(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. N0.: US 2004/0109066 A1
`
` Inoue et al. (43) Pub. Date: Jun. 10, 2004
`
`
`US 20040109066A1
`
`(54) DIGITAL CAMERA, METHOD OF
`CONTROLLING DIGITAL CAMERA, AND
`FILE SERVER
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Dec. 6, 2002
`
`(JP) .................................. JP2002-356084
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Yasuaki Inoue, Saitama-shi (JP);
`“5111“?" Hiranuma> MatuSdO'fihi (1,1));
`KYP‘Chl Takano> TOkYO (JP); H‘mk‘
`M1ura, Kawaguch1-sh1 (JP)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`McDERMOTT, WILL & EMERY
`600 13th Street, NW.
`Washington, DC 20005-3096 (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: SANYO ELECTRIC C0,, LTD,
`
`(21) Appl. N0.:
`
`10/725,385
`
`Publication Classification
`Int. Cl.7 ..................................................... H04N 5/225
`(51)
`(52) us. CI.
`........................................................ 348/207.99
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`Digital cameras which improve operability in checking,
`storing, and editing shot images have not been satisfactory.
`A digital camera and a user terminal including a file server
`are connected over a network. When the digital camera is
`powered on, it automatically establishes a network connec-
`tion with the file server in an activation process. When the
`digital camera shoots an image, this image is transmitted to
`the file server automatically upon completion of the encod-
`ing and compression of the image. When image reproduc-
`tion is instructed from the digital camera,
`the image is
`downloaded from the file sever over the network and dis-
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Dec. 3, 2003
`
`played on the digital camera.
`
`16
`
`'
`
`‘
`48
`REPRODUC-
`TION PRO-
`CIIJSNSINNG
`
`'
`-
`
`..:
`
`I'
`
`' 46 '
`MAIN
`MEMORY
`
`'
`
`I4
`
`44
`26
`IMAGE PICKUP BLOCK
`T
`
`
`
`
`
`.............
`'
`pIIAICAEES-
`
`
`ING UNIT
`
`MECHAN ISM
`
`CONTROL
`
`BLOCK
`
`
`
`
`5o
`
`56
`58
`60
`
`INTERNAL BUFFER AREA
`NETWORK
`CONFIGURATION AREA
`FLASH MEMORY
`
`CARD IDEN-
`BUFFER
`MOSES? | NG TI FICATION
`I
`
`64
`72
`
`COMMUNICATION 66
`CONTROL UNIT
`MEMORY CARD
`
`.
`
`TRANSMISSION
`
`I
`CONTROL UNIT
`‘
`PROCESSING UNIT
`I
`'
`PROCESSING BLOCK
`52
`.
`L_.._____._________......________._l
`
`76 : SYSTEM BUS
`
`20
`
`I
`-
`I
`.
`
`,
`
`68
`
`OPTION
`CAR“
`
`.
`
`‘
`EVENT
`OETUENCITTINS
`
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`.
`—-
`
`-—-
`
`REPRODUCTION
`
`'“SBIIITUFJAION
`POWER
`BUTTON
`
`36
`
`SHUTTER
`
`BUTTON
`
`34
`
`38
`
`
`Io
`
`OPERATION BLOCK
`
`18
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`
`Ex. 1011, p. 1
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1011, p. 1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 10, 2004 Sheet 1 of 12
`
`US 2004/0109066 A1
`
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`
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`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`
`EX.1011,p.2
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1011, p. 2
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 10, 2004 Sheet 2 of 12
`
`US 2004/0109066 A1
`
`FIG.2
`
` CONTROL UNIT
`REPRODUCT | ON
`PROCESSING UNI T
`
`112
`
`
`
`
`
`F I LE MANAGEMENT
`UNI T
`
`FIG.3
`
`
`
`
`TERMINAL
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`
`Ex. 1011, p. 3
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1011, p. 3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 10, 2004 Sheet 3 of 12
`
`US 2004/0109066 A1
`
`FIG.4
`
`
`
` FILE
`
`SERVER
`
`100
`
`120
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`
`Ex. 1011, p. 4
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1011, p. 4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 10, 2004 Sheet 4 of 12
`
`US 2004/0109066 A1
`
`FIG.5
`
`POWER ON ?
