JP2007110621A - Digital camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a quick image-data processing, maintaining compact size and low power consumption. <P>SOLUTION: A battery grip 50' to be detachably attached to a camera 10 is provided with a buffer memory 52', and an image processing section 56'. Photographed image data input to an image processing section 28 are transferred to the buffer memory 52' of the buttery grip 50' as they are, and are processed at the processing section 56'. Generated image data are recorded on a memory card 38 of the camera 10, after being stored on the buffer memory 52'. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital camera to which an auxiliary device such as a battery grip (vertical position shooting grip) used in a single-lens reflex camera can be attached, and more particularly to image processing.

In digital cameras, the amount of information of image data to be recorded increases due to an increase in the number of pixels of the image sensor, an improvement in image quality, etc., and in order to speed up the image data recording process, for example, a buffer memory or the like in the digital camera An auxiliary memory for temporarily storing image data is incorporated. During continuous shooting, image data can be efficiently recorded on a memory card by storing the image data alternately in two buffer memories while being divided (see Patent Document 1).
JP-A-7-135589

  When the auxiliary buffer memory is built in the camera body, it is necessary to secure a memory space on the circuit, which hinders downsizing of the camera and leads to an increase in manufacturing cost. Further, in image processing that does not require high-speed data processing, power consumption is wasted.

  The digital camera system of the present invention is a camera system including a digital camera and external auxiliary equipment such as a battery grip / control grip for a single-lens reflex camera, and the auxiliary equipment can be detachably connected to the digital camera.

  The camera of the present invention has an image processing unit that processes data to generate image data, a main body side built-in memory that can temporarily store imaging data or image data, and image data is recorded and is detachable from the camera. And a portable memory to be mounted. For example, a buffer memory is provided as a built-in memory, and a memory card is provided as a portable memory. The imaging data here indicates the data of the image signal read from the imaging device (before the generation of the video data), and the image data here is subjected to predetermined signal processing for image recording with respect to the imaging data. Represents applied image data, and includes image data that is data that can be output to the outside in accordance with compression standards or video standards, and image data that is temporarily stored in a memory or the like before output.

  The auxiliary device of the present invention has an auxiliary built-in memory that can temporarily store imaged data or image data, for example, a buffer memory. Then, the image processing unit of the camera stores the imaging data or the image data in the main body side internal memory or the auxiliary internal memory. By using the auxiliary built-in memory, it is possible to process image data with a large amount of information, and power consumption is reduced because it is used only when necessary.

  In order to improve the data processing efficiency by separately performing image data generation processing and other camera operation processing, an auxiliary device is provided with an auxiliary image processing unit, and the auxiliary image processing unit is stored in the auxiliary built-in memory. It is desirable to process the data to generate image data. For example, if the camera is provided with continuous shooting operation processing means for executing continuous shooting operation processing, image data is generated by an auxiliary device, so that the shooting processing speed in continuous shooting is improved.

  Furthermore, it is desirable that an auxiliary portable memory is provided in the auxiliary device, and the auxiliary image processing unit records the generated image data in the auxiliary portable memory. Noise generated when image data is recorded on the memory card does not affect other signal processing executed in the camera body.

  In order to perform high-speed image processing only when necessary, for example, a connection detection unit that detects the connection of an auxiliary device is provided in the camera, and when the image processing unit is connected to the auxiliary device, the image data is transferred to the auxiliary built-in memory. It should be stored.

  The camera system of the present invention includes a camera and an auxiliary device that is detachably attached to the camera, and the auxiliary device stores auxiliary data that can temporarily store image data or image data, and stores the auxiliary data in the auxiliary memory. An auxiliary image processing unit that processes the captured image data and generates image data, and a camera that processes the captured data and generates image data; A built-in memory on the main body side that can be stored and a portable memory that records image data and is detachably attached to the camera. The image data stored in the auxiliary built-in memory is recorded in the portable memory.

  The camera system of the present invention includes an auxiliary device that is detachably attached to the camera, and the auxiliary device can temporarily store image data or image data, and an image stored in the auxiliary memory. An auxiliary image processing unit that processes data to generate image data, and an auxiliary portable memory, and a camera that processes the imaging data to generate image data; It has a built-in memory on the main body side that can store image data, and a portable memory on which the image data is recorded and is detachably attached to the camera. And the auxiliary image processing unit records the generated image data in the auxiliary portable memory.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to quickly perform image data processing while maintaining compactness and low power consumption.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital camera system according to the first embodiment.

