JP2006140630A - Digital camera system and digital camera applied to the system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital camera and a digital camera system through which recorded image data can easily be confirmed. <P>SOLUTION: A recording medium has a wireless communication portion, a first image recording portion for main image data recording, and a second image recording portion for reduced image data recording, and the digital camera includes a wireless communication portion, a digital image data generation portion, a main image recording portion recording main image data to the first image recording portion through a connector terminal, a reduced image generation portion, a reduced image recording portion recording reduced image data to the second image recording portion through both the wireless communication portions, a reduced image readout portion reading the reduced image data out of the second image recording portion, and an image display portion which displays a reduced image of the read-out reduced image data, wherein the reduced image readout portion reads the reduced image data out of the second image recording portion while the recording medium is not loaded in the digital camera. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention includes a digital camera system and a digital camera applied to the system, and more specifically, a digital camera and a recording medium configured to be detachable from the digital camera, and image data acquired by the digital camera is used as the recording medium. The present invention relates to a digital camera system configured to be able to record and a digital camera applied to the system.

  Conventionally, it consists of a digital camera that acquires image data using an image sensor and a recording medium that is detachably attached to the digital camera, and the image data acquired by the digital camera is attached to the digital camera. Various proposals have been made for digital camera systems configured to record on a recording medium, and are generally put into practical use.

  The digital camera system in this form is not limited to a general digital camera and a recording medium, and various electronic devices having a photographing function for acquiring electronic image data using an image sensor or the like. For example, there are various forms such as a mobile phone, a PDA device (Personal Digital Assistance; personal notebook type portable electronic device), and a portable small computer.

  In a conventional digital camera system, a recording medium having a card shape such as a memory card is generally detachably disposed. A digital camera equipped with this recording medium acquires image data by performing a photographing operation, and the image data is recorded on the recording medium.

  With respect to the image data recorded on the recording medium in this way, it is convenient if the contents of the image data can be easily confirmed. That is, the conventional general recording medium cannot identify information such as what kind of image data is recorded therein, that is, information such as the usage status of the recording medium from the appearance of the recording medium. It is like that.

Therefore, for example, in a digital camera disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-317930, an image based on image data recorded on a recording medium can be displayed using a liquid crystal display unit provided in the digital camera. It has become. In this case, the liquid crystal display unit displays a plurality of images based on the image data recorded on the recording medium. As a result, anyone can easily check the outline of the image recorded on the recording medium at any time.
JP 11-317930 A

  However, with the means disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-317930, in order to confirm information such as the image data recorded on the recording medium and the usage status of the recording medium, the recording medium is actually used. It is necessary to keep it attached to the digital camera. In this case, in order to confirm a plurality of recording media, the operation of attaching and detaching each recording medium must be repeated, which is troublesome. In addition, since such an operation interrupts the photographing operation, there is a possibility that a problem such as missing a photographing opportunity (so-called photo opportunity) may occur. From this, it can be said that the confirmation means accompanied with the attachment / detachment of the recording medium is not suitable for the operation during the photographing operation, as is conventionally done.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object thereof is to easily confirm the contents of image data recorded on a recording medium by a digital camera without performing complicated operations. It is to provide a digital camera system that can be used and a digital camera applied to the system.

  In order to achieve the above object, a digital camera system according to the present invention includes a digital camera and a recording medium configured to be detachably attached to the digital camera, wherein the recording medium includes the digital camera and the digital camera. A recording medium side wireless communication unit for performing wireless communication, a first image recording unit for recording main image data, and a reduction for display corresponding to the main image data recorded in the first image recording unit A second image recording unit for recording image data, and the digital camera includes a camera-side wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with the recording medium-side wireless communication unit, and an image acquired by an image sensor. A digital image data generation unit that generates digital image data based on a signal, and a digital image generated by the digital image data generation unit A main image recording unit that records data as the main image data in the first image recording unit via a connect terminal, a reduced image generation unit that generates corresponding reduced image data based on the digital image data, A reduced image recording unit that records the reduced image data generated by the reduced image generation unit in the second image recording unit via the camera side wireless communication unit and the recording medium side wireless communication unit; and the camera side wireless A reduced image reading unit for reading the reduced image data from the second image recording unit via the communication unit and the recording medium side wireless communication unit, and a reduced image based on the reduced image data read by the reduced image reading unit. An image display unit for displaying, and the reduced image reading unit includes the second image when the recording medium is not attached to the digital camera. Characterized in that the recording unit is configured so as it reads the reduced image data.

  According to the present invention, a digital camera system capable of easily confirming the contents of image data recorded on a recording medium by a digital camera without performing complicated operations and a digital camera applied to the system are provided. Can do.

The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing only the components related to the present invention among the main components in the digital camera system of one embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a digital camera system 1 according to this embodiment includes a digital camera 20 that acquires image data using an image sensor (not shown in FIG. 1) and the like, and is detachable from the digital camera 20. And a recording medium 81 configured to record image data obtained by the digital camera 20.

  The digital camera 20 is configured to perform writing and erasing of acquired image data on the recording medium 81 by performing a predetermined operation with the recording medium 81 mounted.

  That is, the digital camera 20 receives an output signal from an image sensor (not shown in FIG. 1) that is output in accordance with the imaging operation, and generates digital image data based on the output signal. The main image recording unit 18a that performs signal processing for receiving digital image data generated by the digital image data generating unit 19a and converting it into image data in a recording format, and the digital camera 20 and the recording medium 81 are electrically connected. A communication connector 53 having a connect terminal, a reduced image generation unit 19b that generates corresponding reduced image data (also referred to as thumbnail image data) based on the digital image data generated by the digital image data generation unit 19a, The reduced image data generated by the reduced image generator 19b is received and passed through. And a reduced image recording unit 18b that performs signal processing for conversion into image data of a recording format, and communication and recording format image data output from the reduced image recording unit 18b are received and transferred by predetermined wireless communication. The reduced-side image data recorded in the camera-side wireless communication unit 29, which is a wireless communication means, and the second image recording unit 81b of the recording medium 81 are transmitted via the recording-medium-side wireless communication unit 85 and the camera-side wireless communication unit 29. The reduced image reading unit 17 serving as a reading means for reading out, and various display formats in a predetermined display format (list display format, slide show display format, etc.) in response to an output signal (reduced image data) from the reduced image reading unit 17 A liquid crystal monitor for image display (LCD; Liquid Crystal Display; hereinafter referred to as LCD for image display). It is constructed with a) 69 or the like.