`
`512
`Y
`
`314
`IA‘fakbc‘METS'SO" I
`
`$16
`818
`Y |-|
`
`N '
`
`pom OFF?
`
`DOES EVENT “
`OCCUR ?
`
`
`
`
`
`
`320
`322
` SHOOTING
`Y I-I
`INSTRUCTION ?
`
`324
`326
`
`Y I-I
`REPRODUCTION
`INSTRUCTION ?
`
`828
`
`OTHER PROCESSING
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`
`Ex. 1011, p. 5
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1011, p. 5
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 10, 2004 Sheet 5 of 12
`
`US 2004/0109066 A1
`
`FIG.6
`
`ACT IVAT ION
`PROCESS
`
`
`
`
`
`N
`
`ANY IMAGE
`IN BUFFER ?
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`I STORING PROCESS I
`
`RETURN
`TO MA IN TASK
`
`S38
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`
`Ex. 1011, p. 6
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1011, p. 6
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 10, 2004 Sheet 6 of 12
`
`US 2004/0109066 A1
`
`FICSI?
`
`STORING
`PROCESS
`
`
`CARD
`IDENTIFICATION
`
` S40
`
`
`
`
`IMAGE TRANSMISSION
`
`
`TRANSFER
`
`FROM BUFFER
`
`
`TO MEMORY CARD
`
`
`S48
`
`‘
`
`S46
`
`FILE CREATION COMMAND
`
`
`
`
`
`CLOSE COMMAND
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`
`Ex. 1011, p. 7
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1011, p. 7
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 10, 2004 Sheet 7 of 12
`
`US 2004/0109066 A1
`
`FWC3.EB
`
`SHOOTING
`PROCESS
`
`CREATE COMPRESSED
`IMAGE
`
`$60
`
`362
`
`
`IN BUFFER ?
`
`
`ANY IMAGE
`
`Y
`
`I
`
`FIRST STORING
`
`PROCESS
`
`I
`
`S36A
`
`$64
` STORED
`SUCCESSFULLY ?
`
`
`
`
`
`CLEAR BUFFER
`
`I
`
`SECOND STORING
`
`PROCESS
`
`I
`
`3365
`
`SUCCESSFULLY ?
`
`$68
` STORED
`
`
`STORE
`INTO BUFFER
`
`S72
`
`
`
`CLEAR MAIN MEMORY
`
`S70
`
`RETURN
`
`TO MAIN TASK
`
`S74
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`
`EX.1011,p.8
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1011, p. 8
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 10, 2004 Sheet 8 of 12
`
`US 2004/0109066 A1
`
`FIG.9
`
`REPRODUCTION
`PROCESSING
`
`N
`
`READ IMAGE
`
`380
`
`
`CARD
`IDENTIFICATION
`
`
`C
`
`882
`
`
`
`see
`
`
`IREIIGII'EII“?
`
`
`S84
`
`N
`
`888
`
`READ IMAGE
`FROM BUFFER
`
`IMAGE RECEPTION
`890
`
`FILE OPEN COMMAND
`
`892
`
`CLOSE COMMAND
`
`REPRODUCTION
`
`“396
`
`RETURN TO
`MAIN TASK
`
`393
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`
`Ex. 1011, p. 9
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1011, p. 9
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 10, 2004 Sheet 9 of 12
`
`US 2004/0109066 A1
`
`FIC351O
`
`TERMINATION
`PROCESS
`
`$100
` ANY REMAINING DATA
`YET TO BE STORED ?
