device can be removed from the cradle to avoid the inconvenience of changing the position of the switch and repositioning the cradle. do.

Cradle, Operation Mode, Auto Switch

Description

Portable composite apparatus changing mode automatically on the occasion laid on cradle and method

Figure 1a is a perspective view showing the front and right side of the portable composite device according to the present invention,

Figure 1b is a perspective view of the lower surface of the portable composite device,

Figure 1c is a perspective view showing the back and left side of the portable composite device,

2 is an internal block diagram of a portable multi-device;

3a is a perspective view of the front of the cradle;

3b is a perspective view of the back of the cradle;

Figure 3c is a view showing a case where the portable composite device is mounted on the cradle,

4 is a block diagram provided to explain the operation mode automatic switching function when the cradle is seated;

5 is a view provided to explain the process of detecting whether the portable cradle is seated, and,

6 is a flowchart provided to explain a method for automatically switching an operation mode when cradle is mounted according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

210: recording unit 231: operation unit

233: second control unit 240: display unit

243: LCD 250: storage

251: memory card 255: HDD

300: main control block 340: CODEC

350: GUI generation unit 360: first control unit

The present invention relates to a portable composite device and a method for automatically switching an operation mode, and more particularly, to a portable composite device capable of charging by charging a cradle or playing an image received from an external device. The present invention relates to a portable composite device for automatically switching to an operation mode suitable for use in a controlled state and an automatic operation mode switching method.

Portable multi-function devices have functions such as camcorders, digital cameras, MP3 players, voice recorders, data storage devices, and web cameras, and are compact for users to carry and use. Says the device. Such portable composite devices can be implemented by incorporating notable digital technologies into image processing devices such as camcorders.

The portable multi-device is powered by a rechargeable battery. Since the separate charging method of the rechargeable battery is inconvenient for the user, the portable multi-device is usually charged with the rechargeable battery. to be.

This method can be implemented using a cradle, where the battery is charged when the portable composite device is seated in the cradle. Since the cradle includes not only a charger for charging a battery but also a connection terminal for connecting to an external device such as a TV, the portable multi-device may play an image output from the TV while being seated in the cradle.

In addition to a shooting mode for capturing an image, the portable multi-function apparatus may operate in a reproducing mode for reproducing an image stored in a recording medium, and is provided with an operation mode switching switch for the user to select a shooting mode or a reproducing mode. That is, the portable composite device operates in one of a shooting mode, a new mode, and a power off mode according to the position of the operation mode selection switch.

The portable composite device is rarely operated in the photographing mode while seated in the cradle, and it is common to operate the reproducing mode. However, there may be a case where the user places the operation mode selection switch in the photographing mode and seats the cradle. In this case, since unwanted images are captured and recorded on the portable composite apparatus, the storage space and power of the recording medium are unnecessarily consumed.

If the operation mode selection switch is located at the contact surface with the cradle, the operation mode selection switch is not exposed to the outside when the portable composite device is seated on the cradle. Therefore, in order to switch the operation mode of the portable composite device, the inconvenience of having to remove the portable composite device from the cradle, change the position of the switch and settle the cradle again.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention, in the portable composite device that can be seated in the cradle to charge or play the image received from the external device, when seated in the cradle, The present invention provides a portable composite device for automatically switching to an operation mode suitable for use in a seated state and an automatic operation mode switching method.

According to the present invention for achieving the above object, a portable composite device capable of operating in any one selected from a plurality of operating modes, the connection portion that can be connected to and disconnected from the external device; And a controller configured to control the operation mode to be switched to a predetermined operation mode when the connection unit is connected to the external device.

The portable composite apparatus may further include a mode selection switch configured to select any one of the plurality of operation modes, and the controller may be configured to be independent of the selection of the mode selection switch when the connection unit is connected to the external device. Preferably, the operation mode is controlled to switch to the predetermined operation mode.

In addition, the external device may be a cradle capable of supplying external power.

