JPH09214822A - Electronic camera system, electronic camera, external device, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: An electronic camera system and an electronic camera capable of preventing a malfunction due to insufficient remaining battery power of the electronic camera when performing some processing between the electronic camera and an external device. An external device and a storage medium are provided. An FDD (Flopy Disk Drive) device 80
Stores the digital image data stored in the flash memory 57 of the electronic camera 1 in the FDD 84 after determining the remaining battery level of the electronic camera 1.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic camera system, an electronic camera, an external device, and a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, an electronic camera (digital camera) that stores a captured image electronically instead of a film has become widespread. In such an electronic camera, when a photographer presses a shutter, an image passing through the lens is captured by a CCD element and read into an internal recording medium through a circuit inside the camera. In most cases, the recorded image is stored in the storage medium of the external device.

[0003]

However, in the conventional electronic camera, when the image data stored in the electronic camera is stored in an external device, the battery level of the electronic camera becomes insufficient. If so, there is a problem that proper image data cannot be stored in the external device.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and when performing some processing between the electronic camera and an external device, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the electronic camera due to insufficient battery power. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic camera system, an electronic camera, an external device, and a storage medium that can be used.

[0005]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
An electronic camera system comprising an electronic camera and an external device connectable to the electronic camera, wherein the external device requests the electronic camera for a battery level signal indicating a battery level of the electronic camera. A request signal transmitting means for transmitting a request signal; and a judging means for judging, based on the received battery level signal, whether or not processing should be performed between the electronic camera and the external device. The camera is
The above problem is solved by including a battery remaining amount signal transmitting unit that transmits a battery remaining amount signal indicating the battery remaining amount of the electronic camera to the external device according to the request signal transmitted from the request signal generating unit. .

That is, according to the first aspect of the invention, the external device transmits to the electronic camera a request signal requesting a battery remaining amount signal indicating the battery remaining amount of the electronic camera, and the electronic camera is connected to the external device. In response to the request signal transmitted from the device, a battery remaining amount signal indicating the battery remaining amount of the electronic camera is transmitted to the external device, and the external device, based on the received battery remaining amount signal, the electronic camera and the external device. Determine whether or not to perform processing between devices.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the electronic camera due to insufficient battery power.

Further, in this case, as in the invention described in claim 2, when the external device further determines that the processing between the electronic camera and the external device should be performed, It is effective to include storage control means for controlling the image data stored in the storage means of the electronic camera to be stored in the storage means of the external device.

That is, according to the second aspect of the present invention, when the storage control means of the external device determines that the determination means should perform processing between the electronic camera and the external device,
The image data stored in the storage means of the electronic camera is stored in the storage means of the external device.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent abnormal image data from being stored in the external device due to insufficient battery power of the electronic camera.

Further, in this case, the external device may be a floppy disk drive device. Therefore, in processing between the electronic camera and the floppy disk drive device, malfunction of the electronic camera due to insufficient battery power can be prevented.

In this case, as in the invention described in claim 4, the electronic camera and the external device may be connected by wire. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, wired communication can be performed between the electronic camera and the external device.

Further, in this case, as in the invention described in claim 5, the electronic camera and the external device may be wirelessly connected. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, wireless data communication can be performed between the electronic camera and the external device, and a cable connection is not required when performing data communication.

Further, in this case, as in the invention described in claim 6, the electronic camera includes a display device, and the image data stored in the external device can be monitored by the display device of the electronic camera. It may be configured. Therefore, the electronic camera can monitor the image data stored in the external device, which improves the usability for the operator.

In this case, the external device may be provided with a display device so that the remaining battery level of the electronic camera can be monitored.
Therefore, the battery level of the electronic camera can be monitored by the external device, which improves the usability of the operator.

According to the present invention, in an electronic camera connectable to an external device, when a battery residual amount information acquisition command signal from the external device is received, the battery residual amount of the electronic camera is detected, The above problem can be solved by providing means for sending the battery remaining amount information to the external device.

Therefore, the electronic camera is configured to notify the external device of the remaining battery level of its own device in response to a request from the external device, so that the external device malfunctions due to the insufficient battery level of the electronic camera. Can be prevented in advance.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in an external device connectable to an electronic camera, a battery remaining amount information acquisition command signal is sent to the electronic camera and battery remaining amount information is received from the electronic camera. The above-mentioned problem is solved by providing a means for performing the processing and a processing means for performing processing according to the received battery remaining amount information.

Therefore, since the external device requests the electronic camera to notify the remaining battery level and performs the processing in accordance with the notified remaining battery level information, in the external device, the remaining battery level of the electronic camera is determined. It is possible to prevent malfunction due to shortage.

