JPH11136555A - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely improve ability and a function while an electronic camera is associated with an external unit on the electronic camera which takes a still image or a moving image, generates image information and which can be connected with the external unit. SOLUTION: An image pickup means 10 taking an object and generating image information, a recording means 12 recording image information generated by the image pickup means 10, a transfer means 14 transferring image information generated by the image pickup means 10 to the external unit A and a switch means 16 selecting the recording means 12 or the transfer means 14 and supplying image information are provided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic camera that captures a still image or a moving image to generate image information, and more particularly to an electronic camera that can be connected to an external device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the spread of information processing devices such as personal computers, electronic cameras for generating image information suitable for digital image processing have been developed and put into practical use. Some of such electronic cameras compress image information and record it in a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory.

In recent years, the speed of image compression processing has been increased by using dedicated hardware.
The speed of the recording process on the semiconductor memory is limited because the existing data needs to be erased when the data is rewritten. Therefore, the ratio of the recording time to the time required for shooting one frame tends to increase. Here, a recording time when image information is recorded on a flash memory card which is one form of a flash memory is shown.

For example, when a still image is captured using a 1 million pixel CCD image pickup device, the data amount of image information composed of a luminance signal and a color difference signal having 8-bit gradation is 1,000,000 × 8 × 2 = 16 million bits ≒ 2 Mbytes. If such image information is subjected to 1/10 image compression, the data amount of image information per frame is 200 kbytes.

[0005] Since the recording speed of a general flash memory card is 200 kbytes / sec, the recording time required for one still photographing is 1 second.

[0006]

Therefore, when a still image is continuously photographed by such an electronic camera, an interval of at least one second is required, and there is a limit to speeding up the continuous photographing.

[0007] Some electronic cameras for shooting moving images use a hard disk as a recording medium.
Due to the restrictions of miniaturization and weight reduction and cost reduction, there was a limit to increasing the capacity, and it was not possible to shoot for a long time. That is, such an electronic camera has a problem that performance and functions at the time of photographing are limited by limitations on a recording medium such as a recording speed and a recording capacity.

Incidentally, these electronic cameras can be connected to an external device such as a personal computer, and can transfer image information to the connected external device. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera capable of reliably improving performance and functions while cooperating with an external device.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic camera capable of performing cooperation with an external device with high accuracy. Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera capable of reliably reducing the recording time of image information. Still another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera capable of reliably reducing the deterioration of the photographing ability due to the increase in the data amount of image information.

[0010]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the principle of the first, second and seventh aspects of the present invention. Claim 1
The electronic camera described in (1) includes an imaging unit 10 that captures an object to generate image information, a recording unit 12 that records the image information generated by the imaging unit 10, and an external device that stores the image information generated by the imaging unit 10. It is characterized by comprising a transfer means 14 for transferring to the device A, and a switching means 16 for selecting one of the recording means 12 and the transfer means 14 and supplying image information.

The electronic camera according to the second aspect is the first aspect of the invention.
The transfer means 14 transfers image information to the external device A at a speed higher than the recording speed of the recording means 12.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the principle of the present invention. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the first or second aspect, based on a predetermined rule between the transfer means and the external device A, the external means is provided by the transfer means. Equipment A
Determining means 20 for determining whether or not image information can be transferred to the recording medium, and recording only as a supply destination of the image information only when the determining means 20 determines that image information can be transferred. An external selection accepting unit for accepting an external operation for selecting one of the unit and the transfer unit;
The image information is supplied to a user selected by an external operation via the external selection receiving unit 22 among the transfer unit 14 and the transfer unit 14.

An electronic camera according to a fourth aspect is the electronic camera according to the first aspect.
3. The electronic camera according to claim 2, wherein image data can be transferred to the external device A by the transfer unit 14 based on a predetermined rule between the transfer unit 14 and the external device A. Determining means 20 for determining whether
And an external selection receiving unit 22 for receiving an external operation for selecting one of the recording unit 12 and the transfer unit 14 as a supply destination of the image information.
Supplies image information to one of the recording unit 12 and the transfer unit 14 that is selected by an external operation via the external selection receiving unit 22, and the external selection receiving unit 22 determines whether the image information is transferred by the determining unit 20. If it is determined that the image information cannot be supplied, the transfer means 14
The reception of an external operation for selecting a is prohibited.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the principle of the fifth aspect of the present invention. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the first or second aspect, based on a predetermined rule between the transfer means and the external device A, the external means is provided by the transfer means. Judging means 2 for judging whether image information can be transferred to device A
0, and the switching unit 16 supplies the image information to the transfer unit 14 when the determination unit 20 determines that the transfer of the image information is possible.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the principle of the present invention. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the first or second aspect, the processing speed of the external device is based on a predetermined rule between the transfer unit and the external device. Is provided, and the switching unit 16 compares the recording speed of the recording unit 12 with the processing speed of the external device A acquired by the processing speed acquisition unit 30, and selects the higher one. And supplying image information.

An electronic camera according to a seventh aspect is the electronic camera according to the first aspect.
Alternatively, in the electronic camera according to claim 2, the switching unit 16 supplies the image information to the transfer unit 14 when the data amount of the image information generated by the imaging unit 10 exceeds a predetermined threshold. Features. FIG.
Is a principle block diagram of the invention according to claims 8 to 11. FIG.

