JP2006319455A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus enhancing the reliability of storage of image data in a volatile built-in memory and improving the convenience by recording and storing image data in both the volatile built-in memory and an external recording medium and by recording and storing the image data to the volatile built-in memory if the external recording medium cannot record and store the image data. <P>SOLUTION: When no memory card 24 is loaded to a card slot 26 of a camera main body 11, an image file is recorded and stored to a RAM 56 also acting like a work memory. Even when a power switch 20 commands power interruption, when the RAM 56 stores an image file, the supply of power to the RAM 56 is continued to prevent the image file in the RAM 56 from being lost. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus capable of recording and saving image data of an image captured in either an internal memory or an external recording medium as an image file.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a digital camera has been proposed that can record and save image data of a captured image as an image file of a predetermined format in an internal memory built in the apparatus and an external recording medium (memory card) mounted from the outside. .

  In Patent Document 1, when it is detected that a memory card is inserted in this type of camera, image data is recorded on the memory card in preference to the built-in memory, and the recorded image data is recorded on the display unit of the camera. In the case of reproduction display, proposals such as preferential reproduction and display of image data recorded on a memory card have been made.

In Patent Document 2, it is proposed that image data of a photographed image is recorded in a built-in memory, and the image data recorded in the built-in memory is transferred to the memory card when a memory card is attached to the camera. Yes. According to this, since it is not necessary to attach the memory card to the camera at the time of shooting, it is not necessary to store the entire memory card in the camera from the viewpoint of use, and the camera can be miniaturized.
JP-A-8-98123 JP 10-65947 A

  By the way, a general digital camera is normally equipped with a working volatile memory for temporarily storing image data in a memory card. When image data can be recorded in both the built-in memory and the memory card as described above, if the volatile memory that is installed as standard is used as the built-in memory, there is no need to install a special memory. Further, since a hardware change is not required for a general digital camera that can record and save image data only in a memory card, there are significant advantages in terms of cost and circuit design.

  However, in order to store the image data in the volatile memory, it is necessary to always supply power from the power source, and the image data may be lost unless the power supply is kept stable. There is a problem. In Patent Documents 1 and 2, no consideration is given to power management when image data is recorded and stored in a volatile memory.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances. When image data can be recorded and stored in both a volatile internal memory and an external recording medium, the reliability of the storage of the image data in the internal memory is improved. An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that can improve convenience and convenience.

In order to achieve the above object, an image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, an image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject, a volatile built-in memory capable of writing and reading data, and an electrically connected external recording The first image data recording means for recording the image data for recording and storage obtained by imaging with the imaging means on the medium and the external recording medium are not electrically connected, or the external recording medium A second image data recording means for recording the image data for recording and storage in the built-in memory, and a power on for instructing power on / off to supply power to the entire apparatus when the available memory capacity is insufficient / Off instruction means,
When the image data for recording and storage is recorded in the built-in memory, the supply of power to the built-in memory is stopped even when the power-on / off instruction unit instructs the power-off. And power control means for holding the image data recorded in the built-in memory.

  According to the present invention, even when the external recording medium is not connected or when the free memory capacity of the external recording medium is insufficient, that is, even when the image data cannot be recorded on the external recording medium, Since the image data for recording and storage is recorded in the built-in memory, it is possible to shoot. In addition, when image data for recording and storage is recorded in the built-in memory, the image of the built-in memory is not stopped by stopping the supply of power to the built-in memory even when the entire apparatus is instructed to be turned off. Data can be saved.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the external recording medium is electrically connected when the image data for recording and storage is recorded in the built-in memory. The image data transfer means for transferring the image data for recording and storage to the external recording medium is detected.

  According to the present invention, when the external recording medium is connected to the imaging device, the image data recorded and stored in the built-in memory is automatically transferred to the external recording medium without the user being aware of it. improves.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the first or second aspect, the memory device in which the image data for recording and storage is not recorded in the built-in memory is used as a working memory region. It is characterized by having performance limiting means for limiting the camera performance in accordance with the capacity of the working memory area.

