U.S. patent application number 14/168792 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-29 for electronic apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA. The applicant listed for this patent is CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Yuji Koide, Hitoshi Nabetani, Shigeki Okauchi, Gaku Watanabe.
Application Number | 20140146189 14/168792 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27280095 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140146189 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Watanabe; Gaku ; et
al. |
May 29, 2014 |
ELECTRONIC APPARATUS
Abstract
An electronic system comprising an image pickup unit 1, a
computer 2, and communication terminals for connecting the, unit
and the computer, such as infrared communication ports 6, 10, a
card slot 8, and serial communication terminals 5,9 wherein the
necessary image data is allowed to be produced from the unit 1 and
transmitted to the. computer through the communication terminals.
The computer communicates with the image pick up unit by examining
the port of each communication means in order to recognize whether
a connected unit is the image pickup unit or a foreign unit and to
determine and store the communication speed for each communication
port. The image data and memory space information is then
automatically transmitted to the computer and displayed on a device
connected to said computer.
Inventors: |
Watanabe; Gaku; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Okauchi; Shigeki; (Tokyo, JP) ;
Nabetani; Hitoshi; (Yokohama-shi, JP) ; Koide;
Yuji; (Yokohama-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
27280095 |
Appl. No.: |
14/168792 |
Filed: |
January 30, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13170683 |
Jun 28, 2011 |
8659665 |
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14168792 |
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|
12612346 |
Nov 4, 2009 |
7986365 |
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13170683 |
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|
10375323 |
Feb 27, 2003 |
7630004 |
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12612346 |
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08790715 |
Jan 29, 1997 |
6686958 |
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10375323 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
348/207.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/2251 20130101;
H04N 5/232933 20180801; G06F 1/1626 20130101; G06F 3/005 20130101;
H04N 1/00236 20130101; H04N 5/232 20130101; H04N 2201/0036
20130101; G06F 1/1632 20130101; H04N 1/00241 20130101; H04N 1/2112
20130101; H04N 1/00408 20130101; H04N 1/00477 20130101; H04N
2201/0034 20130101; H04N 2201/001 20130101; H04N 1/2137 20130101;
H04N 1/00204 20130101; H04N 2101/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/207.1 |
International
Class: |
H04N 1/00 20060101
H04N001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 29, 1996 |
JP |
08-013056 |
Jan 29, 1996 |
JP |
08-013058 |
Jan 31, 1996 |
JP |
08-015607 |
Claims
1. A display control apparatus connectable to an image pickup
device having a first memory device within which image data is
stored, comprising: at least one communicator configured to
communicate with the image pickup device; a display controller
configured to display an icon indicating the image pickup device
together with an icon indicating a second memory device arranged in
the display control apparatus if a signal indicating that a device
connected to the display control apparatus is the image pickup
device is received by the communicator, wherein an appearance of
the icon indicating the image pickup device differs from an
appearance of the icon indicating the second memory device; and a
designator configured to designate the icon indicating the image
pickup device, wherein the display controller displays
representation of contents in the image pickup apparatus based on
information received by the communicator if the image pickup device
icon is designated by the designator, the contents include the
image data stored in the first memory device.
2. The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
display controller displays a scroll arrow for scrolling the
representation of contents.
3. The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
display controller displays a list of the representation of
contents.
4. The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
display controller displays a list of image data stored in the
second memory device.
5. The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
display controller displays a list of the image stored in the first
memory device.
6. The display control apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the
display controller displays a list of the image data stored in the
first memory device and a list of the image data stored in the
second memory in different display windows.
7. The display control apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: the
designator can select image data from the list of the image data
stored in the first memory device; and the image data selected by
the designator is stored in the second memory device if the image
data selected by the designator is dragged and dropped onto the
list of the image data stored in the second memory device.
8. A method for controlling a display control apparatus connectable
to an image pickup device having a first memory device within which
image data is stored, comprising steps of: displaying an icon
indicating the image pickup device together with an icon indicating
a second memory device arranged in the display control apparatus if
a signal indicating a device connected to the display control
apparatus is the image pickup device is received from the image
pickup device, wherein an appearance of the icon indicating the
image pickup device differs from an appearance of the icon
indicating the second memory device; and designating the image
pickup device icon, wherein representation of contents in the image
pickup apparatus is displayed based on information received by the
communicator if the image pickup icon is designated by the
designator, the contents include the image data stored in the first
memory device.
9. The control method according to claim 8, further comprising a
step of displaying a scroll arrow for scrolling the representation
of contents.
10. The control method according to claim 8, further comprising a
step of displaying a list of the representation of contents.
11. The control method according to claim 8, further comprising a
step of displaying a list of image data stored in the second memory
device.
12. The control method according to claim 8, further comprising a
step of displaying a list of the image stored in the first memory
device.
13. The control method to claim 11, wherein a list of the image
data stored in the first memory device and a list of the image data
stored in the second memory are displayed in different display
windows.
14. The control method according to claim 13, wherein: image data
from the list of the image data stored in the first memory device
is selected; and the selected image data is stored in the second
memory device if the selected image data is dragged and dropped
onto the list of the image data stored in the second memory
device.
15. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium for storing a
control method described in claim 8.
16. A display control apparatus connectable to an image pickup
device having a first memory device within which image data is
stored, comprising: at least one communicator configured to
communicate with the image pickup device; a display controller
configured to display an icon indicating the image pickup device
together with an icon indicating a second memory device arranged in
the display control apparatus if a signal indicating that a device
connected to the display control apparatus is the image pickup
device is received by the communicator, wherein an appearance of
the icon indicating the image pickup device differs from an
appearance of the icon indicating the second memory device; and a
designator configured to designate the icon indicating the image
pickup device, wherein the display controller displays
predetermined information for accessing the image data stored in
the first memory device based on information received by the
communicator if the image pickup device icon is designated by the
designator.
17. The display control apparatus according to claim 16, wherein
the predetermined information indicates the image stored in the
first memory device.
18. The display control apparatus according to claim 16, wherein
the display controller displays a list of the predetermined
information.
19. The display control apparatus according to claim 16, wherein
the communicator obtains image data stored in the first memory
device if a predetermined operation is performed to the
predetermined information.
20. The display control apparatus according to claim 16, wherein
the display controller displays a scroll arrow for scrolling the
predetermined information.
21. The display control apparatus according to claim 16, wherein
the display controller displays a list of image data stored in the
second memory device.
