JP2000209536A - Recorded image management method and electronic image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To manage the transmitting state, the transmitting destination, etc., of a recorded image with no occurrence of the redundant transmission of the image by recording the information in an electronic image pickup device to discriminate the transmitted images from the non-transmitted ones. SOLUTION: A digital camera 100 stores its photographed images in a flash memory, and a user can extract a desired recorded image from the flash memory and reproduce it at a desired time. Furthermore, the camera 100 can transmits a desired image to a personal computer 200 at a desired time and also includes a recorded image management table to manage the image transmitting states, the image transmitting destinations, etc., to an external storage such as the computer 200 in addition to the recording addresses (recording start and end addresses), photographing dates, image types and recording density. Under such conditions, for example, the camera 100 is connected the computer 200 via a cable 5.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a technique for managing recorded images photographed, stored and recorded by an electronic imaging device such as a digital camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an electronic image pickup apparatus such as a digital camera, a picked-up subject image (captured image) is stored and recorded in a storage and recording memory such as a flash memory, and at the time of reproduction, the recorded image is taken out from the storage and recording memory and reproduced / displayed. can do. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a recorded image (all recorded images or a desired recorded image) stored and recorded in a flash memory of the digital camera 100 is stored in an external device 200, for example, an image processing device such as a personal computer (hereinafter, a personal computer). Can be transmitted to a storage device such as a recording memory for storage and recording.

Transmission of a recorded image from a digital camera to an external storage device having an external memory (hereinafter referred to as an external device)
In the early days of digital cameras, the flash memory capacity of digital cameras was small and not large enough to store and record a large number of images, and image applications on digital cameras were not developed. However, a digital camera takes an image of a subject and saves it in the flash memory. However, the flash memory becomes full, so all the recorded images are sent to a personal computer, etc., and then the images recorded in the flash memory are deleted. In this case, an image specified for an image application was transmitted to a personal computer (in this case, the transmitted image is usually deleted).

[0004]

However, in a very short period of time since the start of the sale of digital cameras, the capacity of flash memories has been increased, the recording density has been improved, and the processing speed has been increased. Some cameras can store and store more than one hundred images, and in the near future digital cameras capable of storing and recording more images can be expected.

In such a digital camera, images can be stored and used by the digital camera. Therefore, as a case of transmitting a recorded image to an external device, an important image or an image that needs to be stored for a long time is picked up. In some cases, the recorded image may be sent to a personal computer for special image processing or use that cannot be performed with a digital camera. There is not much need to send in.

In a digital camera equipped with a flash memory of a large capacity / high recording density as described above, an application utilizing an image can be performed by the digital camera. Therefore, the image is temporarily transmitted to an external device such as a personal computer. Even if the user does not specify deletion, the transmitted image is also left on the digital camera side.

However, in the conventional digital camera, it is not possible to know which image is transmitted to which external device and which image is transmitted and which image is not transmitted. There has been a problem that an image may be sent or an untransmitted image may be mistakenly deleted as a transmitted image.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and a recording image management method capable of managing a transmission state of a recording image, a transmission destination, and the like so as not to cause a duplicate transmission of the recording image. And an electronic imaging device.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recorded image management method for capturing and recording an image of a subject in an electronic image pickup apparatus in association with the stored image. Transmission state identification information indicating whether the image has been transmitted to an external device or not, and whether or not the stored and recorded image has been transmitted to the external device can be determined.

According to a second aspect of the invention, in the image management method of the first aspect, the identification information of the destination external device is recorded in association with the transmission state identification information.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic imaging apparatus having a storage memory for storing an image of a captured subject, wherein the image stored in the storage memory is stored in an external device. Image management means for registering transmission state identification information indicating whether the image is a transmitted image or not, and an image stored and recorded in a storage memory by extracting transmission state identification information registered in the image management means Transmission state determination means for determining whether or not has been transmitted to the external device,
It is characterized by having.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic imaging apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, the electronic imaging apparatus further comprises a transmission unit for transmitting an image recorded in the storage memory to an external device, and the image management unit transmits the image by the transmission unit. The transmission state identification information is registered with respect to the stored image recorded.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic imaging apparatus according to the third or fourth aspect, the transmitting means transmits only the stored recording image determined to be untransmitted by the transmission state determining means to the external device. It is characterized by.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic imaging device according to any one of the third to fifth aspects, the image management means further registers identification information of an external device to which the stored image is transmitted. It is characterized by comprising means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the electronic imaging apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the identification information of the external device is information input or selected by a key operation or information transmitted from the external device of the transmission destination. It is characterized by being.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic imaging apparatus according to any one of the third to seventh aspects, when there is no remaining free space for storing and recording the captured image in the storage and recording memory, the image management is performed. An image selecting means for selecting an image to be deleted from images stored and stored in the storage memory based on transmission state identification information registered in the means.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic imaging apparatus according to any one of the third to eighth aspects, an untransmitted image display instructing means is provided, and when an instruction is issued by the untransmitted image display instructing means, And an untransmitted image display unit for extracting an image that has not been transmitted to the external device from the storage memory and displaying the image based on the transmission state identification information registered in the management unit.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of recording image transmission from an electronic imaging device to an external device. Reference numeral 100 denotes a digital camera as an electronic imaging device, reference numeral 200 denotes a personal computer as an external device, and reference numeral 5 Denotes a transmission cable for connecting the digital camera 100 and the personal computer 200.

