JP2004326916A - Recorder, imaging device and recording method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To save and manage recorded data such as image data in a mode easily understood by a user and suited to searching. <P>SOLUTION: During the recording of a file in a recording medium, a serial number is obtained from the recording medium, the folder number of a recording folder in which the file is recorded is specified, history information correlating the serial number and the folder number is stored in an EEPROM, and a recording folder table 54T is formed. At starting the recording of a file in the recording medium, the serial number of the recording medium is obtained, searching is executed in the recording folder table 54T based on the serial number, and the recording folder indicated by the folder number of the history information coincident with the serial number is set as a recording side for newly recording a file. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method having a function of capturing information such as a digital still camera, a digital video camera, a mobile phone terminal, and a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) and recording the information on a recording medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art A so-called digital camera such as a digital still camera or a digital video camera has become widespread, and a still image or a moving image can be captured as digital data, recorded on a recording medium (recording medium), and used in various ways. ing. The image data of the image captured by the digital camera is, for example, a plurality of recording media such as a so-called memory card, which is a removable recording medium using a flexible disk or a semiconductor memory, or a large-capacity recording medium such as a hard disk. As image data files under a plurality of folders.
[0003]
As described above, it may take time and effort to find image data of a target image from a large number of image data stored in a plurality of folders on a plurality of recording media or a large-capacity recording medium. . For this reason, for example, a representative image is added as a reduced image called a so-called thumbnail image to a group of image data such as a recording medium or a folder in which image data of a plurality of images are recorded. 2. Description of the Related Art Through an image, an image data group to which target image data belongs can be searched.
[0004]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-282855 discloses an image data group such as a folder in which image data of a plurality of images are recorded, a thumbnail image of a representative image thereof, and a recording in which image data is recorded. A technology that creates search data including data associated with medium identification information in a memory of a recording device and enables quick search for target image data even when a recording medium is replaced. Is disclosed.
[0005]
In this way, by taking measures such as forming search information using thumbnail images and recording medium identification information, the image data of the target image can be efficiently converted from the large number of image data recorded on the recording medium. The search has been made well.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-11-282855
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Incidentally, various recording media such as a so-called memory card and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) can be used as a recording medium that can be used in the digital camera. These recording media have been increased in capacity, and the storage capacity of the recording media has been dramatically increased.
[0008]
In a digital camera, for example, when still image data is recorded on a recording medium, image data is recorded in a predetermined recording destination folder in accordance with the rules of the DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) standard. In the case of the DCF standard, as shown in FIG. 5, image data can be recorded in 900 recording destination folders from the 100th to 999th folders formed under the main folder DCIM. Have been.
[0009]
In FIG. 5, folder names 100MSDCF to 9999MSDCF are recording destination folders to which image data is recorded. Then, in each of the recording destination folders from the 100th to the 999th, 1 to 9999 image files can be recorded.
[0010]
As described above, in a case where still image data is recorded on a recording medium according to the DCF standard in a digital camera, image data for 900 folders * 9999 files can be recorded if the storage capacity of the recording medium permits. As described above, since the amount of recordable image data has become extremely large, if the recording destination folder cannot be properly used at the time of recording, the technique for searching for the image data as described above is also sufficient. It will not work.
[0011]
As for the method of using the recording destination folder in the digital camera, for example, (1) a method in which the recording destination folder is fixed to one predetermined folder, (2) the recording destination folder is a folder having the maximum number in the medium, and (3) A method in which a user can select and newly create a recording folder and memorize the last recorded folder number in the set, (4) A management file in the medium And a method of recording the last recorded folder number.
[0012]
However, each of the methods (1) to (4) has advantages and disadvantages. In particular, when the search of the recorded image data is also taken into consideration, the management of the image data may not be sufficiently performed. Hereinafter, an outline of a method of using a recording destination folder in a digital camera will be described.
[0013]
(1) The method of fixing the recording destination folder to one predetermined folder is such that image data is always recorded in the same recording destination folder (for example, the recording destination folder 100MSDCF in FIG. 5). You don't need to remember, and managing folders is very simple. However, since the storage capacity of the recording medium has increased, it is impossible to record all image data in one recording destination folder and manage it. That is, it is conceivable that detailed management of image data cannot be performed, and management is difficult.