The plurality of operation modes may include a storage mode for storing input image data on a recording medium and a reproduction mode for reproducing image data stored on the recording medium, wherein the predetermined operation mode is the reproduction mode. Is preferably.

On the other hand, according to the present invention, a method for automatically switching the operation mode of a portable composite device which can operate in any one selected from among a plurality of operation modes, the method comprising: determining whether to connect with an external device; And switching the operation mode to a predetermined operation mode when connected to the external device.

The external device may be a cradle capable of supplying external power.

The plurality of operation modes may include a storage mode for storing input image data on a recording medium and a reproduction mode for reproducing image data stored on the recording medium. The predetermined operation mode may include the reproduction mode. Is preferably.

Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings will be described the present invention in more detail.

Figure 1a is a perspective view showing the front and right side of the portable composite device according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1A, a front surface of the portable composite apparatus includes a lens unit 211 used for photographing a subject, a remote controller signal receiver 111 for receiving a remote controller signal, and an earphone terminal 113 for connecting earphones. Power supply cable connection terminal 117 is provided for receiving external power through a USB terminal 115 and a power supply (not shown) for serial communication with a PC or a printer.

In this way, the front portion of the portable composite device is provided with a terminal mainly used for connecting to an external device, the right side of the portable composite device photo button 231a for taking a still image and a battery for mounting a battery therein The cover 121 is provided. In addition, a microphone 271 for receiving a sound signal from the outside is provided on the upper surface of the portable composite device.

1B is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the portable composite device. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, a cradle connection terminal for receiving a power and video signal through a tripod fixing unit 131 and a cradle (not shown) for mounting a tripod on a lower surface of the portable composite device. 133 is provided.

Hereinafter, operation buttons provided on the outside of the portable composite apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. 1C. Figure 1c is a perspective view showing the back and left side of the portable composite device. For convenience of operation of the user, as shown in Figure 1c, the operation button of the portable composite device, the rear of the portable composite device or the LCD panel 150 is provided in most.

As illustrated in FIG. 1C, a rear surface of the portable composite apparatus includes a zoom switch 231b for zooming in / zooming out the lens unit 211 and a shooting button 231c for capturing a video. ), An operation mode selection switch 231d for selecting an operation mode (storage / playback / power-off mode) of the portable composite device, a menu button 231e for displaying a menu screen on the LCD 243, and an LCD 243. A menu dial 231f is provided for moving the cursor to a specific menu on the menu screen displayed on the screen and selecting a menu in which the cursor is located.

In addition, the rear side of the portable composite apparatus is provided with a memory card engaging portion 143 and an indicator light 141 for mounting a memory card. The indicator light 141 is composed of a power indicator and a charging indicator. The power indicator emits light when the portable composite device is 'powered on', and the charging indicator lights orange when the portable composite device is being charged. It emits blue light.

In addition, the LCD panel 150 coupled to change the position of the portable composite device has a mode button for displaying the LCD screen 243 and a menu screen on which the image and menu screen to be photographed and reproduced are displayed. (231g), rewind (◀◀) button 231h, fast forward (▶▶) button 231i, play / stop (▶ ∥) button 231j, and stop (■) button 231k are provided.

2 is an internal block diagram of a portable composite device. The portable composite apparatus includes a photographing unit 210, a National Television System Committee / Phase Alternation Line (NTSC / PAL) decoder 220, an operation unit 231, a second control unit 233, a flash memory 235, A display unit 240, a storage unit 250, a universal serial bus (USB) interface unit 261, a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) 263, an audio signal processor 270, and a main control block 300 are provided. do.

The photographing unit 210 photoelectrically converts an optical signal incident through the lens into an electrical signal and performs a predetermined signal processing process on the converted signal. The photographing unit 210 performing such a function includes a lens unit 211, a lens driving unit 213, a charge coupled device (CCD) 215, and a correlated double sampler / auto gain controller / analaog- CDS / AGC / ADC. to-digital converter) 217.