  According to the present invention, since the working built-in memory normally mounted in the imaging apparatus is also used as a memory for recording and storing image data, the product cost can be reduced. In addition, since the memory area in which no image data is recorded is used as a work memory area at that time, the built-in memory can be used effectively, and the camera performance depends on the capacity of the work memory area. Therefore, it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as incapability of photographing due to a lack of a working memory area.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the third aspect, the performance limiting means includes, as the camera performance, the number of images that can be continuously shot in continuous shooting, the image size of the image to be shot, and the image to be shot. At least one of image quality, shooting time in moving image shooting, recording time in audio recording, and compression rate of the image data to be recorded and stored is limited. The present invention shows one form of camera performance that is limited according to the capacity of a working memory area.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the first, second, third, or fourth aspect, a battery that supplies power to the entire apparatus and a predetermined process corresponding to the remaining capacity of the battery are executed. A processing unit configured to perform predetermined processing by the processing unit when the image data for recording / saving is not recorded in the built-in memory and when the image data for recording / storing is recorded in the built-in memory. And changing means for changing the remaining capacity of the battery when the processing is executed.

  According to the present invention, when predetermined processing is performed according to the remaining capacity of the battery, the remaining capacity is changed depending on whether or not the image data is recorded and stored in the built-in memory. It is possible to perform processing in consideration of recording and storage. This further improves the reliability of recording and storing image data in the built-in memory.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the fifth aspect, the processing means is a processing means for executing a process of automatically turning off the power when the remaining capacity of the battery becomes a predetermined amount or less. Then, the changing means is configured so that the image data for recording / storing is recorded in the built-in memory rather than the predetermined amount when the image data for recording / storing is not recorded in the built-in memory. It is characterized by increasing the predetermined amount. The present invention shows one mode of processing performed according to the remaining capacity of the battery.

  An imaging device according to a seventh aspect is the imaging device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the image data for recording and storage is not recorded in the built-in memory; It is characterized in that it includes power limiting means for limiting the power consumption of the power source when image data for recording and storage is recorded.

  According to the present invention, since the power consumption of the power source is limited depending on whether or not image data for recording and storage is recorded in the built-in memory, the power supply to the built-in memory is appropriately secured, and the image data in the built-in memory is secured. Can be reliably prevented from disappearing.

  The imaging device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the imaging device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the power limiting means includes a strobe light emission prohibition, a strobe charging current limit, a motor driving voltage or a current. The power consumption of the power source is limited by at least one of the following restrictions: prohibiting the emission of auxiliary light for autofocus, and limiting the amount of light of the backlight of the liquid crystal monitor. The present invention shows an aspect in which the power consumption of the power source is limited depending on whether image data for recording and storage is recorded in the built-in memory.

  According to the present invention, image data can be recorded and stored in both the volatile built-in memory and the external recording medium, so that the reliability of storing the image data in the built-in memory is improved and the convenience is improved. An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of

  The best mode for carrying out an imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing the appearance of a digital camera to which the present invention is applied. The digital camera 10 is an imaging device mainly for taking still images. A camera lens 11, a finder window 14, and a strobe light emitting unit 16 are provided on the front surface of the camera body 11 of the digital camera 10. A shutter button 18 and a power switch 20 are disposed on the upper surface of the. A card slot 26 for mounting a memory card 24 as an external recording medium is provided on the side surface of the camera body 11 opposite to the grip portion 22.

  A zoom lens is applied to the photographic lens 12, and a CCD having several million pixels, for example, is disposed behind the photographic lens 12 as an image sensor. The shutter button 18 is configured in a two-stage manner, and the auto focus adjustment (AF) and the automatic exposure control (AE) are activated in a “half-pressed” state in which the shutter button 18 is lightly pressed and stopped to lock AF and AE. Shooting is performed in the state of “full press”, which is further pressed from “half press”.

  The power switch 20 can be switched between an “OFF position” instructing to turn off the power and an “ON position” instructing to turn on the power. When the power switch 20 is set to the ON position, shooting is performed. When installed in the OFF position, the operation of the entire camera stops.

  FIG. 2 is a rear view of the digital camera 10 of FIG. On the back of the digital camera 10, a viewfinder 28, a liquid crystal monitor 30, a zoom switch 32, a multifunction cross button 34, an AE lock button 36, a menu key 38, an execution key 40, and a cancel key 42 are provided. The liquid crystal monitor 30 is a display unit that can be used as an electronic viewfinder for checking the angle of view in a shooting mode for shooting, and displays a preview image of a shot image, a playback image read from the memory card 24 in a playback mode, and the like. . Further, menu selection using the cross button 34 and setting of various items in each menu are also performed using the display screen of the liquid crystal monitor 30.