  The digital camera 10 is a single-lens reflex camera equipped with a CCD 20, and a battery grip 50 can be detachably attached to the digital camera 10. The battery grip 50 is an auxiliary device with a built-in battery (not shown), and a release button 54 is provided so as to enable vertical position shooting as well as horizontal position shooting. The battery grip 50 is detachably attached to the camera 10.

  When the photographing mode is set by operating a mode dial (not shown), the light passing through the photographing optical system 15 is guided to the pentaprism 14 by the quick return mirror 18. The light reflected by the pentaprism 14 is guided to the eyepiece 16 so that the subject image is confirmed by the user.

  When the release button 32 is half-pressed, the brightness of the subject is measured by a photometry unit provided near the pentaprism 14 and a distance measurement unit (both not shown) provided below the quick return mirror 18. And the exposure value is calculated. When a focusing operation is performed by an AF control unit (not shown) and a control signal is sent to the motor driver 34, the motor 40 drives the photographing optical system 12 along the optical axis. When the release button 32 is fully pressed, the quick return mirror 18 rotates so as to be retracted from the optical path, and a shutter (not shown) is opened for a predetermined period. Thereby, a subject image is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 20 by the light passing through the photographing optical system 12.

  The CCD 20 reads an image signal for one frame corresponding to the subject image, and the read image signal is subjected to amplification processing in the signal processing circuit 22 and converted into a digital signal. It is sent to the processing unit 28.

  The image processing unit 28 is configured by a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and executes various processes such as white balance, γ correction, and color conversion processing on the captured data to generate image data. The captured image data is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 36 and then processed by the image processing unit 28 to generate image data. Then, after being temporarily stored again in the buffer memory 36, the image processing unit 28 performs compression processing, and the compressed image data is recorded on the memory card 38.

  When the playback mode is selected by operating the mode dial button, the compressed image data recorded on the memory card 38 is decompressed, and the decompressed image data is sent to the LCD driver 24. The LCD driver 24 drives the LCD monitor 26 based on the image data, whereby the subject image is displayed on the LCD monitor 26.

  The system control circuit 30 controls the photographing operation of the digital camera 10 and detects the connection of the battery grip 50. A buffer memory 52 is provided in the battery grip 50, and image data can be transmitted from the image processing unit 28 to the buffer memory 52 via a system bus (not shown).

  When the battery grip 50 is connected and the continuous shooting mode is set by operating the mode dial button, image signals corresponding to the subject image are successively read out sequentially from the CCD 20 at predetermined time intervals. Based on the read image signal, the image processing unit 28 sequentially generates image data. The generated image data is sequentially stored in the buffer memory 36. When the data amount of the image data exceeds the capacity of the buffer memory 36, the image data is stored in the buffer memory 52 of the battery grip 50.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the battery grip 50 is provided with the buffer memory 52, and the image data is stored in the buffer memory 52.

  Next, the digital camera which is 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated using FIGS. In the second embodiment, image processing is performed on the battery grip. About another structure, it is the same as 1st Embodiment.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a digital camera according to the second embodiment.

  The battery grip 50 ′ includes an image processing unit 56 ′, and data is transmitted to and from the image processing unit 28 of the camera 10 via the system bus. A buffer memory 52 'is connected to the image processing unit 56'.

  When the continuous shooting mode is set with the battery grip 50 'mounted, the imaging data sent to the image processing unit 28 of the camera 10 is sent to the image processing unit 56' of the battery grip 50 'as it is. In the image processing unit 56 ′, image processing is performed on the imaged data to generate image data. The image data is once stored in the additional buffer memory 52 ′ and then compressed and recorded in the memory card 38 of the digital camera 10. The image processing unit 28 of the camera 10 does not perform image data generation processing while the image processing unit 56 'is operating.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a shooting operation process in the second embodiment. This process is executed by the system control circuit 30.

  In step S101, it is determined whether or not the release button is prohibited, that is, whether or not the photographing operation is prohibited. As will be described later, when the buffer memory 36 does not have a capacity for storing imaging data, the release button is prohibited to be pressed. If it is determined that pressing the release button is prohibited, step S101 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if the buffer memory 36 has a capacity for storing the imaging data, the process proceeds to step S102.

