JP2004153369A - Digital camera and backup apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital camera capable of continuing acquisition of newly photographed image data without the need for deleting already acquired photographed image data even when acquiring a huge amount of photographed image data in excess of a storage capacity of a storage means, and to provide a backup apparatus for backing up the storage of the acquired photographed image data. <P>SOLUTION: When a digital camera 10 cannot secure the capacity of a memory card for storing photographed image data in the case of storing the photographed image data to the memory card, the digital camera 10 uses its own communication I/F 36 and the communication I/F 74 of a backup card 70 to transfer the photographed image data from the digital camera 10 to the backup card 70 and to store the data therein. Further, the digital camera 10 can read the photographed image data transferred to and stored in the backup card 70 via the communication I/Fs 34, 74. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a digital camera and a backup device, and more particularly to a digital camera that stores captured image data of a subject image and a backup device that stores backup of the captured image data stored in the digital camera.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In conventional digital cameras, captured image data obtained by capturing a subject image as a still image or a moving image is used as a flash memory built in the digital camera or as a removable recording medium attached to the digital camera. It is recorded on a memory card (for example, smart media (SmartMedia®), compact flash (CompactFlash), micro drive, etc.). In general, these memory cards are used as a recording medium for sharing data among a plurality of digital cameras and other image data processing devices (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-251394 A
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the memory card as described above is reduced in size to be detachable from the digital camera body, and its recording capacity is limited to some extent. For this reason, when acquiring and storing a large amount of captured image data that exceeds the storage capacity of the memory card, it is necessary to prepare a plurality of expensive memory cards having a large storage capacity in advance and replace them in sequence with the digital camera body. In some cases, it takes time to perform a new shooting operation. Furthermore, even if a plurality of memory cards are used as described above, if the storage capacity for the acquired captured image data is insufficient, the acquisition is performed to secure the storage capacity for the acquired captured image data. It is necessary to sequentially select and delete unnecessary data from the photographed image data, and it may take time to perform a new photographing operation.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above facts, and even when a large amount of captured image data exceeding the storage capacity of the storage means is acquired, new captured image data can be obtained without deleting the acquired captured image data. It is an object of the present invention to provide a digital camera that can continue to acquire the image data and a backup device that backs up and stores the acquired captured image data.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, an imaging unit that acquires image data of a subject image by photographing, a storage unit that stores the image data acquired by the imaging unit, and a detection that detects a storable capacity of the storage unit And when the storable capacity of the storage means detected by the detection means is less than or equal to a predetermined amount, the image data stored in the storage means and before being acquired by the imaging means and stored in the storage means Communication means for transmitting at least one of the image data to the outside.
[0007]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the storage unit stores the image data of the subject image acquired by the imaging unit. The detecting means detects the storable capacity of the storage means. The communication means cannot secure a capacity for storing the image data of the subject image acquired by the photographing means in the storage means when the storable capacity of the storage means detected by the detection means is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. In this case, at least one of the image data stored in the storage unit and the image data before being stored in the storage unit acquired by the imaging unit is transmitted to the outside. As a result, even when the storage means cannot secure a capacity for storing the image data of the subject image acquired by the photographing means, a new image by the imaging means can be obtained without deleting the image data stored in the storage means. Acquisition of image data can be continued
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the image processing apparatus further includes a selection unit for selecting at least one of the image data stored in the storage unit, and the image transmitted by the communication unit. When the data is image data stored in the storage unit, the image data selected from the image data stored in the storage unit by the selection unit is set as image data transmitted by the communication unit. It is characterized by.
[0008]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the image data transmitted by the communication unit is image data stored in the storage unit, the image data stored in the storage unit by the selection unit is used. For example, at least one of the image data that is not used at that time is selected, and the selected image data is used as image data transmitted by the communication unit, thereby effectively securing the storage capacity of the storage unit. be able to.
[0009]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the communication unit transmits the image data to a predetermined external storage device capable of storing the received image data. Yes.
[0010]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the image data transmitted to the outside by the communication means can be held in the predetermined external storage device.
[0011]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the image processing apparatus further includes a designation unit that designates image data stored in the external storage device, and the communication unit is designated by the designation unit. A request for transmission of image data stored in an external storage device is made to the external storage device, and image data transmitted from the external storage device is received based on the transmission request.
[0012]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the specifying means specifies image data stored in the external storage device. The communication unit makes a transmission request for the image data stored in the external storage device designated by the designation unit to the external storage device, and the image data transmitted from the external storage device based on the transmission request The image data transmitted and stored in the external storage device can be designated and received as desired.