[0014]
(2) A method in which the recording destination folder is set to the folder with the maximum number in the medium and only a new folder can be created is to search for the folder with the maximum number when exchanging the recording medium and to record the image data subsequently. . When a predetermined amount of image data has been recorded in the recording destination folder, or when the user instructs to create a new recording destination folder, a recording destination folder having the maximum number is newly created, and The image data can be written in the recording destination folder. In this case, image data cannot be recorded in folders other than the maximum number. May be more flexible.
[0015]
(3) The user can select a recording destination folder and create a new one. The method of remembering the last recorded folder number in the set is such that the folder number stored when the recording medium is replaced is used as the recording destination folder. Here, image data is recorded. When the same recording medium is inserted again, since the image data can be recorded by returning to the folder used previously, the use of the folder is easy for the user to understand and use.
[0016]
However, when a plurality of recording media are used, the recording destination folder of the image data is the folder having the same number even if the recording media is changed. That is, since the user cannot use the recording destination folder properly according to the recording medium, it is considered that confusion may occur when the recording medium to be used is mistaken.
[0017]
(4) In a method of creating a management file in a recording medium and recording the last recorded folder number, the management file is created in the recording medium, so that the recording destination folder can be changed for each recording medium. It can be said that it is relatively easy to use for users.
[0018]
However, in contrast to using a plurality of recording media properly, when there are a plurality of recording devices (recording sets) having the same function, one recording medium is used and a separate folder is used for each recording set. Image data cannot be managed. It is also considered that compatibility when the series of the recording set evolves may become a problem. In other words, even when the recording set has evolved, the management file created on the recording medium by the undeveloped recording set must be readable and usable.
[0019]
In addition to considering the advantages and disadvantages of the above-described respective use methods of the recording destination folder and considering that the image data recorded on the recording medium can be efficiently searched, the recording medium is used in a recording device such as a digital camera. The method of using the recording destination folder must satisfy the following conditions.
[0020]
First, the recording destination folder can be changed or newly created by the user, and a group of image data can be collectively managed for each appropriate data amount according to the user's intention. In addition, it is required that the image data recorded on the recording medium can be properly managed for each recording medium, and also when one recording medium is shared by a plurality of recording apparatuses. Is done.
[0021]
In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method that allow recorded data such as image data to be easily understood by a user and stored and managed in a form suitable for retrieval. I do.
[0022]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a recording apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention provides
Recording means for recording information to be recorded as a file in a storage location on a removable recording medium attached to the own device,
Acquiring means for acquiring the identification information of the recording medium;
Specifying means for specifying a storage location on the recording medium that is a recording destination,
History creation means for recording in a predetermined memory history information in which the identification information from the acquisition means and the identification information about the storage location where the file from the identification means is recorded last,
Prior to the start of file recording, the storage location specified by the identification information of the history information that matches the identification information is referred to by referring to the history information in the memory based on the identification information from the acquisition unit. Recording control means for controlling the recording means so as to become a recording destination of a file to be newly recorded,
It is characterized by having.
[0023]
According to the recording device of the present invention, when recording a file on the recording medium, the identification information of the recording medium acquired by the acquiring unit and the file finally recorded by the identifying unit are recorded. History information associated with specific information capable of specifying a storage location is recorded in a predetermined memory.
[0024]
Then, at the start of recording of the file on the recording medium, the history information in the memory is searched based on the identification information of the recording medium acquired by the acquiring means, and the history information is identified by the identification information of the matching history information. The storage location is a storage location of a file in which a new file is recorded.
[0025]
Thus, in a case where a plurality of recording media are used, information can be additionally recorded in a storage location where data is last recorded in each recording medium. Further, the memory for storing the history information is provided on the recording device side, so that even if a plurality of recording devices use the same recording medium, the history information in the own device can be managed for each recording device. To be.
[0026]
Therefore, it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as files being stored in a storage location not intended by the user, to collectively manage record data such as an appropriate amount of image data, and to realize a quick search. Recording data such as image data can be recorded on a recording medium and managed.