The electronic camera described in claim 8 is the first embodiment.
Alternatively, the electronic camera according to claim 2, further comprising: a photographing mode receiving unit that receives an external operation for instructing a mode of image information to be generated by the image capturing unit. The image information is generated based on the form instructed by the operation, and the switching means 16 switches one of the recording means 12 and the transfer means 14 according to the form instructed by the external operation via the photographing form receiving means 40. Selecting and supplying image information.

The electronic camera according to the ninth aspect provides the electronic camera according to the eighth aspect.
In the electronic camera described in (1), the switching unit 16 supplies image information to the transfer unit 14 when the mode specified by the external operation via the shooting mode receiving unit 40 is continuous shooting. In the electronic camera according to the tenth aspect, in the electronic camera according to the eighth aspect, the switching unit 16 may be configured to transmit the moving unit when a mode designated by an external operation via the shooting mode receiving unit 40 is a moving image shooting. 14 is supplied with image information.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera of the eighth aspect, the switching means 16 comprises:
When the mode specified by the external operation via the shooting mode receiving unit 40 is “shooting with low image compression ratio”,
It is characterized in that image information is supplied to the transfer means 14.

(Operation) In the electronic camera according to the first aspect of the present invention, the switching unit 16 selects one of the recording unit 12 and the transfer unit 14 and converts the image information generated by the imaging unit 10 into image data. Supply. The recording unit 12 records the image information supplied via the switching unit 16, and the transfer unit 14 transfers the image information supplied via the switching unit 16 to the external device A.

Therefore, it is possible to select an optimum supply destination of the image information according to the performance and function of the electronic camera, so that it is possible to flexibly adapt to the needs of the photographer. In the electronic camera according to the second aspect of the invention, the transfer unit transfers the image information supplied via the switching unit to the external device at a speed higher than the recording speed of the recording unit.

That is, as the external device A, the recording means 1
When an external recording device capable of recording at a speed exceeding the recording speed of No. 2 is provided, the image information generated by the imaging unit 10 can be recorded quickly. Therefore, it is possible to improve the functions and performance of the electronic camera, which are limited by the recording speed, such as recording of continuous shooting and recording of a moving image.

In the electronic camera according to the third aspect of the present invention, the judging means 20 determines the image information for the external device A by the transfer means 14 based on a predetermined rule between the transfer means 14 and the external device A. It is determined whether or not transfer is possible. The external selection accepting unit 22 selects one of the recording unit 12 and the transfer unit 14 as a supply destination of the image information only when the determination unit 20 determines that the transfer of the image information is possible. Accept external operations.

The switching means 16 supplies image information to one of the recording means 12 and the transfer means 14 which is selected by an external operation via the external selection receiving means 22. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an error that the switching unit 16 transfers the image information to the external device A even though the image information cannot be transferred to the external device A.

In the electronic camera according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the judging means 20 determines the image information for the external device A by the transfer means 14 based on a predetermined rule between the transfer means 14 and the external device A. It is determined whether or not transfer is possible. The switching means 16 includes the recording means 12
The image information is supplied to the one selected by the external operation via the external selection receiving unit 22 between the image data and the transfer unit 14.

The external selection receiving means 22 receives an external operation for selecting one of the recording means 12 and the transfer means 14 as a supply destination of the image information.
If it is determined that the transfer of the image information is impossible, the reception of the external operation for selecting the transfer unit 14 as the supply destination of the image information is prohibited. Therefore, when it is impossible to transfer image information to the external device A,
That fact can be reliably recognized by the operator.

That is, even though the image information is recorded in the recording means 14, the operator is not erroneously recognized as having been transferred to the external device A, and the operability is improved.

In the electronic camera according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the judging means 20 determines the image information for the external device A by the transfer means 14 based on a predetermined rule between the transfer means 14 and the external device A. It is determined whether or not transfer is possible. The switching means 16 includes a determination means 20
When it is determined that the image information can be transferred, the image information is supplied to the transfer unit 14.

Therefore, since the image information can be automatically supplied to the external device A without any external operation, the processing of the image information can be surely performed by the external device A while reducing the trouble of the operator. it can. In the electronic camera according to the sixth aspect, the processing speed obtaining means 30 is
The processing speed of the external device A is obtained based on a predetermined rule between the transfer unit 14 and the external device A. The switching unit 16 compares the recording speed of the recording unit 12 with the processing speed of the external device A acquired by the processing speed acquisition unit 30, and selects the faster one to supply image information.

Therefore, when an external recording device capable of recording image information at a speed higher than the recording speed of the recording means 12 is provided as the external device A, the recording time of the image information can be reliably reduced. Can be. In the electronic camera according to the seventh aspect, the switching means 1
6 is a transfer unit 14 when the data amount of the image information generated by the imaging unit 10 exceeds a predetermined threshold.
To supply image information.

Therefore, when an external recording device having a recording capacity larger than that of the recording means 12 is provided as the external device A, image information can be reliably recorded. In the electronic camera according to the eighth aspect of the invention, the imaging mode receiving unit 40 receives an external operation for instructing the type of image information to be generated by the imaging unit 10. Imaging means 10
Generates image information based on a form instructed by an external operation via the photographing form receiving means 40.

The switching means 16 selects one of the recording means 12 and the transfer means 14 in accordance with a form designated by an external operation via the photographing form receiving means 40, and supplies image information. That is, the optimum supply destination of the image information can be automatically selected based on the form instructed by the external operation via the photographing form receiving unit 40.