The lens driver 213 drives the lens unit 211 under the control of the second control unit 233. Specifically, the lens driving unit 213 zooms in / zooms out the lens unit 211 and focuses the lens unit 211. It adjusts automatically, and controls the opening and closing amount of the aperture (not shown) provided in the lens unit 211.

The CCD 215 converts the optical image incident through the lens unit 211 into an electrical signal and outputs the electrical signal. That is, the optical image of the subject is formed on the optical surface of the CCD 215 by the lens unit 211, and the CCD 215 converts the optical image formed on the photosensitive surface into an electrical signal and scans horizontally and vertically. Output in the form of electrical signals in dimensions.

The CDS / AGC / ADC 217 removes noise from a signal output from the CCD 215 using a correlated double sampling circuit, and uses an auto gain control circuit. Adjust the gain so that the level of the signal remains constant and convert it to a digital signal using an A / D converter.

The NTSC / PAL decoder 220 converts an NTSC or PAL signal input through a video line input terminal (not shown) into a digital signal and delivers the digital signal to the main control block 300. NTSC or PAL is one of the standardized television outputs. NTSC is used in Korea and PAL is used in Europe.

The main control block 300 compresses a digital signal applied from the photographing unit 210, the NTSC / PAL decoder 220, and the USB interface unit 261 into data of a predetermined format and stores the data in the storage unit 250. In addition, the main control block 300 may extend the data stored in the storage unit 250 and apply it to the display unit 240. The data received from the audio signal processor 270 may be stored in the storage 250, and the stored data may be applied to the audio signal processor 270. In addition to the main control block 300 controls the overall operation in the device, it is made of a single chip for the miniaturization of the Z-Form.

The main control block 300 performing such a function includes a digital signal processor (DSP) 310, an optical detection module (ODM) 320, a multiplexer (330), a codec (340), and a graphical user (GUI). Interface (350), first controller 360, memory card interface 371, CF (Compact Flash) interface 373, DMA (Direct Memory Access) 375 and system bus 380 Equipped.

The DSP 310 performs predetermined signal processing on the digital signal applied from the photographing unit 210, and then applies the DSP 310 to the MUX 330 or the system bus 380. In addition, the DSP 310 separates the digital signal applied from the photographing unit 210 into a luminance (Y) signal and a chrominance (Crominance: C) signal and applies the ODM signal to the ODM 320.

The ODM 320 generates ODM data, which is control information, based on the Y signal and the C signal received from the DSP 310, and outputs the ODM data to the first controller 360. Specifically, the ODM data includes AE (Auto Exposure) data for optimizing the amount of light incident on the CCD 215, AF (Auto Focus) data for automatically focusing the focus lens, and color shift due to the color temperature of the light source. It includes AWB (Auto White Balance) data for automatic correction.

The MUX 330 applies either the output signal of the DSP 310 or the output signal of the NTSC / PAL decoder 220 to any one of the CODEC 340 and the GUI generator 350.

The CODEC 340 compresses the input data into a predetermined format and expands the compressed data again if necessary. Specifically, the CODEC 340 compresses the MPEG4 format when the input data is moving picture data, and compresses the JPEG data when the input data is still picture data.

The GUI generating unit 350 stores graphic data such as a menu screen necessary for building a GUI environment, and the GUI generating unit 350 outputs an image output from the MUX 330 under the control of the first control unit 360. You can combine menu screens. The menu screen is a graphic screen provided for the user's convenience when selecting a function of the portable multi-function device.

The first control unit 360 is a 32-bit Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) processor that controls the overall operation of the main control block 300. In detail, the first control unit 360 controls the operations of the CODEC 340 and the GUI generation unit 350, and converts the AE data and the AF data from the ODM data received from the ODM 320 to the second control unit 233. To pass.

