JP2008092075A - Photographing apparatus and program thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a photographing apparatus and a program thereof, capable of improving usability by allowing the photographing apparatus side to manage image files. <P>SOLUTION: In taking pictures with a digital camera 1, an image file is generated on the basis of photographed image data, and the image file is recorded in a flash memory 13. In this case, photographed image information indicating that the recorded file is an image file photographed with the digital camera 1 is recorded in a header of the image file. When the image file photographed with the digital camera 1 is copied to an external recording device, copy information and identification information of a copy source are recorded in the header of the image file as the source of the copy. In this way, the digital camera 1 can manage as to whether the image file photographed with the digital camera 1 has been already copied, and which part the image file has been copied. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus and a program thereof, and more particularly to a photographing apparatus that manages a photographed image and a program thereof.

In the photographing apparatus, for example, the image data photographed in the digital camera is stored in a built-in recording medium or an external recording medium such as a memory 11 card that can be attached to and detached from the digital camera.
However, because internal recording media and external recording media have a limited recording capacity, the recorded image data is deleted after being copied (backed up) to another external recording device (such as a personal computer). The method of doing is proposed (patent document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-50192

  However, according to the above technology, a personal computer and a digital camera can be connected and the backed up image data in the digital camera can be automatically deleted under the initiative of the personal computer. The recorded image is managed and cannot be managed by another external recording device such as a personal computer. For example, the specific personal computer backs up even an image file backed up to another personal computer or the like, or erases an image file that has not been backed up to another personal computer or the like.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a photographing apparatus capable of improving usability by managing image files on the photographing apparatus side and a program thereof. .

In order to achieve the above object, a photographing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes photographing control means for photographing a subject using an imaging element that converts the light of the subject into image data and outputs the image data,
Recording control means for recording the image data obtained by the photographing control means on the recording means with image information indicating that the image has been taken by the photographing apparatus;
Image data recorded in the recording means as original image data, and transfer means for transferring duplicate image data obtained by copying the original image data to an external recording device;
If the captured image information is attached to the original image data copied and transferred by the transfer means, an adding means for adding copy information to the original image data;
It is provided with.

For example, as described in claim 2, the recording unit includes:
Image data that has not been photographed by the photographing apparatus may also be recordable.

Further, for example, as described in claim 3, prior to copy transfer by the transfer means, the original image data to be copied and transferred is the original image data that has already been copied and transferred to the external recording device. Transferred determination means for determining whether there is,
If it is determined by the transfer completion determination means that the original image data has already been copy transferred, a transfer confirmation means for performing a copy transfer confirmation display prior to the copy transfer by the transfer means,
You may make it provide.

For example, as described in claim 4, the transfer completion determination unit includes:
Based on the identification information of the external recording device, it may be determined whether the original image data to be copied and transferred is the original image data that has already been copied and transferred to the external recording device.

For example, as described in claim 5, the adding unit includes:
The identification information of the external recording device at the transfer destination copied and transferred by the transfer means is also added to the original image data that is the source of the copy transfer by the transfer means,
The determination means includes
If the identification information is not added to the original image data to be copied and transferred by the adding means, and if the identification information added by the adding means does not match the identification information of the external recording device, the original image data is copied and transferred. It may be determined that the original image data is the original image data that has not yet been copied and transferred to the external recording device.

For example, as described in claim 6, the transfer unit includes:
The external recording apparatus that has been copy-transferred may include means for prohibiting the same original image data from being copy-transferred again.

Further, for example, as described in claim 7, erasing means for erasing original image data recorded in the recording means,
Determining means for determining whether or not copy information is attached to the image data prior to erasure by the erasure means when the photographed image information is attached to the original image data erased by the erasure means; ,
A first warning means for giving a warning that copying has not been performed prior to erasure by the erasure means when copy information is not attached to the original image data to be erased by the judgment means;
You may make it provide.

  Further, for example, as described in claim 8, when the copy information is attached to the original image data erased by the erasure unit by the determination unit, the copy transfer based on the copy information If the number of times is greater than a predetermined number, prior to erasure by the erasure unit, a second warning unit may be provided that issues a warning that the original image data is of high importance.

  For example, as described in claim 9, among the original image data recorded in the recording unit, the original image data to which the photographed image information is attached and the copy information is not attached. There may be provided first erasure guard means for applying a first erasure guard.

