JP2002344790A - Digital still camera and operation control method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital still camera that records object images and its thumbnail images on separate memory cards. SOLUTION: A main memory card and a sub memory card are loaded to the digital still camera. The main memory cared records image data, denoting a main image by a photographed image. The sub memory card records thumbnail image data, corresponding to the main image. Since the main memory card does not record thumbnail image data, the main memory card can record main image data comprising many frames. When the thumbnail images are required, the digital still camera reads the thumbnail image data from the sub memory card and displays the thumbnail images.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital still camera (including a portable information device having a camera function) and an operation control method thereof.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A digital still camera captures an image of a subject and records image data representing the subject image on a recording medium such as a memory card. With the development of networks such as the Internet and the development of personal computers, image data can be transmitted and received. The importance of digital still cameras has been increasing because image data can be transmitted and received, and digital still cameras have been developed.

[0003]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a further development of the digital still camera.

[0004] A digital still camera according to the present invention captures an image of a subject and outputs image data representing one frame of the subject image. First recording control means for recording on the first recording medium, and related image data related to the main image data recorded on the first recording medium by the first recording control means and represented by the main image data An output unit for outputting at least one of related information data necessary for reproducing the main image is provided.

The present invention also provides an operation control method suitable for the digital still camera. That is,
In this method, a subject is imaged, image data representing one frame of the subject image is obtained, main image data of the obtained image data is recorded on a first recording medium, and the main image data is recorded on the first recording medium. And outputting at least one of relevant image data related to the main image data and relevant information data necessary for reproducing the main image represented by the main image data.

According to the present invention, a subject is imaged, and image data representing the subject image is obtained. Out of the obtained image data, the main image data is recorded on the first recording medium, and at least one of the relevant image data and the relevant information data is output. Not only the main image data but also related image data and related information data related to the main image data are output, and can be recorded on, for example, a second recording medium different from the first recording medium (second recording medium). Recording control means).

[0007] The main image data may be image data itself obtained by imaging. When the main image data is the image data itself obtained by imaging, reduced image data representing a reduced image of the main image (subject image) represented by the main image data can be recorded on the second recording medium. Since the reduced image data is recorded on the second recording medium, the first
It is not necessary to use a recording medium. By recording the reduced image data, it is possible to prevent the capacity of the first recording medium from being reduced. Moreover, the reduced image data is
Obtained from the second recording medium.

[0008] The main image data may be thinned image data. In this case, for example, there is further provided a thinning means for thinning out the image data output from the imaging means at a predetermined thinning rate. The first recording control means will record the image data thinned out by the thinning means as main image data on the first recording medium. Further, the second recording control means will record the remaining image data of the image data thinned out from the main image data by the thinning means on the second recording medium.

The outline of the subject image can be grasped by using the thinned image data recorded on the first recording medium. Since the image data is thinned out, the data amount is small. Therefore, a substantially large number of frames can be recorded on the first recording medium. Further, since the remaining image data of the image data obtained by thinning the subject from the main image data is recorded on the second recording medium, the image data recorded on the first recording medium and the second image data are recorded on the second recording medium. It is also possible to reproduce a high-quality subject image from the image data recorded on the recording medium.

[0010] The main image data may be compressed image data. In this case, the image processing apparatus further includes a compression unit that compresses the image data output from the imaging unit. The first recording control means will record the image data compressed by the compression means as main image data on the first recording medium. The second recording control means will record data necessary for decompression of the image data compressed by the compression means on the second recording medium.

Since the data necessary for decompressing the compressed image data is recorded on the second recording medium,
The substantial amount of image data that can be recorded on the recording medium can be increased. Image data representing images of many pieces
Recording medium. Moreover, the first
The compressed image data cannot be decompressed without both the recording medium and the second recording medium.
By separately managing the recording medium and the second recording medium, the image represented by the image data recorded on the first recording medium can be kept secret.

The first recording control unit and the second recording control unit record the image data output from the imaging unit on the first recording medium or the second recording medium in predetermined units. A means for controlling the means may be further provided.

Since the image data cannot be accurately reproduced without both the first recording medium and the second recording medium, the first recording medium and the second recording medium are separately managed. By doing so, the image represented by the image data recorded on the first recording medium can be kept secret.