In addition, the first controller 360 may interface with various external devices through the system bus 380. The system bus 380 includes a memory card interface 371 for interfacing with the memory card 251, a CF interface 373 for interfacing with the HDD 255 through the TIC 253, a PC or a printer as an external device. The USB interface unit 261, the DMA 375, and the audio signal processor 270 for interfacing with the control unit are connected.

The operation unit 231 is a user interface device for receiving operation commands related to function selection and operation control of the portable multi-device. The operation unit 231 has a photo button 231a, a zoom switch 231b, a shooting button 231c, an operation mode selection switch 231d, a menu button 231e, a menu dial 231f, and a mode button described with reference to FIG. 231 g and the like are provided.

The second control unit 233 receives an operation command related to function selection and operation control from the user through the operation unit 231 and transmits it to the first control unit 360. In addition, the second control unit 233 controls the lens driving unit 213 based on the AE data and the AF data received from the first control unit 360.

The flash memory 235 stores a system program necessary for the operation of the device, such as a booting program required by the first controller 360, and important data and applications to be stored even when the power is turned off.

The display unit 240 displays an image output from the main control block 300. The display unit 240 performing such a function includes an NTSC / PAL encoder 241 and a liquid crystal display (LCD) 243.

The NTSC / PAL encoder 241 converts the video signal output from the main control block 300 into an NTSC or PAL video signal and applies it to the LCD 243 and an external device TV.

The LCD 243 is a display device that displays an image received from the NTSC / PAL encoder 241.

The storage unit 250 stores image data received from the main control block 300. The storage unit 250 performing such a function includes a memory card 251, a TIC 253, and an HDD 255.

The memory card 251 is a recording medium for storing image data applied from the main control block 300 and is a type of a removable IC memory card that can be mounted / removed in a portable composite device.

The transition IC (TIC) 253 is used to provide a compact flash interface between the CF interface 373 and the HDD 255, which is highly versatile and highly compatible. That is, the HDD 255 is converted into the compact flash interface through the TIC 253 and then connected to the main control block 300.

The HDD 255 is a recording medium that stores image data applied from the main control block 300.

The USB interface unit 261 performs an interface with a PC or a printer, which is an external device.

The SDRAM 263 functions as a buffer that stores data and the like necessary for the operation of the portable multi-device.

The audio signal processor 270 performs a predetermined signal processing process on the audio signal input from the outside and applies the signal to the main control block 300 and the predetermined signal processing on the audio signal received from the main control block 300. Perform the process and output to the external audio device. The audio signal processor 270 performing such a function includes a microphone 271 and an audio CODEC 273.

The microphone 271 converts an acoustic signal input from the outside into an electrical signal.

The audio CODEC 273 converts an analog signal input from the microphone 271 or an external audio device into a digital signal, compresses it into data of a predetermined format, and applies it to the main control block 300. In addition, the audio CODEC 273 expands the compressed data received from the main control block 300, converts the compressed data into an analog signal, and transmits the converted analog signal to an external audio device.

Hereinafter, the cradle will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C. Figure 3a is a perspective view showing the front of the cradle, Figure 3b is a perspective view showing the rear of the cradle, Figure 3c is a view showing a case where the portable composite device is seated in the cradle.

As shown in Figure 3a, the front of the cradle 400, the support 410 for supporting a portable composite device corresponding to the main body, the power button 421 for selecting whether to power on / off, the LCD of the main body A menu button 423 for displaying a menu screen on the display 243, a remote control signal receiving unit 425 for receiving a remote control signal, connected to the cradle connecting terminal 133 of the main body, supplies power to the main body, and external devices It is provided with a main body connecting terminal 427 for transmitting an image received from.

Support 410 may be implemented in a transparent acrylic, one side of the transparent acrylic is in contact with the LED (not shown), the light emitted from the LED is projected to the transparent acrylic. LEDs can emit light of different colors, depending on the current mode. Specifically, when the portable composite device is in a power-on state, red light is emitted, when the portable composite device is being charged, orange light is emitted, and when charging is completed, blue light is emitted.

