CN101227558B - Digital camera - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a digital camera, comprising: photographing units (1,2,3..)for photographing the object to generate image signal; recording units (15,16...) for recording the image data of the image signal obtained by the photographing units on the recording medium; position finding units (36,37,38...) for receiving a plurality of signals from the signal source to determining the position; power supplies (26,27...) for supplying the power at least towards the photographing unit, recording unit and position finding unit; and a control unit (31) for controlling the action of the position finding unit based on the action of the photographing unit or recording unit and the power supplied to the position finding unit from the power supply.

Description

Digital camera

Technical field

The present invention relates to digital camera, be specifically related to have the location function of self-position is determined in reception from a plurality of a plurality of signals that the source sent of posting a letter digital camera.

Background technology

In the past, general extensive universal cameras such as so-called digital camera (being designated hereinafter simply as digital camera) constitute, handle by utilizing photo-electric conversion elements such as imaging apparatus that the optical image by the photographic optical system imaging is carried out opto-electronic conversion, the optical image of subject of obtaining expectation is as electrical picture signal, and can be this picture signal record numerical data.

And, in existing digital camera, the various digital cameras of following structure have been proposed, that is: have the location unit that location obtains positional information is carried out in own position, positional information that can be when writing down explicitly by the obtained view data of photography action by the obtained photography in location unit.

In this case, carry out the location unit of location as location information, general what popularize is for example to be called as global positioning system (Global Positioning System; Hereinafter referred to as GPS) or the location technology of global positioning system etc.This GPS is the satellite location system, and this system can determine current location (latitude, longitude, height etc.) on earth by receiving the wireless signal of being issued from a plurality of track satellites.

In digital camera with location unit such as this GPS, basically be used to determine that to obtain the positional information in the photography place when having carried out the photography action is a purpose, thereby expectation is that the photography moment (the obtaining constantly of photographic image data) of the opportunity of obtaining of the positional information of location unit with the action of photographing is the while.

Yet, under the situation of utilizing location unit such as GPS because the problem on its principle, move to from the beginning location obtain the location result during, need the time to a certain degree, thus be difficult to make photography constantly and the opportunity in the location moment consistent.

Therefore, the power supply that makes digital camera be in on-state during, generally always continue to carry out the location action, obtain up-to-date location data all the time.

Yet, in general digital camera, mainly be the digital camera that portably uses, its mobility comes into one's own.Therefore, in existing digital camera, for example adopt primary cell such as dry cell and chargeable secondary cell etc. usually as main power source.

And, in recent years, consider mobility etc., expectation be the miniaturization and the lightweight of digital camera self.Therefore, the tendency of carrying out miniaturization is also arranged, the power supply of the electric power that this battery moves as each member of formation that is provided for making camera and circuit etc. about battery.Therefore, the power-supply battery in the digital camera in recent years has the tendency of low capacityization.

When the use of common digital camera, even its power supply is in on-state, the situation that carrying out surely photographs moves that differs is quite a few.Consider this behaviour in service, continue to carry out the very big location action of electric power consumption and can encourage useless power consumption, and, also can be described as unpractical action control.

On the other hand, in common digital camera, after just carrying out the photography action, usually to carrying out various signal processing by the obtained picture signal of this photography action, for example Signal Compression processing etc. and to recording processing of recording medium etc., therefore, after this photography action end just of photography action execution neutralization, be the interim situation that increases of electric power consumption.

Under this situation, when the location action was carried out in location unit such as further driving GPS, the total amount of power that consumed this moment further increased, and the load that the battery as power supply is applied increases.

Therefore, in having the existing digital camera of location unit, think and beyond photography action and operation of recording, also carry out simultaneously under the situation of location action, for example when being in the state that power-supply battery consuming, electric power consumption increases temporarily, and residual capacity of battery is in below the prescribed level of each action that can guarantee this digital camera thus.In this case, also think this digital camera for example be in can not executive logging the state of action.

Therefore, in having the existing digital camera of location unit, when realizing the economize on electricityization of equipment, make power supply miniaturization and lightweight, various open thereby the technology that makes the equipment integral miniaturization has for example been done by Japanese kokai publication hei 10-073879 communique etc.

By disclosed digital cameras such as above-mentioned Japanese kokai publication hei 10-073879 communiques in the action of the location of GPS is carried out, location action other actions in addition in this camera are stopped, when preventing the mistake location of GPS, suppress the consumption electric power of camera thus.

And, inaccurate or have under the situation of defective etc. in the location result of GPS, do not upgrade this location result data, and write down and confirmed that the location data of location precision keep the precision of location data by utilizing.

Yet in by disclosed digital cameras such as above-mentioned Japanese kokai publication hei 10-073879 communiques, main purpose is by the obtained location data of location action with the high accuracy record.

That is, the device of above-mentioned communique is always preferentially carried out the location action in other actions of location action and camera.

Yet, in general digital camera, compare with location action, the exercises of execution after the photography action certainly, be various signal processing etc. and the operation of recording of photographed images data in recording medium etc. is the action that should preferentially carry out.

Summary of the invention

The present invention makes in view of above-mentioned point, the purpose of this invention is to provide a kind of digital camera with location unit, this digital camera can be obtained and the corresponding location data of action of photographing when the switching controls of carrying out action form (pattern) according to the surplus situation of power-supply battery suppresses power consumption reliably.

In order to achieve the above object, digital camera of the present invention is characterised in that this digital camera has: camera unit, and it is photographed to subject and generates picture signal; Record cell, its will based on by the Imagery Data Recording of the resulting picture signal of above-mentioned camera unit in recording medium; The location unit, it receives the position of determining oneself from a plurality of a plurality of signals that the source sent of posting a letter; Power supply, it provides electric power to above-mentioned camera unit, above-mentioned record cell and above-mentioned location unit at least; And control unit, its running-active status according to above-mentioned camera unit or above-mentioned record cell is controlled the action of above-mentioned location unit, and the electric power that offers above-mentioned location unit from above-mentioned power supply is controlled.

Above-mentioned and other purposes of the present invention, feature and advantage will be clearer from the following explanation of carrying out with reference to accompanying drawing.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the mount structure figure of primary structure that the digital camera of the 1st execution mode of the present invention is shown.

Fig. 2 be take out the primary structure of the location unit in the digital camera of Fig. 1 and illustrate want the mount structure figure of portion.

Fig. 3 is the flow chart that is illustrated in the motion flow when having started the digital camera of the 1st execution mode of the present invention with photograph mode.

Fig. 4 illustrates the flow chart that details are handled in GPS location action in the processing sequence of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is the figure that is illustrated in the demonstration example that the location mistake that shows in the processing sequence that the GPS location action of Fig. 4 handles shows.

Fig. 6 illustrates the flow chart that details are handled in photography action in the processing sequence of Fig. 3.

Fig. 7 is the flow chart that the GPS location action carried out in the digital camera of the 2nd execution mode of the present invention is handled.

Fig. 8 is the flow chart that is illustrated in the motion flow when having started the digital camera of the 3rd execution mode of the present invention with photograph mode.

Fig. 9 is the flow chart that details are handled in GPS location action that the low power mode in the processing sequence of Fig. 8 is shown.

Figure 10 is the flow chart that details are handled in the GPS location action of the low power mode in the motion flow processing sequence that is illustrated in when having started the digital camera of the 4th execution mode of the present invention with photograph mode.

Figure 11 is the flow chart that details are handled in the GPS location action of the low power mode in the motion flow processing sequence that is illustrated in when having started the digital camera of the 5th execution mode of the present invention with photograph mode.

Figure 12 is the flow chart that is illustrated in the motion flow when having started the digital camera of the 6th execution mode of the present invention with photograph mode.

Figure 13 is the flow chart that the motion flow that zoom in the processing sequence of Figure 12 and AF action handle is shown.

Embodiment

Below, the present invention will be described to use illustrated execution mode.

Fig. 1 is the mount structure figure of primary structure that the digital camera of the 1st execution mode of the present invention is shown.Fig. 2 be take out the primary structure of the location unit in the digital camera of Fig. 1 and illustrate want the mount structure figure of portion.Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 6 are the flow charts of effect that the digital camera of the 1st execution mode of the present invention is shown, and wherein, Fig. 3 is the processing sequence that is illustrated in the motion flow when starting with photograph mode.Fig. 4 illustrates the processing sequence that details are handled in GPS location action in the processing sequence of Fig. 3.Fig. 6 illustrates the processing sequence that details are handled in photography action in the processing sequence of Fig. 3.And Fig. 5 is the figure that is illustrated in the demonstration example that the location mistake that shows in the processing sequence that the GPS location action of Fig. 4 handles shows.

The digital camera of present embodiment constitutes to have: camera unit, and it receives the shot object image that forms by for example optical lens etc., utilizes imaging apparatus etc. that this shot object image is carried out opto-electronic conversion and obtains electrical picture signal; And record cell, it is recorded in the recording medium etc. as the image file that is made of DID and the photographed data that is associated with it by the obtained picture signal of this camera unit, and this digital camera also has the location unit that uses GPS, and this location unit receives from the signal as a plurality of location satellites in the source of posting a letter determines oneself position on earth.