  On the other hand, the recording medium 81 electrically connects the digital camera 20 and the recording medium 81 by contacting a contact portion of the communication connector 53 of the digital camera 20 (not shown in FIG. 1; see the reference numeral 53a in FIG. 3). The image data in the recording format output from the contact portion (not shown in FIG. 1; see the reference numeral 53b in FIG. 3) and the main image recording portion 18a on the digital camera 20 side is received via the communication connector 53. A first image recording unit 81a for recording, a recording medium side wireless communication unit 85 for receiving image data in a communication format and a recording format in which data is transferred by wireless communication from the camera side wireless communication unit 29 on the digital camera 20 side, It has a second image recording unit 81b or the like that receives an output (reduced image data) from the recording medium side wireless communication unit 85 and records it.

  The reduced image data generated in the reduced image recording unit 18b of the digital camera 20 is display image data for confirming what kind of image data is recorded on the recording medium 81. Data transfer performed between the camera-side wireless communication unit 29 and the recording medium-side wireless communication unit 85 is performed by non-contact wireless communication.

  Next, an outline of the operation of the digital camera system 1 of the present embodiment will be briefly described.

  First, the operation in a state where the recording medium 81 is attached to a predetermined part of the digital camera 20 is as follows.

It is in a state of waiting for a predetermined command signal from an operation member or the like. Specifically, for example, here, the digital camera 20 is in a state of waiting for a photographing operation.

  The photographing operation of the digital camera 20 is started when a release operation is performed by the user. An electrical image signal that has been subjected to photoelectric conversion processing for converting an optical subject image into an electrical image signal of a predetermined form by an imaging device (not shown in FIG. 1) driven in response to the release operation. Is acquired. This electrical image signal is output to the digital image data generation unit 19a to generate digital image data. This digital image data is converted into image data in a recording format by signal processing performed in the main image recording unit 18a. The image data (main image data) in this recording format is transmitted to the recording medium 81 side via the communication connector 53 and recorded in the first image recording unit 81a.

  Further, the following operation is executed in parallel with the above-described series of imaging operations (imaging, image data generation, recording operation, etc.).

  That is, the digital image data acquired by the imaging operation described above is simultaneously output from the digital image data generation unit 19a to the reduced image generation unit 19b separately from the main image recording unit 18a.

  In the reduced image generation unit 19b, predetermined signal processing for generating reduced image data (thumbnail image data) based on the digital image data is performed. Thereby, reduced image data is generated. The reduced image data is output to the camera-side wireless communication unit 29 after being subjected to signal processing for conversion to image data in a communication and recording format in the reduced image recording unit 18b. In response to this, the camera-side wireless communication unit 29 performs data transfer by wireless communication toward the recording medium-side wireless communication unit 85.

  The reduced image data transferred by this data transfer is recorded in the second image recording unit 81b via the recording medium side wireless communication unit 85.

  On the other hand, the operation when confirming the contents of the image data recorded on the recording medium 81 using the digital camera 20 is as follows.

  When the user performs a predetermined operation for confirming the image data content of the recording medium 81, the reduced image reading unit 17 is connected to the recording medium 81 via the recording medium side wireless communication unit 85 and the camera side wireless communication unit 29. A process of reading the reduced image data recorded in the second image recording unit 81b is executed.

  The reduced image data read by the reduced image reading unit 17 is output to the image display LCD 69. The image display LCD 69 receives the output signal (reduced image data) from the reduced image reading unit 17, performs signal processing for converting the output signal into a signal that can be displayed in a predetermined display format, and then displays the image. Take action. The image display operation performed here is, for example, a display operation in a list display format in which a plurality of images are displayed side by side in a table format, or a display operation in a slide show display format in which a plurality of images are sequentially displayed every predetermined time.

  As described above, in the digital camera system 1 of the present embodiment, the reduced image data recorded on the recording medium 81 is transferred to the digital camera 20 side by performing wireless communication between the digital camera 20 and the recording medium 81. Are read out and displayed on the image display LCD 69 of the digital camera 20, so that the contents of the image data can be confirmed.

  This image data content confirmation operation can be performed in any case, whether the recording medium 81 is attached to the digital camera 20 or the recording medium 81 is not attached. It can be done.

  Specifically, for example, recording is performed on the digital camera 20 in a state where the recording medium 81 is not attached to the digital camera 20 and the main power of the digital camera 20 is on. It is assumed that the medium 81 is brought within a predetermined distance. Even in such a state, the digital camera system 1 according to the present embodiment can perform data transfer by wireless communication between the camera-side wireless communication unit 29 and the recording medium-side wireless communication unit 85. . As a result, the reduced image data recorded in the second data recording unit 86b of the recording medium 81 is transferred to the reduced image reading unit 17 of the digital camera 20 via the recording medium side wireless communication unit 85 and the camera side wireless communication unit 29. Is read out and displayed on the image display LCD 69 in a predetermined format as described above.

  That is, the user can confirm what kind of image is recorded inside the recording medium 81 only by bringing the recording medium 81 close to the digital camera 20.

  The digital camera system 1 having such a form is not limited to the general digital camera 20, but various electronic devices having a photographing function for acquiring electronic image data using an image sensor or the like, for example, a mobile phone. It can be applied to various forms such as a telephone, a PDA device (Personal Digital Assistance; personal notebook type portable electronic device), a portable small computer, and the like.