22. The display control apparatus according to claim 16, wherein
the display controller displays a list of the image stored in the
first memory device.
23. The display control apparatus according to claim 16, wherein
the display controller displays a list of the image data stored in
the first memory device and a list of the image data stored in the
second memory in different display windows.
24. The display control apparatus according to claim 16, wherein:
the designator can select image data from the list of the image
data stored in the first memory device; and the image data selected
by the designator is stored in the second memory device if the
image data selected by the designator is dragged and dropped onto
the list of the image data stored in the second memory device.
25. A method for controlling a display control apparatus
connectable to an image pickup device having a first memory device
within which image data is stored, comprising steps of: displaying
an icon indicating the image pickup device together with an icon
indicating a second memory device arranged in the display control
apparatus if a signal indicating a device connected to the display
control apparatus is the image pickup device is received from the
image pickup device, wherein an appearance of the icon indicating
the image pickup device differs from an appearance of the icon
indicating the second memory device; and designating the image
pickup device icon, wherein predetermined information for accessing
the image data stored in the first memory device is displayed based
on information received by the communicator if the image pickup
icon is designated by the designator.
26. The control method according to claim 25, wherein the
predetermined information indicates the image stored in the first
memory device.
27. The control method according to claim 25, further comprising a
step of displaying a list of the predetermined information.
28. The control method according to claim 25, further comprising a
step of obtaining image data stored in the first memory device if a
predetermined operation is performed to the predetermined
information.
29. The control method according to claim 25, further comprising a
step of displaying a scroll arrow for scrolling the predetermined
information.
30. The control method according to claim 25, further comprising a
step of displaying a list of image data stored in the second memory
device.
31. The control method according to claim 25, further comprising a
step of displaying a list of the image stored in the first memory
device.
32. The control method according to claim 25, further comprising a
step of displaying a list of the image data stored in the first
memory device and a list of the image data stored in the second
memory in different display windows.
33. The control method according to claim 25, wherein: an image
data from the list of the image data stored in the first memory
device is selected; and the selected image data is stored in the
second memory device if the image data selected by the designator
is dragged and dropped onto the list of the image data stored in
the second memory device.
34. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium for storing a
control method described in claim 25.
35. A display control apparatus connectable to an image pickup
device having a first memory device within which image data is
stored, comprising: at least one communicator configured to
communicate with the image pickup device,; a display controller
configured to display an icon indicating the image pickup device
together with an icon indicating a second memory device arranged in
the display control apparatus if a signal indicating that a device
connected to the display control apparatus is the image pickup
device is received by the communicator, wherein an appearance of
the icon indicating the image pickup device differs from an
appearance of the icon indicating the second memory device; and a
designator configured to designate the icon indicating the image
pickup device, wherein the display controller displays a list of
image data stored in the first memory device in the image pickup
device based on information received by the communicator after the
image pickup device icon is designated by the designator.
36. The display control apparatus according to claim 35, wherein
the display controller displays a scroll arrow for scrolling the
list of the image data.
37. The display control apparatus according to claim 36, wherein
the display controller displays a list stored in the second memory
device.
38. The display control apparatus according to claim 37, wherein
the display controller displays the list of the image data stored
in the first memory device and the list of the image data stored in
the second memory in different display windows.
39. The display control apparatus according to claim 38, wherein:
the designator can select an image data from the list of the image
data stored in the first memory device; and the image data selected
by the designator is stored in the second memory device if the
image data selected by the designator is dragged and dropped onto
the list of the image data stored in the second memory device.
40. A method for controlling a display control apparatus
connectable to an image pickup device having a first memory device
within which image data is stored, comprising steps of: displaying
an icon indicating the image pickup device together with an icon
indicating a second memory device arranged in the display control
apparatus if a signal indicating a device connected to the display
control apparatus is the image pickup device is received from the
image pickup device, wherein an appearance of the icon indicating
the image pickup device differs from an appearance of the icon
indicating the second memory device; and designating the image
pickup device icon, wherein a list of image data stored in the
first memory device arranged in the image pickup device is
displayed based on information received by the communicator after
the image pickup icon is designated by the designator.
41. The control method according to claim 40, further comprising a
step of displaying a scroll arrow for scrolling the list of the
image data.
42. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium for storing a
control method described in claim 40.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of application Ser. No.
13/170,683 filed Jun. 28, 2011; which is a continuation of
application Ser. No. 12/612,346, filed Nov. 4, 2009; now U.S. Pat.
No. 7,986,365; which is a divisional of application Ser. No.
10/375,323, filed Feb. 27, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,630,004; which
is a divisional of application Ser. No. 08/790,715, filed Jan. 29,
1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,686,958, the entire disclosures of which
are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus for
obtaining pickup image data utilizing an image pickup unit and a
computer connected thereto.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In an image pickup system for recording an image by means of
an image pickup unit, and transferring such a recorded image to a
computer equipped with a display device to utilize the image, the
pickup unit therein has only a small amount of memory capacity.
Therefore, every time image pickup of a predetermined frames of
images is performed, it is necessary to transfer the recorded image
to a computer having larger memory capacity.
[0006] In order to appreciate a photographed image, or perform
other processings using a conventional image pickup system, the
following operation was performed: [0007] (1) First, the picture
image is transferred by a data transfer device. The user selects a
transfer device to transfer the images by use of particular data
communication software. There are several communication methods
such as utilizing a memory card, a serial communication cable, and
an infrared communication port. [0008] (2) Next, using an image
processing software or an image summarized list, the image
processing or image appreciation is performed.
[0009] There have been, however, several disadvantages in the
conventional methods.
[0010] It is necessary for the user of the system, comparing the
communication means included in the image pickup unit and the
computer, to select an appropriate transfer method having the
fastest image transfer rate, and also to utilize a communication
software suitable for the communication.
[0011] In most cases, the user needed an excessive time consumption
for data transfer operation, in spite of his purposes of image
processing and appreciation.
[0012] Also recently, in parallel with the small-sized of the
computers, even a computer of hand-held type has been. developed.
However, in comparison with the desk-top computer, a small-sized
computer is restricted in the size of its recording medium, and
therefore it is equipped with a card slot into which a PC card
(PCMCIA/JEIDA) can be directly inserted, instead of a floppy disk
drive. In most cases, the card slot is formed so that a FAX card or
the like can be inserted therein so as to comply with various
applications. Also recently, in Laid-open patent publication No.