  In step S102, it is determined whether the release button 32 is in an ON state, that is, whether the release button 32 has been fully pressed for photographing. If it is determined that the release button 32 is not in the ON state, step S102 is repeatedly executed. If it is determined that the release button 32 is in the ON state, the process proceeds to step S103, and the photographing operation process is executed. That is, the shutter is opened for a predetermined period, and the subject image is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 20. Then, an image signal for one frame is read from the CCD 20, and imaging data is sent to the image processing unit 28. If the battery grip 50 'is connected, it is determined in step S102 whether or not the release button 54' has been operated.

  In step S104, a flag for notifying the completion of the photographing operation process is set, and a flag for prohibiting the release operation is set.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing imaging data acquisition processing of the camera 10 in the second embodiment. This process is executed by the image processing unit 28.

  In step S201, it is determined whether or not the shooting operation process has been completed, that is, whether or not the shooting operation completion flag has been set in step S104 of FIG. If it is determined that the shooting operation has not been completed, step S201 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the shooting operation process has been completed, the process proceeds to step S202.

  In step S202, it is determined whether or not the battery grip 50 'is connected. If it is determined that the battery grip 50 ′ is not connected, the process proceeds to step S 203, and the imaging data is transferred to the buffer memory 36 as it is. On the other hand, if it is determined that the battery grip 50 ′ is connected, the process proceeds to step S <b> 204, and the imaging data is transferred to the buffer memory 52 of the battery grip 50 ′.

  In step S205, it is determined whether or not the buffer memory to which the imaging data is transferred in step S203 or S204 has a capacity for storing the imaging data. If it is determined that there is no free space in the buffer memory, the process proceeds to step S206, and a release button prohibition flag is set. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is free space in the buffer memory, the process proceeds to step S207, where the release button is permitted to be pressed. The determination in step S101 in FIG. 3 is made based on the processing in steps S206 and S207.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing image processing of the camera 10 in the second embodiment. This process is executed by the image processing unit 12.

  In step S301, it is determined whether there is unprocessed imaging data in the buffer memory 36 or not. If it is determined that there is no imaging data, step S301 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is imaging data, the process proceeds to step S302, where predetermined processing is performed on the imaging data, and image data is generated. In step S303, a command for recording image data on the memory card 38 is set.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing image recording processing of the camera 10 in the second embodiment. This process is executed by the image processing unit 28.

  In step S 401, it is determined whether there is image data to be recorded on the memory card 38 in the buffer memory 36 of the camera 10. If it is determined that there is image data to be recorded on the memory card 38 in the buffer memory 36, the process proceeds to step S 402, and the image data in the buffer memory 36 is compressed and recorded on the memory card 38. In step S403, the image data in the buffer memory 36 is erased.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S401 that there is no image data to be recorded on the memory card 38 in the buffer memory 36 of the camera 10, the process proceeds to step S404, and the buffer memory 52 of the battery grip 50 ′ is transferred to the memory card 38. It is determined whether there is image data to be recorded. If it is determined that there is no image data to be recorded on the memory card 38 in the buffer memory 52, the process returns to step S401. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is image data to be recorded on the memory card 38 in the buffer memory 52, the process proceeds to step S405, and the image data in the buffer memory 356 is recorded on the memory card 38. In step S406, the image data in the buffer memory 52 is erased.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing image processing of the battery grip 50 ′ in the second embodiment. This process is executed by the image processing unit 56 '.

  In step S501, it is determined whether there is unprocessed imaging data in the buffer memory 52 or not. If it is determined that there is no imaging data, step S501 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that imaging data exists, the process proceeds to step S502, where predetermined processing is performed on the imaging data to generate image data. In step S503, a command for recording image data on the memory card 38 is set. Thereby, the image data is recorded on the memory card 38 in step S405.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the image processing unit 56 ′ is provided in the battery grip 50 ′, and the image data transferred to the buffer memory 52 ′ is processed in the image processing unit 56 ′ to obtain image data. Is generated. The image data is stored in the buffer memory 52 ′ and then recorded on the memory card 38 of the camera 10.