[0014] The first recording medium and the second recording medium may be detachable from a digital still camera. In this case, detecting means for detecting that the first recording medium and the second recording medium are loaded in the digital still camera, and the first recording control in response to loading detection by the detecting means The first recording control means and the second recording control means record the main image data on the first recording medium by means and the related data on the second recording medium by the second recording control means. A means for controlling the second recording control means will be further provided.

When the first recording medium and the second recording medium are detachable from the digital still camera, the reproduction mode setting means and the reproduction mode are set according to the setting of the reproduction mode by the setting means. Detecting means for detecting that the first recording medium and the second recording medium are loaded in the digital still camera, and recording on the first recording medium in response to loading detection by the detecting means A reproducing unit for reproducing the main image data may be further provided.

If both the first recording medium and the second recording medium are not provided, the main image data recorded on the first recording medium cannot be reproduced. It is possible to develop such that the main image represented by the main image data is secretly managed.

When the first recording medium and the second recording medium are detachable from the digital still camera, an erasing mode setting means, and when the erasing mode is set by the setting means, Detecting means for detecting that the first recording medium and the second recording medium are loaded in the digital still camera, and recording on the first recording medium in response to loading detection by the detecting means The image processing apparatus may further include an erasing means for erasing the main image data.

If both the first recording medium and the second recording medium are not provided, the main image data recorded on the first recording medium cannot be reproduced. It is possible to prevent the main image data from being erased without permission.

When the first recording medium and the second recording medium are detachable from the digital still camera, the reproduction mode setting means and the reproduction mode are set by the setting means, Detecting means for detecting that the first recording medium and the second recording medium are loaded in the digital still camera, and recording on the first recording medium in response to loading detection by the detecting means The image processing apparatus may further include a reproducing unit configured to reproduce the subject image using the main image data and the related data recorded on the second recording medium.

For example, the main image data recorded on the first recording medium is the captured image data itself,
When the image data recorded on the second recording medium is reduced image data, both the main image and the reduced image are obtained. The main image data recorded on the first recording medium is the thinned image data, and the related image data recorded on the second recording medium is a difference image obtained by removing the thinned image data from the captured image data. In the case of data, a high-quality subject image can be reproduced as described above. Further, the main image data recorded on the first recording medium is the compressed image data, and the related data recorded on the second recording medium is the related information necessary for decompressing the compressed image data. In the case of data, the compressed image data can be expanded using the related information data. Further, when the image data is recorded in the first recording medium or the second recording medium for each predetermined unit, an accurate subject image can be obtained by reading the image data recorded in both the media. Be able to play.

[0021] The output means may be transmitting means for transmitting the relevant data to a recording device for recording the related data on the second recording medium. Even if the digital still camera does not have the second recording control means, the related data can be recorded on the second recording medium.

[0022]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention and is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of a digital still camera.

The overall operation of the digital still camera is controlled by a main CPU 16. This main C
The PU 16 performs a thumbnail image generation process as described later,
It has a function of executing various processes such as a thinning process.

The digital still camera according to this embodiment includes a main memory card 31 and a sub memory card 32.
Can be mounted. For this purpose, an interface 14 for the main memory card 31 and an interface 15 for the sub memory card 32 are provided.

The digital still camera is provided with a mode dial 18 for setting modes such as an imaging mode and a reproduction mode. The mode setting signal of the mode dial 18 is input to the main CPU 16. The digital still camera is provided with an EEPROM 19 in which predetermined data is stored. The data stored in the EEPROM 19 is read by the main CPU 16.
Further, a signal indicating that the shutter switch 20 is pressed is also input to the main CPU 16. Further, an operation LCD 17 for displaying an operation status such as a set mode is provided.

The digital still camera is also provided with a photometric / distance measuring CPU 9 capable of communicating with the main CPU 16. The photometry / distance measurement CPU 9 controls the focus amount of the focus lens 1 and the aperture value of the aperture 2.

A digital still camera is capable of flash photography. Strobe light emitting device for strobe shooting 11
Is provided. This strobe light emitting device 11
Light emission is controlled by the light emission control circuit 10.

Further, a power supply circuit 12 is provided in the digital still camera. The power supply circuit 12 supplies power to each circuit.