In the electronic camera according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when the mode specified by the external operation via the shooting mode receiving unit 40 is continuous shooting, the switching unit 16 supplies image information to the transfer unit 14. I do. Therefore, when an external recording device capable of recording at a speed higher than the recording speed of the recording unit 12 is provided as the external device A, the speed of continuous shooting can be increased.

In the electronic camera according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, when the mode specified by the external operation via the shooting mode receiving unit 40 is the shooting of a moving image, the switching unit 16 transmits the image information to the transfer unit 14. Supply.
Therefore, when a high-capacity external recording device capable of high-speed recording is provided as the external device A, moving images can be efficiently captured.

In the electronic camera according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, when the mode specified by the external operation via the shooting mode receiving unit 40 is “photographing with a low image compression ratio”, the switching unit 16 transmits the image. The image information is supplied to the means 14. Therefore, when an external recording device capable of high-speed recording and having a large capacity is provided as the external device A, even if the image information has a low image compression rate and a large amount of data, it can be reliably recorded. it can.

[0036]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of an electronic camera according to the present invention.

In the figure, a CPU 50 is connected to an imaging unit 54, a frame memory 56, a display processing unit 58, a compression processing unit 60, a recording processing unit 62, and an interface processing unit 64 via a system bus 52. A monitor 66 is connected to the display processing unit 58, and a flash memory card 68 is loaded in the recording processing unit 62. The interface processing unit 64 is connected to the personal computer 70.

The CPU 50 has a power switch 7
2. The release switch 74 and the mode switch 76 are connected. FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart of an embodiment according to the first, second, and fifth aspects of the present invention. In this embodiment, in FIG. 6, the interface processing unit 64 and the personal computer 70 are connected via a cable adapted to a USB (Universal Serial Bus). In addition, the personal computer 70 has a recording medium (here, recording speed of 1.5 Mbytes / sec.) For recording data supplied via USB (transfer speed: 12 Mbits / sec = 1.5 Mbytes / sec). Hard disk).

The correspondence between the principle block diagrams shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.
0 corresponds to the imaging unit 54, and the recording unit 12 is the recording processing unit 6
2 and the flash memory card 68, the transfer unit 14 corresponds to the interface processing unit 64, the switching unit 16 and the determination unit 20 correspond to the function of controlling the image information supply destination of the CPU 50, and the external device A is a personal computer. It corresponds to the computer 70.

The operation of the embodiment according to the first, second and fifth aspects of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the mode of one frame of still photography is selected by the operator via the mode switch 76.

The CPU 50 sets the power switch 72 to "O"
If “N”, power is supplied to each unit via a power supply circuit (not shown), and the start of the imaging operation is instructed to the imaging unit 54 (S1 in FIG. 7). When instructed in this way, the imaging unit 54 captures a subject image, performs A / D conversion, and repeatedly generates image information (S2 in FIG. 7). The image information generated in this manner is output to the system bus 52.

In the process of generating the image information in this manner, the CPU 50 displays the viewfinder display on the display processing unit 58.
(S3 in FIG. 7). The display processing unit 58 includes the imaging unit 5
The image information generated in step 4 is obtained via the system bus 52. Further, the display processing unit 58 performs pixel density conversion on the acquired image information, and provides the image information to the monitor 66 as image information for a finder.

On the monitor 66, the image information for the finder provided in this manner is displayed in the finder. C
PU 50 is in a state where the finder display is being performed.
The opening and closing of the release switch 74 is constantly monitored to determine whether or not the release switch 74 has been turned ON (FIG. 7S
4).

When the CPU 50 recognizes that the release switch 74 has been turned "ON" as a result of such determination, it instructs the compression processing section 60 to compress the image information (S5 in FIG. 7). The compression processing unit 60 acquires the image information generated by the imaging unit 54 via the system bus 52 and performs image compression based on JPEG on the image information.
The image information subjected to the image compression is stored in the frame memory 56 (S6 in FIG. 7).

The CPU 50 requests acquisition of the right to use the bus via the interface processing unit 64 in the process of performing the image compression as described above. The interface processing unit 64
A bus use request is made in response to an inquiry from the bus controller of the personal computer 70. CPU
At the time when the image compression is completed, it is determined via the interface processing unit 64 whether or not the bus use right has been acquired and transfer preparation has been completed (S7 in FIG. 7).

As a result of such determination, when the CPU 50 recognizes that image information can be transferred (FIG. 7S
7, the image information in the frame memory 56 is transferred to the personal computer 70 via the interface processing section 64 (S8 in FIG. 7). On the other hand, the CPU 50
When it is recognized that the bus use right is not acquired and the image information cannot be transferred (NO in S7 in FIG. 7), the image information in the frame memory 56 is recorded on the flash memory card 68 via the recording processing unit 62. (S9 in FIG. 7).

The image information transferred to the personal computer 70 is recorded on a hard disk in the personal computer 70. That is, when the right to use the bus is acquired, the personal computer 70 receives 1.
Since the image information can be transferred at a transfer speed of 5 Mbytes / sec, the image information can be recorded at a higher speed than in the case where the image information is recorded on the flash memory card 68.

Further, even when the right to use the bus cannot be obtained, the image information is recorded on the flash memory card 68. Therefore, even if the release switch is turned "ON" at any timing, it is necessary to reliably record the image information. Can be. In the present embodiment, the personal computer 70 is connected via a USB. However, the electronic camera to which the present invention is applied uses a personal computer 7 via a dedicated plug-and-play interface.
It may be connected to 0. In such a case, whether or not transfer is possible may be determined by determining whether or not the connection is physically established.

