Patent Document

This patent application claims priority from a Japanese patent application No. 2000-107159 filed on Apr. 7, 2000, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a portable multi-function apparatus and a controller. More particularly, the present invention relates to a portable multi-function apparatus and controller that may be operable both in a camera operation mode and an audio operation mode. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A controller that can be attached to a main body of portable audio equipment has been invented. Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. H6-52095, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H7-326871, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H7-326872 disclose portable audio equipments with a detachable operation member. 
     As to portable multi-function apparatus, a type of portable multi-function apparatus loaded with a plurality of memory cards has been invented. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-51723, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H5-49000, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H5-91455 disclose portable multi-function apparatus having a plurality of memory cards. 
     Moreover, a type of portable multi-function apparatus with audio functions has been invented. 
     When a controller controls a portable multi-function apparatus with audio functions, both a controlling member for controlling audio functions and a controlling member for controlling portable multi-function apparatus functions are needed. Thus, the size of a controller becomes bigger and uneconomical. Usability also decreases when a controller is attached to a main body. On the other hand, if a plurality of recording media is loaded, user-friendliness of a portable multi-function apparatus with a controller is not considered. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a portable multi-function apparatus and a controller, which is capable of overcoming the above drawbacks accompanying the conventional art. The above and other objects can be achieved by combinations described in the independent claims. The dependent claims define further advantageous and exemplary combinations of the present invention. 
     According to a first aspect of the present invention, a portable multi-function apparatus having a camera operation mode and an audio operation mode, the apparatus comprises: a main body; an image capturing section in the main body operable in the camera operation mode, the image capturing section comprising an image recording part and a recorded image playback part; an audio data playing section in the main body operable in the audio operation mode; and a controller operatively connectable with the image capturing section and the audio data playing section, the controller comprising at least one common operation member and a second function, different from the first function, in the audio operation mode. 
     The common operation member may be a release switch operable as a shutter switch in the camera operation mode and as an audio operation switch in the audio operation mode. 
     The controller may be attachable to the main body, the controller being positioned at an upper right corner of the main body, when viewed from a side of an ocular finder of the main body, when attached to the main body. 
     The controller may be attachable to the main body, the common operation member of the controller being positioned at a top right position of the main body, when viewed from a side of a finder of the main body, and the common operation member may be operable as a release switch for the camera operation mode when the controller is attached to the main body. 
     The controller may be attachable to the main body at a position such that, when orientation of the main body is changed, the controller is operable with an operational posture that is same to an operational posture for the controller before the changed orientation of the main body. 
     The controller may be attachable to the main body so as to be positioned at an upper right position, as viewed from a side of an ocular finder of the main body, when a picture is taken with a shorter side of the main body on top. 
     The controller may be attachable to the main body and include a headphone terminal, the headphone terminal may be exposed on an outer surface of the controller when the controller is attached to the main body. 
     The main body may include a controller-detecting section for detecting a loading of the controller. 
     The controller may automatically switch an operational mode to the camera operation mode when the controller-detecting section detects the loading of the controller, and the controller automatically may switch the operational mode to the audio operation mode when the controller-detecting section does not detect the loading of the controller. 
     The controller may switch to an exclusive use of the camera operation mode when the controller-detecting section detects the loading of the controller, and the controller may switch to an exclusive use of the audio operation mode when the controller-detecting section does not detect the loading of the controller. 
     The controller is operatively connected with the image capturing section and the audio data playing section by a wireless connection. 
     The controller may be operatively connected with the image capturing section and the audio data playing section by a cable connection. 
     According to a second aspect of the invention, a portable multi-function apparatus operable in a camera operation mode and an audio operation mode, the apparatus comprises: a main body; and a controller operatively connectable with the main body for an audio operation and a camera operation thereof; wherein: the main body includes a detachable first recording medium; and the controller includes a detachable second recording medium. 
     If the second recording medium is loaded, the second recording medium may be automatically selected and used when the controller is in an audio operation mode and, if the first recording medium is loaded, the first recording medium may be automatically selected and used when the controller is in a camera operation mode. 
     The data may be transferable between the first recording medium and the second recording medium. 
     The main body may include a first battery and the controller includes a second battery; and the first battery may charge the second battery with electricity when the controller is loaded on the main body. 