[0013]
The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 4, wherein the communication means receives index information indicating image data stored in the external storage device from the external storage device, and the designation means The image data to be transmitted to the external storage device is designated based on the index information.
[0014]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the communication unit receives index information indicating image data stored in the external storage device from the external storage device, and the specifying unit is configured to receive the index information based on the index information. By designating the image data to be transmitted to the external storage device, it is possible to efficiently specify the transmission request for the image data stored in the external storage device.
[0015]
The invention according to claim 6 is the backup device for the digital camera according to claim 3, wherein the data communication means for receiving the image data transmitted from the communication means, and the image received by the data communication means. Data storage means for storing data.
[0016]
According to the invention described in claim 6, the data communication means receives the image data transmitted from the communication means of the digital camera according to claim 3. The data storage means stores the image data received by the data communication means. Thus, the image data transmitted from the communication means of the digital camera according to claim 3 can be held in the data storage means.
[0017]
A seventh aspect of the present invention is the digital camera backup device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the data communication means for receiving the image data transmitted from the communication means, and the image received by the data communication means. Data storage means for storing data, wherein the data communication means transmits the image data requested for transmission from the image data stored in the data storage means to the digital camera.
[0018]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the data communication unit is configured to transmit the image data stored in the data storage unit based on the image data transmission request from the communication unit of the digital camera according to the fourth aspect. By transmitting the requested image data to the digital camera, the image data stored in the data storage means can be appropriately transmitted in response to the transmission request from the digital camera according to claim 4.
[0019]
The invention according to claim 8 is the digital camera backup device according to claim 5, wherein the data communication means for receiving the image data transmitted from the communication means, and the image received by the data communication means. Data storage means for storing data, wherein the data communication means transmits index information indicating image data stored in the data storage means.
[0020]
According to the invention described in claim 8, the data communication means transmits the index information indicating the image data stored in the data storage means, and the digital camera side according to claim 5 stores the index information. It can be used as index information for specifying image data to be received by the communication means and to be transmitted by the specifying means.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 1, a communication interface (I / F) 36 (details will be described later) and a backup card 70 provided in the digital camera 10 are connected between the digital camera 10 and the backup card 70 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Various types of data including image data can be exchanged via a communication I / F 74 (details will be described later).
[0023]
In the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the main body 12 has a substantially box shape, and the main body 12 can be easily gripped on the left side when viewed from the front. A grip portion is formed.
[0024]
On the front side of the main body 12, as shown in FIG. 2A, a lens 14 for forming a subject image, a finder 16 for visually confirming a photographing range, and the like as necessary at the time of photographing (for example, A strobe arc tube 18 that emits auxiliary light for irradiating a subject (in the case of shooting at low illumination, etc.) and the communication I / F 36 are provided.
[0025]
On the upper surface of the main body 12, on the left side when viewed from the front, the operation mode of the digital camera 10 (for example, various shooting modes such as a still image shooting mode and a moving image shooting mode, a shot image playback mode, various setup item setting modes, A mode dial 20 used when selecting one of the backup image reading modes and the like, which will be described later, and a power switch 22 are provided. A button (so-called shutter) 24 is provided.
[0026]
Note that the release button 24 according to the present embodiment is in a state where it is pressed down to an intermediate position (hereinafter referred to as “half-pressed state”) and in a state where it is pressed down to a final pressed position beyond the intermediate position (hereinafter, referred to as “downward pressed state”). It is configured to be able to detect a two-stage pressing operation of “fully pressed state”. In the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment, when the release button 24 is pressed halfway, an AE (Automatic Exposure) function is activated and an exposure state (shutter speed, aperture state) is set. After that, the AF function is activated and the focus is controlled. After that, when it is fully pressed, exposure (photographing) is performed.
[0027]
A slot 26 into which a memory card 60 (see FIG. 3) for storing image data obtained by photographing (photographed image data) can be loaded is provided on the right side as viewed from the front of the main body 12. Inside the slot 26, a connector portion (not shown) provided in a media control portion 48 (see FIG. 3) described later is disposed. The memory card 60 loaded in the slot 26 is physically connected to the media control unit 48 via the connector unit, so that various data can be exchanged between the media control unit 48 and the memory card 60. It is possible. As the memory card 60, a portable recording medium such as a smart medium (SmartMedia®), a compact flash (CompactFlash), an ATA (AT Attachment) card, a floppy disk, or the like can be used.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 2B, a display (LCD) 28 made of a reflective LCD or a transmissive LCD is attached to the lower side of the back surface of the main body 12. Are provided with various selection buttons such as a forced light emission button 30, a cross button 32, and a menu execution button 34.