For example, as described in claim 10, the first erasure guard means includes:
The original image data to which erasure guard is applied may include means for releasing the erasure guard when copy information is added by the adding means.

  Also, for example, as described in claim 11, among the original image data to which the copy information recorded in the recording means is added, the original image whose copy transfer count based on the copy information is a predetermined number or more You may make it provide the 2nd deletion guard means which applies the 2nd deletion guard to data.

Further, for example, as described in claim 12, free capacity determination means for determining whether or not the free capacity of the recording means is equal to or less than a predetermined amount;
When it is determined by the free space determination means that the amount is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, based on the information added to the original image data recorded in the recording means, determine the original image data in descending order of priority of deletion, Automatic erasure means for automatically erasing from the determined original image data to make the free space of the recording means a predetermined amount or more;
You may make it provide.

Further, for example, as described in claim 13, the display device includes a reproduction display control unit that reproduces and displays the original image data recorded in the recording unit,
The reproduction display control means includes
When copy information is attached to the original image data to be reproduced and displayed, the copy information may be displayed together with the original image data.

For example, as described in claim 14, the transfer means includes
Even when the captured image information or copy information is attached to the original image data to be copied and transferred, the copied image data copied for copy transfer is not attached with the captured image information or the copy information. You may make it copy-transfer to an external recording device.

To achieve the above object, a program according to the invention described in claim 15 includes a shooting control process for shooting a subject using an imaging device that converts the light of the subject into image data and outputs the image data;
A recording control process in which image data obtained by the imaging apparatus is attached to the image data obtained by the imaging control process and recorded on a recording medium;
Transfer processing for transferring the image data recorded on the recording medium as original image data and copying the copied image data obtained by copying the original image data to an external recording device;
If the captured image information is attached to the original image data that is copied and transferred by the transfer process, an additional process for adding copy information to the original image data;
And each of the above processes is executed by a computer.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to distinguish whether an image file is taken by the photographing apparatus, and among the image files photographed by the photographing apparatus, which image file has already been copied. Can be recognized, and image file management can be performed on the imaging apparatus side.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as an example in which the photographing apparatus of the present invention is applied to a digital camera.
[Embodiment]

A. Configuration of Digital Camera FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of a digital camera 1 that implements the photographing apparatus of the present invention.
The digital camera 1 includes a photographic lens 2, a lens driving block 3, a CCD 4, a driver 5, a TG 6 (timing generator), a unit circuit 7, an image generation unit 8, a CPU 9, a key input unit 10, a memory 11, a DRAM 12, a flash memory 13, An image display unit 14, an I / O port 15, and a bus 16 are provided.

  The photographing lens 2 includes a focus lens and a zoom lens (not shown), and a lens driving block 3 is connected thereto. The lens drive block 3 includes a focus motor and a zoom motor that drive a focus lens and a zoom lens (not shown) in the optical axis direction, and a focus motor that drives the focus motor and the zoom motor in the optical axis direction according to a control signal from the CPU 9, respectively. It consists of a driver and a zoom motor driver.

  The CCD 4 (imaging device) is driven by the driver 5 and photoelectrically converts the intensity of each color of the RGB value of the subject image for every fixed period and outputs it to the unit circuit 7 as an imaging signal. The operation timing of the driver 5 and unit circuit 7 is controlled by the CPU 9 via the TG 6. The CCD 4 has a Bayer color filter and also functions as an electronic shutter. The shutter speed of the electronic shutter is controlled by the CPU 9 via the driver 5 and TG6.

  A TG 6 is connected to the unit circuit 7, a CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) circuit that holds the imaged signal output from the CCD 4 by correlated double sampling, and an AGC that performs automatic gain adjustment of the imaged signal after the sampling. An (Automatic Gain Control) circuit and an A / D converter that converts an analog image pickup signal after the automatic gain adjustment into a digital signal, the image pickup signal output from the CCD 4 passes through the unit circuit 7 as a digital signal. It is sent to the image generation unit 8.

  The image generation unit 8 performs processing such as γ correction processing and white balance processing on the image data sent from the unit circuit 7, generates a luminance color difference signal (YUV data), and generates the generated luminance color difference. The image data of the signal is sent to the CPU 9. That is, the image generation unit 8 performs image processing on the image data output from the CCD 4.

  The CPU 9 has a photographing process, a function of recording an image file based on the image data sent from the image generation unit 8, a function of copying and transferring the image file to an external recording device, and a function of deleting the image file. This is a one-chip microcomputer that controls each part of the camera 1.