     According to a third aspect of the invention, a controller for operatively associating with a portable multi-function apparatus, which is operable in a camera operation mode and an audio operation mode, the controller comprises: at least one common operation member operable to perform a first function of the portable multi-function apparatus in the camera operation mode thereof and a second function of the multi-function apparatus, different from the first function, in the audio operation mode thereof; and an operation signal transmitting output connecting to the common operation member. 
     The controller may further comprise a first recording medium operable in the audio operation mode of the portable multi-function apparatus. 
     The first recording medium may communicate with a second recording medium installed in the multi-function apparatus to transfer data back and forth. 
     The controller may further comprise an engaging member, which is detachably engageable with the portable multi-function apparatus. 
     The summary of the invention does not necessarily describe all necessary features of the present invention. The present invention may also be a sub-combination of the features described above. The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing an entire structure of a portable multi-function apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing a structure of a controller-operating unit of a controller. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary diagram showing functions of an audio operation mode and a camera operation mode, which are the common controlling member of the remote controlling unit. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic view showing the exterior of the portable multi-function apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram showing a view of a main body with a controller according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram showing a mechanism for detecting a loading of a controller on the main body. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram showing a view of a main body with a controller according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing an automatic selection of a controlling mode and an automatic selection of a recording medium. 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram showing the main body and the outline of a power supply unit of the controller. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic view showing the exterior of the portable multi-function apparatus with a wireless operation member according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a functional diagram showing the functional structure of the portable multi-function apparatus and the controller. 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart showing the process of notifying a user the state of the mode of the portable multi-function apparatus. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention will now be described based on the preferred embodiments, which do not intend to limit the scope of the present invention, but exemplify the invention. All of the features and the combinations thereof described in the embodiment are not necessarily essential to the invention. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram depicting an entire structure of a portable multi-function apparatus  10  according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The portable multi-function apparatus  10  according to the present embodiment records and reproduces videos (moving pictures) and sound as well as capturing still images. The portable multi-function apparatus  10  includes a main body  11  and a controller  13 . The main body  11  includes an image-capturing unit  20 , a sound-obtaining unit  130 , a control unit  40 , a processing unit  60 , a display unit  100 , and an operating unit of main body  110 . 
     The image-capturing unit  20  includes structural and electrical members pertaining to photographing and image forming. That is, image-capturing unit  20  is provided with a lens section  22 , which captures an image and processes the captured image, a diaphragm  24 , a shutter  26 , an optical LPF or low pass filter  28 , a CCD  30 , and a capture-signal processor  32 . The lens section  22  preferably includes afocus lens and a zoom lens. The structure makes it possible to form an image of an object on the surface of the light reception of the CCD  30 . Each sensor element of the CCD  30 , though it is not shown in  FIG. 1 , stores up electric charge (referred to as “stored electric charge” hereinafter). The stored electric charge is taken up with a read gate pulse to a shift register, which is not shown in  FIG. 1 , and subsequently taken out sequentially with a register transfer pulse as a voltage signal. 
     Since the portable multi-function apparatus  10  generally has an electric shutter function, a mechanical shutter such as the shutter  26  is not always necessary. A shutter drain is set up in the CCD  30  through a shutter gate in order to achieve the electric shutter function. When the shutter gate is activated, the stored electric charge is drained out to the shutter drain. Controlling the shutter gate may control shutter speed, which is the time to store up the electric charge in each sensor element. 
     The voltage signal output from the CCD  30 , that is, an analog signal, is color-separated by the capture-signal processor  32  into R, G and B elements, and the white balance is adjusted. The capture-signal processor  32  then takes place a gamma correction, sequentially converts the R, G and B signals from analog into digital form by the necessary timing, and outputs the obtained digital image data (referred to as “digital image data” hereinafter) to the processing unit  60 . 
     The image-capturing unit  20  further includes a finder  34  and an electronic flash  36 . The finder  34  may be equipped with an LCD, which is not shown in  FIG. 1 . In that case, the finder  34  displays various pieces of information provided by a main CPU  62  described later. The electronic flash  36  emits light when the energy stored in a capacitor, which is not shown in  FIG. 1 , is supplied to a discharge tube  36   a.    
