Patent Publication Number: US-8533371-B2

Title: Data recording apparatus and method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 13/524,801, filed Jun. 15, 2012; which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 12/959,520, filed Dec. 3, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,225,010, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a data recording apparatus and method of recording information in a detachable(removable) recording medium such as a memory card. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Generally, a semiconductor memory card is used as a recording medium for a digital camera. Many digital camera users transfer an image file obtained by image sensing from a memory card to a storage device such as the hard disk drive (HDD) of a personal computer (PC). However, this file transfer operation is cumbersome because it is attended with operations of connecting a cable and designating the storage destination directory every time. A memory card (to be referred to as a communication memory card hereinafter) having a wireless communication function is known to solve this problem. The communication memory cards include a memory card that automatically transfers, by wireless communication, image file that is obtained, to an external storage device designated in advance. 
     Some communication memory cards start transmitting radio waves concurrently with attachment to a host device. However, where wireless transmission is limited, for example, in a hospital, airplane, or region in which use of wireless devices is not authorized, it is necessary to prohibit wireless transmission before powering on the device. To cope with this, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-311956 (to be referred to as patent reference 1 hereinafter) has proposed an invention to power on a portable communication terminal while simultaneously pressing a plurality of operation switches so as to limit wireless transmission from the terminal. 
     However, the method of patent reference 1 requires the user to cumbersomely press the plurality of operation switches for each power-on. To prevent this, menu setting may prohibit wireless transmission from the memory card. In this case, to prohibit wireless transmission in advance, an operation menu to disable wireless transmission needs to be operable even without card attachment. On the other hand, if the menu concerning the communication memory card is always displayed, the operability may be poor for a user who uses no communication memory card. Contrivance is necessary for performing operations concerning the communication memory card while maintaining the menu operability in case of disuse of the communication memory card. However, any arrangement to solve the problems has not been proposed yet. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described problems, and according to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a data recording apparatus capable of detachably attaching a storage medium having a predetermined function and a storage medium that does not have the predetermined function, and providing an operation menu concerning the predetermined function without loss of operability for a user, and a method thereof. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data recording apparatus comprising: a connection unit configured to connect a recording medium, wherein the connection unit is capable of connecting, as the recording medium, a first recording medium having a predetermined function and a second recording medium that does not have the predetermined function; a detection unit configured to detect a connection status of the recording medium to the connection unit; and a control unit configured to control a menu concerning setting of the predetermined function, wherein if the detection unit detects that the first recording medium is connected to the connection unit, the control unit makes the menu operable, if the detection unit detects that the first recording medium is removed and then detects that the second recording medium is connected to the connection unit, the control unit makes the menu inoperable, and the control unit maintains the menu in the operable state during a period from removal of the first recording medium to connection of the second recording medium to the connection unit. 
     Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling a data recording apparatus including a connection unit configured to connect a recording medium, wherein the connection unit is capable of connecting, as the recording medium, a first recording medium having a predetermined function and a second recording medium that does not have the predetermined function, the method comprising the steps of detecting a connection status of the recording medium to the connection unit; and controlling a menu concerning setting of the predetermined function, wherein in the step of controlling the menu, if the detecting step detects that the first recording medium is connected to the connection unit, the menu is made operable, if the detecting step detects that the first recording medium is removed and then detects that the second recording medium is connected to the connection unit, the menu is made inoperable, and the menu is maintained in the operable state during a period from removal of the first recording medium to connection of the second recording medium to the connection unit. 
     Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a digital camera according to embodiments; 
         FIGS. 2A to 2D  are views for explaining a user interface switching timing according to the embodiments; 
         FIGS. 3A to 3D  are views showing examples of user interface display according to the embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating menu switching processing according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating menu switching processing according to the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating menu switching processing according to the third embodiment; and 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating menu switching processing according to the fourth embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings while exemplifying a digital camera as a recording apparatus according to the present invention. 
