JP2004056741A - Digital camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital camera in which a removable medium can be exchanged with sufficient time during photographing even when the capacity of a buffer memory is small. <P>SOLUTION: In the digital camera, when it is detected that remaining capacitance of a removable medium 108 becomes less than or equal with predetermined capacitance during a recording operation of moving picture data onto the removable medium 108, a main CPU 117 interrupts the recording operation onto the removable medium 108 and performs control to record the motion picture data into a buffer memory 105 while improving compressibility rather than compressibility in the case of recording onto the removable medium 108. When it is detected that the removable medium 108 is exchanged, the main CPU 117 records the motion picture data which are recorded in the buffer memory onto the exchanged removable medium and then restarts the ordinary recording operation onto the removable medium 108. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a digital camera that records moving image data of a subject image captured by an imaging device on a removable medium, and more particularly to a digital camera that can replace the removable medium during imaging.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a digital camera described in JP-A-8-212764 is known as a digital camera that can replace a removable medium during imaging. In the digital camera (recording / reproducing apparatus with a photographing device) disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-212764, the recording capacity of the removable medium (disk) becomes full during recording of image data (that is, the recording capacity is lost). The recording operation to the removable medium is interrupted, the recording destination is changed to the buffer memory in the recording / reproducing circuit, and the removable medium is made empty while recording to the buffer memory is being performed. After the exchange and the image data recorded in the buffer memory are recorded on the removable medium at a high speed, the normal recording operation is resumed.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the digital camera disclosed in JP-A-8-212764, when the recording capacity of the removable medium in which image data is being recorded becomes full, the recording of the image data on the removable medium is simply performed in the buffer memory. In order to switch to data recording, an extremely large buffer memory is required to ensure sufficient time for replacement with a new removable medium.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a digital camera capable of exchanging removable media with sufficient time during shooting even if only a small-capacity buffer memory is provided. It is to provide.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the first digital camera of the present invention, as described in claim 1,
A digital camera that generates moving image data by capturing a subject image with an imaging device, compresses the moving image data with a predetermined compression method, and records the data on a removable medium,
A remaining capacity detecting means for detecting a remaining capacity of the removable medium;
A buffer memory for temporarily recording the moving image data;
Media replacement detection means for detecting that the removable media has been replaced;
With
When the remaining capacity detecting means detects that the remaining capacity of the removable medium is equal to or less than a predetermined amount during the recording operation of moving image data on the removable medium, the recording operation to the removable medium is interrupted, and The moving image data is recorded in the buffer memory at a higher compression rate than when recording to the removable medium, and when the medium replacement detecting means detects that the removable medium has been replaced, the buffer memory stores The recorded moving image data is recorded on the exchangeable removable medium, and then the normal recording operation on the removable medium is resumed.
[0006]
According to the first digital camera of the first aspect, when the remaining capacity of the removable medium being recorded becomes a predetermined amount or less (that is, when the removable medium needs to be replaced), the recording operation to the removable medium is interrupted. At the same time, the recording destination of the moving image data is changed to the buffer memory, and the moving image data is recorded in the buffer memory at a higher compression rate than when recording to the removable medium. When the replacement of the removable media is completed, the moving image data recorded in the buffer memory is recorded on the replaced removable media, and then the normal recording operation, i.e., the moving image data being captured is converted to the removable media at the original compression rate. The recording operation is resumed.
[0007]
In this way, when it becomes necessary to replace the removable media, the video data recording destination is changed to the buffer memory, and the compression rate is increased by recording the video data at a higher compression rate than when recording to the removable media. Since the moving image data can be recorded in the buffer memory for a longer time than when the is left as it is, the time required for exchanging the removable medium can be secured by using the buffer memory having a smaller capacity. In addition, since a small-capacity buffer memory is sufficient, the cost of the digital camera can be reduced.
[0008]
According to a first digital camera of the present invention, as described in claim 2, the remaining capacity of the buffer memory is determined to be less than or equal to a predetermined amount when moving image data is recorded in the buffer memory. When the detection means detects, it is configured to further increase the compression rate for recording.
[0009]
According to the first digital camera of the second aspect, since it becomes possible to record moving image data for a longer time in the buffer memory, the time required for exchanging the removable medium using a smaller-capacity buffer memory Can be secured.
[0010]
The first digital camera of the present invention is characterized in that, as described in claim 3, the predetermined compression method is a motion JPEG method.
[0011]
According to the first digital camera of the third aspect, since the motion JPEG (that is, Joint Photographic Experts Group) method is adopted as the moving image data compression method, the compression rate setting and changing process is performed on the moving image data. This can be easily performed for each frame (picture) to be configured.
[0012]
In addition, the first digital camera of the present invention is characterized in that it further comprises notification means for notifying that the remaining capacity of the removable medium has become a predetermined amount or less, as described in claim 4. .