[0029]
The LCD 28 is composed of a liquid crystal display panel whose display screen size is set to a predetermined number of pixels (for example, 640 × 480 pixels). An image based on the image data read from the memory 46 (see FIG. 3) and the memory card 60 is displayed on the entire screen, a plurality of reduced images are displayed side by side (thumbnail display), and various function selection screens are displayed. .
[0030]
The forced light emission button 30 is a button for instructing setting of a forced light emission mode that is a mode for forcibly causing the strobe light emission tube 18 to emit light during subsequent photographing or a light emission inhibition mode for inhibiting light emission of the strobe light emission tube 18.
[0031]
The cross button 32 is a button for selecting a selection item area displayed on the LCD 28 or moving the cursor when the display content of the LCD 28 is various item selection screens. The menu execution button 34 is displayed on the LCD 28. This is a button for determining execution of processing corresponding to the selection item displayed and selected by the cross button 32.
[0032]
FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration of the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment. The digital camera 10 performs display control of the CPU 40, the imaging system control unit 42, the image signal processing unit 44, the built-in memory 46, the media control unit 48, and the LCD 28 that are main control units for the overall operation of the digital camera 10. The LCD control unit 50 and the communication control unit 52 that controls the communication I / F 36 are the main components. The CPU 40, the imaging system control unit 42, the image signal processing unit 44, the built-in memory 46, the media control unit 48, the LCD control unit 50, and the communication control unit 52 are connected to each other via a bus BUS so that various data can be exchanged. The CPU 40 controls the execution of control processing operations in each unit.
[0033]
The imaging system control unit 42 drives and controls an imaging system (not shown) including a CCD that captures a subject image and an optical unit including the lens 14 that guides light corresponding to the subject image to the CCD. Is for.
[0034]
The image signal processing unit 44 converts the analog image data corresponding to the subject image captured as a moving image or a still image by the CCD under the control of the imaging system control unit 42 to obtain digital image data. The digital image data is subjected to compression processing in a predetermined image compression format, and the compressed digital image data is subjected to expansion processing according to the image compression format. As the predetermined image compression format, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format or the like is used for digital image data of still images, and AVI (Audio Video Interleaved) is used for digital image data of moving images. MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) format or the like can be adopted.
[0035]
The built-in memory 46 includes a RAM that temporarily stores digital image data obtained mainly by photographing, and a ROM that stores various control programs, predetermined parameters, and the like in advance. The RAM is also used as a work area for compression / decompression processing by the image signal processing unit 44.
[0036]
The media control unit 48 controls the writing of various data to the memory card 60 attached to the digital camera 10 and the reading of the various data written on the memory card 60, and the data storage amount or storage in the memory card 60. This is for detecting the possible remaining capacity.
[0037]
In the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment, the digital image data acquired by the image signal processing unit 44 is subjected to white balance adjustment processing, gamma processing, sharpness processing, and the like under the control of the CPU 40. YC signal conversion processing is performed to convert it into YC signal data (luminance signal Y, chroma signals Cr, Cb), and is temporarily stored in the RAM of the built-in memory 46. Here, when the release button 24 is pressed by the user, the YC signal data stored in the RAM of the built-in memory 46 is stored in a predetermined compression format (for example, a JPEG compression format in the case of a still image). In the case of a moving image, after being subjected to compression processing in the MPEG compression format, etc., it is stored in the memory card 60 as photographed image data via the media control unit 48.
[0038]
An LCD 28 is connected to the LCD control unit 50, and the photographed image data and other various information are displayed on the LCD 28 under the control of the LCD control unit 50.
[0039]
The communication control unit 52 exchanges various data including photographed image data with the backup card 70 by wireless communication (for example, IrDA communication, Bluetooth communication, etc.) via the communication I / F 36. It is. The communication I / F 36 is transmitted from the backup card 70 side and a transmission unit 36A that transmits various control signals (data signal, synchronization clock signal, command signal, etc.) associated with wireless communication to the backup card 70 side. The receiving unit 36B receives the various control signals.
[0040]
Further, the CPU 40 has various buttons and switches such as the mode dial 20, the power switch 22, the release button 24, the forced light emission button 30, the cross button 32, and the menu execution button 34 (in FIG. 54 ”, and the CPU 40 can always grasp the operation state of these operation button systems 54.
