JP2005354621A - Image pickup apparatus and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image pickup apparatus capable of performing efficient file transfer. <P>SOLUTION: In an image pickup apparatus comprising an imaging device 15 for imaging an object using photoelectric conversion and an image generating means 18 for generating image data from the picked-up image, there are provided discrimination means 20, 21 to/from which a plurality of recording media 22, 23 for recording image data can be attached/detached and which discriminate whether a file associated between the recording media is present or not, and a transfer means 37 for selecting a predetermined file out of the recording media and transferring the selected file. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus in which a plurality of recording media for recording image data can be attached and detached, and a file stored in these recording media is transferred to the outside, and a control method therefor.

  In file transfer in a conventional imaging device, a wired connection such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) or IEEE1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) or the like on a recording medium on a file receiving device side represented by a personal computer (PC) By performing wireless connection by wireless LAN, physical connection of file transfer is performed. Furthermore, file transfer is enabled by using PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) or a unique file transfer protocol in the upper layer.

  Hereinafter, conventional file transfer processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In FIG. 6, when a communication function for file transfer is established between the imaging device side and the file receiving device side in step S101, the recording medium on the imaging device side is changed from the recording medium on the file receiving device side in step S102. File information such as the file name, file size, creation date and time of the existing file is acquired. Next, in step S103, the list of acquired file information is displayed on a display device mounted on a recording medium on the file receiving device side. Next, when a file to be transferred is selected by the user in step S104, the file data specified in step S104 is transferred from the recording medium on the imaging device side to the recording medium on the file reception device side in step S105. The processes in S104 to S105 are executed until the transfer of the designated file is completed.

  On the other hand, the file that can be transferred is often determined by the file type. For example, the file types that can be transferred are “* .bmp”, “* .jpg”, “* .avi”. In this case, only the file information relating to the files belonging to these existing in the recording medium on the file transfer apparatus side is transmitted to the recording medium on the file receiving apparatus side in S102.

  However, the file transfer depends on the file transfer means on the imaging apparatus side, and there is no decision right on the user side using the imaging apparatus.

On the other hand, the number of files that can be stored in a recording medium is increasing due to an increase in the storage capacity of the recording medium and a technique that allows a plurality of recording medium mounting slots to be mounted in an imaging apparatus. Accordingly, as represented by USB 2.0, IEE 1394, etc., it is possible to transfer files existing in the recording medium at high speed by using transfer means having a high transfer speed. However, if the file to be transferred is limited, the user needs to select the file to be transferred from the file list displayed on the display device of the recording medium on the file receiving device side. When there are thousands of files, it is necessary to search for a file to be transferred from a large number of file data groups, and this work requires considerable effort. In order to solve such a problem, for example, there is a technique described in Patent Document 1.
JP 2003-274237 A

  Conventionally, it is possible to improve the efficiency of file transfer by limiting the files to be transferred, but this is not a useful file transfer technique in an imaging apparatus having a plurality of recording medium mounting slots.

  In addition, in an imaging apparatus equipped with a plurality of recording medium mounting slots, a technology for backing up a file from a specific recording medium to another recording medium or an image data file generated from a captured image is connected to the imaging apparatus. There is also a technique for simultaneously storing data on a plurality of recording media. However, even if these techniques are used, if the same file exists in a plurality of recording media connected to the imaging device, the same file must be transferred to the file receiving device side in duplicate. There was a problem.

  In addition, it is considered that the file that has been backed up is generally a highly important file. As a result, the frequency of transferring these files is high. However, when a large number of files exist in the recording medium of the photographing apparatus, it is necessary for the user to individually select these files and perform file transfer, which is an obstacle to efficient file transfer.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus that enables efficient file transfer.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an imaging apparatus of the present invention is an imaging apparatus that includes an imaging element that images a subject by photoelectric conversion, and an image generation unit that generates image data from the captured image. A plurality of recording media for recording the image data, and a discriminating means for discriminating whether or not there is a related file between the recording media; and selecting and transferring a predetermined file from the recording medium Transfer means.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for an image pickup apparatus, comprising: an image pickup element that picks up a subject by photoelectric conversion; and an image generation unit that generates image data from the picked-up image. A control method for an image pickup apparatus, comprising: a determination step of determining whether or not a related file exists between the recording media; and a transfer step of selecting and transferring a predetermined file from the recording medium.

  In the above apparatus or method, the determination determines whether the files existing in the plurality of recording media are the same.

  In the above apparatus or method, the determination determines whether a file existing in the plurality of recording media is an associated file.

  Further, in the above apparatus or method, the files determined by the determination means existing in the plurality of recording media are managed as a list.

