Digital camera which detects a connection to an external device

What is claimed is:

1. A method of communicating between an electronic camera and an external device, comprising the steps of:

detecting, by the electronic camera, that the electronic camera is connected to the external device and the external device is in a state which permits communicating;

setting a switch on the electronic camera which indicates whether the electronic camera is to transmit or receive images; and

communicating between the electronic camera and the external device, when the electronic camera is detected to be connected to the external device and the external device is detected to be in a state which permits communicating,

wherein the communicating step transmits the images to the external device when the switch indicates that the electronic camera is to transmit the images; and

wherein the communicating step receives the images from the external device when the switch indicates that the electronic camera is to receive the images,

wherein the step of setting the switch includes:

setting the switch on the electronic camera which is further used to indicate whether the electronic camera is to record images captured through a lens of the electronic camera or to play images which are stored in the electronic camera, when the detecting step does not detect a connection of the electronic camera to the external device and the external device is in a state which permits communicating.

2. A method of communicating according to claim 1, wherein:

the detecting step monitors a signal output by the external device which indicates that the external device is ready to communicate.

3. A method of communicating between an electronic camera and an external device, comprising the steps of:

detecting, by the electronic camera, that the electronic camera is connected to the external device and the external device is in a state which permits communicating; and

communicating between the electronic camera and the external device, when the electronic camera is detected to be connected to the external device and the external device is detected to be in a state which permits communicating,

wherein the detecting step monitors a signal output by the external device which indicates that the external device is ready to communicate, and

wherein the detecting step monitors a signal output by the external device which indicates that a data terminal is ready.

4. A method of communicating according to claim 3, wherein:

the detecting step monitors a data terminal ready (DTR) signal of an RS-232 signal output by the external device.

5. An electronic camera, comprising:

a lens;

a light sensor for capturing images through the lens;

a memory connected to the light sensor, for storing the images captured through the lens;

means for detecting that the electronic camera is connected to an external device and the external device is in a state which permits communicating;

a switch which indicates whether the electronic camera is to transmit or receive images; and

means for communicating between the electronic camera and the external device, when the electronic camera is detected to be connected to the external device and the external device is detected to be in a state which permits communicating,

wherein the means for communicating transmits the images to the external device when the switch indicates that the electronic camera is to transmit the images,

wherein the means for communicating receives the images from the external

device when the switch indicates that the electronic camera is to receive the images, and

wherein the switch further indicates whether the electronic camera is to store the images captured through the lens or to play images which are stored in the electronic camera, when the means for detecting does not detect a connection of the electronic camera to the external device and the external device is in a state which permits communicating.

6. An electronic camera according to claim 5, wherein:

the switch is a single switch which both determines whether the camera is to record or play images, and whether the electronic camera is to transmit or receive images.

7. An electronic camera according to claim 5, wherein

the means for communicating communicates in response to a detection by the means for detecting without utilizing an electrical-mechanical switch which indicates that the camera is to utilize a communication mode.

8. An electronic camera according to claim 7, wherein:

the means for detecting monitors a signal output by the external device which indicates that the external device is ready to communicate.

9. An electronic cameras, comprising:

a lens;

a light sensor for capturing images through the lens;

a memory, connected to the light sensor for storing the images captured through the lens;

means for detecting that the electronic camera is connected to an external device and the external device is in a state which permits communicating; and

means for communicating between the electronic camera and the external device, when the electronic camera is detected to be connected to the external device and the external device is detected to be in a state which permits communicating,

wherein the means for detecting monitors a signal output by the external device which indicates that the external device is ready to communicate, and

wherein the means for detecting monitors a signal output by the external device which indicates that a data terminal is ready.

10. An electronic camera according to claim 9, wherein:

the means for detecting monitors a data terminal ready (DTR) signal of an RS-232 signal output by the external device.

11. A method of controlling an electronic camera, comprising the steps of:

detecting, by the electronic camera, that the electronic camera is not connected to an external computer;

operating the electronic camera in a mode which does not communicate with the external computer;

detecting, by the electronic camera, that the electronic camera is connected to the external computer and the external computer is in a state which allows communication with the electronic camera by monitoring at least one signal which changes based on a connection state between the electronic camera and the external computer;

switching a mode of the electronic camera to a communication mode, in direct response to a detecting that the electronic camera is connected to the external computer; and

communication information between the electronic camera and the external computer, after the mode of the electronic camera is switched to the communication mode.

12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the step of detecting that the electronic camera is connected to the external computer comprises:

detecting that the electronic camera is connected to the external computer and the external computer is in a state which allows communication with the electronic camera by monitoring the at least one signal which is a signal present on a wire connected between the electronic camera and the external computer.

