JPH06205274A - Communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the portability and the operability. CONSTITUTION:An image pickup unit 100 is provided with an image pickup element 14 converting an optical image into an electric signal. A recording medium 300 is provided with a recording element 301 able to record lots of information. A processing unit 200 is provided with an output device 106 having a picture display device, an operation device 108 and a communication control circuit 110 to control the image pickup unit 100 according to the operating and setting condition of the operation device 108 and gives image pickup picture information from the image pickup unit 100 to the recording medium 300. A control circuit 102 takes precedence of the image pickup by the image pickup unit 100 over the communication by the communication control circuit 110 on the image pickup priority mode and takes precedence of the communication over the image pickup in the communication priority mode. The control circuit and the image pickup unit 100 are removed freely from the picture unit 200. The recording medium 300 is freely removed from the picture unit 200.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication system for outputting photographed images by communication.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An electronic still camera for recording a photographed image as a still image on a recording medium such as an optical disc device, a magneto-optical disc device, and a memory card having a solid-state memory element is well known. Since a memory card has no moving parts and is convenient to carry, it is promising to be used as a recording or storage medium for a small information device such as an electronic notebook, a portable computer, etc. and as a data carrier medium.

[0003]

However, when it is desired to use an image captured by an electronic still camera in a portable computer, for example, in the conventional example, a memory card recording the captured image is connected to the portable computer, If you want to transfer to a remote location, start the specified application software (for example, communication software),
It is necessary to perform an operation of reading the captured image information. Therefore, even if the captured image is immediately used on the portable computer, it is necessary to perform a troublesome operation,
It's inconvenient. Also, a separate electronic still camera and portable computer must be carried around, which is also inconvenient.

An object of the present invention is to eliminate such inconvenience and to provide a communication system in which photographed images can be recorded, communicated and used by a simple operation.

[0005]

A communication system according to the present invention comprises an image pickup unit having an image pickup means for converting an optical image into an image signal, an operation means and an image display means,
The processing unit controls the image pickup unit according to the operation of the operation unit and the setting condition, and the image pickup unit and the processing unit are detachable from each other, and the processing unit communicates the imaged image information from the image pickup unit. It is characterized by comprising communication means for communicating via a line.

[0006]

By the above means, the portability is improved and the photographed image can be transmitted by a simple operation.

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 100 is an image pickup unit, and reference numeral 200 is a processing unit for recording / reproducing an image picked up by the image pickup unit 100 to / from the recording medium 300, communicating with the outside, and utilizing the image. The imaging unit 100 is detachable from the processing unit 200, and the recording medium 300 is the processing unit 200.
It is removable.

The structure of the image pickup unit 100 will be described. 1
0 is a photographing lens, 12 is a shutter having a diaphragm function,
Reference numeral 14 is an image sensor for converting an optical image into an electric signal, and 16 is an A / D converter for converting an analog output of the image sensor 14 into a digital signal. Image sensor 14 and A / D converter 16
A process circuit for performing known camera signal processing such as gamma correction, color balance adjustment, and conversion into a luminance / color difference signal may be provided between and.

Reference numeral 18 is an image memory, 20 is a compression / expansion circuit for compressing / expanding the image data by adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT), and 22 is a control for writing / reading the image memory 18 and a data input / output of the compression / expansion circuit 20. Memory control circuit. The memory control circuit 22 first writes the captured image data from the A / D converter 16 in the image memory 18.

When compressing the image data stored in the image memory 18, the memory control circuit 22 reads the image data stored in the image memory 18 and supplies it to the compression / expansion circuit 20. Is written in the image memory 18. When decompressing the compressed image data stored in the image memory 18, the memory control circuit 22 reads the compressed image data stored in the image memory 18 and supplies the compressed image data to the compression / decompression circuit 20, and the restored image data from the compression / decompression circuit 20. Is written in the image memory 18.

Reference numeral 24 is an image pickup control circuit (CPU) for controlling the entire image pickup unit 100, and 26 is an image pickup element 14 under the control of the memory control circuit 22 and the image pickup control circuit 24.
It is a clock generation circuit that supplies a predetermined clock to the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22.

28 is a shutter drive circuit for driving the shutter 12, 30 is a lens drive circuit for driving the focusing lens and the zooming lens of the photographing lens 10,
Reference numeral 32 is a distance measuring circuit for measuring the distance to the subject, 34 is a photometric circuit for measuring the brightness of the subject, and 36 is a flash.

Reference numeral 38 denotes a rechargeable battery that supplies power to each part in the image pickup unit 100.
It may be detachable or fixed to 0, and further, a part may be fixed and the rest may be detachable. The battery 38 is
A capacitor having a capacity enough to handle the peak current due to the charging of the flash 36 and the motor driving of the shutter driving circuit 28 and the lens driving circuit 30 is used.

Reference numeral 40 is a mounting detection circuit for detecting the mounting of the battery 38, a voltage detection circuit for detecting the output voltage of the battery 38,
It is a power supply control circuit that includes a DC-DC converter and a switch that selectively controls a block to be energized. The power supply control circuit 40 detects whether or not the battery 38 is attached, the type of the battery, and the remaining battery level, and the detection result and the imaging control circuit 2
The DC-DC converter is controlled in accordance with the instruction of No. 4 and a necessary voltage is supplied to each unit in the image pickup unit 100 for a necessary period.

Reference numeral 42 is a program storage circuit (ROM) for storing operation programs and control constants of the image pickup control circuit 24 and the processing unit 200, 44 is taken image data,
An interface for bidirectionally transferring an operation program, control data, and the like with the information unit 200, and a connector 46 for connecting the imaging unit 100 to the processing unit 200. The connector 46 includes not only a data signal line and a control signal line, but also a power supply line for supplying power from the processing unit 200 to the interface 44 and the program storage circuit 42. The power supply control circuit 40 receives a control signal and a charging current for the battery 38 from the processing unit 200 via the connector 46. The power supply control circuit 40 can also supply current from the battery 38 to the processing unit 200.

