JP2006339723A - Electronic still camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic still camera creating moving passage data while suppressing an increase in the amount of data and the consumption of a battery. <P>SOLUTION: In the electronic still camera 1, when a control unit 14 is set to be a non-photography standby state, positioning data are acquired at a time interval of prescribed time C, and the acquired positioning data are recorded in a tracking log recorder 19a accumulatively. When the control unit 14 is set to be a photography standby state, the positioning data are acquired at a positioning interval A that is shorter than the time interval of the prescribed time C in the non-photography standby state, and only positioning data acquired immediately before a shutter button 5 is half-pressed are recorded in the tracking log recorder 19a. The positioning data are acquired at a time interval of prescribed time B that is longer than the positioning interval A, and the acquired positioning data are recorded in the tracking log recorder 19a accumulatively. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic still camera, and more particularly to an electronic still camera including a position detection unit that acquires positioning data.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a camera device (electronic still camera) that includes positioning means (position detection unit) that acquires positioning data and can record position information together with a captured image is known (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 5). .

  In Patent Document 1, a part of information acquired by various measuring units such as a GPS receiver is recorded together with image information (image data), and the remaining information is recorded in a separately provided data recording device. A camera with an information recording function is disclosed. In this camera with an information recording function, by turning on the power switch, power is supplied to each measurement unit such as a GPS receiver, and position data acquisition and measurement of each data are continuously performed.

  In addition, the electronic still camera disclosed in Patent Document 2 includes a positioning device (position detection unit) that measures the shooting position, and positioning data is acquired at the timing when the shooting preparation switch is turned on. It is comprised so that.

  In Patent Document 3, the positioning data is acquired at a predetermined timing such as when the power is turned on or off, or when the shooting interval by the shooting means exceeds a predetermined time, and the acquired positioning data and There has been disclosed a camera device configured to record a captured image (image data) in association with each other.

  Further, the above-mentioned Patent Document 4 is configured to acquire the positioning data at a predetermined timing such as before or after the shooting instruction and to record the acquired positioning data and the captured image (image data) in association with each other. An improved camera device is disclosed.

Patent Document 5 discloses an intermittent mode in which the reception operation is stopped for a predetermined time when the number of signals received from GPS satellites is equal to or less than a predetermined number, and a predetermined time during long-distance movement. There is disclosed a photographing apparatus that includes a movement mode in which reception is performed at intervals, and is configured to associate and record positioning data with a photographed photographed image (image data). In the moving mode of the photographing apparatus, since the received positioning data is updated and recorded in the memory, the positioning data is not accumulated and recorded in the memory.
Japanese Patent No. 3504990 Japanese Patent No. 2943265 JP 2001-103363 A JP 2001-166366 A JP-A-11-202041

  However, since the above-described conventional camera with an information recording function described in Patent Document 1 performs positioning data acquisition operation continuously as soon as the power is turned on, the amount of data recorded in the recording unit increases. At the same time, there is a problem that the battery is consumed quickly.

  In addition, the camera devices described in Patent Documents 2 to 4 acquire positioning data at predetermined timings such as when the shooting preparation switch is turned on, when the power is turned on or off, and before and after the shooting instruction. It is configured, and is not configured to automatically record positioning data continuously during movement. Accordingly, there is a problem that it is difficult to create movement route data based on all the positioning data during movement.

  In addition, the imaging device described in Patent Document 5 has a function of receiving GPS signals at predetermined time intervals and recording positioning data during long distance movement, but the received positioning data is updated and recorded. Since it is recorded in the apparatus, even if the positioning data is recorded during movement, it is not possible to record the entire process during movement. For this reason, there is a problem that it is difficult to record a traveling route such as a trip.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one object of the present invention is to create travel route data while suppressing an increase in data amount and battery consumption. Is to provide an electronic still camera.

  An electronic still camera according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an imaging unit for shooting a subject, a position detection unit that receives external signals and acquires positioning data, and positioning data acquired by the position detection unit. In the electronic still camera including the recording unit for recording the image acquired by the imaging unit and the control unit, the control unit acquires the positioning data at the first time interval in the non-photographing standby state. The acquired positioning data is controlled to be recorded in the recording unit in a cumulative manner, and in the shooting standby state, the positioning data is acquired at a second time interval shorter than the first time interval in the non-photographing standby state. In addition, control is performed so that only the positioning data acquired immediately before the predetermined operation among the acquired positioning data is recorded in the recording unit, and is larger than the second time interval. The positioning data is acquired at a time interval of 3, and the acquired positioning data is controlled to be recorded in the recording unit in a cumulative manner so that the position detection unit and the imaging unit can operate independently. It is configured.