When the imaging mode is set, the focus
The subject image formed by the lens 1 is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 3 via the diaphragm 2. Based on the clock pulse output from clock generator 8, C
A video signal representing a subject image is output from the CD 3.

The video signal undergoes white balance adjustment and gamma processing in a white balance / γ processing circuit 4 and is input to an analog / digital conversion circuit 5. The video signal is
The analog / digital conversion circuit 5 converts the image data into RGB digital image data. The RGB digital image data passes through the buffer memory 6 and is input to the YC processing circuit 7. In the YC processing circuit 7, luminance data Y and color difference data RY and BY are generated. Generated luminance data Y and color difference data RY
And BY are converted to RGB by YC / RGB conversion circuit 21.
The image data is returned to B. The subject image is displayed on the image display LCD 23 by supplying the RGB image data to the driver 22.

When the shutter switch 20 is depressed, the luminance data Y and the color difference data RY and BY generated in the YC processing circuit 7 as described above.
Is supplied to the buffer memory 6 and is temporarily stored.
Luminance data Y and color difference data RY and BY
Are compressed in the compression / decompression circuit 13 as necessary. Compressed luminance data Y and color difference data RY
And BY are described below, the main memory card 31,
It is recorded on the sub memory card 32 or the like.

When the reproduction mode is set by the mode dial 18, the compressed image data recorded on the main memory card 31 or the like is read. The read compressed image data is expanded in the compression / expansion circuit 13. The decompressed image data is converted into RGB data by the YC / RGB conversion circuit 21.
The data is converted into image data and provided to the driver 22. The image represented by the image data recorded on the main memory card 31 is displayed on the image display LCD 23.

The digital still camera may be provided with a communication interface 24 and an antenna 25 for performing short-distance communication and the like. As described later, it becomes possible to transmit image data and the like obtained by imaging to a personal computer other than a digital still camera, and to receive image data and the like transmitted from the personal computer.

FIG. 2A shows the data structure (file structure) of the main memory card 31, and FIG.
3 shows the data structure of the sub memory card 32.

Each of the main memory card 31 and the sub memory card 32 includes a management area and a recording area.

In the recording area of the main memory card 31, compressed image data obtained by imaging (called main image data, an image represented by the main image data is called main image) (image file) is recorded. Is done.

In the recording area of the sub memory card 32, thumbnail image data representing the thumbnail image of the main image is recorded.

In each of the management areas of the main memory card 31 and the sub memory card 32, the attribute information of each memory card and the management of where the image files recorded in the recording area are recorded in the recording area. Between the main image data recorded on the main memory card 31 and the thumbnail image data recorded on the main memory card 32 (for example, the file name of the main image data and the thumbnail image File association information for storing a table indicating data file names) is stored.

FIG. 3 shows a processing procedure when the main image data is recorded on the main memory card 31 and the thumbnail image data is recorded on the sub memory card 32, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. It is a flowchart shown.

When the imaging mode is set by the mode dial 18 as described above and the shutter switch 20 is pressed (YES in step 41), the subject is imaged as described above, and the luminance data Y and Color difference data BY and RY (hereinafter simply referred to as image data) are generated and stored in the buffer memory 6 (photographing process, step 42).

The image data stored in the buffer memory 6 is read out, and thumbnail image data is generated by the main CPU 16 (step 43).

The main memory of the digital still camera
If a plurality of memory cards 31 and 32 are loaded (YES in step 44), the generated thumbnail image data is compressed in the compression / decompression circuit 13 and Provided to the memory card 32. As shown in FIG. 2B, the thumbnail image data is recorded on the sub memory card 32 (step 45). Further, the main image data obtained by the imaging is compressed in the compression / decompression circuit 13 and supplied to the main memory card 31 via the interface 14. FIG.
As shown in (A), the main image data is recorded on the main memory card 31 (step 46).

Further, file association information is recorded in each of the management areas of the main memory card 31 and the sub memory card 32 (step 47). As a result, the main image is associated with the thumbnail image. It goes without saying that an ID for identifying the memory card is also recorded as necessary. Further, the file management information recorded in the management areas of the main memory card 31 and the sub memory card 32 is updated (step 48).