The key input unit 10 includes a plurality of operation keys such as a power On / Off key, a mode switching key, a shutter button, a cross key, a set key, a transfer key, a delete key, and a cancel key. A signal is output to the CPU 9.
The memory 11 stores a control program and necessary data necessary for the CPU 9 to control each unit, and the CPU 9 operates according to the program.

The DRAM 12 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data sent to the CPU 9 after being imaged by the CCD 4 and also as a working memory 11 for the CPU 9.
The flash memory 13 is a recording medium that stores compressed image data. The flash memory 13 may be a built-in type or a memory that can be detached from the digital camera 1. In short, any image file based on the image data photographed by the photographing process may be directly recorded.

  The image display unit 14 includes a color LCD and a driving circuit thereof, and displays a subject imaged by the CCD 4 as a through image when in a shooting standby state, and displays a moving image of the subject imaged by the CCD 4 even during moving image shooting. Display. If still image shooting processing is performed during moving image shooting, the still image shot with the moving image is displayed.

The I / O port 15 inputs and outputs data to and from an external recording device (for example, an electronic device such as a digital camera or a personal computer, or a simple external recording medium (such as a memory 11 card)). It is possible to input / output in accordance with various interface standards such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard and IEEE 1394 standard, and can be connected to an electronic device such as an electronic camera capable of data input / output in accordance with these standards.
Also, image file data may be input / output to / from an external recording device by infrared communication according to the IrDA standard or wireless communication.

B. Operation of Digital Camera 1 The operation of the digital camera 1 in the embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the power of the digital camera 1 is turned on by the user operating the power On / Off key of the key input unit 10, in step S1, the CPU 9 determines whether or not the currently set mode is the shooting mode. .
The user can switch the setting to an arbitrary mode by operating the mode switching key of the key input unit 10.

  If it is determined in step S1 that the currently set mode is the shooting mode, in step S2, the CPU 9 starts imaging by the CCD 4 at a predetermined frame rate, and is sequentially output from the CCD 4 and sequentially by the image generator 8. The generated luminance / color difference signal image data is stored in the buffer memory (DRAM 12), and the stored image data is displayed on the image display unit 14, so-called through image display is started.

Next, in step S3, the CPU 9 determines whether or not shooting is instructed by the user. This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal corresponding to pressing of the shutter button is sent from the key input unit 10.
If it is determined in step S3 that shooting is not instructed, the process stays in step S3 until shooting is instructed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that shooting has been instructed, the process proceeds to step S4, where the CPU 9 starts shooting processing (shooting control means), and in step S5, determines whether the shooting process has ended.
This shooting process may be a still image shooting process or a moving image shooting process.
If it is determined in step S5 that the shooting process has been completed, in step S6, the CPU 9 generates an image file based on the image data obtained by the shooting process.
This image file has at least a header portion and an image data portion, and thumbnail image data and captured image data are recorded in the image data portion.

Next, in step S7, the CPU 9 records the generated image file in the flash memory 13 and information (photographed image) indicating that it is an image photographed by the digital camera 1 in the header of the recorded image file. Information) is recorded (recording control means). That is, among the image files recorded in the flash memory 13, an image file shot with the digital camera 1, an image shot with another digital camera, and an image file downloaded from the Internet (another image file). In order to distinguish, photographed image information is attached to an image file photographed by the digital camera 1. Note that the image file and the captured image information may be recorded in association with each other.
Note that while displaying a through image, it is always determined whether or not the current mode is the shooting mode, and when another mode is set by the mode switching key of the key input unit 10, the set other mode is selected. Migrate to

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that the currently set mode is not the shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG. 3, and the CPU 9 determines whether or not it is the reproduction mode.

If it is determined in step S8 that the mode is not the playback mode, the process proceeds to another mode. If it is determined that the mode is the playback mode, the process proceeds to step S9, where the CPU 9 stores the image file (file name of the image file) recorded in the flash memory 13. And the first image file are selected. At this time, in order to make the user visually recognize that the image file is selected, the selected image file is displayed differently from the other image files displayed in multiple. Also, here, the first image file is a multi-display of the image files in order from the oldest shooting date, so the image file with the oldest shooting date is the first and the image file with the newest shooting date is the last. become. This shooting date and time is recorded in the header part of the image file.
Note that, here, the image file is displayed in multiples based on the criterion of shooting date and time. However, the image file may be displayed based on another criterion and the first image file based on the criterion may be selected.