(Second Embodiment) FIG.
7 is an operation flowchart of the embodiment corresponding to the inventions described in 6 and 6. The feature of this embodiment is that the CPU 5
0, and the configuration of the hardware is the same as the functional block diagram shown in FIG. 6, so that the illustration is omitted here.

In the present embodiment, the plug-and-
It is assumed that the interface processing unit 64 and the personal computer 70 are connected via a cable adapted to a dedicated interface (a transfer rate equivalent to that of USB) capable of playing. Further, regarding the correspondence between the principle block diagrams shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 and the present embodiment, the imaging unit 10 corresponds to the imaging unit 54 and the recording unit 12
Corresponds to the recording processing unit 62 and the flash memory card 68, the transfer unit 14 and the processing speed acquisition unit 30 correspond to the interface processing unit 64, and the switching unit 16 corresponds to the function of the CPU 50 for controlling the supply destination of the image information. , The external device A corresponds to the personal computer 70.

The operation of the embodiment according to the first, second and sixth aspects of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. When the power switch 72 is turned “ON”, the CPU 50 supplies power to each unit and instructs the imaging unit 54 to start an imaging operation (S1 in FIG. 8), as in the above-described embodiment. By such an instruction, the imaging unit 5
4 generates image information (S2 in FIG. 8),
Output to 2.

The CPU 50 instructs the display processing section 58 to display a finder (S3 in FIG. 8). The image information for the finder generated by the display processing unit 58 according to such an instruction is displayed on the monitor 66 in the finder. CP
The U50 constantly monitors the opening and closing of the release switch 74 while the finder display is being performed, and determines whether or not the release switch 74 is "ON" (FIG. 8S).
4).

When the CPU 50 recognizes that the release switch 74 has been turned "ON" as a result of such determination, it instructs the compression processing section 60 to compress the image information (S5 in FIG. 8). The compression processing unit 60 performs JP JP on the image information generated by the imaging unit 54, as in the above-described embodiment.
Performs image compression in accordance with EG. The image information subjected to the image compression is stored in the frame memory 56 (S6 in FIG. 8).

The CPU 50 obtains the recording speed of the recording medium built in the personal computer 70 via the interface processing unit 64 and the flash memory via the recording processing unit 62 in the process of performing the image compression. The recording speed of the card 68 is obtained (S7 in FIG. 8).
Further, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the recording speed of the recording medium built in the personal computer 70 exceeds the recording speed of the flash memory card 68 (FIG. 8S).
8).

When the CPU 50 recognizes that the recording speed of the recording medium built in the personal computer 70 is high (YES in S8 of FIG. 8) as a result of the determination, the CPU 50 transmits the data via the interface processing unit 64. The image information in the frame memory 56 is stored in the personal computer 7.
0 (S9 in FIG. 8). On the other hand, if the CPU 50 recognizes that the recording speed of the flash memory card 68 is high (NO in S9 in FIG. 8), the recording processing unit 6
2, the image information in the frame memory 56 is recorded on the flash memory card 68 (S10 in FIG. 8).

That is, since the recording speed of the recording medium at the transfer destination can be obtained through the interface processing section 64, the image information can be recorded at a high speed. In addition,
Since the recording speed of the flash memory card 68 differs depending on whether or not an area to be recorded has been erased, the recording processing unit 62 detects the presence or absence of an erased area in the flash memory card 68, for example. Predicts the detailed recording speed of the flash memory card 68, and
U50 may be notified.

Therefore, even if the recording speed of the recording medium in the electronic camera fluctuates and the magnitude of the recording speed of the recording medium of the transfer destination reverses, the fluctuation of the recording speed can be accurately dealt with and the image information A recording medium capable of recording the data at high speed can be reliably selected. (Third Embodiment) FIG. 9 is an operation flowchart of an embodiment according to the first, second, seventh, eighth and eleventh aspects of the present invention.

The feature of the present embodiment lies in the processing procedure of the CPU 50, and the hardware configuration is the same as the functional block diagram shown in FIG.
Illustration is omitted. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the interface processing unit 64 and the personal computer 70 are connected via a cable adapted for USB, and the personal computer 70 has a built-in hard disk.

Further, regarding the correspondence between the principle block diagrams shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 and this embodiment,
0 corresponds to the imaging unit 54, and the recording unit 12 is the recording processing unit 6
2, the transfer unit 14 corresponds to the interface processing unit 64, the switching unit 16 corresponds to the function of controlling the image information supply destination of the CPU 50, and the photographing mode receiving unit 40 includes the mode switch 76. , And the external device A corresponds to the personal computer 70.

The operation of the embodiment according to the first, second, seventh, eighth and eleventh aspects of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. When the power switch 72 is turned “ON”, similarly to the above-described embodiments,
The power is supplied to each unit, and the start of the imaging operation is instructed to the imaging unit 54 (S1 in FIG. 9). In response to such an instruction, the imaging unit 54 generates image information (S2 in FIG. 9) and outputs it to the system bus 52.

The CPU 50 instructs the display processing unit 58 to display a finder (S3 in FIG. 9). The image information for the finder generated by the display processing unit 58 according to such an instruction is displayed on the monitor 66 in the finder. Further, while the finder display is being performed via the monitor 66, the CPU 50 determines which mode is selected via the mode switch 76,
The opening and closing of the release switch 74 is constantly monitored to determine whether or not the release switch 74 has been turned ON (FIG. 9S
4).

