Imaging communication system

Abstract

A digital camera connects to a cradle through a signal line. In a first mode, the digital camera in combination with a personal computer forms a transmission path through a USB interface to allow for communication. In a second mode, the digital camera performs an intervening function for communication between a mobile telephone and the personal computer through a short-distance wireless communication interface and the USB interface. In the first mode, image and other data stored in a memory card of the digital camera can be transmitted to the personal computer and image and other data from the personal computer can be transmitted to the digital camera. In the second mode, the digital camera acts as a transmitter-receiver terminal for communication between the personal computer and the mobile telephone. According to this imaging communication system, since the imaging apparatus also serves as a communication adapter, a host communication unit can communicate with any terminal unit other than the imaging apparatus in a wireless manner, with the imaging apparatus connected to the host communication unit for communication.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.