In the digital still camera, one of the main memory card 31 and the sub memory card 32
If only the card is loaded (NO in step 44),
The main image data and the thumbnail image data are recorded in the recording area of the loaded memory card (step
49). Thereafter, the file management information in the management area of the memory card in which the main image data and the thumbnail image data are recorded is updated (step 50).

When neither the main memory card 31 nor the sub memory card 32 is loaded in the digital still camera, it goes without saying that the main image data and the thumbnail image data cannot be recorded on the memory card. Absent.

Since it is not necessary to record the thumbnail image data on the main memory card 31, the main image data can be recorded accordingly. Main image data representing substantially many frames of main images can be recorded on the main memory card 31. In addition, since the thumbnail image data is recorded on the sub memory card 32, the thumbnail image can be reproduced if necessary.

FIGS. 4A and 4B to FIG. 6 show another embodiment.

FIG. 4A shows the data structure of the main memory card 31, and FIG. 4B shows the data structure of the sub memory card 32.

Referring to (A), in the recording area of main memory card 31, an image obtained by thinning out a subject image obtained by image data obtained by imaging at a predetermined thinning rate (a low-resolution image) is displayed. ) Is recorded. In the management area, attribute information, file management information, and file-related information are recorded as shown in FIG.
This is the same as that shown in FIG.

Referring to (B), in the recording area of the sub memory card 32, difference image data representing an image (difference image) obtained when a thinned image corresponding to the subject image is subtracted from the subject image. Is recorded. By using the difference image data and the thinned image data, a high-resolution subject image obtained by imaging can be reproduced. Secondary memory card
Attribute information, file management information, and file-related information are also recorded in the 32 management areas in the same manner as that shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a recording processing procedure of the digital still camera.

When the imaging mode is set using the mode dial 18 and the shutter switch 20 is turned on (step 61), a photographing process is performed (step 62), and the image data is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 6. Is stored in

When image data is read from the buffer memory 6 at a predetermined thinning rate, image data representing a thinned image is obtained (generation of a thinned image, step 6).
3). Image data not read from the buffer memory 6 becomes difference data.

The main memory in the digital still camera
Both memory card 31 and secondary memory card 32
If a card is loaded (YES in step 64), the image data (thinned-out image data) read out from the buffer memory 6 by thinning out at a predetermined thinning rate as described above is recorded on the main memory card 31. (Step 6
Five). Further, the difference image data remaining in the buffer memory 6 is read and recorded on the sub memory card 32 (step 66).

In the respective management areas of the main memory card 31 and the sub-memory card 32, the association information between the thinned image data and the corresponding difference image data is recorded (step
67) and updating the management information (step 68) is the same as described above.

The main memory of the digital still camera
When either the card 31 or the sub memory card 32 is loaded (NO in step 64), the thinned image data and the difference image data are recorded on the loaded memory card (step 69). Thereafter, the management information is updated (step 70).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a reproduction processing procedure of the digital still camera. As described above, it is assumed that thinned image data is recorded on the main memory card 31 and difference image data is recorded on the sub memory card 32.

Main memory for digital still camera
The main CPU 16 checks whether or not a plurality of memory cards of the card 31 and the sub memory card 32 are loaded (step 71).

When a plurality of memory cards are loaded (YES in step 71), the file management information of the main memory card 31 and the file management information of the sub memory card 32 are read (step 72, 73). It is confirmed whether file management information is recorded on each of the main memory card 31 and the sub memory card 32 (step 74). Subsequently, it is confirmed whether or not the file management information includes management information of a playback image number for specifying a frame of an image to be played (step 75). In addition, the secondary memory
It is also confirmed whether or not difference image data corresponding to the designated playback image number is recorded on the card 32 (step 76). It is needless to say that whether or not the thinned-out image data corresponding to the designated playback image number is recorded on the main memory card 31 is checked.

If YES in steps 74 to 76, the thinned image data from the main memory card 31 is
The corresponding difference image data is read from the sub memory card 32. The read-out thinned image data and difference image data are combined to obtain image data representing a subject image (step 77). By providing the image data obtained by the synthesis to the image display LCD 23, a high-quality subject image is displayed. Of course, the digital still camera may be provided with an output terminal, and a high-quality image may be displayed on an external display device.

If any one of the steps 74 to 76 is NO, the image cannot be synthesized, so that a warning is displayed on the image display LCD 23 (step 79).