  In the case of continuous shooting, since the image data generation process can be executed independently on the battery grip 50 'side, the time interval of the continuous shooting process can be shortened and the data processing speed on the camera body side can be reduced. Can be raised.

  Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the third embodiment, image data is stored in a memory card in the battery grip. About another structure, it is the same as 2nd Embodiment.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a digital camera according to the third embodiment.

  The battery grip 50 ″ includes an image processing unit 56 ″, a release button 54 ″, a buffer memory 52 ″, and a memory card 58 ″, and is detachably connected to the camera 10. An image generated in the image processing unit 56 ″. Data can be recorded on the memory card 58 ".

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the photographing operation process in the third embodiment. The execution of steps S601 to S604 is the same as the execution of steps S101 to S104 in FIG. That is, when the release button is turned on in a state where the photographing operation is not prohibited, the photographing operation process is executed.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing imaging data acquisition processing of the camera 10 in the third embodiment. The execution of steps S701 to S707 is the same as the execution of steps S201 to S207 in FIG. That is, when the battery grip 50 ″ is not attached, the image data is transferred to the buffer memory 36, and when the battery grip 50 ″ is attached, the image data is transferred to the buffer memory 52 ″.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing image processing of the camera 10 in the third embodiment. Steps S801 to S803 are the same as steps S301 to S303 in FIG. That is, when there is imaging data in the buffer memory 36 of the camera 10 (when the battery grip 50 ″ is not attached to the camera 10), the image processing unit 28 generates image data.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing image recording processing of the camera 10 according to the third embodiment.

  In step S <b> 901, it is determined whether there is image data to be recorded on the memory card 38 in the buffer memory 36 of the camera 10. If it is determined that there is no image data to be recorded on the memory card 38 in the buffer memory 36, step S901 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is image data to be recorded, the process proceeds to step S902, and the compressed image data in the buffer memory 36 is recorded in the memory card 38. In step S903, the image data in the buffer memory 36 is deleted.

  13 is a flowchart showing image processing of the battery grip 50 ″ according to the third embodiment. Execution of steps S1001 to S1003 is the same as execution of steps S501 to S503 in FIG. In the case where imaging data exists in 52 ″, image data is generated in the image processing unit 56 ″.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an image recording process of the battery grip 50 ″ according to the third embodiment. This process is executed by the image processing unit 56 ″.

  In step S1011, it is determined whether there is image data to be recorded on the memory card 58 "in the buffer memory 52" of the battery grip 50 ". The memory card 58 is stored in the buffer memory 52" of the battery grip 50 ". If it is determined that there is no image data to be recorded in “,” step S1011 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the image data exists, the process proceeds to step S1012 and the compressed image data in the buffer memory 52 "is recorded in the memory card 58". In step S1013, the compressed image data in the buffer memory 56 ″ is deleted.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, when the battery grip 50 ″ is connected, the image processing unit 56 ″ generates the image data, and the image data is recorded on the memory card 58 ″.

  In the case of continuous shooting, image data generation processing and recording processing are performed in the battery grip 50 ″, so that the shooting processing can be speeded up and the power consumption of the camera can be reduced. The effect of noise generated during recording does not affect the camera body.

  A memory other than the buffer memory may be built in the camera and the battery grip, or a detachable memory other than the memory card may be used. Further, the present invention may be applied to auxiliary devices other than the battery grip. For example, when the camera is applied as a mobile phone with a photographing function, it may be applied to an accessory device adapted to the mobile phone.

1 is a block diagram of a digital camera system according to a first embodiment. It is a block diagram of the digital camera which is 2nd Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a photographing operation process in the second embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the imaging data acquisition process of the camera in 2nd Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the image processing of the camera in 2nd Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the image recording process of the camera in 2nd Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the image processing of the battery grip in 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the digital camera in 3rd Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a photographing operation process in the third embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the imaging data acquisition process of the camera in 3rd Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the image processing of the camera in 3rd Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the image recording process of the camera in 3rd Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing image processing of a battery grip in the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing battery grip image recording processing in the third embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

10 Digital Camera 28 Image Processing Unit (Image Processing Unit)
36 Buffer memory (Built-in memory on the main unit)
38 Memory card (portable memory)
50, 50 ', 50 "battery grip (auxiliary equipment)
52, 52 ', 52 "buffer memory (auxiliary built-in memory)
56 ', 56 "image processing unit (auxiliary image processing unit)
58 "memory card (auxiliary portable memory)