In this case, the external device may be configured by a personal computer as in the invention of claim 10. Therefore, data communication becomes possible with the personal computer and the electronic camera.

In this case, as in the invention described in claim 11, the external device further comprises display means, and the display means sends information on the battery remaining amount of the electronic camera to which the battery remaining amount information is sent out. May be displayed. Therefore, since the battery remaining amount of the electronic camera is displayed on the display screen of the external device, the operator can check the electronic remaining amount of the electronic camera on the display screen of the external device, which is convenient for the operator. Get better.

In this case, the external device acquires the image data stored in the electronic camera based on the battery remaining amount information sent from the electronic camera. It may be configured to be stored.

Therefore, since the external device is configured to store the image data sent from the electronic camera based on the battery remaining amount information sent from the electronic camera, the external device is improper due to the insufficient battery remaining amount. It is possible to prevent the storage of various image data.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in a storage medium which stores a program read by a computer connectable to an electronic camera and executed by the computer, the battery remaining amount information for the electronic camera is stored. The problem can be solved by including a program code for transmitting an acquisition command signal and a program code for receiving battery remaining amount information from the electronic camera.

That is, according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the storage medium storing the program read by the computer connectable to the electronic camera and executed by the computer is the battery remaining amount for the electronic camera. The configuration includes a program code for sending an information acquisition command signal and a program code for receiving battery remaining amount information from the electronic camera.

Therefore, it becomes possible to know the battery remaining amount of the electronic camera by executing the program stored in the storage medium by the computer.

[0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 13
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an electronic camera, an external device, and an electronic camera camera system according to the present invention.

(First Embodiment) First, the configuration will be described. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an electronic camera 1 applied to the electronic camera system of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 shows the camera section 3 of the electronic camera 1 seen from the upper side in a state of being rotated 90 ° forward. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic camera 1 is composed of a main body 2 and a camera unit 3 which are divided into two blocks. An LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 6 is provided in the case 4 of the main body 2.
Is directed to the front side of.

Further, in the case 5 of the camera section 3, an image pickup lens 7 and a light receiving / light emitting section 69a of the infrared communication section 69 are provided, and the image pickup lens 7 and the infrared communication section 6 are provided.
The light receiving / light emitting portion 69 a of 9 is directed to the front surface side of the case 5.

The main body 2 is provided on the upper surface of the case 4,
Power switch 8, shutter button 9, delete key 1
0, plus key 11, minus key 12, mode key 1
4, equipped with a display key 15 and an opening / closing lid 17
Inside, an external power supply terminal, a video output terminal, and a digital terminal (not shown) are provided. Further, a function switching key 18 is provided on the front surface of the case 4, and an openable battery lid (not shown) is provided on the lower surface of the case 4.

The camera section 3 is arranged on the side surface of the main body section 2 on the left hand operation side by the photographer, and is shown in FIG.
As shown in, the front part 90 ° to the main body 2 and the rear part 1
It is assembled so as to be able to rotate 80 °.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the electronic camera 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The electronic camera 1 shown in FIG. 3 has a CCD (Charge Coupled Divice) 4
0, A / D converter 52, drive circuit 54, timing generator 53, compression / expansion circuit 55, DRAM 56, flash memory 57, ROM 58, RAM 59, key input unit 60, CPU 61, signal generator 62, V
RAM (Video RAM) 63, D / A converter 64, LCD
(Liquid Crystal Display) 6 and I / O port 67,
The power supply circuit 68 and the infrared communication unit 69 are included.

The CCD 40 converts the optical signal imaged by the image pickup lens 7 into an electric signal and outputs the electric signal via the amplifier 65a.
It is supplied to the / D conversion circuit 52. The A / D converter 52 has a C
Digital image data obtained by converting an electric signal (analog signal) supplied from the CD 40 into a digital signal is supplied to the timing generator 53.

The drive circuit 54 is a circuit for driving and controlling the exposure and readout timing of the CCD 40.

The timing generator 53 generates a timing signal for controlling the drive circuit 54. The compression / expansion circuit 55 compresses / expands the digital image data stored in the DRAM 56 by encoding / decoding. D
The RAM 56 temporarily stores the captured digital digital image data.

The flash memory 57 compresses / expands the digital image data stored in the DRAM 56.
It stores digital image data compressed by.

The ROM 58 stores programs and data used in the electronic camera 1. RAM59 is C
The program data and the like used in the program processing executed by the PU 61 are stored.

The key input section 60 is composed of a plurality of key switches shown in FIG. 1, and is used by the operator to instruct various processes in the electronic camera 1.

