JP2004172840A - Information recording system and information recording service system - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an inexpensive information device that can use an externally connected recording medium without mounting special communication means and transfer control means on an apparatus main body. In addition, the present invention provides a highly convenient information recording device service in which a user pays a charge for the capacity he / she wants to use, and pays a charge for the additional capacity when he / she wants to add more capacity.
A card having a CF card ATA I / F has a primary storage unit, a wireless communication unit, and a card control unit. The card control unit autonomously stores data once written in the primary storage unit in an external storage. Wireless transfer to the above logical storage. Also, by changing the setting of the capacity of the logical storage on the external storage side, the apparent capacity of the card can be increased. In addition, a service can be provided in which the apparent capacity of the card is determined according to the paid fee.
[Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information recording technique in a device that handles digital information as a file, such as a digital camera, a PC, and a PDA.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, portable information devices, such as digital cameras and PDAs, record on removable recording media such as CF cards and microdrives, and on externally connected recording media that are wired or wirelessly connected. Is done.
[0003]
These information devices are equipped with a file system for converting information into a file conforming to a predetermined file format and storing the converted information on a recording medium. The FAT file system is used.
[0004]
For the interface with these removable recording media, PC cards, CompactFlash (registered trademark), SD / MMC cards, smart media, and the like, which are generally widely used card formats, are used.
[0005]
As a communication interface with a recording medium of an external connection type connected by wire, USB, IEEE1394, etc., which are generally widely used standards, are used.
[0006]
PIAFS, BlueTooth, IEEE802, and the like using PHS, which are widely and widely used standards, are widely used as communication interfaces with externally connected recording media that are wirelessly connected.
[0007]
In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-284894, image data recorded by an imaging device is transferred to an external remote host using a communication unit, so that image data can be captured without being limited to the capacity of a storage unit built in the imaging device. There has been proposed an imaging device capable of performing the following. In this conventional example, a communication unit for converting information into transfer data and transferring the information to a remote host is provided in the apparatus.
[0008]
In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-36786, a first storage medium, that is, a memory card, and the first storage medium include an external storage device, that is, an additional unit provided with another second storage medium, and the mounting of the additional unit. There has been proposed an electronic camera provided with a transfer means for transferring image data recorded on a first storage medium to a second storage medium when the image data is detected. In this conventional example, an electronic camera is provided with a mounting portion for an additional unit, a detecting means for detecting the mounting of the additional unit, and a transfer control means for transferring an image.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the removable and built-in device type, that is, the memory card type recording medium is more expensive than a general storage device, and there is no large-capacity storage medium. Generally, there is a problem that the capacity itself is limited.
[0010]
Another problem is that even if a user purchases a large-capacity storage medium, it will become obsolete in a few years, and will not be able to receive long-term benefits worth the price required to purchase the storage medium. there were.
[0011]
In addition, the externally connected recording medium connected by wire or wireless requires the use of dedicated communication means and transfer control means in the apparatus in order to use the medium, which increases the cost of the information apparatus itself. was there.
[0012]
Further, there is a problem that the external connection type recording medium connected by a wire is bulky as compared with the recording medium having a built-in apparatus, and thus the convenience of the apparatus is impaired.
[0013]
Furthermore, in an image pickup apparatus that transfers data to an external remote host using communication means, the cost of the apparatus itself increases because dedicated communication means and transfer control means are mounted separately from the built-in recording device. was there.
[0014]
In addition, if the externally connected recording medium connected by wire or wireless is mounted on the file system after the power of the device is turned on, it takes time to acquire the file allocation information, and as a result, the file system is quickly transferred to the file system. There was a problem that it could not be mounted. For this reason, there is a problem that a photographing operation is not permitted immediately after the power is turned on in an imaging device such as a digital camera.
[0015]
In an image pickup apparatus such as a digital camera, a file system is used to store a photographed image in a file format on a storage medium using a file system. Since the size of the compressed image file varies depending on the content, the number of recordable images on a fixed-size recording medium cannot be accurately predicted. In other words, there is a problem in that the recording medium that should play the role of a film in a silver halide camera cannot present the number of shots like a film, and thus the convenience is impaired.