  In the above apparatus or method, the transfer selects and transfers the files determined by the determination without duplication.

  In the above apparatus or method, the transfer selects and transfers only the files determined by the determination without overlapping.

  Further, in the above apparatus or method, a file in which the first mode for determining whether the files existing in the plurality of recording media are the same and transferring the file and the files existing in the plurality of recording media are associated with each other A second mode for transferring, selecting at least one of the first and second modes, and selecting and transferring the file determined by the selected process .

  As described above, according to the present invention, when selecting a transfer file, the same file existing in a plurality of recording media connected to the imaging device is discriminated, and the same duplicate file is not transferred. By making it possible, it is possible to eliminate redundancy due to duplicate transfer of the same duplicate file and perform more efficient file transfer.

  In addition, since it is possible to determine and transfer only the same files with high importance created by backup, etc., the user needs to select a file to be transferred on the display device on the file reception side. This makes it possible to perform more comfortably.

  In addition, redundancy during file transfer to the recording medium on the file reception side can be eliminated and transfer files can be selected, eliminating unnecessary file transfer and enabling more efficient and high-speed communication. .

  Further, since unnecessary file transfer is not performed, it is possible to perform transfer without reducing the capacity of the transfer destination recording medium.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  The embodiment described below is an example as means for realizing the present invention, and the dimensions, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the constituent elements exemplified below are the configurations of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied. It should be modified or changed as appropriate according to various conditions, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

  In addition, the present invention supplies a storage medium (or recording medium) that stores a program code of software that realizes the functions of an imaging apparatus that is an embodiment described later to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or a computer of the system or apparatus) Needless to say, this can also be achieved by the CPU and MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

  Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of each unit of the imaging apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the overall configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the control unit 11 controls the operation of the entire imaging apparatus according to a program stored in advance in a program storage unit 12.

  The light beam L from the subject is received by the image sensor 15 through the photographing lens 13 and the diaphragm 14. The imaging element 15 is a photoelectric conversion element that converts received light into an electrical signal, and is configured by a solid-state imaging element such as a CCD (electric transfer device) or a CMOS device. Reference numeral 16 denotes a pre-processing circuit, which includes a CDS circuit for removing output noise from the image sensor 15 and a non-linear amplifier circuit that is performed before A / D conversion. Reference numeral 17 denotes an A / D converter that converts the analog output from the preprocessing circuit into a digital output signal. The digitally converted image signal is guided to the image processing circuit 18, where contour compensation, gamma correction, white balance correction, etc. Are processed and output to the memory control circuit 19.

  The memory control circuit 19 stores the image signal generated by the image processing circuit 18 in the external recording media 22 and 23 such as a memory card via the external recording medium I / F circuit 21. The external recording medium I / F circuit 21 corresponds to a plurality of external recording media. The internal storage device 24 is storage means for storing and storing the white balance correction value and the like.

  The aperture 14 is controlled by the control unit 11 by an output from a photometric sensor 25 that measures the luminance of the subject. The distance measuring sensor 26 is composed of a known licensor such as a CCD or CMOS device corresponding to the side distance point, and outputs it to the control unit 11 as a distance measuring point shift signal corresponding to the distance to the subject. Based on these various input signals, the control unit 11 calculates the exposure value, determines the shutter speed and the aperture value, and controls the driving of the shutter device 27.

  The first external display unit 28 is a liquid crystal element that mainly displays various settings related to exposure control. The second external display unit 29 is a liquid crystal element that mainly displays various setting information related to image processing. The display unit 30 is a color liquid crystal element that can display captured image reproduction, information about the captured image obtained from the imaging element, and various detailed settings of the digital camera.

  Reference numeral 31a is a shooting preparation switch (SW1), and 31b is a shooting switch (SW2). Reference numeral 32 denotes a first information input unit that is used to input various types of shooting setting information and to input information in the horizontal direction of an image to be reproduced during normal reproduction. Reference numeral 33 denotes a second information input unit used to input various types of shooting setting information and to input vertical information of an image to be reproduced during normal reproduction. Reference numerals 34, 35, and 36 denote mode setting means for setting various shooting modes. 34 is a shooting mode selection button, 35 is an AF mode selection button, and 36 is a photometry mode selection button.

  The file transfer control unit 37 has file transfer means, and calculation processing adapted to it is performed.

  The external recording medium control unit 20 manages file information of the external recording media 22 and 23 connected to the imaging apparatus, and is a means for associating the same file and a means for managing them.

