JP2007189328A - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To avoid such a situation as abnormality occurs in a hard disc due to falling of a camera. <P>SOLUTION: An image sensor 14 has an imaging plane 14f for capturing a field. Recording task of a CPU 40 accesses a hard disc 36 in order to record the moving image of the field captured by the imaging plane 14f. When satisfaction of interruption conditions is detected, the photography task of the CPU 40 requests interruption of access processing for the recording task. A motion detection circuit 38 detects the amount of movement of the imaging plane 14f per 1/30 sec based on the field image captured by the imaging plane 14f. A contact sensor 44 detects contact of operator's hand to the housing 48. The interruption conditions include a condition that the amount of movement detected by the motion detection circuit 38 exceeds a threshold, and a condition that the detection results from the contact sensor 44 represents noncontact. When both conditions are satisfied, the photography task requests interruption of access processing for the recording task. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic camera, and more particularly to an electronic camera that records a captured scene image on a recording medium.

An example of a conventional device of this type is disclosed in Patent Document 1. According to this prior art, when a tilt or drop of a portable terminal device is detected by a gyro sensor or a pressure sensor, the magnetic head is moved to a safe retreat area before an impact is applied to the magnetic disk device. As a result, it is possible to prevent the recording medium from being damaged.
JP-A-6-203505 [G11B 21/12, 19/02, 19/04]

    However, assuming continuous recording of content such as moving images to a recording medium, the continuous recording time is reduced if the magnetic head is retracted frequently due to erroneous detection of the gyro sensor or pressure sensor. Problem arises.

  Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera that can avoid a situation in which an abnormality occurs in a recording medium and can extend the continuous recordable time.

  An electronic camera (10) according to the invention of claim 1 includes an imaging means (14) having an imaging surface (14f) for capturing an object scene, and a recording medium for recording a moving image representing the object scene captured by the imaging surface. Access means (34, S59, S61, S63, S65) for accessing (36), request means (S31, S33) for requesting the access means to interrupt access processing when the interruption condition is satisfied, captured on the imaging surface Motion detection means (38) for detecting the amount of motion per unit time of the imaging surface based on the object scene image, and contact detection means (44) for detecting contact with the case (48) of the operator's hand The interruption condition includes a first condition that the amount of motion detected by the motion detection means exceeds a threshold value, and a second condition that the detection result of the contact detection means indicates non-contact. When both the second condition and the second condition are satisfied, the interruption of the access process is requested.

  The imaging means has an imaging surface that captures the object scene. The access means accesses the recording medium in order to record a moving image representing the scene captured on the imaging surface. However, when the interruption condition is satisfied, the request unit requests the access unit to interrupt the access process.

  The motion detection means detects a motion amount per unit time of the imaging surface based on the object scene image captured on the imaging surface. The contact detection means detects contact of the operator's hand with the housing. The interruption condition includes a first condition that the amount of motion detected by the motion detection means exceeds a threshold value, and a second condition that the detection result of the contact detection means indicates non-contact. The requesting unit requests interruption of the access process when both the first condition and the second condition are satisfied.

  Therefore, if the operator is holding the housing, the access process is not interrupted even if the amount of movement of the imaging surface exceeds the threshold value. Even if the operator does not hold the housing, the access process is not interrupted if the amount of movement on the imaging surface is equal to or less than the threshold value. However, if the amount of movement of the imaging surface exceeds the threshold value while the operator is not holding the casing, the access process is interrupted. Thus, it is possible to avoid a situation in which an abnormality occurs in the recording medium due to the fall of the electronic camera, and it is possible to extend the continuous recordable time.

  In the electronic camera according to the second aspect of the present invention, the access means includes a movable recording member (34h), and the requesting means includes a retraction request means (S31) for requesting retraction of the movable recording member. As a result, it is possible to avoid damage to the recording medium due to dropping.

  The electronic camera according to the invention of claim 3 is dependent on claim 1 or 2, and further comprises writing means (24, 32) for writing a moving image representing the object scene captured on the imaging surface in the internal memory (26). The access means includes transfer means (S61) for transferring the moving image stored in the internal memory by the writing means to the recording medium by a specified amount. As a result, the access process can be interrupted each time the designated amount of transfer process is completed.