In the electronic still camera according to the first aspect, as described above, the control unit is configured to control the acquired positioning data to be recorded in the recording unit in a non-shooting standby state. Since the positioning data acquired during the movement is recorded in the recording unit without being updated, it is possible to record the route of movement. In addition, the control unit acquires the positioning data at the first time interval in the non-photographing standby state, and in the case of the photographing standby state, the control unit is shorter than the first time interval in the non-photographing standby state. By adopting a configuration in which positioning data is acquired at a time interval of 2, it is possible to reduce the number of positioning data acquisition operations in the non-photographing standby state compared to the photographing standby state. Compared to the case where the time interval for acquiring the positioning data in the non-photographing standby state is the same, it is possible to suppress battery consumption in the positioning data acquisition operation. Further, when the control unit is configured to acquire the positioning data at a second time interval shorter than the first time interval in the non-photographing standby state in the photographing standby state, the short second time interval is obtained. Thus, the error between the time of shooting and the acquisition time of positioning data is reduced, so that the position information at the time of shooting can be acquired accurately. In addition, the control unit is configured to control so that only the positioning data acquired immediately before the predetermined operation among the positioning data acquired in the shooting standby state is recorded in the recording unit. Since positioning data other than immediately before is not recorded in the recording unit, an increase in the data amount of the recording unit can be suppressed. In addition, the control unit is controlled to acquire the positioning data at a third time interval larger than the second time interval and to record the acquired positioning data in the recording unit in a cumulative manner in the shooting standby state. With this configuration, since the positioning data acquired in the shooting standby state is recorded in the recording unit without being updated, the positioning data for creating the movement path data is recorded even in the shooting standby state. be able to. In addition, by configuring the position detection unit and the imaging unit so that each can operate independently, when only one of the position detection unit or the imaging unit is used, the other operation is stopped. Battery consumption can be further suppressed.

  An electronic still camera according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an imaging unit for photographing a subject, a position detection unit that receives a signal from the outside and acquires positioning data, and positioning data acquired by the position detection unit In the case of a non-shooting standby state and a recording unit for recording the positioning data, the positioning data is acquired at the first time interval, and the acquired positioning data is controlled to be recorded in the recording unit in a shooting standby state. In this case, a control unit that controls to acquire the positioning data at a second time interval different from the first time interval in the non-photographing standby state is provided.

  In the electronic still camera according to the second aspect, as described above, the control unit is configured to control the acquired positioning data to be recorded in the recording unit in a non-shooting standby state. Since the positioning data acquired during the movement is recorded in the recording unit without being updated, it is possible to record the route of movement. In addition, the control unit acquires positioning data at the first time interval in the non-photographing standby state, and in the photographing standby state, the control unit is different from the first time interval in the non-photographing standby state. By adopting a configuration that controls to acquire positioning data at two time intervals, the shooting standby state and non-photographing standby state and non-photographing standby state time intervals are compared with the time interval of the photographing standby state and the non-photographing standby state. Since the time interval in any of the shooting standby states can be increased, the number of positioning data acquisition operations in either the shooting standby state or the non-shooting standby state can be reduced. For this reason, it is possible to suppress battery consumption in the positioning data acquisition operation in either the shooting standby state or the non-shooting standby state, so the time interval in the shooting standby state and the time interval in the non-shooting standby state are the same time. Compared to the case of the interval, battery consumption can be suppressed.

  In the electronic still camera according to the second aspect, preferably, the control unit acquires the positioning data at a second time interval shorter than the first time interval in the non-photographing standby state in the photographing standby state. With this configuration, the error between the time of shooting and the acquisition time of positioning data is reduced by the short second time interval, so that the position information at the time of shooting can be accurately acquired.

  In the electronic still camera according to the second aspect, preferably, the control unit records, in the recording unit, only the positioning data acquired immediately before a predetermined operation among the positioning data acquired in the shooting standby state. To control. If comprised in this way, since positioning data other than immediately before predetermined | prescribed operation are not recorded on a recording part, the increase in the data amount of a recording part can be suppressed.

  In the electronic still camera according to the second aspect, preferably, the control unit acquires the positioning data at a third time interval larger than the second time interval in the shooting standby state, and the acquired positioning data. Is recorded in the recording unit in an accumulative manner. With this configuration, since the positioning data acquired in the shooting standby state is recorded in the recording unit without being updated, the positioning data for creating the movement path data is recorded even in the shooting standby state. I can leave.