[0041]
FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration of the backup card 70 according to the present embodiment. The backup card 70 includes a main controller (MC) 72 as a main control unit, a transmission unit 74A that transmits the various control signals accompanying the wireless communication with the communication I / F 36 of the digital camera 10 to the digital camera 10 side, and A communication I / F 74 including a receiving unit 74B that receives the various control signals transmitted from the digital camera 10 side, and various data including photographed image data with the digital camera 10 via the communication I / F 74. A data processing unit 76 for sending and receiving and a storage unit 78 for storing data are the main components. Note that each of the communication I / F 74, the data processing unit 76, and the storage unit 76 is connected to the MC 72 so that various control signals can be exchanged, and the MC 72 controls execution of control processing operations in each unit. It has become.
[0042]
The data processing unit 76 is connected to the transmission unit 74A of the communication I / F 74 via the data bus 80, and is connected to the reception unit 74B of the communication I / F 74 via the data bus 82, and the data bus 84. And is connected to the storage unit 78. As a result, the data processing unit 76 can read out the captured image data stored in the storage unit 78 and transmit it to the digital camera 10 side via the transmission unit 74A of the communication I / F 74, as well as the communication I / F 74. The captured image data transmitted from the digital camera 10 side received by the receiving unit 74B can be written and stored in the storage unit 78.
[0043]
Further, the data processing unit 76 generates index information (for example, data file name, data size, data type, time stamp, etc.) indicating the captured image data stored and stored in the storage unit 84 under the control of the MC 72. The generated index information is transmitted to the transmission unit 74A of the communication I / F 74 via the data bus 80 and can be transmitted to the digital camera 10 side. The index information generated by the data processing unit 76 includes thumbnail image data obtained by reducing each captured image data stored and stored in the storage unit 84.
[0044]
In the MC 72, the data storage amount or the remaining storable capacity in the storage unit 84 can be detected.
[0045]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
[0046]
In the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment, the processing routine shown in FIG. 5 is executed under the control of the CPU 40 in storing the photographed image data obtained by photographing in the memory card 60 during operation in various photographing modes. .
[0047]
First, in step 100, it is determined whether or not the memory card 60 is in a FULL state, that is, whether or not the remaining storage capacity in the memory card 60 is small and the capacity for storing captured image data is insufficient.
[0048]
If the determination in step 100 is negative, the process proceeds to step 106, where the photographed image data is recorded in the memory card 60, and this processing routine ends.
[0049]
On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step 100, the process proceeds to step 102, and after executing a backup transfer process (details will be described later), the camera returns to the shooting mode that was in operation and ends this processing routine.
[0050]
Here, the flow of the backup transfer process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0051]
First, in step 200, the operation mode currently set in the digital camera 10 is shifted to a backup transfer mode for transferring photographed image data to the backup card 70. At this time, the digital camera 10 side instructs the backup card 70 to execute a processing routine shown in FIG.
[0052]
In the next step 202, the LCD 28 displays thumbnails of the image data stored in the memory card 60 and the image corresponding to the current photographed image data.
[0053]
Here, when the user operates the cross button 32 and designates one or more images (backup images) to be transferred to the backup card 70 from among the thumbnail-displayed images, an affirmative determination is made in the next step 204, and step 206. Then, the image data corresponding to the designated image is selected as image data (transfer image data) to be transferred to the backup card 70. That is, the transfer image data selection pattern here is a pattern that is only the image data stored in the memory card 60, a pattern that is only the current captured image data, and the current captured image data and the memory card 60. It becomes one of the patterns that are the image data being processed.
[0054]
Here, when the user instructs to transfer the selected transfer image data by operating the menu execution button 34, an affirmative determination is made in the next step 208, the process proceeds to step 210, and the instruction-selected transfer image data is transferred to the communication I. The data is transmitted to the backup card 70 via the transmission unit 36A of / F36.
[0055]
When the transfer of the transfer image data to the backup card 70 is completed, an affirmative determination is made in the next step 212, the process proceeds to step 214, and an instruction operation for deleting the image data selected as the transfer image data in step 206 is performed by the user. Determine whether it has been done.
[0056]
Here, if there is no image data deletion instruction operation by the user, a negative determination is made in step 214, and this processing routine is terminated. On the other hand, if the user performs an image data deletion instruction operation, step 214 is executed. In step 216, the instructed image data is deleted, and this processing routine ends.
[0057]
On the other hand, in the backup card 70 according to the present embodiment, the processing routine shown in FIG. 7 in which the execution instruction is given in step 200 of the above-described backup transfer processing executed in the digital camera 10 is executed under the control of the MC 72.