  An electronic camera according to a fourth aspect of the invention is dependent on the third aspect, wherein the access means determines whether or not a request has been issued by the requesting means each time a transfer process of a specified amount by the transfer means is completed. S65), the transfer means executes again the same transfer process as the previous time when the determination result of the determination means is affirmative. As a result, a transfer error caused by the interruption of the access process can be repaired.

  An electronic camera according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is dependent on any one of the first to fourth aspects, and the contact detection means is provided at a position where the operator's finger contacts when the operator grips the casing in a normal manner. . Therefore, the second condition is satisfied when the operator grips the housing in an unusual manner.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording control program comprising: an imaging unit (14) having an imaging surface (14f) for capturing an object scene; and an image capturing surface per unit time based on an object scene image captured by the imaging surface. The processor (40) of the electronic camera (10) provided with the motion detection means (38) for detecting the amount of movement and the contact detection means (44) for detecting contact with the case (48) of the operator's hand, An access step (S59, S61, S63) for accessing the recording medium (36) to record a moving image representing the scene captured on the imaging surface, and an access process of the recording medium when the interruption condition is satisfied A recording control program for executing a request step (S31, S33) for requesting an interruption, wherein the interruption condition includes a first condition that the amount of motion detected by the motion detection means exceeds a threshold value, and the contact detection means Including the second condition that the detection result indicates non-contact, Is a recording control program that requests interruption of the access process when both the first condition and the second condition are satisfied.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording control method comprising: an imaging unit (14) having an imaging surface (14f) for capturing an object scene; and an image capturing surface per unit time based on an object scene image captured by the imaging surface. A recording control method for an electronic camera (10) comprising motion detection means (38) for detecting the amount of motion and contact detection means (44) for detecting contact with a case (48) of an operator's hand. (A) accessing the recording medium (36) to record a moving image representing the scene captured on the imaging surface, and (b) interrupting the access processing to the recording medium when the interruption condition is satisfied. The interruption condition includes a first condition that the amount of motion detected by the motion detection means exceeds a threshold value, and a second condition that the detection result of the contact detection means indicates non-contact. In step (b), the first condition When both the second condition and the second condition are satisfied, the interruption of the access process is requested.

  According to the present invention, as long as the operator holds the casing, the access process is not interrupted even if the amount of movement of the imaging surface exceeds the threshold value. Even if the operator does not hold the housing, the access process is not interrupted if the amount of movement on the imaging surface is equal to or less than the threshold value. However, if the amount of movement of the imaging surface exceeds the threshold value while the operator is not holding the casing, the access process is interrupted. Thus, it is possible to avoid a situation in which an abnormality occurs in the recording medium due to the fall of the electronic camera, and it is possible to extend the continuous recordable time.

  The above object, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a digital camera 10 of this embodiment includes an optical lens 12. The optical image of the object scene is irradiated on the imaging surface 14 f of the image sensor 14 through the optical lens 12. On the imaging surface 14f, a charge representing the object scene, that is, a raw image signal is generated by photoelectric conversion. The imaging surface 14f is covered with a primary color filter, and each of the plurality of pixels forming the generated raw image signal has color information of any one of R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue).

  When the shooting mode is selected by the mode switch 46, the CPU 40 starts processing a plurality of tasks including a shooting task and a recording task. In the photographing task, first, through image processing is executed.

  At this time, the TG / SG (Timing Generator / Signal Generator) 20 is instructed to repeat the exposure process and the charge readout process. The TG / SG 20 generates a vertical synchronization signal Vsync every 1/30 second and supplies a plurality of timing signals to each of the driver 16 and the CDS / AGC / AD circuit 18.

  The driver 16 performs an exposure process on the imaging surface 14f every time the vertical synchronization signal Vsync is generated, and reads a raw image signal generated thereby from the image sensor 14 at a frame rate of 30 fps. The read raw image signal is subjected to a series of processes of correlated double sampling, automatic gain adjustment and A / D conversion by the CDS / AGC / AD circuit 18, and the generated raw image data is output.