  In the electronic still camera according to the second aspect, preferably, the position detection unit and the imaging unit are configured to be able to operate independently. If comprised in this way, when only one of a position detection part or an imaging part is used, since the other operation | movement can be stopped, consumption of a battery can be suppressed more.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an electronic still camera according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front side. 2 is an overall perspective view of the electronic still camera according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the back side. FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the electronic still camera according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. First, the structure of an electronic still camera according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a lens 2 and a strobe 3 are arranged on the front surface of the electronic still camera 1 according to the present embodiment. In addition, an antenna 4 and a shutter button 5 are provided on the electronic still camera 1. On the back of the electronic still camera 1, as shown in FIG. 2, a power switch 6, a viewfinder 7, a liquid crystal display unit 8, a liquid crystal operation button 9, a manual positioning switch 10, and various switches 11 and 12 are provided. And are provided. In addition, an insertion portion 13 into which the external memory 13a is inserted is provided on the right side when viewed from the back surface of the electronic still camera 1. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 14, the imaging unit 15, the signal processing unit 16, the timer 17, the position detection unit 18, and the acquired positioning data are recorded inside the electronic still camera 1. A recording unit 19 and a power supply unit 20 are provided.

  The strobe 3 has a function of emitting light during shooting. The antenna 4 is provided for receiving a signal from a GPS satellite. Further, the signal received by the antenna 4 is configured to be transmitted to the position detection unit 18 as shown in FIG. The shutter button 5 is configured to perform shooting by the imaging unit 15 when pressed during shooting. The power switch 6 is configured so that power is supplied from the power supply unit 20 to each circuit when pressed by the user. The viewfinder 7 is configured such that the user of the electronic still camera 1 can determine the shooting range while looking at the subject through the viewfinder 7. The liquid crystal display unit 8 is provided for displaying captured images, menu screens for various operation modes, and the like. The liquid crystal operation button 9 is provided for performing operations such as setting change according to a menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 8. Further, the manual positioning switch 10 is configured such that positioning data is recorded in a tracking log recording unit 19a of the recording unit 19 described later when pressed by a user. Further, the external memory 13a inserted into the insertion unit 13 (see FIG. 2) is configured to be able to record image data 191b and the like. The control unit 14 has a function of performing various operations and data processing control of the electronic still camera 1. The imaging unit 15 is provided to capture an image of a subject captured through the lens 2. The signal processing unit 16 is provided to convert an image taken by the imaging unit 15 into an image signal by an imaging element such as a CCD (not shown). In addition, the timer 17 is configured to measure a time interval for acquiring positioning data by the position detection unit 18. Further, the position detector 18 amplifies and demodulates the radio wave received from the GPS satellite received by the antenna 4 and then decodes the acquired data from the GPS satellite and determines the position of the electronic still camera 1 based on the decoded data. It has a function to perform. The recording unit 19 is provided for recording the positioning data acquired by the position detection unit 18. Further, inside the recording unit 19, a tracking log recording unit 19a that records the positioning data acquired from the GPS satellite by the position detection unit 18, and a photo data recording that records the image data 191b taken by the imaging unit 15. Part 19b. The power supply unit 20 is configured to supply power to the electronic still camera 1 by the power switch 6.