[0013]
According to the first digital camera of the fourth aspect, it is possible to notify the user that the remaining capacity of the removable medium has become equal to or less than the predetermined amount, so that the user is notified of an appropriate replacement time for the removable medium. Can do.
[0014]
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the second digital camera of the present invention, as described in claim 5,
A digital camera that generates moving image data by capturing a subject image with an imaging device, compresses the moving image data with a predetermined compression method, and records the data on a removable medium,
Thinning means capable of thinning out the moving image data at an arbitrary thinning rate;
A remaining capacity detecting means for detecting a remaining capacity of the removable medium;
A buffer memory for temporarily recording the moving image data;
Media replacement detection means for detecting that the removable media has been replaced;
With
When the remaining capacity detecting means detects that the remaining capacity of the removable medium is equal to or less than a predetermined amount during the recording operation of moving image data on the removable medium, the recording operation to the removable medium is interrupted, and The moving image data is recorded in the buffer memory at a higher decimation rate than when recording to the removable medium, and when the medium replacement detecting means detects that the removable medium has been replaced, the buffer memory stores After the recorded moving image data is recorded on the exchangeable removable medium, a normal recording operation on the removable medium is resumed.
[0015]
According to the second digital camera of claim 5, when the remaining capacity of the removable medium being recorded becomes a predetermined amount or less (that is, when the removable medium needs to be replaced), the recording operation to the removable medium is interrupted. At the same time, the recording destination of the moving image data is changed to the buffer memory, and the moving image data is recorded in the buffer memory at a higher thinning rate than when recording to the removable medium. When the replacement of the removable medium is completed, the moving image data recorded in the buffer memory is recorded on the replaced removable medium, and then the normal recording operation, that is, the moving image data being imaged is recorded on the removable medium at the original thinning rate. Operation is resumed.
[0016]
As described above, when the removable media needs to be replaced, the recording destination of the moving image data is changed to the buffer memory, and the thinning rate is increased by recording the moving image data at a higher decimation rate than when recording to the removable media. Since the moving image data can be recorded in the buffer memory for a longer time than when the is left as it is, the time required for exchanging the removable medium can be secured by using the buffer memory having a smaller capacity. In addition, since a small-capacity buffer memory is sufficient, the cost of the digital camera can be reduced.
[0017]
According to a second digital camera of the present invention, when the moving image data is recorded in the buffer memory, the remaining capacity of the buffer memory is less than a predetermined amount when the moving image data is recorded in the buffer memory. When the detection means detects, the thinning rate is further increased and recording is performed.
[0018]
According to the second digital camera of the present invention, since it becomes possible to record longer-time moving image data in the buffer memory, the time required for exchanging the removable medium using a smaller-capacity buffer memory Can be secured.
[0019]
The second digital camera of the present invention is characterized in that the predetermined compression method is a motion JPEG method, as described in claim 7.
[0020]
According to the second digital camera of the seventh aspect, since the motion JPEG method is adopted as the moving image data compression method, the thinning rate, that is, the number of frames per moving image data is easily set and changed. be able to.
[0021]
According to a second digital camera of the present invention, as described in claim 8, the second digital camera further includes notification means for notifying that the remaining capacity of the removable media has become a predetermined amount or less. .
[0022]
According to the second digital camera described in claim 8, since it is possible to notify the user that the remaining capacity of the removable medium has become a predetermined amount or less, it is possible to notify the user of an appropriate replacement time for the removable medium. Can do.
[0023]
The present invention has been briefly described above. Further, details of the present invention will be further clarified by reading embodiments of the invention described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0024]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, two preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component in each figure, and it aims at clarification.
[0025]
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of the first embodiment of the digital camera according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the first embodiment of the digital camera according to the present invention.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 1, the digital camera 100 includes an optical that forms a subject image on a camera body (that is, a housing) 130 and an imaging device 102 (see FIG. 2) provided inside the camera body 130. System device 101, a release switch 115 for executing photographing, a memory slot 140, and a memory card (removable medium) such as a semiconductor recording medium that is detachably inserted into the memory slot 140 and held in the camera body 130 108. The optical system device 101 is provided on the front side of the camera body 130, and the memory slot 140 is provided on one side surface of the camera body 130.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 2, the digital camera 100 further includes the above-described imaging device 102, analog signal processing unit 103, A / D conversion unit 104, and buffer memory 105 as its signal processing system configuration. A compression / decompression processing unit 106, a YC separation processing unit 107, the memory card 108, the media interface 109, a YC → RGB conversion unit 110, an image display LCD (ie, Liquid Crystal Display) 111, LCD driver 112, operation unit 113, operation screen LCD 114, release switch 115 described above, EEPROM (ie, Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) 116, and main CPU ( Chi, a Central Processing Unit) 117, a battery 118, a photometric and ranging CPU 119, an imaging control circuit 120, and a charge-emission control circuit 121, a strobe 122, a. It should be noted that the components of the digital camera 100 shown in FIG. Further, as indicated by arrows in FIG. 2, some components of the digital camera 100 are connected to each other via a common data bus 150 or the like so that necessary information can be transmitted and received.