The CPU 61 controls each unit in the electronic camera 1 based on various programs stored in the ROM 58 to convert digital image data into a serial signal,
FDD (Floppy Disk Drive) via I / O port 67
e) Send to an external device such as a device. Also, the CPU 61
When receiving a battery remaining amount information acquisition command from an external device such as the FDD device 80, detects the battery remaining amount of the power supply circuit 68 and transmits battery remaining amount information data according to the battery remaining amount to the FDD device 80. .

The signal generator 62 adds a synchronizing signal to the digital image data to generate a digital video signal.

The VRAM 63 is a signal generator 6
2 is a memory for storing the digital video signal generated in 2.

The D / A converter 64 converts the digital video signal output from the signal generator 62 into an analog video signal. The LCD 6 drives a liquid crystal based on the input analog video signal to display a video signal.

The I / O port 67 is an interface for inputting and outputting digital image data converted into a serial signal by the CPU 61. An external device such as an FDD device or a personal computer can be connected to the I / O port 67 by a connection cable (for example, RS232C).

The power supply circuit 68 is provided with, for example, a rechargeable battery, a voltage adjusting circuit, etc., and supplies power to each part of the electronic camera 1. A non-rechargeable battery such as a dry battery may be used.

The infrared communication section 69 is an IrDA (Infra-re
An infrared interface circuit compatible with the d Data Association) system. The infrared interface circuit includes a transmitter and a receiver. The light emitting / receiving unit 69a emits / receives infrared light to generate IrDA (Infr
a-red Data Association) Infrared data communication with an external device equipped with an infrared interface circuit. The transmission unit transmits, for example, a digital signal to IrD.
A modulation circuit that modulates an electric signal corresponding to A, an infrared LED (light emitting unit) that converts the modulated electric signal into an optical signal and outputs the optical signal, and a transmission circuit that drives the infrared LED There is. Further, the receiving unit includes a PIN photodiode (light receiving unit) that converts an input infrared signal into an electric signal, a receiving circuit that amplifies and shapes the converted electric signal so that a demodulation circuit can recognize the electric signal, and , A demodulation circuit for demodulating the electronic signal amplified and shaped by the receiving circuit.

Below, the electronic camera 1 and the external device F
A case where an electronic camera system is configured with a DD device will be described in detail.

FIG. 4 shows an external view of the FDD device 80. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 19 denotes an FDD device main body, and this device main body 19 has a disc insertion opening 801, an eject button 802 for disc ejection operation, and a disc access LED 803 arranged on the front side, and in front of the upper surface, "Save All" key 804 to set the mode to save all the images in the camera to FDD, "Restore all" key 805 to set the mode to return all the images in the FDD to the camera
In addition to the LCD 16, a "view" key 807 for setting a mode for checking the image in the FDD, and a mode for saving the image of the camera one by one in the camera are set in the center of the upper surface. “Save key” 808, “Return” key 809 for setting a mode for returning the images from the camera to the camera one by one, “Erase” key 810 for setting a mode for deleting the images in the FDD one by one, and “Images in the FDD” An "Initialize" key 811, a page return key 812, and a page feed key 813 for setting the mode to be initialized are arranged, and on the side surface, a power switch 814 and a serial terminal connected to the I / O port 81 described above. 815 is arranged.

FIG. 5 shows an example of display on the LCD 16, and 1601 is a "view" corresponding to the "view" key 807.
Mark, 1603 is a "restore all" mark corresponding to the "restore all" key 805, 1604 is a "save" mark corresponding to the "save" key 808, 1605 is a "restore" key 80
9 is a "return" mark, 1606 is an "erase" mark corresponding to an "erase" key 810, 1607 is an initialization mark corresponding to an "initialize" key 811, 1608 is the direction of data flow and transfer is in progress / A "data direction display" mark that indicates the standby status is displayed, 1609 is an "error" mark that lights when an error occurs, 1610 is a "camera" mark that lights when a camera is connected, and 1611 is a battery of the camera that is exhausted. “Camera battery exhaustion” mark that lights up when the display is on, 1615 is a date type display that displays the page number of an image in the disc, 1618 is a “replace disk” mark, and 1619 is an execution key of the stop key It is an “OK” mark for requesting the user to press either.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the FDD device 80 shown in FIG.
Via the cable 90 to the I / O port 6 of the electronic camera 1.
7 shows an example of connection to No. 7. Note that, in FIG. 6, the electronic camera 1 has the same circuit configuration as that of FIG. 3, but only main parts are shown for simplification.

In FIG. 6, the FDD device 80 and the electronic camera 1 are connected to respective I / O ports 6 via a cable 90.
7, 81 are connected. The FDD device 80 is an I / O
Port 81, control circuit 82, ROM 83, FDD 84,
Image memory 85, LCD driver 86, infrared communication section 8
7 and LCD 16.