Claims (12)

A camera,
An auxiliary device detachably attached to the camera,
The auxiliary device has auxiliary built-in memory capable of temporarily storing imaging data or image data,
The camera is
An image processing unit for processing image data to generate image data;
Internal memory on the main unit that can temporarily store image data or image data;
A portable memory in which image data is recorded and detachably attached to the camera;
The camera system, wherein the image processing unit stores imaging data or image data in the main body side built-in memory or the auxiliary built-in memory. The auxiliary device further includes an auxiliary image processing unit,
The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary image processing unit generates image data by processing imaging data stored in the auxiliary built-in memory. The camera has connection detection means for detecting connection of the auxiliary device;
3. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit stores imaging data in the auxiliary built-in memory when the auxiliary device is connected. 4. The auxiliary device further includes an auxiliary portable memory;
The camera system according to claim 2, wherein the auxiliary image processing unit records the generated image data in the auxiliary portable memory.   The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the camera includes continuous shooting operation processing means for executing continuous shooting operation processing. Auxiliary equipment having auxiliary built-in memory that can temporarily store imaging data or image data is detachably attached,
An image processing unit for processing image data to generate image data;
Internal memory on the main unit that can temporarily store image data or image data;
A portable memory on which image data is recorded and detachably attached to the camera;
The camera, wherein the image processing unit stores image data in the main body side internal memory or the auxiliary internal memory. A camera,
An auxiliary device detachably attached to the camera,
The auxiliary equipment is
Auxiliary built-in memory that can temporarily store imaging data or image data,
An auxiliary image processing unit that processes image data stored in the auxiliary built-in memory to generate image data;
The camera is
An image processing unit for processing image data to generate image data;
Internal memory on the main unit that can temporarily store image data or image data;
A portable memory in which image data is recorded and detachably attached to the camera;
The camera system, wherein the image processing unit stores imaging data in the main body side built-in memory or the auxiliary built-in memory, and records image data stored in the auxiliary built-in memory in the portable memory. Auxiliary built-in memory that can store image data or image data temporarily and an auxiliary image processing unit that processes image data stored in the auxiliary built-in memory and generates image data are detachably mounted. And
An image processing unit for processing image data to generate image data;
Internal memory on the main unit that can temporarily store image data or image data;
A portable memory on which image data is recorded and detachably attached to the camera;
The camera, wherein the image processing unit stores imaging data in the main body side built-in memory or the auxiliary built-in memory, and records image data stored in the auxiliary built-in memory in the portable memory. Removably attached to the camera according to claim 8,
Auxiliary built-in memory that can temporarily store imaging data or image data,
An auxiliary device, comprising: an auxiliary image processing unit that processes image data stored in the auxiliary built-in memory to generate image data. A camera,
An auxiliary device detachably attached to the camera,
The auxiliary equipment is
Auxiliary built-in memory that can temporarily store imaging data or image data,
An auxiliary image processing unit that processes image data stored in the auxiliary built-in memory to generate image data;
An auxiliary portable memory,
The camera is
An image processing unit for processing image data to generate image data;
Internal memory on the main unit that can temporarily store image data or image data;
A portable memory in which image data is recorded and detachably attached to the camera;
The image processing unit stores imaging data in the main body side internal memory or the auxiliary internal memory,
The camera system, wherein the auxiliary image processing unit records the generated image data in the auxiliary portable memory. Auxiliary built-in memory that can temporarily store image data or image data, an auxiliary image processing unit that processes image data stored in the auxiliary built-in memory to generate image data, and an auxiliary portable memory The device is detachably connected,
An image processing unit for processing image data to generate image data;
Internal memory on the main unit that can temporarily store image data or image data;
A portable memory in which image data is recorded and detachably attached to the camera;
The camera, wherein the image processing unit stores imaging data in the main body side internal memory or the auxiliary internal memory. The camera according to claim 11 is detachably mounted.
Auxiliary built-in memory that can temporarily store imaging data or image data,
An auxiliary image processing unit that processes image data stored in the auxiliary built-in memory to generate image data;
With an auxiliary portable memory,
The auxiliary device, wherein the auxiliary image processing unit records the generated image data in the auxiliary portable memory.

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