IIIIIIIIENIIMINI
`
`USlJ05724lS5A
`
`5,724,155
`[11] Patent Number:
`United States Patent
`Mar. 3, 1998
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Saito
`
`
`[19]
`
`[541 ELECTRONIC IMAGING svsnzm
`
`omen PUBLICA'I‘IONS
`
`[75]
`
`Inventor:
`
`Yawan Suito. Haebiohji. Japan
`
`“Microsoft Mail for Windows”. May 1993. p. 5.
`
`[T3] Assignee: ?|ympus Optical Co., Ltd.. Tokyo.
`apan
`
`1211 Appl. No.: 366,893
`
`[22] Filed:
`
`Dec. 30. 1994
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`[30]
`Doc. 30, 1993
`[JP]
`Japan ........................... .. 5-35108‘.-‘
`
`“Microsoft Mai.l"for Windows. May 1993. pp. 1. S. 17.
`
`Primary Emmiuer-—Edward L. Coles. Sr.
`Assistant Exam.ine:~—Tia M. Harris
`Artomege Agent, or F:'rm—Cushrnan. Darby & Cushman IP
`Group of Pillsbury Madison. & Sutro LLP
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`[511
`[521
`
`Int. Cl.‘ .....................
`11.5. CI.
`
`new 1100: B041? 132
`3531402: 358!-403; 353x401;
`3581468
`
`[53] Fiat! ofSeIu'I:h
`
`353/402. 403.
`3531407. 463. 462
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`U.s. PA'I'ENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4553205 11.-was Smuteketal. ........................ swans
`4,531,533
`srme ‘Wmget al.
`... 359462
`5.231.501 m993 Sakai
`ssmos
`
`An electronic imaging system is disclosed which is capable
`of transmission and reception of image data audio: data
`stored in recording media with a small size modem and
`taking a great amount of picked—up image. and filing and
`taking them for a personal computer network host at a
`desired timing. Data communication means transmits image
`data obtained through by an image means andlor data stored
`in a mounted infonnafion storage medium in a system
`conforming to an inter-personal computer communication
`system fitted for network organization.
`
`2.6Claims,1'5Dr:wIngS|1eets
`
`
`
`SYSTEM
`CONTROLLER
`
`
`Dl/F ‘ R5—232CI/F
` I02
`
`
`
`CAR
`
`‘I
`
`_o_... T0 TEL.LINE
`
`Apple 1213
`Apple 1213
`U.S. Pat. 8,966,144
`U.S. Pat. 8,966,144
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 1993
`
`Sheet 1 of 25
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`5,724,155
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 1993
`
`Sheet 2 of 25
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`5,724,155
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 1993
`
`Sheet 3 of 25
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`5,724,155
`
`F/G.3
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 1993
`
`Sheet 4 of 25
`
`5,724,155
`
`>.q;EmEou._
`
`._.V.u%a§._$43
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 1993
`
`Sheet 5 of 25
`
`5,724,155
`
`FlG.5
`
`MAP OF PROTOCOL REGISTRATION PORTION I EEPROM I
`
`
`
`PROTOCOL ID
`
`PROTOCOL I START ADDRESS
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`PROTOCOL ZSTART ADDRESS
`
`PROTOCOL 3 START ADDRESS
`
`PROTOCOL 4 START ADDRESS
`
`
`LOGIN START ADDRESS
`LOGOUT START ADDRESS
`
`TRANSMISSION START ADDRESS
`
`
`
`
`
`
`I
`I
`
`
`
`RECEPTION START ADDRESS
`
`PROTOCOL 1 COMMENT
`
`LOGIN PROCEDURE
`FOR PROTOCOL I
`
`LOGOUT PROCEDURE
`FOR PROTOCOL I
`
`
`
`RECEPTION PROCEDURE
`
`FOR PROTOCOL I
`
`LOGIN START ADDRESS
`
`TRANSMISSION PROCEDURE
`FOR PROTOCOL I
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 1993
`
`Sheet 6 of 25
`
`5,724,155
`
`F/0.6
`
`PROTOCOL DESCRIPTION LANGUAGE
`
`
`
`- CHECK WHETHER ASSIGNED CHARACTER SERIES CAN BE
`
`RECEIVED IN ASSIGNED TIME
`
`
`
`
`
`
`- 2ND BYTE IS ASSIGNED TIME
`' 3RD & FOLLOWING BYTES ARE RETRIEVAL CHARACTER SERIES
`
`
`
`I LEADING REPRESENTS NUMBER OF CHARACTERS I
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` -TRANSMIT ASSIGNED CHARACTER SERIES
`
`'2ND 8: FOLLOWING BYTES ARE CHARACTER SERIES TO BE TRANS‘-
`MITED
`I LEADING REPRESENTS NUMBER CHARACTERS I
`
`DIAL OF ASSIGNED TEL. NO.
`
`EEEM
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ER "ON" AND DR CONFIRMATION
`E
`
`
`E!