     &lt;First Embodiment&gt; 
     In the first embodiment, as a data recording apparatus for writing data in a detachable recording medium, a digital camera will be described, which controls the display state of a wireless function setting menu in accordance with the type information of an attached memory card. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing an example of the arrangements of a digital camera  100  and a communication memory card  160  according to the first embodiment. Note that although the communication memory card  160  is attached to the digital camera  100  in the block diagram, a general memory card without the automatic transfer function (to be referred to as a general memory card hereinafter) can also be attached to the digital camera  100 . That is, the digital camera  100  has a memory slot capable of receiving a communication memory card or general memory card serving as a recording medium. 
     An image sensing unit  110  includes an image sensor and an optical system (neither are shown). An optical image formed on the imaging plane of the image sensor via the optical system is converted into an electrical signal to obtain image data, thereby performing image sensing. An image file generation unit  120  generates an image file of the image sensed by the image sensing unit  110 . A card control unit  130  writes the image file generated by the image file generation unit  120  in a memory card. In the card control unit  130 , a card detection unit  131  detects card attachment to the memory slot, and also transmits a command to obtain memory card information to the attached memory card so as to detect, based on received information, the type of attached card. The card control unit  130  also includes a file control unit  132  which controls a file to be generated for write in the memory card, and a wireless function control unit  133  which selectively validates or invalidates the wireless communication function when a communication memory card is attached. 
     A system controller  140  is connected to a ROM  141  and a RAM  142 , and executes various kinds of processing in the digital camera  100  in accordance with control programs stored in the ROM  141 . A display unit  150  is formed from, for example, a liquid crystal display device and used to display various kinds of information such as system information, a reproduced image of a recorded image, and a menu concerning wireless function setting. The user can input various kinds of operations using an operation unit (not shown) and an operation menu displayed on the display unit  150  so as to transmit instructions to the system controller  140 . 
     The communication memory card  160  includes a NAND flash memory device  161 , card controller  162 , and RF circuit  163 . Upon receiving a write command from the card control unit  130  of the digital camera  100  serving as a host, the card controller  162  writes an image file in the NAND flash memory device  161  serving as a storage device. The card controller  162  also periodically monitors written files. Upon detecting image file write from the file control unit  132 , the card controller  162  transfers the image file to an external storage device by wireless communication via the RF circuit  163 . Note that the card controller  162  includes a processor  162   a , ROM  162   b , and RAM  162   c . The processor  162   a  executes various kinds of programs stored in the ROM  162   b , thereby executing each processing in the communication memory card  160 . 
     Note that control of the digital camera  100  may be done by a piece of hardware. Alternatively, a plurality of pieces of hardware may share the processing to control the entire apparatus. This also applies to control of the communication memory card  160 . 
       FIG. 2A  is a view showing the switching timing of the wireless communication function setting menu display state according to the memory card attachment state in the digital camera of the first embodiment. The upper line of  FIG. 2A  indicates the state and type of a memory card attached to the card control unit  130 , and the lower line indicates the display state of the wireless function setting menu in a menu list. Upon shipping the digital camera from the factory, the wireless function setting menu is set in a nondisplay state (before a timing  202 ). When the card detection unit  131  detects attachment of a general memory card (timing  202 ), the nondisplay state (e.g. a wireless function setting tab/menu is grayed out or deactivated), that is, the invalid state of the wireless function setting menu is maintained (the section between the timings  202  and  203 ). Even after the memory card is detached (timing  203 ), the nondisplay state of the wireless function setting menu is maintained, and the wireless function setting menu remains invalid (the section between the timings  203  and  204 ). 
     When the card detection unit  131  detects attachment of the communication memory card  160  (timing  204 ), the wireless function setting menu changes to the display state, that is, the valid state (the section between the timings  204  and  205 ). Even after the communication memory card  160  is detached (timing  205 ), the display state (valid state) of the wireless function setting menu is maintained (the section between the timings  205  and  206 ). Upon detecting attachment of a general memory card (timing  206 ), the wireless function setting menu changes to the nondisplay state again. 