     The sound-obtaining unit  130  includes structural members and electrical members for obtaining external sound. The sound-obtaining unit  130  includes a microphone for catching and processing sound and an audible signals processor  134 . The audible signal processor  134  sequentially converts the audible signals caught by the microphone  132  from analog to digital at a necessary timing. The audible signal processor  134  then outputs the obtained audio data (referred to as “digital audio data” hereinafter) to the processing unit  60 . The audible signal processor  134  may undertake processes such as for reducing noise or adjusting sound levels. 
     The image capturing control unit  40  includes a zoom lens driver  42 , a focus driver  44 , a diaphragm driver  46 , a shutter driver  48 , an image capturing system CPU  50 , which controls all of the above-mentioned drivers, a distance sensor  52 , and a photometry sensor  54 . Each of the drivers such as the zoom lens driver  42  has a driving means such as a stepping motor or the like. In a response to a snap of a release switch  114  described later, the distance sensor  52  gauges the distance defined between the camera and the object, and the photometry sensor  54  measures the brightness of the object. The gauged distance data (referred to as “gauged distance data” hereinafter) and the measured brightness data of the object (referred to as “measured luminance data” hereinafter) are transmitted to the image capturing system CPU  50 . The image capturing system CPU  50  controls the zoom lens driver  42  and the focus driver  44  based on the photograph information provided by a user such as the magnification of the zoom lens, and makes adjustments of the magnification of the zoom lens and focus for the lens section  22 . 
     The image capturing system CPU  50  determines an aperture value and a shutter speed, based on the integrated value of digital signals of RGB in one image frame, which is called as AE information. According to the aperture value and the shutter speed thus determined, the diaphragm driver  46  and the shutter driver  48  respectively adjust the amount of aperture and then drive the shutter  26  to open and close. 
     The processing unit  60  includes a main CPU  62  for controlling the entire portable multi-function apparatus  10 , especially the processing unit  60  itself, a memory controller  64 , which is controlled by the main CPU  62 , a YC processor  70 , a first recording medium controller  74 , a compression/extension processor  78 , a communication interface (I/F) section  80 , and an audio output section  94 . The main CPU  62  communicates necessary information with the image capturing system CPU  50  by serial communication, for example. A clock generator gives an operating clock of the main CPU  62 . The clock generator  88  also provides clocks of different frequencies respectively to the image capturing system CPU  50  and the display unit  100 . 
     The main CPU  62  is also comprised of a character generator  84  and a timer  86 . The timer  86  is backed up by batteries and continuously counts the time and date. This count value gives the main CPU  62  information about the time and date of photograph and other time information. The character generator  84  generates character information such as the time and date of photograph or a title. The character information is then appropriately superimposed with a photographic image. 
     The memory controller  64  controls a non-volatile memory  66  and a main memory  68 . The non-volatile memory  66  is comprised of components such as an EEPROM or electrically erasable and programmable read only memory, and a flash memory. The non-volatile memory  66  stores data such as setting information set by a user or an adjustment value before shipment, which should be kept even when the power of the portable multi-function apparatus  10  is turned off. The non-volatile memory  66  may store a boot program or a system program of the main CPU  62  if necessary. On the other hand, the main memory  68  may generally be a relatively inexpensive memory having a large capacity such as a DRAM or dynamic random access memory. The main memory  68  has: a frame memory function, which stores data that is output from the image-capturing unit  20  and the sound-obtaining unit  130 ; a system memory function, which is loaded with various programs; and a work area function. The non-volatile memory  66  and the main memory  68  interact data with the components of the inside and outside of the processing unit  60  via a main bus  82 . 
     The YC processor  70  undertakes a Y-to-C conversion on digital image data and generates a luminance signal Y and a chrominance signal B-Y and R-Y. The memory controller  64  temporarily stores the luminance signal and the chrominance signal in the main memory  68 . The compression/extension processor  78  sequentially reads the luminance signal and the chrominance signal from the main memory  68 . The compression/extension processor then compresses the luminance signal and the chrominance signal. A memory card, which is one kind of the first recording medium  76 , writes through the first recording medium controller  74  the compressed data described above (referred to as “compressed data” hereinafter). 