And, as shown in Figure 3b, the rear of the cradle 400, the battery slot 430 for seating the battery when only charging the battery, the power supply cable is connected to the power supply through a power supply (not shown) A terminal 441, an AV output terminal 443, a super video image output terminal 445, an AV input terminal 447, and a super video image input terminal 447 are provided.

Meanwhile, FIG. 3C illustrates a case in which the portable composite device is mounted on the cradle 400.

Hereinafter, the operation mode automatic switching function when the cradle is seated provided in the portable composite apparatus shown in FIG. 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. For the convenience of understanding, FIG. 4 illustrates only the modules required for the description of the operation mode automatic switching function among the modules shown in FIG. 2, and the cradle connection terminal 133 and the cradle 400 which are not shown in FIG. 2. Further illustrated, the operation mode selection switch 231d and the mode button 231g are further illustrated on the operation unit 231.

Figure 4 is a block diagram provided to explain the operation mode automatic switching function when the cradle is seated, Figure 5 is a view provided for the description of the process of detecting the cradle seating of the portable composite device, Figure 6 is the operation mode when cradle seating It is a flowchart provided in description of the automatic switching method.

The user may select an operation mode of the portable multi-function device using the operation mode selection switch 131d of the operation unit 231, and the selection command input by the user is transferred to the first control unit 360 through the second control unit 233. It is transmitted (S610).

The first controller 360 controls the portable composite apparatus to operate according to the operation mode selected by the user (S620). The operation mode of the portable MFP includes a storage mode, a playback mode, and a power-off mode. The storage mode is an image captured by the photographing unit 210 or an input from an NTSC / PAL decoder 220 or an audio signal processor 270. The image data is stored in the storage unit 250, and the playback mode is a mode in which the image data stored in the storage unit 250 is reproduced through the display unit 240.

Subsequently, the second controller 233 determines whether the portable composite apparatus is seated on the cradle 400, that is, the cradle connecting terminal 133 provided on the portable composite apparatus and the main body connecting terminal 427 provided on the cradle 400 are provided. It is determined whether or not they are connected (S630).

Hereinafter, operation S630 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5.

Whether or not the portable multi-function device is seated in the cradle 400 is controlled by a predetermined port ('c' port in FIG. 5) of the second controller 233. As shown in FIG. 5, when the main body connecting terminal 427 and the cradle connecting terminal 133 are not connected to each other, the 'c' port of the second control unit 233 has a voltage drop value of the resistance R at the DC power supply Vcc. The subtracted voltage is applied, resulting in a logic level 'High'.

However, when the main body connecting terminal 427 and the cradle connecting terminal 133 are connected to each other (that is, the contact 'a' and the contact 'b' are connected), the 'c' port of the second control unit 233 is grounded. As a result, the logic level 'Low' is applied. As such, when the logic level 'Low' is applied to the 'c' port, the second controller 233 determines that the portable composite apparatus is seated on the cradle 400.

If it is determined in step S630 that the portable composite device is seated in the cradle 400, the second control unit 233 transmits the determination result to the first control unit 360, and in step S610, the portable composite device moves to a certain operation mode. It is determined whether it is selected (S640).

In operation S640, when it is determined that the operation mode of the portable composite device is the storage mode (S650), the second controller 233 transfers the determination result to the first controller 360, and the first controller 360 is portable. All operations related to the storage mode performed in the composite device are terminated (S660). For example, when the photographing operation is performed in the photographing unit 210 and the storing operation of the image data is performed in the storage unit 250, the first controller 360 may include the photographing unit 210 and the storage unit. The photographing operation and the storing operation made at 250 are terminated.

In addition, the first controller 360 controls the GUI generator 350 through the system bus 280 to display the message 'Switching from the shooting mode to the playback mode' through the NTSC / PAL encoder 241 through the LCD ( In operation 2670, the user may be notified of this.

Thereafter, the first controller 360 switches the operation mode of the portable multi-function device from the storage mode to the playback mode (S680).