13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the step of detecting that the electronic camera is connected to the external computer comprises:

detecting that the electronic camera is connected to the external computer and the external computer is in a state which allows communication with the electronic camera by monitoring the at least one signal which is a signal output by the external computer which indicates that a data terminal is ready.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the step of detecting that the electronic camera is connected to the external computer comprises:

detecting that the electronic camera is connected to the external computer and the external computer is in a state which allows communication with the electronic camera by monitoring the at least one signal which is a data terminal ready (DTR) signal of an RS-232 signal output by the external device.

15. A system for controlling an electronic camera, comprising:

means for detecting, by the electronic camera, that the electronic camera is not connected to an external computer;

means for operating the electronic camera in a mode which does not communicate with the external computer;

means for detecting, by the electronic camera, that the electronic camera is connected to the external computer and the external computer is in a state which allows communication with the electronic camera by monitoring at least one signal which changes based on a connection state between the electronic camera and the external computer;

means for switching a mode of the electronic camera to a communication mode, in direct response to a detecting that the electronic camera is connected to the external computer; and

means for communication information between the electronic camera and the external computer, after the mode of the electronic camera is switched to the communication mode.

16. A system according to claim 15, wherein the means for detecting that the electronic camera is connected to the external computer comprises:

means for detecting that the electronic camera is connected to the external computer and the external computer is in a state which allows communication with the electronic camera by monitoring the at least one signal which is a signal present on a wire connected between the electronic camera and the external computer.

17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the means for detecting that the electronic camera is connected to the external computer comprises:

means for detecting that the electronic camera is connected to the external computer and the external computer is in a state which allows communication with the electronic camera by monitoring the at least one signal which is a signal output by the external computer which indicates that a data terminal is ready.

18. A system according to claim 17, wherein the means for detecting that the electronic camera is connected to the external computer comprises:

detecting that the electronic camera is connected to the external computer and the external computer is in a state which allows communication with the electronic camera by monitoring the at least one signal which is a data terminal ready (DTR) signal of an RS-232 signal output by the external device.

Description Submit all comments and votes

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a digital electronic camera and the interfacing of the camera to an external processing device which monitors, receives images and/or audio, and/or controls the camera through an input/output interface. The invention is more particularly related to a digital electronic camera which automatically detects a connection to the external processing device.

2. Discussion of the Background

Conventional cameras which use light sensitive film have been known for a long time and the manner of generating images is well-known; light sensitive photographic film is exposed to light which passes through a lens and a shutter. The film is then taken to a developing center and processed into photographic prints.

Digital electronic cameras which electronically capture images or images along with audio are also known. However, this field of technology is relatively new and there is not a universal standard for exporting or producing images from digital cameras. When designing the camera corresponding to the present invention, the inventors have discovered various problems in communicating information out of the camera. These problems include the connection of the camera to an external device such as another camera or a general purpose computer. The present inventors have sought to overcome problems pertaining to the actual connection of the camera to the external device, the conversion of signal levels from a level used by the processor within the camera to a level compatible with a communication interface, the detection of a connection of the camera to the external device, and the manner of assembling the information to be transmitted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera capable of detecting that there is a proper connection and communication with an external device such as a computer. It is a further object of the invention for the camera to transmit and receive images and/or audio from the external device after the connection has been established. It is yet another object of the invention to provide an electronic camera which operates without utilizing an electrical-mechanical switch for placing the camera in a communication mode. It is yet another object of the invention to provide an electronic camera which operates using a single switch to control both whether the camera plays images and records images when the external device is not detected to be connected, and which also controls whether the camera transmits or receives images when the external device is determined to be properly connected to the camera.

These and other objects are accomplished by an electronic camera for connection to an external device such as a personal computer. The electronic camera periodically checks, for example, every one-half to one second, whether the camera is connected to the external device and also whether the external device is in a state which permits communication. After it is determined that there is a proper connection and the external device is in a state which permits communication, there is a communication between the electronic camera and the external device of images and/or audio.

Preferably, the camera detects proper connection to the external device and that the external device is in a state which permits communication by monitoring a data terminal ready (DTR) signal of an RS-232 connection. This DTR signal will indicate both that the external device is properly connected and ready to communicate.