  The output raw image data is subjected to a series of processes of color separation, white balance adjustment, and YUV conversion by the signal processing circuit 22. The YUV format image data generated in this way is written into the SDRAM 26 via the memory control circuit 24.

  The video encoder 28 reads one frame of image data from the SDRAM 26 through the memory control circuit 24 every time the vertical synchronization signal Vsync is generated, and encodes the read image data into a composite video signal. The encoded composite video signal is applied to the LCD monitor 30. As a result, a moving image (through image) representing the scene is displayed on the screen.

  When a recording start operation is performed by the shutter button 42, a “file creation & open” instruction is set in the instruction list 40a (see FIG. 3) by the photographing task. Further, each time the vertical synchronization signal Vsync is generated, a one-frame compression instruction is issued to the MPEG codec 32, and a “file write” instruction is set in the instruction list 40a. When a recording end operation is performed by the shutter button 42, a “file close” instruction is set in the instruction list 40a by the photographing task.

  According to FIG. 3, the instruction list 30a is formed by a plurality of columns each assigned an identification number. The instructions are cyclically set in such a plurality of columns in numerical order.

  When the MPEG codec 32 receives a one-frame compression command, the MPEG codec 32 reads out one frame of image data from the SDRAM 26 through the memory control circuit 24, compresses the read image data in the MPEG system, and compresses the compressed image data, that is, MPEG. Data is written to the SDRAM 26 through the memory control circuit 24. The above-mentioned “file writing” instruction is an instruction paying attention to one frame of MPEG data thus stored in the SDRAM 26.

  In the recording task, the instructions set in the instruction list 40 a are sequentially executed in cooperation with the disk drive 34. If the noticed instruction is a “file creation & open” instruction, a new MPEG file is created on the hard disk 36, and this MPEG file is opened. If the instruction to be noticed is a “file write” instruction, the MPEG data of one frame designated by this instruction is read from the SDRAM 26 by the memory control 24 and written to the open MPEG file by the magnetic head 34h. If the instruction of interest is “file close”, the open MPEG file is closed. Thus, the MPEG file is completed.

  The motion detection circuit 38 detects a motion vector representing the motion of the imaging surface 14 f for 1/30 seconds based on the continuous two frames of image data output from the signal processing circuit 22. The detected motion vector is given to the CPU 40 every 1/30 seconds. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the contact sensor 44 is provided on the front side and the left side of the housing 48. When the operator grips the housing 44 in the normal mode, the operator's finger touches the contact sensor 44. As a result, the output of the contact sensor 44 is updated from “0” indicating non-contact to “1” indicating contact.

  In the shooting task, it is determined whether or not the length of the motion vector output from the motion detection circuit 38 exceeds the threshold value TH, and whether or not the output of the contact sensor 44 is “0” is determined. If the length of the motion vector exceeds the threshold value TH and the output of the contact sensor 44 is “0”, the access processing to the hard disk 36 is interrupted. Specifically, a save request is issued toward the disk drive 34, and a pause request is issued toward the recording task. The disk drive 34 retracts the magnetic head 34 h to a position away from the surface of the hard disk 36. The recording task pauses execution of the instruction set in the instruction list 40a.

  Thereafter, when the length of the motion vector becomes equal to or smaller than the threshold value TH or the output of the contact sensor 44 becomes “1”, the access processing to the hard disk 36 is resumed. Specifically, a return request is issued toward the disk drive 34, and an execution request is issued toward the recording task. The disk drive 34 returns the magnetic head 34 h to a position facing the surface of the hard disk 36. The recording task executes the instruction set in the instruction list 40a again.

  That is, if the operator holds the casing 48 in the normal mode, the access process is not interrupted even if the amount of movement of the imaging surface 14f exceeds the threshold value TH. Even if the operator does not hold the casing 48, the access process is not interrupted if the amount of movement of the imaging surface 14f is equal to or less than the threshold value TH.