In the above-described embodiment, the association information and the management information of the designated reproduced image number are stored in the main memory.
If the image is not recorded on both the card 31 and the sub memory card 32, the image composition processing is not performed.
If the image is recorded on either the sub memory card 31 or the sub memory card 32, the image composition may be permitted.

When a plurality of memory cards are not loaded in the digital still camera (step 7)
1) It is checked whether the main memory card 31 is loaded (step 80).

If the main memory card 31 is loaded (YES in step 80), the thinned image data recorded on the main memory card 31 is read (step 81). The read-out thinned image data is the image display L
The thinned image is provided to the CD 23 and displayed (step 82). Although the quality of the thinned image is not higher than that of the image obtained by the synthesis, the outline of the image can be confirmed.

When only the main memory card 31 is loaded, the thinned image is reproduced. However, if both the main memory card 31 and the sub memory card 32 are not loaded, the thinned image is reproduced. Reproduction of an image may also be prohibited.

FIGS. 7A and 7B and FIG.
13 shows another embodiment.

FIG. 7A shows the data structure of the main memory card 31, and FIG. 7B shows the data structure of the sub memory card 32.

Referring to (A), compressed image data is recorded in the recording area of the main memory card 31. As described above, attribute information, file management information, and file association information are recorded in the management area.

Referring to (B), the quantization area and the Huffman table used when generating the compressed image data recorded on main memory card 31 are recorded in the recording area of sub memory card 32. Is done. By using these quantization tables and Huffman tables,
The compressed image data recorded on the main memory card 31 can be expanded. Attribute information, file management information, and file association information are recorded in the management area of the sub memory card 32 in the same manner as described above.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a recording processing procedure of the digital still camera.

When the imaging mode is set using the mode dial 18 and the shutter switch 20 is pressed (YES in step 91), the photographing processing is performed as described above (step 92), and the object image is displayed. Image data is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 6. The image data is read from the buffer memory 6 and is JPEG (joint photographic) in the main CPU 16 using the quantization table and the Huffman table stored in the EEPROM 19.
Experts group compression is performed (step 93). The compressed image data is stored in the buffer memory 6 again.

The main memory of the digital still camera
If a plurality of memory cards 31 and 32 are loaded (YES in step 94), the quantization table and the Huffman table used for compressing the image data are read from the EEPROM 19, and The data is recorded on the memory card 32 (step 95). Further, the compressed image data is read from the buffer memory 6. The read compressed image data is recorded on the main memory card 31 (step 96). Since the compressed image data is recorded on the main memory card 31, and the quantization table and the Huffman table are recorded on the sub memory card 32,
Decompression processing can be performed when both corresponding memory cards are ready.

The association information is recorded on the main memory card 31 and the sub memory card 32 (step 97), and the management information is updated (step 98), as described above.

When a plurality of memory cards are not loaded in the digital still camera (NO in step 94), a JPEG file (a quantization table and a quantization table) containing JPEG-compressed image data is loaded on the loaded memory card. (Including the Huffman table) is recorded (step 99). Thereafter, the management information is updated (step 100). Since the JPEG file is recorded on the memory card, the image data can be expanded if there is a memory card on which the JPEG file is recorded.

FIGS. 9A and 9B to FIG. 12 show still another embodiment.

Referring to (A), image data stored at an even address when temporarily stored in buffer memory 6 is compressed and recorded in the recording area of main memory card 31. (Even address compressed image data).

Referring to (B), the recording area of the sub memory card 32 corresponds to the compressed image data recorded on the main memory card, and is odd when temporarily stored in the buffer memory 6. The image data stored at the address is compressed and recorded (odd address compressed image data).

Using the even address compressed image data recorded on the main memory card 31 and the odd address compressed image data recorded on the sub memory card 32, one frame of image can be reproduced. It goes without saying that attribute information, file management information, and file association information are recorded in the respective management areas of the main memory card 31 and the sub memory card 32.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a recording processing procedure of the digital still camera.

When the imaging mode is set by the mode dial 18 and the shutter switch 20 is turned on (YES in step 101), the photographing processing is performed as described above (step 102). Image data representing the subject image is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 6.