`
`Y
`
`N
`
`
`SI()4
`
`
`IS THERE
`
`COMMUNICATION
`
`CARD ?
`
`
`D I SCONNECT
`FROM SERVER
`
`__________
`
`POWER OFF
`
`3108
`
`RETURN
`
`TO MAIN TASK
`
`3110
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`
`EX.1011,p.10
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1011, p. 10
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 10, 2004 Sheet 10 of 12
`
`US 2004/0109066 A1
`
`FK311
`
`PARENT THREAD
`
`WAIT FOR CONNECTION
`REQUEST
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`$150
`
`$152
`
`
`
`3‘ 54
`
`ESTABLISH CONNECTION
`
`ICREATE CHILD THREAD I
`
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`
`Ex.1011, p. 11
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1011, p. 11
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 10, 2004 Sheet 11 of 12
`
`US 2004/0109066 A1
`
`FIG.12
`
`CHILD THREAD
`
`D I SPLAY
`SPECIFIC WINDOW
`
`8200
`
`CREATE INDIVIDUAL
`FOLDERS
`
`8202
`
`WAIT FOR COMMAND
`RECEPT I ON
`
`$204
`
`__________________
`
`D I SOONNECT
`
`3207
`
`8206
`
`MUCH COMMAND ?
`
`REPRODUCEO
`
`DIsooIIIIECT FROM
`
`DIGITAL CAMERA
`
`RECEIVE IMAGE
`
`TWEGMEIT
`
`STORE
`
`3210
`
`3216
`
`$208
`
`,
`
`PARENT THREAD
`
`REPRODUGE' STORE
`
`.
`
`DREATE
`DISPLAY Tl-IJMBNAIL
`IMAGE
`
`57-14
`
`
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`
`Ex.1011, p. 12
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1011, p. 12
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 10, 2004 Sheet 12 of 12
`
`US 2004/0109066 A1
`
`FIG.13
`
`USER ID: abc
`
`‘34
`
`132
`
`136
`
`130
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`
`Ex.1011, p. 13
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1011, p. 13
`
`

`

`US 2004/0109066 A1
`
`Jun. 10, 2004
`
`DIGITAL CAMERA, METHOD OF CONTROLLING
`DIGITAL CAMERA, AND FILE SERVER
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`a user operation; and a processing block which applies
`processing to an image. For example, the processing block
`includes any one of the following configurations:
`
`[0001]
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`[0002] The present invention relates to a digital camera, a
`technology of controlling the same, and a file server. In
`particular, the invention relates to a digital camera having a
`processing block which applies processing to an image, a
`method of controlling the same, and a file server
`for
`exchanging images with the digital camera.
`
`[0003]
`
`2. Description of the Related Art
`
`[0004] Digital cameras are hot sellers in recent years
`which have created a big market. The volume of shipments
`of digital cameras in Japanese market in 2001 exceeded that
`of film cameras. In 2002, the total volume of shipments
`worldwide is expected to reach 20 million or so. Among the
`factors behind this is handiness which includes the absence
`
`of need for film loading, easy storing of image data, and easy
`photoprint available at home when needed. These are privi-
`leges of digital technology. For an application of the digital
`technology, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei
`10-276391 proposes a technique for transmitting images
`from an electronic still camera to a plurality of destinations
`easily.
`
`[0005] Digital cameras do show high convenience in
`actual use, though with room for improvement obviously.
`For example, shot images are typically reproduced on the
`LCDs of the digital cameras for checking. Nevertheless, the
`LCDs are limited in size due to the digital camera casings,
`and thus are far from being an environment optimum for
`checking.
`
`[0006] Since digital cameras require no film and thus are
`free of care for misshots, users often take a number of shots
`in an identical scene for the sake of choice later. Displaying
`a plurality of images on the LCD of a digital camera,
`however, shrinks the individual images, in which case the
`pictures are hard to compare and choose. On the other hand,
`printing all the pictures without choice leads to higher cost.