       FIGS. 3A ,  3 B, and  3 C are views showing examples of an operation menu according to the embodiment. In this embodiment, an operation environment using the operation menu as shown in  FIGS. 3A to 3C  is provided to the user.  FIG. 3A  is a view showing an example of menu display on the display unit  150  when the wireless function setting menu is not displayed.  FIG. 3B  is a view showing an example of menu display on the display unit  150  when a wireless function setting menu  301  is displayed. When the wireless function setting menu changes to the display state, the wireless function setting menu  301  is added to the menu list displayed by selecting a tab  311 , as shown in  FIG. 3B . When the user selects the wireless function setting menu  301 , a window  302  to be used to switch the wireless function setting is displayed, as shown in  FIG. 3C , so as to set “on/off” of the wireless function. If “off” is set on this window, the wireless function control unit  133  shifts to a mode to prohibit transmission of any radio wave from the communication memory card  160 . Hence, the user who uses the digital camera and the communication memory card  160  in a place where wireless transmission is prohibited can set the wireless function to “off”. 
       FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating valid/invalid switching processing of the wireless function setting menu by the system controller  140 . Upon detecting attachment of a memory card (S 401 ), the card detection unit  131  obtains type information of the memory card (S 402 ). The system controller  140  determines based on the type information obtained by the card detection unit  131  whether the attached memory card is a communication memory card (S 403 ). If it is a communication memory card, the system controller  140  validates the wireless function setting menu  301  (S 404 ). If NO in step S 403 , the system controller  140  invalidates the wireless function setting menu  301  (S 405 ). Note that validating the wireless function setting menu  301  means that when the menu list is displayed by selecting the tab  311  or the like, the wireless function setting menu  301  is displayed so as to be selectable by a user operation. Invalidating the wireless function setting menu  301  means that when the menu list is displayed, the wireless function setting menu  301  is not displayed so as to be unselectable by a user operation. Note that in this embodiment, the menu is not displayed in the invalid state. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the menu may be grayed out. 
     As described above, in the first embodiment, the display state of the wireless function setting menu is switched in accordance with the type of attached memory card. Even when the memory card is detached, the display state of the wireless function setting menu is held. Note that a memory function of holding the menu state is provided in the wireless function control unit  133  and configured to be nonvolatile even when the system is powered off. 
     As described above, in the first embodiment, the operation menu concerning wireless communication function setting is validated during the period of attachment of a recording medium (for example, communication memory card  160 ) having a wireless communication function is being detected. After validated, the operation menu concerning wireless communication function setting is invalidated on condition of not only the simple detached state of the recording medium with the wireless communication function but also detection of occurrence of a specific event. That is, the operation menu concerning wireless communication function setting changes to the nondisplay state when a predetermined event (in the first embodiment, attachment of a general memory card without the communication function) is detected in a state in which the recording medium having the wireless communication function is not attached. 
     According to the above-described first embodiment, the display state of the wireless function setting menu is controlled in accordance with the type of previously attached memory card. Hence, if a user who uses a communication memory card moves to a place where the wireless function should be off, the wireless function setting menu is displayed even when the memory card is temporarily detached. When the user changes the wireless function to off setting by the menu, and then attaches a communication memory card, it can be used as a simple memory card without transmitting any radio wave. For a user who does not use a communication memory card, the wireless function setting menu is always nondisplayed, and the operability is prevented from being poor due to unnecessary menu display. 
     &lt;Second Embodiment&gt; 
     In the second embodiment, an arrangement will be described, which not only performs valid/invalid switching of the wireless function setting menu according to the first embodiment but also displays (validates) the wireless function setting menu even upon detecting the detached state of a memory card. That is, in the second embodiment, the wireless function setting menu is not displayed only during a period a general memory card is attached. Note that the arrangements of a digital camera  100  and a communication memory card  160  of the second embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment ( FIG. 1 ), and an illustration and description thereof will be omitted. 
       FIG. 2B  is a view showing the switching timing of the wireless communication function setting menu display state according to the memory card attachment state in the digital camera of the second embodiment. The upper line of  FIG. 2B  indicates the type of a memory card attached to a card control unit  130 , and the lower line indicates the display state of the wireless function setting menu in a menu list. In the second embodiment, the wireless function setting menu is displayed in the initial state (before a timing  212 ). When attachment of a general memory card is detected (timing  212 ), the wireless function setting menu changes to the nondisplay state (invalid state) (the section between the timings  212  and  213 ). When the memory card is detached, and the detached state of the memory card is detected (timing  213 ), the wireless function setting menu changes to the display state (valid state) (the section between the timings  213  and  214 ). 