The digital camera 100 stores the captured subject image in the flash memory, and the user can take out the recorded image from the flash memory and reproduce it at a desired time. Also, a desired image can be transmitted from the digital camera 100 to the personal computer 200 at a desired time. Further, the digital camera 100 includes an image management table for managing recorded images therein, and includes a recording address (recording start address and recording end address), shooting date and time,
In addition to the image type, recording density, etc., it manages the state of transmission of the image to an external storage device such as the personal computer 200, the transmission destination and the like.

In FIG. 1, the digital camera 100 and the personal computer 200 are connected by the cable 5 and the digital camera 1
Although an example in which an image is serially transmitted from 00 to the personal computer 200 has been described, the image transmission from the digital camera 100 to the personal computer 200 is not limited to this, and other methods, for example, image transmission by infrared communication, via a modem, Image transmission by wired communication or image transmission by wireless communication. Further, the number of external devices to be transmitted is not limited to one, and a plurality of different external devices may be used. Also, the same image can be transmitted to a plurality of external devices at substantially the same timing.

[Circuit Configuration Example of Electronic Imaging Apparatus] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of a digital camera as one embodiment of an electronic imaging apparatus to which the present invention is applied. In FIG. It includes an imaging unit 10, a control unit 20, an operation unit 30, a display unit 40, a flash memory 50, and a transmission / reception unit 60.

The image pickup section 10 includes an image pickup lens, an aperture mechanism, a shutter mechanism, and the like, and a CCD (image pickup device) for converting a subject image taken through the image pickup lens into an electric signal, and a signal for converting the electric signal to obtain an image. Conversion unit, signal processing unit, and DRAM for storing captured images (not shown)
It has.

The control unit 20 has a microprocessor configuration having a CPU, a RAM, a ROM for storing programs, a timer, and the like. The CPU connects each circuit of the digital camera 100 and a power switch (not shown) via a bus line. To control the entire digital camera 100 according to a control program stored in the program storage ROM, and to correspond to each mode stored in the program storage ROM in response to a status signal from the operation unit 30. Of the digital camera 100, for example, execution of a function of capturing and recording images, execution of a function of transmitting images, and control of execution of recorded images according to the present invention. And image transmission control based on the communication control program.

The operation unit 30 includes a processing mode changeover switch,
Switches and buttons (keys) such as a function selection button, a main switch, a shutter button, a +/- key, a cursor movement key, and the like are included as components, and when these switches or buttons are operated, a state signal is transmitted to the control unit 20. Sent to Further, the operation unit 30 may be provided with a key capable of inputting characters and numbers.

The display unit 40 is composed of a liquid crystal display device including a driver and a liquid crystal display (LCD).
It performs playback image display at the time of playback, selection menu and guide (or icon) at the time of process selection, and the like.

In the flash memory 50, JP
The EG compressed image data is stored and recorded. In addition to the area for storing image data in the flash memory 50 as shown in FIG. 4, when recording the image data, the recording address of the image, the shooting date and time, the type of the image, the recording density, etc. It is also possible to record an image management table 70 (FIG. 5) for managing a situation, a destination, and the like. Also, a reduced image (thumbnail image) of the image to be stored and recorded may be stored and recorded. Further, each program can be recorded instead of the program ROM. Note that a removable IC card may be used instead of the flash memory.

The transmission / reception section 60 has an input / output terminal section A, and under the control of the communication control program, transmits / receives commands and image data (and image data such as image size) via a cable connected to the input / output terminal section A. Information), and receives a transmission / reception command (and device information such as a device number and a free space) from an external device such as a personal computer. Note that the transmitting and receiving unit 60 may be configured to be capable of infrared communication, or may be configured to be capable of wireless communication.

[Exemplary Configuration of External Device] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a personal computer as an embodiment of an external device that receives an image from an electronic imaging device and stores and records the image. , Operation unit 230, display unit 24
0, an external memory 250 and a transmission / reception unit 260.

The control unit 220 has a microprocessor configuration including a CPU, a RAM (internal memory), a ROM for storing programs, a timer, and the like. Connected via line, RO for program storage
M controls the entire personal computer 200 by a control program (OS: operation system) stored in M, and extracts a processing program stored in a program storage ROM in response to a command input from the operation unit 230. Controls the execution of the application of the personal computer 200, for example, searches, plays, and displays saved images, executes image processing, and receives image data and the like from the digital camera 100 under the control of a communication control program. Performs execution control such as processing.

The operation unit 230 includes keys and switches such as an input keyboard, function keys, and a main switch. When these switches or keys are operated, input data or commands are converted into electric signals and controlled. It is sent to the unit 220.

The display unit 240 is composed of a display device such as a monitor, and displays characters, images, menus and guides (or icons) for selection at the time of processing selection, etc. under the display control of the control unit 220.

The external memory 250 is a large-capacity memory capable of storing image data, such as a magnetic disk or a hard disk.

The transmitting / receiving section 260 has an input / output terminal section B,
Transmission / reception commands (and / or device information and free space information, etc.) via a cable connected to the input / output terminal section B
And receives a transmission / reception command and image data from an electronic imaging device such as the digital camera 100. Note that the transmitting and receiving unit 260 may be configured to be capable of infrared communication, or may be configured to be capable of wireless communication.

[Example of Configuration of Flash Memory] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an area configuration of the flash memory of the digital camera 100.
1. Image management table storage area 52 and work area 53
It is composed of The image storage area 51 has JP
EG compressed image data 1 to image data n are stored and recorded.

[Image Management Table] FIG. 5 is a structural explanatory view showing an embodiment of the structure of the image management table. In this embodiment, the image management table 70 is provided on the flash memory 50, but is not limited to this. Instead, a removable (rewritable) memory may be provided separately, and the image management table may be recorded in the memory.