[0027]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of an apparatus and a method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, an example will be described in which the apparatus and method according to the present invention are applied to an imaging apparatus which is a digital camera capable of capturing a still image and a moving image.
[0028]
The imaging apparatus according to the embodiment described below is equipped with a predetermined OS (Operating Systems) such as MS-DOS (registered trademark), and records an image on a recording medium in a unified recording format of a digital camera. Is what you do.
[0029]
[Configuration and Basic Operation of Imaging Device]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the imaging apparatus according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus according to this embodiment is roughly divided into a camera unit 1, a camera DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 2, an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) 3, and a medium interface (hereinafter, referred to as a medium interface). , A medium I / F) 4, a control unit 5, an operation unit 6, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) controller 7, an LCD 8, and an external interface (hereinafter referred to as an external I / F) 9. The recording medium such as the recording medium 10 is detachable.
[0030]
As the recording medium 10, a so-called memory card using a semiconductor memory, an optical recording medium such as a recordable DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) and a recordable CD (Compact Disc), a magnetic disk, and various other media are used. However, in this embodiment, a description will be given assuming that a so-called memory card is used as the recording medium 10.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 1, the camera unit 1 includes an optical block 11, a charge coupled device (CCD) 12, a pre-processing circuit 13, an optical block driver 14, a CCD driver 15, and a timing generation circuit 16. is there. Here, the optical block 11 includes a lens, a focus mechanism, a shutter mechanism, an aperture (iris) mechanism, and the like.
[0032]
Further, the control unit 5 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 52, a flash ROM (Read Only Memory) 53, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Bus connected through a bus 55 through a programmable ROM bus 55), and a ROM 54. This is a configured microcomputer that can control each unit of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment.
[0033]
Here, the RAM 52 is mainly used as a work area, for example, for temporarily storing intermediate results of processing. The flash ROM 53 stores various programs executed by the CPU 51, data necessary for processing, and the like.
[0034]
The EEPROM 54 is a so-called non-volatile memory, and specifies data to be retained even when the power of the imaging apparatus is turned off, for example, various setting parameters and a recording destination folder which will be described later. For example, information such as a recording destination folder table including history information is stored and held.
[0035]
The operation unit 6 is connected to the CPU 51 of the control unit 5. The operation unit 6 includes an operation panel, various operation keys, and function keys such as a shutter key, and can receive an operation input from a user and supply an electric signal corresponding to the received operation input to the CPU 51. is there.
[0036]
Accordingly, the CPU 51 reads a program for performing a target process from the flash ROM 53 according to an operation input from the user, executes the program, and controls each unit. Can be performed in accordance with the instruction.
[0037]
Then, at the time of capturing an image, the optical block driver 14 forms a drive signal for operating the optical block 11 under the control of the control unit 5 and supplies the drive signal to the optical block 11. The optical block 11 is operated. In the optical block 11, a focus mechanism, a shutter mechanism, and an aperture mechanism are controlled in accordance with a drive signal from a driver 14, and captures an image of a subject, and provides the captured image to the CCD 12.
[0038]
The CCD 12 photoelectrically converts an image from the optical block 11 and outputs the image. The CCD 12 operates in response to a drive signal from the CCD driver 15, captures an image of a subject from the optical block 11, and controls the image by the control unit 5. The captured image (image information) of the subject is supplied to the preprocessing circuit 13 as an electric signal based on the timing signal from the timing generation circuit 16.
[0039]
Note that, as described above, the timing generation circuit 16 forms a timing signal for providing a predetermined timing in accordance with the control from the control unit 5. Further, the CCD driver 15 forms a drive signal to be supplied to the CCD 12 based on a timing signal from the timing generation circuit 16.
[0040]
The pre-processing circuit 13 performs a CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) process on the image information of the electric signal supplied thereto so as to maintain a good S / N ratio, and an AGC (Automatic Gain Control). Processing is performed to control gain, and A / D (Analog / Digital) conversion is performed to form digital signal image data.
[0041]
Image data converted into digital signals from the preprocessing circuit 13 is supplied to the DSP 2. The DSP 2 performs camera signal processing such as AF (Auto Focus), AE (Auto Exposure), and AWB (Auto White Balance) on the image data supplied thereto.