That is, the digital camera of present embodiment mainly is made of following as shown in Figure 1: lens 1, imaging apparatus 2, imaging circuit 3, A/D converter (brief note is " A/D " in Fig. 1) 4, signal processing circuit 5, frame memory 6, FIFO memory 7, TFT liquid crystal display drive circuit 9, TFT panel 10, back light unit 11, video output circuit 12, video output terminal 13, record buffer 14, recording medium interface (recording medium I/F) 15, recording medium 16, actuator 17, actuator driving circuit 18, flash light emission device 20, outside cable data interface (outside cable data I/F) 22, key matrix 23, LCD display circuit 24, LCD panel 25, battery 26, power circuit 27, stand-by power supply 28, test circuit for cell status 29, the 1 CPU 31, the 2 CPU 32, EEPROM 19, gps signal calculation function portion 36, gps signal processing capacity portion 37, and gps antenna 38 etc.

Lens 1 are in order to form the optics shot object image and to make on its sensitive surface that is imaged on imaging apparatus 2 and be provided with.

Imaging apparatus 2 is the optics shot object image that receives scioptics 1 formation, the element that carries out opto-electronic conversion processing and output electrical picture signal.As this imaging apparatus 2, can use the solid-state imager of the type that can read fast, for example CCD (charge coupled cell), CMOS (complementary metal film semiconductor) or other various types of imaging apparatuss.

Imaging circuit 3 is to receive from the output signal of imaging apparatus 2 and this picture signal is carried out the electronic circuit of various analog.

A/D converter 4 is the circuit that are used to receive the picture signal of the analog form of being exported from imaging circuit 3 and convert the picture signal of digital form to.

Signal processing circuit 5 is the circuit that receive the picture signal of the digital form of being exported from A/D converter 4 and carry out various Digital Signal Processing.

Frame memory 6 is the temporary storage cells that receive the picture signal handled by signal processing circuit 5 handled picture signals and interim storage various data relevant with this picture signal etc.As this frame memory 6, can use semiconductor memory component of SDRAM etc. for example etc.

In addition, in the digital camera of present embodiment, utilize above-mentioned lens 1, imaging apparatus 2, imaging circuit 3, A/D converter 4, signal processing circuit 5 and frame memory 6 to wait to constitute subject is photographed and generated the major part of the camera unit of picture signal.

FIFO memory 7 is the memories that are provided with in that picture signal is carried out the interim storage of this picture signal when various display unit are exported.

TFT liquid crystal display drive circuit 9 is to receive picture signal of being exported from FIFO memory 7 and the circuit of controlling TFT panel 10.

TFT panel 10 is to be used for showing that by the control of TFT liquid crystal display drive circuit 9 can use can the colored display part that shows based on the display part of the image of picture signal and the various information of this digital camera etc.

Back light unit 11 is arranged on the rear side of TFT panel 10, is used for from rear side this TFT panel 10 being thrown light on.

In addition, in the digital camera of present embodiment, utilize above-mentioned TFT liquid crystal display drive circuit 9, TFT panel 10 and back light unit 11 to wait to constitute to be shown as the major part of the display unit of electronic image by the shot object image that above-mentioned camera unit is photographed.

Video output circuit 12 is to receive picture signal from FIFO memory 7, convert the vision signal of NTSC form for example and the circuit of exporting to the exterior display device that is connected with this video output terminal 13 etc. via video output terminal 13 to.

Video output terminal 13 is the splicing ears that are used to connect the holding wire of the vision cable that will be electrically connected between this digital camera and the exterior display device etc. etc.

Record buffer 14 is the buffers (interim storage area) that use when following situation etc., that is: be stored in picture signal in the frame memory 6 etc. when being recorded in the recording medium 16 temporarily, perhaps when recording medium 16 is read image file and be stored in it in frame memory 6 temporarily as the image file that constitutes by view data and photographed data thereof.

Recording medium I/F 15 is used to control with the processing of record in recording medium 16 such as view data and reads the processing etc. of view data etc. from recording medium 16.

Recording medium 16 is the nonvolatile recording mediums that are used for recording image data and other various data, for example the storage card that is made of thin sheet form, card shape etc.As this recording medium 16, type with respect to equipment disassembled and assembled freelies such as digital cameras is for example arranged, be installed in the various media of type on the circuit of device interiors such as digital camera etc., the medium of which kind of type no matter can be applicable to the digital camera of present embodiment.

In addition, in the digital camera of present embodiment, recording medium 16 adopts the medium with respect to the type of camera detachable ground configuration.

Utilize above-mentioned record buffer 14, recording medium I/F 15 and recording medium 16 to wait the major part that constitutes record cell, picture signal that the image that this record cell will be photographed by above-mentioned camera unit is relevant and photographed data thereof etc. are recorded in the recording medium 16 as the data of prescribed form.

Actuator 17 is to be used to drive the drive source that lens 1 carry out the automatic focus action or carry out the zoom action.

Actuator driving circuit 18 is to control the also circuit of drive actuator 17 according to the control of the 1st CPU 31.

Flash light emission device 20 is by assisting the secondary light source that improves subject brightness to subject irradiating illumination light beam when the low-light level of subject brightness etc.

Outside cable data interface (outside cable data I/F) the 22nd is used for carrying out between this digital camera and external device (ED) via stube cable etc. the coupling part (interface) of the transmitting-receiving of data etc., for example can use (the Universal Serial Bus: the interface of standard and IEEE1394 etc. USB) according to USB.

Utilize this outside cable data interface (outside cable data I/F) 22 and stube cable (not illustrating) to constitute major part by the communication unit of receiving and sending messages between wired and the external device (ED).

Key matrix 23 is as the general name of the operation input unit that comprises various console switchs on the digital camera that is arranged on present embodiment and action button etc.Promptly, the concrete configuration example of key matrix 23 is by various control members etc., produce the switching member of the index signal of regulation with each side's interlock of these a plurality of control members, and transmitting formations such as circuit from the index signal of each switching member, these various control members for example are: the power knob that the power supply status of this digital camera is switched to the state of being switched on or switched off, the release-push that begins to photograph action, carry out the zoom button of the zoom action of lens 1, the four directions of using when carrying out various settings the such as kind selection setting of photograph mode is to options button (being also referred to as cross key), and the decision button of when the decision indication that is used for definite selected setting, using (OK button) or the like.By the user operate the various control members in this key matrix 23 and the signal that produces towards the 1st CPU 31 outputs.

LCD display circuit 24 is to control LCD panel 25 and make it carry out the circuit that various information show according to the control of the 1st CPU 31.

LCD panel 25 is information display members, this member is made of for example monochromatic LCD etc., and be presented at the various set informations of having set in this digital camera, the information that shutter speed when the pattern information of photograph mode etc., the number information that can be recorded in the image in the recording medium 16, photography and f-number etc. are relevant with exposure etc. for example.

Battery 26 is master (main) power supplys of this digital camera.This battery 26 each circuit in this digital camera of the camera unit that for example is made of imaging apparatus 2 grades, the record cell that is made of recording medium 16 etc., location unit of being made of gps antenna 38 etc. etc. provides electric power.

Stand-by power supply 28 is in order always to provide required MIN electric power to be provided with to the 1CPU of this digital camera 31 grades, is pair (sub) power supply that carries out the date time showing all the time in order to keep information such as various set points in this digital camera for example and date temporal information etc. or can to use above-mentioned LCD panel 25 to wait.

Power circuit 27 is the circuit that carry out following control, suitably offers each circuit of the inside of this digital camera according to the command reception of the 1st CPU 31 power supply from above-mentioned battery 26 and above-mentioned stand-by power supply 28, and with it that is:.

Test circuit for cell status 29 is the charged state that detects these batteries 26 such as voltage in the battery 26, the residual capacity of battery that calculates this battery 26 etc. and the circuit that this result is outputed to the 1st CPU 31 (the residual capacity of battery management function 31f of portion).That is, test circuit for cell status 29 is the power state detection unit that detect the charged state of battery 26 (power supply).

The 1st CPU 31 sets as main (main) CPU.The 1st CPU 31 is the control units of each circuit that are used for the digital camera of unified control present embodiment.Therefore, the 1st CPU 31 of this digital camera has the systems control division 31a of the entire system that is used for suitably controlling this digital camera.

Constitute the control circuit with various functions of realization such as various circuit in the inside of this systems control division 31a, a part that for example constitutes location unit (details aftermentioned) also is responsible for the gps satellite seizure management function 31b of portion and the gps satellite tracing management function 31c of portion of the controlled function of this location unit, the function portion that is recorded in the management of the image file in the recording medium 16 is the 31d of file management facilities portion, reception is the residual capacity of battery management function 31f of portion etc. from the output of test circuit for cell status 29 and the function portion that carries out the residual capacity of battery management, in addition also has internal clocking 31e etc.

Above-mentioned the 1st CPU 31 mainly is the control part that carries out the control of each formation portion as mentioned above.On the other hand, the 2nd CPU 32 mainly is the control part that is used for the various processing controls of image data processing etc.Therefore, the 2nd CPU 32 constitutes and has image compression decompression 32a of portion and the recording medium access 32b of portion etc.