  The configuration of the digital camera system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the digital camera system of the present embodiment, showing the appearance when the digital camera constituting the digital camera system is viewed from the back side, and the state when the recording medium is loaded. is there. FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital camera system of FIG. FIG. 3 shows a state in which a recording medium is attached to the digital camera. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the IC tag of the recording medium in the digital camera system of the present embodiment.

  The digital camera 20 of this embodiment is mainly configured by a camera body 21 and a lens barrel 22 that is detachably attached to the camera body 21.

  The camera body 21 is a memory card to which a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory is applied, and a recording medium 81 for recording image data is detachably disposed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a lens barrel 22 is detachably disposed on the front side of the body exterior of the camera body 21. Further, on the upper surface of the body exterior of the camera body 21, an operation main switch button 23 for operating the main switch 89 (see FIG. 3) and an operation release switch for operating the release switch 91 (see FIG. 3). A button 25, an operation display LCD 75, and the like are provided. A finder eyepiece window 26, a mode setting switch button 24 for operating the mode switch 90 (see FIG. 3), an image display LCD 69, and the like are disposed on the back of the body exterior of the camera body 21. ing.

  On the side surface of the body exterior of the camera body 21, a recording medium storage unit lid 28 that is configured to be freely opened and closed is disposed. Inside the recording medium storage section lid 28, a recording medium storage section 27 having a communication connector 53 (not shown in FIG. 2, see FIGS. 1 and 3) is formed.

  Furthermore, an antenna 84 that constitutes a part of the camera-side wireless communication unit 29 is disposed in the camera body 21 and in the vicinity of the recording medium storage unit 27.

  Also, a lid switch 92 (not shown in FIG. 2) for detecting the open / closed state of the recording medium housing lid 28 at a predetermined portion in the recording medium housing 27 inside the body exterior of the camera body 21. 3) is provided.

  Inside the camera body 21, as shown in FIG. 3, a single-lens reflex component member made up of optical system members such as a reflecting mirror 31, a sub mirror 32, a pentaprism 38, and an eyepiece lens 39, and a focal plane type shutter unit 33, An imaging unit 67 as an imaging system member, an AF sensor unit 40 as a distance measuring system member, and the like are disposed.

  The image pickup unit 67 is arranged on a line along the optical axis O of the optical system member, and generates an electrical image signal by performing photoelectric conversion on a subject image formed through the optical system member. Etc. are formed.

  The camera body 21 includes a body control microcomputer 51 that controls all electrical control on the camera body 21 side, an AF sensor drive circuit 61 as a control drive system member, a mirror drive mechanism 62, and a shutter. A charging mechanism 63, a shutter control circuit 64, a photometric circuit 68, a nonvolatile memory (EEPROM) 65, and the like are provided.

  Further, an interface circuit 71 as an image processing system member, an image processing controller 72, an SDRAM 73, a Flash ROM 74, and the like are disposed inside the camera body 21.

  In the camera body 21, an image display LCD 69 and an operation display LCD 75 are disposed as display system members.

  Inside the camera body 21, a main switch 89, a mode switch 90, a release switch 91, a lid switch 92, and the like are disposed as operation switch groups.

  Furthermore, inside the camera body 21, a battery 87 and a power supply circuit 88 are disposed as power supply system members.

  Inside the camera body 21, a reader / writer circuit 83 as a wireless communication system member, an antenna 84 constituting a part of the camera-side wireless communication unit 29, and the like are disposed.

  In addition, a communication connector system member is provided inside the camera body 21 to electrically connect the lens barrel 22 to the camera body 21 and is connected to a contact portion 98 on the lens barrel 22 side. A connector 52 and a communication connector 53 for electrically connecting the camera body 21 and a recording medium 81 mounted in the recording medium storage unit 27 are provided.

  The recording medium 81 includes a flash memory or the like, a first image recording unit 81 a that records main image data, an IC tag 82 that handles reduced image data, and a communication connector 53 of the digital camera 20 when the digital camera 20 is attached. The contact portion 53b that contacts the contact portion 53a to ensure electrical connection between the two is provided.

  The main image data recorded in the first image recording unit 81a includes captured image data and management data related to each captured image data. This management data is accompanying information attached to each photographed image data. For example, the model data of the camera body 21 corresponding to the recording medium 81, the photographing date / time data, the size of the photographed image data, the setting conditions and data at the time of photographing. It contains various data such as file names.

  The first image recording unit 81a is divided into an image data area in which captured image data is recorded and a management data area in which management data is recorded. The size of the unused area of the first image recording unit 81a, that is, the remaining capacity of the recording medium 81 can be obtained from the management data.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the IC tag 82 includes an IC chip 82a including a second image recording unit 81b that records reduced image data (thumbnail image data) and a control unit 82b, and a recording medium side wireless communication unit 85. The recording medium side antenna 82d constituting a part of the recording medium side antenna 82d.

  When the main switch 89 of the camera body 21 is in the ON state, if the recording medium 81 is brought within a predetermined distance from the camera-side antenna 84 of the camera body 21, the magnetic field from the camera-side antenna 84 A voltage is generated in the recording medium side antenna 82d of the IC tag 82 of the recording medium 81. Accordingly, the camera-side wireless communication unit 29 supplies power to the recording medium-side wireless communication unit 85 in a non-contact manner.

  The IC tag 82 of the recording medium 81 is activated by the power supplied from the digital camera 20 in this way, and the reduced image data to the second image recording unit 81b is controlled by the control unit 82b of the IC tag 82. Recording and reading of reduced image data from the second image recording unit 81b are performed.

  In other words, the IC tag 82 is configured to operate by receiving power supply from the digital camera 20 side when the camera body 21 and the recording medium 81 are not in contact with each other.