[0042]
The image data subjected to various adjustments in this manner is subjected to data compression by a predetermined compression method, and in the case of this embodiment, the recording data attached to the image pickup device via the system bus 55 and the medium I / F 4. It is supplied to the medium 10 and recorded as a file on the recording medium 10 as described later.
[0043]
The image data recorded on the recording medium 10 is recorded through the medium I / F 4 in accordance with an operation input from a user received through the operation unit 6 including an operation panel and various operation keys. The data is read from the medium 10 and supplied to the DSP 2.
[0044]
The DSP 2 performs decompression processing (decompression processing) of the data compression on the image data read from the recording medium 10 and supplied through the medium I / F 4, and outputs the decompressed image data to the system bus 55. Through the LCD controller 7. The LCD controller 7 forms an image signal to be supplied to the LCD 8 from the image data supplied thereto, and supplies this to the LCD 8. Thereby, an image corresponding to the image data recorded on the recording medium 10 is displayed on the display screen of the LCD 8.
[0045]
Note that the display mode of the image follows the display processing program recorded in the ROM. In other words, this display processing program is a program for determining how a file system described later is recorded and how to reproduce an image.
[0046]
Further, an external I / F 9 is provided in the imaging device of this embodiment. The external I / F 9 connects to, for example, an external personal computer, receives supply of image data from the personal computer, and records the image data on a recording medium mounted on the own device, or is connected to the own device. It is also possible to supply image data recorded on a recording medium to an external personal computer or the like.
[0047]
In addition, by connecting the communication module to the external I / F 9, for example, connecting to a network such as the Internet, acquiring various image data and other information through the network, and recording it on a recording medium mounted on the own device. It is also possible to transmit data recorded on a recording medium mounted on the own device to a target destination through a network.
[0048]
Further, as described above, information such as image data acquired through an external personal computer or a network and recorded on a recording medium is read out and reproduced by the imaging apparatus of this embodiment, displayed on the LCD 8, and displayed by the user. It can be used of course.
[0049]
Note that the external I / F 9 can be provided as a wired interface such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1394, USB (Universal Serial Bus), or can be provided as a wireless interface using light or radio waves. It is. That is, the external I / F 9 may be a wired or wireless interface.
[0050]
As described above, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment can capture an image of a subject and record it on a recording medium mounted on the imaging apparatus, and read out image data recorded on the recording medium, This can be reproduced and used. In addition, image data can be provided through an external personal computer or a network, and can be recorded on a recording medium mounted on the apparatus itself, or can be read out and reproduced.
[0051]
As described above, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment also mounts image data of an image of a captured subject on its own device under the control of the control unit 5 in accordance with the DCF standard described with reference to FIG. The data is recorded in a predetermined recording destination folder (storage location) on the removable recording medium.
[0052]
In the image pickup apparatus according to this embodiment, in principle, when image data is recorded on a recording medium on which no image data is recorded, for example, the 100th recording destination folder (100MSDCF in FIG. 5) , The recording destination automatically changes to the 101st recording destination folder (101MSDCF in FIG. 5) when recording of a predetermined number of image data (up to 9999 sheets) is completed. Thus, the recording destination folder can be automatically changed.
[0053]
Further, the image capturing apparatus according to the present embodiment, when recording image data obtained by shooting on a recording medium, based on the user's intention, changes the recording destination folder as the recording destination of the image data, In addition, a new recording destination folder can be created and used as a recording destination.
[0054]
This takes into account that the capacity of the removable recording medium in which the imaging apparatus of this embodiment can be used is increasing, and that a large amount of image data can be recorded. This is because the user can freely and flexibly manage the recording destination of the image data.
[0055]
Further, one imaging device according to the present embodiment uses a plurality of recording media properly, and conversely, when there are a plurality of imaging devices according to the present embodiment, the plurality of imaging devices One recording medium may be shared. In such a case, if the management of the recording destination is insufficient, the image data obtained by photographing at various timings will be distributed and recorded in various recording destination folders on various recording media, It becomes difficult to manage after the image data recorded on the recording medium.