In the example of FIG. 5, the image management table 70
Image number column 71 for recording the image number of the image to be stored and recorded
A start address column 72 for recording a recording start address of the image on the flash memory 50, an end address column 73 for recording a recording end address, a photographing date recording column 74 for recording a photographing date and time, and a type of image (normal Type recording field 7 for recording an image (an image taken in the normal imaging mode), a panoramic image, a continuous shot image, a moving image, a close-up image, and the like) code
5, a density recording column 76 for recording the pixel density, and transmission destinations 77-1 and 77 for the transmission status of the recorded image to the external device.
.., 77-3,.
7 and the like.

The "ADR1" in the start address column 72
Means the value of the start address of image number 1, "A
"DRn" means the start address of the image with the image number n. Also, “ADR2-1” in the end address column 73 means the value of the end start address of the image number 1 (that is, the start address-1 of the image number 2),.
P-1 is the start address of the image of image number n (that is,
(Start address of the image management table-1). In this example, the code “1” in the type column 75 indicates normal imaging, the code “3” indicates a panoramic image, and the code “1”.
1 ”means stroboscopic close-up photography.
The symbol "N" for standard density and "F" for fine density (for example,
(3 times the standard density). The device ID1, ID2, ID3,... Of the transmission status column 77 mean the identifier of the external device to which the image is to be transmitted, and the status marks "0", "1" Either "F" or "F" is written. If the status mark is "0", it means that the image has not been transmitted to the device. If the status mark is "1", the image is not transmitted to the device. It means that the image has been transmitted, and in the case of "F", it means that the device column has never been connected to the digital camera 100 yet.

When the digital camera 100 is connected to an external device, the control unit 20 compares the device ID sent from the external device with the ID registered in each device ID column. When an image is transmitted, a status mark “1” is written in a portion corresponding to the transmitted image in the device ID column. If the device ID sent from the external device (or input by the user) does not match the ID registered in each device ID column, the device ID is stored in one of the unused device ID columns. Is registered, and the device ID column is initialized with a status mark “0” (that is, all images are not transmitted). When an image is transmitted, the device ID column corresponds to the transmitted image in the device ID column. The status mark "1" is written in the portion.

In the example of FIG. 5, the image of image number 1 is the device ID.
1, has not been transmitted to any of the external devices of device ID2,
The image of the image number 2 has not been transmitted to the external device of the device ID 1 but has been transmitted to the external device of the device ID 2, and the image of the image number 3 has been transmitted to both the external devices of the device ID 1 and the device ID 2 And the image with the image number i is the device ID
This indicates that the data has been transmitted to the external device No. 1 but has not been transmitted to the external device having the device ID 2.

[Example of Image Management Operation During Image Transmission (Transfer)]
FIGS. 6 to 8 show the digital camera 100 to the personal computer 200.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of image management operation on the digital camera side when transmitting (transferring) a recorded image to an (external device), in which the digital camera 100 and the personal computer 200 are connected by a cable to transmit (transfer) an image. is there. Also,
FIG. 6 shows an example in which the user inputs the device ID of the destination external device, and receives a free area capable of storing the transmission image from the destination,
FIG. 7 shows a case where the user inputs the device ID of the destination external device,
An example in which the capacity (size) of a transmission image is transmitted from the digital camera side. FIG. 8 shows an apparatus ID transmitted from an external apparatus of a transmission destination.
This is an example of using.

1. Example in which the user inputs the device ID of the external device of the transmission destination, and receives a free area capable of storing the transmission image from the transmission destination (FIG. 6)

Step S0: (Connection with Personal Computer) The user connects the terminal A of the digital camera 100 to the personal computer 20.
0 terminal B is connected by a cable 5 (FIG. 1).

Step S1: (User ID input by user) The user sends a personal computer (digital camera 10
The device ID (or mnemonic code) of the personal computer 200 connected to the cable 0 is input by key operation of the operation unit 30. When receiving the device ID from the operation unit 30, the control unit 20 stores the device ID in the RAM of the control unit 20. In addition,
Instead of key input of the device ID, a list of device IDs may be displayed and selected by moving the cursor. In this case, a plurality of device IDs (may be simply numbers such as 1, 2, 3,..., Which are irrelevant to the device) may be registered in advance, or the device ID may be input only at the beginning of transmission, and For migration, a list of input device IDs is displayed, and the user selects it.

Step S2: (Acquisition of free space in storage memory of personal computer) The control unit 20 transmits a request for transmission of the free space value V of the storage memory (external memory 250) to the personal computer 200, and transmits free space information from the personal computer 200. Upon receiving it, the control unit 2
0 is stored in the RAM.

Step S3: (Check of Minimum Capacity) Next, the control unit 20 determines that the acquired free capacity V is
It is checked whether or not (for example, the size for storing one image) is exceeded, and if it is exceeded, the process proceeds to S4, and if not, the process proceeds to S16.

Step S4: (Confirmation of Registration of Device ID in Image Management Table) The control unit 20 controls the device I input by the user in step S1.
D and the device columns 77-1, 77- of the image management table 70.
, 77-3,..., And the input device ID is written to the device columns 77-1, 77-2, 77-3,. If any of the device IDs match, the process proceeds to S7. If they do not match, the process proceeds to S5.

Step S5: (Registration of device ID) The control unit 20 determines that the device ID input in step S1 is the device column 77-1, 77-2, 77 of the image management table 70.
If it does not match any of the device IDs written in -3,.
, The device ID of the device columns 77-1, 77-2, 77-3,... Is written in any one of the unregistered columns, and the status marks in that column are all set to "0" (device I
The initial values of the status marks in the fields where D is not registered are all "F", but are set to "0" when the device ID is registered.)
Transition to 6.