[0016]
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the object is to
・ To provide a large-capacity information recording device system that is convenient without being bulky.
To provide an inexpensive information device that can use an external connection type recording medium without mounting special communication means and transfer control means on the apparatus main body.
.Providing a recording device of an imaging device capable of photographing a predetermined number of images, such as a film of a silver halide camera.
-To provide an externally connected recording device that can be quickly mounted on a file system.
-When applied to an imaging device, etc., the mounting of the externally connected recording device to the file system and the calculation of the usable capacity are performed quickly, so that it is possible to quickly determine whether or not shooting is possible from a shooting instruction. To provide an imaging device with a low release time lag
-To provide a highly convenient information recording device service in which a user pays a fee for the capacity he / she wants to use, and pays a fee for the additional capacity when he / she wants to add more capacity.
-To provide a highly convenient image file print service in which the user pays a fee for the capacity he / she wants to use, and pays a fee for the additional capacity when he / she wants to add more capacity.
-To provide an information recording service that can easily access information stored on an external connection type recording medium via the Internet.
With the goal.
[0017]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An information generating device, a recording information input / output device detachable from the information generating device, at least one recording information storage device physically different from the recording information input / output device, and a first communication unit. Recording information input / output means for inputting / outputting recording information to / from the recording information input / output device, detachment detecting means for detecting that the recording information input / output device is detached, and recording information input / output in the recording information input / output device. A primary storage means for temporarily storing, and a second communication means for transferring information between the recording information input / output device and the recording information storage device, the communication means being different from the first communication means. It is an information recording system provided.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0019]
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, an imaging apparatus 100, a card 200 conforming to the CF card ATA standard, an image storage 300, a battery 400 for supplying power to the imaging apparatus, and a battery 500 for supplying power to the card are provided. The image storage 300 is connected to the printing device 600 and the Internet 700.
[0020]
The card 200 has a structure that can be inserted into and removed from the imaging device 100 via the CF physical socket 140 and the CF connector 280.
[0021]
<Card initialization>
FIG. 3 is a state transition diagram showing a control state of the card control 230 inside the card 200. First, when the card 200 is started from the initial state, it enters an initial setting state and performs an initial setting process. In the initial setting, a logical storage ID is assigned in advance so as to link with a predetermined logical storage from a plurality of logical storages (not shown) configured on the storage 330 of the image storage 300, and is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 270. The logical storage is formatted in a predetermined file system, and writes the file system parameter information and the file allocation information to the primary storage unit 220 of the card 200. The primary storage means 220 can always back up data by power supplied from a power supply unit 500 connected to the card 200.
[0022]
<Process when inserting a card>
When the initialization is completed, the card 200 starts operation by power supply from the battery unit 500 in the removal state, and shifts to a sleep mode in which the card 200 can operate with low current consumption.
[0023]
When the card 200 is inserted into the CF slot of the imaging device 100 in the sleep mode, the card control 230 detects the card connection by the CF connector 260 and shifts the operation mode to the active mode that can operate at high speed.
[0024]
In the active mode, the power control 240 of the card switches the power supply of the card 200 from the battery unit 500 of the card to the power supply 400 of the imaging device.
[0025]
The card control 230 that has started the operation in the active mode determines whether communication with the image storage 300 is possible via the communication unit 250 and the antenna 260 by using the logical storage ID previously written in the nonvolatile memory 270 as a key. Is determined. Further, the card control 230 determines whether the usable area of the primary storage 220 is equal to or more than a predetermined value. Here, if it is confirmed that the usable area of the primary storage 220 is equal to or more than the predetermined value, the card control 230 changes the card detect signal of the CF connector 280 to make the imaging device detect the card insertion.
[0026]
On the other hand, when the card 200 is inserted, the camera control 120 of the imaging apparatus 100 detects that the card has been inserted due to a change in the card detect signal on the CF physical slot 140 connected to the CF connector 280, and detects that the card has been inserted. The attribute information of the card stored in the nonvolatile memory 270 is read.