7-121147, it is disclosed a card-type image pickup system capable
of taking an image utilizing a camera head installed on the end of
the card, as shown in. FIG. 16.
[0013] As shown in FIG. 16, the card-type image pickup system
comprises a signal processing unit "a", a card connecter "b"
mounted on one end of the unit "a", a support "c" mounted on the
other end of the unit "a", and a camera head "d" rotatably
supported on the support "c".
[0014] This pickup system is constructed so that it relies on the
power source, CPU and memory associated with the computer, thereby
being small-sized and of low cost.
[0015] The above-mentioned small-sized personal computer is one of
those such as a sub-note or palm top personal computer, which is
generally limited in its memory capacity, thereby only a less
number of recording cards can be installed. In addition, since the
program for operating such a card-type image pickup system is also
stored in the computer, the program should be newly loaded, unless
a specific personal computer is available. Also, if the number of
slots for receiving the cards is not sufficient, each of a
plurality of cards should be frequently replaced.
[0016] In order to record as many images as possible, normally the
obtained image is compressed and recorded in a recording
medium.
[0017] Namely, an obtained and digitally converted image signal is
tentatively stored in a recording medium. Subsequently, the
converted digital signal is derived from the recording medium and
compressed by means of a particular circuit for compression, when
such a circuit is specifically installed in the pickup system, and
thereafter the compressed digital signal is again stored in the
medium.
[0018] In most conventional cases, however, a great deal of time
was required for compression of the image signal. Particularly, a
long time for compression was required, in those cases that no
specifical circuit is provided, that the ability of the CPU was not
sufficient, or that the obtained image was of large sized. As a
result of such elongated time for compression, the time period
until the subsequent image pickup was again enabled was accordingly
increased, and the user was often likely to lose his shutter
chance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] In order to overcome the above disadvantage, an object of
the present invention is to provide an image pickup system capable
of implementing communication necessary between the pickup unit and
the computer, without having the user conscious of the data
transfer operation.
[0020] Further, the invention provides an electronic system powered
by an external power source and producing image information to an
external device, capable of being supplied with a sufficient memory
capacity for the image information obtained by the image pickup
unit.
[0021] The invention provides an electronic system including a
card-shaped electronic device for enabling utilization of a large
number of electronic instruments.
[0022] The invention provides a card-shaped electronic device which
is connected an external device to enable the operation of such a
device, capable of increasing the use of video apparatus such as a
system video camera and a recording/reproducing apparatus, and
reducing complexity of handling thereof, thereby to provide a video
camera and recording/ reproducing apparatus improved in their
information transfer capability.
[0023] In addition, the invention is to provide an improvement in
the process of image compression, in such a manner that the
compression is performed in the period during which no image pickup
operation takes place, such as when the main switch remains off by
the user, or when determined there is no turn-on by the user for a
predetermined period of time, thereby to reduce the time interval
until the time when pickup of the next image is again enabled to
start.
[0024] Also, the invention provides the process necessary for
responding to the standby indication for image pickup such as a
turn-on of the switch by the user during the period of image
compression.
[0025] The invention further provides the means for informing each
amount of uncompressed and compressed digital image signals to the
user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
invention;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an image pickup unit of an
embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a computer of an
embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 4 is an illustrative view of a displayed screen;
[0030] FIG. 5 is an illustrative view of another displayed
screen;
[0031] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 7 is an illustrative view of memory maps;
[0033] FIG. 8 is an illustrative view of still another displayed
screen;
[0034] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an image
pickup unit according to the invention;
[0035] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a system including an image
pickup unit and a computer according to an embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of an image pickup unit
connected to a computer;
[0037] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a system. including an image
pickup unit and a computer according to an embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 13 is a sectional view of an image pickup unit in FIG.
12 connected to a computer;.
[0039] FIG. 14 is a sectional view of an image pickup unit
connected to a computer according to another embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 15 is a side sectional view of the system shown in FIG.
14;
[0041] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a prior art card-type image
pick up system;
[0042] FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the
invention;
[0043] FIG. 18 is a flow chart of the sequence of compression
operation for a picture image;
[0044] FIG. 19 is an illustrative view of displayed figures
representing each amount of recorded images; and
[0045] FIG. 20 is a flow chart of the sequence of image compression
operation according to another embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0046] An Embodiment of the invention is described with reference
to FIGS. 1 to 8.
Image Pickup System
[0047] FIG. 1 shows a summary view of an image pickup unit I and a
computer 2.
[0048] The system comprises an image pickup unit 1 and a computer
2.
[0049] The pickup unit 1 includes a lens 3, a card socket 4 capable
of being enclosed within a main body, a serial communication
terminal 5, an infrared communication port 6, and a release button
7, and is capable of recording a predetermined frames of obtained
images in a memory equipped therein.
[0050] The computer 2 includes a card slot 8, a serial
communication terminal 9, an infrared communication port 10, an
input device 11, and a display screen 12.
[0051] When an operator of the system wishes to recognize an
obtained image, or to store the image data existing in the memory
of pickup unit 1 into the memory device of computer 2, it is
necessary to transfer the data from the memory of unit 1 to the
computer 2.
[0052] When the card socket 4 is inserted into card slot 8, the
computer 2 is enabled to recognize the pickup unit 1 as memory
card. A recognition data (tupple) necessary for such recognition is
stored in the memory of the pickup unit 1.
[0053] It is also possible, without using a card, but using either
the serial communication terminal 9, or infrared communication port
10, to implement transmission of data. Instead of the card socket 4
of the unit 1, another card-type device may be also inserted into
the card slot 8.
[0054] Image Pick-up Unit
[0055] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the image pickup unit, and
the operation thereof is also described as follows.
[0056] A user of the pickup unit actuates the release button device
7 to conduct an image pickup operation, and a CPU unit (1) 14
transmits an instruction to a timing generator (TG) 15, which
supplies a control signal to a CCD unit 16, an A/D converter 17 and
a digital signal processing unit (DSP) 18. In response to the
control signal, one frame of an image is recorded in a memory (1)
19, which is formed of a DRAM having a capacity for storing one
frame of an image. After an image has been stored in memory (1),
the CPU unit (1) compresses the image stored in memory (1), and the
compressed image is stored in the memory (2), which is a flash
memory capable of storing image data corresponding to about 50
images. The image data thus stored are permanently maintained even
the power is disconnected.