In the electronic still camera 1 according to the present embodiment, ON / OFF of the positioning power supply function for supplying power to the position detection unit 18 is preset in each operation mode, and positioning power is switched by switching the operation mode. The supply function is also turned on and off. The electronic still camera 1 also has four operation modes: a positioning function OFF mode, a temporary shooting mode, a tracking log recording mode, and a normal shooting mode. The positioning function OFF mode is an operation mode in which only the photographing function operates in a state where power is not supplied to the position detection unit 18. That is, the positioning function OFF mode is an operation mode for setting the same state as that of a normal camera device having no positioning function. The temporary shooting mode is an operation mode for performing shooting while performing the operation of acquiring almanac data or ephemeris data. That is, when the position detection unit 18 does not have almanac data or ephemeris data, it may take one minute or more to acquire these data. This temporary shooting mode is used when the user wants to take a picture during this time. The almanac data is orbit information regarding all GPS satellites in the orbit of the GPS satellite. The ephemeris data is accurate position information of each satellite and time information when the signal is emitted, and is more accurate information about the position of the GPS satellite than the almanac data. The position detection unit 18 uses these data to capture a GPS satellite that can be used for positioning, and performs positioning by receiving radio waves from the GPS satellite. The tracking log recording mode is an operation mode for recording positioning data for creating travel route data in the tracking log recording unit 19a. This tracking log recording mode has a function of acquiring positioning data at different time intervals in the photographing standby state and the non-photographing standby state. The normal shooting mode is an operation mode in which positioning data is recorded in the tracking log recording unit 19a at the timing when the shutter button 5 is half-pressed, and the positioning data is recorded in association with the image data 191b. In this normal photographing mode, apart from the timing when the shutter button 5 is half-pressed, the user also has a function of recording positioning data in the tracking log recording unit 19a when the user presses the manual positioning switch 10.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the electronic still camera according to the embodiment shown in FIG. Next, the basic operation of the electronic still camera 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S1 of FIG. 4, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the power switch 6 of the electronic still camera 1 is in an ON state. If the control unit 14 determines in step S1 that the power switch 6 is not in the ON state, the determination as to whether or not the power switch 6 in the step S1 is in the ON state is repeated. On the other hand, if the control unit 14 determines in step S1 that the power switch 6 is in the ON state, in step S2, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the positioning function OFF mode is set. In step S2, if the control unit 14 determines that the positioning function is in the OFF mode, the same operation as that of a normal camera having no positioning function is performed in step S3. In this positioning function OFF mode, the positioning power supply function for supplying power to the position detection unit 18 is set to be in the OFF state, and only the imaging unit 15 operates independently. On the other hand, when the control unit 14 determines that the positioning function OFF mode is not set in step S2, the control unit 14 executes a new tracking log file creation routine for creating a tracking log file in step S4. Is called. This new tracking log file creation routine is for automatically creating a tracking log file for recording positioning data in the recording unit 19. Thereafter, in step S5, the control unit 14 determines whether the almanac data or the ephemeris data can be used. Almanac data, once acquired, can be used for about a week. Also, once acquired, the ephemeris data can be used for about an hour and a half. Therefore, in step S5, it is determined whether or not almanac data or ephemeris data has been acquired in advance, and if almanac data or ephemeris data has been acquired in advance, It is determined whether or not the data is. If the control unit 14 determines in step S5 that the almanac data or the ephemeris data is not usable (not the data within the above-mentioned use period), the almanac data or the ephemeris data is determined in step S6. The operation in the temporary shooting mode, which is an operation mode in which shooting is performed with priority over the data acquisition operation, is performed. On the other hand, if the control unit 14 determines in step S5 that the almanac data or ephemeris data is usable, the control unit 14 determines in step S7 based on the almanac data and the ephemeris data. The positioning satellite is captured. The state in which the positioning satellite is captured refers to a state in which positioning is being performed by receiving radio waves from the GPS satellite. If almanac data is available, a GPS satellite is acquired in about several minutes using this data. Further, when ephemeris data is usable, the accuracy is higher than that of almanac data, and thus GPS satellites are captured in a very short time using this data. In step S8, the control unit 14 starts the timer 17. Thereby, the positioning interval is measured. In step S9, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the tracking log recording mode is set. In step S9, when the control unit 14 determines that the tracking log recording mode is set, in step S10, the positioning data for creating the movement route data is stored in the tracking log recording unit 19a in an accumulative manner. The operation of the tracking log recording mode which is the operation mode is performed. In this tracking log recording mode, the positioning power supply function for supplying power to the position detection unit 18 is set to be in an ON state, and power is supplied to the position detection unit 18 to enable positioning. It is in. The power supply to the imaging unit 15 is performed by ON / OFF operation of the power switch 6 by the user separately from the power supply to the position detection unit 18. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S9 that the mode is not the tracking log recording mode, in step S11, the positioning data is recorded in the tracking log recording unit 19a in a non-accumulative manner, and the positioning data is associated with the image data 191b. The normal shooting mode operation that can be recorded is performed. In this normal photographing mode, the positioning power supply function for supplying power to the position detection unit 18 is set to be in an ON state, and power is supplied to the position detection unit 18 so that positioning is possible. is there. Further, the power supply to the imaging unit 15 is performed by the ON / OFF operation of the power switch 6 by the user separately from the power supply to the position detection unit 18.