`Not printing but storing alone also raises the cost of the
`recording media. Moreover, greater accumulation of images
`makes it difficult to search for desired images. Despite being
`freed from films, digital cameras eventually leave some to be
`desired in terms of image checking, storing, search, repro-
`duction, printing, etc.
`
`[0007] These problems are essentially ascribable to the
`fact that digital cameras have not yet maximized the advan-
`tages of the digital technology, including simplicity, quick
`operation, and low costs.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0008] The present invention has been achieved in view of
`the current circumstances. It is thus an object of the present
`invention to provide a digital camera for maximizing the
`advantages of the digital technology, a method of controlling
`the same, and a file server intended for the digital camera.
`
`[0009] One of the aspects of the present invention relates
`to a digital camera, which comprises: an image pickup
`block; a mechanism control block which controls the image
`pickup block mechanically; an operation block which inputs
`
`(1) A detecting unit which detects an activa-
`[0010]
`tion request for the digital camera, and a communi-
`cation control unit which performs processing for
`establishing a network connection with a file server
`upon detection of the activation request;
`
`(2) A detecting unit which detects an image
`[0011]
`pickup request, and a communication control unit
`which performs processing for transmitting an image
`obtained by image pickup to a file server over a
`network upon obtainment of the image;
`
`(3) A detecting unit which detects an image
`[0012]
`reproduction request, and a communication control
`unit which performs processing for receiving an
`image to be reproduced from a file server over a
`network when the image reproduction request
`is
`detected; and
`
`(4) Any two or more of the configurations (1)
`[0013]
`to (3) in combination.
`
`the detecting units as well as the
`In this case,
`[0014]
`communication units may be integrated with or separated
`from each other. Similarly, any members having the same
`name in this specification may hereinafter be configured
`integrally or separately.
`
`[0015] The “activation request” is one by which the digital
`camera is activated in one way or another, such as by turning
`on the power and by recovery from standby. The “network”
`may be either wireless or wired. Nor does matter whether the
`network uses such facilities as an access point as if on a
`wireless LAN in infrastructure mode, or is of so-called
`peer-to-peer as if in ad-hoc mode. The “file server” may be
`a network node of any architecture as long as it exchanges
`images with the digital camera. The “communication control
`unit” shall apply to both the cases where it performs com-
`munication by itself and where it controls a communication
`unit such as an additional communication card and makes no
`
`communication by itself. The “image obtained by image
`pickup” shall cover both an intact image just picked up and
`an image obtained through compression or the like after
`picked up.
`
`[0016] The various types of processing by the communi-
`cation control unit are activated automatically without
`explicit user instructions at least in some operation mode.
`Even without particular user operations, the file server can
`thus be used to store images into the file server and to
`acquire images from the file server for display on the digital
`camera, or as if it is a recording medium built in the digital
`camera. This enhances user convenience or allows a reduc-
`
`tion in the capacity of the recording apparatus to be built in
`the digital camera.
`
`[0017] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a
`method of controlling a digital camera, which comprises:
`detecting an activation request for a digital camera; and
`establishing a network connection between the digital cam-
`era and a file server upon detection of the activation request.
`
`includes: detecting an image
`[0018] Another aspect
`pickup request for a digital camera; and performing pro-
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`
`Ex.1011, p. 14
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1011, p. 14
`
`

`

`US 2004/0109066 A1
`
`Jun. 10, 2004
`
`cessing for transmitting an image obtained by image pickup
`to a file server over a network upon obtainment of the image.
`
`the communication unit but
`(2) When not
`[0027]
`recording device and the buffer memory are present:
`
`the
`
`[0019] Still another aspect includes: detecting an image
`reproduction request for a digital camera; and performing
`processing for receiving an image to be reproduced from a
`file server over a network when the image reproduction
`request is detected.