As a result of such determination, when recognizing that the release switch 74 has been turned "ON", the CPU 50 instructs the compression processing section 60 to compress the image information (S5 in FIG. 9). When a mode indicating the level of the image compression ratio at the time of shooting (here, “high compression mode” or “low compression mode”) is selected, the CPU 50
That effect is notified to the compression processing unit 60.

The compression processing section 60 acquires the image information generated by the imaging section 54 via the system bus 52, and adds the image information to a predetermined compression ratio (in some cases, the mode corresponding to the mode notified from the CPU 50). (Compression ratio). The image information thus compressed is stored in the frame memory 56 (S6 in FIG. 9).

The CPU 50 determines whether or not the low compression mode is selected (S7 in FIG. 9), and when recognizing that the low compression mode is selected (YES in S7 in FIG. 9).
Side), the image information in the frame memory 56 is transferred to the personal computer 70 via the interface processing section 64 (S8 in FIG. 9). It is assumed that the right to use the bus has been acquired prior to such transfer processing.

On the other hand, when the CPU 50 recognizes that the low compression mode is not selected (NO in S7 in FIG. 9).
Side), the image information in the frame memory 56 is recorded on the flash memory card 68 via the recording processing unit 62 (S9 in FIG. 9). That is, when the low compression mode is selected and the data amount of the image information is large, the image information is recorded on the hard disk in the personal computer 70.

Therefore, even when the recording capacity of the flash memory card 68 loaded in the electronic camera is small or when the data amount of the image information is large, the image information can be reliably recorded. In this embodiment, when the low compression mode is selected and the data amount of the image information is large, the transfer processing is performed. However, as an embodiment corresponding to the invention described in claim 7, a predetermined time is set. The data amount per hit may be measured, and the transfer processing may be performed when the measured data amount exceeds a predetermined threshold.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG.
10 is an operation flowchart of an embodiment corresponding to the inventions described in 2, 8, and 9. The feature of this embodiment is that C
In the processing procedure of the PU 50, the hardware configuration is the same as the functional block diagram shown in FIG.
Here, illustration is omitted.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the interface processing unit 64 and the personal computer 70 are connected to each other via a cable adapted for USB, and the personal computer 70 has a built-in hard disk. Further, regarding the correspondence between the principle block diagrams shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 and the present embodiment, the imaging unit 10 corresponds to the imaging unit 54, and the recording unit 12 corresponds to the recording processing unit 62 and the flash memory card 68. , Transfer means 14
Corresponds to the interface processing unit 64,
Reference numeral 6 denotes a function of the CPU 50 for controlling the supply destination of the image information.
, And the external device A corresponds to the personal computer 70.

The operation of the embodiment according to the first, second, eighth, and ninth aspects of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. When the power switch 72 is turned “ON”, the CPU 50 supplies power to each unit and instructs the imaging unit 54 to start an imaging operation (S1 in FIG. 10), similarly to the above-described embodiments. In response to such an instruction, the imaging unit 54 generates image information (S2 in FIG. 10) and outputs it to the system bus 52.

The CPU 50 instructs the display processing section 58 to display a finder (S3 in FIG. 10). The image information for the finder generated by the display processing unit 58 according to such an instruction is displayed on the monitor 66 in the finder. C
PU 50 is in a state where the finder display is being performed.
The opening and closing of the release switch 74 is constantly monitored to determine whether or not the release switch 74 is in the "ON" state (S4 in FIG. 10).

When the CPU 50 recognizes that the release switch 74 is "ON" as a result of the determination, it instructs the compression processing section 60 to compress the image information (S5 in FIG. 10). The compression processing unit 60 performs image compression on the image information generated by the imaging unit 54, and the image information on which the image compression has been performed is stored in the frame memory 56 (S6 in FIG. 10).

The CPU 50 determines whether or not the continuous shooting mode has been selected via the mode switch 76 in the process of performing the image compression as described above (S7 in FIG. 10). As a result of such determination, when the CPU 50 recognizes that the continuous shooting mode is selected (YES side in S7 of FIG. 10), the CPU 50 transmits the image information in the frame memory 56 to the personal computer 70 via the interface processing unit 64. Transfer (S8 in FIG. 10). In the process of transferring the image information to the personal computer 70 in this manner,
The processing described above such as generation of image information (S2 to S7 in FIG. 10)
Is repeated), and continuous shooting is performed.

On the other hand, when the CPU 50 recognizes that the continuous shooting mode is not selected (NO in S7 of FIG. 10).
Side), the image information in the frame memory 56 is recorded on the flash memory card 68 via the recording processing section 62 (S9 in FIG. 10). That is, when the continuous shooting mode is selected and the image information needs to be recorded at a high speed, the image information is recorded on the hard disk in the personal computer 70.

Therefore, the interval time during continuous photographing can be reliably reduced as compared with the conventional electronic camera. (Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart of an embodiment according to the first, second, eighth and tenth aspects of the present invention.

The feature of the present embodiment lies in the processing procedure of the CPU 50, and the hardware configuration is the same as the functional block diagram shown in FIG.
Illustration is omitted. In the present embodiment, the IEEE 13
It is assumed that the interface processing unit 64 and the personal computer 70 are connected to each other via a cable adapted to the computer 94, and the personal computer 70 has a built-in hard disk.

Further, regarding the correspondence between the principle block diagrams shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 and this embodiment,
0 corresponds to the imaging unit 54, and the recording unit 12 is the recording processing unit 6
2, the transfer unit 14 corresponds to the interface processing unit 64, the switching unit 16 corresponds to the function of controlling the image information supply destination of the CPU 50, and the photographing mode receiving unit 40 includes the mode switch 76. , And the external device A corresponds to the personal computer 70.

