JP2006310944A - Photographing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photographing apparatus capable of simply designating a folder and recording image data to the folder. <P>SOLUTION: Before image data generated in response to a photographing operation are recorded on a memory card, a preview image on the basis of the image data and four icons generated in advance are displayed on a liquid crystal monitor 10_301, and the image data denoting the preview image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 10_301 are recorded in a folder associated with an icon designated by the operation of cross-keys 10_8 and an OK button 10_7. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device that forms image data representing a subject by imaging subject light on an image sensor with an imaging optical system and records the image data generated according to the imaging operation on a recording medium.

  Memory cards are one of the famous recording media for digital cameras. By recording image data representing a subject on the memory card, an image based on the image data recorded on the memory card can be made into a photograph or displayed on the display screen of the image display device.

  Of course, the larger the capacity of this memory card, the more images can be recorded on a single memory card, and the user can simply insert the single memory card into the digital camera and the more You can enjoy shooting.

  However, if the capacity of this memory card is small, it may be troublesome to place a number of replacement memory cards in the pocket and carry them around when needed, or the loaded memory card will be full. When you want to take a picture, you may not be able to take a picture.

  Therefore, digital camera manufacturers are trying to provide more services to their customers by increasing the recording capacity of memory cards or improving other recording media such as DVDs. Yes.

  However, when the capacity of the recording medium is increased in this way, the number of image data becomes too large and it becomes complicated to manage the image data after shooting.

In order to avoid such complications, the recording area of the recording medium is divided into a large number of folders, and names are assigned to the numerous folders so that the image data has a name related to the contents of the image data. Some image data are easily managed by recording them in a folder (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). In addition, there is a similar one that makes it easy to sort image data by selecting a folder by operation (see, for example, Patent Document 3).
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a conventional folder display example.

As shown in FIG. 1, a number of the same icons 21 are displayed on the display screen 2 so that the number of folders can be identified so that each folder can be identified by characters (for example, main, person 1...). I have to. However, as shown in FIG. 1, although it is possible to easily sort image data for each folder name, when the image data is recorded in the folder after reading and confirming the folder name one by one, it is a little. It is troublesome.
JP 2001-169222 A JP 2003-37770 A JP 2004-228987 A

  In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a photographing apparatus that can easily specify a folder and record image data in the folder.

The imaging apparatus of the present invention that achieves the above object forms image data representing a subject by imaging subject light on an image sensor with a photographing optical system, and records the image data generated according to the photographing operation on a recording medium. In the shooting device
Folder creation means for creating a folder for recording image data in the recording medium in association with icons made of different designs;
A display screen for displaying images;
Preview recording control for displaying a preview image based on the image data and an icon associated with the folder on the display screen before recording the image data generated in accordance with the shooting operation on the recording medium. Means,
Icon designating means for designating a predetermined icon from the icons displayed on the display screen;
And recording means for recording image data representing the preview image displayed on the display screen in a folder associated with the icon designated by the icon designation means.

  According to the photographing apparatus of the present invention, the recording means records the preview image displayed by the preview display control means in the folder associated with the icon designated by the icon designation means. The folder in which the image data is recorded is created in the recording medium in association with icons made of different designs by the folder creation means, so that the icon designation means designates the folder. Image data is recorded in a folder associated with the icon.

  In other words, if you look at a design and record the image data related to that design in one of the folders that correspond to the icons of different designs, you can read the name of the folder one by one as before. The trouble of recording data is eliminated.

  That is, according to the photographing apparatus of the present invention, it is easy to instruct intuitively to view an icon of any one of the icons of different designs without reading the folder names one by one as before. Image data can be sorted by operation.

  As described above, it is possible to realize a photographing apparatus that can easily specify a folder and record image data in the folder.

  Here, the recording means receives the occurrence of a predetermined event after the preview image is displayed on the display screen by the preview display control means, and does not set an icon in the icon setting means. The image data representing the preview image may be recorded in the same folder as the previously recorded folder, or may be recorded in a predetermined folder.

  For example, when an operation signal instructing recording of a preview image is supplied to the recording unit by the icon specifying unit, or when the recording unit is not operated for a predetermined time and the recording unit is overtime, Image data representing a preview image is automatically recorded in the same folder as the previously recorded folder or a predetermined folder.

