JP2003348392A - Digital camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital camera in which photographing is consecutively continued even when empty capacity of an external memory becomes a little, and all image data photographed consecutively are recorded. <P>SOLUTION: In the digital camera which is provided with a camera main body having an image pickup part 1 and a built-in memory 5 and an external memory 9 removably connected to the camera main body, selects either the built-in memory 5 or the external memory 9 and stores image data of an object photographed by the image pickup part 1 in the selected memory, when recording of image data becomes impossible because of lack of the empty capacity of the external memory 9 in the middle of consecutive photographing while the image data of the object under photographing are stored in the selected external memory 9, the empty capacity of the built-in memory 5 is detected by a system control part 6 and when the detected empty capacity is equal with or more than capacity required for recording, a recording destination is automatically changed to the built-in memory 5. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital camera having an internal memory and having an external memory detachably connected thereto.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-145
A digital camera described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 717 or 2001-18697 is known.

The electronic camera described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-145717 has a configuration in which an external memory, which is a detachable recording medium, is used as a spare memory of an internal memory. An electronic camera in which the digital image data is compressed, recorded on an internal recording medium, and can be moved to an external recording medium.

This electronic camera checks the free space of the internal recording medium when the power is turned on or when the external recording medium is mounted,
If there is data, check the mounting of the external recording medium and the free space, and if it is judged that the internal data can be moved, it is equipped with a data recording means for automatically transferring all the data of the internal recording medium to the external recording medium. is there.

In the digital camera described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-186397, a card memory, which is an external memory, is detachably connected to the camera body, and photographed image data is stored in the card memory. Then, the remaining capacity of the card memory is determined by the control unit, and when the remaining capacity is large, all the continuously shot image data are recorded in the card memory. If all of the continuous shot image data cannot be recorded in the card memory, the recording of the image data temporarily recorded in the buffer memory to the card memory is stopped, and a message indicating that the remaining capacity is insufficient is displayed on the card. The user is notified that the memory will be replaced.

According to this digital camera, even when the remaining capacity of the card memory is small, only the selected image data of the image data temporarily stored in the buffer memory is recorded in the card memory. ,
Continuous shooting can be continued.

[0007]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-145717 (No. 5)
(Pages 0041 to 0047, FIGS. 3 and 4)

[Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-186397 (Page 5, 0036 to 0040, FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5)

[0008]

However, in such a conventional digital camera, image data is recorded in an external memory at the time of continuous shooting, so that when the external memory becomes full, However, there is a problem that it is not possible to record all of the image data obtained by continuous shooting. Further, in order to record all of the image data, the card memory must be replaced, and therefore, there is a problem that the continuous shooting must be temporarily stopped.

An object of the present invention is to enable continuous photographing even when the remaining amount of the external memory becomes small,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a digital camera capable of recording all of continuously shot image data.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention provides a camera body having an image pickup means and an internal memory, and an external memory detachably connected to the camera body. A digital camera that selects one of the internal memory and the external memory and stores image data of a subject photographed by the imaging means in the selected memory; While storing in the selected external memory, when the recording of image data becomes impossible due to insufficient free space of the external memory during the continuous shooting, the free space of the internal memory is detected, and this detection is performed. The recording destination is automatically changed to the internal memory when the available capacity is equal to or larger than the capacity required for recording.

The continuous shooting includes continuous shooting in which a still image is continuously shot with the release button pressed and continuous shooting in which a moving image is shot continuously. The second invention is
When the detected free space is smaller than the space required for recording, a warning to that effect is issued.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, after the warning is issued, all of the image data which is not protected from erroneous erasure is erased from the image data recorded in the internal memory, and the recording destination is changed to the internal memory. It is characterized by changing.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, even if a warning that the free space of the internal memory is insufficient is given, when the photographer continues the continuous photographing, the image not subjected to the erroneous erasure prevention processing is not processed. Since data is erased and continuous shooting is continued, continuous shooting that cannot be stopped halfway can be recorded.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, after the warning is issued, the image data in the internal memory is erased in the order of the recording date and time to secure a free space required for recording, and the recording destination is changed to the internal memory. It is characterized by the following.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, after the warning is issued, the image data in the internal memory is erased in the order of the file size to secure a free space required for recording, and the recording destination is changed to the internal memory. It is characterized by the following.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that after the warning is issued, the internal memory is formatted to secure an empty space required for recording, and the recording destination is changed to the internal memory.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, after the warning is given, the image data recorded in the internal memory is erased one by one in a preset order, thereby making it possible to delete the empty space necessary for recording the image data. The recording destination of the image data is changed to an internal memory while securing a capacity.