  However, if the operator does not hold the casing 48, when the amount of movement of the imaging surface 14f exceeds the threshold value TH, the digital camera 10 is considered to be falling and the access process is interrupted. In other words, the access process is interrupted when both the first condition that the amount of movement of the imaging surface 14f exceeds the threshold TH and the second condition that the detection result of the contact sensor 44 indicates non-contact are satisfied. The Thereby, it is possible to prevent the hard disk 36 from being damaged due to the magnetic head 34h colliding with the hard disk 36 when the digital camera 10 is dropped.

  It should be noted that the object scene captured by the imaging surface 14f when the output of the contact sensor 44 indicates “0” changed in the order of FIG. 4A → FIG. 4B → FIG. 4C. The access process is interrupted. Further, a condition including the first condition and the second condition described above is defined as “interruption condition”.

  If the access process is frequently paused, unexecuted instructions increase on the instruction list 30a. Since there is a limit to the number of columns, a “file close” instruction is displayed when a predetermined relationship is established between the column for which the latest instruction is set and the column for which the oldest unexecuted instruction is set. 40a. This forcibly ends the access process.

  However, the access process is interrupted when the length of the motion vector exceeds the threshold value TH and the output of the contact sensor 44 is “0” as described above. In other words, the access process is not interrupted as long as the output of the contact sensor 44 is “1”, that is, as long as the operator holds the casing 48 in the normal manner. As a result, unnecessary interruption of the access process is avoided, and the continuous recordable time can be extended.

  The CPU 40 executes a plurality of tasks including a shooting task shown in FIGS. 5 to 6 and a recording task shown in FIGS. Note that control programs corresponding to these tasks are stored in a flash memory (not shown).

  Referring to FIG. 5, variable Lw is set to “0” in step S1, and through image processing is executed in step S3. A through image representing the object scene is output from the LCD monitor 30. In step S5, it is determined whether or not a recording start operation has been performed. If YES here, the flag Fsus is set to “0” in step S7, “file creation & open” is set in the Lw-th column of the instruction list 30a in step S9, and the variable Lw is incremented in step S11 To do.

  The flag Fsus is a flag for issuing an execution request or a pause request toward the recording task, and Fsus = 0 indicates an execution request, while Fsus = 1 indicates a pause request. When the flag Fsus is set to “0” in step S7, the recording task starts processing according to the instruction set in the instruction list 40a. Also, a new MPEG file is created on the hard disk 36 by the recording task process in response to the process of step S9, and the created MPEG file is opened.

  When the vertical synchronization signal Vsync is generated, YES is determined in step S13, and a one-frame compression command is issued to the MPEG codec 32 in step S15. As a result, one frame of image data stored in the SDRAM 26 is compressed by the MPEG codec 32 and the corresponding one frame of MPEG data is written into the SDRAM 26.

  In step S17, a “file write” instruction focusing on one frame of MPEG data secured in the SDRAM 26 is set in the Lw-th column of the instruction list 30a. One frame of MPEG data is written to the MPEG file opened on the hard disk 36 by the recording task processing in response to this processing.

  In step S19, the variable Lw is incremented, and in step S21, it is determined whether or not the incremented variable Lw exceeds the maximum value Lmax. If “NO” here, the process proceeds to a step S25 as it is, whereas if “YES”, the variable Lw is set to “0” in a step S23, and then, the process proceeds to a step S25. In step S25, it is determined whether or not the length of the motion vector output from the motion detection circuit 38 exceeds the threshold value TH. In step S27, it is determined whether or not the output of the contact sensor 44 is “0”. In step S29, it is determined whether or not the flag Fsus is “1”.

  If YES in both steps S25 and S27, in order to interrupt the access processing to the hard disk 36, the disk drive 34 is commanded to retract the magnetic head 34h in step S31, and the flag Fsus is set to “1” in step S33. To do. By the processing in step S31, the magnetic head 34h moves outward from the surface of the hard disk 36. In addition, the recording task pauses the execution of the instruction set in the instruction list 40a by the process of step S33.