  When the photography in the tracking log recording mode in step S10 or the normal photography mode in step S11 is completed, in step S12, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the positioning function OFF mode is set. In step S12, when it is determined by the control unit 14 that the positioning function is in the positioning function OFF mode, the operation in the positioning function OFF mode in step S3 is performed. On the other hand, when the control unit 14 determines that the positioning function OFF mode is not set in step S12, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the tracking log recording mode is set in step S13. In step S13, when the control unit 14 determines that the tracking log recording mode is set, the operation in the tracking log recording mode in step S9 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that the control unit 14 is not in the tracking log recording mode, the operation in the normal photographing mode in step S10 is performed.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the positioning function OFF mode in step S3 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. Next, the operation in the positioning function OFF mode in step S3 in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S14, a camera operation without a positioning function is performed. That is, an image of a subject is taken without measuring the current position. In step S15, the control unit 14 determines whether the power switch 6 is in the OFF state. In step S15, when the control unit 14 determines that the power switch 6 is in the OFF state, all functions are stopped and finished. On the other hand, when the control unit 14 determines in step S15 that the power switch 6 is not in the OFF state, the process returns to step S2 in FIG.
Thus, it is determined whether or not the positioning function OFF mode is set.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining details of the operation in the temporary shooting mode in step S6 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. Next, details of the operation in the temporary shooting mode in step S6 in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG. In the temporary shooting mode, it is determined in step S5 in FIG. 4 that the almanac data or ephemeris data is not usable. Therefore, in step S16 shown in FIG. An instruction to prompt positioning is issued. In step S17, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the initial positioning start permission has been issued. This initial positioning start permission is arbitrarily given by the user on the liquid crystal display screen or the like. In step S17, when the control unit 14 determines that the initial positioning start permission has been issued, the positioning satellite is captured in step S7 of FIG. On the other hand, if the control unit 14 determines in step S17 that the initial positioning start permission has not been issued, measurement by the timer 17 is started, and in step S18, the control unit 14 performs about 5 minutes. It is determined whether or not a predetermined time X has elapsed. In step S18, when it is determined by the control unit 14 that the predetermined time X of about 5 minutes has elapsed, a display prompting the liquid crystal display unit 8 to instruct initial positioning is issued in step S16. On the other hand, when the control unit 14 determines in step S18 that the predetermined time X of about 5 minutes has not elapsed, the control unit 14 determines in step S19 whether or not shooting has been completed. The In step S19, when the control unit 14 determines that the photographing is completed, in step S16, a display for prompting an instruction for initial positioning is made on the liquid crystal display unit 8. On the other hand, when the control unit 14 determines in step S19 that the photographing has not been completed, the process returns to the determination of whether or not the predetermined time X has elapsed by the control unit 14 in step S18.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the tracking log recording mode in step S10 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. Next, the operation in the tracking log recording mode in step S10 in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S20, the control unit 14 performs an operation of a tracking log file end processing routine. This tracking log file termination processing routine does not acquire positioning data in the middle when the radio wave reception from the GPS satellite is bad and the moving distance is far away. This is to suppress an increase in the data capacity of the tracking log recording unit 19a by performing the data compression process. In step S21, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the power switch 6 is in the ON state. In step S21, when the control unit 14 determines that the power switch 6 is not in the ON state (in the OFF state), the camera function is stopped by the control unit 14 in step S22. In this state, only the positioning function is operating. On the other hand, when the control unit 14 determines in step S21 that the power switch 6 is in the ON state, in step S23, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the photographing standby state is set.

Here, in the electronic still camera 1 of the present embodiment, when the control unit 14 determines that the camera is in the shooting standby state in step S23, the position detection unit 18 performs comparison for about 10 seconds in step S25. The positioning data is intermittently acquired at a short positioning interval A. The positioning interval A is an example of the “second time interval” in the present invention. In step S26, the control unit 14 determines whether or not a predetermined time B of about 10 minutes has elapsed. In step S26, if the control unit 14 determines that the predetermined time B of about 10 minutes has elapsed, the control unit 14 determines whether the predetermined time B has elapsed at the time interval of the predetermined time B in step S27. The positioning data acquired immediately before is accumulated and recorded in the tracking log recording unit 19a. This is for acquiring positioning data for forming movement route data in the imaging standby state. The time interval of the predetermined time B is an example of the “third time interval” in the present invention. Thereafter, in step S20, the tracking log file termination processing routine described above is performed. On the other hand, if the control unit 14 determines in step S26 that the predetermined time B has not elapsed, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the shutter button 5 has been half-pressed in step S28. . In step S28, when the control unit 14 determines that the shutter button 5 is not half-pressed, the process returns to the tracking log file end processing routine in step S20. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S28 that the shutter button 5 has been half-pressed by the control unit 14, in step S29, the control unit 14 performs shooting preparation processing such as autofocus and the shutter button 5 Positioning data acquired immediately before is pressed halfway is recorded in the tracking log recording unit 19a. In step S <b> 30, the acquisition of intermittent positioning data at the positioning interval A by the position detection unit 18 is temporarily stopped by the control unit 14. This is to avoid the simultaneous shooting and positioning. That is, if imaging and positioning are performed simultaneously, the power required for imaging and the power required for positioning are required at the same time, current consumption increases, and a problem due to voltage drop occurs. Next, in step S31, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the shutter button 5 has been fully pressed. If the control unit 14 determines in step S31 that the shutter button 5 has not been fully pressed, the position detection unit 18 temporarily acquires intermittent positioning data at the positioning interval A in step S32. The stop is released, and intermittent positioning data is acquired at the positioning interval A. Thereafter, the process returns to the tracking log file end process routine of step S20 again. On the other hand, if the control unit 14 determines in step S31 that the shutter button 5 has been fully pressed, the subject is photographed in step S33, the photographed image (image data 191b) is processed, and the strobe 3 is charged. (Charging) etc. are performed, and the positioning data 191a immediately before shooting recorded in the tracking log recording unit 19a is recorded in the photo data recording unit 19b in the recording unit 19 as a photo file together with the shot image data 191b. .