The image data is read from the buffer memory 6 and compressed by the compression / decompression circuit 13 (step 103). The compressed image data is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 6 again.

The main memory of the digital still camera
When a plurality of memory cards of the card 31 and the sub memory card 32 are loaded (YE in step 104)
S), the compressed image data stored at the even-numbered address is read from the buffer memory 6 and provided to the main memory card 31. The even address compressed image data is recorded on the main memory card 31 (step 105). Further, the compressed image data stored at the odd addresses is read out from the buffer memory 6 and supplied to the sub memory card 32.
Odd address compressed image data corresponding to the image data recorded on the main memory card 31 is recorded on the sub memory card 32 (step 106).

Information relating to the even-address compressed image data and the corresponding odd-address compressed image data is recorded on the main memory card 31 and the sub-memory card 32 (step).
107), and the management information is also updated (step 108).

The main memory in the digital still camera
If only one of the memory cards 31 or 32 is loaded (step 104
NO), the compressed image file is recorded on the loaded memory card (step 109). In this case, it is needless to say that the data cannot be divided into the even-address compressed image data and the odd-address compressed image data. Also,
The management information is also updated (step 110).

FIG. 11 shows the timing of writing the even-address compressed image data to the main memory card 31 and the sub-memory
6 is a time chart showing the timing of writing odd-address compressed image data to a card 32.

At time t1, a command to write even-address compressed image data is given to the main memory card 31, and data is written until time t2. At time t3, a command to write image data at the next even address is given, and the image data is written until time t4.

At time t5, an instruction to write image data at an odd address is given to the sub memory card 32, and the data is written until time t6. At time t7, a command to write image data at the next odd address is given, and the image data is written until time t8.

During the period from time t5 to time t2 and the period from time t7 to time t4, the writing of the image data of the even address and the writing of the image data of the odd address can be performed at the same time. The writing time of the image data can be reduced. It goes without saying that the even-address compressed image data is given to the main memory card 31 between times t1 and t5 and between times t3 and t7, so that conflict with the odd-address compressed image data is prevented.

At the time of reproduction, an image cannot be reproduced without both the main memory card 31 and the corresponding sub memory card 32, so that the main memory card 31 and the sub memory card 32 are separately stored. By giving it to the user, it is possible to prevent the image from being reproduced without permission.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the procedure for erasing image data. In this figure, the same processes as those shown in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, the image data of the even address is recorded on the main memory card 31 and the sub-memory card 32
If image data of an odd address is recorded in the digital still
On condition that it is loaded in the camera (Y in step 71)
ES), it is confirmed whether or not there is management information on the image to be erased (step 111). If there is the management information (YES in step 111), the condition is that the related information is present in the secondary memory card 32 (N in step 76).
O), the image data of the even address of the main memory card 31 and the image data of the odd address of the sub memory card 32 are erased (step 112). Thereafter, the management information of the main memory card 31 and the sub memory card 32 is updated (step 113).

In the above-described embodiment, the image data is erased on the assumption that the main memory card 31 and the sub memory card 32 have the file management information. May be deleted.

FIGS. 13 to 15 show still another embodiment.

In the embodiment described above, two memory cards, the main memory card 31 and the sub memory card 32, are used. In this embodiment, however, one memory card is used.
Even if the card is loaded into the digital still camera, the above-described processing can be performed. Of course, the digital still camera is not limited to a camera that can load two memory cards, but may be a camera that can load only one memory card.

FIG. 13 shows a digital still camera 120.
And a personal computer 121.

As described above, the digital still camera 120 is provided with the communication interface 24 and the antenna 25 as shown by the chain line in FIG. The digital still camera 120 and the personal computer 121 can wirelessly communicate with each other by the communication interface 24 and the antenna 25. The personal computer 121 is also provided with a communication interface, and needless to say, an antenna (both not shown) is connected. Further, as described above, the personal computer 121 has a hard disk device 122 instead of the sub memory card 32.
Is connected. In the above embodiment, the secondary memory
Data to be recorded on the card 32 is a hard disk drive
Recorded at 122.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a recording processing procedure of the digital still camera.