[0028]
The optical system apparatus 101 includes a photographing lens 101a such as an AF lens, a diaphragm 101b, and the like. The taking lens 101a forms a subject image on the light receiving surface of the imaging device 102 through the stop 101b. The imaging device 102 is a CCD having a large number of light receiving elements arranged in a matrix or honeycomb (that is, a charge-coupled device), and performs analog signal processing on an image signal corresponding to the amount of light incident on each light receiving element. Output to the unit 103.
[0029]
The analog signal processing unit 103 performs predetermined analog signal processing such as noise reduction processing, white balance processing, and γ processing on the input image signal, and outputs the processed signal to the A / D conversion unit 104. The A / D converter 104 converts the input analog signal into a digital image signal and outputs it to the buffer memory 105. The buffer memory 105 is a memory for temporarily storing the digital image data when the digital image data is recorded on the memory card 108.
[0030]
The buffer memory 105 has a capacity capable of storing a plurality of still image data. When shooting in a continuous shooting mode to be described later, a plurality of still image data sequentially captured are temporarily stored in the buffer memory 105, The data is recorded on the memory card 108 through a predetermined process. The buffer memory 105 is also used as a temporary recording area for moving image data during replacement of the memory card during shooting in the moving image mode described later.
[0031]
The compression / decompression processing unit 106 compresses the image data stored in the buffer memory 105 by the JPEG method and records it on the memory card 108 or decompresses the image data read from the memory card 108. The compression / decompression processing unit 106 has both a still image compression / decompression function based on the JPEG method and a moving image compression / decompression function based on the motion JPEG method. The YC separation processing unit 107 converts the uncompressed image data sent to the compression / decompression processing unit 106 into luminance data Y and color difference data Cr and Cb.
[0032]
The memory card 108 is a small semiconductor recording medium or the like on which a flash memory is mounted, and is exchangeably mounted in a memory slot 140 formed in the camera body 130 of the digital camera 100. Writing / reading image data to / from the memory card 108 is performed via the media interface 109.
[0033]
The YC → RGB conversion unit 110 converts luminance signals and color difference signals generated by YC separation into RGB signals when displaying image data (still images or moving images) recorded in the memory card 108 on the image display LCD 111. To do. The LCD driver 112 drives the image display LCD 111 based on the RGB signals, whereby a color image is displayed on the image display LCD 111. The image display LCD 112 is provided on the back surface of the camera body 130.
[0034]
The operation unit 113 is provided on the back surface of the camera body 130, for example, and the operation unit 113 is provided with a mode dial, a cross key, a power switch, and the like (not shown). By operating the mode dial, the shooting mode can be switched to the continuous shooting mode or the moving image mode. Various messages and the like are displayed on the operation screen LCD 114 in addition to the shooting mode at that time and the state of the battery 118. Various messages include a warning display for notifying the user that the memory card 108 is almost full. The operation screen LCD 114 is provided, for example, on the back surface of the camera body 130.
[0035]
The release switch 115 is a switch for instructing the digital camera 100 to start photographing. When this switch is pressed halfway, focus control and aperture control of the optical system device 101 are performed. That is, the subject image is captured by the imaging device 102, the analog signal processing unit 103, and the A / D conversion unit 104. At that time, the optical system device 101 is controlled by the photometry / ranging CPU 119, and the imaging device 102 and the like are controlled by the imaging system control circuit 120. In addition, the charging / light emission control circuit 121 operates according to the brightness of the subject image itself and the entire shooting site, and the flash 122 is driven to emit light in accordance with the photographing timing.
[0036]
The EEPROM 116 stores processing programs for realizing various functions of the digital camera 100. The main CPU 117 functions as a control unit that executes a processing program recorded in the EEPROM 116 and controls the entire system of the digital camera 100 according to the processing program. Further, the main CPU 117 detects the remaining capacity of the memory card 108 (that is, the capacity of the free recording area, in other words, the remaining recording capacity), and whether or not the memory card 108 has been replaced. As a function, a medium exchange detecting means for detecting the above is provided.
[0037]
Next, an image data recording operation of the digital camera 100 configured as described above will be described. 3A to 3C are explanatory views showing the recording state of the image data in the buffer memory 105 in the first embodiment. FIG. 3A is a recording state in the continuous shooting mode, and FIG. B) shows a recording state in the moving image mode, and FIG. 3C shows a recording state during replacement of the memory card in the moving image mode. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation contents of the first embodiment. Note that the operation of the digital camera 100 described below is mainly performed under the control of the main CPU 117, and a series of operations of the digital camera 100 according to the flowchart of FIG. 4 is controlled by the main CPU 117.