[0056]
Therefore, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment manages the recording destination folder for each recording medium inside the imaging apparatus. That is, the control unit 5 of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment obtains, via the medium I / F 4, a serial number that is identification information added to a recording medium (memory card) mounted on the own apparatus. Further, the control unit 5 specifies (acquires) the folder number (folder name including the folder number) of the recording destination folder which is the current recording destination of the image data which is to be held in the RAM 52 or the like.
[0057]
In this embodiment, a folder name including a folder number is used as the folder number, for example, 100MSDCF. Of course, it is also possible to simply use only the folder numbers such as 100 and 101. However, in order to more reliably specify the recording destination folder, in this embodiment, a folder name including a folder number is used.
[0058]
Then, so-called history information is formed by associating the serial number of the recording medium with a folder number which is information for specifying a recording destination folder, and this is recorded in a recording destination folder table formed in the EEPROM 54. Thereby, the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment specifies, for each of the removable recording media used for recording image data in its own device, the recording destination folder in which its own image data was last recorded in that recording medium. Have to be able to.
[0059]
FIG. 2 illustrates system information recorded on the removable recording medium 10 used in the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment, and a recording destination folder table 54T formed in the EEPROM 51 of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG.
[0060]
As shown in FIG. 2, fixed information including a serial number 10A, which is information unique to each recording medium, is recorded on a recording medium 10 that is detachable from an imaging device or the like at the time of manufacture. Further, as system information, information such as MBR (Master Boot Record), PBR (Partition Boot Record), FAT (File Allocation Table), and root directory (Root Directory) are also recorded from the beginning of the recording area. 2, a data area in which user data such as image data is recorded as indicated by the character "Data".
[0061]
Here, the MBR is a system start-up area, which is an area having a system start-up program and management information of the entire partition of the recording area. The PBR is an area having management information and the like in each partition, and the volume serial number 10B is recorded in the PBR when the recording medium is initialized. This volume serial number is information that is rewritten at the time of initialization in consideration of the date and time of the initialization processing and the like, and is almost unique to each recording medium.
[0062]
In the image pickup apparatus according to this embodiment, the serial number 10A, which is assigned as a rule at the time of manufacture and is recorded as fixed information, and cannot be changed by the user, is used as the medium serial number (identification information). To be used as However, assuming that there is a possibility that the serial number 10 cannot be read or there is a possibility that there is a recording medium to which the serial number is not assigned, and if the proper serial number cannot be read, the volume of the PBR is The serial number 10B is used as the medium serial number.
[0063]
Further, the folder number of the recording destination folder specified as the recording destination of the image data is used as the specific information for specifying the recording destination folder. Then, history information that associates a medium serial number, which is identification information of the recording medium acquired from the removable recording medium, with a folder number, which is identification information of a recording destination folder designated as a recording destination of image data, is stored. It is formed and recorded in the EEPROM 54.
[0064]
If the recording destination folder has been changed, the history information of the recording medium previously recorded in the EEPROM 54 is replaced with the medium serial number of the recording medium and the folder newly set as the recording destination folder. The history information including the numbers is created, and the history information is recorded in the EEPROM 54. By doing so, it is possible to specify the recording destination folder where the image data is recorded at the end of the recording medium for each recording medium used for recording the image data.
[0065]
By creating such history information for each recording medium used by the own device and recording it in the EEPROM 54 of the own device, as shown in the recording destination folder table 54T in FIG. ., And a folder number (101MSDFC, 123MSDFC,...) Of the recording destination folder in which the image data was last recorded in those recording media. Created.
[0066]
In the imaging apparatus according to this embodiment, prior to the start of recording a file, that is, when the imaging apparatus is turned on or when a removable recording medium is replaced, A serial number is acquired from the recorded recording medium, and the acquired serial number is used as a search key to refer to a recording destination folder table 54T formed in the EEPROM 54 as shown in FIG. When the history information of the number exists, the recording destination folder specified by the folder number of the history information is set as the recording destination folder of the image data.
[0067]
By doing so, even when one imaging device uses a plurality of removable recording media, or when a plurality of imaging devices also use one removable recording medium. However, in the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment, if the own device uses the recording medium that has been used before, the continuous use of the recording medium from the recording destination folder where the own device has previously recorded the image data is performed. I can do it.