`
`E CD CONFIRMATION
`
`
`
`

`
`US. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 1998
`
`Sheet 7 of 25
`
`5,724,155
`
`FIG. 7
`PROTOCOL DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE ( LOGIN )
`
`%
`
`
`
`
`
`
`O2.0Z“AT&F¥N3"
`
`(MCDEMSETTING)
`
`.
`
`02.00. 'DT¢ xxxxxxxxxx (DIAL)
`
`01.20.04. "NET1'
`
`_ F
`
`lG.8
`
`
`
`MAP OF COMM. DESHNATION REGISRATION PORTION
`PROTOCOL
`TEL. NO.
`ID
`PASSWORD
`COMVENT
`COMM. BEST.
`1
`
`COMUl.2|]EST.
`COVMEOEST.
`CCMMADEST.
`
`FlG.9
`
`COOE ASSIGNMENT OF PROTOCOL COLUMN
`
`
`m MON-REGISTRAUON
`m PROTOCOL
`1
`PROTOCOL
`2
`PROTOCOL
`3
`m PROTOCOL
`4
`PROCEDURE ON FILE ( PROTOCOL. CTL )
`
`
`
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 1998
`
`Sheet 8 of 25
`
`5,724,155
`
`FIG. 70
`
`REGISTRATION MENU
`
`[> COMM. DEST. REGISTRATION
`
`PROTOCOL REGISTRATION
`
`FIG. 71
`
`IN PROTOCOL REGISTRATION
`
`PROTOCOL .D AT
`
`FIG. 72
`
`COMM. DEST. REGISTRATION
`
`xxxxxxxx
`
`1
`COMM. DEST.
`PROTOCOL O1
`TEL
`ID
`PASSWORD
`
`XXXX XX
`NETWORK I
`TUNE xxxxxxx
`xxxxxxxx
`
`

`
`US. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 1998
`
`Sheet 9 of 25
`
`5,724,155
`
`FIG. 73
`
`REGISTRATION PROCESS
`
`1s
`
`N 38
`
`Y
`
`S2 T
`
`DISPLAY
`REGISTRATION MENU
`
`SELECT A OR v sw
`
`53
`
`S4
`
`S5
`
`S7
`
`
` COMM.DEST.
`REGISTRATION?
`
`
`
`
`
`PROTOCOL REGISTRATION
`Pnocgss
`
`COMM.DEST.REGISTRATION
`PROCESS
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 1993
`
`Sheet 10 of 25
`
`5,724,155
`
`FIG. 74
`
`PROTOCOL REGISTRATION PROCESS .
`
`S11
`
`S12
`
`DISPLAY REGISTRATICN PROCESS
`
`_
`
`RETREIVFPROTOCOL
`DAT"FILE IN MEDIUM
`
`S13
`
`519
`
`DISPLAY OF ERROR
`
`514
`
`Y
`
`CHECK WHETHER FORMAT-
`
`IS RIGHT
`
` N
`
`
`
`515
`
`S16
`
`S20
`
`DISPLAY OF ERROR
`
`READ OUT DATA SUCCESSIVEL
`AND WRITE IN ASSIGNED
`ADDRESS OF EEPROM
`
`DISPLAY EM} CF REGISTRATION
`
`DISPLAY COVM. MODE SCREEN
`
`ST?
`
`S18
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 1993
`
`Sheet 11 of 25
`
`5,724,155
`
`F I G. I 5
`
`COMM.DEST.REGISTRATlON
`
`PROCESS
`
`DISPLAY COMVLDEST.REGlSTRAT1ON
`
`SCREEN
`
`OPERATE A OR V SW.
`
`525
`
`5,;R.
`
`STORE DATA IN MEMORY
`AREA.AND MOVE CURSOR
`TO NEXT DIGIT
`
`525
`
`N
`
`COMPLETED 1
`
`Y
`
`DISPLAY REGISTRATION
`
`END SCREEN
`
`DISPLAY COMMMODE SCREEN
`
`S21
`
`S22
`
`324
`
`325
`
`S27
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 1998
`
`Sheet 12 of 25
`
`5,724,155
`
`FIG. 76
`
`TRANSMISSION LOGIN
`
`D‘ COMM. DEST.
`
`I
`
`NET 1
`
`
`
`COMM. DEST. 2
`
`NET 2
`
`COMM. DEST. 3
`
`OLYMPUS
`
`COMM. DEST. 4
`
`MANUAL
`
`FIG. 17
`
`SCREEN SELECTION
`
`LN TRANSMISSION
`
`10%
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 1993
`
`Sheet 13 of 25
`
`5,724,155
`
`FIG. 79
`
`SCREEN SELECTION
`
`E N D
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent 5
`
`Mar. 3, 1998
`
`Sheet 14 of 25
`
`5,724,155
`
`F/G.20
`
`TRANSMISSION PROCESS
`
`531
`
`DISPLAY TRANSMISSION
`LOGIN
`
`344
`
`S32 READ OUT TRANSP.-QSSIUN
`
`COMM.DES T.