[0038]
In the continuous shooting mode, as shown in FIG. 3A, a plurality of still image data sequentially captured by the imaging device 102 (that is, image No. 1, image No. 2, image No. 3,...). Are temporarily stored in the buffer memory 105, then sent to the YC separation processing unit 107 and the compression / decompression processing unit 106 by the first-in first-out method, compressed by the JPEG method, and recorded on the memory card 108.
[0039]
When recording is performed in this way, when the remaining capacity of the memory card 108 (that is, the capacity of the free recording area, in other words, the remaining recording capacity) runs out, a message to that effect is displayed on the operation screen LCD 114. . Then, a state in which photographing cannot be performed once, that is, a subject image is not captured even when the release switch 115 is pressed. When the memory card 108 is replaced or unnecessary data in the memory card 108 is erased and a sufficient remaining capacity is ensured, the still image data remaining in the buffer memory 105 is recorded on the memory card 108 and then shot. Return to possible state.
[0040]
Next, the image data recording operation in the moving image mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When shooting is performed in the moving image mode, moving image data captured by the imaging device 102 is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 105 as shown in FIG. 3B, and then the YC separation processing unit 107, and the compression / decompression processing unit The data is sent to 106, compressed by the motion JPEG method, and recorded on the memory card 108 (ie, step S1).
[0041]
The main CPU 117 controls the recording operation to the memory card 108, acquires (detects) the remaining capacity of the memory card 108 (that is, step S2), and whether the remaining capacity value of the memory card 108 has become a predetermined value or less. Whether or not is constantly monitored (ie, step S3). If the remaining capacity value is not less than or equal to the predetermined value (ie, if step S3 is “No”), it is confirmed whether or not the moving image mode has been switched off by the operation unit 113 (ie, step S14). If the moving image mode is switched off (that is, if “Yes” in step S14), the moving image data recording operation is stopped at that time (that is, step S15), but the moving image mode must be turned off. If (ie, if step S14 is “No”), the remaining capacity acquisition process (ie, step S2) is continued.
[0042]
When the value of the remaining capacity of the memory card 108 becomes a predetermined value or less (that is, when “Yes” in step S3), the main CPU 117 displays a warning message notifying that the memory card 108 is almost full. In addition to displaying on the (notification means) (ie, step S4), the compression rate by the compression / decompression processing unit 106 is set to the current double (ie, step S5).
[0043]
Then, the recording operation to the memory card 108 is stopped, the recording destination of the moving image data compressed by the compression / decompression processing unit 106 is switched to the buffer memory 105, and the recording is sequentially performed in the free recording area of the buffer memory 105 (that is, Step S6). As a result, as shown in FIG. 3C, a plurality of pieces of moving image data (that is, moving image No. 1, moving image No. 2, moving image No.) compressed in the buffer memory 105 at a compression rate twice the normal rate. .... Are accumulated.
[0044]
Thereafter, it is monitored whether or not the memory card 108 has been replaced (ie, step S7). If the memory card 108 is not replaced (ie, if step S7 is “No”), the remaining capacity of the buffer memory 105 (ie, Then, it is monitored whether or not the value of the capacity of the free recording area, in other words, the remaining recording capacity is equal to or less than a predetermined value (ie, step S8). If the value of the remaining capacity of the buffer memory 105 is not less than or equal to the predetermined value (ie, if step S8 is “No”), if the moving image mode is turned off by the operation unit 113 at this time (ie, step S14 is “ If “Yes”), the recording operation of the moving image data is stopped (ie, step S15), but if the moving image mode is not turned off (ie, if “No” in step S14), the remaining capacity acquisition process (ie, Step S2) and the subsequent processes are returned. When the value of the remaining capacity of the buffer memory 105 becomes equal to or less than the predetermined value (that is, when “Yes” in step S8), it is confirmed that the remaining capacity of the buffer memory 105 exists (that is, step S8). When S9 is “No”, the compression rate by the compression / decompression processing unit 106 is further set to double (ie, step S10).
[0045]
At this time, if the moving image mode is turned off by the operation unit 113 (that is, if “Yes” in step S14), the moving image data recording operation is stopped (that is, step S15), but the moving image mode is turned off. If not (i.e., if step S14 is "No"), the process returns to the remaining capacity acquisition process (i.e., step S2). As a result, the moving image data compressed at a compression rate four times the normal is accumulated in the free recording area of the buffer memory 105.
[0046]
On the other hand, when the memory card 108 is replaced (that is, when step S7 is “Yes”), all the moving image data recorded in the buffer memory 105 is recorded at high speed on the replaced memory card 108 (that is, step S12). The compression rate by the compression / decompression processing unit 106 is restored (ie, step S13).