[0027]
If the read card attribute information indicates that the card is compliant with the CF card ATA standard, the camera control 120 regards the card 200 as an ATA storage card and performs access using the ATA protocol via the CF card ATA I / F 130. , The file system parameter information and the file allocation information are read out, and the file system (not shown) is mounted. The substance of this information is stored in the primary storage means 220 in the card 200 or in the nonvolatile memory 270, and can be read out quickly without communication with the outside.
[0028]
As described above, the inserted card is quickly mounted on the file system as the file storage, and the file can be accessed by the imaging device.
[0029]
<Process at the time of writing>
(Imaging device side)
Next, an operation of writing a file on a logical storage (not shown) configured on the storage 330 by the imaging device 100 will be described.
[0030]
The imaging device 100 is a digital camera having a CF card socket. The imaging unit 110 has a lens, an aperture, a shutter, an imaging device, an image signal processing unit, and the like.
[0031]
When the user presses a shutter button (not shown) on the input / output device 140, the camera control 120 starts checking whether or not there is enough free space in the file storage to store the captured image. This inspection is performed by the camera control 120 assuming that the card 200 is an ATA storage card, performing access using the ATA protocol via the CF card ATA I / F 130, and reading out file system parameter information and file allocation information. Is The substance of such information is stored in the primary storage 220 or the non-volatile memory 270 in the card 200, and can be quickly read out without performing communication with the outside. Therefore, these free space inspection processes can be performed quickly, and the release time lag can be reduced.
[0032]
If it is determined in the free space check that there is free space, the camera control unit 120 instructs the imaging unit 110 to start shooting. When the imaging is completed, the imaging unit 110 outputs the captured image data to the camera control 120. The camera control 120 converts the received image data into a file conforming to a predetermined format, and instructs writing of the image file on the file system via the CF card ATA I / F. The CF card ATA I / F 130 converts the image file to be written into data on the ATA command protocol, and outputs the write data to the card 200 via the CF physical socket 140.
[0033]
(Card side)
The write data output from the imaging device 100 is input to the card control 230 via the CF physical connector 280 and the CF card ATA I / F 210, and the card control 230 stores the input write data in the primary storage unit 220. . At this time, in accordance with the file system format information previously set in the nonvolatile memory 270 at the time of card initialization, the card control 230 adjusts the primary storage backup area in the primary storage means shown in FIG. Or store the data in either the backup area or the non-backup area. Specifically, when the write data is file allocation information of the file system, the data is stored in a backup area of the primary storage means, and when the write data is other than the file allocation information, it is stored in a non-backup area of the primary storage means. The backup area of the primary storage means is used as a fixed cache area in which data is always backed up by a power supply supplied from a power supply unit 500 connected to the card 200 and write data can always be read. The non-backup area of the primary storage means retains data only while power is supplied by the power supply control 150 of the imaging apparatus 100 to which the card 200 is connected, and reuses the area when write data is transferred to the image storage 300. It is used as a cache area.
[0034]
Next, when new data is written in the primary storage unit, the communication unit 250 in the card 200 starts wireless communication to transfer the data to the image storage 300. When the wireless communication starts, the card control 230 establishes a wireless communication link with the image storage 300 via the communication unit 250 and the antenna 260.
[0035]
These write data transfer sequences will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation sequence of the card control 230 when transferring write data on the primary storage to the image storage.
[0036]
In step S10, the card control 230 determines whether there is any untransferred write data on the primary storage. If it is determined that there is untransferred write data on the primary storage unit 220, establishment of communication through the communication unit 250 is started in step S20. If the communication is successfully established (S30), the untransferred data in the primary storage is transferred from the communication unit 250 (S40), and if the transfer of all untransferred write data is completed (S50), the communication is disconnected. (S60)
In S40, the communication unit generates and transmits a packet having a data structure as shown in FIG. In the packet structure of FIG. 4, the logical storage ID (D10) is an ID for identifying a logical storage logically configured on the image storage 300. The transfer start sector D20 and the transfer sector length D30 are for indicating the sector position of the data to be transferred on the logical storage. The transfer data D40 is unwritten data to be transferred to the image storage 300 in the primary storage means 220.