The operation of the embodiment according to the first, second, eighth and tenth aspects will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 11. When the power switch 72 is turned “ON”, the CPU 50 supplies power to each unit and starts the imaging operation in the imaging unit 54, similarly to the above-described embodiments.
(S1 in FIG. 11). With these instructions,
The imaging unit 54 generates image information (S2 in FIG. 11) and outputs the image information to the system bus 52.

Further, the CPU 50 instructs the display processing section 58 to display a finder (S3 in FIG. 11). The image information for the finder generated by the display processing unit 58 according to such an instruction is displayed on the monitor 66 in the finder. C
PU 50 is in a state where the finder display is being performed.
The opening and closing of the release switch 74 is constantly monitored to determine whether or not the release switch 74 is in the "ON" state (S4 in FIG. 11).

When the CPU 50 recognizes that the release switch 74 is "ON" as a result of such determination, the "movie shooting mode" for instructing shooting of a moving image by the photographer is selected via the mode switch 76. It is determined whether or not it has been performed (S5 in FIG. 11). When the CPU 50 recognizes that the moving image shooting mode is selected,
It instructs the compression processing section 60 to compress the image information conforming to MPEG1 (S6 in FIG. 11).

The compression processing section 60 performs image compression based on MPEG1 on the image information generated by the imaging section 54. Note that the image information subjected to such image compression is
The personal computer 7 is stored in the frame memory 56 (S7 in FIG. 11) via the interface processing unit 64.
0 (S8 in FIG. 11).

In the present embodiment, for simplicity,
As long as the release switch 74 is in the “ON” state, it is assumed that moving image shooting is continuously performed, and the above-described processing such as generation of image information (corresponding to S2 to S8 in FIG. 11) is repeatedly performed. On the other hand, when the moving image shooting mode is not selected, the CPU 50 recognizes that the photographer has instructed the still shooting of one frame, and the compression processing unit 6
0 is instructed to compress image information conforming to JPEG (S9 in FIG. 11).

The compression processing section 60 performs image compression conforming to JPEG on the image information generated by the imaging section 54. Note that the image information subjected to such image compression is
It is stored in the frame memory 56 (S10 in FIG. 11) and is recorded on the flash memory card 68 via the recording processing unit 62 (S11 in FIG. 11).

That is, when shooting a moving image, image information is recorded on a hard disk in the personal computer 70. Therefore, even when a recording medium that can only obtain a low recording speed and is not suitable for moving image shooting is loaded in the electronic camera, moving image shooting can be reliably performed. (Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 12 is an operation flowchart of an embodiment according to the first to third aspects of the present invention.

The feature of this embodiment lies in the processing procedure of the CPU 50, and the hardware configuration is the same as the functional block diagram shown in FIG.
Illustration is omitted. In this embodiment, in FIG. 6, a personal computer 70 is basically connected to the interface processing unit 64 via a cable adapted to a dedicated interface capable of plug-and-play. .

Further, regarding the correspondence between the principle block diagrams shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and this embodiment,
0 corresponds to the imaging unit 54, and the recording unit 12 is the recording processing unit 6
2 and the flash memory card 68, the transfer unit 14 corresponds to the interface processing unit 64, the switching unit 16 and the determination unit 20 correspond to the function of controlling the image information supply destination of the CPU 50, and the external selection reception unit 22 Corresponds to the mode switch 76, and the external device A corresponds to the personal computer 70.

The operation of the embodiment according to the first to third aspects of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. The CPU 50, as in each of the above-described embodiments,
When the power switch 72 is turned “ON”, power is supplied to each unit and the start of the imaging operation is instructed to the imaging unit 54 (S1 in FIG. 12). By such an instruction, the imaging unit 54
Generates image information (S2 in FIG. 12) and
Output to 2.

The CPU 50 instructs the display processing unit 58 to display a finder (S3 in FIG. 12). The image information for the finder generated by the display processing unit 58 according to such an instruction is displayed on the monitor 66 in the finder. C
PU 50 is in a state where the finder display is being performed.
It is determined whether the personal computer 70 is connected via the interface processing unit 64 (FIG. 12S
4).

As a result of such determination, the CPU 50 causes the interface processing unit 64 to
When it is recognized that is not connected (NO in S4 in FIG. 12), the display processing unit 58 is instructed to display that mode switching is not possible (S5 in FIG. 12). In response to such an instruction, the display processing unit 58 reads a message indicating that mode switching is impossible from a plurality of messages stored in a built-in memory (not shown). The message read in this way is displayed on the monitor 66.

On the other hand, when the CPU 50 recognizes that the interface processing section 64 is connected to the personal computer 70 (YES side in S4 of FIG. 12), the CPU 50 constantly monitors the opening and closing of the release switch 74 and sets the release switch 74 to “ON”. Is determined (see FIG. 12S
6). As a result of such determination, when recognizing that the release switch 74 has been turned “ON”, the CPU 50 instructs the compression processing unit 60 to compress image information (FIG. 12).
S7).

The compression processing section 60 performs image compression according to JPEG on the image information generated by the imaging section 54. The image information subjected to the image compression is stored in the frame memory 56 (S8 in FIG. 12). The CPU 50
In the process of performing the image compression in this manner, the photographer operates the personal computer 7 via the mode switch 76.
It is determined whether or not the “transfer mode” for instructing the transfer of the image information to “0” is selected (S9 in FIG. 12).