     The processing unit  60  further includes an encoder  72 . The encoder  72  inputs a luminance signal and a chrominance signal. Then, the encoder  72  converts the luminance signal and the chrominance signal into video signals such as National Television System Committee (NTSC) and Phase Alternation by Line (PAL) signals. The encoder  72  outputs the converted video signals through a video output terminal  90 . In order to generate a video signal from the data recorded in the first recording medium  76 , firstly the data is transmitted to the compression/extension processor  78  through the first recording medium controller  74 . Then, the data, which has been subjected to a necessary process by the compression/extension processor  78 , is converted into a video signal by the encoder  72 . 
     The communication I/F section  80  controls such as a protocol conversion based on a communication specification for which the portable multi-function apparatus  10  supports, that is, a specification such as USB, RS-232C, or Ethernet, for example. The communication I/F section  80  may be provided with a driver IC if necessary, and communicates through external devices including networks and a connector  92 . Other than those standard specifications, the communication I/F section may have a structure that exchanges data, through a particular interface, with an external device such as a printer, a karaoke device, or a game device. 
     The audio output section  94  undertakes a processing to output the audio data, which is read from the main memory  68  or a first recording medium  76 , to outside through a speaker  98  or a later-described headphone connection terminal  96 . In particular, such processes as a D/A conversion, an extension, and amplification are undertaken. The main CPU  62  may undertake a part of or all of these processes. 
     The display unit  100  includes an LCD monitor  102 . A monitor driver  106 , which is an LCD driver, respectively controls the LCD monitor  102 . The LCD monitor  102  may be, for example, a 2-inch monitor, and is set in the back of a camera. The LCD monitor  102  displays object images or reproduction images. 
     The operating unit  110  includes the main body  11  and a power switch  112  for selecting on and off of the power supply of the controller  13 . The operating unit  110  may include apparatuses and electric members, which are necessary for a user to set or instruct the operation or the mode of the operation of the portable multi-function apparatus  10 . 
     The first recording medium controller  74  undertakes a process such as a generation of necessary signals, a logic conversion, or a voltage conversion between the main bus  82  and the first recording medium  76  according to a signal specification recognized by the first recording medium  76  and a bus specification of the main bus  82 . When an external memory such as a memory card is connected as the first recording medium  76 , reading and writing of data may be undertaken through the same data bus. An external memory controller as an example of the first recording medium controller  74  controls reading and writing of data through the same data bus. The portable multi-function apparatus  10  may support a standard I/O card for PCMCIA-compliant, for example, other than the above-described memory card, as the first recording medium  76 . In that case, the first recording medium controller  74  may constitute with a bus controller LSI for PCMCIA-compliant. 
     (Operation Member) 
     The controller  13  includes a CPU of operation member  63 , a panel driver  108 , an LCD panel  104 , a second recording medium controller  144 , a second recording medium  146 , the headphone connection terminal  96 , and a later-described operation member-operating unit  111 . 
     The CPU of operation member  63  controls the controller  13 . The headphone connection terminal  96  connects a headphone. Audio data output by the audio output section  94  is out put to the headphone through the headphone connection terminal  96 . 
     The panel driver  108  controls the LCD panel  104 . The LCD panel  104  may be, for example, a small monochrome LCD. The LCD panel  104  simply displays information such as the image quality described as FINE/NORMAL/BASIC, on/off of the electronic flash, the standard number of possible photographs, the number of pixels, the amount of batteries, the present operational mode (camera operation mode or audio operation mode), magnification of a zoom lens for photographing or reproducing, the present mode (image or music playback (reproduction) mode), the amount of power left in the batteries, and time and date. 
     The second recording medium controller  144  undertakes a process such as a generation of necessary signals, a logic conversion, or a voltage conversion between the main bus  82  and the second recording medium  146  according to a signal specification recognized by the second recording medium  146  and a bus specification of the main bus  82 . When an external memory such as a memory card is connected as the second recording medium  146 , reading and writing of data may be undertaken through the same data bus. An external memory controller as an example of the second recording medium controller  144  controls reading and writing of data through the same data bus. The portable multi-function apparatus  10  may support a memory stick other than the above-described memory card, as the second recording medium  146 . 