I / O Port (Input / Output Port) 81
Is an input / output mechanism that takes in necessary data from the outside and outputs the data to the outside. Infrared communication unit 87
Has a circuit configuration similar to the infrared communication unit 69 of the electronic camera 1, and performs infrared data communication with the infrared communication unit 69 of the electronic camera 1.

The control circuit 82 is composed of a CPU, a RAM, etc., and executes a mode corresponding to the operation of each key in FIG. 4 described above based on the program stored in the ROM 83, and the inside of the FDD device 80. Control each part of.

The control circuit 82 controls the I of the electronic camera 1.
When the digital image data converted into the serial signal is supplied from the / O port 67, the digital image data is stored in the FDD 84. Further, the control circuit 82
When the battery remaining amount information acquisition command is supplied to the electronic camera 1 via the I / O port 81 and the battery remaining amount information data is received from the electronic camera 1, the electronic device is operated based on the value of the battery remaining amount information data. It is determined whether the battery level of the camera 1 is sufficient.

Further, the control circuit 82 reads out the digital image data stored in the FDD 84, serial-converts it, and supplies it to the electronic camera 1 via the I / O port 81 and the cable 90, so that the electronic camera 1 receives the digital image data. Display on the LCD 6. The ROM 83 stores programs and data used in the FDD device 80.

The FDD 84 contains a floppy disk for storing digital image data. The image memory 85 is composed of VRAM (Video RAM),
The digital image data read from the FDD 84 is stored.

The LCD 16 is driven by the LCD driver 86 to display, for example, the display screen shown in FIG.
The keyboard 88 is composed of a plurality of key switches,
This is for the operator to give an instruction when selecting various processes in the FDD device 80.

FIG. 7 shows a transfer state of digital image data between the electronic camera 1 and the FDD device 80. In FIG. 7, the electronic camera 1 has a circuit configuration similar to that of FIG. 3, but only main parts are shown for simplification. Digital image data compressed on the electronic camera 1 side is FD
The compressed image data is sent to the D device 80 and is FDD as it is.
The compressed image data stored in the FDD 84 is transmitted to the camera 1. In this case, on the electronic camera 1 side, the compressed image data from the FDD device 80 is stored in the flash memory 57, and
The data is expanded by the compression / expansion circuit 55 and displayed on the LCD 6 or an external display device.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. A process of transmitting the digital image data stored in the FDD 84 of the FDD device 80 to the electronic camera 1 side and displaying the digital image data on the LCD 6 or the like of the electronic camera 1 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, in the FDD device 80, when the "view" key 807 of the keyboard 88 is operated (step S1), the control circuit 11 sets the mode for confirming the image of the FDD 84 and sets the FDD 84 with digital image data. After confirming that there is such a request, the transmission mode is set (step S2). Next, the control circuit 11 transmits the control data relating to the first image transmission to the electronic camera 1, and then transmits the corresponding digital image data in step S3 (step S4).

On the electronic camera 1 side, the CPU 61 controls the FD
When the control data is received from the D device 80 (step S
11) The contents of the control data are confirmed and the digital image data is received (step S12). Then, the received digital image data is expanded by the compression / expansion circuit 55 (step S13), and the expanded digital image data is displayed on the LCD 6 or VIDEO OUT.
Is displayed on an external display device such as a home-use large-screen television (step S14). Then, after displaying one image, the CPU 61 transfers the control data to the interface 6
It transmits to the FDD apparatus 80 via 7 and the cable 90 (step S15).

On the other hand, on the FDD device 80 side, when the control data transmitted from the electronic camera 1 is received (step S
5), the control circuit 11 uses the page key (page return key 2
2 or the page feed key 23) is operated (step S6). If you determine that there is a key operation,
Returning to step S3, the control data relating to the next image transmission is transmitted, and while the process of displaying the next image on the LCD 6 or the like is performed, when it is determined that there is no key operation, the flow ends.

Therefore, as described above, by connecting the FDD device 80 to the I / O port 67 of the electronic camera 1, the compressed digital image data from the I / O port 67 of the electronic camera 1 is transferred to the FDD device 80. Then, the FDD device 80 can store a large amount of these compressed digital image data in the FDD 84. Further, the digital image data stored in the FDD 84 of the FDD device 80 can be transmitted from the I / O port 81 to the electronic camera 1 and can be displayed on the LCD 6 of the electronic camera 1. Further, it can be used as a VIDEO OUT for household use. It can also be displayed on an external device such as a screen TV.