`
`
`
`A
`
`EXECUTE FILE TRANS‘-AISSION
`
` :.ccORD1NO T0 TRANSMISSION
`
`534
`
`READ OUT LOOIN PROCEDURE
`BASED ON cow. PROTOCOL OF
`ASSIGNED COMM.DEST.
`
`PROCEDURE (IN %)
`
`545
`
`535 549 N
`
`EXECUTE LOGIN PROCEDURE
`SUCCESSIUELY
`
`DISPLAY OF ERROR
`
`Y
`
`847
`
`336
`
`N
`
`343
`
`SET "J6I"AS FILE
`
`I
`
`557
`
`DISPLAY OF ERROR
`
`DISPLAY 'LOGlN SUCCESS”
`
`}
`I
`
`I
`
`I
`
`DISPLAY SCREEN SELECTION
`
`542
`
`533
`
`OPERATE '5 0R V 9”‘
`
`EXECUTE LOGOUT PROCEDURE
`
`539
`
`"
`
`DISPLAY END SCREEN
`
`Y
`
`
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 1998
`
`Sheet 15 of 25
`
`5,724,155
`
`FlG.2I
`
`RECEPTION LOGIN
`
`
`
`D COMM. DEST.1_
`
`NET 1
`
`COMM. DEST. 2
`
`NET 2
`
`COMM. DEST. 3
`
`OLYMPUS
`
`COMM. DEST. 4
`
`MANUAL
`
`F/G.22
`
`MAIL LIST
`
`0 3 FILES
`
`
`
`o TOTAL 126K BYTES
`
`RECEIVE ?
`
`FIG. 23
`
`IN RECEPTION
`
`0 IN IST FILE RECEPTION
`I TOTAL 3 FILES I
`
`o FILE NAME DSOOOOOI .J5I
`
`65%
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 1993
`
`Sheet 16 of 25
`
`5,724,155
`
`F/0.24
`
`RECEPTION PROCESS
`
`DISPLAY RECEPTION LOGIN ’
`
`S51
`
`T 52
`OPERATE A OR V SW.
`
`N
`
`57
`
`o
`
`-E»
`
`'
`
`DI
`
`SPLAY OF
`
`ERROR
`
`
`
`READ OUT LOGIN PROCEDURE
`OF COMM. PROCEDURE OF
`ASSIGNED COMM. DEST.
`
`EXECUTE LOGIN VROCEDURE
`SUCCESSIVELY
`
`S5
`
`4
`
`555
`
`-4;
`
`5 7
`
`55 .
`
`N
`
`S65
`
`359
`
`DISPLAY or ERROR
`
`
`
`
`563
`
`Y
`
`CLOSE FILE
`
`
`
`
`
`DELETE TI-E SUCCESSFULLY
`RECEIVED FILES
`AUTOMATICALLY
`
`565
`
`ALL MAILS COMPLETED?
`Y
`557
`
`DISPLAY 'LOGIN SUCCESS‘
`
`DISPLAY END
`
`S 58
`
`MAKE TABLE OF FILES
`WITH TITLE 'J6I" FROM
`LIST IN MAIL BOX
`
`EXECUTE LOGIN PROCEDURE
`ASSIGNED COMM. OEST.
`
`
`DISPLAY MAIL LIST E
`
` S59
`
`END
`
`355
`
`CREATE FILE NAME
`
`READ [lJT RECEPTIOY PROCEIIJRE
`CF ASSIG\ED CUM. DEST.
`
`861
`
`S62
`
`

`
`US. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 1993
`
`Sheet 17 of 25
`
`5,724,155
`
`F/G.25
`
`,
`
`14(14u.14d.14e)
`
`30/
`I
`
`1 I
`
`W ‘49
`%
`
`

`
`US. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 1993
`
`Sheet 13 of 25
`
`5,724,155
`
`FlG.26
`
`ciifig PLAY RECORD
`H D '
`_._J
`
`

`
`US. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 1993
`
`Sheet 19 of 25
`
`5,724,155
`
`mmooozm
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`
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`
`PLAY
`
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`
`['-
`
`

`
`US. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 1993
`
`Sheet 21 of 25
`
`5,724,155
`
`F/G.37
`
`S71
`
`
`
`CONNECT BUS OF H0 UNIT
`TO SIDE OF CONP./‘CJECONP.CKT.
`
`
`
`RECORD MODE?
`
`372
`
`Y
`573
`
`375
`
`DISPLAY PLAY MOD:
`
`DISPLAY RECORD MODE
`
`REPRODUCE IST FRAME
`
`PERMIT SW. INPUT
`
`574
`
`s?5
`
`RETREIVE FRAMES CAPABL"
`op RECORDING
`t
`
`Si’?