Next, in step S10, the CPU 9 determines whether or not the cross key has been operated by the user. This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the cross key is sent from the key input unit 10.
If it is determined in step S10 that the cross key has been operated, the CPU 9 selects an image according to the operation (step S11), and proceeds to step S12. If it is determined that the cross key has not been operated, the CPU 9 continues. Proceed to step S12.
For example, when the operation of the “↓” key of the cross key is performed, the CPU 9 selects the next old image file, and conversely, when the operation of the “↑” key of the cross key is performed, the CPU 9 causes the CPU 9 to move forward by one. Will select the old image file.
The newly selected image file is displayed in a discriminative manner so that the user can visually recognize that it is a newly selected image file.

In step S12, the CPU 9 determines whether to reproduce and display the selected image file. This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the set key has been sent from the key input unit 10, and it is determined that the reproduction display is performed when an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the set key is sent. .
If it is determined in step S12 that the selected image file is not reproduced and displayed, the process returns to step S10.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the selected image file is to be reproduced and displayed, the process proceeds to step S13, and the CPU 9 reads the selected image file from the flash memory 13 and stores it in the buffer memory.
Next, in step S14, the CPU 9 determines whether copy information is recorded in the header of the currently selected image file (the read image file), that is, whether copy information is added to the image file. Determine whether.

If it is determined in step S14 that copy information is attached, the process proceeds to step S15, and the CPU 9 displays the image of the read image file on the entire image display unit 14 and also displays the added copy information. (Display control means), the process proceeds to step S17. This copy information includes information indicating that copy transfer has been performed and the number of times that copy transfer has been performed (number of times of copy transfer). This copy transfer will be described later.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that copy information is not added, the process proceeds to step S16, and the CPU 9 displays the entire image of the read image file on the image display unit 14 (display control means), and step S17. Proceed to
In this way, when the image file is reproduced and displayed, it is determined whether or not copy information is attached. When the copy information is attached, the copy information is displayed together with the reproduction display of the image file. The user can recognize whether the image file has already been copied and transferred.

In step S17, the CPU 9 determines whether or not to perform copy transfer in which the displayed image file is copied and the copied image file is transferred to the external recording device. This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the transfer key has been sent from the key input unit 10.
Here, an image file that is a source of copying is referred to as an original image file, and an image file obtained by copying the original image file is referred to as a duplicate image file. In other words, the original image file refers to an image file recorded in the flash memory 13, and the original image file is an image file shot by the digital camera 1 and recorded in the flash memory 13 (step of FIG. 2). The image file recorded in S7) and another image file recorded in the flash memory 13 of the digital camera 1 by transfer or the like from another external device (photographed by another imaging device and flash memory of the digital camera 1) 13 and the image file downloaded via the Internet and recorded in the flash memory of the digital camera 1).
Note that the operation of the transfer key is based on the premise that the digital camera 1 and the external recording device are connected via the I / O port 15.

If it is determined in step S17 that the displayed (selected) image file is not copied and transferred, the process proceeds to step S18, and the CPU 9 determines whether or not to delete the displayed image file. This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the erase key is sent from the key input unit 10.
If it is determined in step S18 that the displayed image file is not deleted, the process proceeds to step S19, and the CPU 9 determines whether or not an operation of the cross key is performed.

If it is determined in step S19 that the cross key is not operated, the process returns to step S17.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S19 that the cross key has been operated, the CPU 9 selects an image file in accordance with the operation (step S20), and returns to step S13. As a result, the image file to be reproduced and displayed is changed.

  In the case where the image of the image file is reproduced and displayed, when the cancel key of the key input unit 10 is operated, the process may return to step S9 in FIG. That is, when the cancel key is operated during playback display, the image file recorded in the flash memory 13 shifts to a state in which multiple display is performed. At this time, instead of selecting the first image file, the image file that has been selected and reproduced and displayed is continuously selected.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S17 that the displayed image file (image file stored in the buffer memory) is copied and transferred to the external recording device, the process proceeds to step S21 in FIG. Identification information (for example, ID information) of the external recording device at the copy destination is acquired from the external recording device. The acquired identification information is stored in the buffer memory.