  The zoom switch 32 is composed of a lever switch that can be operated in the up / down direction. By operating the switch in the upward direction, the zoom switch 32 is zoomed in the telephoto (TELE) direction, and operated in the downward direction in the wide angle (WIDE) direction. Move the zoom. The cross button 34 can input instructions in the corresponding four directions (up, down, left, right) by pressing one of the top, bottom, left, and right edges. It is used as an operation button for instructing selection and change of setting contents, and as a means for instructing electronic zoom magnification adjustment and playback frame return / return.

  The menu key 38 is used when the display of the liquid crystal monitor 30 is changed from the normal screen to the menu screen in each mode such as the shooting mode and the playback mode. The execution key 40 is used for confirming the selection contents and instructing execution (confirmation) of processing. The cancel key 42 is used when canceling (cancelling) an item selected from the menu or returning to the previous operation state.

  The photographer operates the zoom switch 32 to determine the angle of view while confirming the image (through image) displayed on the finder 28 or the liquid crystal monitor 30 and presses the shutter button 18 to shoot.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the components related to the present invention in the digital camera 10. As shown in the figure, a CPU 50 is mounted in the camera body 11 of the digital camera 10. The CPU 50 detects the states of the various operation units shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, detects a user operation based on the state of the operation unit, executes processing based on the operation, and performs processing in each component unit. Control all over. For example, the power switch 20 is shown in the figure, and the CPU 50 detects whether the power switch 20 is on or off, and the CPU 50 executes a process of turning on / off the power.

  The component shown as the image pickup unit 52 in the figure includes an image pickup device (CCD), and a subject image is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD by the photographing lens 12 shown in FIG. The subject image formed on the light receiving surface is photoelectrically converted by the CCD, so that an image signal indicating the subject image is captured by the imaging unit 52. The image signal captured by the imaging unit 52 when the shutter button 18 is fully pressed is converted into digital image data by the image processing unit 54 and subjected to required image processing. Then, based on the image data, an image file in a storage format (JPEG format, TIFF format, etc.) for final recording and storage is created, and the image file is stored in a RAM (random access memory) 56.

  The RAM 56 is a volatile memory, and for example, SDRAM is used. Here, as the original use of the RAM 56, image data in the previous stage of generating an image file to be finally recorded and saved from the image signal captured from the imaging unit 52 and data incidental to the image data (such as shooting conditions) And the like) are used as a working memory (buffer) for temporarily storing information. On the other hand, when the memory card 24 is not inserted into the card slot 26 of the camera body 11 as will be described later, the memory card 24 is also used as a memory for recording and saving an image file of a photographed image. The working memory and the RAM for recording and saving the image file are not necessarily the same.

  Whether or not the memory card 24 is mounted in the card slot 26 is detected by the memory card detection unit 58. As will be described in detail later, when the memory card 24 is mounted (inserted) in the card slot 26, the CPU 50 transfers the image file recorded in the RAM 56 to the memory card 24 as described above. Record the image file. On the other hand, when the memory card 24 is not inserted into the card slot 26, the image file recorded in the RAM 56 is stored in the RAM 56 as it is.

  Further, in the figure, a battery (battery) 60 and a built-in backup battery 62 are shown. The battery 60 is a battery (primary battery or two batteries) that can be attached to and detached from the battery mounting portion of the camera body 11, and power to each component is supplied from the battery 60. On the other hand, the built-in backup battery 62 supplies power so that necessary data is not lost when the battery 60 is replaced.

  The power supply control unit 64 shown in the figure controls the supply and stop of power from the battery 60 or the built-in backup battery 62 to each component in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 50, and power supply control such as detection of the remaining capacity of the battery 60. Perform the necessary processing. Further, when an image file is recorded in the RAM 56, control for supplying power to the RAM 56 for holding the image file in the RAM 56 even after the power to the entire camera is turned off is also performed.

  Next, an image file recording / storing process for recording and saving an image shot in the shooting mode for shooting a still image in the digital camera 10 as an image file will be described. 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing the first embodiment of the image file recording and saving process. When the power switch 20 is turned on, the CPU 50 causes the power control unit 64 to start supplying power from the battery 60 to each component. Then, it is determined whether or not the memory card 24 is inserted in the card slot 26. When the memory card 24 is not attached, the cardless mode processing of FIG. 4 is executed, and when the memory card 24 is attached, the card presence mode processing of FIG. 5 is executed.