     When attachment of the communication memory card  160  is detected (timing  214 ), the wireless function setting menu maintains the display state (valid state) (the section between the timings  214  and  215 ). Even after the communication memory card  160  is detached (timing  215 ), the display state (valid state) of the wireless function setting menu is maintained (the section between the timings  215  and  216 ). In the example shown in  FIG. 2B , the wireless function setting menu is always displayed in the section between the timings  213  and  216 . When a general memory card is attached, a wireless function setting menu  301  changes to the nondisplay state again (timing  216 ). 
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating valid/invalid switching processing of the wireless function setting menu  301  by a system controller  140  according to the second embodiment. Upon detecting attachment of a memory card (S 501 ), a card detection unit  131  obtains type information of the memory card (S 502 ). The system controller  140  determines based on the type information whether the attached memory card is a communication memory card (S 503 ). Upon determining that it is a general memory card, the wireless function setting menu  301  is invalidated (S 505 ). If card attachment is not detected, that is, a card detached state is detected in step S 501 , the system controller  140  validates the wireless function setting menu  301  (S 507 ). Note that even when attachment of the communication memory card  160  is detected in step S 503 , the system controller  140  validates the wireless function setting menu  301  (S 504 ). This is to cope with a situation that the general memory card is exchanged with the communication memory card  160  in a power-off state, and the digital camera  100  is then powered on. 
     As described above, the period the wireless function setting menu is displayed in the second embodiment corresponds to the sum of the period defined in the first embodiment and the period the card detection unit  131  detects the card detached state. That is, the wireless function setting menu is invalid only during the period a general memory card is attached. In the first embodiment, the memory function of holding the menu state during power-off is necessary. In the second embodiment, however, such a memory function is unnecessary. 
     According to the above-described second embodiment, for a user who uses a general memory card, display of the wireless function setting menu is invalid, and the operability is prevented from being poor due to unnecessary menu display. If a user who uses a communication memory card moves to a place where the wireless function should be off, the valid state of the wireless function setting menu is maintained even after the memory card is detached. Hence, when the user changes the wireless function to off setting by the menu, and then attaches a communication memory card, it can be used as a simple memory card without transmitting any radio wave. The arrangement can also cope with a situation that the user wants to use a communication memory card as a simple memory card during use of a general memory card. In this case, the general memory card is detached for card exchange, and the wireless function setting menu is displayed at that point of time. Hence, when the user changes the wireless function to off setting, and then attaches a communication memory card, it can be used as a simple memory card without transmitting any radio wave. 
     &lt;Third Embodiment&gt; 
     In the third embodiment, an explicit user instruction to invalidate a wireless function setting menu  301  is used as the above-described specific event. More specifically, in the third embodiment, until a communication memory card  160  is attached, the wireless function setting menu  301  is invalid. Once the communication memory card  160  is attached, the wireless function setting menu  301  is validated. When the wireless function setting menu  301  is valid, and no communication memory card is attached, an operation menu for returning the wireless function setting menu  301  to the nondisplay state is provided. Note that the arrangements of a digital camera  100  and the communication memory card  160  of the third embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment ( FIG. 1 ), and an illustration and description thereof will be omitted. 
       FIG. 2C  is a view showing the valid/invalid state switching timing of the communication function setting menu according to the memory card attachment state in the third embodiment. The upper line of  FIG. 2C  indicates the type of a memory card attached to a card control unit  130 , the intermediate line indicates the display state of the wireless function setting menu in a menu list, and the lower line indicates an erase menu display state upon selecting the wireless function setting menu. 
     Until the communication memory card  160  is attached (up to a timing  224 ), the wireless function setting menu  301  is not displayed (the section between timings  221  and  224 ). When the communication memory card  160  is attached (timing  224 ), the wireless function setting menu is displayed. When the communication memory card  160  is detached (timing  225 ), a wireless function setting menu erase menu  303  (FIG.  3 D) is displayed, which serves as a menu for returning the wireless function setting menu  301  to the nondisplay state. 