`
`[0020] Of the foregoing three aspects, any two or more
`may be performed in combination.
`
`[0021] Still another aspect includes: checking a digital
`camera for the presence or absence of at least one among a
`buffer memory intended for temporarily image retention, a
`recording device intended for more permanent image reten-
`tion, and a communication unit which makes a file server
`retain an image over a network; designating a storing
`destination of an image obtained by image pickup depending
`on the check result; and storing the image obtained by image
`pickup into the storing destination designated. The buffer
`memory, the recording device, and the communication unit
`are each mounted on the digital camera fixedly or detach-
`ably. For example, the buffer memory is a fixed memory, the
`recording device a memory card, and the communication
`unit a communication card. The “more permanent” refers to
`having properties suited to data storage with greater capac-
`ity, lower price per bit, and higher storage security in terms
`of volatility and the like.
`
`In this aspect, for example, images are stored in the
`[0022]
`following order of priority.
`
`(1) When the communication unit, the recording
`[0023]
`device, and the buffer memory are all present:
`
`[0024] Case 1: the communication unit is given the
`first priority, the recording device the second, and the
`buffer memory the third. In this case, since images
`can be stored into the file server over the network, it
`is possible to eliminate the recording apparatus
`inside the digital camera or reduce the capacity
`thereof.
`
`[0025] Case 2: the recording device is given the first
`priority, the communication unit the second, and the
`buffer memory the third. In this case, the processing
`time can be reduced due to the storing to the local
`recording device. When the recording device is
`detected to be full, remaining images may be stored
`into the file server. Idling time and the like of the
`digital camera may be used to transfer the images
`stored in the recording device to the file server via
`the communication unit so that the recording device
`has greater free space.
`
`[0026] Case 3: the buffer memory is given the first
`priority, either one of the communication unit and the
`recording device the second, and the other the third.
`In this case, images can be accumulated easily even
`in continuous shooting since the images can be
`stored into the buffer memory which is typically high
`in writing speed. As in the case 2, idling time and the
`like may be used to transfer the images stored in the
`buffer memory to the file server or the recording
`device so that the buffer memory has greater free
`space.
`
`If priority is given to the recording device, it is
`[0028]
`possible to store a greater number of images since the
`recording device typically has a capacity greater than that of
`the buffer memory. On the other hand, giving priority to the
`buffer memory facilitates writing and reading images at high
`speed.
`
`(3) When not the recording device but the com-
`[0029]
`munication unit and the buffer memory are present:
`
`If priority is given to the communication unit, it is
`[0030]
`possible to store a greater number of images since the file
`server typically has a capacity greater than that of the buffer
`memory. On the other hand, giving priority to the buffer
`memory facilitates writing and reading images at high
`speed.
`
`(4) When not the buffer memory but the commu-
`[0031]
`nication unit and the recording device are present:
`
`[0032] The same effects as those of the cases 1 and 2
`in (1) are obtained.
`
`invention
`the present
`[0033] Still another aspect of
`includes: detecting a predetermined operation not directly
`intended for image storing, such as an activation operation
`and shooting operation of a digital camera; and transferring
`an image saved in a buffer memory of the digital camera to
`a recording apparatus more permanent
`than the buffer
`memory, such as a memory card loaded in the digital camera
`and a file server, when the predetermined operation is
`detected. According to this aspect, images can be stored
`permanently through background processing without delib-
`erate user instructions for image storing.
`
`[0034] Still another aspect of the present invention is a file
`server available to store images of a digital camera. The file
`server comprises a communication unit and a control unit,
`the control unit including: a file management unit which
`stores an image file when the communication unit receives
`the image file over a network; and a reproduction processing
`unit which reproduces the image file for screen display upon
`reception of the image file. Since this file server not only
`stores but also reproduces the image file upon reception, the
`image can be checked quickly.