  Thus, even if the folder name is not read and specified as before, when the icon is specified by the icon specifying means, image data representing a preview image is recorded in a predetermined folder in the recording medium. In addition, when the image is taken many times at the same place, the release is repeated, and there is a case where there is no time to designate one by one by the designation means. In view of this, in the case where many times of shooting are performed one after another, the image data is recorded in the same folder as the previously recorded folder, or the image data is recorded in a predetermined folder.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the said recording means is an aspect provided with the icon creation means which cuts out a part of the images displayed on the said display screen, and produces an icon.

  Here, the image displayed on the display screen may be a reproduced image or a preview image.

  Then, by extracting a part of the image from the reproduced image or the preview image by the icon creating means, creating an icon corresponding to the folder so that shooting information indicating the image to be recorded immediately comes to mind. Can do. In the creation of this icon, it is possible to easily replace an icon that has been used so far with an icon created by the icon creating means, or to create a new icon created by the icon creating means.

In addition, the display screen has a touch panel for recognizing a contact position,
It is preferable that the icon designating unit designates an icon in response to contact with a predetermined icon among the icons displayed on the display screen.

  If it does so, the operation of the icon designation | designated by the said icon designation | designated means will become easy.

  As described above, a photographing apparatus that can easily specify a folder and record image data in the folder is realized.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the digital camera 10 which is an embodiment of the photographing apparatus of the present invention as viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 2A shows a diagram of the front of the digital camera 10 as viewed from diagonally above, and FIG. 2B shows a diagram of the back of the digital camera 10 as viewed from diagonally above. Yes.

  In the center of the front surface of the digital camera 10 shown in FIG. 2A, a zoom lens barrel 10_1 having a photographing lens 10_1a, which is an optical zoom lens, is provided. Above the zoom lens barrel 10_1, there is provided a flash light emission window 10_2 for irradiating flash light toward the subject when the field luminance is low. Next to the flash emission window 10_2, there is provided an optical viewfinder objective window 10_3 that is paired with an optical viewfinder eyepiece window (described later) on the back side. A release button 10_4 is provided on the top surface of the digital camera 10.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, an optical viewfinder eyepiece window 10_5, a mode switch mode switch 10_6 for switching between a photographing mode and a reproduction mode, and the like are arranged on the upper back of the digital camera 10. Yes.

  Further, below the mode switch 10_6, the menu button 10_9 is used when the cursor on the liquid crystal monitor 10_301 is moved when the menu is displayed by operating the menu button 10_9. A cross key 10_8 having an up key 10_80, a down key 10_82, a right key 10_81, and a left key 10_83 is provided. An OK button 10_7 is provided at the center of the cross key. A cancel button 10_10 is also provided next to the cross key 10_8.

  The digital camera 10 of this embodiment has a preview mode. When the preview mode is selected by operating the menu button 10_9, the cross key 10_8, and the OK button 10_7, the image data is recorded on the liquid crystal monitor 10_301 before being recorded. A preview image is displayed. In this embodiment, when the preview image is displayed, icons 10_111 to 10_114 made of different designs that are associated with the folder are any of the icons displayed and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 10_301. Is designated by the cross key, image data representing a preview image is recorded in a folder corresponding to the designated icon.

  In the present embodiment, icons displayed on the preview screen are scrolled on the screen sequentially by the operation of the cross key so that icons with different designs are displayed one after another.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a large number of icons of different designs.

  As shown in FIG. 3, there are various design icons. FIG. 2B shows four of these icons. As described above, the icons are scrolled by the operation of the cross key, and any one of the many icons shown in FIG. Is displayed.

  Since these icons are respectively assigned to folders, that is, a large number of different recording areas in the recording medium, image data is recorded in a folder corresponding to the icon when one of them is designated.

  For example, when traveling abroad, image data representing images taken during overseas travel may be recorded in a folder corresponding to an icon representing an airplane. When traveling on a train, the icon representing a train is used. If image data representing an image taken during the trip is recorded in the corresponding folder, it can be easily understood later that the image is in the folder associated with the icon.

  Here, the internal circuit configuration of the digital camera 10 is shown, the flow of image data at the time of shooting is described, and how the image data at the time of shooting is stored in the folder associated with the icon according to the shooting operation. Explain what will be recorded.