`
`FIG. 32
`
`S81
`
`
`
`CONNECT BUS OF HD UNIT
`T0 SIDE OF SCSI I/F
`
` S82
`
`DISPLAY HD MODE
`
`PROHIBIT SW. INPUT
`
`S83
`
`
`
`

`
`US. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 1993
`
`Sheet 22 of 25
`
`5,724,155
`
`FIG. 33
`
`TRANSMISSION IMAGE
`
`IMAGE REGISTRATION
`
`
`
`S91
`
`
`
`
`BEING REPRODUCED IS IN
`
`TRANSMISSION LIST
`
`CHECK WHETHER IMAGE
`
`AID IMAGE BEING REPRODUCED
`T0 TRANSMISSION LIST
`
`DELETE IMAGE BEING REPRCDUCED
`FROM TRANSMISSION LIST
`
`S94
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`DISPLAY REGISTERED
`SCREEN AGAIN
`
`S95
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 1993
`
`Sheet 23 of 25
`
`5,724,155
`
`FIG. 34
`
`TRANSMISSION PROCESS
`
`S101
`
`
`
`WI-ETI-ER IMAE TO BE
`
`
`TRANSMITTED IS REGISTERED IN
`TRANSMISSION LIST?
`
`
`S102
`
`Y
`
`N
`
`END
`
`MUTE SCREEN
`
`DISPLAY COMM. OEST.
`
`SELECTION PROCESS
`
`S103
`
`”
`__
`DISPLAY IN LOGIN PROCESS
`
`S104
`
`READ OUT AND EXECUTE
`LOGIN PROCEDURE
`
`READ OUT FILE TRANSMISSION
`PROCEDURE
`
`5105
`
`3106
`
`REPROOUCE TRANSMISSION FILE "
`
`S107
`
`DISPLAY AS TO HOW MUCH FILE
`
`HAS BEEN TRANSMITTED
`
`SET 'J6I" AS TITLE
`
`
`
`
`S108
`
`S111
`
`MUTE SCREEN AND DISPLAY
`‘IN LOGOUT" PROCESS
`
`READ OUT AND EXECUTE
`
`LOGOUT PROCEDURE
`
`S112
`
`DISPLAY END SCREEN
`
`
`
`WHETHER ALL
`
`REGISTERED FILES
`EEN TRANSMITTED
`
`
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 1993
`
`Sheet 24 of 25
`
`5,724,155
`
`FIG. 35
`
`SELECT PIC.
`
`32 KBYTES
`
`FIG. 36
`
`SEND TO C-I
`
`NAME : NETWRKI
`
`HOST : NIF2
`
`LINE : TONE
`
`NO.
`
`: 0426910181
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 1993
`
`Sheet 25 of 25
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`5,724,155
`
`F/G.37
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`SEND TO c—1
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`* 2
`
`REST : 52KBYTES
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`

`
`1
`ELECTRONIC maomc. svsrnu
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`5,724,155
`
`2
`
`and reception ofimage data. In addition. for the transmission
`and reception of the image data or the like by the DSC. the
`storage medium is mounted. causing dificulty in handling.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`An object of the present invention is therefore to provide
`an electronic imaging system capable of transmission and
`reception of image data andicr data stored in recording
`media onlywith a small size modemorthe like.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide an
`electronic imaging system capable of taking a great amount
`of picked-up image. and filing and talring the images for a
`pm-sonal computer network host at a desired timing.
`According to an aspect of the present invention. there is
`provided an electronic imaging system comprising data
`communication means for transmitting image data obtained
`through an image means andlor data stored in a mounted
`information storage medium in a system conforming to an
`inter-personal computer communication system fitted for
`network organization.
`According to another aspect of the present invention.
`there is provided an electronic imaging system incorporating
`information storing means of comparatively large capacity
`and comprising extunal control mode means for permitting
`independent accessing of the information storing means
`from an external unit via communication means.
`According to other aspect of the present invention. there
`is provided an electronic imaging system comprising image
`pick-up means for generating and outputting an image signal
`photoelectrically converted from an image incident thereon.
`itnageda1astoringmeansforstoringanimagedatacorre-
`spending to the image signal issued from the image pick-up
`means on an applied storage device or medium. data com-
`munication means for transmitting a designated image data
`in the device or medium through a personal computer
`network organization while an operation mode of the system
`is set for communication. and switch means for causing the
`communication means to start a communication mode
`operation.
`Other objects and features wili be clarified from the
`following description with reference to attached drawings.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF '1"!-IE DRAWINGS
`
`55
`
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of
`the electronic imaging system according to the present
`invention:
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the DSC 20 in the
`embodiment;
`FIG. 3 shows. in an enlarged scale. the operation switches
`14 (140 to 143) and LCD display 13 provided on the top of
`the DSC housing 18;
`FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a controller of the DSC
`20:
`FIG. 5 shows a map of a protocol registration portion
`stored in the EEPROM 16 of the DSC 20‘.
