JPH04323980A - Package and electronic camera using same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To realize the electronic camera able to deliver an auxiliary data to the camera side without storing the auxiliary data of an individual image pickup program or the like from a recording medium to a memory capacity of the recording medium. CONSTITUTION:A bar code 27 is provided on a package 21a of a memory card 21 and a significance such as an image pickup program is provided to the bar code 27, and a bar code read section 20 is provided to a camera section to read the bar code 27 by a sensor section 20a synchronously with the loading of the memory card 21, that is, through the use of relative movement to deliver the auxiliary data such as individual image pickup program of the memory card 21 to the camera side.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a package for accommodating a recording medium for storing video signals, and an electronic camera to which the package is detachable.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art Electronic cameras include electronic still cameras that record image information signals obtained by an image pickup device as still images on a magnetic recording medium such as a magnetic disk. Recently, it has been proposed that electronic still cameras record still image information signals obtained by an image sensor on a memory card, which is a semiconductor recording medium, instead of recording them on a magnetic recording medium such as a magnetic disk. has been done.

[0003] The memory card is generally an SRAM.
It is made up of semiconductor memories such as E2PROM and E2PROM. The memory card also divides the memory capacity into predetermined unit cells, and allocates some of the cells to the management data area, while the remaining cells are allocated to the information data area. In other words, a method is known in which image data that has undergone processing such as compression is recorded in an information data area, and the recording state of the image data is recorded in a management data area. ) can also be assigned to cells and recorded as necessary.

0004

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the electronic still camera as described above, shutter speed, aperture,
If you try to record auxiliary data such as shooting programs such as zooming in the memory section of each individual memory card, a part of the memory section for image data will be allocated to the area for storing the auxiliary data for each recording medium. Since it is necessary to secure the image data, the storage capacity of the image data is correspondingly reduced, resulting in a problem that the number of recordable screens is reduced.

[0005]Furthermore, when a memory card storing a photographing program or the like is used in another model, the photographing program may be misunderstood, causing malfunction.

[0006] Furthermore, there is a problem in that it is not possible to confirm what kind of photographic program has been recorded until the memory card is inserted into the electronic still camera.

In view of the above-mentioned background, the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems in conventional electronic cameras, and allows auxiliary data for each recording medium to be transmitted to the electronic camera without reducing the memory capacity of the recording medium. Another purpose is to prevent malfunctions that occur in the past even when the recording medium is used in other models.

[0008]

[Means for Solving the Problems] A package according to the present invention is a package for accommodating a recording medium for recording a video signal, and is characterized in that auxiliary data for each of the recording media is provided on the package. That is.

Further, the electronic camera according to the present invention is an electronic camera that records video signals on a removable recording medium, and reads and recognizes auxiliary data for each recording medium provided on the package of the recording medium. The invention is characterized by having a reading means for reading the information.

0010

[Operation] According to the package and electronic camera of the present invention, auxiliary data for each recording medium is provided on the package containing the recording medium, and by having a reading means for reading and recognizing the auxiliary data for each recording medium. , Individual auxiliary data of the recording medium can be transmitted to the electronic camera without reducing the memory capacity of the recording medium, and even if the recording medium is used in other models, malfunctions will not occur.

[0011]

[Embodiment] The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.
This will be explained in detail using 4.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic still camera and a memory card section according to this embodiment, and FIGS. 2 to 4 are flowcharts illustrating operation control of the electronic still camera.

In FIG. 1, 1 is a system control unit (CP
U), 2 is a switch group for inputting command information to the system control section 1. The switch group 2 includes a main switch (SW-0), a switch (SW-1) for distance measurement and photometry prior to shooting, a release switch (SW-2) for performing shooting operations, and a switch for switching each mode. switch to select the number of images to record, frame/field recording, aspect ratio, pixel configuration, compression method, compression rate, etc. (SW-4), erase mode switch (SW-5) , an erase switch (SW-6) for executing erasure, and the like.

3 is a display means for displaying the status of the camera; 4
is a memory section for CPU1.

5 is a lens, 6 is a shutter with an aperture function, 7 is an image pickup device such as a CCD, 8 is a process circuit, 9
is an A/D converter, and 10 is an image compression circuit, such as an ADC.
Image compression is performed using T (adaptive discrete cosine transform) or the like.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a buffer memory, and 12 a memory control circuit, which controls the A/D converter 9 and the image compression circuit 10 according to instructions from the CPU 1, and writes compressed image data into the buffer memory 11.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a memory card interface on the camera side, and numeral 16 denotes a distance measurement detection section.Based on the detection result of the distance measurement detection section 16, the lens driving section 14 focuses the lens 5 and also performs zooming. Further, distance measurement and detection can also be performed using output signals from the image sensor 7, the process circuit 8, or the A/D converter 9.