Next, in step S22, the CPU 9 determines whether or not the displayed original image file (image file stored in the buffer memory) has already been copied and transferred to the connected external recording device ( Transfer completion judgment means). This determination is made when the copy destination information is recorded (added) to the original image file and the recorded copy destination information (copy destination identification information) matches the acquired identification information. The displayed original image file is determined to have already been copied and transferred to the connected external recording device, and the copy destination information recorded in the original image file matches the acquired identification information. If not, it is determined that the displayed original image file has not yet been copied and transferred to the connected external recording device.
Further, when the copy destination information is not stored in the original image file, that is, when the copy is not performed, the displayed original image file is still copied and transferred to the connected external recording device. Judge that there is no.

  If it is determined in step S22 that the displayed original image file has already been copied and transferred to the connected external recording device, in step S23, the CPU 9 determines that “the image file is connected to the connected external recording device. In the past, a screen for confirming whether or not copy transfer is to be performed is displayed on the image display unit 14 (transfer confirmation means).

Next, in step S24, the CPU 9 determines whether to execute copy transfer or cancel. This determination is made based on the operation signal sent from the key input unit 10. Specifically, when an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the set key is sent from the key input unit 10, copy transfer is performed. When it is determined to execute, and an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the cancel key is sent from the key input unit 10, it is determined that the copy transfer is cancelled.
If it is determined in step S24 that copy transfer is cancelled, the process returns to step S19 in FIG. 3, and if it is determined that copy transfer is to be executed, the process proceeds to step S25.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that the displayed original image file has not already been copied and transferred to the connected external recording device, the process proceeds directly to step S25.

In step S25, the CPU 9 starts copy transfer of the displayed original image file (image file stored in the buffer memory). That is, a copy transfer process of copying the displayed original image file and transferring the copied duplicate image file to an external recording device is started (transfer means).
Next, in step S26, the CPU 9 determines whether or not the copy transfer of the duplicate image file has been completed.
If it is determined in step S26 that the process has not been completed, the process remains in step S26 until the process is completed. If it is determined that the process has been completed, the process proceeds to step S27, where the CPU 9 stores the original image file recorded in the flash memory 13 that is the copy transfer source. In the header, the identification information acquired in step S21 is recorded as copy destination information (addition means).

In step S28, information indicating that the image is captured by the digital camera 1 (captured image information) is displayed in the header of the original image file (image file stored in the buffer memory 11) being reproduced and displayed. It is determined whether or not is recorded.
If it is determined in step S28 that the photographed image information is recorded, the process proceeds to step S29, and the CPU 9 records the copy information in the header of the original image file recorded in the flash memory 13 that is the copy transfer source. (Addition means), the process proceeds to step S30. At this time, if copy information is already recorded in the header of the original image file, the number of copy transfers is incremented and recorded. If no copy information is recorded in the header of the original image file, the copy is transferred. And 1 copy transfer count is recorded as copy information.

  Note that when image data is copied and transferred to the external recording device, the image data copied and transferred to the external recording device, that is, duplicated image data copied for copy transfer, is captured by the digital camera 1. The management information added to the image data by the digital camera 1 such as the photographed image information or the copy information of the original image data is preferably copied and transferred without being added. As a result, it is possible to omit in advance auxiliary information unnecessary for the external recording apparatus.

  As described above, even when the original image file is captured by the digital camera 1 and recorded in the flash memory 13, the copy image file generated from the original image file includes Since copy transfer is performed without management information such as photographed image information and copy information added to the original image file, a duplicate image file generated from the image file photographed by the digital camera 1 is used. Even if it is recorded in the flash memory 13, the duplicated image file is not recognized as an image file taken with the. For example, even if a duplicate image file of an image file photographed by the digital camera 1 is copied and transferred to an external recording device, the duplicate image file may be returned to the digital camera 1 around (transferred). Even if this is the case, this duplicated image file will not be recognized as an image file taken by the digital camera 1. Thereby, it is possible to manage only the original image file that is directly photographed and recorded by the digital camera 1.

  Note that an original image file that has not been photographed by the digital camera 1 (an image file that has been photographed by another photographing device and recorded in the flash memory 13 of the digital camera 1 or a flash of the digital camera 1 that has been downloaded via the Internet) The image file recorded in the memory 13) is generated from the original image file photographed by the digital camera 1 because it manages only to which external recording device the copy transfer has been made (only the copy destination identification information). When the copied image file is transferred from the external recording device to the digital camera 1, only the external recording device to which the transferred copy image file is subsequently copied and transferred is managed. Will be.