The image compression decompression 32a of portion is the circuit part that carries out following processing etc., that is: read the view data that is stored in the frame memory 6, this view data is generated an image file with its subsidiary photographed data merging, this image file is carried out for example JPEG compression processing etc., perhaps the compressed image file of being read from recording medium 16 via the recording medium access 32b of portion described later is carried out decompression.

The recording medium access 32b of portion is used to control by the circuit part of recording medium interface 15 to the access of recording medium 16.

EEPROM 19 is storages and keeps non-volatile memory medium by the various setting datas in the performed handling procedure (application software) of the 1st CPU 31 and the 2nd CPU 32 etc., this digital camera, inherent data etc.As this EEPROM 19, but application examples such as flash ROM (Flash ROM) etc.

Gps antenna 38 is the input parts that receive from the signal of a plurality of location satellites.This gps antenna 38 is connected with gps signal processing capacity portion 37.Thus, the signal from the location satellite that is received by gps antenna 38 is imported into gps signal processing capacity portion 37.

Gps signal processing capacity portion 37 has following function, receives the signal from the location satellite that is received by gps antenna 38 that is:, implements the signal processing of regulation, and converts the signal of telecommunication of prescribed form to.This gps signal processing capacity portion 37 is connected with the 1st CPU 31 with gps signal calculation function portion 36, moves by the control of the 1st CPU 31, and with the both sides output of the signal after the signal processing to gps signal calculation function portion 36 and the 1st CPU 31.

Gps signal processing capacity portion 37 constitutes as shown in Figure 2 in inside to have: RF leading section 37a, AD converter 37b, the 37c of signal capture portion and the 37d of signal trace portion etc.

The signal from the location satellite (calling gps signal) that RF leading section 37a is to use band pass filter to wait gps antenna 38 is received is changed the circuit that (frequency reducing) becomes intermediate frequency.

AD converter 37b receives from the output (analog signal) of RF leading section 37a and converts thereof into the circuit of digital signal.

The intact signal of telecommunication of being exported from AD converter 37b of signal processing is output to 37c of signal capture portion and the 37d of signal trace portion, is output to the 31d of file management facilities portion (with reference to the holding wire of Fig. 2) of the systems control division 31a of the 1st CPU 31 in addition.

The 37c of signal capture portion is the satellite capture unit that can catch a plurality of location satellites simultaneously.Therefore, the 37c of signal capture portion have a plurality of channel Ch1, Ch2 ..., Chn (n=integer), these each channels are carried out seizure respectively and are handled from the gps signal capturing motion of the signal (gps signal) of location satellite.This gps signal capturing motion is handled by the gps satellite of the 1st CPU 31 and is caught the management function 31b of portion execution.

Promptly, gps satellite is caught the management function 31b of portion basis situation at that time, carry out with inferior controls such as motion limits, that is: a plurality of channels of the 37c of signal capture portion are walked abreast simultaneously carry out the gps signal capturing motion and handle, perhaps use at least one specific channel to carry out the gps signal capturing motion and handle.Situation at that time is for example as described below to be the situation of the surplus state etc. of battery 26, and gps satellite is caught the management function 31b of portion switches GPS location action processing form (aftermentioned) according to this situation judgement etc. control etc.

The 37d of signal trace portion be carry out by the above-mentioned signal capture 37c of portion each channel Ch1, Ch2 ..., Chn caught respectively from the tracking of the signal of location satellite and be used for continuing receiving circuit from the calculation process of the signal of each location satellite.The signal of being exported from the 37d of signal trace portion is output to gps signal calculation function portion 36.

Gps signal calculation function portion 36 has the function that reception has been carried out the signal of telecommunication after the signal processing by gps signal processing capacity portion 37 and implemented the calculation process of regulation.This gps signal calculation function portion 36 is connected with the 1st CPU 31, moves by the control of the 1st CPU 31, and this operation result is outputed to the 1st CPU 31.

Gps signal calculation function portion 36 constitutes as shown in Figure 2 has compoundization of navigation message pseudo range determination part 36a and location calculating part 36b etc. in inside.

Compoundization of navigation message pseudo range determination part 36a receives from the signal of the 37d of signal trace portion and carries out the compoundization processing of navigation message and pseudo range is measured and handled etc.This result is sent to location calculating part 36b.Receive this result, location calculating part 36b calculates the location data (numerical informations such as latitude, longitude, height) that are used for determining position on earth.

Be sent to the 31d of file management facilities portion in the systems control division 31a of 1CPU31 from the output of above-mentioned compoundization of navigation message pseudo range determination part 36a and location calculating part 36b.

The 31d of file management facilities portion of the systems control division 31a of the 1st CPU 31 carries out following file management processing etc., that is: will receive as the initial data that receives from the gps signal behind the signal of location satellite from the part in the output signal of the AD converter 37b of above-mentioned gps signal processing capacity portion 37, output signal from compoundization of navigation message pseudo range determination part 36a is received as intermediate data, and receiving as the location data from the output signal of location calculating part 36b, and make by resulting these data of location action with move the relevant photographed data of acquired image data by the photography in the camera unit etc. and be associated.The 31d of file management facilities portion is connected with the 2nd CPU 32, transmits thereby carry out data between 3 1d of file management facilities portion and the 2nd CPU32.

Like this, utilize above-mentioned gps antenna 38, gps signal processing capacity portion 37, gps signal calculation function portion 36 etc. and be arranged on gps satellite in the systems control division 31a of the 1st CPU 31 and catch the major part that the management function 31b of portion, the gps satellite tracing management function 31c of portion, the 31d of file management facilities portion wait the location unit that is configured for determining this digital camera position on earth.

The 2nd CPU 32 carries out will be from the additional processing of giving photographed data of the location data of the 31d of file management facilities portion, goes forward side by side to be about to this photographed data and the view data merging corresponding with it and to generate the processing etc. of an image file.

The image file of Sheng Chenging is implemented the compression processing by the image compression decompression 32a of portion like this.This compressed image file is recorded in the recording medium 16 via record buffer 14 and recording medium I/F15 by the recording medium access 32b of portion.

In addition, about with the structure of the incoherent part of the present invention, use the structure identical usually with general digital camera, its details are omitted and are illustrated and explanation.

Below, the effect when using Fig. 3～Fig. 6 that the digital camera of the present embodiment of using such formation is photographed action describes.

The power supply of supposing the digital camera of present embodiment is in on-state, then this digital camera with the state that can carry out photography action, be the photograph mode starting.

At this moment, in step S1 shown in Figure 3, at first, the 1st CPU 31 carries out the initialization process of the internal circuit of this digital camera.Afterwards, enter the processing of step S2.

Next, in step S2, this digital camera begins to carry out the action of GPS location to be handled (with reference to Fig. 6.The details aftermentioned).Afterwards, enter the processing of step S3.In addition, the action of this GPS location is handled and is begun in this step S2, and with other action executed in parallel of digital camera.Then, as described later, continue to carry out and in the processing of carrying out receiving step S5, to disconnect indication and till the end indication that the GPS location action that produces is handled to the transfer indication of reproduction mode or power supply.

Here, below use Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 to the processing of step S2, be that the details that the action of GPS location is handled describe.

GPS location action shown in Figure 4 is handled and is carried out under the control of the 1st CPU 31.That is, at first, in step S11, the 37c of signal capture portion of the 1st CPU 31 control gps signal processing capacity portions 37 makes it utilize the executed in parallel gps signal capturing motion processing simultaneously of a plurality of channels, carries out the signal search (scanning) from the location satellite.In addition, beginning to carry out the moment that the action of GPS location is handled the timing action of the internal clocking 31e of the 1st CPU 31 beginnings oneself.

Then, in step S12, the 37d of signal trace portion of the 1st CPU 31 control gps signal processing capacity portions 37, the tracking of carrying out that each channel of the 37c of signal capture portion in the processing of above-mentioned steps S11 catches from the signal of location satellite, and be used for continuing to receive Signal Processing from each location satellite.

In step S13, whether the seizure of the 1st CPU 31 affirmations satellite-signal of the required quantity of location (position is determined) in the processing of above-mentioned step S11～S12 is successful.Here, the 1st CPU31 enters the processing of next step S14 under the seizure case of successful of the satellite-signal that is judged as required quantity.On the other hand, under the situation that the seizure of the satellite-signal that is judged as required quantity is failed, enter the processing of step S18.

In step S18, the 1st CPU 31 is with reference to internal clocking 31e, confirms whether to have passed through the stipulated time (in the present embodiment for example 10 seconds) zero hour from the processing of above-mentioned steps S11.Here, under the situation of not passing through the stipulated time (10 seconds), get back to the processing of above-mentioned steps S11, repeat later processing.On the other hand, be judged as under the situation of having passed through stipulated time (10 seconds), entering the processing of next step S19.

In step S19, the 1st CPU 31 control TFT liquid crystal display drive circuits 9, the mistake of the meaning of execution expression location failure shows on TFT panel 10, for example shows that the location mistake of display frame shown in Figure 5 shows processing.Afterwards, finish a series of processing.

And, in the processing of above-mentioned steps S13, when the 1st CPU 31 is judged as at the appointed time the seizure success of the satellite-signal of required quantity in (10 seconds) and enters the processing of next step S14, in this step S14, the 1st CPU 31 carries out following the processing, that is: receive the signal of being exported from the 37d of signal trace portion, and receive navigation data from the signal from each location satellite of being caught.