  First, the processing in the no card mode of FIG. 4 when the memory card 24 is not inserted in the card slot 26 will be described. It is determined whether or not an instruction has been given (step S10). When it determines with YES, the image taking-in process by CCD of the imaging part 52 is performed (step S12). Subsequently, the required image processing by the image processing unit 54 is executed on the image signal captured by the imaging unit 52 (step S14). Then, an image file is created (recorded) in the RAM based on the image processed image and other necessary information (step S16). After the process of step S16, the process returns to step S10.

  On the other hand, if it is determined as NO in step S10, the CPU 50 subsequently determines whether or not the memory card 24 is inserted (attached) into the card slot 26 (step S18). If the determination is YES, the mode shifts to the card presence mode in FIG. If it is determined NO, it is determined whether or not the power switch 20 is turned off (step S20). If it is further determined NO, the process returns to step S10.

  If it is determined as YES in step S20, the CPU 50 determines whether an image file is recorded in the RAM 56 (step S22). When it determines with YES, the power supply control part 64 turns off power supplies other than RAM56 (power supply is stopped), and continues supplying only the electric power to RAM56 (step S24). As a result, the image file recorded in the RAM 56 is retained even after the power switch 20 is turned off. On the other hand, if it is determined as NO in step S22, all power supplies are turned off by the power supply control unit 64 (step S26).

  Next, the processing in the card presence mode of FIG. 5 when the memory card 24 is inserted in the card slot 26 will be described. The CPU 50 determines whether or not the image has been shot (whether or not a shooting instruction has been issued) depending on whether or not the shutter button 18 has been fully pressed (step S30). If YES is determined, an image capturing process by the CCD of the imaging unit 52 is executed (step S32). Subsequently, the required image processing by the image processing unit is performed on the image signal captured by the imaging unit 52 (step S34). Then, an image file is created (recorded) in the RAM 56 based on the image processed image and other necessary information (step S36). Subsequently, the image file created in the RAM 56 is transferred to the memory card 24 (step S38). After the process of step S38, the process returns to step S30.

  On the other hand, if it is determined as NO in step S30, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the memory card 24 is removed from the card slot 26 (step S40). If the determination is YES, the mode shifts to the no card mode shown in FIG. If it is determined as NO, it is then determined whether or not the power switch 20 is turned off (step S42). When it determines with NO, it returns to step S30. On the other hand, when it determines with YES, all the power supplies are turned off by the power supply control part 64 (power supply is stopped) (step S44).

  By the above image file recording / storing process, when the memory card 24 is inserted in the card slot 26, the image file of the photographed image is recorded on the memory card 24. On the other hand, when the memory card 24 is not inserted into the card slot 26, an image file of the photographed image is recorded in the RAM 56. Further, when the image file is recorded in the RAM 56, the power supply to the RAM 56 is ensured even when the power switch 20 is instructed to turn off the power, and the image file recorded in the RAM 56 is stored. Saved.

  The image file recorded in the RAM 56 may be transferred to the memory card 24 by a predetermined operation when the memory card 24 is inserted into the card slot 26. As in the embodiment, the data may be automatically transferred.

  Next, a second embodiment of the image file recording and saving process in which the image file recorded in the RAM 56 is automatically transferred to the memory card 24 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the image file recording / storing process in the cardless mode when the memory card 24 is not inserted in the card slot 26. The image file recording / storing process in the card present mode is the first embodiment. Since this is the same as the process of FIG.

  In FIG. 6, the same process steps as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same step numbers as those in FIG. 4. Here, only the process steps different from those in FIG. 4 will be described. In FIG. 6, the processes in steps S50 to S54 after determining that the memory card 24 is inserted in step S18 are different from those in FIG. 4. When determining in step S18 that the memory card 24 has been inserted, the CPU 50 determines whether an image file is recorded in the RAM 56 (step 50). If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to the card presence mode shown in FIG. On the other hand, when it determines with YES, the image file of RAM56 is transferred to the memory card 24 (step S52). Then, the image file transferred to the memory card 24 is erased from the RAM 56 (step S54). Thereafter, the mode shifts to the card presence mode shown in FIG.