  Before describing the relationship between the icon and the folder in the recording area of the recording medium, which is a characteristic part of the present invention, the operation of this digital camera including the photographing operation will be briefly described.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the digital camera 10 shown in FIG.

  The digital camera 10 is comprehensively controlled by the CPU 10_47. The CPU 10_47 in this example has a built-in program memory 10_471, and has a non-volatile memory 10_472 in which icons are registered outside.

  In this example, the keys 10_81 to 10_84 of the cross key 10_8, the OK button 10_7, and the release button 10_4 are connected to the input port of the CPU 10_47, and the state of the operator when any of them is operated. The change is detected by the CPU 10_47 and the process is appropriately executed.

  First, how the image signal generated by the image sensor is supplied to the subsequent circuit will be described.

  FIG. 2 also shows a photographic lens necessary for operating the circuit after the image sensor 10_41. In order to show what the photographic lens is, a zoom which is a main component of the photographic lens is shown. A lens 10_1a1 and a focus lens 10_1a2 are illustrated. The photographing lens 10_1a including these lenses causes subject light to form an image on the subsequent CCD 10_41, and the CCD 10_41 generates an image signal representing the subject light.

  After the CCD 10_41 generates the image signal as described above, how the generated image signal is transmitted to the subsequent circuit will be described.

  A flow of an image signal representing a through image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 10_301 when the power is first turned on and the mode switch 10_6 is on the photographing mode side will be described.

  In order to cause the CCD 10_41 to generate an image signal for a through image, the CCD 10_41 is caused to repeatedly supply an exposure start signal and an exposure end signal to the CCD 10_41 at a predetermined cycle by a timing generator (not shown) under the control of the CPU 10_47 described later. Generation of an image signal representing a through image is performed every predetermined period. In response to the exposure end signal from the timing generator (not shown), after the exposure at the CCD 10_41 is ended, an image signal (hereinafter referred to as RGB signal) representing a through image that has been exposed almost simultaneously is output from the CCD 10_41. ing.

  When the RGB signal for the through image is output to the A / D conversion circuit 10_42 in this way, the analog RGB signal is converted into a digital RGB signal by the A / D conversion circuit 10_42. Then, the digital RGB signal is guided to the bus line 10_100 by the image input controller 10_43 in the subsequent stage.

  The digital RGB signal for the through image guided to the bus line 10_100 by the image input controller 10_43 is supplied to the image signal processing circuit 10_44, and the image signal processing circuit 10_44 converts the digital RGB signal to the digital YC signal. Is done. The YC signal converted by the image signal processing circuit 10_44 is supplied to the drive control unit 10_300 of the display unit 10_30, and an image based on the YC signal is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 10_301 of the display unit 10_30. Since this YC signal is generated by the CCD 10_41 at every predetermined period, an image based on the YC signal is switched and displayed at every predetermined period on the liquid crystal monitor 10_301. In this way, the subject in the direction in which the photographing lens 10_1a is directed is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 10_301 as a through image as it is.

  That is, even if the liquid crystal monitor 10_301 is viewed in place of the viewfinder without looking through the optical viewfinder, shooting is performed by pressing the release button 10_4 at a photo opportunity.

  Here, the release button 10_4 is pushed to take a picture at a photo opportunity while seeing the through image, and when the release button 10_4 is half-pressed, one switch (hereinafter referred to as a first contact) 10_4A is connected. Then, the CPU 10_47 detects the half-pressed state, and when the CPU 10_47 is fully pressed, the other switch 10_4B (hereinafter referred to as the second contact) is also connected and is detected by the CPU 10_47 to be fully pressed.

  The CPU 10_47 causes the AE detection circuit 10_50 and the AF detection circuit 10_51 to perform predetermined processing when half-pressing is detected, and causes the timing generator (not shown) to perform exposure corresponding to the shutter speed when full-pressing is detected. A start signal and an exposure end signal are output to the CCD 10_41.

  The AE detection circuit 10_50 detects luminance necessary for exposure setting, and the CPU 10_47 adjusts the aperture diameter of a diaphragm (not shown) or emits flash when fully pressed according to the detection result of the AE detection circuit 10_50. The apparatus 10_20 is caused to emit flash light.

  Further, the AF detection circuit 10_51 instructs the motor driver 10_49 under the control of the CPU 10_47 to move the focus lens 10_1a2 from the nearest point to the farthest point, and subject contrast at a plurality of positions on the way. Thus, processing is performed in which the peak of the subject contrast detected at each position is set as the focal point.