When the shooting mode is set by the mode dial 18 and the shutter switch 20 is pressed (YES in step 131), the shooting process is executed as described above (step 132), and the image data representing the subject image is converted. It is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 6. A thinned image is generated as described above (step 133). The thinned image data representing the generated thinned image is also stored in the buffer memory 6.
Is stored temporarily.

The communication mode is set by the mode dial 18 (step 134). Personal computer 1
If communication with 21 is possible (YES in step 135),
The thinned image data is read from the buffer memory 6 and applied to a memory card mounted in the digital still camera. The thinned image data is recorded on the memory card (step 136). If the digital still camera 120 has two memory cards, a main memory card 31 and a sub memory card 32, they will be recorded on the main memory card 31.
Of course, it may be recorded on the secondary memory card 31. When the digital still camera 120 can load only one memory card, image data is recorded on the single memory card.

Further, the difference image data is read from the buffer memory 6 (when the thinned image data is generated, the difference image data is also generated as described above) and supplied to the antenna 25 via the communication interface 24. . The difference image data is transmitted to the personal computer 121 (step 137).

The difference image data transmitted from the digital still camera 120 is transmitted to the personal computer 121.
, The difference image data is recorded on the hard disk 122. Corresponding information for specifying the corresponding memory card and its thinned-out image data is recorded on the hard disk 122 in the same manner as the sub memory card 32 described above (step 138). Also, the management information of the hard disk device 122 is updated (step 139).

It goes without saying that the association information of the main memory card 31 is recorded (step 138) and the management information is updated (step 139).

If communication between digital still camera 120 and personal computer 121 is not possible (NO in step 135), thinned image data and difference image data are stored in a memory card loaded in the digital still camera. Is recorded (step 140). Also, the management information is updated (step 141).

In the embodiment described above, the difference image data is recorded on the hard disk device 122 connected to the personal computer 121. However, not only the difference image data but also other data is also stored on the sub memory card 32. Needless to say, it can be recorded on the hard disk device 122 instead of recording.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a reproduction processing procedure of the digital still camera.

The digital still camera 120 is set to the communication mode (step 151). If communication with personal computer 121 is possible (YE at step 152)
S), the management information recorded on the memory card loaded in the digital still camera is read (step 153). In addition, the personal computer 121
The corresponding difference image data is read from the hard disk 122 connected to the
1 is transmitted to the digital still camera 120. The difference image data transmitted from the personal computer 121 is received by the digital still camera 120 (step 154).

There is related information in the memory card loaded in the digital still camera 120 (step 15).
(YES in 5), if there is management information corresponding to the frame number of the image to be reproduced (YES in step 156), and if the personal computer 121 also has management information (step 157).
YES), image combining processing is performed from the received difference image data and the thinned image data read from the memory card (step 157). A high-resolution subject image is reproduced (step 159). Personal computer 1
Needless to say, the management information recorded in the hard disk device 122 is transmitted to the digital still camera 120 from 21 as well.

NO in one of steps 155 to 157
If so, a warning is displayed on the image display LCD 23 (step 160).

If the digital still camera 120 cannot communicate with the personal computer 121 (step 1)
NO at 52), the thinned image data recorded on the memory card is read (step 161), and the thinned image represented by the read thinned image data is displayed (step 162).

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a digital still camera.

FIG. 2A shows a data structure of a main memory card, and FIG. 2B shows a data structure of a sub memory card.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a recording processing procedure.

FIG. 4A shows a data structure of a main memory card, and FIG. 4B shows a data structure of a sub memory card.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a recording processing procedure.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a reproduction processing procedure.

FIG. 7A shows a data structure of a main memory card, and FIG. 7B shows a data structure of a sub memory card.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a recording processing procedure.

9A shows a data structure of a main memory card, and FIG. 9B shows a data structure of a sub memory card.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a recording processing procedure.

FIG. 11 is a time chart showing recording timing of image data on a main memory card and a sub memory card.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an erasing processing procedure.

FIG. 13 shows a digital still camera and a personal still camera.
Computer and shows.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a recording processing procedure.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a reproduction processing procedure.