The image pickup control circuit 24, via the lens drive circuit 30, according to the measurement result of the distance measuring circuit 32, the photographing lens 10
The focusing lens is driven to control the taking lens 10 to the in-focus state. The imaging control control circuit 24 also determines the opening time of the shutter 12 by the shutter drive circuit 28 based on the measurement result of the photometric circuit 34 so that the optimum exposure amount is obtained. Since these are very general techniques and are not characteristic of the present invention, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The structure of the processing unit 200 will be described. 1
A control circuit (CPU) 02 controls the entire processing unit 200, a ROM 104 and a RAM 104, and a CP
A storage circuit that stores the operation program of U102, various control variables, and the like, and 106 is an output device that includes a liquid crystal display device that displays characters and images as a video and a speaker that outputs audio.

Reference numeral 108 denotes an operating device for inputting a predetermined instruction to the image pickup unit 100 and the processing unit 200, and includes a main switch, an image pickup switch for designating a mode for performing photographing, a release button, and a ten-key pad for dialing. A switch and a communication switch for instructing the start of communication are provided. The distance measuring and photometry switch for instructing the distance measurement and photometry by the distance measuring circuit 32 and the photometry circuit 34 is closed during the operation of the release switch, and the photographing start switch for instructing the photographing is completed. Closed in.

As the operating device 108, the output device 106
It goes without saying that it is also possible to display characters, figures, pictograms, etc. corresponding to various operation elements on the display device and operate them with a mouse, a track ball, a touch panel and an input pen. Nor.

Reference numeral 110 denotes a communication control circuit (CCU) which controls connection with a communication line, for example, an ISDN line, and has an incoming call detection circuit 112 inside. 114 is a connector for connection to a communication line.

Reference numeral 116 is an interface for communication with the image pickup unit 100, 118 is a connector for connecting to the connector 46 of the image pickup unit 100, and 120 is an image pickup unit for detecting attachment / detachment of the image pickup unit 100 mechanically, electrically or optically. A detachment detection circuit.

Reference numeral 122 denotes a power source which can be attached to and detached from the processing unit 200, and comprises a battery 124 and a connector 126. The connector 126 connects to the connector 128. 130 is
A power supply control circuit similar to the power supply control circuit 40
A mounting detection circuit that detects mounting of the battery 22, a voltage detection circuit that detects the output voltage of the battery 124 of the power supply 122, and a DC-DC
A converter and a switch for selectively controlling a block to be energized are provided. The power control circuit 130 uses the battery 124.
Then, the presence / absence of attachment, the type of battery, and the remaining battery amount are detected, and power is exchanged with the battery 38 of the imaging unit 100 via the connector 46 and the power supply control circuit 40.

Reference numeral 132 is an interface for communication with the recording medium 300, and 134 is a connector for connecting the recording medium 300.

The control circuit 102, the memory circuit 104, the output device 106, the operating device 108, the communication control circuit 110, the interface 116, the imaging unit attachment / detachment detection circuit 12
0, power supply control circuit 130 and interface 132
Are connected to each other via a bus 136.

The recording medium 300 comprises a recording element 202, an interface 204 for communication with the processing unit 200, and a connector 206 connected to the connector 134 of the processing unit 200. The recording element 202 includes, for example, a hard disk device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a solid-state memory element, and the like. In this embodiment, the flash
Solid state memory devices such as memory, battery backed dynamic random access memory, programmable read only memory (PROM) are used.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flow charts shown in FIG. FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of the main routine of this embodiment.

By connecting the power source 122 to the processing unit 200, the output of the battery 124 of the power source 122 is applied to the power source control circuit 130 via the connectors 126 and 128. The power supply control circuit 130 supplies a necessary power supply voltage to the control circuit 102 and the storage circuit 104, and the control circuit 102 executes a predetermined program stored in the storage circuit 104 and first initializes (S1).

The control circuit 102 checks the main switch of the operating device 108 (S2). If the main switch is off (S2), the control circuit 102 causes the processing unit 20 to
After executing a predetermined termination process in each unit of 0, the power supply control circuit 130 is made to stop the power supply to the entire processing unit 200 (S3). If the main switch is on (S
2) The control circuit 102 causes the power supply control circuit 130 to supply power to the entire processing unit 200, and causes the image display device of the output device 106 to display a predetermined image such as characters and icons (S4).

When the entire processing unit 200 is turned on, whether there is an incoming call (S5) and whether the communication switch is on / off.
It is checked whether it is off (S6) and whether the imaging unit 100 is connected (S7). Whether or not the image pickup unit 100 is connected can be detected by the image pickup unit attachment / detachment detection circuit 120,
When the imaging unit 100 is not attached (S
7), a predetermined warning by video and / or audio is output from the output device 106 (S8), and the process returns to S2.

Incoming call detection circuit 11 in communication control circuit 110
2 detects an incoming call request from a communication line connected to the connector 114 or an external device. When there is an incoming call request, the incoming call detection circuit 112 notifies the control circuit 102, and the control circuit 10
2 notifies the power supply control circuit 130 to supply power to the communication system (S9). The communication control circuit 110 connects the line (S10) and executes communication (S11). After executing communication
The communication control circuit 110 disconnects the line (S12), and the power supply control circuit 130 stops the power supply to the communication system (S1).
3) Return to S2.

When the user desires communication, the operating device 1
The communication switch included in 08 is operated. Control circuit 10
2 is a power supply control circuit 1 according to the operation of the communication switch.
The power is supplied to the communication system by the 30 (S14). And
The control circuit 102 requests the communication control circuit 110 to make a call (calling) in accordance with the telephone number or address of the other party who has been input by the ten keys of the operation device 108 or has been registered.
Is output (S15). This address includes a user address, a user code, a user ID, and the like in a network such as WAN and LAN and electronic mail.

When a line with an external device or a communication partner is established (S10), communication is executed (S11), then the communication control circuit 110 disconnects the line (S12), and the power supply control circuit 130 connects to the communication system. Stop the power supply (S13),
Return to S2.

The image pickup unit 100 is a processing unit 200.
When it is attached to the control device 102 (S7), the control circuit 102 checks the image pickup switch of the operation device 108 (S16). When the image pickup switch is on (S16), the image pickup program stored in the program storage circuit 42 (image pickup unit 1
A program for controlling 00) interface 44,
It is read via the connectors 46 and 118, the interface 116 and the bus 136, and stored in the memory circuit 104 (S17).