[0068]
[Details of operation of imaging device]
Next, the operation of the imaging apparatus according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The flowcharts shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 describe processing executed by the control unit 5 when the power of the imaging apparatus of this embodiment is turned on or when a removable recording medium is replaced. It is for.
[0069]
That is, the imaging device of this embodiment can detect, when the recording medium is replaced, by an electrical configuration or a mechanical configuration. When the CPU 51 of the control unit 5 detects that the power of the apparatus itself is turned on or that the recording medium is replaced while the power is turned on, the processing of the processing shown in FIGS. Read and execute the program.
[0070]
Then, the control unit 5 first controls the medium I / F 4 to read the serial number given at the time of manufacture from the storage area of the fixed information of the removable recording medium 10 attached to the own device. (Step S101). Then, the control unit 5 determines whether or not the serial number has been properly read (Step S102).
[0071]
In the determination processing of step S102, if the serial number to be assigned from the storage area of the fixed information could not be read, or if the serial number could not be read normally, the control unit 5 returns the PBR of the system information. The volume serial number recorded in the recording area is read out, and is used as a serial number that is used as a search key (step S103).
[0072]
In the determination processing of step S102, when it is determined that the serial number has been properly read from the storage area of the fixed information, or after the processing of step S103, the control unit 5 uses the obtained serial number as a search key, A search is made in the recording destination folder table 54T formed in the EEPROM 54 (step S104).
[0073]
Then, based on the search result in step S104, the control unit 5 determines whether history information having a serial number that matches the serial number acquired this time exists in the recording destination folder table 54T (step S105). .
[0074]
In the determination processing of step S105, when it is determined that there is history information with the matching serial number, the control unit 5 sets the recording destination folder specified by the folder number of the history information with the matching serial number to the recording destination of the image data. Is determined (step S106).
[0075]
When it is determined in the determination processing of step S105 that there is no history information with the matching serial number, the control unit 5 determines the recording destination folder having the maximum folder number as the recording destination of the image data (step S107).
[0076]
Then, the control unit associates the serial number of the recording medium acquired this time from the recording medium with the folder number of the recording destination folder determined as the recording destination, and pairs them as a non-volatile memory. The data is recorded in the EEPROM 54 (step S108).
[0077]
Next, the control unit 5 proceeds to the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, and firstly waits until there is some operation input from the user (step S109). If it is determined in step S109 that the operation input from the user has been received, the control unit 5 determines what processing the received operation input instructs to execute (step S110). .
[0078]
In the determination process of step S110, when it is determined that the received operation input is a power-off operation, the control unit 5 transitions each unit to a state where power can be safely turned off, such as ending access to a recording medium. A series of end processing for turning off the power is performed later (step S111), and the processing shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is ended.
[0079]
In addition, in the determination processing of step S110, when it is determined that an operation for replacing the recording medium 10 has been performed, the control unit 5 repeats the processing from step S101 in FIG. Process from the acquisition of the serial number.
[0080]
Further, in the determination process of step S110, when it is determined that the shutter is pressed and the execution of the shooting is instructed, the control unit 5 controls the camera unit 1, the camera DSP 2, and the like to shoot the subject as described above. Then, the image is fetched as image data, and is recorded in the recording destination folder determined in step S106 or S107 (step S112), and thereafter, the processing from step S109 is repeated.
[0081]
When the control unit 5 determines in the determination processing of step S110 that the received operation input instructs a change or new creation of the recording destination folder, the control unit 5 responds to the received operation input to change the change destination folder. Is determined as a new recording destination (step S114), and the serial number (medium serial number) of the recording medium previously acquired and the new recording destination folder The folder numbers are associated with each other and are recorded in pairs in the recording destination folder table of the EEPROM 54 (step S115). Then, the processing from step S109 is repeated.
[0082]
Also, in the determination process of step S110, if it is determined that the received operation input is not a power-off operation, a change of a recording medium, a shooting execution, a change of a recording destination folder, or a creation of another process, The control unit 5 executes the process specified by the operation input (step S115), and thereafter repeats the process from step S109.
