JPH08161178A - Computer peripherals - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] To provide a stand-alone computer peripheral device capable of effectively utilizing internal resources and improving expandability of functions. An execution program APL1 required to operate as an independent device is previously stored in a specific storage area of a recording medium 16. In the case of this independent operation, the execution program APL1 is stored in a work area of a random access memory RAM. Then, the central control unit 2 executes this program to control the imaging operation. Connector 28
When an external host computer 26 is connected to the host computer 26, a predetermined execution program APL2 is transferred from the host computer 26 via the interface 22 and expanded in the work area of the random access memory RAM.
The computer operates as a computer peripheral device by executing this program.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a peripheral device connected to an external computer system (hereinafter referred to as a host computer), and in particular, it is not only connected to a host computer to operate but also separated from the host computer. The present invention relates to a so-called stand-alone peripheral device that operates independently.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A stand-alone peripheral device is provided with a connecting terminal for connecting to a host computer (including, for example, a so-called personal computer which is commercially available). Then, when the input / output port built in the stand-alone peripheral device and the input / output port built in the host computer are connected via the above connection terminal, the host computer is
By controlling the operation of the peripheral device, desired data can be input (received), and conversely, desired data can be output (transmitted) to the peripheral device.

On the other hand, when this peripheral device is separated from the host computer, the peripheral device itself operates according to the control means built in beforehand, so that the user uses the peripheral device as a single device, that is, not as a computer peripheral device. You can do it.

An example of such a stand-alone peripheral device is an electronic still camera. The configuration of this electronic still camera will be described with reference to FIG. 6. A CCD solid-state image pickup device 104 is arranged behind an image pickup optical system having a lens group 100 for entering a subject image, a shutter mechanism 102, and the like, and an image signal processing unit at the time of image pickup. A pixel 106 performs various correction processes on the pixel signal scanned and read from the CCD solid-state imaging device 104 or converts the pixel signal into digital pixel data, and stores the pixel data in the frame memory 108. Then, for example, when pixel data corresponding to one frame image is stored, the recording / reproducing driving unit 110 reads this pixel data from the frame memory 108 and stores it in a recording medium 112 such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk.

A series of operations of such an image pickup system and a recording system are program-controlled by the microprocessor 114, and an execution program for performing such control is a read-only memory ROM1 connected to a data bus of the microprocessor 114 or The ROM 2 is provided as firmware in advance.

The read-only memory ROM1 stores a minimum initial program loader (also called a bootstrap loader) necessary for the operation of the microprocessor 114. On the other hand, read-only memory RO
M2 stores an execution program FL1 required for a single operation described later, an execution program FL2 executed when connected to an external so-called host computer 120, and other extension programs. Further, the data bus is connected to a random access memory RAM having a predetermined storage capacity, which is used when the microprocessor 114 performs a control operation based on an execution program.

Further, the microprocessor 114 includes an input unit 116 including a release switch for instructing the user to start imaging and various switches for instructing other operations, a light receiving element 118 for exposure detection, and an external device. Input / output interface 12 for realizing the exchange of various data with each other when the host computer 120 is connected.
2 and are connected. When the host computer 120 is connected to the connection terminal 124 conforming to the RS232C standard, various data can be exchanged between the host computer 120 and the microprocessor 114.

Next, a typical principle for realizing the independent operation of this electronic still camera will be described based on the conceptual diagram of FIG. When the user operates the predetermined input switch of the input unit 116 to instruct the microprocessor 114 to perform a single operation, the microprocessor 114 accesses the execution program FL1 stored in the predetermined storage area of the read-only memory ROM2 while performing the above-mentioned operation. It controls the operations of the imaging system and the recording system. Therefore, it becomes possible to use this electronic still camera while carrying it outdoors.