  In addition to the control circuit for controlling the digital camera 20, the body control microcomputer 51 includes a main image recording unit 18a, a reduced image generating unit 19b, and a reduced image among the components described in FIG. And a recording unit 18b.

  The reader / writer circuit 83 corresponds to the reduced image reading unit 17 among the components described with reference to FIG. The reader / writer circuit 83 transmits reduced image data to the recording medium 81 side by performing wireless communication with the recording medium 81 via the camera-side antenna 84 in response to a command from the body control microcomputer 51. Thus, the reduced image data is recorded in a predetermined area on the recording medium 81 side, that is, in the second image recording unit 81b of the IC tag 82.

  Further, the reader / writer circuit 83 performs reduced communication with the recording medium 81 via the camera-side antenna 84 in response to a command from the body control microcomputer 51 to thereby reduce the reduced image data to the second image recording unit of the recording medium 81. The data can be read from 81b.

  The AF sensor drive circuit 61 controls the AF sensor unit 40 in response to a command from the body control microcomputer 51. The output signal from the AF sensor driving circuit 61 is output to the body control microcomputer 51 as a distance measurement signal.

  The mirror drive mechanism 62 is configured to drive and control the reflecting mirror 31 in response to a command from the body control microcomputer 51. The reflecting mirror 31 is disposed on the photographing optical path when the digital camera 20 is in a non-photographing state. When the digital camera 20 starts an imaging operation from this state, the body control microcomputer 51 drives and controls the mirror driving mechanism 62 at a predetermined time to retract the reflecting mirror 31 from the imaging optical path.

  The shutter charge mechanism 63 charges an urging force (spring force) for driving the front curtain and the rear curtain constituting the shutter unit 33. The movement of the front and rear curtains of the shutter unit 33 by the shutter charge mechanism 63 is controlled by a shutter control circuit 64 that operates in response to a command from the body control microcomputer 51.

  The photometry circuit 68 performs photometry processing based on the light flux from the pentaprism 38 in response to a command from the body control microcomputer 51. The output signal from the photometry circuit 68 is output to the body control microcomputer 51.

  The interface circuit 71 is connected to the image sensor 37. An image signal (also referred to as an imaging signal) of the subject image acquired and output by the imaging element 37 is output to the image processing controller 72 via the interface circuit 71. In response to this, the image processing controller 72 includes the digital image data generation unit 19a among the components described with reference to FIG. 1, and uses the SDRAM 73 and the Flash ROM 74 provided as a temporary storage area. Thus, various predetermined image signal processing is performed.

  The nonvolatile memory 65 is configured by an EEPROM or the like. The non-volatile memory 65 is provided as a non-volatile storage unit that stores predetermined control parameters necessary for performing various controls of the digital camera 20. Therefore, the non-volatile memory 65 is disposed so as to be accessible from the body control microcomputer 51.

  The power supply circuit 88 is configured to receive a command from the body control microcomputer 51 and convert the voltage of the battery 87 into a voltage necessary for each circuit unit constituting the digital camera system 1 and supply the converted voltage. Has been.

  The lens barrel 22 cooperates with a photographing optical system 41 that forms a subject image and has an optical axis O, a diaphragm unit 42 that limits the amount of light beam that passes through the photographing optical system 41, and a body control microcomputer 51. Then, a lens control microcomputer 95 that drives and controls each component of the lens barrel 22, a lens drive mechanism 96 that performs drive control of the photographing optical system 41, and an aperture drive mechanism 97 that controls drive of the aperture section 42. In addition, a contact portion 98 or the like that secures an electrical connection between the photographing optical system 41 and the digital camera 20 by contacting the contact portion of the communication connector 53 of the digital camera 20 is disposed.

  In a state where the lens barrel 22 is attached to a predetermined part of the front surface of the camera body 21, the lens control microcomputer 95 is electrically connected to the body control microcomputer 51 on the camera body 21 side via the communication connector 53. Connected to. At this time, the lens control microcomputer 95 is subordinate to the instruction of the body control microcomputer 51. Therefore, at this time, the lens control microcomputer 95 is controlled by the body control microcomputer 51, and the lens control microcomputer 95 controls the lens barrel 22.

  The photographic optical system 41 is driven by a DC motor (not shown) constituting a part of the lens driving mechanism 96 via a lens control microcomputer 95 controlled by the body control microcomputer 51. It moves in a predetermined direction along the axis.

  The diaphragm 42 is driven and controlled by a stepping motor (not shown) constituting a part of the diaphragm drive mechanism 97 via a lens control microcomputer 95 controlled by the body control microcomputer 51. It is designed to open and close.

  As described above, each of the drive motors described above is subjected to predetermined drive control in accordance with commands from the body control microcomputer 51 and the lens control microcomputer 95.

  An outline of the photographing operation using the digital camera system 1 according to the embodiment configured as described above will be described below.

  First, the lens barrel 22 is attached to the camera body 21 of the digital camera 20. In addition, the recording medium 81 is attached to the recording medium storage portion 27 of the camera body 21 of the digital camera 20. That is, the recording medium 81 is mounted on a predetermined part of the recording medium storage unit 27 with the recording medium storage unit cover 28 of the camera body 21 in the open state. Then, the recording medium housing cover 28 is closed. As a result, the recording medium 81 and the digital camera 20 are electrically connected via the communication connector 53.

  In this state, when the main switch button 23 of the digital camera 20 is operated by the operator, the main switch 89 is activated and a command signal for turning on the power is transmitted to the body control microcomputer 51. In response to this, the body control microcomputer 51 executes an imaging processing operation sequence in cooperation with the lens control microcomputer 95.

  In this state, when the release switch button 25 of the digital camera 20 is operated by the operator, the release switch 91 is activated. The release switch 91 is a switch constituted by a two-stage switch.