[0083]
As described above, the image capturing apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured such that, for a recording medium used by itself, the serial number as identification information of the recording medium or the volume serial number recorded in the PBR as system information. 2, the image data is recorded in the EEPROM 54 in association with the folder number of the recording destination folder in which the image data was last recorded, and the recording destination folder table 54T is formed, as shown in FIG.
[0084]
Then, when the power is turned on and when the recording medium is replaced, the recording destination folder table 54T is searched using the medium serial number of the recording medium attached to the own device and used for recording image data as a search key, and the history of the same serial number is searched. When the information exists, the recording destination folder specified by the folder number of the history information is set as the recording destination of the image data.
[0085]
Therefore, a plurality of recording media are frequently exchanged, or one recording medium is shared by a plurality of imaging devices configured in the same manner as the imaging device of this embodiment. In addition, the imaging apparatus can manage the recording destination folder for each recording medium and record the image data by continuing the recording destination folder from the previously used recording destination folder.
[0086]
For this reason, since the image can be recorded in the recording destination folder intended by the user from the time of shooting, and a plurality of recording media can be clearly used, even after the end of shooting, It is possible to efficiently manage image data without taking an enormous amount of time to search for image data.
[0087]
As can be understood from the above description, in the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment, the medium I / F 4 and the control unit 5 obtain a serial number, which is identification information of a recording medium mounted on the own apparatus. An acquisition unit is configured, and the control unit 5 configures a specifying unit that specifies a recording destination folder. That is, the obtaining unit and the specifying unit are mainly realized by a program executed in the control unit 5.
[0088]
In the imaging device according to the present embodiment, the medium I / F 4 has a function as a unit for recording a file on a recording medium. The program executed by the control unit 5 allows the control unit 5 to realize a function as a recording control unit that controls the medium I / F 4 as a recording unit.
[0089]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the serial number recorded on the recording medium as the fixed information or the volume serial number of the PBR of the system information is used as the medium serial number. It is not limited to.
[0090]
Both the serial number recorded on the recording medium as the fixed information and the volume serial number of the PBR of the system information may be combined and used as one medium serial number. In this case, the medium serial number can be made more unique (unique).
[0091]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the corresponding history information does not exist in the recording destination folder table, since the recording medium is used for the first time in the own device, the recording destination folder having the maximum number is searched, Although the image data is described here as being recorded, the present invention is not limited to this. A recording destination folder having a predetermined number, such as a recording destination folder having the lowest number and other recording destination folders that are not normally used, such as an 800th recording destination folder and a 999th recording destination folder, are recorded. Of course, it may be the first.
[0092]
In addition, the imaging apparatus according to the above-described embodiment has been described as being equipped with a predetermined OS such as MS-DOS (registered trademark). It is needless to say that can be used. Further, the recording format of the image data is not limited to the DCF standard. For example, the present invention can be applied to a case where various recording formats are used in which a storage location for recording image data is controlled, as indicated by the words “folder” and “directory”.
[0093]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the imaging apparatus has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. Various recording devices and recording / reproducing devices capable of using a removable recording medium and capable of recording various data on the recording medium such as a mobile phone terminal, a PDA, and a personal computer. The present invention can be applied to the present invention.
[0094]
Also, the removable recording medium is not limited to a memory card. The present invention can be applied to a case where various recording media such as an optical disk such as a DVD, a magneto-optical disk such as an MD (Mini Disc (registered trademark)), and a magnetic disk such as a small removable hard disk are used. is there.
[0095]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where image data is recorded as a file as data to be recorded on the recording medium has been described as an example. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to a case where audio data, program data, text data, and other various data are recorded.
[0096]
In addition, a computer that is mounted on various recording devices such as an imaging device and controls each unit,
A step of obtaining identification information of the recording medium, which is a detachable recording medium mounted on the own device and in which information is recorded as a file,
Identifying the storage location of the file on the recording medium that is the recording destination,
A step of recording in a predetermined memory history information in which the acquired identification information and the identification information of the storage location where the file is finally recorded are identified.
At the start of recording a file, based on the acquired identification information, the history information in the memory is referred to, and a storage location specified by the specific information of the history information matching the identification information is newly recorded. Steps to record the file
It is of course possible to form a program characterized in that the program is executed, and to mount the program on a recording device such as an imaging device. By additionally registering such a program in a flash ROM or the like of an already used imaging device, it becomes possible to apply the present invention to a recording device such as an already used imaging device and improve the function. .