[0047]
At this time, if the moving image mode is turned off by the operation unit 113 (that is, if “Yes” in step S14), the moving image data recording operation is stopped (that is, step S15), but the moving image mode is turned off. If not (i.e., if step S14 is "No"), the process returns to the remaining capacity acquisition process (i.e., step S2). As a result, the moving image data is recorded at the normal compression rate in the vacant recording area of the memory card 108 after the replacement, that is, the remaining recording area where the high compression rate moving image data is transferred from the buffer memory 105. When the value of the remaining capacity of the memory card 108 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value (that is, when Step S3 is “Yes”), warning processing (that is, Step S4) and subsequent processing are performed.
[0048]
If the remaining capacity of the buffer memory 105 is exhausted before the memory card 108 is replaced (that is, if step S9 is “Yes”), a warning message to the effect that recording of moving image data is terminated at that time is displayed. It is displayed on the operation screen LCD 114 (ie, step S11), and the moving image data recording operation is stopped (ie, step S15).
[0049]
As described above, when it is necessary to replace the memory card 108, the recording destination of the moving image data being imaged is changed to the buffer memory 105, and recording is performed at a compression rate twice that when recording to the memory card 108. Thus, moving image data for a longer time, that is, twice the time than when the compression rate is left as it is, can be recorded in the buffer memory 105. Therefore, if the recording time is the same, the time required for replacing the memory card 108 can be secured by using the buffer memory 105 having a recording capacity of half that of the prior art. It will be possible to secure twice the time.
[0050]
In addition, when recording in the buffer memory 105, if the remaining capacity of the buffer memory 105 becomes a predetermined amount or less, the compression rate is further doubled and recording is performed. Can be recorded. Therefore, it is possible to secure the time required for exchanging the removable medium by using a smaller capacity buffer memory.
[0051]
Further, by adopting the motion JPEG method as the moving image compression method, the compression rate setting and changing process can be easily performed for each frame constituting the moving image data.
[0052]
In addition, since the user is notified that the memory card 108 is almost full, the user can be notified of an appropriate replacement time for the memory card 108.
[0053]
(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a system configuration example of the second embodiment of the digital camera according to the present invention. The digital camera 200 according to the second embodiment further includes a thinning processing unit (thinning unit) 201 that performs thinning processing of moving image data in addition to the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Other components are the same as those in the first embodiment except that the processing program stored in the EEPROM 116 is partially different. In the digital camera 200, the same components as those of the digital camera 100 are denoted by the same reference numerals for clarification, and the description of those components is omitted for avoiding duplicate description.
[0054]
An image data recording operation of the digital camera 200 configured as described above will be described. 6A to 6C are explanatory views showing the recording state of the image data in the buffer memory 105 in the second embodiment, FIG. 6A is the recording state in the continuous shooting mode, and FIG. B) shows a recording state in the moving image mode, and FIG. 6C shows a recording state during replacement of the memory card in the moving image mode. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation contents of the second embodiment. The operation of the digital camera 200 described below is mainly performed under the control of the main CPU 117, and a series of operations of the digital camera 200 according to the flowchart of FIG. 7 is controlled by the main CPU 117.
[0055]
In the continuous shooting mode, as shown in FIG. 6A, a plurality of still image data sequentially captured by the imaging device 102 (that is, image No. 1, image No. 2, image No. 3,...). Are temporarily stored in the buffer memory 105, then sent to the YC separation processing unit 107 and the compression / decompression processing unit 106 by the first-in first-out method, compressed by the JPEG method, and recorded on the memory card 108.
[0056]
When recording is performed in this way, when the remaining capacity of the memory card 108 (that is, the capacity of the free recording area, in other words, the remaining recording capacity) runs out, a message to that effect is displayed on the operation screen LCD 114. . Then, a state in which photographing cannot be performed once, that is, a subject image is not captured even when the release switch 115 is pressed. When the memory card 108 is replaced or unnecessary data in the memory card 108 is erased and a sufficient remaining capacity is ensured, the still image data remaining in the buffer memory 105 is recorded on the memory card 108 and then shot. Return to possible state.
[0057]
Next, the image data recording operation in the moving image mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When shooting is performed in the moving image mode, the moving image data captured by the imaging device 102 is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 105 as shown in FIG. 6B, and then the YC separation processing unit 107, and the compression / decompression processing unit The data is sent to 106, compressed by the motion JPEG method, and recorded on the memory card 108 (ie, step S21).
[0058]
The main CPU 117 controls the recording operation to the memory card 108, acquires (detects) the remaining capacity of the memory card 108 (ie, step S22), and whether the remaining capacity value of the memory card 108 has become a predetermined value or less. Whether or not is constantly monitored (ie, step S23). If the remaining capacity value is not less than or equal to the predetermined value (ie, if step S23 is “No”), it is confirmed whether or not the moving image mode has been switched off by the operation unit 113 (ie, step S34). If the moving image mode is switched off (that is, if step S34 is “Yes”), the moving image data recording operation is stopped at that time (that is, step S35), but the moving image mode must be turned off. If (ie, if step S34 is “No”), the remaining capacity acquisition process (ie, step S22) is continued.