  First, when the operator operates the first stage (first switch; 1st.SW) of the release switch button 25, the first operation instruction signal (1st.SW) of the release switch 91 is sent to the microcomputer 51 for body control. Is transmitted. In response to this, the body control microcomputer 51 executes predetermined photometry processing and distance measurement processing. In response to the processing result, the body control microcomputer 51 performs drive control (AF drive) of the photographing optical system 41 of the lens barrel 22 via the lens control microcomputer 95.

  Subsequently, when the operator operates the second stage (second switch; 2nd.SW) of the release switch button 25, the second operation instruction signal (2nd.SW) of the release switch 91 is sent to the body control microcomputer 51. Is transmitted. In response to this, the body control microcomputer 51 performs drive control of the diaphragm unit 42 by the diaphragm drive mechanism 97 via the lens control microcomputer 95. At the same time, the body control microcomputer 51 performs drive control of the reflecting mirror 31 by the mirror drive mechanism 62. The body control microcomputer 51 performs drive control of the shutter unit 33 by the shutter control circuit 64 and the shutter charge mechanism. Furthermore, the body control microcomputer 51 performs drive control of the image sensor 37 by the interface circuit 71 and the image processing controller 72.

  Thereby, the subject image optically imaged on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 37 by the photographing optical system 41 of the lens barrel 22 is converted into an electronic image signal (imaging signal).

  Of the image signal (imaging signal) generated in this way, the captured image data is transmitted from the image processing controller 72 to the SDRAM 73 and temporarily stored (stored) therein. At the same time, the image signal (imaging signal) is transmitted from the image processing controller 72 to the first image recording unit 81 a of the recording medium 81 via the communication connector 53. The photographed image data is written (recorded) in the image data area of the first image recording unit 81a, and the management data is written in the management data area.

  On the other hand, the body control microcomputer 51 performs a process of generating reduced image data for display confirmation based on the acquired captured image data. The reduced image data generated here is transferred by wireless communication from the reader / writer circuit 83 to the recording medium 81 via the camera side antenna 84. On the recording medium 81 side, the recording medium side antenna 82 of the IC tag 82 receives this. The received reduced image data is recorded in the second image recording unit 81b.

  Here, the internal structure of the reduced image data recorded in the second image recording unit 81b of the IC tag 82 of the recording medium 81 will be described below with reference to the conceptual diagram shown in FIG.

  In the digital camera system 1 of the present embodiment, the second image recording unit 81b of the IC tag 82 of the recording medium 81 has the image data area for recording the image and the management data for recording the management data as described above. And a management data area.

  Since the IC tag 82 is formed on a very small IC chip, the reduced image data corresponding to all the main image data recorded by the second image recording unit 81b of the recording medium 81 cannot be recorded. Therefore, there is a limit to the number of sheets that can record reduced image data.

  Here, it is assumed that the capacity (recording capacity) that can be recorded in the second image recording unit 81b of the IC tag 82 is a capacity of only eight pieces of reduced image data.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 5A, recording is sequentially performed until eight pieces of reduced image data are recorded. Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the reduced image data for eight images is recorded, the latest four reduced image data are recorded thereafter.

  That is, in the state shown in FIG. 5B, when “9th” reduced image data is newly recorded, “5th” reduced image data among the already recorded reduced image data. Is deleted, "9th" reduced image data is recorded. Thereby, the reduced image data corresponding to the first to fourth sheets of the main image data recorded on the recording medium 81 and the recording medium 81 are recorded in the image data area of the second image recording unit 81b. The latest four pieces of reduced image data of the recorded main image data are recorded.

  The state shown in FIG. 5C shows the state of the image data area of the second image recording unit 81b when there are 20 main image data recorded on the recording medium 81. That is, in the image data area of the second image recording unit 81b, the reduced image data corresponding to the first to fourth images and the latest four images of the same main image data (17th to 20th images). Eye) reduced image data.

    The reason why the image to be recorded in the second image recording unit 81b is set as described above is as follows. That is, in this embodiment, the reduced image data is handled as data for confirming what kind of image is recorded on the recording medium 81. Accordingly, the reduced image data to be recorded in the second image recording unit 81b does not require all main image data recorded in the recording medium 81. In this case, it is necessary to confirm at least some of the most recently captured image and the latest image when photographing is performed using at least the recording medium 81. If these several images can be confirmed, the user will be able to determine what images are recorded on the recording medium 81. In other words, the configuration as described above is a device that enables the recorded image to be confirmed by effectively using the second image recording unit 81b having a small capacity.

  Note that, as described above, the image management operation including the operation of recording the reduced image data is executed by the control unit 82b provided inside the IC tag 82.

  Next, in the digital camera system 1 of the present embodiment, an operation when confirming what image is recorded on the recording medium 81 will be described below.

  When the main switch 89 of the digital camera 20 is on and the recording medium 81 is not mounted inside the recording medium storage unit 27, the recording medium 81 is moved from the peripheral part of the digital camera 20 to the recording medium storage unit 27. To within a predetermined distance.

  Then, wireless communication is performed via the camera side antenna 84 and the recording medium side antenna 82d of the IC tag 82 of the recording medium 81. Thereby, the reduced image data recorded in the second image recording unit 81 b is transmitted to the body control microcomputer 51 via the reader / writer circuit 83.

  Next, the body control microcomputer 51 transmits the reduced image data transmitted from the recording medium 81 to the image display LCD 69 via the image processing controller 72. In response to this, the image display LCD 69 displays a reduced image in a predetermined display form.

  These series of operations are executed without any other operation, only by the user performing the action of bringing the recording medium 81 close to the recording medium storage portion 27 of the digital camera 20 as described above.

  Here, the display image based on the reduced image data displayed using the image display LCD 69 is as follows.

  FIG. 6 is a display example of a display format in a list display format in which reduced images based on reduced image data are displayed side by side in a table format on the image display LCD 69 of the digital camera 20.

  As shown in FIG. 6, images based on the reduced image data read from the second image recording unit 81b of the IC tag 82 are displayed in order in each of the areas obtained by dividing the display area of the image display LCD 69 into nine parts. It has become so.