[0037]
(Image storage side)
Next, an operation of receiving write data in the image storage will be described. The image storage 300 includes a communication unit 310, a server 320, a storage 330, an input / output device 340, and an antenna 350.
[0038]
The write data transmitted from the card has the data packet structure of FIG. 4 and is received by the server 320 via the antenna 350 and the communication unit 310. The server finds a logical storage ID that matches the logical storage ID from the plurality of logical storages configured on the storage 330, and writes the transfer data to a specified sector position in the logical storage.
[0039]
The storage 330 can be configured by a general hard disk device, and can be easily configured by using a logical storage, a partition entry in a hard disk, or the like.
[0040]
<Embodiment for reading>
(Operation of imaging device)
Next, an operation when the imaging device 100 reads a file on a logical storage configured on the storage 330 will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that a captured image which has been captured previously on the input / output device 140 arranged on the imaging device 100 is read from the image storage and is reproduced and displayed.
[0041]
First, the user of the imaging device 100 uses the input / output device 140 to select a desired captured image from previously captured images. The camera control 120 issues a file system instruction to read an image file corresponding to the selected captured image. The file system accesses the card 200 and reads the parameter information, file allocation information and directory entry information of the file system to obtain the storage location of the desired file in order to know the data storage sector of the image file to be read. The file system reads the data corresponding to the storage location of the acquired file into the card 200. These accesses are converted into data on the ATA command protocol via the CF card ATA I / F 130 and are performed on the card 200 via the CF physical socket 140.
[0042]
(Card operation)
Next, a processing sequence on the card side at the time of reading will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation sequence of the card control 230 when transferring the read data on the image storage to the card.
[0043]
In step S110, the card control 230 determines whether or not target sector data corresponding to desired directory entry information or file data exists on the primary storage. If the target sector data exists in the temporary storage, the process proceeds to step S180. If the target sector data does not exist, the process proceeds to step S120. In step S120, establishment of communication with the image storage through the communication unit 250 is started. If the communication is successfully established (S130), the image storage is requested to transfer data of the target sector. (S140)
In S140, the communication unit performs transfer using a packet having a data structure as shown in FIG. When the transfer of all the data of the target sector is completed (S150), the communication is disconnected in step S160, the transferred data is stored in the primary storage in step S170, and the process proceeds to step S180.
[0044]
As described above, when the reading is successful, in step S180, the data of the target sector is read and a response is returned.
[0045]
In order to detect a read failure, in steps S130 and S150, a fixed timer is set, a timeout is determined, and if a timeout occurs (S190, S200), a transfer failure error is returned (S210). May be.
[0046]
According to the above sequence, when the transfer of the desired file on the image storage is successful, the file is stored in the primary storage on the card 200, and the file data is transferred in response to the reading of the file from the imaging device 100. .
[0047]
These transfers are performed via the CF card ATA I / F 130, the CF physical socket 140, the CF physical connector 280, and the CF card ATA I / F 210.
[0048]
If the transfer of a desired file on the image storage fails according to the above sequence, a read error is returned on the ATA command protocol, and the fact that reading of the file from the image storage failed on the image pickup apparatus is notified. Notice.
[0049]
When a reading failure error occurs, the imaging device 100 displays a card reading error on the input / output device.
[0050]
In the case where an error frequently occurs in data transfer to / from the image storage due to a bad communication environment or the case where communication cannot be established for a long period of time, the CF physical connector 260 A certain card detect signal is set to a card non-detection state, and the image pickup apparatus is notified that the card cannot be used.
[0051]
<Process when removing the card>
Next, processing at the time of card removal will be described.
[0052]
When the card 200 is removed from the CF slot of the imaging device 100, the card control 230 of the card 200 detects that the card is disconnected by the CF connector 260, and the power control 240 of the card controls the power supply of the card 200 to the power of the imaging device. Switching from 400 to the battery section 500 of the card.