  If the camera function in step S22 is stopped, or if the control unit 14 determines in step S23 that the camera is not in the shooting standby state (non-shooting standby state), in step S24. The control unit 14 determines whether a relatively long predetermined time C such as 5 minutes or 10 minutes has elapsed. The predetermined time C is an example of the “first time interval” in the present invention. Here, in the present embodiment, the predetermined time C in the non-photographing standby state in step S24 is set to be longer than the positioning interval A in the photographing standby state in step S25 described above. In step S24, when the control unit 14 determines that the predetermined time C has not elapsed, the process returns to the tracking log file end processing routine in step S20 again. On the other hand, if the control unit 14 determines in step S24 that the predetermined time C has elapsed, the position detection unit 18 acquires positioning data in step S34. In step S35, the control unit 14 records the acquired positioning data in the tracking log recording unit 19a. As a result, the positioning data is acquired at a time interval of the predetermined time C, and is accumulated and recorded in the tracking log recording unit 19a. Thereafter, the process returns to the tracking log file end process routine of step S20.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining details of the operation in the normal photographing mode in step S11 of the embodiment shown in FIG. Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the details of the operation in the normal photographing mode in step S11 shown in FIG. In this normal photographing mode, the positioning data is recorded in the tracking log recording unit 19a at the timing when the shutter button 5 is half-pressed, and the positioning data is recorded in association with the image data 191b. First, in step S36, the control unit 14 determines whether or not a predetermined time D of about 1 hour has elapsed. If the control unit 14 determines in step S36 that the predetermined time D of about one hour has elapsed, the control unit 14 reacquires the positioning satellite in step S37. This is because the ephemeris data does not have to be re-acquired at the time of photographing by automatically re-acquiring the positioning satellite before the elapse of 1 hour and a half when the ephemeris data becomes unavailable. It is for maintaining. On the other hand, when the control unit 14 determines that the predetermined time D has not elapsed in step S36, the power switch 6 is in the ON state (not in the OFF state) by the control unit 14 in step S38. It is determined whether or not. In step S38, when the control unit 14 determines that the power switch 6 is not in the ON state (in the OFF state), in step S36, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the predetermined time D has elapsed. To be judged. On the other hand, if the control unit 14 determines in step S38 that the power switch 6 is not in the OFF state, in step S39, the control unit 14 issues a manual positioning instruction by pressing the manual positioning switch 10 by the user. It is determined whether or not there was. In step S39, when the control unit 14 determines that there is a manual positioning instruction, the positioning data is acquired by the position detection unit 18, and the acquired positioning data is acquired in step S40. 14 is recorded in the tracking log recording unit 19a. Thereafter, the process returns to the determination of whether or not the predetermined time D has elapsed in step S36. The series of operations in step S39 and step S40 are such that the user can arbitrarily acquire positioning data for creating movement route data in the normal photographing mode.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 14 determines that there is no manual positioning instruction in step S39, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the shutter button 5 is half-pressed in step S41. If the controller 14 determines in step S41 that the shutter button 5 has not been half-pressed, the process returns to determining whether or not the predetermined time D in step S36 has elapsed. On the other hand, if the control unit 14 determines in step S41 that the shutter button 5 has been half-pressed, in step S42, shooting preparation processing such as autofocus is performed and immediately before the shutter button 5 is half-pressed. The acquired positioning data is recorded in the tracking log recording unit 19a. In step S43, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the shutter button 5 has been fully pressed. In step S43, when the control unit 14 determines that the shutter button 5 is not fully pressed, the process returns to step S36, and the control unit 14 determines whether or not the predetermined time D has elapsed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S43 that the shutter button 5 has been fully pressed, in step S44, the imaging unit 15 captures a subject image, processes the captured image, and charges the strobe 3 (charging). ) Etc. are performed. The captured image data 191b is stored in the photo data recording unit 19b in the recording unit 19 as a photo file together with the positioning data 191a immediately before recorded in the tracking log recording unit 19a and the data 193b such as the date corresponding to the image. To be recorded. Then, in this step S44, the operation in the normal shooting mode ends.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the new tracking log file creation routine in step S4 of the embodiment shown in FIG. Next, the tracking log file new creation routine in step S4 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S45, the control unit 14 determines whether there is a tracking log file that can be additionally written. In step S45, when the control unit 14 determines that there is a tracking log file that can be additionally written, the new tracking log file creation routine in step S4 ends. On the other hand, if the control unit 14 determines in step S45 that there is no tracking log file that can be additionally written, a new tracking log file is created in the recording unit 19 by the control unit 14 in step S46. . Then, the new tracking log creation routine in step S4 ends.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the tracking log file end processing routine in step S20 of the embodiment shown in FIG. Next, referring to FIG.
The tracking log file end process routine of step S20 shown in FIG. 7 will be described. First, in step S47, the control unit 14 determines whether or not almanac data is available. Almanac data can be used for about one week once acquired, but it can be used even if the location has moved greatly due to poor reception of radio waves from GPS satellites. It becomes difficult. Also, since the usage time of the ephemeris data is about one and a half hours after acquisition, the ephemeris data cannot be used naturally when the almanac data is not available. Therefore, in step S47, only the almanac data is used. Make a possible decision. If the control unit 14 determines in step S47 that the almanac data is available, the process proceeds to step S51, and the operation of a new tracking log file creation routine is performed. The operation of the new tracking log file creation routine is the same as that of the new tracking log file creation routine in steps S45 and S46 shown in FIG. When the new tracking log file creation routine in step S51 ends, the tracking log file end processing routine ends. On the other hand, if the radio wave reception from the GPS satellite is bad and the vehicle moves greatly, no intermediate positioning data has been acquired. In step S47, the control unit 14 cannot use the almanac data. In step S48, the control unit 14 stops the operation of the timer 17 that measures the positioning interval. In step S49, after the tracking log file is closed, in step S50, the control unit 14 performs a data compression process on the obtained positioning data. As a result, the recording area of the tracking log recording unit 19a can be used effectively (efficiently). Thereafter, in step S51, an operation of a new tracking log file creation routine is performed. The operation of the new tracking log file creation routine is the same as that of the new tracking log file creation routine in steps S45 and S46 shown in FIG. When the new tracking log file creation routine in step S51 ends, the tracking log file end processing routine ends.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 14 is configured to record the acquired positioning data in the tracking log recording unit 19a of the recording unit 19 in an accumulative manner in the non-shooting standby state of the tracking log recording mode. By adopting a configuration to control, since the positioning data acquired during movement is recorded in the tracking log recording unit 19a of the recording unit 19 without being updated, it is possible to record the route of movement. .