  First, the state shown in FIG. 6A shows a case where the reduced image data read from the second image recording unit 81b is for four sheets. In this case, among the display area of the image display LCD 69 divided into nine, for example, three images are displayed side by side in the shooting order from the upper left area to the right side, and the fourth image is displayed at the left end of the middle stage. Yes. Note that the portion other than the region where the image is displayed is displayed in a form filled with a single color, for example, black. As a result, it can be confirmed that there is no more image data on the recording medium 81. Each display image is displayed in a form in which numbers (“1” to “4” in FIG. 6A) are superimposed. This number is a number that specifies image data corresponding to each display image. This number is a number corresponding to the shooting frame number of the shooting image data recorded on the recording medium 81, for example, and is specific to each image set based on the management data recorded together with the shooting image data. Information.

  On the other hand, the state shown in FIG. 6B is an example when the reduced image data read from the second image recording unit 81b is eight sheets, that is, the maximum number of recorded images of the second image recording unit 81b. In this case, all the read reduced image data are displayed side by side. At the same time, a predetermined symbol, for example, as shown in FIG. The arrow “→” symbol is displayed. By displaying such a symbol “→” in the central portion of the display area, a reduced image corresponding to the first to fourth shot image data of the shot image data recorded on the recording medium 81 is displayed. It is easily visually confirmed that an image based on the data and an image based on the reduced image data corresponding to the latest four shot image data of the shot image data recorded on the recording medium 81 are displayed. Be able to.

  In the display example shown in FIG. 6B, the latest four images of the photographic image data recorded on the recording medium 81 are displayed by the number displays “17” to “20” attached to the display areas. This shows that the captured image data is the 17th to 20th images.

  The display form described with reference to FIG. 6 is a display form based on the list display form. However, the display form based on the reduced image data is not limited to this. For example, an image based on the read reduced image data is displayed every predetermined time. There is a display format of a slide show display format in which the entire display area is displayed one by one. This display mode setting may be arbitrarily set, for example, by mode setting in the digital camera 20 in advance, or the display mode may be switched arbitrarily each time a user performs a predetermined operation. Also good.

  Next, a part of the shooting sequence processing by the digital camera system 1 of the present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of a release processing subroutine in the shooting sequence processing by the digital camera system 1 of the present embodiment. In this release processing subroutine, the first operation instruction signal (1st.SW) of the release switch 91 generated by the first operation (first release operation) of the release switch button 25 in the shooting sequence processing (main routine; not shown) is the body. This is a process executed when detected by the control microcomputer 51.

  First, in step S40 of FIG. 7, a predetermined photometry process is executed. This photometric processing is performed by a photometric operation performed by the photometric circuit 68 under the control of the body control microcomputer 51, and an aperture value and a shutter speed setting operation performed by the body control microcomputer 51 based on the photometric result. is there. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S41.

  Subsequently, a predetermined focus adjustment process is executed in the next step S41. This focus adjustment process is performed under the control of the AF sensor unit 40 under the control of the body control microcomputer 51, and under the control of the body control microcomputer 51 and the lens control microcomputer 95 based on the distance measurement result. The focusing driving operation of the photographing optical system 41 by the lens driving mechanism 96 performed in FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S42.

  Next, in step S42, the body control microcomputer 51 confirms (checks) the on / off state of the second operation instruction signal (2nd.SW) of the release switch 91. Here, if the second operation instruction signal (2nd.SW) is detected, that is, if it is determined that the signal is in the ON state, the process proceeds to the next step S43.

  On the other hand, if the second operation instruction signal (2nd.SW) is not detected, that is, if it is determined that the signal is in the OFF state, the process proceeds to step S48.

  In step S48, the body control microcomputer 51 confirms (checks) the on / off state of the first operation instruction signal (1st.SW) of the release switch 91. Here, when the first operation instruction signal (1st.SW) is detected, that is, when it is determined that the signal is in the ON state, the processing returns to the above-described step S42 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the first operation instruction signal (1st.SW) is not detected, that is, when it is determined that the signal is in the OFF state, the release processing subroutine is terminated and a predetermined main routine (not shown) is displayed. (Return).

  When the second operation instruction signal (2nd.SW) is detected in step S42 described above and the process proceeds to step S43, a predetermined imaging process is executed in step S43. This imaging process is performed under the control of the body control microcomputer 51, such as an imaging operation such as a photoelectric conversion process of a subject image by the imaging element 37, and an image processing controller 72 or the like upon receiving an image signal acquired by this imaging operation. For example, image signal processing. Through this series of imaging processes, digital image data about a subject image captured via the imaging optical system 41 is generated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S44.

  Subsequently, in step S44, a predetermined image recording process is executed. In this image recording process, image data (main image data) is transmitted to the recording medium 81 through the communication connector 53 under the control of the body control microcomputer 51, and the image data is transmitted to the recording medium 81. This is an image recording operation for recording in a predetermined area of one image recording unit 81a. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S45.

  Subsequently, in step S45, the body control microcomputer 51 executes confirmation display reduced image generation processing for generating reduced image data for confirmation display based on the above-described image data (main image data). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S46.

  Subsequently, in step S46, the body control microcomputer 51 transfers the reduced image data for confirmation display generated in step S45 described above to the recording medium 81 side via the reader / writer circuit 83 and the camera side antenna 84. A process of writing a reduced image for confirmation display that is transmitted and recorded in a predetermined area of the second image recording unit 81b of the IC tag 82 of the recording medium 81 is executed. Thereafter, the process returns to a predetermined main routine (not shown) (return).

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of a subroutine of media check processing in the shooting sequence processing by the digital camera system 1 of the present embodiment. This media check processing subroutine is a subroutine executed when confirming and displaying what kind of image is recorded on the recording medium 81. That is, this media check processing subroutine is performed when a recording medium 81 replacement operation (also referred to as a media replacement operation) is performed in the shooting sequence processing (main routine) in the digital camera system 1. This is a process executed when the 20 recording medium storage section lid 28 is opened and an on signal of the lid switch 92 is detected by the body control microcomputer 51.