`
`Incidentally, any combinations of the foregoing
`[0035]
`components, and the expressions of the present invention
`converted among methods, apparatuses, systems, computer
`programs, recording media, and the like are also intended to
`constitute applicable aspects of the present invention.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0036] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital camera
`according to an embodiment;
`
`[0037] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a file server according
`to the embodiment;
`
`[0038] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a file management
`system which is composed of the digital camera and the file
`server according to the embodiment;
`
`[0039] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing another con-
`figuration of the file management system;
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`
`Ex.1011, p. 15
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1011, p. 15
`
`

`

`US 2004/0109066 A1
`
`Jun. 10, 2004
`
`[0040] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of a
`main task of the digital camera;
`
`[0041] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an activation process of the
`digital camera;
`
`[0042] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a storing process of the
`digital camera;
`
`[0043] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a shooting process of the
`digital camera;
`
`[0044] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a reproduction process of
`the digital camera;
`
`[0045] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a termination process of
`the digital camera;
`
`[0046]
`SCIVCI;
`
`FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a parent thread on the file
`
`[0047] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a child thread on the file
`server; and
`
`[0048] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of
`display on a screen of the display on the file-server side.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`
`[0049] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a digital camera
`10 according to an embodiment. The digital camera 10
`includes an image pickup block 12, a mechanism control
`block 14, a processing block 16, an operation block 18, an
`LCD 22, and a card slot 20. The image pickup block 12
`shoots a subject under user instructions. The mechanism
`control block 14 exercises mechanical controls over the
`
`image pickup block 12, including zooming, focusing, and
`aperture setting. The processing block 16 applies various
`types of processing to an image shot by the image pickup
`block 12. The operation block 18 inputs user instructions
`and transmits the same to the processing block 16. The LCD
`22 reproduces and displays an image. The card slot 20
`retains an option card 68 detachably. These components
`exchange data and commands with one another via a system
`bus 76.
`
`[0050] Of these components, the processing block 16 in
`particular is realized, in terms of hardware, by a CPU, an
`image processing LSI, various memory devices, etc. In
`terms of software, the processing block 16 is achieved by an
`image processing program, a memory or buffer control
`program, an option card control program, a user interface
`program, and the like. The foregoing blocks are in units of
`functions to be achieved by the cooperation of the hardware
`and software, but not necessarily in one-to-one correspon-
`dence with actual devices.
`
`it will be readily understood by those
`[0051] Besides,
`skilled in the art that the configuration of FIG. 1 has a
`considerably high degree of flexibility as to which part is
`realized in hardware or software, and various modifications
`are covered by the present
`invention.
`Incidentally,
`the
`mechanism control block 14 may be realized by a dedicated
`CPU or achieved by sharing the CPU of the processing block
`16.
`
`image to the A/D converter 30 as an analog image signal.
`The A/D converter 30 subjects this signal to A/D conversion
`to output digital image data to the processing block 16. A
`not-shown diaphragm, and a mechanical shutter in some
`cases, is/are placed between the lens 26 and the CCD 28. In
`addition, a not-shown signal processing unit is interposed
`between the CCD 28 and the A/D converter 30 so that such
`processing as a white balance adjustment is performed on
`each of R, G, and B signals.
`
`[0053] The processing block 16 comprises an image pro-
`cessing unit 44, a main memory 46, a reproduction process-
`ing unit 48, an event detecting unit 50, a transmission
`processing unit 52, and a flash memory 60. The image
`processing unit 44 inputs the image data output from the
`image pickup block 12, and encodes and compresses the
`same according to a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts
`Group) scheme or the like. The reproduction processing unit
`48 decompresses the image under user instructions, and
`outputs the resultant to the LCD 22. The main memory 46
`is used as a work area in compressing and decompressing
`images, as well as a resident area for a variety of control
`programs. The event detecting unit 50 detects user instruc-
`tions input from the operation block 18 as events. The
`transmission processing unit 52 stores images that are shot
`and compressed,
`to a designated storing destination. The
`transmission processing unit 52 also reads images to be
`reproduced from the destination. The flash memory 60
`includes an internal buffer area 56 (hereinafter, referred to as
`“buffer 56”) for functioning as an internal buffer, and a
`network configuration area 58 for storing network configu-
`ration information such as the IP addresses of the digital
`camera 10 and a file server to be described later. A network
`connection will be established on the basis of the network
`
`configuration information. The event detecting unit 50
`detects the user instructions to the operation block 18 by
`such means as software polling, hardware-based button
`press signals, and interruption processing resulting from the
`signals.