On the other hand, a typical principle for connecting the electronic still camera to the host computer 120 and cooperating with each other will be described with reference to the conceptual diagram of FIG. After connecting the host computer 120 to the connection terminal 124 as shown in the figure, when the user operates a predetermined input switch of the input unit 116 to specify the cooperative operation to the microprocessor 114, the microprocessor 114 causes the read-only memory R to operate.
By executing the execution program FL2 stored in the predetermined storage area of the OM2, the host computer 1
Image data is exchanged with the digital camera 20, and various control signals are exchanged. Then, for example, the host computer 12
When the image pickup start command signal from 0 is received, the microprocessor 114 controls the operation of the image pickup system and the recording system based on the program in the execution program FL2 that controls the image pickup and the recording, and is obtained by this. Processing such as transferring pixel data to the host computer 120 is performed.

It should be noted that, here, execution programs FL1 and FL2 for performing the most basic operations of image pickup and recording and data transmission to and from the host computer 120.
However, since the electronic still camera itself has many more functions, the execution program FL1 is realized by a large number of programs capable of exhibiting these many functions when operating independently. Similarly, the program FL2 is realized by a large amount of programs capable of exhibiting these many functions when connected to the microcomputer 120.

[0011]

As described above, such a stand-alone peripheral device has both the function of connecting to the host computer and the function of operating independently. Therefore, in order to exert these functions in any usage mode, the execution program FL1 and the execution program FL2 must be permanently installed as firmware in duplicate.
Therefore, there is a problem in that the size of the device is increased in combination with the increase in the storage capacity of the read-only memory (ROM). Further, in consideration of preventing the device from becoming large, there is a problem that the expandability of the function such as adding a new function becomes poor.

Further, since the stand-alone type peripheral device must exhibit portability and operability when used alone like an electronic still camera,
With the large size of the device due to its various functions,
The original purpose of the device is not achieved.

Further, when used alone, the execution program for communication with the host computer is not used, and conversely, when used as a computer peripheral device, it operates independently. Since the execution programs involved are not used, there is a problem that resources such as a memory permanently installed in advance are not effectively used.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and it is possible to effectively use resources and improve the expandability of functions without inviting an increase in the size of the device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a stand-alone computer peripheral device capable of performing the following.

[0015]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a stand-alone type device which is connected to a host computer and operates as a peripheral device thereof, and which operates independently without being connected to the host computer. In a computer peripheral device, a central control unit, a recording medium in which an execution program executed by the central control unit when operating independently is permanently installed, and transferred from the host computer when operating as the peripheral device. At the same time, a random access memory for storing another execution program executed by the central control unit is provided.

Further, the execution program permanently installed in the recording medium is configured to be executed after being transferred to the random access memory by the central control unit.

Further, there is provided a connection detecting section for detecting the connection of the host computer, and the central control section judges the presence or absence of the connection based on the connection detection signal of the connection detecting section.

[0018]

When operating as an independent device, the central control unit executes an execution program stored in advance in a recording medium to perform a predetermined independent operation. On the other hand, when it is connected to the host computer, another execution program necessary for operating as a peripheral device is transferred from the host computer, so it is expanded in the work area of the random access memory and the central control unit By executing the execution program in this work area, it operates as a peripheral device. Therefore, it is not necessary to permanently install an execution program required to operate as a peripheral device as firmware, and the device can be downsized. Further, since the random access memory is rewritable, it is possible to store various execution programs transferred from the host computer, and it is possible to exhibit various functions depending on the type of execution program. . Therefore, it is possible to realize a highly expandable device for effectively utilizing internal resources and improving functions.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a computer peripheral device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that this embodiment relates to an electronic still camera. First, the circuit configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

