Information processing apparatus and method for operating same

Abstract

When the power supply is turned on, the value of a mode flag first is set to 0, the mode flag is evaluated, and processing of the record mode is executed. In the record mode, charging processing of the strobe is performed for a specified interval of time, and the strobe can be reliably caused to flash. Charging processing of the strobe is not performed while processing of reproduction (play) mode or another mode is being performed, and battery consumption is controlled.

Description

[0001]This is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 12 / 222,266 filed Aug. 6, 2008, which in turn is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 10 / 634,924 filed Aug. 6, 2003, which in turn is a Division of application Ser. No. 08 / 882,406 filed Jun. 25, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,628,336, which claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. HEI-8-164288 filed Jun. 25, 1996. The disclosures of the prior applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of Invention[0003]The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, for example, an information processing apparatus well-suited for use in an electronic camera, and the like, that converts an image of an object to digital data and records the data. The invention also relates to a method for operating an information processing apparatus.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]In contrast to cameras using film, electronic cameras photograph images o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that can record and play back information. The apparatus includes an input device for inputting information, a memory device for storing the information, a power supply for supplying electric power to the input device, an indicator for indicating the power supply, and a mode switching device for switching between a first mode for storing information and a second mode for playing back the stored information. The apparatus can also have an imaging device for capturing images and a sound input device for inputting sound. The power supply can be stopped when the second mode is switched by the mode switching device. The apparatus can also have a display for displaying the information and an indicator for indicating the start of recording and playing back the information. The technical effects of the invention include the ability to automatically enter a mode capable of storing information when power supply is turned on and the ability to have information stored immediately when wishing to have it stored.

Problems solved by technology

However, there was a problem that, when a switch for setting record mode and reproduction (play) mode is provided separately from the power supply switch, and when wishing to photograph a specified object, it is necessary to operate the setting switch after having first turned on the power supply switch, and opportunities for photography and sound recording may be missed.

Also, there was a problem that, when the power supply switch serves also as a setting switch for performing setting of record mode and reproduction (play) mode, and when having attempted to photograph a specified object, the reproduction (play) mode may get set by operational error, and opportunities for photography and sound recording may be missed.

Furthermore, when attempting to perform photography, having suddenly set to record mode, opportunities for photography may be missed due to the strobe not being fully charged in time.

Thus, because charging of the strobe occurs during the reproduction (play) mode, there was a problem that the batteries could wear out prematurely.

Images