  If NO is determined in step S25 or S27 and YES is determined in step S29, the flag Fsus is set to “0” in step S35 to resume the access processing to the hard disk 36, and the magnetic head is determined in step S37. The disk drive 34 is commanded to return 34h. The recording task releases the dormant state by the process of step S35. As a result, the instruction set in the instruction list 40a is executed again. Further, the magnetic head 34h returns to the surface of the hard disk 34h by the process of step S37.

  If NO is determined in any of steps S25, S27, and S29, the process directly proceeds to step S39.

  In step S39, it is determined whether or not a recording end operation has been performed. In step S41, it is determined whether or not the variable Lw matches a numerical value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value K from a variable Lr described later. If both steps S39 and S41 are NO, the processes in and after step S13 are repeated. On the other hand, if any one of steps S39 and S41 is YES, “file close” is set in the Lw-th column of instruction list 30a in step S43, variable L is incremented in step S45, and then step Return to S5. The MPEG file opened on the hard disk 36 is closed by the recording task process in response to the process of step S43.

  Referring to FIG. 7, in step S51, variable Lr is set to “0”, and in step S53, it is determined whether or not flag Fsus is “0”. If the flag Fsus is “1”, the process of step S53 is repeated. If the flag Fsus is “0”, the instruction set in the Lr-th column of the instruction list 30a is determined in each of steps S55, S57, and S59.

  If the instruction of interest is “file creation & open”, YES is determined in step S55, and file creation & open processing is executed in step S61. As a result, a new MPEG file is created on the hard disk 36, and this MPEG file is opened.

  If the instruction of interest is “file writing”, YES is determined in the step S57, and a file writing process is executed in a step S63. As a result, one frame of MPEG data is written to the open MPEG file.

  If the instruction of interest is “file close”, YES is determined in step S59, and a file close process is executed in step S63. As a result, the open MPEG file is closed.

  When the process of step S61, S63 or S65 is completed, it is determined in step S67 whether or not the flag Fsus is “1”. If “NO” here, the process proceeds to a step S75 without updating the variable Lw. As a result, the instruction executed last time is noticed again, and the same access process as the previous time is executed again. Therefore, even if an error occurs in the access process due to the forced withdrawal of the magnetic head 34h, this error is repaired by the next access process.

  If “YES” in the step S67, the variable Lr is incremented in a step S69, and it is determined whether or not the incremented variable Lr exceeds the maximum value Lmax in a step S71. If “NO” here, the process proceeds to a step S75 as it is, whereas if “YES”, the variable Lr is set to “0” in a step S73, and then, the process proceeds to a step S75. In step S75, it is determined whether or not the flag Fsus is “0”. If “NO” here, the process of the step S75 is repeated, and if “YES”, the process returns to the step S53.

  As can be seen from the above description, the image sensor 14 has the imaging surface 14f that captures the object scene. The recording task of the CPU 40 accesses the hard disk (recording medium) 36 in order to record a moving image representing the object scene captured by the imaging surface 14f (S59, S61, S63, S65). However, if satisfaction of the interruption condition is detected in the photographing task of the CPU 40, the imaging task requests the recording task to be interrupted (S31, S33).

  On the other hand, the motion detection circuit 38 detects a motion vector (motion amount) indicating the motion of the imaging surface 14f per 1/30 second (= unit time) based on the object scene image captured by the imaging surface 14f. The contact sensor 44 detects contact of the operator's hand with the housing 48. The interruption condition includes a first condition that the amount of motion detected by the motion detection circuit 38 exceeds the threshold value TH, and a second condition that the detection result of the contact sensor 44 indicates non-contact. When both the first condition and the second condition are satisfied, the shooting task requests the recording task to interrupt the access process.

  Therefore, if the operator holds the casing 48, the access process will not be interrupted even if the amount of movement of the imaging surface 14f exceeds the threshold value TH. Even if the operator does not hold the casing 48, the access process is not interrupted if the amount of movement of the imaging surface 14f is equal to or less than the threshold value TH. However, if the amount of movement of the imaging surface 14f exceeds the threshold value TH without the operator holding the casing 48, the access process is interrupted. As a result, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of an abnormality in the hard disk 36 due to the fall of the digital camera 10 and to extend the continuous recordable time.