[0057] The image pickup unit 1 includes a card socket device 4, an
infrared communication port (1) denoted as 6, and a serial
communication terminal (1) as 5, any of which serves as data
transfer means. The card socket 4 can be directly inserted in a
card slot 8, and is recognized by the computer having such a card
slot as the card memory card. The image pickup unit 1 can utilize
any of the three devices mentioned above as a data transfer
means.
Computer
[0058] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the computer 2 for the image
pickup system. Operation of the computer is described also
referring to FIG. 3.
[0059] The computer 2 includes a card slot 8, an infrared
communication port (2) 10, and a serial communication terminal 9.
Any of the infrared communication port (2) 9 and serial
communication terminal 10 is provided with a variable amount of
communication rate, and can be controlled to have a most suitable
communication rate according to the device connected thereto.
[0060] When the computer 2 and pickup unit 1 are interconnected to
implement data transfer, either one of these communication methods
is selected. When not all of the above methods is provided in
either of both devices, a communication method is selected from the
already available ones.
[0061] When an image data recorded in the pickup unit 1 is to be
transferred to and stored in the computer 2, the data is actually
stored in a memory (2) 27 or in an auxiliary recording device 28
within the computer 2, wherein.sup.-the memory (3) is of a DRAM and
the device 28 is of a hard disk having a large capacity. The user,
of this pickup system is allowed to recognize the image data,
referring the screen of a display device 12. Also, in order to
operate the computer 2, the user utilizes the input device 11.
[0062] All of devices including the card slot 8, infrared
communication port 10, serial communication terminal (2) 9, memory
(3) 27 and display device 12 are controlled by the CPU unit (2) 31.
CPU unit (2) is controlled by the input device 11, where the
control is performed by movement of the device 11 and actuation of
the associated push button.
[0063] The pickup unit 1 itself has no image display device. In
order to allow the user to confirm the recorded image data, such
data is transferred to the computer 2 associated with the display
device 12, by which the image data is confirmed.
[0064] User Interface of the Image Pickup System
[0065] Hereinafter described is how the system operates when the
user wishes to confirm the recorded image.
[0066] FIG. 4 shows a displayed screen of the display device 12,
wherein those displayed include an image icon 32 showing the
auxiliary memory device equipped in the computer 2, the image data
33 recorded in the auxiliary memory device 28, a displayed window
34 listing the entire image data, and scroll arrows 35 and 36 for
upwardly and downwardly scrolling the data list within the display
window 34. Further displayed is a pointer 37 which is movable in
accordance with displacement of the input device 11. In response to
placing the pointer 37 on either of arrows 35 or 36, and depression
of the pushbutton of device 11, the image data displayed within the
window 34 is scrolled up and down, where up to six frames of image
data are displayed at a time.
[0067] The pointer 37 is moved onto the image icon 38 displayed on
the screen, and the button is clicked, the times of which click is
one or two. The method of button operation is in advance provided
by the user.
[0068] The above operation causes a new display window as shown in
FIG. 5, wherein also up to six frames of image data can be
displayed at a time as in the case of the window 34, and the
displayed image data can be scrolled by click on the arrows 40 and
41.
[0069] FIG. 6 shows the sequence of the operation performed by the
computer 2.
[0070] Card recognition is performed in Step S1. A CPU unit 2 in a
box 31 in FIG. 3 controls the card slot 8, and it is examined as to
whether or not a card-type device has been inserted into card slot
8. When a card-type device is identified, further determined as to
whether the device is a image pickup unit 1. The CPU unit (2)
manages the communication between card slot 8 and the CPU unit (1)
shown as 14 via the card socket 4 shown in FIG. 2. CPU unit (1)
sends a recognition signal for indicating the image pickup unit 1
to CPU unit (2). If the recognition signal is not sent to CPU (2),
the CPU (2) determines the card-type unit is not the pickup device.
When the image pickup unit 1 is correctly identified, the maximum
speed for enabling communication performed between the pickup unit
1 and computer 2 is determined and stored.
[0071] In Step S2, the CPU unit (2) examines the state of the
communication port (2). First, it is examined as to whether any
device other than the image pickup unit 1 just utilizes the
communication port. Then, the CPU unit (2) causes the infrared
communication port (2) to transmit the initiation data for data
connection.
[0072] Upon receiving the initiation data by the infrared
communication port (1), CPU unit (1) causes the communication port
(1) to deliver a recognition signal indicating the receipt of the
initiation data. In addition, the CPU units (1) and (2) utilizes
the infrared communication ports (1) and (2) to determine the
maximum communication speed, which is stored by CPU unit (2).
[0073] In Step 53, the CPU unit (2) examines the state of the
communication port of the serial terminals 5 and 9. First, whether
or not any device other than the image pickup unit 1 already
utilizes the communication ports. Then, the CPU unit (2) causes the
serial communication terminal (2) to transmit the initiation data
for data connection.
[0074] Upon receiving the initiation data by the serial
communication terminal (1). CPU unit (1) causes the communication
terminal (1) to deliver a recognition signal indicating the receipt
of the initiation data. In addition, the CPU units (1) and (2)
utilities the serial communication terminals (1) and (2) to
determine the maximum communication speed, which is stored by CPU
unit (2). If the communication terminals (1) and (2) are not
connected together with a cable, it is determined connection of the
serial terminals is impossible.
[0075] In Step S4, the communication speeds of all communication
methods stored through Steps S1 to S3 are compared, and a
communication method having the maximum communication speed is
selected.
[0076] In Step S5, utilizing the communication method selected in
Step S4, CPU unit (2) transmits the image data stored in the memory
(2) of image pickup unit 1 to the memory (3) in computer 1. The
process thereof is described hereinafter.
[0077] In Step S6, the state of communication is checked as
follows. In the case that the communication method used at present
is unusable for some reason, the data transmission is suspended and
returned to Step S1 to perform recognition of the communication
method in order to select another communication method.
[0078] In Step S7, whether it is necessary the data to be further
transferred is determined. If the answer is "no", the data transfer
is finished. If necessary, the flow is returned to Step S5.
[0079] Data Transfer
[0080] FIG. 7 shows the memory maps for a memory (2) in the unit 1
and a memory in the computer (2).
[0081] As shown in FIG. 7, in memory (2), the data are sequentially
stored from the old to the new, in the manner that the image data
A1 followed by the image data A2 and so on, starting from the head
address ADPA1. The memory (3) is enabled to store the image data in
the amount more than the memory (2), and, by means of an address
pointer ADPB, the image data existing in the memory space including
DW (equal to six frames of images) are displayed on the screen of
the display window 39 in FIG. 5.