According to an eighth aspect, after the warning is issued, a plurality of image data recorded in the internal memory are erased collectively in a preset order.
It is characterized in that a free space required for recording the image data is secured, and the recording destination of the image data is changed to an internal memory.

[0019]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the continuous shooting is performed by pressing the release button, and the image data of the subject is stored in the selected external memory. When the recording of image data becomes impossible due to a shortage, the empty capacity of the internal memory is detected, and when the detected empty capacity is equal to or more than the capacity required for recording, the recording destination is automatically changed to the internal memory. Therefore, continuous shooting can be continued, and all of the continuously shot image data can be recorded, or continuous shooting can be performed for a long time. The continuous shooting includes continuous shooting in which a still image is continuously shot while a release button is pressed, and continuous shooting in which a moving image is shot continuously.

According to the second invention, when the detected free space is smaller than the space required for recording, a warning to that effect is issued, so that the user can be informed in advance that continuous shooting cannot be performed. At this point, it is possible to stop the continuous shooting and load a new external memory.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, after a warning is given, all the image data not protected from erroneous erasure is erased from the image data recorded in the internal memory, and the recording destination is changed to the internal memory. The user can know that the capacity of the external memory is exhausted.

According to the fourth aspect, after a warning is issued, the image data in the internal memory is erased in the order of the recording date and time to secure the free space required for recording, and the recording destination is changed to the internal memory. Therefore, even if the remaining capacity of the internal memory is small, it is possible to record the continuously photographed image data in the internal memory, and it is possible to continue the continuous photographing.

According to the fifth aspect, after a warning is issued, the image data in the internal memory is erased in the order of the file size to secure a free space required for recording, and the recording destination is changed to the internal memory. Therefore, even if the remaining capacity of the internal memory is small, it is possible to record the continuously photographed image data in the internal memory, and it is possible to continue the continuous photographing.

According to the sixth aspect, after a warning is issued, the internal memory is formatted to secure the free space required for recording, and the recording destination is changed to the internal memory. Even if the remaining capacity is small, the continuously photographed image data can be reliably recorded in the internal memory, and continuous photographing can be continued.

According to the seventh aspect, when the image data in the internal memory is erased after the warning, the image data is erased one by one, so that the image data recorded in the internal memory is erased while continuing the continuous photographing. It can be suppressed as much as possible.

According to the eighth aspect, since the order of erasing the image data in the internal memory can be set, even if the image data in the internal memory has to be erased during the continuous photographing, a highly important image is deleted. Data can be kept as much as possible.

[0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a digital still camera as one of the digital cameras according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital still camera. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an image pickup unit (image pickup means). The image pickup unit 1 includes a photographing lens system (not shown) having an
And an image sensor (not shown) made of a CD. 2
Converts an analog image signal, which is an image signal of a subject, output from the imaging element of the imaging unit 1 into digital image data.

Reference numeral 3 denotes a digital signal processing unit. The digital signal processing unit 3 divides the digital image data output from the A / D converter 2 into a color difference component and a luminance component, and performs various necessary processing, correction processing, and image processing. It performs pre-processing for compression / decompression. Reference numeral 4 denotes an image compression / decompression unit that performs processing such as orthogonal transformation and Huffman encoding / decoding for JPEG-compliant image compression / decompression. Reference numeral 5 denotes a built-in memory (internal memory). The built-in memory 5 is a recording medium (semiconductor memory or the like) built in the main body for recording the image data compressed by the image compression / decompression unit 4.

Reference numeral 9 denotes an external memory detachably connected to a camera body (not shown). The external memory 9 stores image data compressed by the image compression / decompression unit 4 via an external memory I / F 8. Recording media for recording (memory card,
Flexible disk, etc.).