Central control unit 2 comprising a microprocessor
Are provided to centrally control the operation of the components built into the electronic still camera. A CCD solid-state image pickup device 8 is arranged behind an image pickup optical system having a lens group 4 on which a subject image is incident, a shutter mechanism 6, and the like, and at the time of image pickup, the image signal processing unit 10 scans and reads from the CCD solid-state image pickup device 8. The pixel signal is subjected to various correction processes or converted into digital pixel data, and the pixel data is stored in the frame memory 12. Then, for example, when pixel data corresponding to one frame image is stored, the recording / reproducing drive unit 14 reads this pixel data from the frame memory 12 and saves it in a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory or a nonvolatile recording medium 16 such as a hard disk. Let

A series of operations of such an image pickup system and a recording system are program-controlled by the central control unit 2, and an execution program for performing such control is a read-only memory connected to the data bus of the central control unit 2. The ROM is provided as firmware in advance or is stored in a partial storage area of the non-volatile recording medium 16 such as a flash memory.

The read-only memory ROM stores an execution program (for example, an initial program loader) for internal management, which is the minimum necessary for the operation of the central controller 2. On the other hand, the nonvolatile recording medium 16 has a main function of recording and saving pixel data obtained by imaging, but an execution program APL1 necessary for a single operation described later is stored in advance in a part of a storage area. ing. Further, the data bus is connected to a rewritable random access memory RAM used when the central control unit 2 performs a control operation based on the above execution program. A high-speed SRAM or the like is used as the random access memory RAM.

Further, the central control section 2 includes an input section 18 including a release switch for instructing a user to start imaging and various switches for instructing other operations, a light receiving element 20 for exposure detection, When the external host computer 26 is connected to the connector 28, the input / output interface 2 for exchanging various data with each other
2 and a connection detection unit 24 that detects whether or not the host computer 26 is connected.

The connection detecting section 24 is composed of, for example, a mechanical switch SW and a transistor circuit as shown in FIG. 2. When the connection cord of the host computer 26 is connected to the connection connector 28, the mechanical switch SW is mechanically turned on. The transistor Tr is turned on by the voltage drop caused by the current flowing through the bias resistor R2, and the connection detection signal S _CH is turned on by the voltage drop caused by the load resistor R1.
Becomes logic "L", the central control unit 2 is notified of the connection. On the other hand, when the above connecting cord is not connected to the connecting connector 28, the mechanical switch SW is mechanically turned off and the transistor Tr is turned off as shown in the figure, so that the voltage drop does not occur in the load resistor R1 and the connection is detected. The signal S _CH becomes a logic “H” to inform the central controller 2 that it is not connected.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
It will be described based on.

In FIG. 3, when the main power switch in the input unit 18 is turned on or the reset switch is turned on, the central control unit 2 initializes the entire apparatus in step S1. The operation for this initialization is performed by the central control unit 2
Is realized by executing an execution program for internal management stored in the read-only memory ROM in advance.

Further, in step S2, the execution program for internal management is executed to determine the logical level of the connection detection signal S _CH , thereby determining whether or not there is a connection with the external host computer 26. When the connection detection signal S _CH is logic “H”, it is determined that the connection is not established, and the process proceeds to step S3, where the connection detection signal S _CH
Is logic "L", it is determined that the connection is established, and the process proceeds to step S4.

In step S3, it is determined that the host computer 2 operates not as a computer peripheral device but as a stand-alone device, and as shown in FIG. 4, the execution program APL1 in the recording medium 16 is read to perform random access. It is transferred to the work area of the memory RAM and expanded.

Next, in step S5, the central control unit 2 starts the access of the execution program APL1 in the work area, and starts the image pickup and the image processing by the electronic still camera alone.

Next, in step S6, when the user operates a release switch or the like of the input section 18, the above-mentioned image pickup system and recording system are controlled to perform a series of image pickup operations.

Next, when the image pickup process in step S6 is completed, in step S7, the logical level of the connection detection signal S _CH is detected to determine whether or not the host computer 26 is connected. Then, the connection detection signal S _CH
Is logic "H", it is determined that they are not connected and the process proceeds to step S8. When the connection detection signal S _CH is logic "L", it is determined that they are connected and step S8 is performed. The process moves to S9.