Step S6: (Display of Selection Screen for Image Transmission Method, etc.) The control unit 20 selects a selection screen (90) as shown in FIG.
And icons 91 and 92 (or a message) are displayed to urge the user to transmit an untransmitted image at a time or to transmit a selected image (selective transmission). Transitions to. If an instruction for selective transmission has been given, the process proceeds to S7. The transmission method can be selected by using the cursor (movement key) provided on the operation unit 30 to point to an icon (or a message).

Step S7: (Selection of Transmission Image) The control unit 20 checks the device ID column on the image management table 70 specified (input) in step S1, and checks the image which has not been transmitted to the device (that is, the status mark is (“0” image) are sequentially reproduced and displayed on the display unit 40, and the user can select an image. When the user selects a desired recorded image, S8 is performed.
Transitions to. If there is no image to be transmitted (when the selection end operation is performed without selecting an image),
Transition is made to 16. In addition, the selection of the transmission image is performed by fast-forwarding the image by a known method and searching for a desired untransmitted image,
Alternatively, in a configuration in which a reduced image (thumbnail image) is also stored and recorded in the flash memory 50, a reduced image of an image that has not been transmitted can be displayed in multiple images on one screen and selected.

Step S8: (Transmission of Image) The control unit 20 takes out the image (compressed data) selected in step S7 from the flash memory, and
When the reception completion notification signal is received from the personal computer 200, it is determined that the transmission has been normally completed, and the process proceeds to S9. PC 2
If the abnormality notification signal is received from 00, the transmission is interrupted and the process returns to S7 (if the transmission cannot be performed even after retrying the transmission several times, the process may return to S7). Further, image information and the like may be transmitted in addition to the image (compressed data).

Step S9: (Writing of transmitted status mark) When the transmission is normally performed, the control unit 20 changes the status mark of the image to the personal computer 200 (transmission destination device ID) on the image management table 70 by " The image is rewritten to 1 "to be a transmitted image.

Step S10: (Calculation of free space of personal computer) The control unit 20 updates the free space V of the personal computer 200 by subtracting the required storage space v 'of the transmission image from the free space V of the personal computer 200 (that is, V = V). −v ′), it is checked whether or not the updated free space V is equal to or more than the minimum capacity v.
If it is> minimum capacity v, the process proceeds to S11; otherwise, the process proceeds to S16.

Step S11: (Determination of presence or absence of next transmission image) The control unit 20 displays icons 93 and 94 (or message) as shown in FIG. 9B on the display screen and transmits them to the personal computer 200 to the user. The user is prompted to input an instruction as to whether or not there is an image to be transmitted. If the user points to “there is a transmitted image”, the process returns to S7 to perform the operation of selecting the next transmitted image, and if not, the process proceeds to S16.

Step S12: (Calculation of Required Storage Capacity of All Transmitted Images) When batch transmission is selected in step S6, the control unit 20 searches the image management table 70 to determine the capacity of the untransmitted image for the personal computer 200. (That is, the capacity of the image whose status mark is “0” in the device ID column of the transmission destination) is calculated and integrated, and the storage capacity of the personal computer 200 required when all the untransmitted images are transmitted ( (Required storage capacity) V ″ is calculated and compared with the free space V of the personal computer 200 obtained in step S2.
In the case of V, the process proceeds to S13, and in the case of V ″> V, S6
(Transition may be made to S16).

The calculation of the required storage capacity V ″ is based on the image management list 70 shown in FIG.
Assuming that the device ID is 00, the unsent image is the image with the image number 1 and the image number 2, so the required storage capacity is the sum of the storage capacity of the image number 1 and the storage capacity of the image number 2. Storage capacity of image number 1 V1 = ADR2-ADR1, image number 2
Storage capacity V2 = ADR3-ADR2. Therefore, the required storage capacity V ″ = V1 + V2 + C (C is the storage capacity for image information).

Step S13: (Transmission of Image) The control unit 20 searches the image management table 70, retrieves one untransmitted image (compressed data) for the personal computer 200 from the flash memory 50, and sends it from the transmitting / receiving unit 60 to the personal computer 200. If the transmission has been completed and the reception completion notification signal has been received from the personal computer 200, it is determined that the transmission has been normally completed, and the process proceeds to S14. Also, the personal computer 200
, The transmission of the image is interrupted, and the process transits to S15 (If the transmission is not possible even if the transmission is attempted, the process may transit to S15. Alternatively, the process transits to step S16. May be done). Further, image information and the like may be transmitted in addition to the image (compressed data). In the case of a transmission error, FIG.
Icons 98, 99 (or messages) as shown in
Is displayed and the next image is transmitted (transition to S15).
Alternatively, a selection may be made as to whether to stop batch transmission (transit to S16).

Step S14: (Writing of transmitted status mark) When the transmission is normally performed, the control unit 20 rewrites the status mark of the image for the personal computer 200 on the image management table 70 to "1" and transmits the image. Image.

Step S15: (Determination of presence / absence of next transmission image) The control unit 20 determines whether the image has not been transmitted to the personal computer 200 (that is, the status mark is "0" in the device ID column of the personal computer 200).
It is checked whether or not all of the images having been transmitted to the personal computer 200 have been transmitted, and the process returns to S13 until the transmission is completed, and the transmission of the untransmitted image is repeated.