[0058]
First, in step 300, it is determined whether or not the transfer image data transmitted from the digital camera 10 side is received by the receiving unit 74B of the communication I / F 74.
[0059]
Here, when the transfer image data transmitted from the digital camera 10 side is received by the receiving unit 74B of the communication I / F 74, an affirmative determination is made in step 300, the process proceeds to step 302, and the data storage amount in the storage unit 78 ( Alternatively, the remaining storage capacity is detected (storage capacity check).
[0060]
In the next step 304, it is determined whether or not the received transfer image data can be stored in the storage unit 78 based on the result of the storage capacity check in step 302.
[0061]
Here, if the received transfer image data can be stored in the storage unit 78, an affirmative determination is made in step 304, the process proceeds to step 306, the transfer image data is stored in the storage unit 78, and step 308. Then, message data indicating that the storage of the transfer image data is completed is transmitted to the digital camera 10 via the transmission unit 74A of the communication I / F 74, and this processing routine is terminated. Thereby, the digital camera 10 side can confirm that the transfer image data is transferred to the backup card 70 and stored by receiving the message data via the receiving unit 36B of the communication I / F 36. it can.
[0062]
On the other hand, if the received transfer image data cannot be stored in the storage unit 78, a negative determination is made in step 304, the process proceeds to step 310, and the transfer image data is transmitted via the transmission unit 74A of the communication I / F 74. Is sent to the digital camera 10 side, and the processing routine is terminated. Thus, the digital camera 10 side can confirm that the transfer image data could not be stored in the backup card 70 by receiving the message data via the receiving unit 36B of the communication I / F 36.
[0063]
As described above, in the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment, when the captured image data is stored in the memory card 60, the memory card 60 stores the captured image data. By transferring the captured image data to the backup card 70, it is possible to continue acquiring new captured image data without replacing the memory card 60 or deleting the image data stored in the memory card 60. .
[0064]
In the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment, when the backup image reading mode, which is an operation mode for reading the captured image data stored in the backup card 70 as described above, is set by the user, the CPU 40. The processing routine shown in FIG.
[0065]
First, in step 400, it is determined whether or not the memory card 60 is in a FULL state, that is, whether or not the remaining storage capacity in the memory card 60 is small and the capacity for storing captured image data is insufficient.
[0066]
If the determination in step 400 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 420, the backup transfer process described above is executed, and the process routine is terminated.
[0067]
On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 400, the process proceeds to step 402, where the above-described index information acquisition request is made to the backup card 70 side via the transmission unit 36A of the communication I / F 36. The transmitted index information is received and acquired by the receiving unit 36B of the communication I / F 36.
[0068]
In the next step 404, an image corresponding to the photographed image data stored in the backup card 70 is displayed as a thumbnail on the LCD 28 based on the received index information.
[0069]
Here, when the user operates the cross button 32 and designates one or more images (read images) to be read from the backup card 70 among the images displayed as thumbnails, an affirmative determination is made in the next step 406, and the step Proceeding to 408, image data corresponding to the designated image is selected as image data (read image data) to be read from the backup card 70.
[0070]
Here, when the user instructs to read the selected read image data by operating the menu execution button 34, an affirmative determination is made in the next step 410, the process proceeds to step 412, via the transmission unit 36 A of the communication I / F 36. Then, the transmission request of the read image data selected by the instruction is sent to the backup card 70 side, and the read image data transmitted from the backup card 70 side is received by the receiving unit 36B of the communication I / F 36.
[0071]
In the next step 414, an image corresponding to the received read image data is displayed on the LCD 28.
[0072]
In the next step 416, it is determined whether or not an instruction operation for recording the read image displayed on the LCD 28 in the above step 414 on the memory card 60 has been performed by the user.
[0073]
Here, when there is no read image recording instruction operation by the user, a negative determination is made in the above step 416, and this processing routine is ended. On the other hand, when the user performs a read image recording instruction operation, If an affirmative decision is made in step 416, the process proceeds to step 418, where the image data corresponding to the read image is recorded in the memory card 60, and this processing routine ends.
[0074]
On the other hand, in the backup card 70 according to the present embodiment, the execution instruction of the processing routine shown in FIG. 9 described later is made from the digital camera 10 side in which the backup image reading mode is set by the user's operation as described above. The processing routine shown in FIG. 9 is executed under the control of MC72.