Reference numeral 6 denotes an MPU (microprocessor), a ROM storing system programs, and an operation mode.
A system control unit including a RAM for temporarily recording operation conditions and the like, operation buttons and operation switches to be described later, 1 / F (interface circuit) with the LCD 10, and the like. It performs system control, power control, memory control, and the like. In addition, the system control unit 6 includes a first free space detecting unit that detects the free space of the external memory 9, a second free space detecting unit that detects the free space of the internal memory 5, and an insufficient free space of the external memory 9. Each function is provided as first determining means for determining whether or not the internal memory 5 is free, and as second determining means for determining whether or not the available capacity of the built-in memory 5 is equal to or more than a required capacity.

Reference numeral 7 denotes an operation unit. The operation unit 7 includes a power switch (not shown), a release button, photographing condition setting means, photographing mode selecting means, image data recording destination selecting means,
An image data erasing order setting unit, various operation switches, operation buttons, and the like are provided.

Photographing condition setting means, photographing mode selecting means,
The image data recording destination selecting unit and the image data erasing order setting unit are selected by turning on / off an operation button provided on the body of the camera, and operate the operation buttons (not shown) respectively specified to the system control unit 6. Call the provided program to execute the specified function.

The photographing condition setting means sets photographing conditions such as exposure during photographing and macro photographing. The photographing mode selection means sets a photographing mode such as continuous photographing. The continuous shooting includes continuous shooting in which a still image is continuously shot with the release button pressed and continuous shooting in which a moving image is shot continuously. In this embodiment, continuous shooting is performed as continuous shooting. The description will be made on the assumption that the shooting is performed.

The image data recording destination selecting means selects whether the recording destination of the photographed image data is an internal memory or an external recording medium such as a memory card. The image data erasing order setting means is operable to delete the order of erasing the image data files recorded in the internal memory (oldest date and time of shooting, file data Etc. in order of capacity).

The LCD 10 is a liquid crystal display for confirming an image to be photographed or a recorded image. The power supply circuit 11 supplies power to each unit according to an instruction from the system control unit 6.

Next, the operation of the digital still camera configured as described above will be described.

First, an external memory 9 is selected as a recording destination of image data by selecting an operation button of an image data recording destination selecting means (not shown) of the operation unit 7, and a continuous shooting mode is set by the shooting mode selecting means. . Then, when the release button is operated, continuous shooting is performed in which one frame is shot at a predetermined time interval, and an analog image signal of a subject is output from the image sensor of the imaging unit 1 by performing the continuous shooting. The analog image signal is converted into digital image data by the A / D converter 2, the digital image data is subjected to various processes by the digital signal processing unit 3, and the image is compressed by the image compression / decompression unit 4. The data is recorded in the external memory 9 as data.

The system controller 6 detects the free space of the external memory 9 every time image data is recorded in the external memory 9, and determines the remaining free space of the external memory 9 and a predetermined free space during the continuous shooting. As a result of the comparison with the capacity, if it is determined that the continuation of the continuous shooting / recording is no longer possible or impossible, the free capacity of the internal memory 5 is detected. as a result,
If the internal memory 5 has a free space required for recording, the recording destination is automatically changed to the internal memory 5 and continuous shooting is continued.

As described above, when the free space of the external memory 9 decreases and the recording becomes impossible, if the free space of the built-in memory 5 is a capacity necessary for the recording, the recording destination is changed to the built-in memory 5. Since the continuous shooting is continued as it is, the continuous shooting is not interrupted, and all the image data of the continuous shooting is recorded by the external memory 9 and the built-in memory 5.

If there is not enough free space for recording in the built-in memory 5, a character or a mark indicating that recording is not possible in either the external memory 9 or the built-in memory 5 is displayed in the viewfinder or on the LCD 10, and the A warning is issued to urge the end of continuous shooting.

When the user recognizes the warning and wants to continue the continuous shooting even after erasing the recording data in the built-in memory 5, the user continues to turn on the release button so that the continuous shooting is performed. Choose Continue. Then, the system control unit 6 secures the free space required for recording by erasing the recording data in the built-in memory 5, automatically changes the recording destination to the built-in memory 5, and continues the continuous shooting.

The recording data in the built-in memory 5 can be erased by (A) erasing all recording data that is not protected (preventing erroneous erasure), and (B) erasing the recording data in the order of the recording date and time (oldest first) (Erase from the newest, but you can also set from the newest to the oldest)
There are four methods of (C) erasing the required number of recording data in the order of the file size (from the largest to the smallest, but vice versa), and (D) formatting, and any method may be used. .