Step S16: (Determination of the presence or absence of an external device for transmitting an image) The control unit 20 displays icons 95 and 96 (or a message) on the display screen as shown in FIG. The user is prompted to input an instruction as to whether or not there is another external device to which the image is to be transmitted. If the user points to "there is a next destination", the process returns to S0, where the user connects the next external device to the digital camera. Waiting for a connection operation, otherwise terminates the image transmission process.

2. An example in which a user inputs a device ID of an external device of a transmission destination, and a transmission side transmits a device ID and a free area in which a transmission image can be stored (FIG. 7). FIG. 7 illustrates operations in steps T0 and T1. Step S6
The operation is the same as the operation at 0 and S1. Hereinafter, the operation after step T2 will be described.

Step T2: (Device ID Confirmation Request) The control unit 20 transmits the device ID together with the device ID confirmation request signal to the personal computer 200, and transitions to T3 when receiving the confirmation signal from the personal computer 200. When an unconfirmed signal (device ID error signal) is received from, the process returns to T1 for re-input.

Step T3: (Confirmation of Registration of Device ID in Image Management Table) The control unit 20 controls the device I input by the user in step T1.
D and the device columns 77-1, 77- of the image management table 70.
, 77-3,..., And the input device ID is written to the device columns 77-1, 77-2, 77-3,. If any of the device IDs match, the process goes to T5. If they do not match, the process goes to T4.

Step T4: (Registration of device ID) The control unit 20 stores the device ID in the device column 77-1, 77-2, 77-3,. While writing to any one of the columns, all the status marks in that column are set to "0" and the process transits to T5.

Step T5: (Display of Selection Screen of Image Transmission Method, etc.) The control unit 20 selects a selection screen (90) as shown in FIG.
And icons 91 and 92 (or a message) are displayed to urge an instruction to transmit untransmitted images at once or to transmit selected images (selective transmission). If the user selects batch transmission, T11 is displayed. Transitions to. In addition, in the case of instructing the selective transmission, the process transits to T6.

Step T6: (Selection of Transmission Image) The control unit 20 checks the device ID on the image management list 70 specified (input) in step T1, sequentially reproduces images not transmitted to the device, and displays the image. The image is displayed at 40, and the user can select an image. When the user selects a desired recorded image, the process transits to T7. If there is no image to be transmitted, the flow goes to T16.

Step T7: (Transmission of selected image capacity) The control unit 20 calculates the storage capacity (size) of the image (compressed data) selected in step T6 from the value of the start address column 72 of the image management list 70. When the transmission permission notification signal is received from the personal computer 200 from the transmission / reception unit 60 and the transmission permission notification signal is received from the personal computer 200, it is determined that the personal computer has the storage capacity, and the process transits to T8. If the transmission impossible (insufficient capacity) notification signal is received from the personal computer 200, the transmission is stopped and the process transits to T16.

Step T8: (Transmission of Image) The controller 20 takes out the image (compressed data) selected in step T6 from the flash memory, and
0 to the personal computer 200, and when a reception completion notification signal is received from the personal computer 200, it is determined that the transmission has been normally completed, and the process transits to T9. PC 2
If the abnormality notification signal is received from 00, the transmission is stopped and the process returns to T6 (if the transmission is not successful even if the transmission is retried several times, the process may return to T6). Further, image information and the like may be transmitted in addition to the image (compressed data).

Step T9: (Writing of transmitted status mark) When the transmission is normally performed, the control unit 20 rewrites the status mark of the image for the personal computer 200 on the image management table 70 to "1" and transmits the image. Image.

Step T10: (Determination of presence / absence of next transmission image) The control unit 20 displays icons 93 and 94 (or a message) as shown in FIG. The user is prompted to input an instruction as to whether or not there is an image to be transmitted. If the user points to "there is a transmitted image", the process returns to T6 to perform the operation of selecting the next transmitted image, and if not, transitions to T16.

Step T11: (Calculation of Required Storage Capacity of All Transmitted Images) When batch transmission is selected in step T5, the control unit 20 searches the image management list 70 and
Then, the capacities of the untransmitted images with respect to 00 are calculated and integrated, and the storage capacity (required storage capacity) V ″ of the personal computer 200 required when all the non-transmitted images are transmitted collectively is calculated.

Step T12: (Transmission of All Image Capacity) The control unit 20 transmits the storage capacity V ″ of all the untransmitted images calculated in step T11 from the transmission / reception unit 60 to the personal computer 200, and transmits a transmission permission notification signal from the personal computer 200. Is received, it is determined that there is storage capacity on the personal computer side, and the process proceeds to T13.If a transmission disable (insufficient capacity) notification signal is received from the personal computer 200, transmission is stopped and the process proceeds to T16. I do.

Step T13: (Transmission of Image) The control unit 20 searches the image management list 70, retrieves one untransmitted image (compressed data) for the personal computer 200 from the flash memory 50, and sends it from the transmitting / receiving unit 60 to the personal computer 200. The transmission is sequentially performed, and when the reception completion notification signal is received from the personal computer 200, it is determined that the transmission is normally completed, and the process transits to T14. In addition, personal computer 20
If an abnormality notification signal is received from 0, the transmission of the image is stopped and the process transits to T14 (If the transmission is not possible even if transmission is retried, the process may transit to T15). Also, icons 98 and 9 as shown in FIG.
9 or a message is displayed and the next image is transmitted (T
15) or stop batch transmission (transition to T16).

Step T14: (Writing of transmitted status mark) When the transmission is normally performed, the control unit 20 rewrites the status mark of the image for the personal computer 200 on the image management table 70 to "1" and transmits the image. Image.