  In this way, after the image signal representing the image formed on the CCD 10_41 when fully pressed is output to the CCD 10_41, the RGB signals converted into digital signals by the A / D conversion circuit 10_42 are bus lines by the image input controller 10_43. 10_100.

  All the RGB signals guided to the bus line 10_100 are temporarily stored in the memory (SDRAM) 10_52, and then read out from the memory 10_52 and supplied to the image signal processing circuit 10_44. The RGB signal is converted into a YC signal by the image signal processing circuit 10_44, and the converted YC signal is supplied to the compression processing circuit 10_45 and is JPEG-compressed by the compression processing circuit 1_45. Further, the JPEG-compressed YC signal is supplied to the recording unit 10_53, and header information including compression information is added to the image data by the recording unit 10_53 to be recorded on the recording medium 10_54 as an image file (Exif file). .

  However, when the preview mode in the shooting mode is selected by operating the menu button 10_9, the image data converted into the YC signal is temporarily stored in the SDRAM 10_52 and is based on the image data stored in the SDRAM 10_52. A preview image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 10_301. When this preview image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 10_301, four icons 10_111 to 10_114 associated with folders are also displayed as shown in FIG. Here, when one of the displayed four icons 10_111 to 10_114 is designated by the operation of the cross key 10_8 or the like, image data representing a preview image is recorded in the folder corresponding to the icon. .

  For example, in the case of a landscape image as shown in FIG. 2B, a tree reminiscent of a landscape (or an icon reminiscent of a landscape image can also be created by a method described later). By selecting an icon with the cross key 10_8, image data representing a landscape image can be recorded in a folder corresponding to the icon representing the tree.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the photographing process performed by the CPU 10_47 in the photographing mode.

  In step S501, it is determined whether a preview mode is designated. If it is determined in step S501 that the preview mode is not designated, the process proceeds to step S520, and shooting is started in step S520. In step S521, image data is recorded in a predetermined folder, for example, a folder associated with an icon representing a globe (see FIG. 3) in step S522, while the photographed image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 10_301.

  If it is determined in step S501 that the preview mode is set, the process proceeds to the Y side, and shooting is started in the next step S502. In the next step S503, the preview image and four icons shown in FIG. If any icon is designated by the operation of the cross key in step S504, the process proceeds to the Y side and image data is recorded (saved) in the folder corresponding to the icon designated in step S505. The process proceeds to the next step S507 to prepare for the next shooting.

  When a predetermined time elapses without any icon being designated by the operation of the cross key in step S504, image data representing the preview image is recorded (saved) in the folder corresponding to the previously designated icon as time-out. To do. The process proceeds to the next step S508 to prepare for the next shooting.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the icon creation means according to the present invention, which includes the CPU 10_47 and the memory 10_472, the memory card 10_54 as a recording medium, and the display unit 10_30 having the liquid crystal monitor 10_301.

  When the memory card 10_54, which is a recording medium, is loaded, the CPU 10_47 reads the tag information recorded in the header portion of the image file in the memory card 10_54 as OS information into the memory 10_472, which is the work area. At this time, memory allocation information of the top address of each divided folder is created based on each header information and a count of an address counter (not shown). When this memory allocation information is created, the start address of the folder and the icon can be easily associated.

  Further, since a large number of images representing icons are recorded in the memory 10_472, each of these icon images is associated with the top address of the folder and a memory allocation table is created, whereby the icons and folders are displayed. The mapping between the two is performed in a good manner.

  When the preview mode is designated by operating the operation switch such as the cross key 10_8 or the OK button 10_7 in this state, the CPU 10_47 reads some image data of the image data representing the icon from the memory 10_472. The image data representing the captured image stored in the SDRAM is transferred to the display unit 10_30, and a preview image and four icons based on the image data are displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 10_301 included in the display unit 10_3-. Yes.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of the preview screen.

  In the example of FIG. 7, an example in which a touch panel is used instead of the liquid crystal monitor is shown.

  FIG. 7 shows an example in which a folder is specified using the preview mode when, for example, the user wants to leave the completeness of the cake made by the photograph. When an icon (fork and knife in this case) shown in FIG. 7 is touched, image data representing a cake is recorded in a folder corresponding to the icon. In this way, it will be immediately apparent in the playback mode that the completed photo of the cake is put in the folder related to the meal.