  The serial I / F 38 is a serial port for performing physical connection with a storage medium on the file receiving side, and exchange of file data is performed through this serial port.

Reference numerals 39 to 43 denote digital system setting selection means for performing various settings and selections, which are mainly used for performing various settings and selections related to the shooting function and file transfer processing corresponding to the third external display unit 30. A menu button 39 is used to display a setting menu of the imaging apparatus on the third external display unit 30. Reference numeral 40 denotes a select button which is used for various selections and file selections when the setting menu of the image pickup apparatus is displayed on the third external display unit 30 by pressing the menu button 39. A cancel button 41 is used to cancel various settings. 42 is used when displaying detailed information of a file with the Info button. Reference numeral 43 denotes a file deletion button.
[File discrimination and association processing (discrimination means)]
Next, processing for extracting the same file, associating the files, and registering them as a file list in the imaging apparatus of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In FIG. 2, first, in a state where the power of the imaging apparatus is turned on, it is checked in step S201 whether or not a plurality of external recording media are mounted on the external recording medium I / F circuit 21 which is a recording medium mounting slot. If it is not mounted, this process is terminated. If a plurality of external recording media are connected, the process proceeds to step S202, and a slot (active slot) of the external recording medium from which a file is read is set.

  Next, the file in the external recording medium set in step S203 is read out, and all the files connected to the external recording medium I / F circuit 21 of the imaging apparatus are read out in step S204 with respect to the read out file. It is checked whether the same file exists in the external recording media 22 and 23. If the same file does not exist, the process proceeds to step S207. On the other hand, if the same file exists, the process proceeds to step S205, and the external recording medium control unit 20 associates the same file. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S206, and the associated file information is registered as the same file list.

  The created identical file list is stored as a file in the external recording media 22 and 23, or stored in the internal storage device 24 in the imaging apparatus.

  In step S207, it is determined whether all files in the external recording medium from which files are currently being read have been checked. If there are still unchecked files, the process returns to step S203, and the same operation is repeated. If all the files have been checked, the process proceeds to step S208.

In step S208, it is determined whether the same file has been checked for all the external recording media 22 and 23 attached to the imaging apparatus. If there is an unchecked external recording medium, the process returns to step S202. The same operation is repeated by switching the external recording medium from which the file is read. If all the external recording media have been checked, this process ends.
[File transfer processing (transfer means) 1]
Next, transfer processing for transferring the same files identified and associated in FIG. 2 so as not to overlap will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In FIG. 3, first, in step S301, the created same file list is acquired from the external recording medium. If the same file list exists in the internal storage medium 24 of the imaging apparatus, the file list is acquired from the internal storage medium 24.

  In step S302, the slot of the external recording medium from which the file is read is set. In step S303, the file is read from the set external recording medium.

  In step S304, it is determined from the same file list acquired in step S301 whether the file read in step S303 is the same file. The file data read in step S303 is transmitted to the file receiving device that is being used.

  On the other hand, if they are the same file in step S304, the process proceeds to step S306. In step S306, it is determined whether or not the same file has already been transferred. Send out the file data. If it is determined in step S306 that the same file has already been transferred, the process proceeds to step S307.

  In step S307, it is determined whether all files in the external recording medium from which files are currently being read have been checked. If there is an unchecked file, the process returns to step S303 and the same operation is repeated. If all the files have been checked, the process proceeds to step S308.

  In step S308, it is determined whether the same file has been checked for all the external recording media 22 and 23 attached to the imaging apparatus. If there is an unchecked external recording medium, the process returns to step S302. The same operation is repeated by switching the external recording medium from which the file is read. If all the external recording media have been checked, this process ends.

Through the processing described above, it is possible to control the file receiving apparatus so as not to transfer the same file registered by the backup function or the like in the imaging apparatus, and efficient file transfer can be performed.
[File transfer processing (transfer means) 2]
Next, transfer processing for transferring only the same file identified and associated in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In FIG. 4, first, in step S401, the created same file list is acquired from the external recording medium. If the same file list exists in the internal storage medium 24 of the imaging apparatus, the file list is acquired from the internal storage medium 24.

  In step S402, the slot of the external recording medium from which the file is read is set. In step S403, the file is read from the set external recording medium.

  In step S404, it is determined whether the file read in step S403 is the same file from the same file list acquired in step S401. If it is not the same file, the process proceeds to step S405. Advances to step S406.

  In step S406, it is determined whether the same file has already been transferred. If it has already been transferred, the process proceeds to step S405. If it has not been transferred, the process proceeds to step S407. In step S407, the file data read in step S403 is transmitted to the file receiving apparatus connected via the serial I / F 38.