       FIG. 3B  shows an example of menu display on a display unit  150  when the wireless function setting menu  301  is displayed. Once the communication memory card  160  is attached, the wireless function setting menu  301  is displayed in the menu list, as shown in  FIG. 3B . When the communication memory card  160  is then detached, the operation window of the wireless function setting menu  301  includes the erase menu  303  to erase the wireless function setting menu  301 . That is, when the user selects the wireless function setting menu  301  in  FIG. 3B , a window for switching the setting ( FIG. 3D ) is presented to allow the user to select wireless function setting from “on/off/silent”. The difference from  FIG. 3C  is that the erase menu  303  to instruct to erase the wireless function setting menu is added. When the user selects menu erase, the wireless function setting menu  301  is erased from the menu list so as to change the display to that in  FIG. 3A . Note that in this third embodiment, if the user selects the wireless function setting menu  301  while keeping the communication memory card attached, the window without the erase menu  303  is displayed, as shown in  FIG. 3C . 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating valid/invalid switching processing of the wireless function setting menu  301  by the card control unit  130  and a system controller  140  according to the third embodiment. Upon detecting attachment of a memory card (S 601 ), a card detection unit  131  obtains type information of the memory card (S 602 ). The system controller  140  determines based on the obtained type information whether the attached memory card is a communication memory card (S 603 ). If it is a communication memory card, the wireless function setting menu  301  is validated (S 604 ). Since the communication memory card is attached at this point of time, the system controller  140  invalidates the erase menu  303  to erase the wireless function setting menu  301  from the menu items (S 608 ). 
     If the attached memory card is a general memory card (NO in step S 603 ), or no card is attached at all (NO in step S 601 ), the system controller  140  determines whether the wireless function setting menu  301  is valid (S 606 ). If the wireless function setting menu  301  is invalid, the processing ends directly. On the other hand, upon determining in step S 606  that the wireless function setting menu  301  is valid, the system controller  140  changes the above-described erase menu  303  to the valid state (S 609 ). This allows to display the operation window additionally including the erase menu  303 , as shown in  FIG. 3D , when the user selects the wireless function setting menu  301 . Upon detecting in this state that the user has selected the erase menu  303  (S 610 ), the system controller  140  changes the wireless function setting menu  301  and the erase menu  303  to the invalid state (S 611  and S 612 ). 
     As described above, in the third embodiment, upon detecting the detached state of a communication memory card in the valid state of the wireless function setting menu, the operation menu to erase the wireless function setting menu is validated and additionally displayed. In the third embodiment, the display state of the wireless function setting menu is switched in accordance with the type of attached memory card, as in the first embodiment. Even when the memory card is detached, the valid state of the wireless function setting menu is held. Hence, a memory function of holding information representing whether a communication memory card is attached is provided in wireless function control unit  133  so that the stored contents are nonvolatile even when the system is powered off. When the user selects the wireless function setting menu erase menu, the state of the memory function is cleared to enable returning to the state before the communication memory card is attached for the first time. 
     According to the third embodiment, since the wireless communication function setting menu is invalidated by the explicit user operation, a user-friendly user interface can be provided. 
     &lt;Fourth Embodiment&gt; 
     In the fourth embodiment, a power-off operation is used as the above-described specific event. More specifically, in the fourth embodiment, a wireless function setting menu  301  is not displayed during a period after the system. is powered on until a communication memory card  160  is attached. Once the communication memory card  160  is attached, the wireless function setting menu  301  maintains the display state until the system is powered off. Although the fourth embodiment is similar to the third embodiment, the implementation can be simplified because the menu display state needs not be held during the system power-off period. 
     In the fourth embodiment, the block configuration is the same as that of the digital camera  100  of the first embodiment, and a description of the block diagram will not be repeated. 