In an embodiment of the invention, the camera includes a single switch for both controlling whether the camera captures images through the lens or plays images back to the user on a video screen, and whether the camera is to transmit or receive images and/or audio or transmit the images and/or audio when the external device is detected to be connected and capable of communicating. By detecting that the external device is capable of communicating, it is possible to eliminate a separate switch which places the camera in a communication mode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of the front and top of a digital camera according to the present invention;

FIG. 1B illustrates another perspective view of the digital camera of FIG. 1A viewed from the bottom and rear;

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate perspective views of an external communication interface of the camera;

FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of a latching mechanism of the external communication interface;

FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the latching mechanism of the external communication interface;

FIG. 4A illustrates a view from the top of a pivoting latch member of the latching mechanism;

FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the pivoting latch member;

FIG. 5A illustrates the manner of inserting a latch 196 of the pivoting latch member into a receiving member;

FIG. 5B illustrates the latch 196 after being inserted through and latched to the receiving member;

FIG. 6A illustrates a top view of the latch locked into the receiving member;

FIG. 6B illustrates the pivoting latch member in a release position in which the pivoting latch member has rotated about pivot point 214;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the internal components of the external communication interface;

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of the electrical aspects of the digital camera;

FIG. 9 illustrates the details of the CPU 23 of the camera;

FIG. 10, illustrates a functional block diagram of the memory card 16 employing four flash memories;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the process of capturing an image and audio by the camera;

FIG. 12 illustrates the manner of storing files within the memory card 16 and the format of information to be transmitted out of the camera;

FIG. 13A illustrates a single switch which controls both whether the camera is recording, playing or is off along with whether the camera is receiving or transmitting when connected to an external device;

FIG. 13B illustrates two switches; one for placing the camera in a receive or a transmit mode and the other for setting the camera to a record mode, play mode or turning the camera off;

FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart of the communication process of the camera with an external device;

FIG. 15 illustrates the manner of transmitting information of the camera to an external device;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the specific steps for receiving and storing by the camera data from an external device;

FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram of the electrical components within the external communication interface; and

FIG. 18 illustrates a timing diagram showing how power to the communication circuitry is reduced in order to conserve the life of a camera battery.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and more particularly to FIG. 1A thereof, a perspective view showing the front and top of a digital electronic camera according to the present invention is illustrated. The camera, referred to as a digital camera or electronic camera, captures images and/or audio and writes this information into a memory in digital form. The use of photographic film is not necessary and the camera may capture a series of consecutive still images to provide video with movement or motion. The camera 100 illustrated in FIG. 1A contains a button 102 for turning the flash 20 on and off and changing the flash mode, a button 104 for setting the recording mode such as whether audio is to be captured, whether a series of consecutive images are to be captured, etc. A display 22 is a LCD display which displays the state and settings of the camera such as the flash mode, record mode, battery state, number of images taken and other features of the camera. Switch 108 is used to set the self timer and switch 110 is used to turn the camera off and on and also sets whether the record mode or play mode is to be used. This switch in one embodiment is also used to set whether the camera will be in a transmit or receive mode when connected to an external device. There is a red LED 112 which indicates that an image is being recorded or that the self timer is operating. The windows designated by 114 are used to perform automatic focusing and the viewfinder window is designated by 116. Images are captured through the lens 7, and there is a window 118 for receiving commands from an infrared remote control (not illustrated) which can be used to instruct the camera to capture images and/or audio and also control the functions of the camera. There is also a clip 120 which holds a camera strap. A slidable lever 122 is used to zoom the lens and the camera also includes a shutter release button 124.

FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of the bottom and back of the camera 100. There is knob 130 to adjust the visibility, a cover 132 which covers an opening for a small button type battery used to maintain the setting of parameters in memory, a view finder 134, a date button 136 and time button 138 which controls the operation of the date and time functions of the camera, a microphone 140, and a switch 142 for controlling the image quality or resolution. There is a hole 146 for receiving a bolt from a tripod, and a lever 148 for releasing memory or I/O cards from the camera body through the slot 160.

The camera according to the present invention allows images and audio in a digital format to be transmitted from and received by the camera to and from an external communication interface which connects to a connecting portion 150 of the camera. The connecting portion 150 includes concave protrusions 152, each protrusion having a hole 154. Within each hole is a receiving member 156 which, due to its position within the hole 154, cannot be seen in FIG. 1B and is more clearly illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B which are described below. These receiving members 156 are metal and also serve to provide grounding connections between the camera and the external communication interface. There are also electrical contacts 158 which allow an electrical connection between the camera 100 and an external communication interface. Because of the existence of the slots 160 for receiving various types of cards (e.g., memory or communication PCMCIA cards) there is very little depth for the connection portion 150. This requirement resulted in the design of a novel connection mechanism described in further detail below. Additionally, a conductive ribbon cable which is thin and flexible is used to feed power and receive and transmit signals through the contacts 158.