As a result, while the digital image data stored in the FDD 84 is transmitted to the electronic camera 1 and displayed on the LCD 6, the images stored in the FDD 84 can be confirmed one by one, and this confirmation can also be performed. After going,
It is also possible to select whether or not to transfer the image to the electronic camera 1 side, and the LCD 6 on the electronic camera 1 side can be effectively used for the digital image data of the external FDD device 80. .

Further, since the digital image data stored in the FDD 84 can be displayed on an external display device other than the LCD 6 of the electronic camera 1, the image in the FDD 84 can be enjoyed on a home large-screen television or the like. It will be possible.

By the way, the electronic camera 1 and the FDD device 8
When processing such as data storage and display between 0s, if the remaining battery level on the electronic camera 1 side is insufficient, a malfunction or the like will occur during the processing. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the FDD device 80 is configured to perform a target process after determining the remaining battery level of the electronic camera 1. F
The battery remaining amount detection processing for detecting the remaining battery amount of the electronic camera 1 by the DD device 80 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 9.

In the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, the digital image data stored in the flash memory 57 of the electronic camera 1 is stored in the FDD 84 of the FDD device 80 before the FDD device 80 stores the digital image data in the electronic camera 1. When the remaining battery amount is acquired and it is determined that the storage processing can be stably performed, the storage processing is executed.

First, in the FDD device 80, when the "save" key 808 of the keyboard 88 is operated (S2
1), the control circuit 82 sets the reception mode (step S22). Next, the control circuit 11 issues a battery remaining amount information acquisition command I to confirm the remaining battery amount of the electronic camera 1.
It is transmitted to the electronic camera 1 via the / O port 81 and the cable 90 (step S23).

On the electronic camera 1 side, when the battery remaining amount information acquisition command is received from the FDD device 80 (step S3).
1), the CPU 61 detects the battery remaining amount of the power supply circuit 68 and transmits the battery remaining amount information data according to the battery remaining amount to the FDD device 80 (step S32). Here, as the battery remaining amount information data, binary data of “F” indicating that the remaining amount of the battery is sufficient and “M” indicating that the remaining amount of the battery is insufficient is transmitted.

When the FDD device 80 receives the battery remaining amount information data (step S24), the control circuit 82 determines whether or not the value of the battery remaining amount information data is "M", that is, the battery of the electronic camera 1. If it is determined that the battery level information data is "M" indicating that the battery level is insufficient, the electronic camera 1 operates normally. When it is determined that there is no remaining battery power for the operation, a "camera battery consumption mark" 1611 indicating insufficient battery power is displayed on the LCD 16 (step S2).
6) and the flow ends.

On the other hand, in step S25, the control circuit 82
However, if it is determined that the battery remaining amount information data is not “M”, the process proceeds to step 27 and the control data related to image reception is transmitted to the electronic camera 1. For camera 1, FDD
When the control data transmitted from the device 80 is received (step S33), the CPU 21 confirms the content of the received control data and transmits the digital image data stored in the flash memory 57 to the FDD device 80 (step). S34). When the FDD device 80 receives the digital image data transmitted from the electronic camera 1 (step S28), the control circuit 82 stores the received digital image data in the FDD 84 and ends the flow.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the FDD device 80 determines the remaining battery level of the electronic camera 1 and then applies the digital image data stored in the flash memory 57 of the electronic camera 1 to the FDD 84. Since it is configured to be stored in the FDD 84, it is possible to prevent abnormal digital image data from being stored in the FDD 84 due to insufficient battery power of the electronic camera 1.

In the above-described embodiment, the battery remaining amount is judged by the binary battery remaining amount information data, but the battery remaining amount is judged by the multi-valued data and the level to be treated is divided. May be.

In the above-described embodiment, the FDD device 80 is operated by the FDD device 80 before the digital image data stored in the flash memory 57 of the electronic camera 1 is stored in the FDD 84 of the FDD device 80. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, before the digital image data stored in the FDD 84 of the FDD device 80 is transmitted to the electronic camera 1 side and displayed on the LCD 6 or the like, the FDD device 80 confirms the remaining battery level of the electronic camera 1. Also good. In short, when performing some processing between the FDD device 80 and the electronic camera, the FDD device 80
However, when the remaining battery level of the electronic camera 1 is checked and it is determined that the target processing is possible, the target processing may be performed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, data communication between the electronic camera 1 and the FDD device 80 is wired (cable 90) via the respective I / O ports 67 and 81.
However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, infrared (wireless) data communication is performed via the infrared communication units 69 and 87 of the electronic camera 1 and the FDD device 80, respectively. It may be configured to perform.

(Second Embodiment) In the above-described first embodiment, the battery remaining amount detection processing (see FIG. 9 above) executed between the electronic camera 1 and the FDD device 80 has been described. In the second embodiment, the personal computer 100 is used as the external device connected to the electronic camera 1 instead of the FDD device 80, and the battery remaining amount detection process executed between the electronic camera 1 and the personal computer 100. Will be explained.