     The data of the second recording medium  146  and the first recording medium  76  may be transmitted to each other through the main bus  82 . 
     The second recording medium  146  may be smaller in size compared to the first recording medium  76 . Then, the size of the controller  13  may become smaller thereby portability may be improved. 
     The first recording medium  76  may have larger capacity for memory. Thus, backups of data become possible by transferring the data of the second recording medium to the first recording medium. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing a structure of a controller-operating unit  111  of a controller  13 . The controller-operating unit  111  includes apparatuses and electric members, which are necessary for a user to set or instruct the operation or the modes of the main body  11  and the controller  13 . The controller  13  makes it possible to operate the camera and the audio. An example of the controller  13  is a remote controller. 
     The controller-operating unit  111  includes a release switch  114 , a zoom switch  118 , a function setting section  116 , and a data selection switch  119 . These switches may function as a common operation member used for different operations respectively as the camera operation mode and the audio operation mode. 
     The operation made by the controller  13  may be exchanged between the camera operation mode and the audio operation mode by the function setting section  116 , which includes a rotary mode dial or a cross key. 
     For the camera operation mode, the release switch  114  has a two-step structure of switch positions, including two switches to be operated respectively in the two types of position state: the half-position state and the full-position state. For example, the half-position switch undertakes a recording quality adjustment processing, such as an auto focus and an auto exposure. Subsequently, the full-position switch captures data such as an image and audio. 
     Then, after necessary processes such as signal processing and the compression of data, the captured image will be stored in the main memory  68  or the first recording medium  76 . The function setting section  116  may accept a setting such as an image playback mode or an image photograph mode other than the exchanges between the camera operation mode and the audio operation mode. The zoom switch  118  is operated to set the zoom magnification. Examples of an operation or a function include “file format”, “special effects”, “photographic printing”, “confirm/ save”, and “display switching”, which may be designated by using the remote controlling unit  111 . The data selection switch  119  makes it possible to control the playback of audio data for the audio operation mode and to control the playback of video data (moving pictures) for the camera operation mode. 
     On the other hand, for the audio operation mode, the full-position switch of the release switch  114  undertakes a reproduction of music, and the half-position switch undertakes a pause. The zoom switch  118  is used for adjusting the volume of music. The data selection switch  119  is used for the selection of music numbers. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary diagram showing functions of the audio operation mode and the camera operation mode, which are the common controlling member of the remote controlling unit  111 . The release switch  114  has functions of the entire shutting operations for the camera operation mode. For the audio operation mode, the release switch  114  functions as a member for playing, stopping, and pausing music. The zoom switch  118  has functions of zooming operations of photographing images for the camera operation mode. For the audio operation mode, the zoom switch  118  functions as a member for adjusting volume. The data selection switch  119  has a single frame step function of playback images for the camera operation mode. For the audio operation mode, the data selection switch  119  functions as a member for forwarding and rewarding music numbers. Thus, by making the common member control different operations for the camera operation mode and the audio operation mode, the size of the controller  13  becomes smaller thereby portability improves. 
     The main operations according to the structures described above are as follows. 
     First, a power switch  112  of the portable multi-function apparatus  10  is turned on. Electric power is then supplied to each part of the camera. The portable multi-function apparatus  10  processes according to the camera operation mode or the audio operation mode, which is set by the function setting section  116 . 
     (The Camera Operation Mode) 
     If the portable multi-function apparatus  10  is in the still picture photograph mode, the main CPU  62  monitors the half-position state of the release switch  114 . When the main CPU  62  detects the half-position state, the main CPU  62  obtains photometry data and distance data from the photometry sensor  54  and the distance sensor  52 , respectively. The control unit  40  operates based on the obtained data, and adjustments, such as focus and an aperture of the photographic lens  22 , are made. When the adjustments are completed, the main CPU  62  displays letters such as “standby” on the LCD monitor  102  to notify the state to a user. 