  In this embodiment, a hard disk is assumed as the recording medium. However, the recording medium is not limited to the hard disk as long as the medium is accessed by a movable member such as a head. In this embodiment, the image data is compressed by the MPEG method, but the JPEG method may be adopted instead.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of one Example of this invention. It is a front view which shows the external appearance of FIG. 1 Example. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the instruction | indication list applied to the FIG. 1 Example. (A) is an illustrative view showing an example of the object scene captured by the embodiment of FIG. 1, (B) is an illustrative view showing another example of the object scene captured by the embodiment of FIG. 1, and ( C) is an illustrative view showing another example of the object scene captured by the embodiment in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows a part of operation | movement of CPU applied to the FIG. 1 Example. It is a flowchart which shows a part of other operation | movement of CPU applied to the FIG. 1 Example. It is a flowchart which shows a part of other operation | movement of CPU applied to the FIG. 1 Example. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing yet another portion of behavior of the CPU applied to the embodiment in FIG. 1.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Digital camera 14 ... Image sensor 32 ... MPEG codec 34 ... Disk drive 36 ... Hard disk 38 ... Motion detection circuit 40 ... CPU
44… Contact sensor

Claims (7)

An imaging means having an imaging surface for capturing an object scene;
Access means for accessing a recording medium to record a moving image representing a scene captured on the imaging surface;
Request means for requesting the access means to suspend access processing when an interruption condition is satisfied,
A motion detecting means for detecting a motion amount per unit time of the imaging surface based on an object scene image captured on the imaging surface; and a contact detecting means for detecting contact of the operator's hand with the housing. ,
The interruption condition includes a first condition that the amount of motion detected by the motion detection means exceeds a threshold value, and a second condition that the detection result of the contact detection means indicates non-contact,
The requesting means is an electronic camera that requests interruption of the access processing when both the first condition and the second condition are satisfied. The access means includes a movable recording member;
The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the request unit includes a retraction request unit that requests retraction of the movable recording member. A writing means for writing a moving image representing the scene captured on the imaging surface to an internal memory;
3. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the access means includes transfer means for transferring a moving image stored in the internal memory by the writing means to the recording medium by a specified amount. The access means includes determination means for determining whether or not a request has been issued by the request means each time the specified amount of transfer processing by the transfer means is completed,
The electronic camera according to claim 3, wherein when the determination result of the determination unit is affirmative, the transfer unit again executes the same transfer process as the previous time.   5. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the contact detection unit is provided at a position where the operator's finger contacts when the operator grips the housing in a normal mode. 6. An imaging means having an imaging surface for capturing an object scene; a motion detecting means for detecting a motion amount per unit time of the imaging surface based on an object scene image captured on the imaging surface; and an operator's hand To a processor of an electronic camera provided with contact detection means for detecting contact with the housing,
An access step for accessing a recording medium to record a moving image representing a scene captured on the imaging surface, and a requesting step for requesting interruption of the access processing to the recording medium when an interruption condition is satisfied A recording control program for causing
The interruption condition includes a first condition that the amount of motion detected by the motion detection means exceeds a threshold value, and a second condition that the detection result of the contact detection means indicates non-contact,
A recording control program for requesting interruption of the access processing when both the first condition and the second condition are satisfied in the requesting step. An imaging means having an imaging surface for capturing an object scene; a motion detecting means for detecting a motion amount per unit time of the imaging surface based on an object scene image captured on the imaging surface; and an operator's hand A recording control method for an electronic camera comprising contact detection means for detecting contact with a housing,
(a) accessing a recording medium to record a moving image representing a scene captured on the imaging surface; and
(b) When the interruption condition is satisfied, interrupt the access processing to the recording medium,
The interruption condition includes a first condition that the amount of motion detected by the motion detection means exceeds a threshold value, and a second condition that the detection result of the contact detection means indicates non-contact,
The recording control method, wherein in step (b), the access process is requested to be interrupted when both the first condition and the second condition are satisfied.

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