After the image pickup program is stored in the storage circuit 104 (S17), the power supply control circuit 4 of the image pickup unit 100.
By instructing 0, the image pickup unit 100 is brought into a power supply state (S18). Next, the image pickup program stored in the storage circuit 104 is executed to cause the image pickup unit 100 to perform image pickup (S19). The details of this shooting routine (S19) will be described later with reference to FIG. 3, but the display device of the output device 106 displays predetermined characters and images relating to the image pickup, and the image pickup unit 100 is operated according to a predetermined operation of the operation device 108. Control. In the image pickup unit 100, the image data of the image picked up by the image pickup element 12 or its compressed data is stored in the image memory 18.

After the image pickup process (S19) is finished, the control circuit 102 of the processing unit 200 instructs the power supply control circuit 40 of the image pickup unit 100 to turn off the power supply to each part of the image pickup unit 100 (S20). . After this, S2
Return to.

When the image pickup switch is off (S16), a predetermined character or image is displayed on the display device of the output device 106,
When the operation device 108 is ready to receive input, S
Return to 2.

FIG. 3 is a detailed flowchart of the image pickup routine shown in S19 of FIG. The control circuit 102 displays characters and images necessary for image pickup on the display device of the output device 106, and the image pickup control circuit 24 of the image pickup unit 100
According to the instruction from the control circuit 102, the imaging unit 100
Each part of is initialized (S21).

Displayed on the display device of the output device 106 are operation modes such as single shooting, continuous shooting, self-timer shooting, distance measuring / photometric information, operating state of the flash 36, and gain for increasing the sensitivity of the image sensor 12. The up operation state, the use state of the image memory 18, the operation state of the compression / expansion circuit 20, the recording operation state of the recording medium 300, the number of captured images, the captured capacity, the remaining capacity, and the like. In addition, release
Image display of general camera operation members such as buttons, electronic dials, mode select dials, etc.
It goes without saying that the mouse, the track ball, the touch panel and the input pen may be used for operation input.

The control circuit 102 continuously displays the picked-up images of the image pickup device 14 on the entire screen or a part of the screen of the display device of the output device 106, and / or records the images on the recording medium 300 or the storage circuit 106. Set the viewfinder function to play back and display the stored images. The former is called a through mode or a through mode display, and the latter is called a memory mode or a memory mode display. The same area of the screen may be switched and used in the through mode and the memory mode, or different areas of the screen may be assigned in the through mode and the memory mode.

In the control circuit 102, when the image pickup switch of the operation device 108 is turned on (S22), there is no incoming call (S23),
Moreover, even if there is an incoming call, it is in the imaging priority mode (S33).
While confirming that, wait for the operation of the release switch.

That is, the control circuit 102 first operates the operating device 1.
It is checked whether or not the image pickup switch 08 is turned on (S22), and if the image pickup switch is off, the image pickup control circuit 24 is instructed to execute the ending process for the image pickup unit 100 (S22).
36), the imaging display and the finder display on the display screen of the output device 106 are terminated, and the imaging processing (S19) is terminated.

When the image pickup switch is on (S22), it is checked whether there is an incoming call notification from the incoming call detection circuit 112 (S2).
3). If there is an incoming call request (S23), it is confirmed which of the imaging priority mode for prioritizing imaging and the communication priority mode for prioritizing communication is set on the operation device 108 (S33).

In the case of the communication priority mode (S33), the control circuit 102 warns the display device of the output device 106 that the communication process is prioritized and the image pickup process is ended (S35), and instructs the image pickup control circuit 24. Then, the end processing for the image pickup unit 100 is executed (S36), the image pickup display and the finder display on the display screen of the output device 106 are ended, and the image pickup processing (S19) is ended.

In the case of the image pickup priority mode (S33), the control circuit 102 displays on the display device of the output device 106 that the communication process is prohibited in order to prioritize the image pickup process, and the telephone number of the callee and the user. The incoming call information such as ID is displayed (S34), and the release operation is monitored.

When the distance measurement / photometry switch is turned on by the release switch (S24), the control circuit 102 commands the image pickup control circuit 24 to perform distance measurement and photometry. Imaging control circuit 2
In accordance with the distance measurement and photometry by the distance measurement circuit 32 and the photometry circuit 34, 4 focuses the photographing lens 10 on the subject and determines the shutter time (S25). Details of the distance measuring and photometric operations will be described later.

While the distance measuring / photometry switch is on, the distance measuring and photometry operations (S2) are performed until the photographing start switch is turned on.
Repeat 5). If there is an incoming call request during this period (S2
6) Check whether it is the imaging priority mode or the communication priority mode (S
33). In the case of the communication priority mode (S33), the control circuit 1
Reference numeral 02 denotes a display device of the output device 106 that warns that the communication process is prioritized and the imaging process is terminated (S35), and instructs the imaging control circuit 24 to execute the termination process of the imaging unit 100 (S36). The image pickup display and the finder display on the display screen of the output device 106 are terminated, and the image pickup processing (S19).
To finish. In this ending process (S36), an unrecorded image in the recording medium 300 is recorded as an already captured image.
The process of recording 0 is also performed.

In the case of the image pickup priority mode (S33), the control circuit 102 displays on the display device of the output device 106 that the communication process is prohibited in order to prioritize the image pickup process, and the telephone number of the callee and the user. The incoming call information such as ID is displayed (S34), and the process proceeds to S27.

When the photographing start switch is turned on (S2
7), the control circuit 102 checks whether the captured image can be stored or recorded in the storage circuit 106 or the recording medium 300 (S28). If there is no recordable free area or the recording medium 300 is removed, a predetermined warning is output by the display device of the output device 106 (S32), and the process returns to S22. When recording is possible, the control circuit 102 commands the image pickup control circuit 24 to execute image pickup, and the image pickup control circuit 24 controls the shutter 12 and the like to execute image pickup, and the image pickup data is stored in the image memory 18. Stored in (S2
9). Details of the shooting operation will be described later.

In case of continuous shooting as in the continuous shooting mode (S30), the process proceeds to S26 and waits until the shooting start switch is turned on (S27). When shooting is not continued (S30), the control circuit 102 commands the imaging control circuit 24 to perform a recording operation. As a result, the image data stored in the image memory 18 is transferred to the storage circuit 106 or the recording medium 300 for storage or recording (S31), and the process returns to S26.

That is, the image pickup control circuit 24 uses the image memory 1
8 to read the image data and transfer the captured image data to the processing unit 200 via the memory control circuit 22, the interface 44, and the connector 46. The processing unit 200 receives the image data received from the imaging unit 100 from the interface 116 and the bus. The data is transferred to the storage circuit 104 via 136, or to the recording medium 300 via the interface 132 and the connector 134. In the recording medium 300, the received data is written in the recording element 202.