[0075]
First, in step 500, it is determined whether or not there is a request for obtaining the above-described index information from the digital camera 10 side.
[0076]
Here, when a control signal in response to an index information acquisition request from the digital camera 10 is received by the receiving unit 74B of the communication I / F 74, an affirmative determination is made in step 500, the process proceeds to step 502, and the communication I / F 74 is reached. The index information is transmitted to the digital camera 10 side via the transmitter 74A.
[0077]
In the next step 504, it is determined whether or not there is a transmission request for image data stored in the storage unit 78 from the digital camera 10 side.
[0078]
Here, when the control signal based on the transmission request for the read image data from the digital camera 10 is received by the receiving unit 74B of the communication I / F 74, an affirmative determination is made in step 504, and the process proceeds to step 506, where the communication I / F The instructed image data is transmitted to the digital camera 10 via the transmitter 74A of F74, and this processing routine is terminated.
[0079]
As described above, in the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment, when the data is stored in the memory card 60, the captured image data transferred and stored in the backup card 70 can be read as desired without securing the storage capacity in the memory card 60. Can do.
[0080]
As described above, according to the digital camera and the backup card according to the present embodiment, the captured image data can be transferred to the backup card even when the memory card cannot store the capacity for storing the captured image data. Thus, it is possible to continue to acquire new captured image data without newly replacing the memory card or deleting the image data stored in the memory card, and the captured image data transferred to the backup card is stored again. It can be read as desired.
[0081]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when the storable capacity of the storage unit that stores the image data of the subject image acquired by the imaging unit is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the image data stored in the storage unit and Since at least one of the image data acquired by the imaging unit and stored in the storage unit is transmitted to the outside by the communication unit, when a large amount of captured image data exceeding the storage capacity of the storage unit is acquired. In addition, there is an excellent effect that it is possible to provide a digital camera that can continue to acquire new captured image data without deleting the acquired captured image data.
[0082]
In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a backup device that receives and stores the image data transmitted by the communication means of the digital camera, and stores the captured image data acquired by the digital camera as a backup. It has the excellent effect of being able to.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a usage form of a digital camera and a backup card according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing an appearance of a front side of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing an appearance of a back side of the digital camera.
FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a control system of the digital camera according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a backup card according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of recording processing at the time of photographing on the digital camera side according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of backup transfer processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of recording processing at the time of shooting on the backup card side according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of backup image reading processing on the digital camera side according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of backup image reading processing on the backup card side according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Digital camera
36 Communication interface
40 CPU
48 Media control unit
52 Communication control unit
54 Operation button system
60 memory card
70 Backup card
72 Main controller
74 Communication interface
76 Data processing section
78 Memory

Claims (8)

Imaging means for acquiring image data of a subject image by photographing;
Storage means for storing image data acquired by the imaging means;
Detecting means for detecting a storable capacity of the storage means;
When the storable capacity of the storage means detected by the detection means is less than or equal to a predetermined amount, the image data stored in the storage means and the image data before being acquired by the imaging means and stored in the storage means A communication means for transmitting at least one of the above to the outside;
Digital camera equipped with. A selection unit for selecting at least one of the image data stored in the storage unit;
When the image data transmitted by the communication unit is image data stored in the storage unit, the image data selected from the image data stored in the storage unit by the selection unit is transmitted by the communication unit. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the image data is transmitted. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit transmits the image data to a predetermined external storage device capable of storing the received image data. Further comprising designation means for designating image data stored in the external storage device;
The communication unit makes a transmission request for image data stored in the external storage device designated by the designation unit to the external storage device, and is transmitted from the external storage device based on the transmission request. 4. The digital camera according to claim 3, wherein the digital camera receives image data. The communication unit receives index information indicating image data stored in the external storage device from the external storage device, and the designation unit is configured to transmit an image to be transmitted to the external storage device based on the index information. 5. The digital camera according to claim 4, wherein data is designated. The digital camera backup device according to claim 3,
Data communication means for receiving image data transmitted from the communication means;
Data storage means for storing image data received by the data communication means;
Backup device with The digital camera backup device according to claim 4,
Data communication means for receiving image data transmitted from the communication means;
Data storage means for storing image data received by the data communication means;
With
The data communication unit transmits the image data requested to be transmitted from the image data stored in the data storage unit to the digital camera. The digital camera backup device according to claim 5,
Data communication means for receiving image data transmitted from the communication means;
Data storage means for storing image data received by the data communication means;
With
The backup device characterized in that the data communication means transmits index information indicating image data stored in the data storage means.

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