[0059]
When the value of the remaining capacity of the memory card 108 becomes a predetermined value or less (that is, when “Yes” in step S23), the main CPU 117 displays a warning message notifying that the memory card 108 is almost full. While displaying on (notification means) (that is, step S24), the thinning rate by the thinning processing unit 201 is set to 1/2 (that is, step S25).
[0060]
Then, the recording operation to the memory card 108 is stopped, and the recording destination of the moving image data subjected to the thinning processing by the thinning processing unit 201 is switched to the buffer memory 105 and sequentially recorded in the free recording area of the buffer memory 105 (that is, Step S26). As a result, as shown in FIG. 6 (C), a plurality of moving image data (ie, moving image No. 1, moving image No. 2, moving image No. 3, moving image data halved in the buffer memory 105). ...) will be accumulated.
[0061]
Thereafter, it is monitored whether or not the memory card 108 has been replaced (that is, step S27). If the memory card 108 is not replaced (that is, if “No” in step S27), the remaining capacity of the buffer memory 105 (that is, “No”). Then, it is monitored whether or not the value of the capacity of the free recording area, in other words, the remaining recording capacity is equal to or less than a predetermined value (ie, step S28). When the value of the remaining capacity of the buffer memory 105 is not less than or equal to the predetermined value (that is, when step S28 is “No”), if the moving image mode is turned off by the operation unit 113 at this time (that is, step S34 is “ If “Yes”), the recording operation of the moving image data is stopped (ie, step S35), but if the moving image mode is not turned off (ie, if “No” in step S34), the remaining capacity acquisition process (ie, , The process returns to the processing after step S22). When the value of the remaining capacity of the buffer memory 105 becomes equal to or less than the predetermined value (that is, when “Yes” in step S28), it is confirmed that the remaining capacity of the buffer memory 105 exists (that is, step S28). When S29 is “No”, the thinning rate by the thinning processing unit 201 is set to ¼ (ie, step S30).
[0062]
At this time, if the moving image mode is turned off by the operation unit 113 (that is, if “Yes” in step S34), the moving image data recording operation is stopped (that is, step S35), but the moving image mode is turned off. If not (i.e., if step S34 is "No"), the process returns to the remaining capacity acquisition process (i.e., step S22). As a result, the moving image data that has been thinned to ¼ is accumulated in the empty recording area of the buffer memory 105.
[0063]
On the other hand, when the memory card 108 is replaced (that is, when step S27 is “Yes”), all the moving image data recorded in the buffer memory 105 is recorded at high speed on the replaced memory card 108 (that is, step S32). The thinning process is stopped (ie, step S33).
[0064]
At this time, if the moving image mode is turned off by the operation unit 113 (that is, if “Yes” in step S34), the moving image data recording operation is stopped (that is, step S35), but the moving image mode is turned off. If not (i.e., if step S34 is "No"), the process returns to the remaining capacity acquisition process (i.e., step S22). As a result, the moving image data is recorded at the normal compression rate in the free recording area of the memory card 108 after replacement, that is, the remaining recording area where the moving image data thinned out from the buffer memory 105 is transferred. When the value of the remaining capacity of the memory card 108 becomes equal to or smaller than the predetermined value (that is, when “Yes” in step S23), processing after warning display (that is, step S24) is performed.
[0065]
If the remaining capacity of the buffer memory 105 runs out before the memory card 108 is replaced (that is, if “Yes” in step S29), a warning message to the effect that recording of moving image data is terminated at that time is displayed. The operation screen is displayed on the LCD 114 (ie, step S31), and the moving image data recording operation is stopped (ie, step S35).
[0066]
As described above, when it is necessary to replace the memory card 108, the recording destination of the moving image data being imaged is changed to the buffer memory 105, and the thinning process is performed by halving and recording, so that the thinning rate is maintained. It is possible to record moving image data in the buffer memory 105 for a longer time, that is, twice as long as the case of the above. Therefore, if the recording time is the same, the time required for replacing the memory card 108 can be secured by using the buffer memory 105 having a recording capacity of half that of the prior art. It will be possible to secure twice the time.
[0067]
In addition, when recording in the buffer memory 105, if the remaining capacity of the buffer memory 105 becomes a predetermined amount or less, the data is thinned to ¼ and recorded. Can record. Therefore, it is possible to secure the time required for exchanging the removable medium by using a smaller capacity buffer memory.
[0068]
In addition, by adopting the motion JPEG method as a moving image compression method, setting and changing processing of the thinning rate can be easily performed for each frame.