When the distance measuring / photometric switch is turned off (S2
4) Then, the process returns to S22, and it is reconfirmed whether or not the imaging switch is turned on (S22), and the above process is repeated.

FIG. 4 shows a detailed flow chart of the distance measuring / photometric operation in S25 of FIG. The distance measuring circuit 32 measures the distance to the subject, and the imaging control circuit 24 stores the measured distance data in the internal memory (S41).
The brightness of the subject is measured by the photometric circuit 34, and the imaging control circuit 24 stores the photometric amount data in the internal memory (S42). It is determined from the photometric value whether or not a flash is required (S43), and if necessary, a flash flag is set and the flash 36 is charged (S44).

FIG. 5 shows a detailed flowchart of the photographing operation in S29 of FIG. The imaging control circuit 24 reads the subject distance data stored in the internal memory, drives the focusing lens of the taking lens 10 by the lens drive circuit 30, and focuses the subject (S5).
1). The image pickup control circuit 24 also opens the shutter 12 by the shutter drive circuit 28 according to the photometric data stored in the internal memory to expose the image pickup element 14 (S5).
2, 53). It is determined whether or not a flash is required by the flash flag (S54), and if necessary, the flash 36 is caused to emit light (S55). After the exposure of the image sensor 14 is completed (S56), the shutter 12 is closed (S5).
7), the charge signal is read from the image sensor 14, and the image memory 1 is read through the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22.
The photographed image data is written in 8 (S58).

FIG. 6 shows a detailed flowchart of the communication processing in S11 of FIG. The control circuit 102 performs start processing such as initial setting required for communication by the communication control circuit 110 (S61), and when the communication switch of the operation device 108 is on (S62) and the imaging switch is off (S63), Communication is executed (S64). When the communication is continued (S65), the process returns to S62. When the communication is not continued, a predetermined ending process is performed on the communication control circuit 110 (S66), and the communication process is ended.

When the communication switch is off (S62),
A predetermined end process is performed on the communication control circuit 110 (S66), and the communication process is ended.

When the image pickup switch is turned on (S63), it is checked whether the image pickup priority mode or the communication priority mode is set by the operation device 108 (S67). In the communication priority mode (S67), the display device of the output device 106 is checked. Is displayed to prohibit the imaging process and prioritize the communication process (S
68), and proceeds to S64 to execute communication. In the imaging priority mode (S67), the display device of the output device 106 warns that the communication process is interrupted and the imaging process is prioritized (S6).
9) Then, a predetermined end process is performed on the communication control circuit 110 (S66), and the communication process is ended.

In S63, the process branches depending on whether the image pickup switch is turned on or off. However, the process may branch depending on an input operation relating to the operation of the image pickup unit 100, such as a release button or a mode changeover switch.

Due to the operation described above, in this embodiment,
Communication and imaging can operate properly and any one can be prioritized over the other. For example, when an incoming call arrives during the imaging operation, the imaging operation is ended and the communication operation is executed in the communication priority mode. In the imaging priority mode, the imaging is continued while displaying the incoming call. Further, even when it is desired to take a photograph during the communication operation, in the image pickup priority mode, the communication operation can be immediately ended and the photographing can be started.

FIG. 7 shows a second main operation flow chart of the apparatus of FIG. According to FIG. 7, when the imaging switch is operated during communication, it becomes possible to hold the communication line and execute imaging.

By connecting the power supply 122 to the processing unit 200, the output of the battery 124 of the power supply 122 is applied to the power supply control circuit 130 via the connectors 126 and 128. The power supply control circuit 130 supplies a necessary power supply voltage to the control circuit 102 and the storage circuit 104, and the control circuit 102 executes a predetermined program stored in the storage circuit 104 and first initializes (S101).

The control circuit 102 checks the main switch of the operating device 108 (S102). If the main switch is off (S102), the control circuit 102 causes each part of the processing unit 200 to execute a predetermined termination process, and then causes the power supply control circuit 130 to stop the power supply to the entire processing unit 200 (S103). ). If the main switch is on (S102), the control circuit 102 causes the power supply control circuit 130 to supply power to the entire processing unit 200, and causes the image display device of the output device 106 to display a predetermined image such as characters and icons. (S104).

When the power of the entire processing unit 200 is turned on, the presence or absence of an incoming call (S105), the ON / OFF of the communication switch (S106), and the presence or absence of the connection of the image pickup unit 100 (S107) are checked. Whether or not the image pickup unit 100 is connected can be detected by the image pickup unit attachment / detachment detection circuit 120, and when the image pickup unit 100 is not attached (S107), a predetermined warning by video and / or audio is output from the output device 106 (S108). ), S102
Return to.

Incoming call detection circuit 11 in communication control circuit 110
2 detects an incoming call request from a communication line connected to the connector 114 or an external device. When there is an incoming call request, the incoming call detection circuit 112 notifies the control circuit 102, and the control circuit 10
2 notifies the power supply control circuit 130 to supply power to the communication system (S109). The communication control circuit 110 connects the line (S110) and executes communication (S111). When the image pickup switch is turned on during communication, S1
When the image pickup switch remains off (S112), the communication control circuit 110 disconnects the line (S113), and the power supply control circuit 130 stops the power supply to the communication system (S114). ), And returns to S102.

When the user desires communication, the operating device 1
The communication switch included in 08 is operated. Control circuit 10
2 is a power supply control circuit 1 according to the operation of the communication switch.
The power is supplied to the communication system by the 30 (S115). Then, the control circuit 102 causes the communication control circuit 110 to output a call origination request (calling) in accordance with the telephone number or address of the other party who has been input by the ten keys or the like of the operation device 108 or is already registered (S116). This address is W
It includes a user address, a user code, a user ID, etc. in a network such as AN or LAN or in electronic mail.

When a line with an external device or a communication partner is established (S110), communication is executed (S111). When the image pickup switch is turned on during the communication, S10
7 (S112), when the imaging switch remains off (S112), the communication control circuit 110 disconnects the line (S113), and the power supply control circuit 130 stops the power supply to the communication system (S114). ), And returns to S102.