[0082] When the image icon 38 shown in FIG. 5 is first clicked, the
image data including the amount of DW starting from ADPA1 are
copied into the memory area including the space of DW starting from
ADPB1, where the data may be copied either entirely or selectively.
In parallel thereto, in the display window 39 of FIG. 5, the image
data recorded in the memory space including the amount of DW from
ADPA1 and thereafter shown in FIG. 7 are displayed.
[0083] When the pointer 37 is placed on a window scroll arrow 40 in
FIG. 5 and clicked, the CPU unit (2) causes the increase of the
address pointer ADPB by the amount of DW/2, and the CPU unit (1)
causes the address pointer ADPA to increase by the amount of DW/2.
And the data stored from the address numbered ADPA+DW/2 and
including the amount of DW/2 (i.e. three frames of images) is
copied into the memory space having the capacity of DW/2 starting
from the address of numbered ADPB+DW/2 and thereafter in the memory
(3). Any of ADPA would not be relocated to the address which is
positioned above the address ADPA1 where the newest image data is
stored.
[0084] On the other hand, when the pointer 37 is placed on another
scroll arrow 41 in FIG. 5 and clicked, the CPU unit (2) causes the
decrease of the address pointer ADPB by the amount of DW/2, and the
CPU unit (1) causes the address pointer ADPA to decrease by the
amount of DW/2. And the data stored from the address numbered
ADPA+DW/2 and including the amount of DW/2 (i.e. three frames of
images) is copied into the memory space having the capacity of DW/2
starting from the address of numbered ADPB+DW/2 and thereafter in
the memory (3). Any of ADPA would not be relocated to the address
positioned below the memory address ADPA1 where the oldest image
data is stored.
[0085] Through the operation above, the image data displayed in the
window can be scrolled in the upward or downward direction by the
amount of three frames of images. The user is allowed to select and
review merely the necessary image data without copying the entire
data stored in the unit (1) to the memory (3).
[0086] Data Storage Operation
[0087] The image data stored in the unit (1) are transferred to the
computer (2) through the process in the following steps.
[0088] The user selects the image data which are desired to store
in the auxiliary device on the window 39 of FIG. 8, where the
selected data are the image data 42 shown in. FIG. 8. Then, the
pointer 37 is placed on the image 42, with the button of input
device remaining pressed, and is moved onto the display window 34,
and the button is released. This operation is hereinafter referred
to "drag and drop", wherein the CPU unit (2) controls the displayed
screen as if the image data 42 has actually moved into the display
window 34.
[0089] As a result, the image data 42 is displayed in the window
34. The CPU unit (2) causes an image data corresponding to the
image data 42 to be copied from the memory (3) in FIG. 3 to the
auxiliary recording device 28. At this time, when the image data in
memory (3) is those thinned-out copied from the memory (2), merely
such selected image data are copied into the auxiliary recording
device 28, and the further selection of the data would not be
performed. The data having the same content as those copied in the
device 28 and stored in memory (2) or (3) may be erased as
necessary.
[0090] As discussed above, the invention provides an image pickup
system by which the necessary communication between the image
pickup unit and computer is automatically implemented, without
causing the user to be conscious on the data transfer, and also
provides a system which is easily operated.
[0091] Another embodiment of the invention is described with
reference to FIGS. 9, 10 and 11. FIG. 10 shows the entire system of
an embodiment including an image pickup device and a computer. The
entire system comprises a pickup unit la including an optical
system and signal processing means, a computer 2a, a CPU system 43
for the computer 2a, an interface (I/F) 44 for interconnecting the
pickup unit la and computer 2a, a display system 45 for computer
2a, a memory system 46 for computer 2a, an operating program
storage 47 having the content being rewritable for controlling the
computer 2a, a power managing system 48 for computer 2a, a battery
49 for the computer 2a, and an external power device 50 as the
power supply for computer 2a.
[0092] The portion enclosed by the dotted line in FIG. 10 shows the
pick up unit 1a in detail.
[0093] The system also comprises a lens unit 51 including a zoom
and focus lenses and a stop, and a lens controller 52 for driving
lenses. The system may further include an automatic focusing
device, an automatic exposure unit of well known; and also an
automatic vibration preventing device (for preventing hand
vibration). Also, included are a CCD 53 as a pickup unit, an A/D
converter 54, a timing generator(TG) 55, a digital signal
processing device (DSP) 56, a FIFO memory 57, and a control unit 58
and also a memory control connected to pickup unit 1a. Further
included are an interface 59 for external connection (camera I/F),
a DC/DC converter 60, a card interface 61 (a card I/F) for
connection, a zoom switch 62, the output of which is connected to
the control unit 58 to enable the lens control in response to the
zoom switch 62. In addition, an external memory card 70 is formed
of a flash memory.
[0094] The image pickup unit 1a is detachable with the computer 2a.
Specifically, the interface 44 is provided with a card slot, while
a part of the pickup unit 1a has the same configuration as the PC
card, hence, in the connected state, the region of the lens unit 51
is allowed to extend over the computer 2a to enable the image
pickup operation. The pickup unit 1a can be separate from the
computer 2a by depression of an eject button not shown.
[0095] Next, FIG. 9 shows the specific construction of the image
pickup unit 1a. The same part is denoted by the same numeral in the
block diagram. The unit 1a includes a card body (output part) 80
and an image pickup head (image pickup part) 90.
[0096] The card body 80 comprises a main substrate 81, on which a
card connecter 86 is mounted, and those previously mentioned are
mounted, including the A/D converter 54, timing generator (TG) 55,
digital signal processing device (DSP) 56, FIFO memory 57, control
unit 58, DC/DC converter 60, card interface 61(card I/F) and a
flexible connector 87. In order to prevent noise generation, the
DC/DC converter 60 is provided with a shield case from the both
sides of the substrate 81.
[0097] A card frame 82, to which the card connecter 86 is
connected, supports the main substrate 81, and is formed
substantially in a frame structure. The frame 82 is further
provided integrally with a frame wall 82a, on the side thereof
opposite to the side on which the card interface 61 and card
connecter 86 are mounted, and further a rotational support 82b is
vertically mounted on the frame wall 82a. On each side of frame
wall 82b, respectively a side beam 82c is attached, and, on the
ends of the side beam 82c, a single transverse rib 82e are
provided. Also in the rotating support 82a, a communication region
82d for receiving a hereinafter mentioned flexible substrate
96.