Reference numeral 17 denotes a photometric detecting section, which performs exposure control by causing the flash section 18 to emit light or operating the shutter 6 by the shutter driving section 15 based on the detection result of the photometric detecting section 17. Further, photometric detection can also be performed using an output signal from the image sensor 7, the process circuit 8, or the A/D converter 9.

A card insertion detection section 19 mechanically or electrically detects that a memory card, which will be described later, is inserted into the camera section.

20 is a barcode reading section and a sensor section 20a.
is equipped. The sensor section 20a reads a bar code printed on the surface of a memory card, which will be described later, and is installed in a card slot in the camera.

Next, the structure of the memory card will be explained.

21 is a memory card, and 21a is a package for the memory card 21. The memory card 2
1 can be attached and detached from the direction of the arrow in the figure.

22 is a connector for removably connecting the camera section and the memory card 21; 23 is an interface on the memory card 21 side; 24 is a memory management data area; 25
is an image information data area of the memory, 26 is a write protect portion of the memory, and 27 is a bar code printed on the surface of the package 21a, which has a meaning such as photographing program information.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment in which a bar code 27 is printed on the surface of the package 21a of the memory card 21. As shown in FIG. 7, the printing direction of the barcode 27 is the memory card insertion direction, that is, the direction of the arrow in FIG. On the other hand, the sensor section 20a in FIG. 1 is fixed in the card slot of the insertion section of the memory card 21, and the sensor section 20a is attached to the package 21a in synchronization with the insertion operation of the memory card 21, that is, using relative movement. Read the barcode 27 shown. In addition to the barcode 27, there are also pictures, photographs, symbols, etc. that explain the barcode.
Text and the like are printed on the barcode explanation section 28.

The operation control of the electronic still camera having the above-mentioned configuration will be explained below using the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 2 to 4.

In FIG. 2, the power supply (main switch SW
-0) is turned on, the flow starts.

First, in step 2a, flags and the like are initialized. This initial setting is performed automatically or manually when the power is turned on and when the memory card is replaced with a new one.

In step 2b, the card insertion detection section 19 detects whether an insertion operation is being performed to attach the memory card 21 to the camera section, and if the insertion operation is being performed, the process advances to step 2n, where the insertion operation is performed. If not, proceed to step 2c.

If it is determined that the insertion operation has not been performed, in step 2c it is determined whether the memory card 21 is attached to the camera section, and whether the memory card 21 and the camera section are electrically connected or not. Card insertion detection section 19
This is also used for attachment detection.

If it is determined in step 2c that a memory card is installed, the process proceeds to step 2d, and if the memory card is not installed, the process proceeds to step 2s.

In step 2s, the display means 3 of the camera section displays a warning and/or generates a warning sound, and the process returns to step 2b.

In step 2d, it is determined whether write protection (reading prohibited) is set on the memory card 21. If write protection is set, the process proceeds to step 2s, and if not, the process proceeds to step 2e.

If write protection is not set, it is determined in step 2e whether or not it is necessary to search the management data area 24 of the card 21.

In other words, if the management data of the card 21 has already been read into the memory 4 for the CPU 1 of the camera section, the process proceeds to step 2g, and if it has not been read, the process proceeds to step 2f.
Proceed to.

In step 2f, the management data area 24 of the card 21 is read into the CPU 1.

When the process of step 2f is completed, step 2
Proceed to step g, and the display means 3 displays the number of frames, based on the read data, various modes set by the switch group 2, and the program read in step 2p, which will be described later.
Displays date, mode, etc.

Proceeding to step 2h, it is determined whether recording is possible. If recording is possible, the process advances to step 2i; if recording is not possible, the process advances to step 2s.

In step 2i, the distance measurement/photometering switch (S
If W-1) is operated, the process advances to step 2j, and if not operated, that state is maintained.

In step 2j, distance measurement and photometry control is performed.

In step 2k, the release switch (SW
-2) is operated, and if it is operated, proceed to step 2l, and if not operated, return to step 2i.