Then, in step S15, the 1st CPU 31 confirms whether the reception of navigation data is successful.Here, be judged as under the situation about taking defeat of navigation data, entering the processing of step S19, in this step S19, carrying out above-mentioned location mistake and show processing.Afterwards, finish a series of processing.

On the other hand, in the processing of above-mentioned steps S15, the 1st CPU 31 is being judged as under the reception case of successful of navigation data, enters the processing of next step S16.

In step S16, the 1st CPU 31 is by compoundization of the navigation message pseudo range determination part 36a and the location calculating part 36b of control gps signal calculation function portion 36, carries out the calculation process of calculating location data etc. according to the navigation data that is received etc.Afterwards, enter the processing of step S17.

In step S17, the operation result that the 1st CPU 31 is received in by the 31d of file management facilities portion in the processing of above-mentioned steps S16 is the location data.Thus, these location data are remained in the internal storage (not illustrating) of the 31d of file management facilities portion temporarily.Afterwards, enter the processing of step S20.

In step S20, the 1st CPU 31 has confirmed whether to carry out the end indication that the action of GPS location is handled.As described later, this end indication is to receive to disconnect indication and end indication that the GPS location action that produces is handled to the transfer indication of reproduction mode or power supply in the processing of the step S5 of Fig. 3.

Here, under the situation of having confirmed the end indication that the action of generation GPS location is handled, finish a series of processing.And, under the situation of the end indication that does not have the action of GPS location to handle, get back to the processing of above-mentioned steps S11, repeat later processing.

Get back to Fig. 3, in step S3, the 1st CPU 31 confirms whether to have carried out the photography indication.In this case, the judgement of whether having carried out the photography indication is to carry out the having or not of photography index signal that for example produces by the release-push the control members of being confirmed to be comprised in key matrix 23 by the 1st CPU 31.Here, be judged as under the situation of having carried out the photography indication by confirming the photography index signal, enter the processing of next step S4 at the 1st CPU 31.On the other hand, under the situation that is judged as the indication of photographing, enter the processing of step S5.

In step S4, the photography action that the 1st CPU 31 puts rules into practice is handled.

Here, the details of below using Fig. 6 that the processing of step S4, i.e. photography action are handled describe.

Photography action shown in Figure 6 is handled and is carried out under the control of the 1st CPU 31.That is, the photography action in the digital camera of present embodiment is handled, and at first, in step S21, the 1st CPU 31 control test circuit for cell status 29 carry out the state of battery 26, specifically the detection of residual capacity of battery is handled.This testing result is sent to the residual capacity of battery management function 31f of portion of the 1st CPU 31.Afterwards, enter the processing of step S22.

In step S22, the residual capacity of battery management function 31f of portion of the 1st CPU 31 confirms according to resulting residual capacity of battery testing result in above-mentioned steps S21 whether residual capacity of battery is abundant, that is, whether this digital camera has the above residual capacity of battery of prescribed level that fully is used to carry out photograph processing.Here, be judged as under the sufficient situation of residual capacity of battery, entering the processing of step S28.

In step S28, the 1st CPU 31 control camera units wait carries out common photograph processing.The processing that this photograph processing is normally identical with the photograph processing of carrying out in general digital camera.

Simply describe, the photograph processing of Zhi Hanging is carried out under the control of the 1st CPU 31 here.At first, the 1st CPU 31 receives the 1st release signal and carries out automatic exposure (AE) action and auto-focus adjusting (AF) action etc., receives the 2nd release signal afterwards and carries out the opto-electronic conversion processing of imaging apparatus 2, the analog of imaging circuit 3, the signal conversion processes of A/D 4, the Digital Signal Processing of signal processing circuit 5 etc.To the additional photographed data that is associated with this view data of the view data that generates thus, generate the image file of prescribed form.This image file is temporarily stored in the frame memory 6.

So, when the photograph processing of step S28 finishes, next enter the processing of step S29.

In step S29, the 1st CPU 31 is interior location data such as the internal storages that is stored in the 31d of file management facilities portion temporarily, promptly be sent to the 2nd CPU 32 with the corresponding location data of (photographing and discharge moment) constantly for the execution that obtains the performed photography action of above-mentioned view data, in the 2nd CPU 32, carry out these location data additional to the processing that is stored in the photographed data in the above-mentioned frame memory 6 temporarily.Afterwards, enter the processing of step S26.

On the other hand, in the processing of above-mentioned steps S22, when the residual capacity of battery management function 31f of portion by the 1st CPU 31 is judged as residual capacity of battery insufficient (surplus is few) and enters the processing of step S23, in this step S23, the 1st CPU 31 control gps signal processing capacity portion 37 and gps signal calculation function portions 36, the processing that the execution that execution is handled the action of GPS location stops temporarily.At this moment, the 1st CPU 31 also controls the electric power that offers the location unit from battery 26.

As the processing of carrying out here, promptly, the processing that the execution that the action of GPS location is handled stops temporarily, be the control and treatment that part or all action of the action of location unit is stopped, and be the control power supply the electric power that provides to the location unit to be provided or the processing of electrical power limit is provided.

Therefore, the 1st CPU 31 carries out the effect that running-active status or power status according to camera unit or record cell wait the control unit of the action of controlling the location unit.Simultaneously, also carry out the effect of the control unit that the electric power that offers the location unit from power supply is controlled.Afterwards, enter the processing of step S24.

In step S24, the 1st CPU 31 control camera units wait carries out common photograph processing.Here the photograph processing of Zhi Hanging is identical with the processing of above-mentioned steps S28.Afterwards, enter the processing of step S25.

In step S25, the 1st CPU 31 is interior location data such as the internal storages that is stored in the 31d of file management facilities portion temporarily, promptly in the processing of above-mentioned steps S23, stop the GPS location action location data before handling temporarily and be sent to the 2nd CPU 32, in the 2nd CPU 32, carry out with these location data additional give in the processing of above-mentioned steps S24 obtained and be stored in the processing of the photographed data in the frame memory 6 temporarily.Afterwards, enter the processing of step S26.

In step S26, the recording processing of the 1st CPU 31 carries out image files.This recording processing at first merges above-mentioned photographed data and the view data corresponding with it and generates an image file, and the image Compression of this image file being carried out the image compression decompression 32a of portion generates compressed image file.Then, the control of this compressed image file by the recording medium access 32b of portion is sent to recording medium 16 via record buffer 14 and recording medium I/F 15, and be recorded in the regulation zone of this recording medium 16 with the form of regulation.Afterwards, enter the processing of step S27.

In step S27, the 1st CPU 31 control gps signal processing capacity portion 37 and gps signal calculation function portions 36 carry out the processing that begins to carry out GPS location action processing once more.Afterwards, finish a series of processing, get back to (returning) above-mentioned Fig. 3, enter the processing of this figure step S5.

Get back to Fig. 3, in step S5, the pattern that the 1st CPU 31 confirms whether to have carried out this digital camera is from the change indication of photograph mode to reproduction mode, and perhaps whether power supply status is in off-state.In addition, when having produced when the change indication of this reproduction mode or power supply disconnect indication, follow the end index signal that produces the action of GPS location in this.

Here, still be under the situation of on-state being judged as the change and the power supply that do not carry out to reproduction mode, get back to the processing of above-mentioned steps S3, repeat later processing.On the other hand, carrying out under the situation of the change of reproduction mode indication, perhaps be switched under the situation of off-state being judged as power supply, entering the processing of step S6.

In step S6, the 1st CPU 31 receives the end indication of GPS location action, and control gps signal processing capacity portion 37 and gps signal calculation function portion 36 carry out the processing that makes the GPS location release in continuing.Afterwards, finish a series of photography action and handle, transfer to the sequence of movement of reproduction mode, perhaps power supply status is switched to off-state, make this digital camera be in non-action status.In addition, the processing of the step S20 in (Fig. 4) is handled in the processing of this step S6 corresponding to the action of GPS location.Afterwards, a series of actions in the end photograph mode.

As described above like that, according to above-mentioned the 1st execution mode, when having started digital camera, begin to carry out the action of GPS location and handle, and continue to carry out this location action, till making power supply be in off-state with photograph mode.Then, in when, when carrying out actual photography action the photography indication having taken place, confirm the state of residual capacity of battery, when residual capacity of battery is abundant, carry out photograph processing same as before, and under the inadequate situation of residual capacity of battery, during this photograph processing, limit this action, to stop the action of GPS location temporarily.

Therefore,, detect the state of residual capacity of battery,, when residual capacity of battery is insufficient, stop to carry out the action of GPS location temporarily, can when suppressing power wastage, carry out photograph processing reliably thus according to this testing result according to present embodiment.

And, in this case, handle resulting location data (the location data before taking place are indicated in photography) owing to use, thereby the photographed data that is associated with view data can not lack the location data yet by the GPS location action of carrying out before.

Below, the digital camera of the 2nd execution mode of the present invention is described.

Fig. 7 is the flow chart that the GPS location action carried out in the digital camera of the 2nd execution mode of the present invention is handled.