As a result of such determination, the CPU 50 recognizes that the transfer mode has been selected (FIG. 12).
(YES side of S9), via the interface processing unit 64,
The image information in the frame memory 56 is transferred to the personal computer 70 (S10 in FIG. 12). On the other hand, CPU5
0, when recognizing that the transfer mode is not selected (NO in S9 in FIG. 12), the image information in the frame memory 56 is recorded on the flash memory card 68 via the recording processing unit 62 (S11 in FIG. 12).

Therefore, the personal computer 70
Is not connected, a message that mode switching is impossible is displayed, and the release switch 74 is turned on.
Is not transmitted, so that the image information is not erroneously transferred. (Seventh Embodiment) FIG. 13 is an operation flowchart of an embodiment according to the first, second and fourth aspects of the present invention.

The feature of the present embodiment lies in the processing procedure of the CPU 50, and the hardware configuration is the same as the functional block diagram shown in FIG.
Illustration is omitted. In this embodiment, in FIG. 6, a personal computer 70 is basically connected to the interface processing unit 64 via a cable adapted to a dedicated interface capable of plug-and-play. .

Further, regarding the correspondence between the principle block diagrams shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and this embodiment,
0 corresponds to the imaging unit 54, and the recording unit 12 is the recording processing unit 6
2 and the flash memory card 68, the transfer unit 14 corresponds to the interface processing unit 64, the switching unit 16 and the determination unit 20 correspond to the function of controlling the image information supply destination of the CPU 50, and the external selection reception unit 22 Corresponds to the mode switch 76, and the external device A corresponds to the personal computer 70.

The operation of the embodiment according to the first, second, and fourth aspects of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. When the power switch 72 is turned “ON”, the CPU 50 supplies power to each unit and instructs the imaging unit 54 to start an imaging operation (S1 in FIG. 13), similarly to the above-described embodiments. In response to such an instruction, the imaging unit 54 generates image information (S2 in FIG. 13) and outputs the image information to the system bus 52.

Further, the CPU 50 instructs the display processing section 58 to display a finder (S3 in FIG. 13). The image information for the finder generated by the display processing unit 58 according to such an instruction is displayed on the monitor 66 in the finder. C
PU 50 is in a state where the finder display is being performed.
It is determined via the mode switch 76 whether the transfer mode is selected (S4 in FIG. 13).

As a result of such determination, the CPU 50 recognizes that the transfer mode has been selected (FIG. 13).
(YES side of S4), it is determined whether or not the personal computer 70 is connected via the interface processing section 64 (S5 in FIG. 13).

When the transfer mode is not selected (NO in S4 in FIG. 13), the recording process of the normal image information including the compression of the image information and the storage in the frame memory 56 is performed. As a result of the above-described determination, the CPU 50 recognizes that the personal computer 70 is not connected to the interface processing unit 64 (N in FIG. 13 S5).
(O side), instructs the display processing unit 58 to display that the transfer mode cannot be selected (S6 in FIG. 13).

The display processing unit 58 is operated in response to such an instruction.
Reads a message indicating that transfer in the transfer mode is impossible from a plurality of messages stored in a built-in memory (not shown). The message read in this way is displayed on the monitor 66. On the other hand, when the CPU 50 recognizes that the interface processing unit 64 is connected to the personal computer 70 (YES side in S5 in FIG. 13), the CPU 50 monitors the opening and closing of the release switch 74 and sets the release switch 74 to “O”.
It is determined whether or not "N" has been performed (S7 in FIG. 13).

When the CPU 50 recognizes that the release switch 74 has been turned "ON" as a result of such determination, it instructs the compression processing section 60 to compress the image information (S8 in FIG. 13). The compression processing unit 60 performs image compression based on JPEG on the image information generated by the imaging unit 54. The image information subjected to the image compression is stored in the frame memory 56 (S9 in FIG. 13) and transferred to the personal computer 70 via the interface processing unit 64 (S10 in FIG. 11).

That is, when the personal computer 70 is not connected, the selection of the transfer mode is prohibited, but the recording process on the flash memory card 68 can be performed as usual.

Therefore, the personal computer 70
Even if transfer to the electronic camera is not possible, the normal function of the electronic camera can be reliably compensated for by the flash memory card 68. In the embodiments corresponding to the third and fourth aspects of the above-described embodiments, the case where the “transfer mode” is selected by the operator has been described.
Any mode may be selected as long as it is a mode requiring transfer of image information to the personal computer 70, such as a "low compression mode", a "continuous shooting mode", or a "moving image shooting mode".

In each of the above embodiments, the USB,
The interface processing unit 64 and the personal computer 70 are connected by the IEEE 1394 or a dedicated interface.
8 can be connected by any interface as long as a transfer speed higher than the recording speed to 8 can be obtained.

[0104]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to select an optimum supply destination of image information in accordance with the performance and function of the electronic camera. Flexible adaptive shooting can be performed.

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the functions and performance of the electronic camera which is limited by the recording speed, such as recording of continuous photographing and moving image recording. Further, according to the third aspect of the invention, it is possible to prevent an error that the switching unit transfers the image information to the external device even though the image information cannot be transferred to the external device. .

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when it is impossible to transfer image information to an external device, the operator can be surely notified of this fact. Despite being recorded in the means, the operator is not erroneously recognized as having been transferred to the external device, and the operability is improved. Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 5, since the image information can be automatically supplied to the external device without using the external operation, the processing of the image information can be reliably performed by the external device while reducing the trouble of the operator. Can be done.