  According to the second embodiment, the image file recorded in the RAM 56 is automatically transferred to the memory card 24 when the memory card 24 is inserted into the card slot 26.

  Next, a description will be given of camera performance limitations associated with a decrease in memory capacity as work memory when the RAM 56 is used as a memory for recording and storing image files as described above.

  As an example, the limitation on the number of continuous shots in the continuous shooting mode for performing continuous shooting will be described. In the continuous shooting mode, the image data for a plurality of frames obtained from the imaging unit 52 is converted into an image file for recording and storage so that the next shooting can be performed in a short time after shooting an image for one frame. Before being processed, it is temporarily stored in the RAM 56 in an unprocessed state or a state in which a minimum processing is performed. Then, when the continuous shooting is finished or when the number of continuous shots is reached, an image file is formed based on the image data temporarily stored in the RAM 56. Thus, in the continuous shooting mode, the RAM 56 is used as a continuous shooting buffer.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 50 manages writing and reading of data with respect to the RAM 56, the entire memory area of the RAM is divided into four memory areas # 1 to # 4 as shown in FIG. To do. If no image file is recorded in the RAM 56 when a memory card is inserted in the card slot, the entire memory area of the RAM 56 (all memory areas # 1 to # 4) is used as a continuous shooting buffer. It becomes possible. At this time, assuming that each memory area # 1 to # 4 has a memory capacity capable of recording one frame of image data and related data, the number of images that can be continuously shot (the number of continuous shots) is four. Become.

  On the other hand, when the memory card 24 is not inserted into the card slot 26, for example, it is assumed that an image file is recorded in at least a part of the # 1 memory area. In this case, the memory area # 1 is not used as a continuous shooting buffer, and the memory areas # 2 to # 4 are used as a continuous shooting buffer. As a result, the number of continuous shots is limited to three. Since the data capacity of the image file is significantly smaller than the data capacity of the image data temporarily stored during continuous shooting, a plurality of image files are stored in each memory area # 1 to # 4. Can be kept.

  Similarly, when image files are recorded in the # 1 and # 2 memory areas, the number of continuous shots for using the # 3 and # 4 memory areas as a continuous shooting buffer is limited to two. When image files are recorded in the # 1 to # 3 memory areas, the # 4 memory area is used as a continuous shooting buffer, so the number of continuous shots is limited to one.

  When image files are recorded in all the memory areas # 1 to # 4, shooting in single shooting mode is possible if there is enough free space in the # 4 memory area to record even one image file. Only allow. In this case, as single shot mode processing, the image data obtained from the imaging unit 52 is converted into an image file in a storage format and then recorded in the RAM 56. When the free space in all the memory areas is exhausted, the shooting is disabled.

  As another example of limiting the camera performance, an aspect of limiting the image size (photographing pixel size) of an image to be photographed in the normal photographing mode will be described. For example, image data obtained from the imaging unit 52 when an image for one frame is shot in the normal shooting mode is temporarily recorded in the RAM 56 before being created as an image file, and thereafter various processes are performed. It is assumed that an image file in the saved format is created and recorded in the RAM 56. In this case, the RAM 56 is used as an image buffer.

  As shown in FIG. 8, if no image file is recorded in the RAM 56 when the memory card 24 is inserted in the card slot 26, the entire memory area of the RAM 56 (all memory areas # 1 to # 4). Can be used as an image buffer. At this time, assuming that all the memory areas # 1 to # 4 can be used to record image data of an image size of 4M (mega) pixels and related data, for example, an upper limit of the settable imaging pixel size Becomes 4M pixels.

  On the other hand, when the memory card 24 is not inserted in the card slot 26, for example, it is assumed that an image file in a storage format is recorded in at least a part of the # 1 memory area. In this case, the memory area # 1 is not used as an image buffer, and the memory areas # 2 to # 4 are used as an image buffer. As a result, the memory size that can be used as the image buffer is reduced to 3/4 compared to the case where the entire memory area is used as the image buffer, so the upper limit of the shooting pixel size is limited to 3M pixels.

  Similarly, when image files are recorded in the # 1 and # 2 memory areas, the upper limit of the shooting pixel size is limited to 2M pixels because the # 3 and # 4 memory areas are used as image buffers. When the image files are recorded in the # 1 to # 3 memory areas, the # 4 memory area is used as an image buffer, so that the upper limit of the shooting pixel size is limited to 1M pixels.