[0098] A pair of metal covers 83 and 84, interposing therebetween
the main substrate and card frame, is secured to card frame by way
of adhesive or mechanical connection, and also serves as a shield
against noise or the like. By the covers 83 and 84 and part of the
card frame 82, the external configuration of the card portion is
formed and is enabled to be received by the card slot of computer
2a.
[0099] The card case 85 is affixed to card frame 82 by means of
screws or the like; on the position corresponding to the card case
85 of main substrate 81, comparatively higher components, such as
including the DC/ DC converter 60, card interface 61(card I/F) and
flexible connector 87, are mounted. On the side surface of the card
case 85, an opening 85a for receiving the memory card 70 is formed.
The memory card 70 is inserted from the opening and connected to
the card interface 61. At the opening 85a, also a shutter not shown
is provided, which is closed, unless a memory card 70 is installed,
but is open as soon as the card is inserted. This prevents an
incident of introducing any dust.
[0100] Hereinafter, the image pickup head 90 is described.
[0101] An optical image pickup unit 91 includes a zoom lens 92 and
a focus lens 93, which are disposed so as to be moved in the
direction of the optical axis. Between the zoom lens 92 and the
focus lens 93, a stop unit 94 is provided. An optical beam
transmitted through the zoom lens 93, focus lens 93 and stop unit
94 is focused at the CCD 53. The pickup unit 91 further includes a
zoom lens drive motor, a focus lens drive motor, and IG meter, and
a lens controller 52. The lens unit 51 comprising the zoom lens 92,
focus lens 93, and stop unit 94 is operated by means of the lens
controller 52.
[0102] A rotatable plate 95, to which the image pickup unit 91 is
mounted, is resiliently biased by a not illustrated clamp member
connected to the support 82a for rotation of the above-mentioned
card frame 82, and is, therefore, rotatably supported on the
support 82a for rotation. The card frame 82 is provided with an
annular groove 95, which is engaged with a not illustrated
projection formed on the surface of card frame 82 facing the
rotatable plate 95, so that the projection slides along the groove
95 according to the rotation, thereby the pickup head 90 can rotate
by 180 degrees so that the optical axis thereof swings for 180
degrees over the range from the horizontal direction, via the
vertically upward direction, until the axis is oriented to the
opposite horizontal direction.
[0103] The flexible substrate 96 serves to transfer the output of
the CCD 53 as well as the drive instructions to be supplied to
lenses and stop to the main substrate 81, and is passed through the
communication region 82d of the rotating support 82a, and further
the end of the substrate 96 is connected to the flexible connector
87.
[0104] The pickup case, which forms the external housing, is
provided with an opening coincident with the optical axis, and with
the zoom switch and focus switch 63 on its surface perpendicular to
the rotating axis. The state of the switch is further transferred
to the main body.
[0105] When desired to change the photographic angle, such a change
is achieved by operating the zoom switch 62.
[0106] The rotational axis of the pickup head 90, in order that the
head 90 would not extend below the lower end of the card body when
rotated, is dimentioned so that the end surface opposite to the
wall having formed of the opening 97a is curved to have a radius
not exceeding the value R, where R is the distance ranging from the
lower surface of the main bode to the rotational axis.
[0107] FIG. 11 shows a general view in section of the image pickup
unit 1a, when connected to the computer 2a, wherein the slot 40a
enclosed by the dotted line is that for receiving a PC card, into
which two PC cards of TYPE II or a single one of TYPE III can be
received. The pickup unit 1a includes the DC/DC converter 60,
card-connecter 61, and memory card 70, main substrate 81; and
further included are the side wall 82 of the card frame, covers 83
and 84, card case 85, PC card connecter 86, optical pickup unit 91,
and image pickup case 97. The external profile of the card formed
of covers 83 and 84 corresponds to the card of TYPE II. The memory
card 70 is inserted into the card connecter 61 along the
longitudinal direction of main substrate 81 and in parallel
therewith, and is partially enclosed within the slot 40a.
[0108] When the pickup unit 1a equipped with the memory card 70,
within which a program (camera utility program) for driving the
image pickup system is stored, is inserted to the card slot of
computer 2a, and such a program is started by the computer 2a, then
the power is supplied to pickup unit 1a. The object to be
photographed is focused on the CCD 53 through the lens unit 51.
Responsive to the timing pulses generated from TG 55, the image
data is obtained by CCD 53 and A/D converter 54, and is converted
to the digital data. The time interval of the timing pulses is
controlled by control unit 58. The digital data is processed by
digital treatment, tentatively stored in FIF0 memory 57, and,
thereafter, the data is transmitted in the order of having stored,
through the camera interface 59. On the side of the computer 2a,
the transmitted images are displayed by means of the display device
35.
[0109] In addition, focus control and exposure control are
performed based on the recorded signal.
[0110] In recording the image, upon actuation of a mouse or space
key, a stationary image information just at the time of such
actuation or a movable image information after the time of the
actuation is recorded in the memory card. Whether to be recorded in
the memory card 70 or in the memory system 46 of the computer 2a
itself, can be selected based on the camera utility program.
[0111] Also, since the memory card 70 is recognized as a drive by
the computer 2a, it is possible to store any information other than
that relating to the card-type image pickup system.
[0112] As described above, according to the embodiment, since a
memory card can be directly connected to the card-type image pickup
system, a camera utility program is stored in a memory card to
enable the operation of the card-type pickup system by an
arbitrarily selected personal computer, thereby the image recording
being performed without taking consideration of the memory capacity
of the main system.
[0113] Also, the memory card 70 may be received in parallel with
the card portion, and the entire system can be formed with a
reduced dimension in height.
[0114] Instead of installing the optical system having a zoom or
auto-focus functions as described above, also it is possible to
employ those including a single focus, manual focus or manual stop,
thereby saving the power consumption, where neither the lens
controller nor the signal line therefor is needed, and the flexible
substrate 66 can be minimized to enable the cost reduction.
[0115] Hereinafter described is a third embodiment of the invention
referring to FIGS. 12 to 13, in which the computer 2a having one
slot TYPE II is also compatible. The same components are depicted
by the same numerals as in the second embodiment.
[0116] FIG. 12 shows the entire system including an image pickup
system and a computer, wherein a block diagram enclosed by the
dotted line shows the image pickup unit 1b including components 41
to 65.