The camera also includes contacts 162 on the side of the camera and connectors 164 which allow connection of a video display and a speaker to display images and audio generated by the camera.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate perspective views of an external communication interface 180. The interface 180 includes, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, a sliding release button 182, a DIN 8 pin RS-422 interface for connection to a modem port of a Macintosh computer and a 9 pin D connector 188 which communicates according to the RS-232 format to an IBM compatible personal computer. Images and/or audio are communicated between the connected computer and camera in either direction. The interface 180 also includes nuts 186 for receiving screws from a pin connector which plugs into the D-9 pin connector 188. FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing the underside of the communication interface 180 which connects to the camera 100. A clearer view of this connection portion 190 is seen in FIG. 2C.

The connection portion 190 includes convex indentations 194 which match with the concave protrusions 152 of the camera. The convex indentations 194 include pivoting latches 196 which latch with the receiving member 156. The communication interface also includes pins 192 which correspond to the contacts 158 of the camera.

FIG. 3A illustrates a latching mechanism 200 located within the external communication interface 180 which is used to connect the external communication interface 180 to the camera 100. The latching mechanism 200 includes a frame 202. on the frame is mounted a spring connector 204 which is used to mount a spring which is connected to a sliding release unit which is illustrated in FIG. 7. There is a pivoting latch member 210 which includes the latch 196 and is resiliently held in place via a spring 206.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the latching mechanism 200 illustrated in FIG. 3A. In this figure, it is seen that the frame 202 is not planar but has the center portion thereof raised above a level of the region supporting the pivoting latch member 210. This allows the latching mechanism 200 to be mounted to a board, for example a printed circuit board, having holes to accommodate the end regions of the frame. Only the center region of the frame is mounted on the printed circuit board.

FIG. 4A is a top view of the pivoting latch member 210. The pivoting latch member 210 contains a body 212 which is pivotally mounted at a pivot point 214. Connected to the body 212 is the latch 196 and a pressing surface 216. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the pivoting latch member 210. This figure clearly shows that the latch 196 is at a level below the level of the body 212. This allows the latch 196 to be inserted into the hole 154 of the camera. Further, the level of the pressing surface 216 is shown to be above the level of the body 212 of the pivoting latch member.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are a perspective view of the operation of connecting the latch 196 of the external communication interface 180 to the receiving

member 156 of the connecting portion of the camera. In FIG. 5A, first the latch 196 is pushed downwardly to the level of the receiving member 156. Next, the latch 196 is pushed through the receiving member 156 in order to engage with the receiving member 156 as illustrated in FIG. 5B. Referring to FIG. 5A, as the latch 196 is pushed forward through the receiving member 156, the surface 196A of the latch 196 contacts the surface 156A of the receiving member 156. The rounded surface 196A of the latch 196 causes the latch 196 to pivot and then engage with the receiving member 156, as illustrated in FIG. 5B.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are a top view of the interaction of the pivoting latch member 210 with the receiving member 156. In FIG. 6A, the pivoting latch member 210 is engaged with the receiving member 156 and corresponds to the perspective view illustrated in FIG. 5B. In order to release the latch 196 from the receiving member 156, a force is applied against the pressing surface 216 which pivots the latch member 196 so that the latch member 196 and the entire external communication interface can be slid back so that the latch 196 is no longer under the receiving member 156. Then, the latch 196 along with the entire external communication interface can be separated from the camera by moving the external communication interface away from the camera.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the internal components of the external communication interface 180. There is a sliding release unit 222 having ends which engage with the pressing surfaces 216 of the pivoting latch member 210. The exact position of the sliding release button 182 illustrated in FIG. 2A can be seen in FIG. 7. There is a groove 224 in the sliding release unit 222 which mates with and receives the spring connector 204. The spring connector 204 slides along this groove 224. There is also a spring connector 226 on the latching mechanism 222. A spring (not illustrated) connects to the spring connector 204 and the spring connector 226. This keeps the sliding release unit 222 biased away from the pressing surfaces 216. In order to operate the release mechanism, the sliding release unit is pushed towards the pressing surfaces 216 in the direction of the arrow on the sliding release button 182 which causes the latches 196 to pivot inwardly or towards each other.

The frame 202 of the latching mechanism spans the two holes 232 in a printed circuit board 230. Due to the offset levels of the frame 202, the ends of the frame containing the pivoting latch members 210 fit within the holes 232. Mounted on the printed circuit board 230 is a signal level conversion