The electronic camera according to the second embodiment is
The configuration is similar to that of the electronic camera 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and therefore its description is omitted.

The personal computer 100 is constructed, for example, as shown in FIG.
1, input device 102, RAM 103, I / O port 10
4, infrared communication unit 105, display device 106, printing device 1
07, a storage device 108, a storage medium 109, and the like.

The CPU 101 is a central control unit that controls the entire apparatus according to various control programs stored in the storage medium 109. The CPU 101 is connected to an input device 102, a RAM 103, an I / O port 104, an infrared communication unit 105, a display device 106, a printing device 107, and a storage device 108 via a bus,
Wireless / wired data communication, control program reading and various data reading / accessing each memory
It controls writing, data / command input, and color display / color printing. Further, the CPU 101 cooperates with the CPU 61 of the electronic camera 1 according to the battery remaining amount detection processing program stored in the storage medium 109 to execute a battery remaining amount detection process (see FIG. 13) described later.

The input device 102 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, numeral input keys, various function keys, and the like, and a mouse as a pointing device. The input device 102 outputs to the CPU 101 a pressing signal of a key pressed by the keyboard. , Outputs a mouse operation signal to the CPU 101.

RAM (Random Access Memory) 103
Is used as a work area for storing a designated control program, input instructions, input data, processing results, and the like.

The I / O port 104 is an interface for inputting / outputting data to / from another device, and is a serial I / O port.
Terminal C is connected. FIG. 11 shows the I / O port 10
4 (serial I / O terminal c) and the I / O port 67 (serial I / O terminal b) of the electronic camera 1 and the RS23.
It is a schematic external appearance block diagram at the time of connecting by 2C cable (wired connection).

The infrared communication section 105 uses IrDA (Infra-
An infrared interface circuit compatible with the red data association system, which includes a transmitter and a receiver, emits and receives infrared light by the light emitting / receiving unit 105a, and IrDA
Infrared data communication is performed with another device (for example, the electronic camera 1) having an infrared interface circuit compatible with the (Infra-red Data Association) method. FIG. 12 shows that the infrared communication unit 105 (light receiving / light emitting unit 105a)
The infrared communication section 87 (light receiving / light emitting section 87 of the electronic camera 1
It is a schematic external appearance block diagram at the time of connecting by (a) and infrared rays (a).

The display device 106 is a CRT (Cathode Ray).
The display data input from the CPU 101 is displayed in a designated color. Printing device 107
Prints out the print data input from the CPU 101 in the designated color.

The storage device 108 has a storage medium 109 in which programs, data, etc. are stored in advance. The storage medium 109 is composed of a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. The storage medium 109 is fixedly provided in the storage device 108 or is detachably mounted. The storage medium 109 stores the various control programs, data processed by the control programs, and the like. Further, the storage medium 109 includes a CPU
101 stores a battery remaining amount detection processing program for executing the battery remaining amount detection process shown in the flowchart of FIG. More specifically, in the storage medium 109, a battery remaining amount detection processing program for realizing each function described in the flowchart of FIG. 13 (each function described in the processing on the personal computer 100 side (steps S41 to S49)) Are stored in the form of program code that can be read by the CPU 101.

The program, data and the like stored in the storage medium 109 may be received and stored from another device connected via a communication line or the like, and may be further stored via the communication line or the like. A storage device including the storage medium 109 may be provided on the other connected device side, and the programs and data stored in the storage medium may be used via a communication line.

Next, the battery remaining amount detecting process executed between the personal computer 100 and the electronic camera 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

The flowchart shown in FIG. 13 shows that the digital image data stored in the flash memory 57 of the electronic camera 1 is stored in the storage device 108 of the personal computer 100. This shows that the storage process is executed when it is determined that it is possible to stably perform the storage process by acquiring the remaining battery level of 1.

First, in the personal computer 100, when the keyboard of the input device 102 is operated, "image save" for saving the image data saved in the flash memory 57 of the electronic camera 1 in the storage device 108 is selected (S41). ), The CPU 101 sets the mode of the personal computer 100 to the "reception mode" of the image data (step S42). Next, the CPU 101
In order to confirm the battery remaining amount of the electronic camera 1, a battery remaining amount information acquisition command is transmitted to the infrared communication unit 69 of the electronic camera 1 via the infrared communication unit 105 (step S43).