[0097]
Also, in the case of a program formed in this manner, one or both of a serial number of the recording medium and a volume serial number assigned when the recording medium is initialized are used as identification information of the recording medium. It is possible to do.
[0098]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the storage location of data can be managed for each of a plurality of recording media. Alternatively, data can be written to a storage location where data has been previously recorded.
[0099]
In addition, when there are a plurality of recording devices having the same function, even when these use a single recording medium, the storage locations of data can be managed separately in each recording device. .
[0100]
Also, since the history information is formed on the apparatus side, there is a problem of compatibility of the recording medium, that is, the recording medium used in the old recording apparatus cannot be used in the recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied. It does not cause compatibility problems.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an imaging apparatus to which an embodiment of an apparatus and a method according to the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for describing system information of a recording medium 10 and a recording destination folder table 54T.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart following FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a data management structure of the DCF standard.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Camera part, 2 ... Camera DSP, 3 ... SDRAM, 4 ... Medium I / F, 5 ... Control part, 51 ... CPU, 52 ... RAM, 53 ... Flash ROM, 54 ... EEPROM, 55 ... System bus, 6 ... Operation unit, 7 LCD controller, 8 LCD, 9 external I / F, 10 recording medium

Claims (6)

Recording means for recording information to be recorded as a file in a storage location on a removable recording medium attached to the own device,
Acquiring means for acquiring the identification information of the recording medium;
Specifying means for specifying a storage location on the recording medium that is a recording destination,
History creation means for recording in a predetermined memory history information in which the identification information from the acquisition means and the identification information about the storage location where the file from the identification means is recorded last,
Prior to the start of file recording, the storage location specified by the identification information of the history information that matches the identification information is referred to by referring to the history information in the memory based on the identification information from the acquisition unit. And a recording control means for controlling the recording means so as to be a recording destination of a file to be newly recorded. The recording device according to claim 1,
The recording apparatus, wherein the identification information of the recording medium is one or both of a serial number of the recording medium and a volume serial number assigned when the recording medium is initialized. Imaging means for imaging a subject and capturing an image of the subject as image data;
Recording means for recording the image data from the imaging means as a file in a designated storage location of a removable recording medium mounted on the own device,
Acquiring means for acquiring the identification information of the recording medium;
Specifying means for specifying a storage location on the recording medium that is a recording destination,
History creation means for recording in a predetermined memory history information in which the identification information from the acquisition means and the identification information about the storage location where the file from the identification means is recorded last,
Prior to the start of file recording, the storage location specified by the identification information of the history information that matches the identification information is referred to by referring to the history information in the memory based on the identification information from the acquisition unit. And a recording control means for controlling the recording means so as to be a recording destination of a file to be newly recorded. Acquires identification information of the recording medium, which is a detachable recording medium attached to the own device and in which information is recorded as a file,
Identify the storage location of the file on the recording medium that is the recording destination,
Recorded in a predetermined memory history information associated with the obtained identification information and the specific information of the storage location where the specified file is recorded at the end of the file,
Prior to the start of recording of the file, based on the obtained identification information, the storage device refers to the history information in the memory, and newly stores a storage location specified by the specific information of the history information that matches the identification information. A recording method, which is a recording destination of a file to be recorded. The recording method according to claim 4, wherein
A recording method, wherein one or both of a serial number of the recording medium and a volume serial number assigned when the recording medium is initialized are used as the identification information of the recording medium. A recording method in an imaging apparatus for capturing an image of a subject, capturing an image of the subject as image data, and recording the image data as a file on a removable recording medium,
Obtain identification information of the recording medium mounted on the own device,
Identify the storage location of the file on the recording medium that is the recording destination,
Recorded in a predetermined memory history information associated with the obtained identification information and the specific information of the storage location where the specified file is recorded at the end of the file,
Prior to the start of recording of the file, based on the obtained identification information, the storage device refers to the history information in the memory, and newly stores a storage location specified by the specific information of the history information that matches the identification information. A recording method, which is a recording destination of a file to be recorded.

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