[Explanation of symbols]

 3 CCD 6 Buffer memory 13 Compression / expansion circuit 14, 15 Interface 16 Main CPU 18 Mode dial 19 EEPROM 20 Shutter switch 23 LCD for image display 24 Communication interface 25 Antenna 120 Digital still camera 121 Personal computer 122 Hard disk apparatus

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI Theme coat II (reference) // H04N 101: 00 H04N 5/92 HF term (reference) 2H054 AA01 5C022 AA13 AB15 AB22 AB40 AC03 AC32 AC42 5C052 AA17 AB04 AC02 CC11 DD02 EE03 EE08 GA02 GB06 GB09 GC03 5C053 FA06 FA08 FA27 GB36 HA22 HA33 KA04 KA05 KA25 LA01 LA11 LA14

Claims (12)

[Claims] An imaging unit that captures an image of a subject and outputs image data representing one frame of the subject image; and a first recording unit that records main image data of the image data output from the imaging unit on a first recording medium. Recording control means, and related image data related to the main image data recorded on the first recording medium by the first recording control means and a relation required for reproducing the main image represented by the main image data. Output means for outputting at least one related data among the information data, a digital still camera. 2. The digital still according to claim 1, wherein said output means is second recording control means for recording said related data on a second recording medium different from said first recording medium. ·camera. 3. The second recording control means records reduced image data representing a reduced image of a main image represented by the main image data on the second recording medium.
The digital still camera according to claim 2. 4. A thinning-out unit for thinning out image data output from the imaging unit at a predetermined thinning-out ratio, wherein the first recording control unit converts the image data thinned out by the thinning-out unit to main image data. The second recording control means stores the remaining image data of the image data whose main image data has been decimated by the decimating means on the second recording medium. The digital still camera according to claim 2, wherein the digital still camera is recorded on a digital still camera. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a compression unit configured to compress the image data output from the imaging unit, wherein the first recording control unit uses the image data compressed by the compression unit as main image data. 3. A recording medium for recording on a recording medium, wherein the second recording control means records on the second recording medium data necessary for expanding the image data compressed by the compression means. 2. A digital still camera according to claim 1. 6. The first recording control means and the second recording medium so as to record the image data output from the imaging means on the first recording medium or the second recording medium in predetermined units. 3. The digital still device according to claim 2, further comprising: means for controlling recording control means.
camera. 7. The digital still camera, wherein the first recording medium and the second recording medium are detachable from the digital still camera, and wherein the first recording medium and the second recording medium are detachable from the digital still camera. Detecting means for detecting that the main image data has been loaded, and recording the main image data on the first recording medium by the first recording control means and the second recording control means in response to the detection of the loading by the detecting means 3. The digital still according to claim 2, further comprising: means for controlling the first recording control means and the second recording control means so as to record the relevant data on the second recording medium according to the following.・
camera. 8. The first recording medium and the second recording medium are detachable from the digital still camera, and a reproduction mode setting means, wherein a reproduction mode is set by the setting means. Detecting means for detecting that the first recording medium and the second recording medium are loaded in the digital still camera; and detecting the loading of the first recording medium by the detecting means. 3. The digital still camera according to claim 2, further comprising: a reproducing unit configured to reproduce recorded main image data.
camera. 9. The erasure mode setting means, wherein the first recording medium and the second recording medium are detachable from the digital still camera, and the erasure mode is set by the setting means. Detecting means for detecting that the first recording medium and the second recording medium are loaded in the digital still camera; and detecting the loading of the first recording medium by the detecting means. 3. The digital still camera according to claim 2, further comprising: erasing means for erasing recorded main image data.
camera. 10. The first recording medium and the second recording medium are detachable from the digital still camera, and a reproduction mode setting means, wherein a reproduction mode is set by the setting means. Detecting means for detecting that the first recording medium and the second recording medium are loaded in the digital still camera; and detecting the loading of the first recording medium by the detecting means. 3. The digital still camera according to claim 2, further comprising: reproducing means for reproducing the subject image using the recorded main image data and related data recorded on the second recording medium.
camera. 11. The output means outputs the related data,
2. The digital still camera according to claim 1, wherein the digital still camera is a transmitting unit that transmits the data to a recording device that records the data on the second recording medium. 12. An image of a subject is obtained, image data representing one frame of the subject image is obtained, main image data of the obtained image data is recorded on a first recording medium, and recorded on the first recording medium. A digital still camera operation control method for outputting at least one of related image data related to the extracted main image data and related information data necessary for reproducing the main image represented by the main image data .