When the communication switch is off (S106),
Or, when the imaging switch is turned on during communication (S11
2) It is checked whether the image pickup unit 100 is attached to the processing unit 200 (S107). When the imaging unit 100 is attached to the processing unit 200 (S
107), the control circuit 102 checks the image pickup switch of the operation device 108 (S117). When the image pickup switch is turned on (S117), the image pickup program (a program controlling the image pickup unit 100) stored in the program storage circuit 42 is used as the interface 44, the connectors 46, 1.
18, read via the interface 116 and the bus 136, and store in the memory circuit 104 (S118).

After the image pickup program is stored in the storage circuit 104 (S118), the power supply control circuit 40 of the image pickup unit 100 is instructed to bring the image pickup unit 100 into the power supply state (S119). Next, the image pickup program stored in the storage circuit 104 is executed to cause the image pickup unit 100 to perform image pickup (S120). This shooting routine (S12
Details of 0) will be described later with reference to FIG.

After the image pickup process (S120) is completed, the control circuit 102 of the processing unit 200 instructs the power supply control circuit 40 of the image pickup unit 100 to turn off the power supply to each part of the image pickup unit 100 (S121). . After this,
Return to S102.

When the image pickup switch is off (S117), predetermined characters and images are displayed on the display device of the output device 106 so that the input of the operating device 108 can be accepted, and the process returns to S102.

FIG. 8 shows a detailed flowchart of the image pickup routine shown in S19 of FIG. 3 is different from FIG. 3 in the image pickup priority mode, when the image pickup switch is turned on during communication, processing of the line and processing of power supply control to the communication system (S
144, 147, 148) is added.

The control circuit 102 displays characters and images necessary for image pickup on the display device of the output device 106, and the image pickup control circuit 24 of the image pickup unit 100 initializes each part of the image pickup unit 100 according to the instruction from the control circuit 102. (S131).

Displayed on the display device of the output device 106 are operation modes such as single shooting, continuous shooting, self-timer shooting, distance measuring / photometric information, operating state of the flash 36, and gain for increasing the sensitivity of the image pickup device 12. The up operation state, the use state of the image memory 18, the operation state of the compression / expansion circuit 20, the recording operation state of the recording medium 300, the number of captured images, the captured capacity, the remaining capacity, and the like. In addition, release
Image display of general camera operation members such as buttons, electronic dials, mode select dials, etc.
It goes without saying that the mouse, the track ball, the touch panel and the input pen may be used for operation input.

The control circuit 102 continuously displays the picked-up images of the image pickup device 14 on the entire screen or a part of the screen of the display device of the output device 106, and / or records the images on the recording medium 300 or the storage circuit 106. Set the viewfinder function to play back and display the stored images. The former is called a through mode or a through mode display, and the latter is called a memory mode or a memory mode display. The same area of the screen may be switched and used in the through mode and the memory mode, or different areas of the screen may be assigned in the through mode and the memory mode.

In the control circuit 102, the image pickup switch of the operation device 108 is turned on (S132), and there is no incoming call (S13).
3) And, even if there is an incoming call, it is in the imaging priority mode (S).
143), while waiting for the operation of the release switch.

That is, the control circuit 102 first operates the operating device 1
It is checked whether the image pickup switch 08 is turned on (S132),
If the image pickup switch is off, the image pickup control circuit 24 is instructed to execute the end processing for the image pickup unit 100 (S146), and the image pickup display and the finder display on the display screen of the output device 106 are ended, and the image pickup processing is performed. (S120) ends.

When the image pickup switch is on (S132),
Check whether there is an incoming call notification from the incoming call detection circuit 112 (S
133). If there is an incoming call request (S133), it is confirmed which of the imaging priority mode for prioritizing imaging and the communication priority mode for prioritizing communication is set on the operation device 108 (S143).

In the case of the communication priority mode (S143), the control circuit 102 warns the display device of the output device 106 that the communication process is prioritized and the image pickup process is terminated (S145).
The imaging control circuit 24 is instructed to execute the termination processing for the imaging unit 100 (S146), the imaging display and the finder display on the display screen of the output device 106 are terminated, and the imaging processing (S120) is terminated.

In the case of the image pickup priority mode (S143), the control circuit 102 judges whether or not the connected communication line should be held (S144), and when holding the communication line, the display device of the output device 106 displays the communication line. Is displayed and the incoming call information such as the telephone number of the callee and the user ID is displayed, and the process proceeds to S137 to monitor the release operation.

When the communication line is not held (S14)
4), the control circuit 102 displays on the display device of the output device 106 that the communication process is prohibited in order to prioritize the imaging process, and displays the incoming call information such as the telephone number of the callee and the user ID. The communication line is disconnected by the communication control circuit 110 (S147), the power supply to the communication system is cut off by the power supply control circuit 130 (S148), and the process proceeds to S137 to monitor the lasing operation.

When the distance measurement / photometry switch is turned on by the release switch (S134), the control circuit 102 commands the image pickup control circuit 24 to perform distance measurement and photometry. The imaging control circuit 24 focuses the photographing lens 10 on the subject according to the distance measurement and the light measurement by the distance measurement circuit 32 and the light measurement circuit 34,
The shutter time is determined (S135). Details of the distance measuring and photometric operations are shown in FIG.

While the distance measuring / photometric switch is on (S13
4) Until the shooting start switch is turned on (S13
7), distance measurement and photometry operations (S135) are repeated. If there is an incoming call request during this period (S136), it is checked whether it is the image pickup priority mode or the communication priority mode (S143). In the communication priority mode (S143), the control circuit 102 controls the output device 1
On the display device of No. 06, a warning that the imaging process is to be ended by prioritizing the communication process is warned (S145) and the imaging control circuit 24 is instructed to execute the ending process of the imaging unit 100 (S14).
6), the image pickup display and the finder display on the display screen of the output device 106 are ended, and the image pickup processing (S120) is ended. In this ending process (S146), a process of recording, in the recording medium 300, an image that has been captured and has not been recorded in the recording medium 300 is also performed.

In the case of the image pickup priority mode (S143), the control circuit 102 judges whether or not the connected communication line should be held (S144), and when holding it, the display device of the output device 106 displays the communication line. Is displayed and the incoming call information such as the telephone number of the callee and the user ID is displayed, and the process proceeds to S137 to monitor the release operation.