[0053]
At this time, if the write data output from the imaging device 100 is not transferred to the image storage but remains in the primary storage, all data is continuously transferred according to the flowchart shown in FIG. Continue the transfer until
[0054]
If an error occurs frequently in data transfer to / from the image storage due to poor communication environment, or if communication cannot be established for a long period of time, disconnect the communication once and After a lapse of time, processing is again performed to attempt data transfer according to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0055]
<Display of number of shots / free space>
Next, an embodiment for displaying the free space of the image storage and the number of remaining shootable frames will be described with reference to FIG.
[0056]
In FIG. D, a camera 501 corresponds to the image capturing apparatus 100 in FIG. 1, and a release SW 502 for instructing a photographing operation is provided on an upper surface, and an input SW 505 for operation in various photographing modes and playback modes, an EVF display, A liquid crystal display device 504 and a card display unit display window 503 for reproducing a captured image are provided, and a card insertion slot 506 for inserting a CF card is provided on a side surface. A card 510 corresponds to the card 200 in FIG. 1 and has a shape conforming to the CompactFlash (registered trademark) card standard. There is provided a card operation unit 512 used for switching the operation.
[0057]
The card 510 is inserted into the camera body through the card insertion slot 506, and the card display section 511 is arranged so as to be visible from the card display section display window 503 in the inserted state.
[0058]
The user can use the card operation unit 512 to display an arbitrary display from the following on the card display unit.
[0059]
・ Recording capacity
・ Used capacity
・ Available capacity
・ Number of usable frames
The values of the recording capacity, the used capacity, and the usable capacity are calculated by reading the file system parameter information and the file allocation information stored in the primary storage 220 or the nonvolatile memory 270 in the card 200. It is possible. Therefore, it is possible to always read out quickly without communication with the outside, and to always display on the card display unit 511.
[0060]
As for the number of usable frames, the value set in the nonvolatile memory 270 in advance in the initial state is decreased by one each time a picture is taken, and when the number of usable frames becomes zero, the card detect signal is turned off and the card detect signal is turned off. By disabling, it is possible to configure a card that can capture only the set number of frames.
[0061]
<Change the capacity according to the fee>
In the above-described embodiment, by setting the recording capacity and the number of shootable frames to arbitrary values in the initial setting state of the card 200 and the image storage 300, it is possible to consider that the imaging apparatus 100 has a desired capacity. A possible CF card was constructed. By using the function for setting the desired capacity value, a system is constructed in which the user pays a fee to the system administrator, and the recording capacity or the number of frames that can be used according to the paid amount can be used. It is possible.
[0062]
When the user runs out of the remaining available capacity or the number of frames that can be shot during use, the communication capacity such as a telephone or the Internet is used to notify the image storage administrator of the recording capacity or the number of frames that can be shot. It is possible to ask for additional numbers.
In this case, the system administrator operates the input / output device 340 of the image storage 300 to instruct the server 320 to increase the capacity of the logical storage having the storage ID used by the user. When the increase in the capacity of the logical storage configured in the storage 320 is completed, the server 320 notifies the card 200 via the communication unit 310 and the antenna 350 of the capacity change.
[0063]
Upon receiving the capacity change notification from the image storage 300, the card 200 saves the changed capacity in the non-volatile memory, temporarily turns off the card detect signal, and disables the card. Thereafter, the card detect signal is turned back on, and the image pickup device detects the card insertion again, so that the above-described series of processing at the time of card insertion is performed, mounting on the file system is performed again, and the changed The capacity becomes available.
[0064]
<Print service>
In the above-described embodiment, a series of processing until the image captured by the imaging device 100 is stored in the image storage 300 has been described. However, the image file stored in the image storage 300 is stored in the print storage connected to the image storage 300. It is also possible to output to the apparatus 600 and generate a print image.
[0065]
This allows the user to pay a fee to the system administrator, and to use the recording capacity or the number of frames that can be taken according to the paid amount, and to use the image for the recording capacity or the number of frames according to the paid amount. It is possible to build a system that prints and hands over to users.