[0041] In step 2l, photographing processing is performed, and the process advances to step 2m. In step 2m, various necessary data are written into the management data area 24 of the memory card 21, and when the process is completed, the process returns to step 2b.

If the memory card 21 is being inserted in step 2b, the process advances to step 2n and the barcode reading section 20 is activated.

In step 2p, the sensor section 20a of the barcode reading section 20 reads the barcode 27 printed on the surface of the package 21a of the card 21 (FIG. reference)
Start reading.

[0044] In step 2q, it is determined whether reading of the bar code 27 has been completed. If the reading has been completed after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step 2c, and if the reading has not been completed even after the predetermined period of time has elapsed or there is a code that cannot be read, the process proceeds to step 2r.

In step 2r, a warning is displayed and/or a warning sound is generated by the display means 3 of the camera section, and the process returns to step 2b.

Next, the distance measurement and photometry control in step 2j in FIG. 2 will be explained in detail using the flowchart in FIG.

First, when the distance measurement/photometering switch is operated, the flow starts. In step 3a, the distance measurement detection section 16
The CPU 1 performs distance measurement control and sends the distance measurement data to the CPU.
The data is stored in the memory unit 4 for 1.

Proceeding to step 3b, the CPU 1 performs photometry control using the photometry detection section 17, and sends the photometry data to the CPU 1.
The data is stored in the memory unit 4 for use.

Next, the process proceeds to step 3c, in which it is determined from the photometric data whether a flash is necessary. If a flash is required, the process proceeds to step 3d, where a flash flag is set and the flash unit 18 is charged.If a flash is not required, the process skips step 3d and the distance measurement/photometry control ends.

Next, the photographing control at step 2m in FIG. 2 will be explained in detail using the flowchart in FIG.

First, in step 4a, the CPU 1
The amount of movement of the lens 5 is determined from the distance measurement data stored in the memory section 4 for U1, and the lens driving section 14 moves the lens 5 to a predetermined position.

In step 4b, the CPU 1 causes the shutter drive section 15 to open the shutter 6.

In step 4c, exposure is started.

In step 4d, it is determined from the flash flag whether flushing is necessary. If necessary, proceed to step 4e and emit a flash. If flushing is not necessary, proceed to step 4f.

In step 4f, it is determined whether the exposure has been completed based on the exposure time and the amount of flash light. If it is determined that the exposure has been completed, the process proceeds to step 4g, and if it is determined that the exposure is insufficient, the state in step 4f is changed to the exposure state. It will be maintained until it is determined to be terminated.

In step 4g, the shutter 6 is closed.

In step 4h, the image signal is read out from the image sensor 7 and image signal processing is performed, and then the memory card 2
The image data is stored in the image information data area 25 of No. 1, and the photographing control ends.

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an electronic still camera and a memory card section according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating operation control of the electronic still camera.

In FIG. 5, the same parts as in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and their explanation will be omitted.

In the second embodiment, a bar code reading sensor section 20' is provided which can read the bar code whenever the memory card 21 is attached to the camera section. Therefore, the card insertion detection section 19, which was necessary in the first embodiment, can be omitted.

For example, as for the structure of the barcode reading section 20', after the barcode reading section 20' finishes loading the memory card 21, the barcode reading section 20' itself reads the barcode 2.
7 from the start end to the end and read the barcode 27. Alternatively, the barcode 27 can be automatically read by changing the angle of the barcode reading section 20'. Alternatively, the barcode 27 is automatically read by using a plurality of sensors and switching between the plurality of sensors.

By configuring the barcode reading section 20' as described above, there is no need to read the barcode in synchronization with card insertion as in the first embodiment.

The operation control of the second embodiment of the present invention will be explained below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In FIG. 6, the power supply (main switch SW
-0) is turned on, the flow starts.

In step 6a, flags and the like are initialized. This initial setting is performed automatically or manually when the power is turned on and when the memory card is replaced.

In step 6b, it is determined whether the memory card 21 is attached to the camera section or not, based on whether the memory card 21 and the camera section are electrically connected or not. If it is determined in step 6b that the memory card is installed, the process proceeds to step 6c, and if the memory card is not installed, the process proceeds to step 6s. In step 6s, a warning is displayed and/or a warning sound is generated by the display means 3 of the camera section, and the process returns to step 6b.

In step 6c, it is determined whether the memory card 21 is write protected. If write protection is set, the process proceeds to step 6s, and if not, the process proceeds to step 6d.