Step T15: (Determination of the presence or absence of the next transmitted image) The control unit 20 checks whether or not all the untransmitted images to the personal computer 200 have been transmitted to the personal computer 200. Repeat transmission.

Step T16: (Determination of presence / absence of an external device for transmitting an image) The control unit 20 displays icons 95 and 96 (or a message) on the display screen as shown in FIG. The user is prompted to input an instruction as to whether or not there is another external device to which an image is to be transmitted. If the user points to “there is a next destination”, the process returns to T0, and the user returns to the next external device and the digital camera. Waiting for a connection operation, otherwise terminates the image transmission process.

3. Example of Using Device ID Sent from External Device of Destination (FIG. 8) In the examples of FIGS. 6 and 7, the user inputs the device ID of the destination device (PC 200) (FIG. 6 (S1), 7 (T1)), in this embodiment, after connecting the digital camera 100 and the personal computer 200, the personal computer 200
This is an example in which D is received.

Step S0 '(T0') ': (Connection with Personal Computer) In FIG. 8, the user connects the terminal A of the digital camera 100 and the terminal B of the personal computer 200 with the cable 5 (FIG. 1).

Step S 1 ′ (T 1 ′): The control unit 20 sends the personal computer 200 to the personal computer 200 via the transmitting / receiving unit 60.
Is transmitted.

Step S1 "(T1"): (Reception of Device ID) When the control unit 20 receives the device ID from the personal computer 200, it stores it in the RAM of the control unit 20, transits to S2 (T3), and shifts to S2 (T3). The operation after T3) is performed.

In each of the above-described embodiments, since the status mark for discriminating between transmission and non-transmission is registered inside the digital camera, the user does not have to be conscious of whether the captured image data has been transmitted or not transmitted. Also, duplicate transmission to the same external device does not occur. When a plurality of external devices are used, an untransmitted image can be transmitted to each of the external devices.

[Example of Operation on Personal Computer] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of operation on the personal computer side when a recorded image is transmitted (transferred) from the digital camera to the personal computer (external device). 7 shows an example of the operation of the personal computer 200 corresponding to the operation of the digital camera 100, in which the free space is transmitted to the digital camera 100. FIG. 7B shows the operation of the personal computer 200 corresponding to the operation of the digital camera 100 in FIG. An example in which the device ID and the capacity of the transmission image are received from the camera 100, and FIG. 8C is an example in which the operation of the personal computer 200 corresponding to the operation of the digital camera 100 in FIG.

1. Example of transmitting free space to digital camera 100 (FIG. 10 (a)) Step U0: (connection with digital camera) In FIG. 10 (a), the user connects a cable between terminal B of personal computer 200 and terminal A of digital camera 100. Connect with 5 (Fig. 1)

Step U1: (Determination of Received Signal) When the controller 220 receives a signal from the digital camera 100, it checks the type of the signal and shifts to a corresponding process. The received signal is a free space value transmission request signal of the personal computer 200 (FIG. 6 (S
In the case of 2)), the state transits to U2. Further, the received signal is transmitted image data from the personal computer 200 (FIG. 6 (S
8) and (S13)), transition to U3.

Step U2: (Transmission of Free Space) The control unit 220 checks the free space of the external memory 250, transmits it to the digital camera 100 via the transmission / reception unit 260, and returns to U1.

Step U3: (Reception of Image and Reception Determination) The control section 220 temporarily stores the image data in the reception buffer and checks the reception state. If the image data for one image has been normally received, the process transits to U4; otherwise, the process transits to U6.

Step U4: (Storing and Recording of Received Image) When the image is normally received, the control unit 220 stores and records the image stored in the receiving buffer in the storage memory.

Step U5: (Transmission of Reception Completion Notification) The control section 220 transmits a reception completion notification signal to the digital camera 100 via the transmission / reception section 260, and returns to U1.

Step U6: (Transmission of Abnormality Notification) The control section 220 transmits an abnormality notification signal to the digital camera 100 via the transmission / reception section 260, and returns to U1.

2. Example of receiving device ID and capacity of transmission image from digital camera 100 (FIG. 10B)

Step U0: (Connection with Digital Camera) In FIG. 10B, the user connects the terminal B of the personal computer 200 and the terminal A of the digital camera 100 with the cable 5 (FIG. 1).

Step U1 ': (Determination of Received Signal) When the control unit 220 receives a signal from the digital camera 100, it checks the type and transitions to a corresponding process. First, the received signal is a device ID confirmation request signal (see FIG. 7 (T2)).
Transitions to U2. Also, the received signal is a capacity signal of an image transmitted from the digital camera (FIG. 7 (T7),
In the case of (see T12)), the state transits to U3′-1. If the received signal is image data transmitted from the personal computer 200 (see (T8) and (T13) in FIG. 7), the process transits to U4.

Step U2: (Transmission of Device ID Confirmation Result) The controller 220 checks whether or not the received device ID matches the device ID of the personal computer 200.
D confirmation signal or device ID error signal)
The data is transmitted to the digital camera 100 via 0, and returns to U1.

Step U3'-1: (Reception and Comparison of Image Capacity) The control section 220 compares the received image capacity with the RA of the control section 220.
M, and temporarily compares the free space of the external memory 250 with its image capacity.

Step U3'-2 (Transmission of Comparison Result) Next, when the comparison result indicates that the remaining capacity of the external memory 250 ≧ the image capacity, the control section 220 transmits a transmission permission notification signal via the transmission / reception section 260. Otherwise, a transmission disable notification signal is transmitted and the process returns to U1.