In the above description, continuous shooting in which still images are continuously shot at predetermined intervals while the release button is pressed has been described. However, continuous shooting in which moving images are shot continuously or continuously. It can also be applied to photography.

[0045]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when image data of a subject to be photographed is stored in the selected external memory, the external memory becomes empty during the continuous photographing. When recording of image data becomes impossible due to insufficient capacity, the empty capacity of the internal memory is detected, and when the detected empty capacity is equal to or greater than the capacity required for recording, the recording destination is automatically changed to the internal memory. Therefore, continuous shooting can be continued, and all of the continuously shot image data can be recorded.

According to the second aspect, when the detected free space is smaller than the space required for recording, a warning to that effect is issued, so that the user can know in advance that continuous shooting cannot be performed.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, after the warning is issued, of the image data recorded in the internal memory, all the image data which is not protected from erroneous erasure is erased and the recording destination is changed to the internal memory. The user can know that the capacity of the external memory is exhausted.

According to the fourth aspect, after a warning is issued, the image data in the internal memory is erased in the order of the recording date and time to secure the free space required for recording, and the recording destination is changed to the internal memory. Therefore, even if the remaining capacity of the internal memory is small, it is possible to record the continuously photographed image data in the internal memory, and it is possible to continue the continuous photographing.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, after a warning is issued, the image data in the internal memory is erased in the order of the file size to secure the free space necessary for recording, and the recording destination is changed to the internal memory. Therefore, even if the remaining capacity of the internal memory is small, it is possible to record the continuously photographed image data in the internal memory, and it is possible to continue the continuous photographing.

According to the sixth aspect, after a warning is issued, the free space required for recording is secured by formatting the internal memory, and the recording destination is changed to the internal memory. Even if the remaining capacity is small, the continuously photographed image data can be reliably recorded in the internal memory, and continuous photographing can be continued.

According to the seventh aspect, when erasing the image data in the internal memory after the warning, the image data is erased one by one, so that the image data recorded in the internal memory can be erased while continuing the continuous photographing. It can be suppressed as much as possible.

According to the eighth aspect, the order of erasing the image data in the internal memory can be set. Therefore, even if the image data in the internal memory has to be erased during the continuous photographing, a highly important image can be deleted. Data can be kept as much as possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital still camera according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 imaging unit (imaging means) 5. Internal memory (internal memory) 6 System control unit 9 External memory

Claims (8)

[Claims] A camera body having an image pickup means and an internal memory; and an external memory detachably connected to the camera body, wherein one of the internal memory and the external memory is selected to select the image pickup means. A digital camera that stores image data of a subject photographed in the selected memory in the selected memory, and stores image data of the photographed subject in the selected external memory during the continuous photographing. When recording of image data becomes impossible due to lack of free space in the external memory, the free space of the internal memory is detected. When the detected free space is equal to or larger than the capacity required for recording, the recording destination is automatically set to the internal memory. Digital camera characterized by changing to memory. 2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein when the detected free space is smaller than the space required for recording, a warning to that effect is issued. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein after the warning is issued, all image data not protected from erroneous erasure is erased from the image data recorded in the internal memory to change the recording destination to the internal memory. The digital camera according to claim 2, wherein: 4. After the warning is given, the image data in the internal memory is erased in the order of the recording date and time to secure the free space required for recording, and the recording destination is changed to the internal memory. The digital camera according to claim 2. 5. After the warning is issued, the image data in the internal memory is erased in the order of the file size to secure the free space required for recording, and the recording destination is changed to the internal memory. The digital camera according to claim 2. 6. After the warning is issued, an internal memory is formatted to secure an empty space required for recording,
The digital camera according to claim 2, wherein a recording destination is changed to an internal memory. 7. After the warning is given, the image data recorded in the internal memory is erased one by one in a preset order to secure a free space required for recording the image data. The digital camera according to claim 2, wherein a recording destination of the image data is changed to an internal memory. 8. After the warning is given, a plurality of image data recorded in the internal memory are erased collectively in a preset order to secure a free space required for recording the image data. And changing a recording destination of the image data to an internal memory.
A digital camera according to claim 1.