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 14 acquires the positioning data at the time interval of the predetermined time C that is the first time interval in the non-shooting standby state, and in the shooting standby state, By adopting a configuration in which the positioning data is acquired at the second time interval of the positioning interval A shorter than the first time interval in the non-photographing standby state, the non-photographing standby state is compared with the non-photographing standby state. Since the number of positioning data acquisition operations can be reduced, battery consumption during positioning data acquisition is reduced compared to the case where the time interval for acquiring positioning data in the shooting standby state and non-shooting standby state is the same. can do.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 14 sets the positioning interval A, which is a second time interval shorter than the time interval of the predetermined time C, which is the first time interval in the non-photographing standby state, in the photographing standby state. By configuring so as to acquire positioning data, the short positioning interval A reduces the error between the time of shooting and the time of acquisition of positioning data, so the position information at the time of shooting can be acquired accurately.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 14 causes the tracking log recording unit 19a of the recording unit 19 to store only the positioning data acquired immediately before the shutter button is half-pressed among the positioning data acquired in the shooting standby state. By adopting a configuration to control the recording, positioning data other than immediately before the shutter button is half-pressed is not recorded in the tracking log recording unit 19a of the recording unit 19, so that an increase in the data amount of the recording unit 19 is suppressed. Can do.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 14 obtains positioning data at a time interval of a predetermined time B that is a third time interval that is larger than the positioning interval A that is the second time interval in the shooting standby state. In addition, by adopting a configuration in which the acquired positioning data is cumulatively recorded in the tracking log recording unit 19a of the recording unit 19, the positioning unit acquired in the photographing standby state is not updated without being updated. In the tracking log recording unit 19a, it is possible to record positioning data for creating movement path data even in the shooting standby state.