In the above-described first embodiment, the GPS location action that digital camera is carried out is handled and is carried out following a series of actions, that is: seizure is from the signal of location satellite, when following the tracks of the satellite-signal of being caught, receive navigation data from this satellite-signal, all carry out obtaining the location data at every turn based on the calculation process of this navigation data.

Usually, the navigation data that is comprised in the signal from the location satellite that uses GPS is whenever to carry out data updated through the stipulated time (for example per two hours).Therefore, using identical navigation data during this stipulated time during once more in computing location data.That is,, when then carrying out the processing of location operation of data, need not receive new navigation data at every turn, can both use the navigation data that is kept to obtain the location data as long as the navigation data that will once be received remains in the digital camera.Like this, when carrying out the location action, can both save the operation that receives navigation data at every turn, therefore think, can suppress power consumption, and can shorten location and move the needed time.

Present embodiment is conceived to this point, designs the GPS location action handling process of carrying out when photographing action.

In addition, the structure of the digital camera of present embodiment self has and the above-mentioned identical structure of the 1st execution mode, just the processing sequence difference of being controlled by the 1st CPU 31.Therefore, about the structure of digital camera self, when the effect of present embodiment being described, use the same-sign of the member of formation of digital camera to describe with reference to Fig. 1 of in the explanation of the 1st above-mentioned execution mode, using and Fig. 2.

The sequence of movement that the photography action of present embodiment is handled is identical with the 1st above-mentioned execution mode.That is, the details difference of (processing of step S2) is handled in the GPS location action in the photography shown in Figure 3 action processing procedure.

The motion flow that the GPS location action of present embodiment is handled is shown in the flow chart of Fig. 7, at first, in step S31, the 37c of signal capture portion of the 1st CPU 31 control gps signal processing capacity portions 37, make it utilize the executed in parallel gps signal capturing motion processing simultaneously of a plurality of channels, carry out signal search (scanning) from the location satellite.In addition, beginning to carry out the moment that the action of GPS location is handled, (identical with the processing of the step S11 of Fig. 3) moved in the timing of the internal clocking 31e that the 1st CPU 31 beginnings are own.

Then, in step S32, the 37d of signal trace portion of the 1st CPU 31 control gps signal processing capacity portions 37, the tracking of carrying out that each channel of the 37c of signal capture portion in the processing of above-mentioned steps S31 catches from the signal of location satellite, and be used for continuing to receive Signal Processing from each location satellite.

In step S33, whether the seizure of the 1st CPU 31 affirmations satellite-signal of the required quantity of location (position is determined) in the processing of above-mentioned step S31～S32 is successful.Here, the 1st CPU31 enters the processing of next step S34 under the seizure case of successful of the satellite-signal that is judged as required quantity.On the other hand, under the situation that the seizure of the satellite-signal that is judged as required quantity is failed, enter the processing of step S40.

In step S40, the 1st CPU 31 control TFT liquid crystal display drive circuits 9 are to show during the satellite of the meaning in the satellite capturing motion is caught at TFT panel 10 enterprising line displays.

Then, in step S41, the 1st CPU 31 is with reference to internal clocking 31e, confirms whether to have passed through the stipulated time (in the present embodiment for example 10 seconds) zero hour from the processing execution of above-mentioned steps S31.Here, under the situation of not passing through the stipulated time (10 seconds), enter the processing of above-mentioned steps S43.

In step S43, the 37c of signal capture portion of the 1st CPU 31 control gps signal processing capacity portions 37 carries out the processing that the switched scan channel scans the location satellite.Afterwards, get back to the processing of step S32, repeat later processing.

On the other hand, in the processing of above-mentioned steps S41, the 1st CPU 31 is judged as under the situation of having passed through stipulated time (10 seconds), enters the processing of next step S42.

In step S42, the 1st CPU 31 control TFT liquid crystal display drive circuits 9, the mistake of the meaning of execution expression location failure shows on TFT panel 10, for example shows that the location mistake of display frame shown in Figure 5 shows processing.Afterwards, finish a series of processing.

And, in the processing of above-mentioned steps S33, the 1st CPU 31 be judged as required quantity satellite-signal the seizure success and enter under the situation of processing of step S34, in this step S34, the 1st CPU 31 confirms whether maintain 2 hours with the interior navigation data that is received in the internal storage of the 31d of file management facilities portion.Here, under the situation of the maintenance of having confirmed corresponding navigation data, enter the processing of step S37.That is, in this case, omit the processing of step S35 and S36, the reception of promptly new navigation data is handled.

On the other hand, in the processing of above-mentioned steps S34, under the situation of the maintenance of the navigation data of correspondence unconfirmed, enter the processing of step S35.

In step S35, the 1st CPU 31 carries out following the processing, that is: receive the signal of being exported from the 37d of signal trace portion, and receive navigation data from the signal from each location satellite of being caught.

Then, in step S36, the 1st CPU 31 confirms whether the reception of navigation data is successful.Here, be judged as under the situation about taking defeat of navigation data, entering the processing of step S42, in this step S42, the 1st CPU 31 carries out and carry out the location mistake demonstration processing that mistake shows (with reference to Fig. 5) on TFT panel 10.Afterwards, finish a series of processing.

And in the processing of above-mentioned steps S36, the 1st CPU 31 is being judged as under the reception case of successful of navigation data, enters the processing of next step S37.

In step S37, the 1st CPU 31 is by compoundization of the navigation message pseudo range determination part 36a and the location calculating part 36b of control gps signal calculation function portion 36, carries out the calculation process of calculating location data etc. according to the navigation data that is received etc.Afterwards, enter the processing of step S38.

In step S38, the operation result that the 1st CPU 31 is received in by the 31d of file management facilities portion in the processing of above-mentioned steps S37 is the location data.Thus, these location data are remained in the internal storage (not illustrating) of the 31d of file management facilities portion temporarily.Afterwards, enter the processing of step S39.

Then, in step S39, the 1st CPU 31 confirms whether to finish the action of GPS location to be handled.Here, whether finishing judgement that GPS location action handles is to wait and carry out by detecting signal that expression finishes this processing.In this case, being judged as under the situation that finishes GPS location action processing, finish a series of processing.

And, do not finish GPS location action and handle being judged as, promptly and then continue to carry out under the situation of this processing, enter the processing of step S44.

In step S44, whether the tracking of the satellite-signal of the required quantity of the 1st CPU 31 affirmation locations (position is determined) is successful.Here, the 1st CPU 31 gets back to the processing of above-mentioned steps S37 under the tracking case of successful of the satellite-signal that is judged as required quantity, repeat later processing.On the other hand, under the situation that the tracking of the satellite-signal that is judged as required quantity is failed, get back to the processing of above-mentioned steps S31, repeat later processing.

Other effects are identical with above-mentioned the 1st execution mode.

As described above such, according to above-mentioned the 2nd execution mode, when the location operation of data is carried out in the tracking of the satellite-signal that carries out the seizure of satellite-signal and carry out being caught in the action of GPS location is handled, when having received a navigation data, this navigation data is remained on temporarily in the internal storage (not illustrating) of the 31d of file management facilities portion, thereby when the location operation of data processing of carrying out once more, there is no need to receive again navigation data, thereby can suppress power consumption, and can shorten location and move the needed time.

Below, the digital camera of the 3rd execution mode of the present invention is described.

In the present embodiment, the action form that action is handled as the GPS location, handling as common action form at the 1st above-mentioned execution mode or the action of the GPS location shown in the 2nd execution mode, in addition, prepare also to have considered that the GPS location action of the form of moving with low electric power handles, detect the battery status of digital camera, switch the action form that above-mentioned two GPS locations action is handled, carry out the action of GPS location with suitable action form according to this testing result.

Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 are the flow charts of effect that the digital camera of the 3rd execution mode of the present invention is shown.Wherein, Fig. 8 is the processing sequence that the motion flow when starting with photograph mode is shown.Fig. 9 is the processing sequence that the details that the GPS location action of the low power mode in the processing sequence of Fig. 8 handles are shown.

The power supply of supposing the digital camera of present embodiment is in on-state, then this digital camera with the state that can carry out photography action, be the photograph mode starting.

At this moment, in step S51 shown in Figure 8, at first, the 1st CPU 31 carries out the initialization process of the internal circuit of this digital camera.Afterwards, enter the processing of step S52.

Next, in step S52, the 1st CPU 31 begins to carry out the GPS location action processing of normal mode.Afterwards, enter the processing of step S53.Here, the concrete example that action is handled as the GPS location of normal mode, for example be with the 1st above-mentioned execution mode in the action of GPS location handle (with reference to Fig. 4) identical processing.And, can be processing identical as the normal mode in the present embodiment with the GPS location action processing (with reference to Fig. 7) in above-mentioned the 2nd execution mode.

In step S53, the 1st CPU 31 control test circuit for cell status 29 carry out battery 26 state, be that the detection of residual capacity of battery is handled.This testing result is sent to the residual capacity of battery management function 31f of portion of the 1st CPU 31.Afterwards, enter the processing of step S54.