  When image files are recorded in all the memory areas # 1 to # 4, if there is a free space in the # 4 memory area that can record the minimum shooting pixel size, for example, VGA image data, VGA Only shooting is possible. If the free space in all the memory areas is insufficient for recording VGA image data, it is determined that photographing is not possible.

  When an image file is recorded in the RAM 56 as described above, an area other than the memory area in which the image file is recorded is used as a work memory, and appropriate function restrictions are set in advance according to the capacity of the work memory. By doing so, it is possible to prevent problems such as a shortage of working memory during actual processing.

  In addition, as described above, the writing / reading of data to / from the RAM 56 is not limited to the case of dividing and managing the memory area having a predetermined memory capacity as described above, but the memory area other than the area where the image file is recorded is operated. Even when the memory area is used, the camera performance can be limited according to the capacity of the working memory area as described above. In addition, the types of camera performance to be limited include the image quality (gradation) of the image to be shot, the shooting time for moving image shooting when movie shooting is possible, the recording time for voice recording when voice recording is possible, and recording. The compression rate of the image data of the image file to be stored can be considered.

  Next, a description will be given of an embodiment in which power supply setting management can be automatically performed when an image file can be recorded and stored in the RAM 56. For example, when an image file is recorded in the RAM 56, the consumption (power consumption) of the battery 60 is limited in order to securely store the image file in the RAM 56. For example, if a device that requires a large amount of power, such as a strobe, is used, the voltage of the battery 60 may temporarily decrease and the image file may be lost. Therefore, the flash charging current is limited so that the voltage of the battery 60 does not decrease during flash charging. For example, normally 100 mA is limited to 60 mA. Further, when the battery remaining amount (remaining capacity of the battery 60) is 30% or less with respect to the fully charged state, strobe light emission is prohibited.

  In addition, when a motor for driving a lens such as a zoom motor or a focus motor is driven, a large current flows if a load is applied to the motor, and the voltage of the battery 60 may be temporarily reduced to lose the image file. Therefore, the motor drive voltage / current is limited. For example, if the drive voltage of the zoom motor and the focus motor is normally 5.0V, it is limited to 3.0V.

  As other modes for limiting the consumption of the battery 60, it is conceivable to prohibit the emission of auxiliary light for autofocus, or limit the amount of light of the backlight of the liquid crystal monitor 30.

  Further, when executing a process according to the remaining battery level, it is preferable to change the remaining battery level when executing the process depending on whether or not an image file is recorded in the RAM 56. For example, in general, when the remaining battery level is low, when the remaining battery level becomes 0%, the power is forcibly turned off. However, if an image file is recorded in the RAM 56, the remaining battery level is In order to prevent the image file from disappearing from the RAM 56 due to the loss of the amount, for example, the power supply other than the RAM 56 is turned off when the remaining battery level becomes 20% of the fully charged state. The process in this case will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the CPU 50 reads the remaining battery level by the power supply control unit 64 and determines whether or not the remaining battery level is 10% or more with respect to the fully charged state (step S70). When it determines with NO, determination of step S70 is repeated. On the other hand, when it determines with YES, it is determined whether the power switch 20 is ON next (step S72). When it determines with NO, it returns to step S70.

  If “YES” is determined in the step S72, it is determined whether or not an image file for saving is recorded in the RAM 56 (step S74). When determining NO, the CPU 50 executes normal operation processing (camera control processing) (step S76), and then determines whether or not the remaining battery level is 0% (step S78). When it determines with NO, it returns to step S70. When it determines with YES, all the power supplies are turned off (all power supply is stopped) (step S80), and it returns to step S70.

  When it determines with YES in step S74, CPU50 performs the process of normal operation (step S82), and determines whether a battery remaining charge is 20% or less continuously (step S84). When it determines with NO, it returns to step S74. On the other hand, when it determines with YES, power supplies other than RAM56 are turned off and only the electric power supply to RAM56 is continued (step S86).

  Next, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the memory card 24 has been inserted into the card slot 26 (step S88). If NO is determined, it is determined whether or not the battery has been replaced with a battery having a remaining battery level of 20% or more (step S90). When it determines with NO, it returns to step S88. When it determines with YES, it returns to step S70.