`
`[0054] The transmission processing unit 52 includes a
`buffer processing unit 64, a card identification unit 66, a
`communication control unit 72, and a memory card control
`unit 74. The buffer processing unit 64 reads and writes image
`data from/to the buffer 56. It also determines whether or not
`any image is saved in the buffer 50. For the sake of read and
`write, the buffer processing unit 64 has a memory control
`circuit intended for the buffer 56. Whether an image is saved
`or not can be indicated by such means as flagging the
`presence or absence of significant data in each of small
`image-storing subareas of the buffer 56, or storing an image
`in an image file formant with the presence or absence of the
`image shown in its header region. The buffer processing unit
`64 thus determines, by software, whether an image is saved
`or not;
`
`[0055] The card identification unit 66 identifies the type of
`the option card 68 loaded in the card slot 20. The identifi-
`cation can be effected by reading a card ID stored in the
`system register inside the option card 68, or by determining
`the card ID from the combination of pins powered or
`grounded inside the option card 68.
`
`[0052] The image pickup block 12 includes a lens 26, a
`CCD 28, and an A/D converter 30. The lens 26 forms the
`image of a subject on the CCD 28. The CCD 28 outputs the
`
`[0056] The communication control unit 72 exercises con-
`trol necessary to communicate with the file server by using
`the option card 68 loaded in the card slot 20 if the option
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`
`Ex.1011, p. 16
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1011, p. 16
`
`

`

`US 2004/0109066 A1
`
`Jun. 10, 2004
`
`card 68 is a communication card. The communication con-
`trol unit 72 includes a communication driver IC and a driver
`
`program, for example. The memory card control unit 74
`controls the read and write of image data from/to the option
`card 68 loaded in the card slot 20 if the option card 68 is a
`memory card. For example, the memory card control unit 74
`includes a data transmission circuit conforming to the gen-
`eral-purpose bus specification of the card slot 20.
`
`[0057] The operation block 18 includes a shutter button
`34, a reproduction instruction button 36, and a power button
`38. When the shutter button 34 is pressed, the instruction is
`transmitted through the event detecting unit 50 and the
`mechanism control block 14 to the image pickup block 12
`for image shooting. When the reproduction instruction but-
`ton 36 is pressed, the instruction is issued to the reproduction
`processing unit 48 through the event detecting unit 50. The
`reproduction processing unit 48 decompresses an image
`which has been compressed at
`the time of storing, and
`outputs the resultant to the LCD 22. Hereinafter, an image
`compressed by the image processing unit 44 will be referred
`to as “compressed image” when distinction is necessary. The
`compressed image is read from the buffer 56, a memory card
`which is the option card 68, or the file server. Before a
`compressed image in the main memory 46 is stored into any
`of those three locations, the compressed image is read from
`the main memory 46 for reproduction.
`
`[0058] The power button 38 is one for switching on/off the
`power of the entire digital camera 10. When the digital
`camera 10 is off, pressing the power button 38 is detected by
`the event detecting unit 50 as an activation request, which is
`followed by an activation process. When the digital camera
`10 is on, pressing the power button 38 is detected by the
`event detecting unit 50 as a termination request, which is
`followed by the processing for turning off the digital camera
`10.