In step S8, if the main power switch is still on, the process proceeds to step S6 to repeat the above series of image pickup operations, and if the main power switch is off, the operation of the electronic still camera is ended. To do.

The same processing is performed in steps S4 and S9. That is, the central control unit 2 executes steps S2 and S7.
When it is determined that the host computer 26 is connected, the execution program for internal management in the read-only memory ROM is executed to send a request signal indicating that communication is possible via the input / output interface 22 and the connector 28. It is transmitted to the host computer 26. Then, when the confirmation signal is returned from the host computer 26 in response to the request signal, it is determined that communication with the host computer 26 is possible, and the process proceeds to step S10. On the other hand, if the confirmation signal is not received within a certain period of time, the process moves from step S4 to step S3 or from step S9 to step S8, and the process is performed not as a computer peripheral device but as an independent device. Processing (step S3
~ S8) will be performed.

When the process proceeds to step S10, the operation as a computer peripheral device is started. First,
In step S10, as shown in FIG. 5, the execution program APL necessary for operating as a computer peripheral device is executed.
2 is received from the host computer 26, transferred to the work area of the random access memory RAM, and expanded. That is, the execution program APL2 is not permanently installed in the electronic still camera but belongs to the host computer 26. When the electronic still camera is connected, the execution program APL2 is stored in the random access memory RAM of the electronic still camera. It is supposed to be transferred to. The execution program APL2 is a program for performing mutual communication which is permanently installed as firmware in a conventional electronic still camera, a program for remotely controlling the operation of the electronic still camera from the host computer 26, and the like. Various programs are included. Further, the execution program APL2 is not only transferred as a large-scale program group including all of these various programs, but also as a single program or a plurality of programs for each function, and the specifications of the host computer 26 and the host Depending on the function to be controlled from the computer 26, various selections are made and transferred.

Next, the central control unit 2 activates the execution program APL2 expanded in the work area of the random access memory RAM in step S11, and then in step S11.
At 12, the image pickup operation and the transfer of pixel data obtained by the image pickup and other operations are performed based on a command from the host computer 26. Therefore, when this electronic still camera is used as a computer peripheral device, various documents are read according to the mode of use, and the document information is read as pixel data by the host computer 2
6 can be made to function as a so-called scanner device, data can be transmitted via a telephone line, or as a camera that electronically captures still images and moving images of people and landscapes. Host computer 26
The function as an image communication element can be exhibited.

Next, when a series of image pickup operations are completed, in step S13, the logical level of the connection detection signal S _CH is detected to determine whether or not the host computer 26 is connected. When the connection detection signal S _CH is logic “L”, it is determined that the connection is made, and the process proceeds to step S14, and further at step S14,
If the main power switch remains on, the process proceeds to step S10 to continue the operation as a computer peripheral device, and if the main power switch is off, the operation is stopped.
On the other hand, in step S13, when the connection detection signal S _CH is logic “H”, the process proceeds to step S3, and the operation of the electronic still camera alone is started. That is, by disconnecting from the host computer 26,
Automatically shifts to the operation as a single device.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the execution program AP required when used as an independent device
Only L1 is permanently installed in a predetermined storage medium, and an execution program A necessary for operating as a computer peripheral device
Since the PL2 is not permanently installed, but is received from the host computer 26 at that time and is expanded in the random access memory RAM, the capacity of the read-only memory ROM for firmware is greatly reduced as in the prior art. be able to. Furthermore, since the random access memory RAM is rewritable, it is possible to expand various types of execution programs APL2 and perform different operations depending on the function of each execution program, so that a highly expandable electronic still. A camera can be provided.
Further, since the random access memory RAM can be commonly used for each type of execution program, the efficiency of resources can be improved, and the function can be improved while realizing the downsizing of the device. .