  As described above, an efficient filing system is constructed in which appropriate filing can be performed at the time of shooting and the image file can be easily found at any time during reproduction.

  In addition, the digital camera 10 of the present embodiment has an icon creation mode, and when the microcomputer creation mode is designated, a part of the playback image or preview image can be trimmed into an icon. Become.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example in which an icon is created and replaced in the icon creation mode.

  FIG. 8A shows a situation when a partial area in the reproduced image (or preview image) is designated and trimmed by an operation key such as a cross key, and FIG. Shows the situation when the trimmed image is replaced with the icon (flower) shown in FIG.

  In this way, you can create your favorite icon and associate it with a folder.

  Further, although an example of replacement has been described here, an icon can be newly created in this digital camera. When there is an option in the icon creation mode and new creation is selected, a new folder area is added to the memory allocation table and an icon associated with the head address is newly created.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the CPU 10_47 when the icon creation mode is designated.

  If it is detected in step S901 that the playback mode has been selected and further in step S902 that the icon creation mode has been selected, then in the next step S903, an “existing” image is displayed on the playback image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor. Display the dialog 'Do you want to replace it with a folder icon' and wait for either the OK button or the cancel button to be operated. If the OK button is operated here, it is determined that “replace with an icon of an existing folder” and the process proceeds to the OK side. In step S904, the icon for icon replacement is designated by the operation of the cross key, and further the trimming area (FIG. 8). When the portion (a) surrounded by a dotted line) is designated, the icon is replaced in the next step S905.

  If it is determined in step S903 that “do not replace with an icon of an existing folder” is designated by the cancel button 10_10, the process proceeds to the cancel side, and a new folder is created using the trimmed image as an icon in step S906. Exit.

  As described above, it is possible to realize a photographing apparatus that can easily specify a folder and record image data in the folder.

  In this embodiment, the icon creation mode is activated in the playback mode. However, the icon creation mode may be automatically activated in the preview mode.

It is a figure which shows the example of the conventional folder display. It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the digital camera 10 which is one Embodiment of the imaging device of this invention from diagonally upward. It is a figure which shows many icons of a mutually different design. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the digital camera 10 illustrated in FIG. 2. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the imaging | photography process which CPU10_47 performs in imaging | photography mode. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the icon preparation means which consists of CPU and memory, a memory card, and a liquid crystal monitor. It is a figure which shows an example of a preview screen. It is a figure explaining the example at the time of creating icon creation mode and performing icon substitution. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of CPU when the icon preparation mode is designated.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Digital camera 10_1 Lens barrel 10_2 Flash emission window 10_3 Finder objective window 10_4 Release button 10_5 Finder eyepiece window 10_6 Mode switch 10_7 OK button 10_8 Cross key 10_9 Menu button 10_10 Cancel button 10_41 CCD
10_47 CPU
10_30 Display unit 10_54 Recording medium (memory card)

Claims (5)

In a photographing apparatus for imaging subject light on an image sensor with a photographing optical system to generate image data representing the subject and recording the image data generated according to the photographing operation on a recording medium,
A folder creating means for creating a folder for recording image data in the recording medium in association with icons of different designs;
A display screen for displaying images;
Preview display control for displaying a preview image based on the image data and an icon associated with the folder on the display screen before recording the image data generated in accordance with the photographing operation on the recording medium. Means,
Icon designating means for designating a predetermined icon from the icons displayed on the display screen;
An imaging apparatus comprising: recording means for recording image data representing a preview image displayed on the display screen in a folder associated with the icon designated by the icon designation means.   The recording means receives the occurrence of a predetermined event after the preview image is displayed on the display screen by the preview display control means, and performs the setting of the preview image without setting the icon by the icon specifying means. 2. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data to be represented is recorded in the same folder as the previously recorded folder.   The recording means receives the occurrence of a predetermined event after the preview image is displayed on the display screen by the preview display control means, and displays the preview image without specifying the icon by the icon specifying means. 2. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data to be represented is recorded in a predetermined folder.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an icon creation unit that creates an icon by cutting out a part of the image displayed on the display screen. The display screen has a touch panel for recognizing a contact position;
2. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the icon designating unit designates the icon in response to contact with a predetermined icon among the icons displayed on the display screen.

Images