     Then, the main CPU  62  monitors the full-position state of the release switch  114 . When the release switch  114  is pressed to the full-position, the shutter  26  is closed after a predetermined shutter time, and the stored electrical charge of the CCD  30  is drained to the image capturing signal processor  32 . The digital image data generated by the result of the process undertaken by the image capturing signal processor  32  is output to the main bus  82 . The generated digital image data is temporarily stored in the main memory  68 . Then, the stored digital image data is processed at the YC processor  70  and the compression/extension processor  78 . The processed digital image data is recorded in the first recording medium  76  via the first recording medium controller  74 . The recorded digital image data is displayed on the LCD monitor  102  in the frozen state for a period of time. Therefore, a user can check the photographed image. This process completes a series of photographing operations. 
     If the portable multi-function apparatus  10  is in the still picture play mode, the main CPU  62  reads image data of the picture taken last time from the main memory  68  through the memory controller  64 . The main CPU  62  then displays the image on the LCD monitor  102  of the display unit  100 . If a user instructs “next” or “back” at the data selection switch  119 , a photographed image taken before or after the presently displaying image is displayed on the LCD monitor  102 . 
     If the portable multi-function apparatus  10  is in the animation photograph mode, the main CPU  62  monitors the half-position state of the release switch  114 . When the main CPU  62  detects the half-position state, the main CPU undertakes a recording quality adjustment processing as in the still picture photograph mode described above. The main CPU then monitors the full-position state of the release switch  114 . When the release switch  114  is pressed to the full-position state, the stored electric charge of the CCD  30  is drained to the image capturing signal processor  32  based on the predetermined synchronized signal. Digital image data is sequentially stored in the first recording medium  76  by undertaking the same processes as in the still picture photograph mode. At the same time, audio data obtained by the audio obtaining unit  130  is sequentially stored in the first recording medium  76 . The main CPU  62  monitors the half-position state of the release switch  114  while recording animation. When the main CPU  62  detects the half-position state, the main CPU  62  stops recording animation and audio. 
     If the portable multi-function apparatus  10  is in the animation (video) play mode or the music play mode, the main CPU  62  reads animation (video) data or audio data from the first recording medium  76  or the second recording medium  146  based on the instruction of a user, which is communicated by the remote controlling unit  111 . For animation (video) data, the animation (video) data is given necessary processes at the compression/extension processor  78 , the YC processor  70 , and the audio output unit  94 . The image of the animation data is then displayed on the LCD monitor of the display unit  100 . Audio is then output to the headphone connection terminal  96  or the speaker  98 . 
     (The Audio Operation Mode) 
     When the portable multi-function apparatus is used for playing music the main CPU  62  reads music data from the first recording medium  76  or the second recording medium  146  based on the instructions of a user communicated by the remote controlling unit  111 . The audio data is given processes necessary for outputting audio, at the audio output unit  94 . The image data is then displayed on the LCD monitor  102  of the display unit  100 . Finally, the audio is output to the headphone connection terminal  96  or the speaker  98 . A user communicates the instructions, such as “play”, “stop”, “forward”, “reward”, “inverse”, and “pause,” through the release switch  114 , the function setting section  116 , and the data selection switch  119 , the audio operating unit  120 , or the animation (video) playback operating unit  122 . Thus, a user can play desired data. 
     Since the portable multi-function apparatus  10  has the common operation member used both for the camera operation and the audio operation, it is preferable to have some alert or notification function to tell or show the user which mode the portable multi-function apparatus is in at the time of its use. The release switch  114  may gleam with light, which is differently used for different operations with different colors. For example, the release switch  114  may have a green light when the portable multi-function apparatus  10  is used as a camera and have a red light when used as an audio player. The alert or notification may be made by a specific sound. The specific sound may sound differently for different operations. The display panel  102  or the LCD panel  104  may display some kinds of notice. The display panel  102  or the LCD panel  104  may also display only black screen to let the user know that the portable multi-function apparatus is in the audio operation mode. Moreover, when the portable multi-function apparatus  10  is in the audio operation mode, it is preferable for the user to not be able to see the view from the finder  34 . 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic view showing the exterior of the portable multi-function apparatus with audio functions according to the embodiment of the present invention. The portable multi-function apparatus according to the present embodiment is provided with an audio function. The portable multi-function apparatus  10  has the main body  11  and the controller  13 . The main body  11  can be operated as an audio player/recorder or a camera by the controller  13 . The controller  13  is switchable between the audio operation mode for performing as an audio player/recorder and the camera operation mode for performing as a camera. 