       FIG. 2D  is a view showing the switching timing of the wireless communication function setting menu display state according to the type of memory card in a digital camera  100  of the fourth embodiment. The upper line of  FIG. 2D  indicates the type of a memory card attached to a card control unit  130 , the intermediate line indicates the display state of the wireless function setting menu  301  in a menu list, and the lower line indicates the power state of the system. In the example shown in  FIG. 2D , when the system power changes from off to on (timing  231 ), the wireless function setting menu  301  is not displayed because no communication memory card is attached. Even when a general memory card is attached and detached, the wireless function setting menu  301  maintains the nondisplay state (timings  232  and  233 ). Once the communication memory card  160  is attached (timing  234 ), the wireless function setting menu  301  is displayed. From then on, until the system is powered off (timing  237 ), the display state is maintained independently of the memory card attachment state (timings  234  to  237 ). When the system is powered off and then on next time, the wireless function setting menu  301  is not displayed (invalid) when executing initialization processing upon power-on (timing  238 ). Note that although not illustrated, when the power of the system changes from on to off (off to on) while the communication memory card is attached, the wireless function setting menu  301  is immediately displayed. 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating valid/invalid switching processing of the wireless function setting menu  301  by the card control unit  130  and a system controller  140  according to the fourth embodiment. If initialization processing has not finished yet, the system controller  140  invalidates the wireless function setting menu  301  (S 701 , S 702 ). Note that initialization processing is to be performed first after the system is powered off. When initialization processing has ended a card detection unit  131  detects attachment of a memory card (S 703 ), and obtains type information of the memory card (S 704 ). The system controller  140  determines whether the attached memory card is a communication memory card (S 705 ). If it is a communication memory card, the wireless function setting menu  301  is validated (S 706 ). On the other hand, upon determining that the attached memory card is a general memory card (NO in step S 705 ), or card attachment is not detected (card detached state) (NO in step S 703 ), the processing ends. 
     As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, display of the wireless function setting menu starts at the timing of attachment of a communication memory card. Display of the wireless function setting menu ends at the execution timing of initialization processing upon powering on the system after power-off. 
     Note that in the first, third, and fourth embodiments, the wireless function setting menu is not displayed before a communication memory card is attached for the first time. A communication memory card may be attached for the first time in a place where wireless transmission is prohibited. To cope with such a scene, the system may be activated under a setting that prohibits wireless transmission by default (that is, automatically) if a communication memory card is attached in the nondisplay state of the wireless function setting menu. In this case, the system is preferably configured to immediately start the menu to enable the wireless communication function. 
     Note that the above-described embodiments are mere examples of the present invention, and may be combined as needed. 
     In the above-described embodiments, one card slot is provided. However, the present invention is also applicable to a system having a plurality of card slots. For example, the valid/invalid state of the wireless function setting menu is switched for each card slot, and the processing described in each embodiment is performed for each card slot. Alternatively, for example, the determination in step S 403  of the first embodiment is changed to “does any card slot have a communication memory card attached?” so as to generally determine the states of the plurality of card slots. In this case, if at least one card slot has a communication memory card attached to it, the wireless function setting menu is validated. Otherwise, an independent wireless function setting menu may be provided for each card slot. This function is implemented by interpedently (independently) executing, for each card slot, the control associated with the wireless function setting menu of the above-described embodiments. 
     As described above, according to the embodiments, it is possible to display the menu concerning the communication memory card without degrading the operability for the user. 
     Note that in the above-described embodiments, a communication memory card having a communication function is applied as a first storage medium having a predetermined function, and a general memory card is applied as a second storage medium that does not have the predetermined function. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a memory card having a specific image processing function may be used as the first storage medium, and a memory card that does not have the specific image processing function may be used as the second storage medium. 
     Aspects of the present invention can also be realized by a computer of a system or apparatus (or devices such as a CPU or MPU) that reads out and executes a program recorded on a memory device to perform the functions of the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method, the steps of which are performed by a computer of a system or apparatus by, for example, reading out and executing a program recorded on a memory device to perform the functions of the above-described embodiment(s). For this purpose, the program is provided to the computer for example via a network or from a recording medium of various types serving as the memory device (for example, computer-readable storage medium. 
     While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions. 
     This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-286963, filed Dec. 17, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.