  If YES is determined in step S88, the image file in the RAM 56 is transferred to the memory card 24 (step S92), and the process returns to step S70.

  With the above power-off process, the image file recorded in the RAM 56 can be stored with high reliability.

  As described above, in the above embodiment, the image file is recorded and stored in the RAM 56 when the memory card 24 is not installed in the card slot 26. However, the memory card 24 is installed in the card slot 26. Even in such a case, the image file may be recorded and stored in the RAM 56 even when the free space of the memory card 24 is insufficient. Even in this case, each aspect shown in the above embodiment can be similarly applied.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a digital camera has been described as an example. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be similarly applied to a video camera, a mobile phone with a camera, and the like.

1 is a front view showing the appearance of a digital camera to which the present invention is applied. 1 is a rear view showing an appearance of a digital camera to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a digital camera. The flowchart which showed the process sequence in the no card mode in 1st Embodiment of the image file recording storage process in CPU. The flowchart which showed the process sequence in the card presence mode in 1st Embodiment of the image file recording storage process in CPU. The flowchart which showed the process sequence in the no card mode in 2nd Embodiment of the image file recording storage process in CPU. Explanatory drawing used for description when restricting the number of continuous shots for continuous shooting according to the capacity of the working memory area. Explanatory drawing used for description in the case of restrict | limiting a photography pixel size according to the capacity | capacitance of the memory area for work. The flowchart which showed the process which changes the battery remaining amount at the time of turning off a power supply by whether an image file is recorded on RAM.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Digital camera, 11 ... Camera body, 12 ... Shooting lens, 18 ... Shutter button, 20 ... Power switch, 24 ... Memory card, 26 ... Card slot, 30 ... LCD monitor, 50 ... CPU, 52 ... Imaging part, 54 ... Image processing unit, 56 ... RAM, 58 ... Memory card detection unit, 60 ... Battery, 62 ... Built-in backup battery, 64 ... Power supply control unit

Claims (8)

Imaging means for capturing an image of a subject;
Volatile internal memory that can write and read data,
First image data recording means for recording image data for recording and storage obtained by imaging by the imaging means on an externally connected recording medium;
Second image data recording for recording the image data for recording storage in the built-in memory when the external recording medium is not electrically connected, or when the free memory capacity of the external recording medium is insufficient Means,
Power on / off instruction means for instructing on / off of a power source for supplying power to the entire apparatus;
When the image data for recording and storage is recorded in the built-in memory, the supply of power to the built-in memory is stopped even when the power-on / off instruction unit instructs the power-off. Power control means for holding the image data recorded in the built-in memory without
An imaging apparatus comprising:   When the image data for recording and storage is recorded in the built-in memory, when the external recording medium is detected to be electrically connected, the image data for recording and storage is transferred to the external recording medium. 2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising image data transfer means.   In the built-in memory, a memory area in which the image data for recording and storage is not recorded is used as a working memory area, and performance limiting means for limiting the camera performance according to the capacity of the working memory area is provided. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein   The performance limiting means includes, as the camera performance, the number of images that can be continuously shot in continuous shooting, the image size of the image to be shot, the image quality of the image to be shot, the shooting time in moving image shooting, the recording time in audio recording, and the image to be recorded and saved 4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the data compression rates is limited.   A battery for supplying power to the entire apparatus, a processing means for executing a predetermined process according to the remaining capacity of the battery, a case where the image data for recording and storage is not recorded in the built-in memory, and the built-in memory And changing means for changing a remaining capacity of the battery when executing predetermined processing by the processing means when the image data for recording and storage is recorded on the storage device. Item 5. The imaging device according to 1, 2, 3, or 4.   The processing means is a processing means for executing a process of automatically turning off the power when the remaining capacity of the battery becomes a predetermined amount or less, wherein the changing means stores the image data for recording storage in the built-in memory. 6. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined amount when the image data for recording and storage is recorded in the built-in memory is larger than the predetermined amount when not recorded.   A power limit that limits power consumption of the power source when the image data for recording and storage is not recorded in the internal memory and when the image data for recording and storage is recorded in the internal memory The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means.   The power limiting means includes at least one of strobe light emission prohibition, strobe charging current restriction, motor drive voltage or current restriction, autofocus auxiliary light emission inhibition, and liquid crystal monitor backlight light quantity restriction. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein power consumption of the power source is limited by the limitation.

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