`FIG. Ii shows the protocol description language applied to
`the DSC 20:
`FIG. 7 is a view showing a protocol description example
`for login process using the code in FIG. 6:
`FIG. 8 shows the map of the communication destination
`registration portion which is written in the EEPROM 16;
`FIG. 9 shows the codes to be written in the above protocol
`column;
`FIGS. 10 to 12 show the EV? or a monitor screen for
`describing a corm-nunication protocol write-in operation;
`
`1!}
`
`15
`
`35
`
`The present invention generally relates to an electronic
`imaging systems for taking. storing. reproducing or retriev-
`ing image data from an applied storage device or medium.
`the systems inclusive of such apparatuses as an electronic
`still camera or an electronic image data filling apparatus.
`More particularly. the invention relates to an electronic
`imaging systems mentioned above further comprising com-
`rnunicaticn means capable of transmitting or receiving
`image data utilizing a personal computer network.
`In recent years. an image information storing or recording
`apparatus. andior. retrieving or reproducing apparatus. such
`as an electronic still camera or an electronic image data
`fillingapparatusfor storing orretrievingimage data on or
`from an applied storage device or medium have been
`developed Electronic still camuas of conventional type
`generally employ solid state electronic imaging devices.
`such as CCD imagers. for photoelectric conversion to obtain
`a picture signal corresponding to objects intended to be
`picked up or photographed. The picture signal issued from
`the imaging device is processed by a conventional process-
`ing circuitto obtain avideo or'l'V signal able tcbe recorded
`or stored. and the processed signal is convuted into a digital
`form representative of the image information intended to be
`stored. In the above mentioned cameras. the image infor-
`mation is represented and conveyed in the form of digital
`data. Following the trend of the times. an electronic still
`camera.which outputsimage datawhoseformatmaybe
`compatible for either the IBM Personal Computer and
`related architemlres or the Apple Mackintosh PC architec-
`ture as selected by the operator is
`This electronic
`still camera is disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 5.138.459. Tlte
`digital data stored in the applied storage device or medium
`preferably takes the compressed form thereof. utilizing the
`encoding data compreson technique (see U.S. Pat. No.
`5.034.304-)I2I' variable-length encoding data compression
`technique (see U.S. Pat. No. 5.027.214). According to such
`variable—lengtl1 data compression encoding. since an image
`data can be compressed in accordance with contents of an
`iinagesoastobereducedinamotmtalargenumbucf
`electronic still images can be stored in a semiconductor
`memory card as the applied storage device or medium while
`thememoryareaon the merncrycardrequiredtosttre one
`electronic still image is reduwd.
`Meanwhile. a still video apparatus which has a device for
`interfacing with an external image data processing device
`has been previously proposed (see U.S. Pat. No. 5.231.501).
`The still video apparatus comprises a signal output device
`for outputting an electrical image signal and a signal con-
`verter for converting the image signal to an image data
`signal which can be processed by an external image data
`processing device such as a personal computer.
`Recently. there have been many proposals for electronic
`imaging systems having multiple functions. such as DSC
`(digital still video camera). using such a storage media as an
`IC memory card. magnetic stcrage medium. opto-magnetic
`storage medium.
`flash memory. etc. As one of such
`proposals. there is a DSC capable of personal computer
`network communication with image data transmission and
`reception system for external apparatuses.
`For personal computer network application to the above
`prior art image data transmission and reception by the DSC.
`however. it is necessary to make use of personal computers.
`and it has been impossible to easily realize the transmission
`
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`FIG. 13 to 15 show flow charts iJ.lustrati.ng ‘registration
`process". “protocol registration process” and “communica-
`tion destination registration process”;
`FIGS. 16 to 19 show the routines of the image file
`transmission:
`
`FIG. 20 shows a flow chart illustrating “transmission
`trwcss”:
`FIG. 21 shows a selected communication destination
`displayed on monitor;
`FIG. 22 shows a mail list;
`FIG. 23 shows a screen "IN RECEPTION" :
`
`10
`
`illustrating
`
`FIG. 24 shows a screen of a flow chart
`“reception process”:
`FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the second embodi-
`ment of the DSC 30 according to the present invention:
`FIG. 26 is an enlarged-scale view showing a display 13
`and an operation switches 1-1 in the DSC
`FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a controller in the
`DSC 30;
`
`FIG. 28 shows the display 13 in this embodiment of the
`DSC 30:
`FIG. 29 shows a state of street: in me camera mode but
`with the slide switch 14)’ switched to the play mode side:
`FIG. 30 shows a state of screen with the slide switch 143'
`switched to the HD mode side;
`FIG. 31 is a how chart illustrating a routine when the
`ca.tneramodeoftheDSC30isset:
`FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing a routine which is
`executed when the HD mode of the DSC 30 is set;
`FIG. 33 shows a transmission image registration proce-
`dure of the embodiments:
`FIG. 34 shows a modification of FIG. 20 in the tirst
`embodiment:
`
`FIG. 35 shows the registration of image to be transmitted:
`FIG. 36 shows an embodiment of the transmission des-
`tination selection part: and
`transmission
`FIG. 3'7 is a screen showing the actual
`1:l'ooesses subsequent to the step S104 in FIG. 34.