[0069]
In addition, since the user is notified that the memory card 108 is almost full, the user can be notified of an appropriate replacement time for the memory card 108.
[0070]
Although the first embodiment and the second embodiment have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and modifications, improvements, and the like can be made as appropriate. In addition, the shape, form, number, location, and the like of each component in the above-described embodiment are arbitrary and are not limited as long as the present invention can be achieved.
[0071]
For example, in the first embodiment, the compression rate at the time of recording in the buffer memory 105 is increased up to 4 times, but the compression rate may be further increased according to the remaining capacity of the buffer memory 105. . Further, for example, in the second embodiment, the thinning rate at the time of recording in the buffer memory 105 is increased up to 1/4 times, but the thinning rate is further increased according to the remaining capacity of the buffer memory 105. May be.
[0072]
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the remaining capacity detecting means for detecting the remaining capacity of the memory card 108 and the media replacement detecting means for detecting whether or not the memory card 108 has been replaced are the control means. Although the CPU 117 is provided, the remaining capacity detection unit and the media exchange detection unit may be provided separately from the main CPU 117 without being provided integrally with the main CPU 117. When the remaining capacity detection means and / or the media exchange detection means are provided separately from the main CPU 117, they may be connected to the common data bus 150 or the like so that necessary information can be transmitted and received.
[0073]
In the above example, the case where the removable medium is a memory card such as a semiconductor recording medium has been described. However, as the removable medium, a DVD (that is, Digital Versatile Disk) -RAM (that is, Random Access Memory), a DVD- Optical recording media such as RW (ie Rewriteable), CD (ie Compact Disc) -RW, magnetic recording media such as hard disks and floppy disks, magneto-optical recording media such as MO (ie Magneto Optical Disk), etc. Needless to say, the present invention can be effectively applied to a case where a recording medium other than the semiconductor recording medium is employed in the digital camera.
[0074]
In the above example, the continuous shooting buffer memory 105 provided immediately after the A / D converter 104 is used as the recording destination of the moving image data when the memory card 108 is replaced. In addition to the buffer memory 105, a dedicated buffer memory for temporarily recording moving image data when the memory card is replaced may be provided in the digital camera.
[0075]
The present invention can also be applied to a digital camera that can record picked-up sound data together with captured moving image data on a removable medium. In this case, the audio data can be recorded with the compression rate changed as well as the moving image data. Alternatively, the compression rate may be changed only for moving image data, and the audio data may be recorded without compression.
[0076]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first digital camera of the present invention, when the remaining capacity of the removable medium being recorded becomes less than a predetermined amount (that is, when the removable medium needs to be replaced), As the recording operation is interrupted, the recording destination of the moving image data is changed to the buffer memory, and the moving image data is recorded in the buffer memory at a higher compression rate than when recording to the removable medium. When the replacement of the removable media is completed, the moving image data recorded in the buffer memory is recorded on the replaced removable media, and then the normal recording operation, i.e., the moving image data being captured is converted to the removable media at the original compression rate. The recording operation is resumed.
[0077]
In this way, when it becomes necessary to replace the removable media, the video data recording destination is changed to the buffer memory, and the compression rate is increased by recording the video data at a higher compression rate than when recording to the removable media. Since the moving image data can be recorded in the buffer memory for a longer time than when the is left as it is, the time required for exchanging the removable medium can be secured by using the buffer memory having a smaller capacity. In addition, since a small-capacity buffer memory is sufficient, the cost of the digital camera can be reduced.
[0078]
In addition, according to the first digital camera of the present invention, it is possible to record longer-time moving image data in the buffer memory, so that the time required for exchanging the removable medium can be reduced by using a smaller-capacity buffer memory. It can be secured.
[0079]
Also, according to the first digital camera of the present invention, since the motion JPEG method is adopted as the moving image data compression method, the compression rate setting and changing process can be easily performed for each frame (picture) constituting the moving image data. Can be done.
[0080]
Further, according to the first digital camera of the present invention, it is possible to notify the user that the remaining capacity of the removable medium is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, so that it is possible to notify the user of an appropriate replacement time for the removable medium. it can.
[0081]
According to the second digital camera of the present invention, when the remaining capacity of the removable medium being recorded falls below a predetermined amount (that is, when the removable medium needs to be replaced), the recording operation to the removable medium is interrupted. The recording destination of the moving image data is changed to the buffer memory, and the moving image data is recorded in the buffer memory at a higher thinning rate than when recording to the removable medium. When the replacement of the removable medium is completed, the moving image data recorded in the buffer memory is recorded on the replaced removable medium, and then the normal recording operation, that is, the moving image data being imaged is recorded on the removable medium at the original thinning rate. Operation is resumed.