According to the invention described in claim 6, when an external recording device capable of recording image information at a speed higher than the recording speed of the recording means is provided as an external device, recording of the image information is performed. Time can be reliably reduced. Further, according to the invention described in claim 7, when an external recording device having a recording capacity larger than the recording means is provided as the external device, image information can be reliably recorded.

Further, according to the present invention, the optimum supply destination of the image information can be automatically selected based on the form specified by the external operation via the photographing form receiving means. Further, in the invention according to claim 9,
When an external recording device capable of recording at a speed higher than the recording speed of the recording means is provided as an external device, it is possible to increase the speed of continuous shooting.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, when a large-capacity external recording device capable of high-speed recording is provided as an external device, it is possible to efficiently shoot a moving image. Further, in the invention according to claim 11,
In the case where a high-capacity external recording device capable of high-speed recording is provided as an external device, even if the image information has a low image compression rate and a large amount of data, it can be reliably recorded.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a principle block diagram of the invention according to claims 1, 2 and 7;

FIG. 2 is a principle block diagram of the invention according to claims 3 and 4;

FIG. 3 is a principle block diagram of the invention according to claim 5;

FIG. 4 is a principle block diagram of the invention according to claim 6;

FIG. 5 is a principle block diagram of the invention according to claims 8 to 11;

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the electronic camera.

FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart of an embodiment according to the first, second and fifth aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an operation flowchart of an embodiment according to the first, second and sixth aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an operation flowchart of an embodiment corresponding to the invention described in claims 1, 2, 7, 8 and 11;

FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart of an embodiment according to the first, second, eighth, and ninth aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart of an embodiment according to the first, second, eighth, and tenth aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is an operation flowchart of the embodiment according to the first to third aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an operation flowchart of an embodiment according to the first, second and fourth aspects of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Imaging means 12 Recording means 14 Transfer means 16 Switching means 20 Judgment means 22 External selection acceptance means 30 Processing speed acquisition means 40 Imaging mode acceptance means A External equipment 50 CPU 52 System bus 54 Imaging part 56 Frame memory 58 Display processing part 60 Compression Processing unit 62 Recording processing unit 64 Interface processing unit 66 Monitor 68 Flash memory 70 Personal computer 72 Power switch 74 Release switch 76 Mode switch

Claims (11)

[Claims] An image capturing unit that captures a subject to generate image information; a recording unit that records the image information generated by the image capturing unit; and transfers the image information generated by the image capturing unit to an external device. Transfer means, selecting one of the recording means and the transfer means,
An electronic camera comprising: a switching unit that supplies the image information. 2. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the transfer unit transfers the image information to the external device at a speed higher than a recording speed of the recording unit. 3. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the transfer unit transfers the image information to the external device based on a predetermined rule between the transfer unit and the external device. Determining means for determining whether transfer is possible, and only when the determination means determines that transfer of the image information is possible, the recording means and the recording means External selection receiving means for receiving an external operation for selecting one of the transfer means, wherein the switching means is selected by the external operation via the external selection receiving means among the recording means and the transfer means. An electronic camera for supplying the image information to a user. 4. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the transfer unit transmits the image information to the external device based on a predetermined rule between the transfer unit and the external device. Determining means for determining whether transfer is possible, and external selection receiving means for receiving an external operation for selecting one of the recording means and the transfer means as a supply destination of the image information, The switching unit supplies the image information to a user selected by an external operation via the external selection receiving unit among the recording unit and the transfer unit. If it is determined that the transfer of the image information is impossible, it is prohibited to accept an external operation for selecting the transfer unit as a supply destination of the image information. And an electronic camera. 5. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the transfer unit transmits the image information to the external device based on a predetermined rule between the transfer unit and the external device. A determination unit that determines whether transfer is possible; and the switching unit supplies the image information to the transfer unit when the determination unit determines that transfer of the image information is possible. An electronic camera characterized in that: 6. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein a processing speed of the external device is obtained based on a predetermined rule between the transfer unit and the external device. Means, the switching means compares the recording speed of the recording means with the processing speed of the external device acquired by the processing speed acquisition means, selects the faster one and supplies the image information An electronic camera characterized in that: 7. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit transmits the image information to the transfer unit when a data amount of image information generated by the imaging unit exceeds a predetermined threshold. An electronic camera for supplying the image information. 8. The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising: a photographing mode receiving unit that receives an external operation for instructing a mode of image information to be generated by the image capturing unit; Image information is generated based on a form instructed by an external operation via a photographing form receiving means, and the switching means is configured to transmit the image information to the recording means in accordance with a form instructed by an external operation through the photographing form receiving means An electronic camera for selecting one of the means and supplying the image information. 9. The electronic camera according to claim 8, wherein the switching unit supplies the image information to the transfer unit when a mode specified by an external operation via the shooting mode receiving unit is continuous shooting. An electronic camera characterized in that: 10. The electronic camera according to claim 8, wherein the switching unit transmits the image information to the transfer unit when a mode specified by an external operation via the shooting mode receiving unit is a moving image shooting. An electronic camera comprising: 11. The electronic camera according to claim 8, wherein the switching unit is configured to determine that a mode specified by an external operation via the shooting mode receiving unit is “photographing with a low image compression ratio”.
An electronic camera, wherein the image information is supplied to the transfer unit.