`DEI'AILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
` D EMBODIMENTS
`
`Now. preferred embodiments of the present invention will
`be de%bed with reference to the drawings.
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodirnent of
`the electronic imaging system according to the present
`invention applied to the case where image data andlor
`speechdata. control data. etc. fromDSC2|or20Aare
`transmitted and received by making use of a personal
`cornpute: network.
`As shown. communication of the image data or the like
`between the DSC 20 or 20A and a personal computer (PC)
`network host 104 is made via a modem 102 or 106 and
`telephone lines 103 and 105. image data transmitted from
`the DSC 2|} is uploadedly written in a mail box 104:: in the
`personal computer (PC) network host 104. The image data
`in the mail box 104a is downloadedly written in the receiv-
`ing side DSC 20A.
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the DSC 20 in this
`ernbodiznent. It is assumed that the DSC 20 is provided with
`apersonal computa'cardorl'tkememotyca.rd 17asthe
`image information storage medium. As shown in FIG. 2. the
`DSC II has a camera housing 18. and an image picl:-up lens
`1 is provided in the front of the housing. The top of the
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`housing 18 is provided with optnaticn switches 14 (Ida to
`143). an LCD display 13 and a release switch 19. Ftn'ther.
`one side of the housing 18 is provided with a video signal
`output terminal 7. a connedor 150 (See FIG. 4) which is a
`RS—232C D1’-7 connection portion for transmitting and naiv-
`ing signals to and from modems or the like external
`apparatuses. and a slit 18a for inserting a memory card 17
`as the storage m.ediI.tm.
`FIG. 3 shows. in an enlarged scale. the operation switches
`14 (1-In to 143) and LCD display 13 provided on the top of
`the DSC housing 18.
`Of the switches. shown at 14a is a “POWER” switch for
`the DSC. at 14!! a “REGISTER” switch for registering
`communication protocol (procedure). telephone No.. etc. at
`the time of data communication. at 14c an "EXEC[l'I'E”
`switdt to be operated when executing the registration or the
`dataeommt1nication.andatl4dand 14ean“UP"anda
`“DOWN” switch for assigning the reproduction frame No..
`registered telephone No.. etc. Further. shown at ldgis a slide
`switch for switching a camera mode and a communication
`mode of the DSC. and at 14-fis a slide switch for switching
`betweena“P'I..AY“ anda"R.BCORD”modein thecamera
`modes and switching between a "RECEIVE" and a
`"I‘RANSMII“’ mode in the communication modes. When
`the DSC is in a mode other than the "RECORD" mode. i.e..
`the "PLAY". "I'R.ANSMII'" or ‘ mode.
`the
`characters “PLAY”. "1"RANSM1T" or "RECEIVE" in the
`LCD display 13 are tinned on Ftnther. in the display 13.
`central seven-segment digits are for displaying the frame
`No. being processed or the like. and right upper small-size
`seven-segment digits are for displaying the number of
`frames ready for picking up image or number of residual
`frames that can be reproduced.
`FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a connoller of the DSC
`Ill. The operation of the individual system components is
`controlled by a system controller 12. In the DSC 20. an
`image signalcanbereccrdedin themounted memory-card
`17 in response to the depression of the release switch 19 (see
`FIG. 1). Also. by operating the operation switches 14d and
`14: it become possible to reproduce the image recording
`signal of an image file of an assigned frame No. on the
`memory card 17. In this case. the video signal is displayed
`astheviewfinderimageinanEV'F8andalso supplied from
`a video signal output terminal to an external monitor.
`Furthenas showninFIG. l. the DSC20cant:ran.smitcr
`receive data to or from the personal computer network host
`104 via the modem 102 and telephone line 103 on the basis
`of a system conforming to a personal computer communi-
`cation system applicable to the network organization.
`Further. aside from the example of FIG. 1. it is possible to
`realize the data cormnunication between the DSC 20 and a
`personal wrnputer or data communication between the DSC
`20 and a DSC of like type.
`In picking up the image. an object image is focused by an
`image lens 1 on an imaging element. such as CCD.provid.ed
`in an image pick-up circuit 2. In the ND converter 3 the
`image data from the circuit 2 is converted into digital data
`whichis tobestoredtemporar-ityin aframememory4cfthe
`image memory. The digital image data read out from the
`frame memory 4 is converted again in a DIA converter 5 into
`analog signals as video signals through a video encoder 6
`and from a video output terminal 7. The video signal is
`displayed as the viewfinder image in the EVF 8.