FIG. 6 shows the state of the image file recorded in the flash memory 13.
As can be seen from the figure, the header portion contains photographed image information, copy information, and copy destination identification information (copy destination information). As a result, this image file is photographed by the digital camera 1. It can also be seen that the image file has already been copied and transferred to the external recording device.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S28 that the photographed image information is not recorded, the process proceeds to step S30 as it is. That is, in the case of an image file that has not been shot with the digital camera 1, even if the image file is copied and transferred, copy information is not recorded. That is, copy information is not managed for image files other than the image file photographed by the digital camera 1. This is because image files other than the image file photographed by the digital camera 1 are already recorded in some external recording device and are preferably excluded from management targets.
In step S30, the external recording apparatus is notified that the copy transfer is completed, and the process returns to step S19 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S18 in FIG. 3 that the displayed image file is to be erased, the process proceeds to step S31 in FIG. 5, and the CPU 9 reproduces the image file being reproduced (image file stored in the buffer memory). It is determined whether or not the photographed image information is recorded in. That is, it is determined whether the displayed image file is an image file taken by the digital camera 1.

If it is determined in step S31 that the captured image information is recorded, the process proceeds to step S32, and the CPU 9 determines whether copy information is recorded in the image file being reproduced (determination means).
If it is determined in step S32 that copy information is recorded, the process proceeds to step S33, and the CPU 9 determines whether or not the number of copy transfers of the copy information is a predetermined number or more. That is, it is determined whether or not the displayed image file has been copied and transferred a predetermined number of times.

If it is determined in step S33 that the number of times of copy transfer is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the process proceeds to step S34, where the CPU 9 displays a severe warning indicating that the importance is high (second warning means), and then proceeds to step S36. . This is because an image file that has been copied and transferred more than a predetermined number of times is likely to be copied and transferred in the future.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S32 that copy information is not recorded, the process proceeds to step S35, and the CPU 9 warns that the image file has not yet been transferred (first warning means), and then proceeds to step S36. Proceed to This is because if the uncopied image file is deleted, the same image file does not exist.

  In step S36, the CPU 9 determines whether to execute erasure. This determination is made based on the operation signal sent from the key input unit 10. Specifically, when an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the set key is sent from the key input unit 10, erasure is executed. If the operation signal corresponding to the operation of the cancel key is sent from the key input unit 10, it is determined that the erasure is cancelled.

If it is determined in step S36 that erasure is not to be executed, the process proceeds to step S19 in FIG. 3, that is, if erasure is canceled and erasure is to be performed in step S36, the process proceeds to step S37.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S31 that the photographed image information is not recorded in the image file being reproduced and displayed, or if it is determined in step S33 that the number of copy information copy transfers is not equal to or greater than the predetermined number, The process proceeds to step S37 as it is.

When the process proceeds to step S37, the CPU 9 displays a confirmation display as to whether or not to delete, and in step S38, the CPU 9 determines whether or not to execute the deletion.
If it is determined in step S38 that erasure is not to be executed, the process proceeds to step S19 in FIG. 3. If it is determined in step S38 that erasure is to be executed, an erasure process is performed to erase the image file being reproduced and displayed from the flash memory 13.

As described above, when deleting an image file that has been captured by the digital camera 1 and has not yet been copied and transferred, a warning is given to the effect that the image file has not been copied, and it is not necessary to delete the image file by mistake. A determination of erasure of heavy is made. In other words, an erasure guard based on uncopied is applied to an uncopied image file (first erasure guard means).
In addition, in the case of deleting an image file that has been taken by the digital camera 1 and has already been copied and transferred, in principle, only the confirmation display for deletion is performed. That is, the erase guard based on uncopied is canceled for the copied image file.

Even if an image file has already been copied and transferred (an image file for which deletion guard based on non-copying has been canceled), if the number of copy transfers is more than a predetermined number of times, the degree of importance is high. A guard is applied (second erase guard means).
In the case of an image file shot by the digital camera 1, since it has already been recorded on another external recording medium, no erasure guard is provided regardless of whether or not copy transfer has been performed.

  In other words, according to the present invention, an image file captured by the digital camera 1 that is an uncopied original image file is copied from an original image file that has already been copied or transferred from an external device or the like. It is characterized in that it is harder to erase than an image file recorded in the flash memory 14. Even if an original image file has already been copied and transferred, the original image file that has been copied and transferred more than a predetermined number of times can be deleted by transferring the original image file that has not been copied and transferred more than the specified number of times or from an external device. It is characterized in that it is more difficult to erase than an image file recorded in the flash memory 14 of the digital camera 1.