On the electronic camera 1 side, when a battery remaining amount information acquisition command is received from the personal computer 100 via the infrared communication section 69 (step S51), the CPU
61 detects the battery remaining amount of the power supply circuit 68, and transmits the battery remaining amount information data according to the battery remaining amount to the personal computer 100 via the infrared communication unit 69 (step S52). Here, as the battery remaining amount information data, binary data of “F” indicating that the remaining amount of the battery is sufficient and “M” indicating that the remaining amount of the battery is insufficient is transmitted.

When the personal computer 100 receives the battery remaining amount information data via the infrared communication section 105 (step S44), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the value of the battery remaining amount information data is "M", that is, Then, it is determined whether or not the battery remaining amount of the electronic camera 1 is sufficient (step S45), and when it is determined that the battery remaining amount information data is "M" indicating that the battery remaining amount is insufficient, the electronic camera is determined. 1
Determines that there is not enough battery power left for normal operation, displays "camera battery exhaustion" indicating insufficient battery power on the display screen of the display device 106 (step S46), and ends the flow. To do.

On the other hand, in step S45, the CPU 101
However, if it is determined that the battery remaining amount information data is not “M”, the process proceeds to step 47, and control data related to image reception is transmitted to the electronic camera 1 via the wireless communication unit 105. In the electronic camera 1, the personal computer 10
When the control data transmitted from 0 is received via the infrared communication unit 69 (step S53), the CPU 61 confirms the content of the received control data and communicates the digital image data stored in the flash memory 57 with the infrared communication. It is transmitted via the unit 105 (step S54).

In the personal computer 100, when the digital image data transmitted from the electronic camera 1 is received via the infrared communication section 105 (step S48),
The CPU 101 stores the received digital image data in the storage device 108 and ends the flow.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the personal computer 100 is the electronic camera 1
The digital image data stored in the flash memory 57 of the electronic camera 1 is stored in the storage device 108 after the remaining battery level of Can be prevented from being stored in the storage device 108.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the data communication between the electronic camera 1 and the personal computer 100 is carried out by infrared rays through the respective infrared communication sections 69 and 105, but the present invention is not limited to this. However, the data communication may be performed by a cable such as RS232C via the I / O ports 67 and 104 of the electronic camera 1 and the personal computer 100, respectively.

Although the FDD device or the personal computer 100 is used as the external device in the above-described first and second embodiments, the present invention is not limited to this and, for example, a hard disk drive. ,
Any device that can be connected to an electronic camera such as a magnetic disk drive, an optical disk drive, an IC memory, or a printer may be used.

[0097]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, the external device determines the remaining battery level of the electronic camera and then performs some processing between the external device and the electronic camera. Therefore, malfunction of the electronic camera due to insufficient battery power can be prevented.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the digital image data stored in the storage means of the electronic camera 1 is stored in the storage means of the floppy disk drive device after determining the remaining battery level of the electronic camera. Therefore, it is possible to prevent abnormal digital image data due to insufficient battery power of the electronic camera from being stored in the floppy disk drive device.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in processing between the electronic camera and the floppy disk drive device, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the electronic camera due to insufficient battery power.

According to the invention of claim 4, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1 or 2, wired communication can be performed between the electronic camera and the external device.

According to the invention described in claim 5, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, it becomes possible to perform wireless data communication between the electronic camera and the external device, and the cable connection is performed when the data communication is performed. No need to connect.

According to the invention of claim 6, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1 or 2, the electronic camera can monitor the image data stored in the external device, and It is easy to use.

According to the invention of claim 7, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1 or 2, the electronic camera can monitor the image data stored in the external device, and It is easy to use.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the electronic camera is configured to notify the external device of the remaining battery level of its own device in response to a request from the external device. It is possible to prevent malfunctions due to insufficient battery remaining.

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the external device is configured to request the electronic camera to notify the remaining battery level and perform processing in accordance with the notified remaining battery level information. Can prevent malfunction of the electronic camera due to insufficient battery power.

According to the invention of claim 10, claim 9 is provided.
In addition to the effects of the described invention, data communication becomes possible with a personal computer and an electronic camera.

According to the invention of claim 11, claim 9 is provided.
In addition to the effects of the invention described, since the battery level of the electronic camera is displayed on the display screen of the external device, the operator can check the electronic battery level of the electronic camera on the display screen of the external device. This improves the usability of the operator.

According to the invention of claim 12, claim 9 is provided.
In addition to the effects of the invention described, the external device is configured to store the image data sent from the electronic camera based on the battery remaining amount information sent from the electronic camera. It is possible to prevent inappropriate image data from being stored due to a shortage.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to know the remaining battery level of the electronic camera by executing the program stored in the storage medium by the computer.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic camera applied to an electronic camera system of the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the electronic camera of FIG. 1 when viewed from the upper side in a state where the camera unit is rotated 90 ° forward.