`When recording image data in the memory card 17. the
`imagedataisreadout inaunitofblocksfrom theframe
`memory 4 for data compression by a JPEG (Joint Photo-
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`graphic Effect Group) method or the like in a compression)‘
`decompression circuit 10 to be coupled through a bus to a
`card HF 11 as a recording signal supply means. Then. the
`compressed data is written in an assigned area on the
`memory card 1'7.
`In reproduction. the frame No. or the like is assigned by
`operating the "UP" and "DOWN" switches 14d and 14:.
`The frame No. or the file No. is displayed on the LCD
`display 13. According to the assignment. a memory area in
`the memory card 1'! is selected. and the corresponding
`image data is coupled through the card HF 11 and bus to the
`compressionldecompression circuit 10. The image data is
`thus subjected to the decompression process before being
`stored in the frame memory 4. The image data is read out
`againfromtl1eii'ameirtenaorj.'-Iltobeconvertedintl1eD!A
`converter 5 into the analog data. as described before. The
`encoder 6 encodes the analog data to produce the video
`signal from the video signal output terminal 7.
`Further. for the data communication the system controller
`12 reads out a communication protocol (communication
`procedure) which has been written in an EWROM 16 as a
`procedure of accessing a network. and according to this
`protocol the data transmission or reception is performed
`with respect to the personal computer network host 104
`accessed by the telephone line or with a camera. a personal
`computer. etc. of the same type via the RS-232C IJF 15 and
`modern 102.
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`15
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`FIG. 5 shows the map of a communication protocol
`registration portion stored in the EEPROM 16. The regis-
`tration data file of this communication protocol constitutes a
`"PROTOCOL. DAT” file to be described later.
`In the protocal registration portion. protocol ID is
`recorded at the leading address for identifying the protocol
`rewriting. In this embodiment. four dilferent protocols are
`stored. and subsequent to the above 11) addresses (pointers)
`of start of storage of the four protocols l to 4 are recorded.
`Of the above four different protocols. the protocols I and
`2 may be applied to domestic commercial services: for
`instancetheprotocol 1maybeappliedtoNIKK.EI.MDi.
`and the protocol 2 to NIFTY. SERVE. As for the other
`protoco1s.theprotocol3maybeapplied toDSC oftbesame
`type.andthe;n'otocol4tothecasewheresp-ersonal
`computer is used as a terminal.
`At the protocol start address is stored a storage start
`address of the data body of a log procednne (protocol) for the
`pertinent protocol. Subsequently. a start address of logout
`procedure (protocol). a start address of transmission proce-
`dure (protocol). and a start address of reception procedure
`(protocol) are stored. Subsequently. comment information
`indicative of the content of the pertinent protocol is stored.
`The comment data. when it is displayed. is converted in a
`character generator 9 into character information for display-
`ing it in the EVE 8 or on an external monitor. Subsequent to
`the comment information storage area the data body of each
`protocol is stored.
`The term “1ogin" means an operation until bringing about
`astate ready forwritingthedalainthe mainbox 104a (FIG.
`1) of the host 104 by accessing the network host 104. The
`term “logout” means an operation of ending the modem
`control after the completion of the data transfer. The trans-
`mission protocol is a write procedure for uploading data in
`the mail box 104:2. The reception protocol is a procedure for
`taking the uploaded data in the main box 104a. Each
`protocolisconvertedintoafileofanobjectfiletypeasa
`description for executing processes such as the login. logout.
`transmission and reception.
`
`6
`FIG. 6 shows the correspondence between code and
`function of the descriptive language of the file. The code is
`shown hexadecimally (Sell). For example. code “&H00"
`represents NOP. i.e.. no opuation. Code “&l-I01“ is for
`checking whether an assigned character series can be
`received in an assigned time. Here. the second byte shows
`the assigned time. and the third and following bytes provide
`the retrieval character series. The leading byte shows the
`number of charactus.
`The other codes are as shown in FIG. 6. Particularly. code
`"&l-I08" is for reading out and producing a list of files
`among theirnagedatafiles uploadedinthemailbox 104ain
`the accessed network. the list files each being with a title
`“J61” as a predetermined mark represent.i.ng tile attribute
`information. The file title “JG!” is automatically provided to
`the image file uploaded in the DSC 20 of this embodiment.
`Specifically. the title corresponds to an extender or the like
`in the data file.
`
`Shown as “XMODEll{" in the function is a transmission
`or reception protocol in an ordinary file. Shown at ER is a
`signal informing the modem of the completion of prepara-
`tion for communication on the DSC side. and at DR is a
`signal showing that the modem has become capable of
`transmission or reception. Shown at R8 is a transmission
`request signal. at CS is a uansmission approval signal and at
`CD a signal which is turned upon detection of carrier from
`the partnu modem.
`FIG. 7 is a view showing a protocol description example
`for login process using the code in FIG. 6. In FIG. 7. the
`code data &H is omitted.