Furthermore, the following excellent effects can be exhibited. In a conventional electronic still camera, in order to perform an operation test in a manufacturing factory and a quality inspection before shipment, an electronic still image is stored in advance as a read-only memory ROM in which an analysis program corresponding to a predetermined test item is firmwareized. It was permanently installed in the camera body. For this reason, the resources are not used after the test, so that the resources cannot be effectively used. Furthermore, since the operation test and the like can be performed only within the limited storage capacity of the read-only memory ROM,
There has been a problem that the number of test items cannot be expanded as the functions of the electronic still camera increase. Further, there is a problem that a great limitation is imposed also on the construction of an external computer system for conducting an evaluation test such as quality inspection.

However, according to this embodiment, execution programs corresponding to various test items are created and stored in the external computer system, and these execution programs are selected and sorted as needed in the random access memory. If it is expanded in the work area of the RAM, the operation status corresponding to the test item of the electronic still camera can be observed by the external computer system, so that there is no technical restriction as in the past. Further, even when the capacity of the work area of the random access memory RAM is limited and all the items of the evaluation test cannot be processed in one operation test, the evaluation program is divided into a plurality of execution programs to make one evaluation. By repeating the processing such as transferring the next execution program and rewriting every time the test is completed, all the items of the evaluation test can be processed, so that the capacity of the random access memory RAM can be reduced. Shows excellent effects.

In this embodiment, an electronic still camera has been described as a typical example, but the present invention is a stand-alone system having a built-in computer system (a system in the broad sense of having a microcomputer or the like for program control). It is also widely applicable to other types of computer peripherals of the type.

[0041]

According to the present invention as described above,
When operating as an independent device, the central control unit executes an execution program stored in advance in a recording medium to perform a predetermined independent operation. On the other hand, when it is connected to the host computer, another execution program necessary for operating as a peripheral device is transferred from the host computer, so it is expanded in the work area of the random access memory and the central control unit By executing the execution program in this work area, it operates as a peripheral device. Therefore, it is not necessary to permanently install an execution program required to operate as a peripheral device as firmware, and the device can be downsized.
Further, since the random access memory is rewritable, it is possible to store various execution programs transferred from the host computer, and it is possible to exhibit various functions depending on the type of execution program. . Therefore, it is possible to realize an excellent effect that it is possible to realize an apparatus having excellent expandability for effectively utilizing internal resources and improving functions.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of a computer peripheral device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a specific example of a connection detection unit in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for conceptually explaining the operation principle of the embodiment in relation to the constituent elements.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for further conceptually explaining the operation principle of the embodiment in relation to the constituent elements.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional electronic still camera.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the operation of a conventional electronic still camera.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram for further explaining the operation of the conventional electronic still camera.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 ... Central control unit, 4 ... Imaging lens system, 6 ... Shutter mechanism, 8 ... CCD solid-state imaging device, 10 ... Image signal processing unit, 12 ... Frame memory, 14 ... Recording / reproducing unit, 16 ...
Recording medium, 18 ... Input unit, 20 ... Light receiving element, 22 ... Interface circuit, 24 ... Connection detecting unit, 26 ... Host computer, ROM ... Read only memory, RAM ... Random access memory, SW ... Switch, Tr ... Transistor, R1 , R2 ... Resistance.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A stand-alone computer peripheral device, which is connected to a host computer and operates as a peripheral device thereof, and which operates independently without being connected to the host computer, comprising a central control unit, and when operating independently. A recording medium in which an execution program executed by the central control unit is permanently stored, and another execution program stored by the central control unit that is transferred from the host computer when operating as the peripheral device. A computer peripheral device comprising: a random access memory. 2. The computer peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the execution program permanently installed in the recording medium is executed after being transferred to the random access memory by the central control unit. 3. A connection detection unit for detecting connection of the host computer, wherein the central control unit determines the presence or absence of connection based on a connection detection signal of the connection detection unit. 1. The computer peripheral device according to 1.