[0066]
<Access to storage via the Internet>
In the above-described embodiment, the image captured by the imaging device 100 is automatically stored in the image storage 300, but the image storage 300 is usually located at a remote place away from the user of the imaging device 100. Therefore, in order for the user to access the logical storage constructed on the storage 330 in the image storage 300, it is preferable to connect to and access the input / output device 340 via the Internet 700. In this case, the user accesses the logical storage constructed on the storage 330 using the logical storage ID assigned to the card in advance as a key.
[0067]
FIG. 7 shows a configuration in which the logical storage access device 800 is configured to access the logical storage. In this configuration, the configuration other than the logical storage access device 800 is the same as that shown in FIG. When the card 200 is inserted into the PC card physical socket 840, the logical storage access device 800 reads the logical storage ID assigned to the card from the nonvolatile memory 270 in the card 200.
[0068]
Next, the logical storage access device 800 connects to the image storage 300 via the Internet 700. If the connection is successful, the logical storage access device 800 accesses the logical storage constructed on the storage 330 using the logical storage ID as a key. By using the logical storage access device 800 described above, the card user can use the recording information input / output device like a normal memory card without being aware that the image storage 300 is located at a remote place. Becomes possible.
[0069]
It should be noted that the logical storage access device 800 can be easily constituted by a PC or the like.
[0070]
(Other embodiments)
In the above-described embodiment, a form using an imaging device such as a digital camera has been described as an example of the information generation device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a PC, PDA, car navigation system, voice recording / reproducing device, The present invention may be applied to an image display device, a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile device, and the like.
[0071]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, a form in which a CF card is used as an example of the recording information input / output device and a CF card ATA I / F is used as the recording information input / output means is not limited thereto. It may be constituted by a card, a USB connection device, or the like. In the embodiment in the case of a USB connection, it is preferable that the recording information input / output means take an I / F of a universal standard such as a USB mass storage class.
[0072]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the form in which the recording information input / output device and the recording information storage device are connected by using wireless communication has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and wired communication such as USB, IEEE 1394, or the like is used. May be used.
[0073]
Note that the present invention is applicable to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), but is not limited to a single device (for example, an image display device, a printer, a copier). , Facsimile machines, etc.).
[0074]
Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus to store the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the.
[0075]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0076]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, and the like can be used.
[0077]
When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also an OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0078]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board is written based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that the present invention includes a case where a CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.
[0079]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first and second aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a large-capacity information recording apparatus system that is convenient without being bulky.
[0080]
Further, according to the first to twelfth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide an inexpensive information device that can use an externally connected recording medium without mounting special communication means and transfer control means on the apparatus main body.
[0081]
Further, according to the thirteenth to nineteenth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a recording device of an imaging device capable of photographing a predetermined number of images, such as a film of a silver halide camera.
[0082]
Further, according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an external connection type recording apparatus which can be mounted on a file system quickly.
[0083]
According to claim 8 of the present invention, when the present invention is applied to an image pickup apparatus or the like, the mounting of the externally connected recording device on the file system and the calculation of the usable capacity are performed quickly, so that the photographing instruction is given. It is possible to quickly determine whether shooting is possible or not, and as a result, it is possible to provide an imaging apparatus with a small release time lag.
[0084]
According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, a highly convenient information recording apparatus service is provided in which a user pays a charge for the capacity he / she wants to use, and pays a charge for the additional capacity when he / she wants to add more capacity. Can be provided.
[0085]
Further, according to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, a highly convenient image file print service in which a user pays a charge for the capacity he / she wants to use and pays a charge for the additional capacity when he / she wants to add more capacity. Can be provided.