When the operation mode of the portable multi-function device is switched to the playback mode, even if the user presses the photo button 231a or the photographing button 231c, the second control unit 233 ignores this operation, and the operation command is ignored by the first control unit 360. Since it does not transfer to the camera, the shooting operation is not performed. In addition, when the user presses the menu button 231e or the mode button 231g, a menu screen related to the playback mode is displayed on the LCD 243.

In operation S640, when it is determined that the operation mode of the portable composite apparatus is the playback mode (S650), the second control unit 233 transfers the determination result to the first control unit 360, and the first control unit 360. Maintains all operations related to the playback mode of the portable multi-function device (S690). For example, if an image stored in the storage unit 250 is being played on the display unit 240, the first control unit 360 keeps the playback operation between the storage unit 250 and the display unit 240 to be maintained. .

According to the above method, when the portable multi-function device is separated from the cradle 400, the second control unit 233 detects the operation mode selected according to the position of the operation mode selection switch 231d, and the first control unit. In operation 360, the first controller 360 controls the portable composite apparatus to operate according to the selected operation mode, and generates and provides a menu screen of the selected operation mode to the user.

However, when the portable composite apparatus is seated in the cradle 400, the portable composite apparatus is operated in the regeneration mode regardless of the position of the operation mode selection switch 231d, that is, regardless of the selected operation mode. The screen is created and provided to the user.

Specifically, when the portable composite device is seated in the cradle while operating in the regeneration mode, the regeneration mode is maintained. However, when the portable composite device is seated in the cradle while operating in the storage mode, the portable composite device is switched to the regeneration mode. This is because when the portable composite device is seated in the cradle, it is inappropriate to operate in the storage mode, and it is suitable to operate in the regeneration mode.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, to reduce the load of the first control unit 360, the GUI generation unit 350 and the second control unit 233 was provided separately. However, when the first control unit 360 is implemented by a processor having a high processing speed, the roles of the GUI generating unit 350 and the second control unit 233 may be absorbed by the first control unit 360, and these may be omitted. have.

As described above, according to the present invention, in the portable composite apparatus seated and charged in the cradle, when the cradle is seated, it is possible to automatically switch to the playback mode, which is an operation mode suitable for use with the cradle seated, so It is possible to prevent the storage medium and power consumption of the recording medium due to the recording / recording of the image, and to switch the operation mode of the portable composite device from the recording mode to the playback mode, to separate the portable composite device from the cradle and This will avoid the inconvenience of having to reposition and seat the cradle again.

In addition, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, but the technical field to which the invention belongs without departing from the spirit of the invention claimed in the claims. Of course, various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art, and these modifications should not be individually understood from the technical spirit or the prospect of the present invention.

Claims (7)

In a portable composite device that can operate in any one selected from a plurality of operation modes, A connection portion that can be connected to and disconnected from an external device; And And a controller configured to control the operation mode to be switched to a predetermined operation mode when the connection unit is connected to the external device. The method of claim 1, And a mode selection switch for selecting any one of the plurality of operation modes. And the controller controls the operation mode to be switched to the predetermined operation mode regardless of the mode selection switch when the connection unit is connected to the external device. The method of claim 2, The external device is a portable composite device, characterized in that the cradle capable of supplying external power. The method of claim 3, wherein The plurality of operation modes include a storage mode for storing input image data on a recording medium and a reproduction mode for reproducing image data stored on the recording medium. And said predetermined operation mode is said regeneration mode. In the method of automatically switching the operation mode of the portable multi-device capable of operating in any one selected from the plurality of operation modes, Determining whether to connect with an external device; And Switching the operation mode to a predetermined operation mode when the external device is connected to the external device. The method of claim 5, And the external device is a cradle capable of supplying external power. The method of claim 6, The plurality of operation modes include a storage mode for storing input image data on a recording medium and a reproduction mode for reproducing image data stored on the recording medium. And a predetermined operation mode is the reproduction mode.

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