[0117] A control unit 66 is provided with the functions of control
of the memory connected to the pickup unit, and also of selection
between card interfaces (I/F) #1 64 and #2 65, and further includes
a buffer for tentatively storing the information from the card.
[0118] An external memory card 71 is formed of such as a flash
memory and numeral 72 is FAX card.
[0119] FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the pickup unit 1b which is
inserted to the computer 2a, where the computer 2a includes the
slot 41 enclosed by the dotted line for receiving a PC card, into
which one piece of TYPE II card can be inserted. The pickup unit 1a
comprises a card I/F (connecter) 64 for receiving a memory card 71
in the direction perpendicular to the main substrate 81, a card I/F
(connecter) 65 for receiving a FAX card 72 also perpendicularly
relative to the main substrate 81, and a card case 85, formed with
an opening 85b on the upper surface corresponding to a memory card
81 and FAX card 82. The profile formed of covers 83 and 84 is
configured to correspond to the TYPE II card.
[0120] With the above-described construction, even in the case that
merely a single card slot for TYPE II card is provided in the
computer, a card-type pickup system is enabled to operate with any
of the personal computer by storing a camera utility program within
a memory card, and accordingly the image is recorded without being
concerned if the memory capacity of the main system would be
sufficient. Also, since the control unit 66 can function as the bus
selector, the recorded image may be tentatively stored in memory 46
of the personal computer 2a itself, and the stored information can
be further transmitted via the FAX card for communication. Of
course, not limited in the image information, any information
stored in the computer can be also transmitted. Also, as the cards
such as memory card 71 are vertically connected, the pickup unit
can be formed without increasing the longitudinal dimension
thereof.
[0121] Whenever the slot can receive two PC cards of TYPE II or one
PC card of TYPE III, the memory card would not interfer the slot.
Hence the advantage is that, in the state with a card being
connected, any other IC card maybe also inserted.
[0122] Other than the memory card or FAX card, any other card such
as a LAN, or IrDA card may be also connected. In other words, the
third embodiment provides the same effect as that a slot has been
additionally provided.
[0123] Instead of vertically connecting the card, the card may be
connected in parallel with the card receiving area of the computer,
but extending sidewise from the end of the computer.
[0124] Also, instead of the FAX card or the like being connected to
the pickup unit as above, another structure is possible where the
pickup unit is connected to the FAX card.
[0125] The fourth embodiment is hereinafter described referring to
FIGS. 14 and 15, in which the slot provided in the computer 2a is
configured to receive the PC card of TYPE III, and not for both the
PC cards of TYPE II and TYPE III. Also, each of the same components
are represented by the same numeral as in the previous
embodiment.
[0126] FIG. 14 is a summary view of the pickup unit 1c which is
coupled to the computer 2a, which computer 2a comprises a slot 42c
enclosed by the dotted line receiving the PC card, in which two
cards of TYPE II or a single PC card of TYPE III is inserted. The
image pickup unit 1c includes a DC/DC converter 73, a memory card
74, main substrate 71c; and further included are the side wall 72c
of the card frame, and covers 73c and 74c. The profile formed of
covers 73c and 74c is configured to coincide with the card of TYPE
III, and memory cards 71 and 72 are inserted to a card connecter 75
sidewise and in parallel with the main substrate 81.
[0127] FIG. 15 is a section viewed from the side direction of FIG.
14, adjacent the memory card 73. An opening 73a1 for receiving the
memory card 73 is formed on the side wall of the cover 73c, and,
adjacent thereto, another opening for the memory card 74 is formed.
The opening 73a1 is formed with a shutter but not shown, which is
closed unless the memory card is inserted therein, and is open upon
insertion thereof to prevent introduction of dust.
[0128] According to the construction, a number of memory cards can
be installed to increase the number of images to be stored. It is
possible to utilize one card for loading the camera utility
program, and another for storing the image data. The cover 73a may
be also utilized as a shield member for the DC/DC converter 60. As
a result, the converter 60 is reduced in its height, and may be
enclosed within the card receiving area, so that the extending
portion is merely the pickup unit, thereby the dimension in the
longitudinal direction of the card is reduced.
[0129] The fifth embodiment will be described, in which a flush
memory for storing is in advance mounted. Although an image file
having a large capacity as provided in the second to fourth
embodiments may not be possible, still an image file including
several to tens frames of images is realized. For example, for the
flash memory corresponding to 8 M bit, when the image comprising
the pixels of product of 320 into 240 and compression according to
the jpeg type is performed under the condition of a compression
ratio of 1/8 and 8 bit for each color of RGB, the storing of images
in the order of 30 frames is enabled. Similarly, in the case of
moving images, the needed time is 4 seconds, when the frame rate is
7.5 frames per second. The time can be varied depending on the
capacity of the mounted flash memory, the size of the image to be
recorded, or compression ratio, and the rate of compression ratio
in the case of moving images. The card connecter is not needed to
enable the small-sized construction.
[0130] The other embodiment is possible, in which, instead of
connecting the camera head to the card body for allowing mechanical
rotation as in the above embodiment, also it is possible to connect
the devices with a cable, to provide an image pickup over an angle
wider than that when the camera head is rotated for 180 degrees of
angle.
[0131] As discussed above, the invention defined by claims 3 and 4
provides an improved electronic system capable of storing
sufficient image information, even provided with a memory having
not a large capacity; because such a system, which is powered by an
external power source and produces image information to an external
device, comprises: image pickup means; an output device provided
with a connecter for producing the image information from the
pickup means; the output device includes as a part thereof a
card-shaped portion; and the output device is provided with an
interface for connecting a memory device capable of storing the
image information applied from the image pickup means.
[0132] Also, the invention defined by claim 15 provides an
electronic system, to which a plurality of external devices can be
connected, even in the case that many devices cannot be connected
in the external device itself: because such a system, which is
powered by an external power source and produces image information
to an external device, comprises an interface for connecting
another electronic device having a card-shaped connecting port.
[0133] Further, the invention defined by claims 19 and 20 provides
an improved system having a large memory capacity, by providing
rather a memory capable of recognition as the storage for the
external device, instead of separately causing the external device
to recognize the control information: because the system is
provided with a memory device or an interface for connecting such a
memory device storing a program for controlling the electronic
device.