When the communication line is not held (S14)
4), the control circuit 102 displays on the display device of the output device 106 that the communication process is prohibited in order to prioritize the imaging process, and displays the incoming call information such as the telephone number of the callee and the user ID. The communication line is disconnected by the communication control circuit 110 (S147), the power supply to the communication system is cut off by the power supply control circuit 130 (S148), and the process proceeds to S137 to monitor the lasing operation.

The time for suspending the communication line may be a predetermined fixed time or may be arbitrarily selected by the operation device 108 or arbitrarily selected from a plurality of predetermined values. Needless to say, if the use of the communication line is not started before the hold time elapses, the communication line will naturally be disconnected.

When the photographing start switch is turned on (S13
7), the control circuit 102 checks whether or not the captured image can be stored or recorded in the storage circuit 106 or the recording medium 300 (S138). When there is no recordable free area or when the recording medium 300 is removed, a predetermined warning is output by the display device of the output device 106 (S142), and S1 is set.
Return to 32. When recording is possible, the control circuit 102 commands the imaging control circuit 24 to execute imaging, and the imaging control circuit 2
In response to this, the control unit 4 controls the shutter 12 and the like to execute photographing, and stores the photographed image data in the image memory 18 (S139). Details of the shooting operation (S139) are shown in FIG.

In case of continuous shooting as in the continuous shooting mode (S140), the process proceeds to S136 and waits until the shooting start switch is turned on (S137). When the shooting is not continued (S140), the control circuit 102 sets the imaging control circuit 2
Command recording operation to 4. As a result, the image data stored in the image memory 18 is stored in the storage circuit 106 or the recording medium 3.
00, stored or recorded (S141), S1
Return to 36.

That is, the image pickup control circuit 24 uses the image memory 1
8 to read the image data and transfer the captured image data to the processing unit 200 via the memory control circuit 22, the interface 44, and the connector 46. The processing unit 200 receives the image data received from the imaging unit 100 from the interface 116 and the bus. The data is transferred to the storage circuit 104 via 136, or to the recording medium 300 via the interface 132 and the connector 134. In the recording medium 300, the received data is written in the recording element 202.

When the distance measuring / photometric switch is turned off (S1
34), the process returns to S132, and it is reconfirmed whether or not the imaging switch is turned on (S132), and the above process is repeated.

FIG. 9 shows a detailed flowchart of the communication processing in S111 of FIG.

When the communication circuit is on hold (S151), the control circuit 102 releases the hold (S158), and then S1
Proceed to 55.

If the communication line is not on hold (S15)
1), the control circuit 102 performs a start process such as initial setting required for communication by the communication control circuit 110 (S15).
2), the communication switch of the operating device 108 is on (S15
3) and when the imaging switch is off (S154), communication is executed (S155). To continue communication (S
156), returns to S153, and when communication is not continued,
A predetermined end process is performed on the communication control circuit 110 (S157), and the communication process is ended.

When the communication switch is off (S15
3) Then, a predetermined termination process is performed on the communication control circuit 110 (S157), and the communication process is terminated.

When the image pickup switch is on (S154),
It is checked whether the imaging priority mode or the communication priority mode is set by the operation device 108 (S159).
In the communication priority mode (S159), the display device of the output device 106 displays that the imaging process is prohibited and the communication process is prioritized (S160), and the process proceeds to S155 to execute the communication. In the imaging priority mode (S159), the communication line is suspended and a warning that the display device of the output device 106 interrupts the communication process to prioritize the imaging process (S16).
1) Hold the imaging switch in the on state (S16
2) Then, the communication control circuit 110 is subjected to an interruption process necessary for holding the line (157), and the communication process is terminated.

In S154, the branch is performed based on ON / OFF of the image pickup switch, but it may be branched according to an input operation relating to the operation of the image pickup unit 100, such as a release button or a mode changeover switch.

Due to the operation described above, in this embodiment,
For example, when an incoming call arrives during the image capturing operation, in the communication priority mode, the image capturing operation is ended and the communication operation is executed. In the image capturing priority mode, the line is put on hold and the image capturing is continued. Further, even when it is desired to take a picture during the communication operation, in the picture taking priority mode, the communication line can be put on hold and the picture taking can be started.

When an image pickup command is input during the communication operation, the hold of the communication line is determined according to the determination of the priority mode in S159 of FIG. The line hold or disconnection may be determined by. If an incoming call arrives during the imaging operation,
Also in No. 143, the hold of the communication line is determined according to the determination of the priority mode. However, the hold or disconnection of the line may be determined based on the telephone number or the user ID registered in advance.

Next, a third operation example of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 shows the main flow chart. Figure 1
0 has an automatic transmission function.

By connecting the power supply 122 to the processing unit 200, the output of the battery 124 of the power supply 122 is applied to the power supply control circuit 130 via the connectors 126 and 128. The power supply control circuit 130 supplies a necessary power supply voltage to the control circuit 102 and the memory circuit 104, and the control circuit 102 executes a predetermined program stored in the memory circuit 106, and first initializes (S201).

The control circuit 102 checks the main switch of the operating device 108 (S202). If the main switch is off (S202), the control circuit 102 causes each part of the processing unit 200 to execute a predetermined termination process, and then causes the power supply control circuit 130 to stop the power supply to the entire processing unit 200 (S203). ). If the main switch is on (S202), the control circuit 102 causes the power supply control circuit 130 to supply power to the entire processing unit 200, and causes the image display device of the output device 106 to display a predetermined image such as characters and icons. (S204).

When the power of the entire processing unit 200 is turned on, the presence or absence of an incoming call (S205), the ON / OFF of the communication switch (S206), and the presence or absence of the connection of the image pickup unit 100 (S207) are checked. Whether or not the image pickup unit 100 is connected can be detected by the image pickup unit attachment / detachment detection circuit 120, and when the image pickup unit 100 is not attached (S207), a predetermined warning by video and / or audio is output from the output device 106 (S208). ), S202
Return to.

Incoming call detection circuit 11 in communication control circuit 110
2 detects an incoming call request from a communication line connected to the connector 114 or an external device. When there is an incoming call request (S20
5), the incoming call detection circuit 112 notifies the control circuit 102,
The control circuit 102 notifies the power supply control circuit 130 to supply power to the communication system (S209). Communication control circuit 11
0 connects the line (S210) and executes communication (S2)
11). After the communication is completed, the communication control circuit 110 disconnects the line (S212), the power supply control circuit 130 stops the power supply to the communication system (S213), and returns to S202.