     The main body  11  includes a main body slot  140  and a controller load-detecting section  138 . The first recording medium  76  such as a memory device is inserted into the main body slot  140 . The opening of the main body slot  140  is normally closed by a lid (not shown in the drawings). When the first recording medium  76  is inserted into the main body slot  140 , the lid is closed so that the first recording medium  76  cannot be directly removed from the outside of the main body  11 . Thus, the first recording medium  76  is prevented from being easily removed. In particular, the first recording medium is prevented from being removed while the apparatus accesses the first recording medium to store image data while photographing images. 
     The controller  13  has a controller slot  142  for inserting the second recording medium  146  and a controller projection  136  used for detecting the loading of the controller  13 . When the controller  13  is loaded on the main body  11 , the controller projection  136  of the controller  13  comes into engagement with the controller load-detecting section  138  of the main body  11 , so that the loading of the controller  13  can be detected. The actual detection may be established by various ways. For example, mechanical switch, electric connection, magnetic connection or the like may be utilized. 
     The controller  13  is operated to control the operations of the main body  11 . The main body  11  and the controller  13  may be connected by the remote controlling cable  149  through which operation signals are transmitted between the main body  11  and the controller  13 . The cable  149  connects to an operation signal transmitting output (not shown) of the controller  13 . In this case, the controller  13  may be prevented from being lost because the remote controlling cable  149  always connects the controller  13  to the main body  11 . On the other hand, the operation signal may be transmitted without through the remote controlling cable  149 . In this case, portability excels since a user does not need to care about a cable wiring. 
       FIG. 5  is a diagram showing a perspective view of a main body  11  with a controller  13  according to an embodiment. The controller  13  is equipped at the position of the upper right corner at the side of the finder  34  of the main body  11 . Moreover, the release switch  114  of the controller  13  is placed at the top right from the view of the side of the finder  34 . Since the headphone connection terminal  96  is exposed to outside of the apparatus when the controller  13  is equipped to the main body  11 , the headphone connection terminal  96  of the controller  13  can be used even if the controller  13  is equipped to the main body  11 . 
       FIG. 6  is an enlarged view showing an example of a mechanism for detecting the loading of a controller  13  on the main body  11 . When the controller  13  is equipped on the main body  11 , the controller projection  136  of the controller  13  comes into contact with a boss  139  of the controller load-detecting section  138 , so that the boss  139  is pushed in the load-detecting section  138  and then a switch installed in the load-detecting section  138  is turned on for detection. When the controller load-detecting section  138  of the main body  11  detects a contact of the controller projection  136  of the controller, which is detected according to the loading of the controller  13 , the controller load-detecting section  138  transmits operation member detection signals to the main CPU  62  through the main bus  82  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Although the afore-mentioned embodiment employs an electrical switch for the detection of the loading of the controller  13 , it is not limited thereto or thereby. The detection of the loading of the controller  13  may also be realized by an optical detection method using an optical sensor or a magnetic detection method using a magnet other than the method used in the present embodiment. 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram showing a perspective view of the main body  11  with a controller  13  according to another embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment, when the main body  11  is in a vertical posture, the controller  13  is detached from a regular position of the main body  11  and mounted at the position of upper right corner of the side of the finder  34  of the main body  11 . , In this condition, the release switch  114  of the controller  13  is placed at the top right from the view of the side of the finder  34 . When a user desires to take a photograph of vertical posture, the user usually rotates the camera in 90 degrees counterclockwise. In this case, if the position of the release switch  114  is fixed or not flexible with respect to the camera body, the position of photographer&#39;s hands and fingers are changed from the usual position. However, according to the present invention, a user may take a photograph with the same position of hands and fingers as that for photographing a regular posture notwithstanding of the direction of the image. Thus, the operativity of photographing improves. 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing an automatic selection of a controlling mode and an automatic selection of a recording medium. In the operation, first, it is detected whether the controller  13  is equipped to the main body  11  at a step S 10 . If the controller load-detecting section  138  detects the controller  13  is equipped to the main body  11 , the mode of the portable multi-function apparatus  10  is changed to the camera operation mode at a step S 20 . If the controller  13  is not equipped to the main body  11 , the mode of the portable multi-function apparatus  10  is changed to the audio operation mode at a step S 30 . 