  First, in step S51 in FIG. 8, the body control microcomputer 51 checks whether or not the recording medium storage unit lid 28 is kept open for a predetermined time or more. This confirmation is determined by detecting whether the lid switch 92 is on or off. If it is determined that the open state of the recording medium storage unit lid 28 is in a state of continuing for a predetermined time or more, the process proceeds to the next step S52.

  In step S52, the body control microcomputer 51 checks whether or not the recording medium 81 has been removed from the recording medium storage unit 27, that is, whether or not the recording medium 81 has been removed. This confirmation is determined by detecting the contact state between the contact portion 53 a of the communication connector 53 of the digital camera 20 and the contact portion 53 b of the recording medium 81. If it is determined that the recording medium 81 is in the recording medium storage unit 27, the process returns to the above-described step S51 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  If it is determined that the recording medium 81 is not attached to the recording medium storage unit 27, that is, if it is determined that the recording medium 81 is detached, the next step S53 is performed. Proceed to processing.

  In step S <b> 53, the body control microcomputer 51 starts transmitting a communication signal for confirming whether or not the IC tag 82 of the recording medium 81 exists in the vicinity of the digital camera 20. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S54.

  In step S54, the body control microcomputer 51 waits for a return signal from the IC tag 82. Here, when the user brings the recording medium 81 close to the recording medium storage portion 27 of the digital camera 20, a reply signal from the IC tag 82 of the recording medium 81 is received.

  Therefore, when there is a reply signal from the IC tag 82 (when the recording medium 81 is in the vicinity of the digital camera 20), the reply signal is received and the process proceeds to the next step S55. If the return signal from the IC tag 82 is not within the predetermined time (when the recording medium 81 is not near the digital camera 20), the process proceeds to step S58.

  When the response signal from the IC tag 82 is received in step S54 and the process proceeds to step S55, the body control microcomputer 51 executes a process of reading reduced image data for display confirmation in step S55. . Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S56.

  In step S56, the body control microcomputer 51 performs a predetermined display process as described with reference to FIG. Then, it returns to the process of step S51 and repeats the subsequent processes.

  In step S54, if the return signal from the IC tag 82 is not within the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S58. In the process in step S58, the body control microcomputer 51 performs image display. It is confirmed whether a display operation using the LCD 69 is being executed. Here, if it is confirmed that the display operation is being performed, the display operation is interrupted and the display is turned off. Then, the process returns to the above-described step S51, and the subsequent processes are repeated. When it is determined that the display operation is not being executed, the process returns to the above-described step S51 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S51 described above that the recording medium housing cover 28 is not open, that is, is closed, the process proceeds to step S60.

  In step S60, the body control microcomputer 51 confirms whether or not the display operation using the image display LCD 69 is being executed as in step S58 described above. Here, when it is confirmed that the display operation is being executed, the display operation is interrupted and set to the display off state, and then the routine returns to a predetermined main routine (not shown) (return). If it is determined that the display operation is not being executed, the process immediately returns to a predetermined main routine (not shown) (return).

  As described above, in the media check processing subroutine, when the user takes out the recording medium 81 from the recording medium storage unit 27 after opening the recording medium storage unit lid 28, the wireless communication operation is started. In this case, the opening / closing operation of the recording medium housing cover 28 is used as a start trigger for the wireless communication operation and the confirmation display, which is a device for preventing wasteful power consumption.

  When the user brings the recording medium 81 close to the recording medium storage unit 27, the reduced image data recorded in advance on the recording medium 81 is transmitted to the digital camera 20 side, and the image display LCD 69 is used. Displayed.

  In this case, when the reply from the IC tag 82 disappears in the middle (for example, when the recording medium 81 is moved away from the recording medium storage unit 27 by a predetermined distance or more), the recording medium 81 is a recording medium. When it is detected that the storage unit 27 is mounted, the confirmation display operation ends.

As described above, according to the first embodiment,
The digital camera 20 generates an image signal (imaging signal) of a subject image using the imaging element 37 in accordance with the imaging operation, and creates the captured image data. At this time, the digital camera 20 records main image data including the created captured image data and management data related to each captured image data in the first image recording unit 81a of the recording medium 81, and at the same time, supports the captured image data. The reduced image data to be generated is generated and recorded in the second image recording unit 81b of the recording medium 81. Then, in a state where the recording medium 81 is taken out from the digital camera 20, the user only performs an action of bringing the recording medium 81 within a predetermined range from the recording medium storage unit 27 of the digital camera 20. Without doing so, the reduced image data recorded in the second image recording unit 81b of the recording medium 81 is read to the digital camera 20 via wireless communication, and a reduced image based on the reduced image data is read as an image. The display LCD 69 can be used to display in a predetermined format.

  Accordingly, the contents of part or all of the image data recorded on the recording medium 81 by the digital camera 20 can be performed without performing complicated operations even when the recording medium 81 is not attached to the digital camera 20. It can be confirmed very easily.