  In the present embodiment, when the position detection unit 18 and the imaging unit 15 are configured to be able to operate independently, only one of the position detection unit 18 or the imaging unit 15 is used. Since the other operation can be stopped, battery consumption can be further suppressed.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiment but by the scope of claims for patent, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent are included.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the positioning interval A, which is an example of the first time interval, is set to a relatively short time interval of about 10 seconds, and the predetermined time C, which is an example of the second time interval, is 5 minutes or 10 minutes. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first time interval and the second time interval may be different from each other.

  In the above embodiment, the position detection unit and the imaging unit that captures the subject are configured to be able to operate independently. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the position detection unit and the subject are captured. The imaging unit to be operated may not be able to operate independently.

  In the above embodiment, the position detection unit is configured to perform positioning by receiving a signal from a GPS satellite. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and positioning is performed by receiving a signal other than a GPS satellite. It may be.

  In the above-described embodiment, the positioning power supply function ON / OFF for supplying power to the position detection unit is set in advance to each operation mode, and the positioning power supply function is turned ON / OFF by switching the operation mode. Although an example of a configuration in which OFF is switched is shown, the present invention is not limited to this, and a switch for switching ON / OFF of a positioning power supply function for supplying power to the position detection unit is separately provided, You may comprise so that ON / OFF switching of the electric power supply function for positioning may be manually performed by a user pushing a switch.

  In the above embodiment, the tracking data is recorded in the tracking log recording unit at the timing when the shutter button is pressed halfway in the tracking log recording mode. However, the configuration may be such that the acquired positioning data immediately before is recorded in the tracking log recording unit at a timing by a predetermined operation other than half-pressing the shutter button.

In the above embodiment, the example in which the previous positioning data is recorded in the tracking log recording unit at the timing when the shutter button is half-pressed in the normal shooting mode is shown. You may comprise so that the last positioning data may be recorded on recording parts other than a tracking log recording part at the timing half-pressed.

It is the whole perspective view of the state which looked at the electronic still camera by one embodiment of the present invention from the front side. It is the whole perspective view of the state which looked at the electronic still camera by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 1 from the back surface side. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the electronic still camera by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the electronic still camera according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an operation in a positioning function OFF mode in step S3 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining details of an operation in a temporary shooting mode in step S6 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining details of an operation in a tracking log recording mode in step S10 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining details of an operation in a normal shooting mode in step S11 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a new tracking log file creation routine in step S4 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the tracking log file termination | terminus process routine of step S20 by one Embodiment shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic still camera 5 Shutter button 14 Control part 15 Imaging part 16 Signal processing part 17 Timer 18 Position detection part 19 Recording part 19a Tracking log recording part 20 Power supply part

Claims (6)

An imaging unit for photographing a subject, a position detection unit that receives external signals and acquires positioning data, and the positioning data acquired by the position detection unit and an image acquired by the imaging unit are recorded. In an electronic still camera equipped with a recording unit and a control unit,
In the non-shooting standby state, the control unit acquires the positioning data at a first time interval and controls the acquired positioning data to be stored in the recording unit in an accumulative manner. In the case of the state, the positioning data is acquired at a second time interval shorter than the first time interval in the non-photographing standby state, and the acquired positioning data is acquired immediately before a predetermined operation. Further, only the positioning data is controlled to be recorded in the recording unit, and the positioning data is acquired at a third time interval larger than the second time interval, and the acquired positioning data is accumulated. Control to record in the recording unit,
The position detection unit and the imaging unit are electronic still cameras configured to be able to operate independently. An imaging unit for photographing a subject;
A position detector that receives external signals and obtains positioning data;
A recording unit for recording the positioning data acquired by the position detection unit;
In the case of a non-photographing standby state, the positioning data is acquired at a first time interval, and the acquired positioning data is controlled to be recorded in the recording unit in a cumulative manner. An electronic still camera comprising: a control unit that controls to acquire the positioning data at a second time interval different from the first time interval in the non-photographing standby state.   The electronic still camera according to claim 2, wherein the control unit obtains the positioning data at a second time interval shorter than the first time interval in the non-photographing standby state in the photographing standby state.   The control unit performs control so that only the positioning data acquired immediately before a predetermined operation among the positioning data acquired in the shooting standby state is recorded in the recording unit. The electronic still camera described in 1.   The control unit acquires the positioning data at a third time interval larger than the second time interval in the shooting standby state, and accumulates the acquired positioning data in the recording unit. The electronic still camera according to claim 2, wherein the electronic still camera is controlled so as to perform.   The electronic still camera according to claim 2, wherein each of the position detection unit and the imaging unit is configured to be able to operate independently.

Images