  Therefore, an uncopied original image file or an original image file that has been copied and transferred a predetermined number of times may not be deleted. Furthermore, when the original image file that has not been shot with the digital camera 1 or the image file that has been shot with the digital camera 1 and has already been copied and transferred, the confirmation display is not performed. When erasing an uncopied image file or erasing an image file that has been copied and transferred a predetermined number of times or more, it is performed once without performing double erasure judgment (judgment in steps S36 and S38). The erasure judgment may be used.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 5, when the erasure process is performed in step S40, the CPU 9 selects the image file next to the erased image file and returns to step S13 of FIG.
During the playback mode, it is always determined whether or not the current mode is the playback mode, and when another mode is set by the mode switching key of the key input unit 10, the mode is switched to the set other mode. Transition.

D. As described above, in the embodiment, since the photographed image information is recorded in the header of the image file photographed by the digital camera 1, an image not photographed by the digital camera 1, an image photographed by the digital camera 1, and Can be distinguished.
When an image file shot with the digital camera 1 is copied and transferred, copy information is recorded in the header of the image file that is the source of the copy transfer. You can recognize whether or not.

In addition, when copying, the identification information of the external recording device that is the copy transfer destination is recorded in the header of the image file that is the copy source, so that it is possible to prevent copy transfer to the same external recording device again. Can do.
Further, when the copy information is not recorded in the image file to be erased, a warning that the image has not been copied is issued, so that erroneous deletion of the uncopied image file can be prevented.
Also, if the number of copy transfers based on the copy information recorded in the image file to be erased is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, it is judged that the degree of importance is high, and a severe warning is issued, so erroneously erasing frequently used image data Can be prevented.

[Modification 1]
E. Note that the above-described embodiment can be modified as follows.

(1) In the above embodiment, the identification information of the copy transfer destination is recorded in the header of the original image file in step S27 of FIG. 3 regardless of whether the image file is taken by the digital camera 1 or not. However, in the case of an image file that has not been shot by the digital camera 1, the identification information of the copy transfer destination may not be recorded in the header.
As a result, in step S22 of FIG. 3, when the original image file that has not been photographed by the digital camera 1 is copied and transferred, it is determined that the image file is not already copied and transferred to the external recording device. .
Since image files that have not been shot with the digital camera 1 have already been recorded in some external recording device, image files that have not been shot with the digital camera 1 are not managed on the digital camera 1 side, Since it is preferable to exclude from the management target, only the image file photographed by the digital camera 1 is managed to copy and delete on the digital camera 1 side.

  (2) In the above embodiment, if it is determined in step S22 in FIG. 3 that the image file has already been copied and transferred to the external recording device, a copy confirmation display is performed. (Step S23) If it is determined that the image file has already been copied and transferred to the external recording device, copying may not be performed automatically (copying may be prohibited).

(3) A copy history mode may be provided to display the history of the copied image file. Also, the copy destination identification information may be displayed together.
In this case, the file name, copy information, copy destination information, and the like of the image file copied to the memory 11 are recorded, and a copy history is displayed based on the recorded information.

(4) When the free capacity of the flash memory 13 becomes smaller than the predetermined capacity, the image file is automatically deleted based on the deletion priority, and the free memory capacity of the flash memory 13 is kept above the predetermined capacity. You may do it.
In this case, the order of priority of deletion is as follows: the first is an image file not captured by the digital camera 1, the second is an image file captured by the digital camera 1, and the image file is copied less than a predetermined number of times. It is.

  (5) In steps S25 and S26 of FIG. 4, information added to the image file such as copy information, copy destination identification information, and photographed image information may not be copied and transferred.

  (6) In addition, when performing copy transfer in the above embodiment, a duplicate image file is generated from the original image file, and the generated duplicate image file is transferred to the external recording device. These data may be sequentially transferred to the external recording device, and a duplicate image file may be constructed based on the transferred data on the recording medium side of the external recording device.

  (7) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the photographing apparatus of the present invention is applied to the digital camera 1 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The present invention may be applied to a PDA, a personal computer with a camera, a digital video camera, or the like. In short, any device capable of photographing a subject may be used.

1 is a block diagram of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera 1 of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera 1 of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera 1 of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera 1 of embodiment. The state of the image file image | photographed with this digital camera is shown.