When the user desires communication, the operating device 1
The communication switch included in 08 is operated. Control circuit 10
2 causes the power supply control circuit 130 to supply power to the communication system in response to the operation of the communication switch (S206) (S21).
4). Then, the control circuit 102 causes the communication control circuit 110 to output a call origination request (call origination) in accordance with the telephone number or address of the other party that has been input by the ten keys of the operation device 108 or has been registered (S215). This address includes a user address, a user code, a user ID, and the like in a network such as WAN and LAN and electronic mail.

When a line with an external device or a communication partner is established (S210), communication is executed (S211). After the communication is completed, the communication control circuit 110 disconnects the line (S21
2) Then, the power supply control circuit 130 stops the power supply to the communication system (S213) and returns to S202.

When the communication switch is off (S206),
It is checked whether the imaging unit 100 is attached to the processing unit 200 (S207). Imaging unit 100
Is attached to the processing unit 200 (S20
7), the control circuit 102 checks the image pickup switch of the operation device 108 (S216). When the image pickup switch is on (S216), the image pickup program (a program for controlling the image pickup unit 100) stored in the program storage circuit 42 is used as the interface 44 and the connectors 46 and 11.
8, read through the interface 116 and the bus 136, and store in the storage circuit 104 (S217).

After the image pickup program is stored in the storage circuit 104 (S217), the power supply control circuit 40 of the image pickup unit 100 is instructed to bring the image pickup unit 100 into the power supply state (S218). Next, the imaging program stored in the storage circuit 104 is executed to cause the imaging unit 100 to perform imaging (S219). This shooting routine (S21
The details of 9) may be the same as in FIG.

After the image pickup processing (S219), the control circuit 102 of the processing unit 200 instructs the power supply control circuit 40 of the image pickup unit 100 to turn off the power supply to each part of the image pickup unit 100 (S220). . If automatic transmission is set (S221), the control circuit 102
A destination address such as a destination telephone number and a user ID is read from the program storage circuit 42 or the storage circuit 104 and set (S222), and the process proceeds to S214 to execute communication.

If automatic transmission is not set (S22)
1), a predetermined image such as characters and icons is displayed on the display device of the output device 106 so that the input of the operation device 108 can be accepted, and the process returns to S202.

When the image pickup switch is off (S216), predetermined characters and images are displayed on the display device of the output device 106 so that the input of the operation device 108 can be accepted, and the process returns to S202.

In FIG. 10, an auto-dial function is realized, and a photographed image can be automatically transmitted to a preset destination. Although the example in which the image is transmitted after the imaging operation is finished has been described, the transmission may be performed while the image is captured.

Next, a fourth operation example of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 shows the main flow chart. Figure 1
1 is information about the communication partner (telephone number or user ID
Etc.) together with the transmitted or received image
Added the function to automatically register to.

By connecting the power supply 122 to the processing unit 200, the output of the battery 124 of the power supply 122 is applied to the power supply control circuit 130 via the connectors 126 and 128. The power supply control circuit 130 supplies a necessary power supply voltage to the control circuit 102 and the storage circuit 104, the control circuit 102 executes a predetermined program stored in the storage circuit 104, and first initializes (S301).

The control circuit 102 checks the main switch of the operating device 108 (S302). If the main switch is off (S302), the control circuit 102 causes the power supply control circuit 130 to stop the power supply to the entire processing unit 200 after executing a predetermined termination process in each part of the processing unit 200 (S303). ). If the main switch is on (S302), the control circuit 102 causes the power supply control circuit 130 to supply power to the entire processing unit 200, and causes the image display device of the output device 106 to display a predetermined image such as characters and icons. (S304).

When the power of the entire processing unit 200 is turned on, the presence or absence of an incoming call (S305), the ON / OFF of the communication switch (S306), and the presence or absence of the connection of the image pickup unit 100 (S307) are checked. Whether or not the image pickup unit 100 is connected can be detected by the image pickup unit attachment / detachment detection circuit 120, and when the image pickup unit 100 is not attached (S307), a predetermined warning by video and / or sound is output from the output device 106 (S308). ), S302
Return to.

Incoming call detection circuit 11 in communication control circuit 110
2 detects an incoming call request from a communication line connected to the connector 114 or an external device. When there is an incoming call request (S30
5), the incoming call detection circuit 112 notifies the control circuit 102,
The control circuit 102 notifies the power supply control circuit 130 to supply power to the communication system (S309). Communication control circuit 11
0 connects the line (S310) and executes communication (S3).
11). When it is set to automatically save the partner information such as the telephone number and the user ID after the communication is completed (S312),
The information of the other party is associated with the transmitted image and the recording medium 3
00 (S313). The communication control circuit 110 disconnects the line (S314), the power supply control circuit 130 stops the power supply to the communication system (S315), and returns to S302.

When the user desires communication, the operating device 1
The communication switch included in 08 is operated. Control circuit 10
2 causes the power supply control circuit 130 to supply power to the communication system in response to the operation of the communication switch (S306) (S31).
6). Then, the control circuit 102 causes the communication control circuit 110 to output a call origination request (calling) in accordance with the telephone number or address of the other party that has been entered or has been registered using the ten keys of the operation device 108 (S317). This address includes a user address, a user code, a user ID, and the like in a network such as WAN and LAN and electronic mail.

When a line with an external device or a communication partner is established (S310), communication is executed (S311). After the communication is completed, if it is set to automatically save the partner information such as the telephone number and the user ID (S312), the partner information is recorded in the recording medium 300 in association with the transmitted image (S313). The communication control circuit 110 disconnects the line (S
314), the power supply control circuit 130 stops the power supply to the communication system (S315), and returns to S302.

When the communication switch is off (S306),
It is checked whether the image pickup unit 100 is attached to the processing unit 200 (S307). Imaging unit 100
Is attached to the processing unit 200 (S30
7), the control circuit 102 checks the image pickup switch of the operation device 108 (S318). When the image pickup switch is turned on (S318), the image pickup program (program for controlling the image pickup unit 100) stored in the program storage circuit 42 is used as the interface 44 and the connectors 46 and 11.
8, read through the interface 116 and the bus 136, and store in the memory circuit 104 (S319).