3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the electronic camera of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an appearance of an FDD device connected to the electronic camera of FIG.

5 is an L of the FDD device connected to the electronic camera of FIG.
It is a figure which shows the example of a display on CD.

6 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the FDD device of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining data transfer between the electronic camera of FIG. 1 and an FDD device.

8 is a flowchart for explaining data transfer between the electronic camera of FIG. 1 and an FDD device.

9 is a flowchart for explaining a battery remaining amount detection process for detecting a battery remaining amount of the electronic camera by the FDD device shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a personal computer 100.

FIG. 11 shows an electronic camera 1 and a personal computer 10.
It is a schematic external appearance block diagram when 0 is connected by a cable (RS232C cable).

FIG. 12 shows an electronic camera 1 and a personal computer 10.
It is a schematic external view block diagram when 0 is connected by wireless (infrared).

13 is a flow chart for explaining a battery remaining amount detection process executed between the personal computer 100 and the electronic camera 1 shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Electronic Camera 4, 5 Case 6 LCD 7 Imaging Lens 8 Power Switch 9 Shutter Button 10 Delete Key 11 Plus Key 12 Minus Key 14 Mode Key 15 Display Key 16 LCD 17 Open / Close Lid 18 Function Switch Key 40 CCD 52 A / D Converter 53 timing generator 54 drive circuit 55 compression / expansion circuit 56 DRAM 57 flash memory 58 ROM 59 RAM 60 key input section 61 CPU 62 signal generator 63 VRAM 64 D / A converter 65 amplifier 67 I / O port 68 infrared communication section 80 FDD Device 81 I / O port 82 Control circuit 83 ROM 84 FDD 85 Image memory 86 LCD driver 88 Keyboard 89 Infrared communication unit 90 Cable 100 Personal computer Computer 101 CPU 102 Input device 103 RAM 104 I / O port 105 Infrared communication unit 106 Display device 107 Printing device 108 Storage device 109 Storage medium 801 Disk insertion slot 802 Eject button 803 Disk access LED 804 "Save all" key 805 "Return all" ”Key 807“ View ”key 808“ Save ”key 809“ Restore ”key 810“ Erase ”key 811“ Initialize ”key 812 Page return key 813 Page feed key 814 Power switch 815 Serial terminal

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. An electronic camera system comprising an electronic camera and an external device connectable to the electronic camera, wherein the external device provides the electronic camera with a battery level indicating a remaining battery level of the electronic camera. A request signal transmitting means for transmitting a request signal for requesting a quantity signal, and a judging means for judging whether or not processing between the electronic camera and the external device should be performed based on the received battery level signal. The electronic camera includes a battery remaining amount signal transmitting unit that transmits a battery remaining amount signal indicating a battery remaining amount of the electronic camera to the external device according to a request signal transmitted from the request signal generating unit. An electronic camera system characterized by including. 2. The image data stored in the storage means of the electronic camera when the external device further determines that the formatter should perform processing between the electronic camera and the external device. The electronic camera system according to claim 1, further comprising a storage control unit that controls the storage unit to store the storage unit in the storage unit of the external device. 3. The electronic camera system according to claim 1, wherein the external device is a floppy disk drive device. 4. The electronic camera system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic camera and the external device are connected by wire. 5. The electronic camera system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic camera and the external device are wirelessly connected to each other. 6. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the electronic camera includes a display device, and image data stored in the external device can be monitored by the display device of the electronic camera. system. 7. The electronic camera system according to claim 1, wherein the external device is provided with a display device and can monitor the remaining battery level of the electronic camera. 8. In an electronic camera connectable to an external device, when a battery remaining amount information acquisition command signal from the external device is received, the battery remaining amount of the electronic camera is detected, and the battery remaining amount information is sent to the external device. An electronic camera comprising means for sending to 9. An external device connectable to an electronic camera, means for transmitting a battery remaining amount information acquisition command signal to the electronic camera, and receiving battery remaining amount information from the electronic camera; and the received battery. An external device connectable to an electronic camera, comprising: a processing unit that performs processing according to remaining amount information. 10. The external device according to claim 9, wherein the external device is a personal computer. 11. The external device according to claim 9, further comprising display means for displaying information regarding the battery remaining amount of the electronic camera which sends out the battery remaining amount information. 12. The external device according to claim 9, wherein the image data stored in the electronic camera is acquired and stored based on the battery remaining amount information sent from the electronic camera. 13. A storage medium, which stores a program read by a computer connectable to an electronic camera and executed by the computer, for sending a battery level information acquisition command signal to the electronic camera. A storage medium, comprising: a program code; and a program code for receiving battery level information from the electronic camera.