In step 6d, it is determined whether the bar code 27 needs to be read. In other words, if reading is necessary, it is determined when the power is turned on or when a new card is inserted. If barcode reading is necessary, the process proceeds to step 6n, and if not, the process proceeds to step 6e.

In step 6e, it is determined whether the management data area 24 of the card 21 needs to be searched.

In other words, if the management data of the card 21 has already been read into the memory 4 for the CPU 1 of the camera section, the process proceeds to step 6g, and if it has not been read, the process proceeds to step 6f.
Proceed to.

In step 6f, the management data area 24 of the card 21 is read into the CPU 1.

After the process of step 6f is completed, step 6
The process advances to g, and the display means 3 displays the number of frames, date, mode, etc. based on the read data, various modes set by the switch group 2, and the program read in step 6p.

Proceeding to step 6h, it is determined whether recording is possible. If recording is possible, the process advances to step 6i; if recording is not possible, the process advances to step 6s.

In step 6i, the distance measurement/photometering switch (S
If W-1) is operated, the process advances to step 6j, and if not operated, that state is maintained.

In step 6j, distance measurement and photometry control is performed.

In step 6k, release switch (SW
-2) is operated, and if it is operated, the process proceeds to step 6l; if not, the process returns to step 6i.

In step 6l, photographing processing is performed and the process advances to step 6m.

In step 6m, when the process of writing various necessary data into the management data area 24 of the memory card 21 is completed, the process returns to step 6b.

If the memory card 21 is being inserted in step 6b, the process advances to step 6n and the barcode reading section 20' is activated.

[0081] In step 6p, the barcode reading section 20'
Reading of the barcode 27 printed on the surface of the package 21a of the memory card 21 is started.

[0082] In step 6q, it is determined whether reading of the bar code 27 has been completed. If the reading has been completed after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step 6c, and if the reading has not been completed even after the predetermined period of time has elapsed, or if there is a code that cannot be read, the process proceeds to step 6r.

In step 6r, a warning is displayed and/or a warning sound is generated by the display means 3 of the camera section, and the process returns to step 6b.

Regarding distance measurement/photometry control and photographing control in the second embodiment, the same operation control as that described in the first embodiment is performed.

[0085] The barcode 27 contains not only the shooting program but also various symbols and numbers such as symbols and characters for superimposition, attribute information data such as memory card specifications and instructions, and card number for personal management. It is also possible to add data, and the same effect can be obtained.

[0086] The barcode explanation section 28 can also print various pictures, photographs, symbols, and characters accordingly.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention was applied to a semiconductor recording medium and an electronic still camera using the same, but the present invention is not limited to such a device, but can also be applied to an electronic device equipped with a removable recording medium. It is obvious that it is applicable to all devices.

[0088]

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, the package of the present invention accommodates a recording medium for recording a video signal,
Auxiliary data for each of the recording media is attached to the package, and in the electronic camera of the present invention, the package is detachable, and a reader is provided to read and recognize the auxiliary data for each of the recording media attached to the package. By adopting the configuration having the means, it is possible to eliminate the decrease in memory capacity that occurs due to the conventional method of storing individual data of a recording medium in the memory of the storage medium, and to store individual auxiliary data of the recording medium. can be transmitted to an electronic camera.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic still camera according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating operation control of the electronic still camera according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating in detail distance measurement and photometry control of the electronic still camera according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating in detail photographing control of the electronic still camera according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an electronic still camera according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating operation control of the electronic still camera according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the front surface of the memory card.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 System control unit (CPU) 19 Card insertion detection section 20, 20' Barcode reading section 20a Sensor part 21 Memory card 21a Package 27 Barcode 28 Barcode explanation display section

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A package for accommodating a recording medium for recording a video signal, characterized in that auxiliary data for each of the recording media is provided on the package. 2. The package according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary data is provided along an insertion direction when the package is installed. 3. An electronic camera that records video signals on a removable recording medium, characterized by having a reading means for reading and recognizing auxiliary data for each recording medium provided on a package of the recording medium. electronic camera. 4. The electronic camera according to claim 3, wherein the auxiliary data is provided by a bar code. 5. The electronic camera according to claim 3, wherein the auxiliary data is photographing data related to a camera photographing operation. 6. The electronic camera according to claim 3, wherein said reading means reads using relative movement when said package is inserted. 7. The electronic camera according to claim 3, wherein said reading means performs a reading operation in response to detecting attachment of said package.