`
`A.ccord.ing to this protocol description. "On" of the signal
`ER informing the modem 102 of the completion of prepa-
`ration of the communication on the DSC side and the signal
`DR showing that the modem has become capable of trans-
`mission and reception are confirmed by the code "09".
`Subsequently. a chaacter series for modern
`setting is
`transmitted. Code “02” shows subsequent u-ansmission of a
`character series. Subsequent to code "07" indicative of the
`number of characters. a character series “fiL'I‘&F¥N3" as Kl‘
`command is described to execute initial the setting of the
`modem 102.
`For accessing the network host 104 as the object of
`communication. likewise code “02” and “OD” as the number
`of characters are defibcd. Then. “Dlfo ’
`is described for dialing number‘ by the
`tone dialing. Subsequently. for confirming the response from
`the partner side through the above dial processing. code
`“O1”. code "20" providing waiting time (of 32 seconds) and
`“O2” indicative of the ntunber of confirmed response char-
`acters are described. Further. “NET 1”. for instance.
`is
`described as a confirmation character series.
`The protocol description data about the login. logout
`protocol or the transmission or reception protocol. is con-
`verted into the normal object file format to be produced at
`each process time.
`FIG. 8 shows the map of the communication destination
`registration portion which is written in the EEPROM 16.
`The communication is executed by selecting the destinations
`such as destinations 1 to 4. For each communication
`destination. protocol distinction code. telephone No.. 1]).
`password and comment to enable the utilizer to acknowl-
`edge the communication destination are written.
`FIG. 9 shows the codes to be written in the above protocol
`column. Code “00" is indicative of non-registration. codes
`“0 1” to “O4” are respectively indicative of the protocols 1 to
`4 shown in FIG. 5 and code “OI-" is indicative of the
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`application of the prooedrne (for instance “PROTOCOL
`CIL”) recorded in a storage medium 17 or the like. This
`protocolhasthe samedarastnrcnn-easdratontheEEPROM
`16 shown in FIG. 5. Code "OE" applies to the case of
`manually assigning the telephone No. or the like. The 5
`telephone No.. II). comment. etc. other than the protocol
`type in FIG. 8 are stored in ASCII codes.
`Now. a communication protocol write-in operation will be
`described by using the EVF or a monitor screen shown in
`FIGS. 10 to 12. On these screens. character data are dis-
`played via the character generator 9 such as in superimpo-
`sition on the presently reproduced image data.
`By depressing the ' “ switch law. the regis-
`tering operation is started. and a registration menu is dis-
`played on the EVF 8 or the monitor shown in FIG. 10. The
`cursor is then moved to the position of the communication
`destination registration or the trotocol registration by oper-
`ating the "UP" and “DOWN” switches 14:! and 14:. and
`either process is assigned by operating the “ "
`switch 14¢.
`
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`When the protocol tegimlion is assigned. "IN PRO'F()-
`COL REGISTRATION" is displayed on the monitor or the
`like as shown in FIG. 11. Then. "PROTOCOL DAT‘ as
`protocol data file on the medium is retrieved. When the file
`is retrieved the tile validity is checked In efieet. the check
`is done as to whether valid ID has been recorded in the file.
`If the tile is found to be valid. it is written in the EEPROM
`16. and the original display appears. By supplying the above
`file “PROTOCOL. DAT" to the EEPROM 16 in this way. it
`is possible to switdtirrgly register a protocol which is not
`included in the four difierent protocols in the protocol
`registration portion shown in FIG. 5.
`Now. a communication destination registration opaation
`will be described.
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`When a communication destination registration is
`selected and assigned in a registration menu in FIG. 10 with
`the “UP” and "DOWN" switches 14d and 14a and
`“EXECUTE” switch 14c. communication destination regis-
`tration data shown in FIG. 12 is displayed. Then.
`the
`communication destination Nos. 1 to 4 on the communica-
`tion destination registration portion map shown in FIG. 8 are
`displayed together with cursor. The No. is switched succes-
`sively with the "UP" and “DOWN” switches 14d and 14c.
`and the communication destination is assigned with the
`"EXECU'1"E" switch 14c. Thereafta. the ctnsor is moved to
`the communication destination comment display portion for
`the writing of a comment.
`As for the character assignment. characters “O” to "9" and
`"A" to "Z" are displayed circulatedly in response to the
`operation of the "UP" and "DOWN" switches 14d and 149.
`and the selected characters are assigned Thereafter. assign-
`ment of protocol "01". etc. is made.At this time. the network
`name is also displayed. Then. telephone No. assignment is
`made. Specifically. assignment is made with respect to tone
`line and pulse line. and then a desired numeral is assigned
`as telephone No. through the circulation of the displayed
`numerals “O” to “9". etc. Then. 1]) and password are
`assigned at the same time. When all the assignments are
`ended. the original display is returnecl
`‘When selecting the other items than the above items. the
`display cha.l'at:1e:r or the like at the cursor position is dis-
`played circ