In step S54, the residual capacity of battery management function 31f of portion of the 1st CPU 31 confirms according to resulting residual capacity of battery testing result in above-mentioned steps S53 whether residual capacity of battery is abundant.Here, under the situation that is judged as residual capacity of battery insufficient (below prescribed level), enter the processing of step S55.

In step S55, the 1st CPU 31 carries out GPS location pattern is switched to the setting of low power mode (with reference to Fig. 9).Afterwards, enter the processing of step S56.In addition, set by the switching to low power mode in the processing of this step S55, the GPS location action under the normal mode that finishes to begin in the processing of above-mentioned steps S52 is handled.That is, the pattern of GPS location action processing is switched the end indication that indication is the executory GPS location action processing of end (normal mode).Therefore, in the judgement order in the step S39 of the step S20 of for example Fig. 4 and Fig. 7, confirm to finish indication, finish the action of GPS location and handle (normal mode).

When finishing this GPS location action and handling (normal mode), the 1st CPU 31 begins to carry out the pattern switched, is the GPS location action processing low power mode under.Here, to switch indication also be to begin to carry out the indication that begins that (low power mode) handled in GPS location action after the switching to the pattern handled of above-mentioned GPS location action.

On the other hand, be judged as in above-mentioned steps S54 under the sufficient situation of residual capacity of battery, the processing of skips steps S55 enters the processing of next step S56.That is, under the sufficient situation of residual capacity of battery, the action of GPS location is handled and is moved with normal mode, and under the inadequate situation of residual capacity of battery, the action of GPS location is handled and moved with low power mode.The details that the GPS location action of this low power mode is handled as shown in Figure 9.

GPS location action during low power mode shown in Figure 9 handle be basically with above-mentioned the 2nd execution mode in the action of GPS location handle (with reference to Fig. 7) roughly the same flow process, yet difference is, in the low power mode in the present embodiment, the processing of step S45 and the processing of step S46 have also been appended.Therefore, in Fig. 9, the treatment step identical with Fig. 7 enclosed identical number of steps, omit its explanation, only different treatment steps is described.

That is, in step S44, the 1st CPU 31 is judged as under the situation of tracking failure of satellite-signal of the required quantity of location (position determine), enters the processing of next step S45.

In step S45, the 1st CPU 31 confirms whether the GPS location pattern that sets is low power mode.Here, be set under the situation of normal mode, getting back to the processing of above-mentioned steps S31, repeating later processing.On the other hand, here, be set under the situation of low power mode, entering the processing of next step S46.

In step S46, the 1st CPU 31 carries out only calculating the location operation of data according to the satellite-signal of following the tracks of at present to be handled.Then, at the location data that obtain thus, carry out for example processing of the low accuracy flag of the very poor meaning of precision of additional representation.Afterwards, enter the processing of step S38, repeat later processing.

Other treatment step is identical with the various processes that (Fig. 7) handled in GPS location action illustrated in above-mentioned the 2nd execution mode.

Get back to Fig. 8, in step S56, the 1st CPU 31 confirms whether to have carried out the photography indication.In this case, the judgement of whether having carried out the photography indication is for example undertaken by the having or not of photography index signal that the release-push the control member of being confirmed to be comprised in key matrix 23 by the 1st CPU 31 produces.Here, be judged as under the situation of having carried out the photography indication by confirming the photography index signal, enter the processing of next step S57 at the 1st CPU 31.On the other hand, under the situation that is judged as the indication of photographing, enter the processing of step S62.

In step S57, the 1st CPU 31 control camera units wait carries out photograph processing.The processing that this photograph processing is normally identical with the photograph processing of carrying out in general digital camera.Afterwards, enter the processing of step S58.

In step S58, the 1st CPU 31 is sent to the 2nd CPU 32 to the location data in the internal storage that is stored in the 31d of file management facilities portion temporarily, in the 2nd CPU 32, carry out these location data additional to the processing that is stored in the photographed data in the above-mentioned frame memory 6 temporarily.Afterwards, enter the processing of step S59.

In addition, in the processing of this step S58, should add action is handled to the data based GPS location of the location of photographed data pattern and difference.For example, handle under the situation of moving with normal mode in GPS location action, the additional location data of photographed data of giving are corresponding to the obtained location data of moment in photography release.On the other hand, handle under the situation of moving with low power mode in GPS location action, the additional location data of photographed data of giving are corresponding to obtained location data before carrying out the moment in photograph processing.

Then, in step S59, the recording processing of the 1st CPU 31 carries out image files.This recording processing at first will merge by the photographed data that obtains according to the performed photograph processing of photography indication and the view data corresponding with it and generate an image file.The image Compression of this image file being carried out the image compression decompression 32a of portion generates compressed image file.This compressed image file sends to recording medium 16 via record buffer 14 and recording medium I/F 15 by the control of the recording medium access 32b of portion.Then, this compressed image file is recorded in the regulation zone of this recording medium 16 with the form of regulation.Afterwards, enter the processing of step S60.

In step S60, the 1st CPU 31 confirms whether the GPS location pattern that sets is low power mode.Here, be set under the situation of normal mode, entering the processing of step S62.On the other hand, here, be set under the situation of low power mode, entering the processing of next step S61.

In step S61, the 1st CPU 31 carries out GPS location pattern is switched to the setting of normal mode.Afterwards, enter the processing of step S62.

In step S62, the pattern that the 1st CPU 31 confirms whether to have carried out this digital camera is from the change indication of photograph mode to reproduction mode, and perhaps whether power supply status is in off-state.Along with change indication or power supply to this reproduction mode disconnect the generation of indication and produce the end index signal of GPS location action.

Here, still be under the situation of on-state being judged as the change and the power supply that do not carry out to reproduction mode, get back to the processing of above-mentioned steps S56, repeat later processing.On the other hand, carrying out under the situation of the change of reproduction mode indication, perhaps be switched under the situation of off-state being judged as power supply, entering the processing of step S63.

In step S63, the 1st CPU 31 receives the end indication of GPS location action, and control gps signal processing capacity portion 37 and gps signal calculation function portion 36 carry out the processing that makes the GPS location release in continuing.Afterwards, finish a series of photography action and handle, transfer to the sequence of movement of reproduction mode, perhaps power supply status is switched to off-state, make this digital camera be in non-action status.Afterwards, a series of actions in the end photograph mode.

As described abovely like that according to above-mentioned the 3rd execution mode, detect battery status, the pattern of the action of GPS location being handled according to this testing result switches to the either party in normal mode and the low power mode.In this case, testing result at battery status is under the sufficient situation of residual capacity of battery, the action of GPS location is handled moved with normal mode, on the other hand, under the situation of residual capacity of battery insufficient (below prescribed level), carry out the action of GPS location with low power mode and handle.GPS location action under this low power mode is handled when the tracking baulk of location satellite takes place, and does not carry out new satellite capturing motion, and only obtains the location data according to the satellite-signal of following the tracks of at present.Then, when having carried out GPS location action with low power mode and handled, when adding obtained location data to photographed data, the sign of additional representation location precision information in the lump.Therefore,, do not carry out new satellite capturing motion yet, can when suppressing corresponding power consumption, always continue to obtain the location data though there is the location precision that the possibility of a little deterioration takes place.

Below, the digital camera of the 4th execution mode of the present invention is described.

Figure 10 is the flow chart of effect that the digital camera of the 4th execution mode of the present invention is shown, and is the processing sequence that the details that the GPS location action of the low power mode in the processing sequence of the motion flow when starting with photograph mode handles are shown.

In the present embodiment, the same with the 3rd above-mentioned execution mode, the action form that action is handled as the GPS location has two action forms (pattern), switches the action form of GPS location action processing according to the battery status of digital camera.

Then, in the present embodiment, the action of the GPS location in each above-mentioned execution mode is handled as common action form, made the GPS location action of low power mode handle different.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, suppose to make the power supply of digital camera be in on-state, and the processing sequence of the motion flow when starting with photograph mode, the processing sequence (with reference to Fig. 8) identical used with above-mentioned the 3rd execution mode.

And, processing sequence (with reference to Fig. 9) under the low power mode during processing sequence (with reference to Figure 10) under the low power mode during the GPS location action of present embodiment is handled is handled with the GPS location action of the 3rd above-mentioned execution mode is basic identical, is trickle part difference.Therefore, about with the identical order of treatment step among Fig. 9, enclose same-sign, omit its explanation, below mainly different treatment steps is described.

Low power mode processing sequence down during the action of the GPS location of present embodiment is handled as shown in figure 10, at first in step S31, the 1st CPU 31 carries out the processing of gps signal capturing motion.In addition, beginning to carry out the moment that the action of this GPS location is handled the timing action of the 1st CPU 31 beginning internal clocking 31e.

Then, in step S72, the 1st CPU 31 carries out gps signal and follows the tracks of action processing (identical with the step S32 of Fig. 9).And, in this treatment step, newly begin to follow the tracks of the timing of timer t (not making special diagram) by the gps satellite tracing management function 31c of portion.This tracking timer t is the part of the function of the gps satellite tracing management function 31c of portion, the function that for example to be the gps satellite tracing management function 31c of portion carry out timing with reference to the internal clocking 31e of the 1st CPU 31.Afterwards, enter the processing of step S33.