The operations in steps U4 to U7: (reception of an image to transmission of a normal reception completion notification) are the same as those in the case of FIG.

3. Example of transmitting device ID to digital camera 100 (FIG. 10 (c)) Step U0: (connection with digital camera) In FIG. 10 (c), the user connects a cable between terminal B of personal computer 200 and terminal A of digital camera 100. Connect with 5 (Fig. 1)

Step U1 ″: (Determination of Received Signal) When receiving a signal from the digital camera 10, the control unit 220 checks the type of the signal and shifts to a corresponding process. First, the received signal is a device ID transmission request signal (FIG. 8). (S1 '), (T
1 ′)), the state transits to U2 ″. If the received signal is any other signal, the corresponding processing is performed as in the example of FIG. 10 (a)) or FIG. 10 (b). Transition.

Step U2 ″: (Transmission of Device ID) The control unit 220 transmits the device ID of the personal computer 200 to the transmission / reception unit 2.
The image data is transmitted to the digital camera 100 via 60, and transits to U1 (FIG. 10A or U1 '(FIG. 10B)).
In step U0, the digital camera is connected to the personal computer 200.
, The transmission of the device ID may be started immediately. That is, the processing of S1 ′ (T1 ′) in FIG. 8 and U1 ″ in FIG. 10C may be omitted.

[Example of Image Management Operation at the Time of Imaging] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the digital camera at the time of imaging. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a recorded image erasing function using the image management table.

Step V1: (Judgment of existence of unused area of flash memory) The control unit 20 checks the remaining capacity of the flash memory 50,
When there is an unused area (that is, when the image can be stored and recorded), the image capturing apparatus shifts to V2 as an image can be captured.

Step V2: (Capture of Image, Display of Through Image) The subject image is fetched, stored in the DRAM 14, and displayed on the display unit 40.

Step V3: (Imaging Operation) When the user captures a subject at a desired angle of view and presses a shutter button at a desired timing, the subject image captured at that time is determined as a held image.

Step V4: (Save and Store Image) The control unit 20 performs JPEG compression processing on the captured image, and stores the compressed image data in the flash memory 50.

Step V5: (Registration of Image Information in Image Management Table) The control unit 20 controls the image number, storage start address, storage end address, shooting date and time, image type, and recording density of the image stored and recorded in the flash memory 50. Is registered in the image management table, and the storage recording process ends. In this case, the transmission status mark is displayed for each registered device ID.
0 ".

Step V6: (Saved Image Erasing Function) If there is no unused area in the flash memory for storing and recording one image, the status mark of the image management table 70 is stored and recorded under predetermined conditions. An already used image can be deleted and an unused area can be provided to save and record a captured image (see the description of FIG. 12).

(Saved Image Deletion Function) Step V6-1: (Extraction of Deletion Candidate Image) In FIG. 12, the control unit 20 searches the image management table 70 and shoots an image among the images having the largest number of status marks "1". Retrieve the oldest one from flash memory.

Step V6-2: (Image Display) The control unit 20 expands and reproduces the extracted image (compressed data) and displays it together with a deletion candidate display screen (120) as shown in FIG. . In addition to the deletion candidate image, a deletion message and a transmitted device ID are displayed on the deletion candidate display screen.
And so on.

Step V6-3: (Determination of Key Operation) The control unit 20 checks the status signal from the operation unit 30 to determine whether or not a key operation has been performed. Transition.

Step V6-4: (Display operation of previous (next) image) The controller 20 determines whether or not the +/- key has been pressed. -5, otherwise, to V6-7.

Step V6-5: (Judgment of presence / absence of previous (next) image) The control unit 20 checks the image management table to determine whether there is a previous or next image. If not, return to V6-3 and wait for a new key operation.

Step V6-6: (Selection of previous (next) image) The control unit 20 checks the image management table 70, and when the + key is pressed, the oldest image next to the currently displayed image (state If the number of marks "1" is the same) or status mark "
The image currently displayed from the flash memory 50 by extracting the start address and the storage end address of the oldest image (when there is no image with the same number of status marks "1") among the images having the next smallest number of "1". Is taken out, and transition is made to V6-2 for display.

When the "-" key is pressed, the closest image (when the number of status marks "1" is the same) or the number of status marks "1" is older than the currently displayed image. Most recent image (status mark)
The start address and the storage end address of the flash memory 50 are obtained by retrieving the start address and the storage end address when there is no image with the same number of “1”).
From the currently displayed image from V6
-2 is displayed.

Step V6-7: (Determination of presence / absence of image deletion operation) If the key pressed in step V6-3 is an image deletion key, the flow shifts to V6-8; otherwise, execution of a deletion function is performed. To end.

Step V6-8: (Image Deletion Processing) The control unit 20 deletes the currently displayed image from the flash memory 50 and deletes the registration information relating to the image in the image management table 70.

Step V6-9: (Imaging possible display) The control unit 20 displays an imaging possible notification screen (125) as shown in FIG. 13 (b) to notify the user that imaging is possible, and transits to V2. I do.

According to the above configuration, a desired image among the images transmitted to the external device can be deleted to secure an unused area quickly. Can be secured quickly, and imaging can be continued.

(Modification) In the above embodiment, the presence or absence of an unused area is checked in step V1 in FIG.
The deletion function is executed in (FIG. 12). Instead of the deletion function of V6, the presence or absence of an unused area is determined after the shutter operation in step V3 of FIG. Check the management table 70 and check the status mark. "
The image with the oldest shooting date and time may be deleted from the images with the largest number of 1 ", and the captured image may be stored and recorded.