     In the camera operation mode, whether the first recording medium  76  is loaded is detected at a step S 40 . If the first recording medium  76  is loaded, the first recording medium  76  is used for storing data at a step S 50 . If the first recording medium  76  is not loaded, whether the second recording medium  146  is loaded is detected at a step S 60 . If the second recording medium  146  is loaded, the second recording medium  146  is used for storing data at a step S 70 . 
     On the other hand, in the audio operation mode, it is judged if the second recording medium  146  is loaded at a step S 80 . If the second recording medium is loaded, the second recording medium is used at a step S 90 . If the second recording medium in not loaded, whether the first recording medium  76  is loaded is detected at a step S 100 . If the first recording medium  76  is loaded, the first recording medium  76  is used at a step S 110 . 
     Since the portable multi-function apparatus  10  is often used as a camera operation, or the first recording medium  76  of the main body  11  is much used, when the controller  13  is equipped to the main body  11 , the operativity improves by the automatic selection of the operational mode and a recording medium as described above. After an operational mode and a recording medium are automatically selected, the operational mode and the recording medium may also be manually selected. 
       FIG. 9  is a schematic block diagram showing the main body  11  and the outline of a power supply unit  150  of the controller  13 . The main body  11  has a first power supply unit  150 , and the controller  13  has a second power supply unit  156 . The first power supply unit  150  includes a first battery  152  and a battery charger  154 . The second power supply unit  156  includes a second battery  158 . The battery charger  154  supplies power from the first battery  152  to the second battery  158  through the battery charger  154  when the voltage of the second battery  158  is lower than the voltage of the first battery  152 . 
     Thus, since power is supplied to the second battery  158  when the first battery  152  maintains sufficient voltage value even if the voltage of the second battery  158  is not enough, the controller  13  can operate the portable multi-function apparatus  10 . 
       FIG. 10  is a schematic perspective view showing the exterior of the portable multi-function apparatus  10  having audio functions with a wireless operation member according to an embodiment of the present invention. The controller  13  performs as a remote controller of the functions of the portable multi-function apparatus. The controller  13  is provided with the headphone connection terminal  96 , the second recording medium  146 , an LCD panel  104 , and the common operation members such as buttons and switches. A user may detach the controller  13  from the multi-function apparatus  10  to listen to music. That is, the user may use the controller  13  as a portable music player. In addition, the controller  13  may also be provided with an operation signal transmitting output connecting to the common operation member though not shown in the figure drawings, so that an operation signal generated as a result of the operation of the common operation members is transmitted to the multi-function apparatus  10 . The operation signal may be transmitted to the multi-function apparatus  10  through a wire or wireless. 
       FIG. 11  is a schematic functional diagram showing the functional structure of the portable multi-function apparatus  10  and the controller  13 . The portable multi-function apparatus  10  includes the image capturing section  10 A and the audio data playing section  10 B. The image capturing section  10 A undertakes the camera operation, and the audio data playing section  10 B undertakes the audio operation. It is apparent from  FIG. 11 , both the camera operation and the audio operation are operated by the controller  13 . 
       FIG. 12  is a flowchart showing the process of notifying a user of the state of the current mode of the portable multi-function apparatus  10 . When the mode of the portable multi-function apparatus  10  is changed at a step S 200 , the apparatus  10  detects whether the mode is in the camera operation mode at a step S 210 . If the mode is in the camera operation mode, the apparatus  10  notifies the user that the mode is in the camera operation mode at a step S 220 . If the mode is not in the camera operation mode, the apparatus  10  notifies the user that the mode is in the audio operation mode at a step S 230 . The various methods for notifying the user of the state of the mode may be employed depending on the requirement of each product, some of the examples have been described above, though. 
     Although the common operation member according to the present embodiment is used for a portable multi-function apparatus, which has the camera operation mode and the audio operation mode, it may also be used for a cellular phone and other electronic appliances. 
     As is obvious from the above-described descriptions, a portable multi-function apparatus that can control a camera operation and an audio operation by a compact operation member with excellent operability. 
     Although the present invention has been described by way of exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that those skilled in the art might make many changes and substitutions without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention which is defined only by the appended claims.

Technology Category: 5