Explanation of symbols

1 Digital Camera 2 Shooting Lens 3 Lens Drive Block 4 CCD
5 Driver 6 TG
7 Unit circuit 8 Image generator 9 CPU
10 Key input unit 11 Memory 12 DRAM
13 Flash memory 14 Image display 15 I / O port 15
16 bus

Claims (15)

Photographing control means for photographing a subject using an imaging element that converts the light of the subject into image data and outputs the image data;
Recording control means for recording the image data obtained by the photographing control means on the recording means with image information indicating that the image has been taken by the photographing apparatus;
Image data recorded in the recording means as original image data, and transfer means for transferring duplicate image data obtained by copying the original image data to an external recording device;
If the captured image information is attached to the original image data copied and transferred by the transfer means, an adding means for adding copy information to the original image data;
An imaging apparatus comprising: The recording means includes
2. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein image data not photographed by the photographing apparatus can be recorded. Prior to copy transfer by the transfer means, transferred determination means for determining whether original image data to be copied and transferred is original image data that has already been copy transferred to the external recording device;
If it is determined by the transfer completion determination means that the original image data has already been copy transferred, a transfer confirmation means for performing a copy transfer confirmation display prior to the copy transfer by the transfer means,
The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The transferred determination means is
And determining whether or not the original image data to be copied and transferred is the original image data that has already been copied and transferred to the external recording device, based on the identification information of the external recording device. 3. The photographing apparatus according to 3. The adding means includes
The identification information of the external recording device at the transfer destination copied and transferred by the transfer means is also added to the original image data that is the source of the copy transfer by the transfer means,
The determination means includes
If the identification information is not added to the original image data to be copied and transferred by the adding means, and if the identification information added by the adding means does not match the identification information of the external recording device, the original image data is copied and transferred. 5. The photographing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the original image data is determined to be original image data that has not yet been copied and transferred to the external recording device. The transfer means includes
3. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for inhibiting the same original image data from being copied and transferred again to an external recording apparatus that has been copied and transferred. Erasing means for erasing the original image data recorded in the recording means;
Determining means for determining whether or not copy information is attached to the image data prior to erasure by the erasure means when the photographed image information is attached to the original image data erased by the erasure means; ,
A first warning means for giving a warning that copying has not been performed prior to erasure by the erasure means when copy information is not attached to the original image data to be erased by the judgment means;
The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: When copy information is attached to the original image data erased by the erasure means by the judging means, and the number of times of copy transfer based on the copy information is greater than a predetermined number of times, the erasure means performs erasure. 8. The photographing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising second warning means for giving a warning that the original image data has a high importance level. Of the original image data recorded in the recording means, a first erasure guard that applies a first erasure guard to original image data to which photographed image information is attached and copy information is not attached. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means. The first erasure guard means includes
10. The photographing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising means for releasing the erasure guard when copy information is added to the original image data to which the erasure guard is applied. A second erasure that applies a second erasure guard to the original image data to which the number of copy transfers based on the copy information is a predetermined number or more of the original image data to which the copy information recorded in the recording means is added. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising guard means. Free space determining means for determining whether or not the free capacity of the recording means is a predetermined amount or less;
When it is determined by the free space determination means that the amount is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, based on the information added to the original image data recorded in the recording means, determine the original image data in descending order of priority of deletion, Automatic erasure means for automatically erasing from the determined original image data to make the free space of the recording means a predetermined amount or more;
The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: Reproduction display control means for reproducing and displaying the original image data recorded in the recording means,
The reproduction display control means includes
13. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when copy information is attached to the original image data to be reproduced and displayed, the copy information is displayed together with the original image data. The transfer means may include the photographed image information or the copy in the copy image data copied for copy transfer even when the photographed image information or the copy information is attached to the original image data to be copied and transferred. 14. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing apparatus performs copy transfer to an external recording apparatus without attaching information. Shooting control processing for shooting a subject using an image sensor that converts the light of the subject into image data and outputs the image data;
A recording control process in which image data obtained by the imaging apparatus is attached to the image data obtained by the imaging control process and recorded on a recording medium;
Transfer processing for transferring the image data recorded on the recording medium as original image data and copying the copied image data obtained by copying the original image data to an external recording device;
If the captured image information is attached to the original image data that is copied and transferred by the transfer process, an additional process for adding copy information to the original image data;
A program characterized by causing a computer to execute the processes described above.

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