After the image pickup program is stored in the memory circuit 104 (S319), the power supply control circuit 40 of the image pickup unit 100 is instructed to bring the image pickup unit 100 into the power supply state (S320). Next, the image pickup program stored in the memory circuit 104 is executed to cause the image pickup unit 100 to execute the image pickup (S321). This shooting routine (S32
The details of 1) may be the same as in FIG.

After the image pickup process (S321), the control circuit 102 of the processing unit 200 instructs the power supply control circuit 40 of the image pickup unit 100 to turn off the power supply to each part of the image pickup unit 100 (S322). . And
A predetermined image such as characters and icons is displayed on the display device of the output device 106 so that the input of the operation device 108 can be accepted, and the process returns to S302.

When the image pickup switch is off (S318), predetermined characters and images are displayed on the display device of the output device 106 so that the input of the operation device 108 can be accepted, and the process returns to S302.

In FIG. 11, when transmitting the photographed image, the partner information such as the recipient address is automatically saved. The storage of the partner information may be performed after the communication is completed or during the communication.

FIG. 12 is an external perspective view of the image pickup unit 100 as seen from the front side, and FIG. 13 is an external perspective view as seen from the connector 46 side. In front of the window 3 of the flash 36
02, a window 304 for distance measurement by the distance measurement circuit 32, a light receiving window 306 for color balance adjustment, a window 308 for light measurement by the light measurement circuit 34, and a window 310 for shooting.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view seen from the operation side when the image pickup unit shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is attached to the processing unit 200, and FIG. 15 is a perspective view seen from the image pickup window side. As shown in FIG. 14, through mode or memory
The image is displayed in the mode, and the operation state and operation method of the image pickup unit 100 are displayed. Of course, a part or all of the operation device 108 may be a transmissive touch panel and integrated with the display device.

16 and 17 are external views of a radio type device. FIG. 16 is a perspective view seen from the operating side, and FIG. 17 is a perspective view seen from the imaging window side. The external shape is similar to that of a small mobile phone. Here, a display window that displays an image in the through mode or the memory mode is overlaid on the display window that displays the operation state and the operation method of the image pickup unit 100.

The image pickup switch and the communication switch may be turned on or off depending on the angle of the image pickup unit 100 with respect to the processing unit 200. That is, when the image pickup unit 100 is set at a predetermined angle with respect to the processing unit 200, the above-mentioned image pickup switch may be turned on, and may be turned off when the image pickup unit is displaced from that position. Also,
The image pickup switch may be turned off when opened at an angle suitable for communication such as a telephone call.

For example, when the processing unit 200 is opened 90 degrees or more so that the user can place a call on the side of his face and make a call, the image pickup switch is turned off. Processing unit 20
When 0 is opened to about 90 degrees, the imaging unit 100 is used and the imaging switch is turned on. For this purpose, the image pickup switch may be arranged near the hinge portion of the processing unit 200.

A cover may be provided to cover a part or all of the windows 302 to 310 of the image pickup unit 100, and when the cover is removed, the image pickup switch is turned on, and when the cover is put on, the image pickup switch may be turned off. .

In the above embodiment, the semiconductor memory is used as the recording element 202 of the recording medium 300, but the present invention is not limited to the type of recording medium. That is, in addition, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a magnetic tape, etc. can be used. The recording element 202 may be a combination of these different types of recording elements. Further, it is obvious that the processing unit 200 can be configured so that a plurality of recording media 300 can be connected. Recording medium 300
It is also possible to fix a part of the above and to make the rest removable.

The communication control circuit 110 is connected to the processing unit 200.
It may be detachable, or a plurality may be provided.

Although only the image input circuit is shown in the image pickup unit 100, a voice input circuit may be provided so that image pickup and sound recording can be performed simultaneously. The basic processing is the same as that described in the above operation examples.

[0132]

As can be easily understood from the above description, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a communication system which is excellent in portability and easy to operate. Select communication and imaging with good operability,
I can do it.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a main flowchart of a first operation example of this embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a detailed flowchart of S19 of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a detailed flowchart of S25 of FIG.

5 is a detailed flowchart of S29 of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a detailed flowchart of S11 of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a main flowchart of a second operation example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a detailed flowchart of S120 of FIG.

9 is a detailed flowchart of S111 of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a main flowchart of a third operation example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a main flowchart of a fourth operation example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an external perspective view of the image pickup unit 100 of the present embodiment as seen from the front.

FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of the image pickup unit 100 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the back side.

FIG. 14 is an overall perspective view seen from the operating side.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the whole viewed from the imaging window side.

FIG. 16 is an overall perspective view of a wireless device type as seen from the operating side.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an entire wireless device type as viewed from the imaging window side.

[Explanation of symbols]

100: Imaging unit 200: Processing unit 30
0: recording medium 10: taking lens 12: shutter 1
4: Image sensor 16: A / D converter 18: Image memory 20: Compression / expansion circuit 22: Memory control circuit 24:
Imaging control circuit (CPU) 26: Clock generation circuit 2
8: Shutter drive circuit 30: Lens drive circuit 32:
Distance measuring circuit 34: Photometric circuit 36: Flash 38:
Battery 40: Power supply control circuit 42: Program storage circuit 44: Interface 46: Connector 102:
Control circuit (CPU) 104: Storage circuit 106: Output device 108: Operating device 110: Communication control circuit 112: Incoming call detection circuit 114: Connector 116: Interface 118: Connector 120: Imaging unit attachment / detachment detection circuit 122: Power supply 124: Battery 126 : Connector 128: Connector 130: Power supply control circuit 13
2: Interface 134: Connector 136: Bus 202: Recording element 204: Interface 206: Connector 302: Flash window 3
04: Distance measuring window 306: Light receiving window for color balance adjustment 308: Photometric window 310: Photographing window

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup unit having an image pickup unit for converting an optical image into an image signal, a processing unit having an operation unit and an image display unit, and controlling the image pickup unit according to the operation and setting conditions of the operation unit. And a processing unit in which the imaging unit and the processing unit are detachable from each other, and the processing unit includes a communication unit that communicates captured image information from the imaging unit via a communication line. . 2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the imaging means is means for converting an optical image into a moving image signal. 3. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit includes means for recording an image signal from the imaging unit on a recording medium, and the recording medium is detachable from the processing unit. 4. The processing unit further comprises control means having an imaging priority mode for prioritizing imaging and a communication priority mode for prioritizing communication by the imaging by the imaging unit and the communication by the communication means. The communication system according to 2 or 3.