(Application Example) The digital camera 100
Then, a function for designating an untransmitted image display mode is given to a specific function selection button (key) on the operation unit, and when the untransmitted image display mode button is operated, the status mark is displayed from the image management table 70. By taking out the address of the image of "0", the image data can be read out from the flash memory, reproduced, and sequentially displayed. Also,
In this case, an untransmitted image may be displayed for each device by inputting the device ID.

Similarly, with the digital camera 100,
A function for designating the transmitted image display mode is given to a specific function selection button (key) of the operation unit. When the transmitted image display mode button is operated, the control unit 20 changes the status mark from the image management table 70 to “1”. The image data is read out from the flash memory by retrieving the address of the image of "", reproduced, and sequentially displayed. In this case, the transmitted image may be displayed for each device by further inputting the device ID.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made.

[0121]

As described above, according to the recorded image management method of the first invention and the electronic imaging device of the third invention, information for distinguishing a transmitted image and an untransmitted image is stored in the electronic imaging device. Since the registration has been made, the user does not need to be aware of whether or not the stored and recorded image has been transmitted to the external device.

Further, according to the recorded image management method of the second invention, it is possible to know to which external device an image has been transmitted from among a plurality of external devices. Can manage.

Further, according to the electronic imaging apparatus of the fourth aspect, whether or not the stored record has been transmitted to the external device is registered, so that it is possible to easily determine whether or not the transmitted record is transmitted.

Further, according to the electronic imaging apparatus of the fifth invention, since only the untransmitted image can be transmitted to the external device, the same image is not transmitted to the same external device repeatedly.

Further, according to the electronic imaging apparatus of the sixth or seventh aspect, since identification information of an external device can be registered, it is possible to prevent an erroneous transmission to another external device.
That is, it can be transmitted to each external device once (that is, even if it has been transmitted to one external device and has already been transmitted, it can be transmitted to another external device).

Further, according to the electronic imaging apparatus of the eighth aspect, even if a situation occurs in which the flash memory is full at the time of imaging and the image cannot be captured, the stored recording image transmitted to the external device is deleted from the flash memory. As a result, a storage area for storing the captured image can be secured, so that there is no chance of missing a photo opportunity due to lack of memory.

Further, according to the electronic imaging apparatus of the ninth aspect, the untransmitted images can be extracted and displayed, so that the untransmitted images can be easily arranged.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of transmission of a recorded image from an electronic imaging device to an external storage device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of a digital camera as one embodiment of an electronic imaging apparatus to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a personal computer as an embodiment of an external device that receives an image from an electronic imaging device and stores and records the image.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a region configuration example of a flash memory.

FIG. 5 is a structural explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the structure of an image management table.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image management operation of the digital camera when transmitting (transferring) a recorded image from the digital camera to a personal computer (external device).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image management operation on the digital camera side when a recorded image is transmitted (transferred) from a digital camera to a personal computer (external device).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of an image management operation on the digital camera side when a recorded image is transmitted (transferred) from a digital camera to a personal computer (external device).

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example on the personal computer side when a recorded image is transmitted (transferred) from the digital camera to the personal computer (external device).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the digital camera at the time of imaging.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a digital camera when executing a recording image erasing function using an image management table.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a screen displayed when the image deletion function is executed.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 20 control unit (transmission state determination unit) 30 operation unit (external device identification information input unit, untransmitted image display instruction unit, image selection unit) 40 display unit (image selection unit, untransmitted image display unit) 50 flash memory (storage) (Recording memory) 60 Transmission / reception unit (transmission means) 70 Image management table (image management means) 100 Digital camera (electronic imaging device) 200 Personal computer (external device)

Claims (9)

[Claims] An electronic imaging apparatus that captures a subject image and stores and records the transmission state identification information indicating whether or not the image has been transmitted to an external device in association with the stored and recorded image. A recorded image management method, wherein it is possible to determine whether or not an image stored and recorded has been transmitted to an external device. 2. The recorded image management method according to claim 1, wherein the identification information of the destination external device is recorded in association with the transmission state identification information. 3. An electronic imaging apparatus having a storage recording memory for storing and recording a captured subject image, wherein whether the image stored in the storage recording memory is an image transmitted to an external device or not is determined. Image management means for registering the transmission state identification information shown, and extracting the transmission state identification information registered in the image management means, and determining whether the image stored in the storage memory has been transmitted to an external device. An electronic imaging device comprising: 4. A transmitting unit for transmitting an image recorded in the storage recording memory to the external device, wherein the image management unit performs the transmission state identification on the storage recording image transmitted by the transmitting unit. The electronic imaging device according to claim 3, wherein information is registered. 5. The electronic imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the transmission unit transmits only the stored recording image determined to be untransmitted by the transmission state determination unit to an external device. 6. The image management device according to claim 3, wherein the image management device further includes a device for registering identification information of an external device to which the storage record image is transmitted. Electronic imaging device. 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the identification information of the external device is information input or selected by a key operation, or information transmitted from an external device of a transmission destination.
An electronic imaging device according to claim 1. 8. When no free space for storing and recording a captured image is left in the storage and storage memory, the storage and storage is performed in the storage and storage memory based on transmission state identification information registered in the image management means. The electronic imaging apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising an image selection unit that selects an image to be deleted from the images that have been deleted. 9. An untransmitted image display instructing means, and when an instruction is issued by the untransmitted image display instructing means, an image which has not been transmitted to an external device based on transmission state identification information registered in the image managing means. The electronic imaging apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: an untransmitted image display unit that extracts and displays the image from the storage memory.