[0086]
According to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an information recording service in which information stored in an externally connected recording medium can be easily accessed via the Internet.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram simply showing the configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exemplary flowchart showing processing at the time of write data transfer according to the embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a state diagram showing a state transition at the time of card insertion and removal according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an exemplary view showing a data packet structure used at the time of data transfer between the card and the image storage according to the embodiment;
FIG. 5 is an exemplary flowchart showing processing at the time of transfer of read data according to the embodiment;
FIG. 6 is an exemplary perspective view showing the general configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a block diagram simply illustrating the configuration of another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a memory map in a primary storage unit in FIGS. 1 and 2;

Claims (21)

An information generation device;
A record information input / output device detachable from the information generation device,
At least one or more record information storage devices physically separate from the record information input / output device;
Recording information input / output means for inputting / outputting recording information to / from the recording information input / output device using the first communication means;
Detachment detecting means for detecting that the recording information input / output device has been detached,
Primary storage means for temporarily storing recording information input / output in the recording information input / output device;
Second communication means for transferring information between the recording information input / output device and the recording information storage device, the communication means being different from the first communication means;
Information recording system equipped with. 2. The information recording system according to claim 1, wherein the recording information input / output device includes recording information transfer means for independently transferring recording information from the primary storage means to the recording information storage device using the second communication means. Communication failure detecting means for detecting a communication failure state in the second communication means;
3. The information recording system according to claim 2, wherein when the communication is disabled by the communication failure detecting means, the state of the attachment / detachment is detected by the detachment detecting means. When the attachment / detachment state is detected by the attachment / detachment detection means,
The information recording system according to claim 3, wherein generation and reproduction of new information are prohibited. When the attachment / detachment state is detected by the attachment / detachment detection means,
4. The information recording system according to claim 3, wherein a predetermined warning is displayed. If the unloading state is detected by the attachment / detachment detection means, and if unrecorded information that has not been transferred to the recorded information storage device remains in the primary storage means,
Regardless of whether the recorded information input / output device is attached to or detached from the information generation device,
The information recording system according to claim 3, wherein the unrecorded information is transferred from the primary storage unit to the recorded information storage device until all the unrecorded information is transferred. If uncommunicated information remains untransferred to the recorded information storage device in the primary storage means when communication is disabled by the communication failure detection means, the unrecorded information is retained.
Regardless of whether the record information input device is attached to or detached from the information generation device,
4. The information recording system according to claim 3, wherein unrecorded information is transferred from the primary storage device to the recorded information storage device when communication becomes possible next time. A file system having file allocation information;
An information generating apparatus for generating information using the file system,
3. The information recording system according to claim 2, wherein the file allocation information of the file system is always stored in the primary storage means, and the recording information is not transferred by the recording information transfer means when reading the file allocation information. . The record information input / output device
Internal battery,
First power supply means supplied from the information generating device;
Second power supply means supplied from a battery inside the recording information input / output device;
Power supply selecting means for selectively using power supply from the first power supply means and power supply from the second power supply means;
3. The information recording system according to claim 2, further comprising: means for switching the power supply means by the power supply selection means according to the mounting state detected by the attachment / detachment detection means. 3. The information recording system according to claim 2, wherein the first communication means is a card-type general-purpose communication standard, and the second communication means uses wireless communication. 3. The information recording system according to claim 2, wherein the first communication means is a card-type general-purpose communication standard, and the second communication means uses wired communication using a cable shape. 3. The information recording system according to claim 2, wherein said first communication means is a general-purpose communication standard using a cable, and said second communication means uses wireless communication. 3. The information recording system according to claim 2, further comprising recording information storage device selecting means for selecting a recording information storage device to be used from a plurality of recording information storage devices. 14. The information recording system according to claim 13, wherein when the recording information storage device used by the recording information storage device selection means is changed, the state of attachment / detachment is detected once by the attachment / detachment detection means. 3. The information recording system according to claim 2, further comprising a recording capacity setting unit capable of setting a capacity of the recording information storage device. 16. The information recording system according to claim 15, wherein when the capacity of the recording information storage device is changed by the recording capacity changing means, the state of attachment / detachment is once detected by the attachment / detachment detection means. 16. The information recording system according to claim 15, further comprising capacity display means for displaying the set recording capacity, used capacity, or available free capacity. 16. The information recording system according to claim 15, further comprising capacity display means for displaying the set recording capacity, used capacity, or usable capacity on a recording information input / output device. 16. The information recording service system according to claim 15, wherein the recording capacity is set according to a fee paid by the recording information input device user. 16. The information recording and print service system according to claim 15, wherein the image file stored in the recording information storage device is printed according to a fee paid by the recording information input device user. The information recording service system according to claim 15, wherein the recording information storage device can be accessed via the Internet.

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