The block block diagram which shows only the component related to this invention among the main components in the digital camera system of one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance when a digital camera constituting a digital camera system mellar system according to an embodiment of the present invention is viewed from the back side and a state when a recording medium is mounted. The block block diagram which shows schematic structure of the digital camera system of FIG. The block block diagram which shows the structure of the IC tag of the recording medium in the digital camera system of FIG. The conceptual diagram which shows the internal structure of the reduced image data recorded on the 2nd image recording part of the IC tag of the recording medium in the digital camera system of FIG. The figure which shows the example of a display of the display form by the list display format which arranges and displays the reduced image based on reduced image data in a table | surface format in the liquid crystal monitor for image display of the digital camera in the digital camera system of FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing details of a release processing subroutine in the shooting sequence processing by the digital camera system of FIG. 2. FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing details of a subroutine of media check processing in photographing sequence processing by the digital camera system of FIG. 2. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 …… Digital camera system 17 …… Reduced image reading unit 17
18a …… Main image recording unit 18b …… Reduced image recording unit 19a …… Digital image data generating unit 19b …… Reduced image generating unit 20 …… Digital camera 21 …… Camera body 22 …… Lens barrel 23 …… Main switch Button 24 …… Mode setting switch button 25 …… Release switch button 26 …… Finder eyepiece window 27 …… Recording medium storage portion 28 …… Recording medium storage portion cover 29 …… Camera-side wireless communication portion 31 …… Reflector 32… ... Sub-mirror 33 ... Shutter unit 37 ... Image sensor 38 ... Penta prism 39 ... Eyepiece 40 ... Sensor unit 41 ... Shooting optical system 42 ... Diaphragm part 51 ... Body control microcomputer 52 ... Communication Connector (lens barrel side)
53 Communication connector (recording medium mounting part side)
53a... Contact portion 53b... Contact portion 71 interface circuit 81... Recording medium 81a... First image recording portion 81b... Second image recording portion 82. Control unit 82d Recording medium side antenna 83 Reader / writer circuit 84 Camera side antenna 85 Recording medium side wireless communication unit 86b Data recording unit 89 Main switch 90 Mode switch 91 Release switch 92 …… Cover switch 95 …… Lens control microcomputer 96 …… Lens drive mechanism 97 …… Drive mechanism 98 …… Contact point 69 …… LCD monitor for image display (LCD)
75 …… For operation display (LCD)
Attorney Susumu Ito

Claims (18)

In a digital camera system comprising a digital camera and a recording medium configured to be detachable from the digital camera,
The recording medium includes a recording medium-side wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with the digital camera, a first image recording unit that records main image data, and a main image recorded in the first image recording unit. A second image recording unit for recording reduced image data for display corresponding to the image data,
The digital camera includes a camera-side wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with the recording medium-side wireless communication unit, a digital image data generation unit that generates digital image data based on an imaging signal acquired by the imaging device, and the digital camera A main image recording unit that records digital image data generated by the image data generation unit as the main image data in the first image recording unit via a connect terminal, and corresponding reduced image data based on the digital image data A reduced image generation unit that generates the reduced image data, and reduced image data generated by the reduced image generation unit is recorded in the second image recording unit via the camera-side wireless communication unit and the recording medium-side wireless communication unit. The reduction from the second image recording unit via the image recording unit, the camera side wireless communication unit and the recording medium side wireless communication unit A reduced image reading unit for reading image data, and includes an image display unit for displaying a reduced image based on the reduced image data read out by the reduced image reading portion,
The reduced image reading unit is configured to read the reduced image data from the second image recording unit in a state where the recording medium is not attached to the digital camera. . The digital camera system according to claim 1, wherein the camera-side wireless communication unit supplies power to the recording medium-side wireless communication unit in a contactless manner. The digital camera system according to claim 2, wherein the recording medium side wireless communication unit includes means for generating electric power by a magnetic field generated from the digital camera. The digital camera system according to claim 1, wherein at least the second image recording unit and the recording medium side wireless communication unit are formed on a single IC chip. The digital camera system according to claim 1, wherein the second image recording unit has a recording capacity capable of recording reduced image data corresponding to a predetermined number of reduced images. The second image recording unit corresponds to at least the latest main image data among the main image data recorded in the first image recording unit of the recording medium when the recording capacity is insufficient. 6. The digital camera system according to claim 5, wherein reduced image data is recorded. The digital camera system according to claim 1, wherein the image display unit displays the reduced images based on the reduced image data read by the reduced image reading unit side by side. 2. The digital camera system according to claim 1, wherein the image display unit sequentially switches and displays reduced images based on the reduced image data read by the reduced image reading unit at predetermined time intervals. In a digital camera capable of recording image data on a detachable recording medium,
A digital image data generation unit that generates digital image data based on an imaging signal acquired by the imaging element;
A main image recording unit for recording the digital image data on the recording medium in a state where the recording medium is mounted;
A reduced image generation unit that generates reduced image data based on the digital image data;
A reduced image recording unit that records the reduced image data on the recording medium in a state where the recording medium is mounted;
A reduced image reading unit that reads the reduced image data from the recording medium by non-contact communication in a state where at least the recording medium is not mounted;
An image display unit for displaying a reduced image based on the reduced image data read by the reduced image reading unit;
A digital camera comprising: The digital camera according to claim 9, wherein the image display unit displays a plurality of reduced images based on the reduced image data read by the reduced image reading unit. 10. The digital camera system according to claim 9, wherein the image display unit sequentially switches and displays reduced images based on the reduced image data read by the reduced image reading unit at predetermined time intervals. In a digital camera capable of recording image data on a detachable recording medium,
Wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with the recording medium;
Reading means for reading image data from the recording medium via the wireless communication means in a state where the recording medium is not mounted;
Display means for displaying an image based on the image data read by the reading means;
A digital camera comprising: 13. The digital camera according to claim 12, wherein the wireless communication means includes means for supplying electric power in a non-contact manner to a wireless communication circuit disposed in the recording medium. 13. The digital camera according to claim 12, wherein the display means displays images based on the image data read by the reading means side by side. 13. The digital camera according to claim 12, wherein the display means switches and displays images based on the image data read by the reading means in order at predetermined time intervals. 13. The digital camera according to claim 12, wherein the image data read by the reading means is a reduced thumbnail image. In a digital camera capable of recording image data on a detachable recording medium,
Means for reading out image data recorded on the recording medium in a non-contact state at least in a state where the recording medium is not mounted;
Means for displaying an image based on the read image data;
A digital camera comprising: 18. The digital camera according to claim 17, further comprising means for supplying power to the recording medium in a non-contact manner.

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