[0082]
As described above, when the removable media needs to be replaced, the recording destination of the moving image data is changed to the buffer memory, and the thinning rate is increased by recording the moving image data at a higher decimation rate than when recording to the removable media. Since the moving image data can be recorded in the buffer memory for a longer time than when the is left as it is, the time required for exchanging the removable medium can be secured by using the buffer memory having a smaller capacity. In addition, since a small-capacity buffer memory is sufficient, the cost of the digital camera can be reduced.
[0083]
In addition, according to the second digital camera of the present invention, it becomes possible to record longer-time moving image data in the buffer memory, so that the time required for exchanging the removable medium can be reduced using a smaller-capacity buffer memory. It can be secured.
[0084]
Further, according to the second digital camera of the present invention, since the motion JPEG method is adopted as the compression method of the moving image data, the thinning rate, that is, the number of frames per moving image data can be easily set and changed. Can do.
[0085]
In addition, according to the second digital camera of the present invention, it is possible to notify the user that the remaining capacity of the removable medium has become a predetermined amount or less, so that it is possible to notify the user of an appropriate replacement time for the removable medium. it can.
[0086]
That is, according to the present invention, when it is necessary to replace the removable media, the recording destination of the moving image data is changed to the buffer memory, and the moving image data is recorded at a higher compression rate than when recording to the removable media. Alternatively, video data is recorded at a higher decimation rate than when recording on removable media, so even if you have only a small amount of buffer memory, you can replace removable media with sufficient time during shooting. A digital camera that can be provided can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an external configuration of a first embodiment of a digital camera according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration example of the first embodiment of the digital camera according to the present invention.
3A and 3B are explanatory diagrams showing a recording state of image data in a buffer memory according to the first embodiment, in which FIG. 3A is a recording state in a continuous shooting mode, FIG. 3B is a recording state in a moving image mode, and FIG. Indicates a recording state during replacement of the removable medium in the moving image mode.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation content of the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a system configuration example of a second embodiment of a digital camera according to the present invention.
6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams showing a recording state in a buffer memory according to the second embodiment, where FIG. 6A is a recording state in a continuous shooting mode, FIG. 6B is a recording state in a moving image mode, and FIG. Shows the recording state during replacement of the removable media.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation content of the second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 digital camera
102 Imaging device
105 Buffer memory
106 Compression / decompression processor
108 Memory card (removable media)
114 LCD for operation screen (notification means)
117 main CPU (remaining capacity detection means, media exchange detection means)
200 Digital camera
201 Thinning processing unit (thinning means)

Claims (8)

A digital camera that generates moving image data by capturing a subject image with an imaging device, compresses the moving image data with a predetermined compression method, and records the data on a removable medium,
A remaining capacity detecting means for detecting a remaining capacity of the removable medium;
A buffer memory for temporarily recording the moving image data;
Media replacement detection means for detecting that the removable media has been replaced;
With
When the remaining capacity detecting means detects that the remaining capacity of the removable medium is equal to or less than a predetermined amount during the recording operation of moving image data on the removable medium, the recording operation to the removable medium is interrupted, and The moving image data is recorded in the buffer memory at a higher compression rate than when recording to the removable medium, and when the medium replacement detecting means detects that the removable medium has been replaced, the buffer memory stores A digital camera configured to resume the normal recording operation on a removable medium after recording the recorded moving image data on the exchangeable removable medium. When the moving image data is recorded in the buffer memory, if the remaining capacity detecting means detects that the remaining capacity of the buffer memory is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, it is configured to further increase the compression rate for recording. The digital camera according to claim 1. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined compression method is a motion JPEG method. The digital camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising notification means for notifying that the remaining capacity of the removable medium has become a predetermined amount or less. A digital camera that generates moving image data by capturing a subject image with an imaging device, compresses the moving image data with a predetermined compression method, and records the data on a removable medium,
Thinning means capable of thinning out the moving image data at an arbitrary thinning rate;
A remaining capacity detecting means for detecting a remaining capacity of the removable medium;
A buffer memory for temporarily recording the moving image data;
Media replacement detection means for detecting that the removable media has been replaced;
With
When the remaining capacity detecting means detects that the remaining capacity of the removable medium is equal to or less than a predetermined amount during the recording operation of moving image data on the removable medium, the recording operation to the removable medium is interrupted, and The moving image data is recorded in the buffer memory at a higher decimation rate than when recording to the removable medium, and when the medium replacement detecting means detects that the removable medium has been replaced, the buffer memory stores A digital camera configured to resume the normal recording operation on the removable medium after recording the recorded moving image data on the exchangeable removable medium. When the moving image data is recorded in the buffer memory, when the remaining capacity detecting means detects that the remaining capacity of the buffer memory has become a predetermined amount or less, the thinning rate is further increased and recorded. The digital camera according to claim 5. The digital camera according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the predetermined compression method is a motion JPEG method. 8. The digital camera according to claim 5, further comprising notification means for notifying that a remaining capacity of the removable medium has become a predetermined amount or less.

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