  In step S405, it is determined whether all files in the external recording medium from which files are currently being read have been checked. If there are still unchecked files, the process returns to step S403 and the same operation is repeated. If all the files have been checked, the process proceeds to step S408.

  In step S408, it is determined whether the same file has been checked for all the external recording media 22 and 23 attached to the imaging apparatus. If there is an unchecked external recording medium, the process returns to step S402. The same operation is repeated by switching the external recording medium from which the file is read. If all the external recording media have been checked, this process ends.

In this embodiment, there are a mode in which the same file is transferred without duplication, a mode in which only the same file is transferred, a mode in which all files are transferred, and the like, and switching to at least one of the transfer modes is possible. is there. For example, when the menu button 39 is pressed, the third external display unit 30 mounted on the imaging device displays a menu related to the function of the imaging device. From the displayed menu, use the first information input unit 32 and the second information input unit 33 to move the cursor to the transfer mode setting and press the select button 40, so that the transfer mode is displayed on the third external display unit 30. Is displayed. Then, by performing the same operation using the first information input unit 32, the second information input unit 33, and the select button 40, the transfer mode can be switched by moving the cursor to the transfer mode to be set. The set transfer mode is stored in the internal storage device 24 in the imaging apparatus.
[Transfer file]
Next, an example of a file group transferred to the file receiving side apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the external recording media 22 and 23 connected to the external recording medium I / F circuit 21, FIG. 5A shows a file group existing in the external recording medium 22, and FIG. 5 shows a file group existing in the external storage medium 23. Shown in (b).

  5A and 5B, files having the same file name are backup files created by the backup function of the imaging apparatus and are the same image.

  Here, it is assumed that the file receiving apparatus is connected via the serial I / F 38. When the file transfer according to the prior art is performed instead of the transfer process of the present embodiment, the file group transferred to the file receiving apparatus side is as shown in FIG. All the files in (b) are added.

  On the other hand, the file group in the case where the file transfer is performed by the file transfer process of the present embodiment is as shown in FIG. Further, the file group when only the backup file is transferred is as shown in FIG. 5E, and efficient file transfer can be realized.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and, for example, a process of determining files associated in a plurality of recording media can be considered. In addition, the method of defining the same file when extracting the same file is a file with the same name or the file data is the same. Embodiments such as setting according to the above are conceivable.

1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the discrimination | determination and correlation process of the same file of embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the file transfer process 1 of embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the file transfer process 2 of embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which illustrates the transfer file list of embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the conventional file transfer process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Control part 12 Program memory | storage part 13 Imaging lens 14 Aperture 15 Imaging element 16 Preprocessing circuit 17 A / D converter 18 Image processing circuit 19 Memory control circuit 20 External recording medium control part 21 External recording medium I / F circuit 22 External recording Medium 23 External recording medium 24 Internal storage device 25 Photometric sensor 26 Distance sensor 27 Shutter device 28 First external display unit 29 Second external display unit 30 Third external display unit 31a Imaging preparation switch (SW1)
31b Imaging switch (SW2)
32 First information input unit 33 Second information input unit 34 Shooting mode selection button 35 AF mode selection button 36 Metering mode selection button 37 File transfer processing unit 38 Serial I / F
39 Menu button 40 Select button 41 Cancel button 42 Info button 43 File delete button

Claims (8)

An imaging device comprising: an imaging element that images a subject by photoelectric conversion; and an image generation unit that generates image data from the captured image.
A plurality of recording media for recording the image data is detachable,
A discriminating means for discriminating whether or not a file related between the recording media exists;
An image pickup apparatus comprising: transfer means for selecting and transferring a predetermined file from the recording medium.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether the files existing in the plurality of recording media are the same.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether a file existing in the plurality of recording media is an associated file.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a management unit that manages, as a list, the files determined by the determination unit that exist in the plurality of recording media.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transfer unit selects and transfers the files determined by the determination unit without duplication.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transfer unit selects and transfers only the files determined by the determination unit without duplication. Determine whether the files existing in the plurality of recording media are the same, determine whether the first mode for transferring and the files existing in the plurality of recording media are associated files, and transfer And a second mode to
Selecting means for selecting at least one of the first and second modes;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transfer unit that selects and transfers a file determined by the selected process. An imaging device control method comprising: an imaging device that images a subject by photoelectric conversion; and an image generation unit that generates image data from a captured image, wherein a plurality of recording media for recording the image data is detachable.
A discriminating step for discriminating whether or not a file related between the recording media exists;
A transfer step of selecting and transferring a predetermined file from the recording medium.

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