[0134] FIG. 17 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the
invention, which includes a lens unit 101, an image pickup element
102 (CCD), an A/D converter 103, a pickup signal processing unit
(DSP) 104 for image processing of the digitally converted image
signal by the A/D converter 103, a recording medium (memory) 105
for storing the processed signal and the signal compressed from the
processed signal, and a memory controller 106 for controlling the
memory 105.
[0135] The embodiment further includes a system control unit 107
for controlling the operation of the camera, a timing signal
generating circuit 108 (TG) for generating a timing signal for
causing the image pickup element 102 (CCD) and A/D converter 103 to
operate, a shutter switch 109, and a main switch 110 for the user
to select the pickup system between operative and non-operative, a
LCD 111 for representing the amount of the digital images including
uncompressed images and compressed images, and a LCD controller 112
for controlling the LCD 111. The system control unit 107 includes a
mode select switch 113 for selecting between the image pickup mode
and image compression mode.
[0136] Referring to FIG. 17, the flow of the operation of the image
pickup system is described, including the steps until the
completion of the digital image signal recorded in the memory.
[0137] In response to pressing of the shutter switch by the user,
the pickup system starts operation for image pickup. At this time,
it is necessary that the mode select switch 113 has been turned to
the image pickup mode. First, the timing signal generating circuit
108 generates a drive pulse, which actuates the CCD and A/D
converter 103. The image signal is photoelectrically converted in
the CCD 102, and further converted to a digital signal in the A/D
converter 103.
[0138] The digitally converted image signal is converted to a
brightness signal and a color difference signal, and further
subjected to processing of thinning-out and interporation. More
specifically, the signal is converted to the digital signal in the
processing unit (DSP) 104, so as to have a particular size having
each of horizontal and vertical pixels, such as including 640
pixels in the horizontal direction and 480 pixels in the vertical
direction (or 320 in horizontal and 240 pixels in vertical,
respectively), wherein each picture element having the brightness
information of 8 bit, and the color difference information of 8
bit. The signal thus processed is stored in the memory 105 under
the control by the memory controller 105.
[0139] The flow of the compression of the digital image signal is
described referring to the flow charts of FIG. 17 and FIG. 18. The
signal compression mode is initiated in response to the main switch
110 being turned inoperative by the user.
[0140] First, in Step S201, the mode select switch 113 is turned to
compression mode; then, in Step S202, if any uncompressed signal
still exists in memory 105, the signal existing in 105 is read in
the control unit 107 according to a specific unit block basis, such
as including the vertical 8 pixels and horizontal 8 pixels. In Step
S204, compression is performed for each unit block which has been
read-in above according to the predetermined compression program;
and the result of calculation of compression is again stored in
memory 105. In Step S207, whether any uncompressed block exists is
examined, and the compression process is continued until all the
image signals have been compressed. As a result of compression, an
original digital image signal formed of 640.times.480 pixels
originally has been divided into 80.times.60 blocks, when one block
is of 8.times.8 pixels.
[0141] In Step S208, after compression for all the image signals is
completed, the original signals which remain uncompressed in the
memory 105 are erased. The flow returns to Step S202, the
uncompressed signals are further examined. If determined none
remains uncompressed, finally the mode switch 113 is turned to the
pickup mode in Step S202.
[0142] In case the user incidently turns the main switch 110
operative even when the compression is still continued, the
compression process is tentatively suspended and image pickup mode
is immediately enabled, the procedure thereof is described again
referring to FIGS. 17 and 18.
[0143] Namely, in Step S206 in FIG. 18, the main switch 110 is
examined as to if it has been turned operative.
[0144] When the switch 110 is determined operative, the image
signals just being compressed but already compressed are erased
from the memory 105 and compressing operation is suspended.
Subsequently, the mode switch 113 is turned to image pickup mode,
thereby the image pickup system is turned to the status in which
image pickup up is enabled.
[0145] FIGS. 17 and 19 show the procedure how the amount of each of
uncompressed and compressed digital images, respectively, is
informed to the user. FIG. 19 shows an example of representing the
amount of digital images displayed in the form 311 on the LCD 111,
where the amount of uncompressed and compressed digital images is
schematically illustrated, such that the FIGS. 321 and 331 each
represents the compressed and the uncompressed, respectively, and
the FIG. 341 represents each empty space in memory 105.
[0146] For the purpose described above, the means is provided in
the pickup system for measuring each amount of digital images of
uncompressed and compressed. In addition, such measurement is
performed at the time whenever a new digital image is stored and a
digital image is erased, and the result thereof is also displayed
in LCD 111. Namely, the user is allowed to be informed as to what
amount of the uncompressed and compressed digital images are stored
in the recording medium.
[0147] As described above, immediately after the image compression
mode is suspended, the image pickup mode is restated according to
the above embodiment. In contrast thereto, another embodiment
further provides the feature that the compression mode is not
immediately suspended but still continued until the compression
process is finished, and thereafter the image pickup mode is
recovered, the process of which is described referring to FIGS. 17
and 20.
[0148] FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing a compression sequence which
is initiated by turning the main switch 110 off to cause it disable
by the user of image pickup device.
[0149] In Step S403, every one image is compressed; every time the
compression of one image is completed, the main switch 110 is
confirmed as to whether it has turned to the enabled state in Step
S404. When being turned enable, in Step S406, the mode switch is
turned to the image pickup mode. As a result, even if the user
provides a standby indication for image pickup operation during the
period of an image compression, such an indication is ineffective
until termination of compression, and the mode for image pickup is
enabled barely after the compression of the image just being
compressed is finished.
[0150] As described above, the signal compression is started in
response to the main switch 110 being turned off in the two
embodiment above. Slightly deviated therefrom, in still another
embodiment, after awaiting for a predetermined period during which
there has been no turn-on, first the main switch 110 is
automatically turned off and thereafter the image compression is
restarted.
[0151] As discussed above, the invention provides an image pickup
system equipped with means for receiving a pickup standby
indication from the user. More specifically, the signal is
tentatively stored in the memory in the state of being
uncompressed; and the compression is performed in the period during
which no image pickup operation takes place, such as when the main
switch remains off by the user, or when determined there is no
turn-on by the user for a predetermined period of time, thereby the
time interval until the time when pickup of the next image is again
enabled to start being reduced.
[0152] Also, the invention provides the process for responding to
the standby indication for image pickup such as a turn-on of the
switch by the user during the period of image compression.
[0153] The invention further provides the means for informing each
amount of uncompressed and compressed digital image signals to the
user.
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