Handle (low power mode from the processing of this step S33 to processing and the action of the GPS location above-mentioned the 2nd execution mode of step S45; With reference to Fig. 9) identical, thereby omit its explanation.

In the processing of step S45, the 1st CPU 31 confirms whether the GPS location pattern that sets is low power mode, is being set under the situation of normal mode, gets back to the processing of above-mentioned steps S31, repeats later processing.

On the other hand, here, be set under the situation of low power mode, entering the processing of next step S73.

In step S73, the 1st CPU 31 confirms the tracking timer t of the gps satellite tracing management function 31c of portion, judges whether follow the tracks of timer t passed through more than 3 minutes.That is, here, judge from beginning to carry out gps signal tracking action processing and whether passed through 3 minutes.

Here, to follow the tracks of timer t be under the situation more than 3 minutes being judged as, and gets back to the processing of above-mentioned steps S31, repeats later processing.

On the other hand, here, follow the tracks of timer t and be lower than under 3 minutes the situation being judged as, enter the processing of next step S46.

In step S46, the 1st CPU 31 carries out only calculating the location operation of data according to the satellite-signal of following the tracks of at present to be handled.Then, at the location data that obtain thus, carry out for example processing of the low accuracy flag of the very poor meaning of precision of additional representation.Afterwards, enter the processing of step S38, repeat later processing.

As described abovely like that according to above-mentioned the 4th execution mode, detect battery status, the pattern of the action of GPS location being handled according to this testing result switches to the either party in normal mode and the low power mode.In this case, in the testing result of battery status is during GPS location action under the low power mode of carrying out under the situation of residual capacity of battery insufficient (below prescribed level) is handled, to carry out the capturing motion of location satellite in 3 minutes at interval, during these 3 minutes, even new satellite capturing motion is not carried out in the tracking baulk of location satellite yet, and only obtain the location data according to the satellite-signal of following the tracks of at present.

Then, when having carried out GPS location action with low power mode and handled, when adding obtained location data to photographed data, the sign of additional representation location precision information in the lump.

Therefore, the same with above-mentioned the 3rd execution mode, though there is the location precision that the possibility of a little deterioration takes place, do not carry out new satellite capturing motion yet, can when suppressing corresponding power consumption, always continue to obtain the location data.

And, in the present embodiment, because carrying out at interval new satellite capturing motion in 3 minutes, thereby can raising obtain the possibility of the high location data of precision.

Below, the digital camera of the 5th execution mode of the present invention is described.

Figure 11 is the flow chart of effect that the digital camera of the 5th execution mode of the present invention is shown, and is the processing sequence that the details that the GPS location action of the low power mode in the processing sequence of the motion flow when starting with photograph mode handles are shown.

Present embodiment is roughly the same with the 3rd and the 4th above-mentioned execution mode basically, and different examples is handled in the GPS location action that illustrates under the low power mode.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, also supposition makes the power supply of digital camera be in on-state, and the processing sequence of the motion flow when starting with photograph mode, uses the processing sequence (with reference to Fig. 8) identical with above-mentioned the 3rd execution mode.

And the processing sequence (with reference to Fig. 7) under the low power mode during the processing sequence (with reference to Figure 11) that the GPS location action of present embodiment is handled is handled with the GPS location action of the 2nd above-mentioned execution mode is basic identical, is trickle part difference.Therefore, about with the identical order of treatment step among Fig. 7, enclose same-sign, omit its explanation, below mainly different treatment steps is described.

The processing sequence that the action of GPS location in the present embodiment is handled as shown in figure 11, at first in step S80, the 1st CPU 31 confirms whether the GPS location pattern that sets is low power mode.Here, be set under the situation of normal mode, entering the processing of step S81A.On the other hand, be set under the situation of low power mode, entering the processing of step S81B.

Under the situation of normal mode, in step S81A, the 37c of signal capture portion of the 1st CPU 31 control gps signal processing capacity portions 37 makes it utilize maximum channel number n (for example n=24) executed in parallel gps signal capturing motion processing simultaneously, carries out the signal search (scanning) from the location satellite.In addition, beginning to carry out the moment that the action of GPS location is handled the timing action of the internal clocking 31e of the 1st CPU 31 beginnings oneself.Enter the processing of step S32 afterwards.

On the other hand, under the situation of low power mode, in step S81B, the 37c of signal capture portion of the 1st CPU 31 control gps signal processing capacity portions 37, restricting channel is counted n (for example n=4) and is carried out the processing of gps signal capturing motion, carries out the signal search (scanning) from the location satellite.At this moment, the gps signal capturing motion is handled in each channel while executed in parallel.In addition, beginning to carry out the moment that the action of GPS location is handled the timing action of the internal clocking 31e of the 1st CPU 31 beginnings oneself.Enter the processing of step S32 afterwards.

The later processing of the processing of step S32 is identical with Fig. 7.

As described above like that, according to above-mentioned the 5th execution mode, the pattern of the action of GPS location being handled according to battery status switches to the either party in normal mode and the low power mode, and is roughly the same with above-mentioned 2-the 4th execution mode in this.In this case, in the testing result of battery status is during GPS location action under the low power mode of carrying out under the situation of residual capacity of battery insufficient (below prescribed level) is handled, the number of channel of working simultaneously when being limited in the capturing motion of carrying out the location satellite.Can suppress power consumption thus.

Below, the digital camera of the 6th execution mode of the present invention is described.

Figure 12 and Figure 13 are the flow charts of effect that the digital camera of the 6th execution mode of the present invention is shown.Wherein, Figure 12 is the processing sequence that is illustrated in the motion flow when having started the digital camera of present embodiment with photograph mode.Figure 13 is the processing sequence that the motion flow that zoom in the processing sequence of Figure 12 and AF action handle is shown.

In common digital camera, handle and follow in this operation of recording and handle, when the action of GPS location is handled etc., consume electric power carrying out the photography action, to handle under the interim parallel situation of carrying out at these, this electric power consumption increases temporarily.

And, beyond these actions are handled, normally, by at photography action front wheel driving lens 1 camera unit such as grade, set photographic picture scope the zoom action and be automatic focus action (being called the AF action) etc. at the focal adjustments action of the subject of expectation.And, in this AF action, sometimes also with the action of AF auxiliary light, that is: the AF action during for auxiliary for example low-light level environment and drive flash light emission device 20 (with reference to Fig. 1) and send auxiliary beam.

Action of these zooms and AF action wait photographing to be carried out before moving, and is the behavior of promptly subject being photographed of the original purpose of following digital camera and the action carried out.

On the other hand, as mentioned above, the action of GPS location is from the restriction of this system, what expect is always to continue to carry out, yet in the execution of zoom action and AF action, carry out GPS location action simultaneously and will increase power consumption, can not carry out zoom action and AF when the consumption of power supply etc. in addition and move self possibility.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, detect battery status, and control the action of executory GPS location action of zoom action and AF action, thereby suppress consumption electric power according to this testing result.

The digital camera identical (seeing figures.1.and.2) of the structure of the digital camera of present embodiment and above-mentioned the 1st execution mode.

Effect when below using Figure 12 and Figure 13 that the digital camera that uses present embodiment is photographed action describes.

The power supply of supposing the digital camera of present embodiment is in on-state, then this digital camera with the state that can carry out photography action, be the photograph mode starting.

At this moment, in step S91 shown in Figure 12, at first, the 1st CPU 31 carries out the initialization process of the internal circuit of this digital camera.Afterwards, enter the processing of step S92.

Next, in step S92, this digital camera begins to carry out the action of GPS location to be handled.Afterwards, enter the processing of step S93.In addition, the details handled of this GPS location action with for example in each above-mentioned execution mode the action of illustrated normal mode identical.

Then, in step S93, the 1st CPU 31 has confirmed whether to carry out the indication of zoom action or AF action (being designated hereinafter simply as zoom AF action).In this case, the judgement of whether having carried out the indication of zoom AF action is the zoom index signal that produces by the zoom button the control members of being confirmed to be comprised in key matrix 23 by the 1st CPU 31 or begins having or not of index signal from the AF that release-push produces and carry out.

Here, be judged as under the situation of the indication of having carried out zoom AF action by confirming zoom index signal or AF index signal, enter the processing of next step S94 at the 1st CPU 31.On the other hand, under the situation that is judged as the indication of not carrying out zoom AF action, enter the processing of step S95.

In step S94, the 1st CPU 31 carries out drive controlling via 18 pairs of actuators of actuator driving circuit 17 and carries out zoom AF action processing.

Here, use Figure 13 details that action is handled to the zoom AF in the digital camera of present embodiment to describe.

The zoom AF action processing of the digital camera in the present embodiment begins index signal by 1CPU 31 reception zoom index signals or AF as mentioned above and carries out.

That is, when zoom index signal or AF begin index signal when being imported into the 1st CPU 31, at first, in the step S101 of Figure 13, the 1st CPU 31 control test circuit for cell status 29 carry out the detection of the residual capacity of battery of battery 26 to be handled.This testing result is sent to the residual capacity of battery management function 31f of portion of the 1st CPU31.Afterwards, enter the processing of step S102.