`
`[0059] FIG. 2 shows the configuration of a file server 100
`which exchanges image data with the digital camera 10. The
`file server 100 comprises a communication unit 102 for
`communicating with the digital camera 10 over a network,
`and a control unit 104 for controlling the entire file server
`100. The control unit 104 has a reproduction processing unit
`106 and a file management unit 108. When a compressed
`image sent from the digital camera 10 is received by the
`communication unit 102, the receiving operation triggers the
`reproduction processing unit 106 to decompress the com-
`pressed image and display the resultant image on a display
`112. The receiving operation also triggers the file manage-
`ment unit 108 to store the compressed image into an image
`storing apparatus 110. The reproduction processing unit 106
`and the file management unit 108 both operate automatically
`without any manual operation. In order for compressed
`images transmitted from a plurality of digital cameras 10, or
`a plurality of users, to be displayed and managed separately,
`the reproduction processing unit 106 creates user-specific
`display windows by known methods, so that images of the
`users are displayed on the respective display windows.
`Similarly, to store the images of the users separately, the file
`management unit 108 creates user-specific folders in the
`image storing apparatus 110 by known methods, so that the
`images are classified and stored in the folders.
`
`and the file server 100. Here, an access point 122 for the
`digital camera 10 to use for communication is connected
`with the file server 100 and an user terminal 124 over the
`
`Internet 126. The digital camera 10 and the access point 122
`communicate with each other over a wireless LAN. Accord-
`
`ing to this configuration, images shot by the user with the
`digital camera 10 are accumulated into the file server 100 via
`the access point 122 and the Internet 126. The user terminal
`124 can download necessary images from the file server 100
`when required. Note that the file server 100 may be con-
`structed inside the user terminal 124. In this case, the images
`shot by the user with the digital camera 10 are displayed on
`the user terminal 124 through operations to be described
`later successively with greater convenience.
`
`[0061] FIG. 4 shows another configuration the file man-
`agement system 120. Here, the digital camera 10 and the file
`server 100 are connected with each other over a wireless
`LAN in ad-hoc mode. The file server 100 is constructed
`
`inside the user terminal 124. This configuration makes the
`access point 122 and the Internet 126 in FIG. 3 unnecessary.
`Thus, for example, the user can carry the digital camera 10
`and the user terminal 124, a note PC, together so that images
`shot by the digital camera 10 are checked on the user
`terminal 124 through operations to be described later suc-
`cessively.
`
`[0062] Description will now be given of the operations
`according to the foregoing configurations. The present
`embodiment is characterized in that the images shot by the
`digital camera 10 are transmitted to the file server 100 in
`succession, and are stored therein and displayed succes-
`sively. For example, when the user uses the file management
`system 120 of FIG. 3, the shot images can thus be checked
`on the display 112 of FIG. 2 efficiently, not necessarily on
`the LCD 22 of the digital camera 10, a display of relatively
`small screen. That is,
`the file server 100 is used as the
`recording medium of the digital camera 10 to fully utilize the
`abundant
`storage capacity and greater display screen
`thereof. When the user wishes to view an image on the
`digital camera 10, the necessary image is downloaded from
`the file server 100 to the digital camera 10 according to the
`reproduction instruction, and reproduced on the LCD 22 of
`the digital camera 10. This leads to cost advantage since the
`digital camera 10 need not incorporate large memories for
`storing a number of images.
`
`[0063] Now, if the option card 68 loaded in the card slot
`20 of the digital camera 10 is not the communication card,
`the communication with the file server 100 is impossible. In
`this case,
`the digital camera 10 stores shot images to a
`memory card if the memory card is loaded as the option card
`68. Moreover, images to be reproduced are also loaded from
`this memory card and displayed on the LCD 22. When
`neither the memory card nor the communication card is
`loaded as the option card 68, the digital camera 10 stores an
`image into the buffer 56 which is temporary saving means.
`Hence, the buffer 56 has only to have a minimum memory
`capacity