In step S102, the residual capacity of battery management function 31f of portion of the 1st CPU 31 is according to confirming in the resulting residual capacity of battery testing result of above-mentioned steps S101 whether residual capacity of battery is abundant, that is, whether this digital camera has the residual capacity of battery that fully is used to carry out more than the prescribed level that the zoom action is handled or the AF action is handled.Here, be judged as under the sufficient situation of residual capacity of battery, entering the processing of step S106.

In step S106, the 1st CPU 31 carries out drive controlling via 18 pairs of actuators of actuator driving circuit 17, carries out zoom drive processing corresponding with the index signal of being imported or AF and drives processing (driving processing hereinafter referred to as zoom AF).In addition, in the AF drive actions was handled, 1CPU 31 according to circumstances carried out drive controlling to flash light emission device 20 and sends the AF fill-in light.This zoom AF drives to handle usually and handles identical with the zoom AF driving of carrying out in general digital camera.After this zoom AF driving is finished dealing with, finish a series of zoom AF action and handle.

On the other hand, in the processing of above-mentioned steps S102, be judged as under the inadequate situation of residual capacity of battery, enter the processing of step S103.

In step S103, the 1st CPU 31 control gps signal processing capacity portion 37 or gps signal calculation function portions 36, the processing that the execution that execution is handled the action of GPS location stops temporarily.Afterwards, enter the processing of step S104.

In step S104, the 1st CPU 31 carries out zoom AF and drives processing.It is identical with the processing of carrying out in the processing of above-mentioned steps S106 that this zoom AF drives processing.After this zoom AF driving is finished dealing with, enter the processing of next step S105.

In step S105, the 1st CPU 31 control gps signal processing capacity portion 37 or gps signal calculation function portions 36 carry out the processing of the execution that begins GPS location action processing once more.Afterwards, finishing a series of zoom AF handles.

So, when the processing of the step S94 of Figure 12, be that the zoom action is handled or AF action when finishing dealing with, enter the processing of step S95 afterwards.

In step S95, the 1st CPU 31 confirms whether to have carried out the photography indication.The affirmation of this photography indication is for example undertaken by the having or not of photography index signal that the release-push the control member of being confirmed to be comprised in key matrix 23 by the 1st CPU 31 produces.Here, be judged as under the situation of having carried out the photography indication by confirming the photography index signal, enter the processing of next step S96 at the 1st CPU 31.On the other hand, under the situation that is judged as the indication of photographing, enter the processing of step S97.

In step S96, the 1st CPU 31 control camera units wait carries out photograph processing.The processing that this photograph processing is normally identical with the photograph processing of carrying out in general digital camera.Afterwards, enter the processing of step S97.

In step S97, the pattern that the 1st CPU 31 confirms whether to have carried out this digital camera is from the change indication of photograph mode to reproduction mode, and perhaps whether power supply status is in off-state.Along with change indication or power supply to this reproduction mode disconnect the generation of indication and produce the end index signal of GPS location action.

Here, still be under the situation of on-state being judged as the change and the power supply that do not carry out to reproduction mode, get back to the processing of above-mentioned steps S93, repeat later processing.On the other hand, carrying out under the situation of the change of reproduction mode indication, perhaps be switched under the situation of off-state being judged as power supply, entering the processing of step S98.

In step S63, the 1st CPU 31 receives the end indication of GPS location action, and control gps signal processing capacity portion 37 and gps signal calculation function portion 36 carry out the processing that makes the GPS location release in continuing.Afterwards, finish a series of photography action and handle, transfer to the sequence of movement of reproduction mode, perhaps power supply status is switched to off-state, make this digital camera be in non-action status according to the index signal of in above-mentioned steps S97, being confirmed.Afterwards, a series of actions in the end photograph mode.

As described above like that, according to above-mentioned the 6th execution mode, when having started digital camera, begin to carry out the action of GPS location and handle, and continue to carry out this location action, till making power supply be in off-state with photograph mode.Then, when carrying out actual photography action, taken place to follow when this zoom AF action is indicated, confirm the state of residual capacity of battery, when residual capacity of battery is abundant, carrying out zoom AF same as before handles, under the inadequate situation of residual capacity of battery, during handling, this zoom AF action limits this action, so that stop the action of GPS location temporarily.

Therefore,,, when residual capacity of battery is insufficient, stops to carry out the GPS location temporarily and move, thereby can when suppressing power wastage, carry out zoom action processing or AF action processing reliably according to the testing result of residual capacity of battery according to present embodiment.

In each above-mentioned execution mode, show the example of cameras such as digital camera with the location unit that uses GPS, yet be not limited to this example, for example also can be applied to have and to obtain the also electronic equipment of the photographic recording function of record digital image data by the photography action, for example mobile phone and the portable equipment that has the location unit that uses GPS with small information equipment, electronic notebooks etc. such as computers.

In addition, the invention is not restricted to each above-mentioned execution mode, certainly in the scope that does not deviate from inventive concept, implement various distortion and application.And, in the respective embodiments described above, include the invention in various stages, by the appropriate combination in disclosed a plurality of constitutive requirements, can extract various inventions out.For example, even the some constitutive requirements of deletion in the whole constitutive requirements shown in the execution mode from the respective embodiments described above, also can solve in the problem described in " summary of the invention " hurdle, under the situation that obtains the described effect of invention effect, the structure of deleted these constitutive requirements can be used as invention and extracts out.

Claims (6)

1. a digital camera is characterized in that, this digital camera comprises with lower unit:

Camera unit, it is photographed to subject and generates picture signal;

Record cell, its will based on by the Imagery Data Recording of the resulting picture signal of above-mentioned camera unit in recording medium;

The location unit, it receives the position of specifying oneself from a plurality of a plurality of signals that the source sent of posting a letter;

Power supply, it utilizes battery to provide electric power to above-mentioned camera unit, above-mentioned record cell and above-mentioned location unit at least; And

Control unit, its running-active status according to above-mentioned camera unit or above-mentioned record cell is controlled the action of above-mentioned location unit, and the electric power that offers above-mentioned location unit from above-mentioned power supply is controlled,

Above-mentioned control unit has the power state detection unit of the battery allowance that detects above-mentioned power supply;

Detect the battery allowance of above-mentioned power supply under the situation below the prescribed level in above-mentioned power state detection unit, the control that above-mentioned control unit stops part or all action of the action of above-mentioned location unit, and carry out the control of above-mentioned power supply, so that stop or limiting the electric power that offers above-mentioned location unit.

2. digital camera according to claim 1 is characterized in that, above-mentioned location unit receives determines oneself position on earth from the signal of location satellite.

3. a digital camera is characterized in that, this digital camera comprises with lower unit:

Camera unit, it is photographed to subject and generates picture signal;

Record cell, its will based on by the Imagery Data Recording of the resulting picture signal of above-mentioned camera unit in recording medium;

The location unit, it receives the position of specifying oneself from a plurality of a plurality of signals that the source sent of posting a letter;

Power supply, it provides electric power to above-mentioned camera unit, above-mentioned record cell and above-mentioned location unit at least; And

Control unit, its running-active status according to above-mentioned camera unit or above-mentioned record cell is controlled the action of above-mentioned location unit, and the electric power that offers above-mentioned location unit from above-mentioned power supply is controlled,

Above-mentioned control unit has the power state detection unit of the battery allowance that detects above-mentioned power supply;

Detect the battery allowance of above-mentioned power supply under the situation below the prescribed level in above-mentioned power state detection unit, in above-mentioned camera unit execution photography action or at above-mentioned record cell, carry out in the operation of recording of aforementioned recording medium, the control that above-mentioned control unit stops part or all action of the action of above-mentioned location unit, and carry out the control of above-mentioned power supply, so that stop or limiting the electric power that offers above-mentioned location unit.

4. digital camera according to claim 2 is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned location unit has:

The satellite capture unit, it catches the signal from above-mentioned location satellite; And

The Satellite Tracking unit, it follows the tracks of the signal from above-mentioned location satellite of being caught by this satellite capture unit;

Detect the battery allowance of above-mentioned power supply under the situation below the prescribed level in above-mentioned power state detection unit, above-mentioned control unit is controlled to the action of only carrying out above-mentioned Satellite Tracking unit in above-mentioned location unit, and the electric power of restriction to above-mentioned location unit provides.

5. digital camera according to claim 2 is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned location unit has the satellite capture unit that can catch simultaneously from the signal of a plurality of above-mentioned location satellites;

Detect the battery allowance of above-mentioned power supply under the situation below the prescribed level in above-mentioned power state detection unit, above-mentioned control unit stops part or all action of the action of above-mentioned location unit, so that limit the quantity of the above-mentioned location satellite that above-mentioned satellite capture unit catches simultaneously, and control above-mentioned power supply, so that restriction offers the electric power of above-mentioned location unit.

6. digital camera according to claim 2 is characterized in that, above-mentioned location unit has the satellite capture unit that can catch simultaneously from the signal of above-mentioned location satellite;

Detect the battery allowance of above-mentioned power supply under the situation below the prescribed level in above-mentioned power state detection unit, above-mentioned control unit is controlled to and makes above-mentioned satellite capture unit carry out capturing motion from the signal of above-mentioned location satellite off and on every specific time interval, and control above-mentioned power supply, so that restriction offers the electric power of above-mentioned location unit.

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