JP2007215020A - Imaging apparatus, method of controlling same, and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus for preventing erroneous erasure relating to a photographed image file and for improving convenience of an erase protect operation relating to the image file. <P>SOLUTION: A camera capable of attaching a plurality of recording media comprises a first recording means for recording photographed image data into a first recording medium, and a second recording means for recording the photographed image into the second recording medium as for backup. The image file which is recorded by the second recording means is automatically set erase protection. There is designating means for designating whether the erase protection is set or not relating to the image file to be recorded by the first recording means and the second recording means, and the erase protection is set in response to a designated result of the designating means when recorded by the first recording means and the second recording means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus such as an electronic camera, a control method thereof, and a control program for executing the control method.

  Conventionally, an electronic camera that converts an optical still image captured by a lens into an electrical signal by an image sensor and records it on a recording medium such as a CompactFlash (registered trademark) card (CF card) has been put into practical use. Has been.

  In this type of electronic camera, the following various types have been put into practical use.

(1) One image can be specified from image data recorded on a recording medium, reproduced and displayed using a TFT-LCD, etc., and the captured image can be confirmed. (2) A configuration in which the specified image file can be erased by performing a predetermined operation during playback and display of the specified image data. (3) A plurality of recording media can be mounted and which recording medium is to be recorded. A card selection function that can be specified (4) A backup function that allows image data recorded on a recording medium to be copied to another recording medium at a predetermined timing (see, for example, Patent Document 1)
There is also known an electronic camera in which erasure protection for preventing erasure can be set for a designated image file (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In this type of electronic camera, it is possible to prevent accidental erasure of an image file by setting erasure protection on the image file that has been shot.
JP 2002-190973 A JP 2002-135627 A

  However, the conventional erasure protection setting operation of an electronic camera is effective only for a photographed image file. For this reason, the shot image file has a risk of being erased by an erroneous operation until the deletion protection is set. In addition, the operation for setting the erase protection is troublesome for a beginner who is not familiar with the camera operation.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus, a control method therefor, and a control program that can easily and reliably set erasure protection for preventing erroneous erasure.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image sensor that converts a photographic light image into an electrical signal, first recording means that records image data obtained from the image sensor on a first recording medium, and the first In the imaging apparatus having the second recording means for recording the same image data as the image data recorded on the recording medium on the second recording medium for backup, the image data is obtained by the second recording means. An erasure protection setting means for automatically setting erasure protection for preventing erasure of the image data when recording on the second recording medium is provided.

  The present invention also provides an image sensor that converts a photographic light image into an electrical signal, first recording means that records image data obtained from the image sensor on a first recording medium, and the first recording medium. In an imaging apparatus having a second recording means for recording the same image data as the recorded image data on a second recording medium for backup, the image data to be recorded on the first and second recording media On the other hand, designating means for designating whether or not to set erasure protection for preventing erasure of the image data, and image data on the first and second recording media by the first and second recording means. Control means for setting the erasure protection for the image data in accordance with the designation result of the designation means.

  The present invention also provides an image sensor that converts a photographic light image into an electrical signal, first recording means that records image data obtained from the image sensor on a first recording medium, and the first recording medium. An image pickup apparatus control method comprising: a second recording unit configured to record the same image data as the recorded image data on a second recording medium for backup, the image data being recorded by the second recording unit; Is recorded on the second recording medium, erasure protection for preventing erasure of the image data is automatically set.

  The present invention also provides an image sensor that converts a photographic light image into an electrical signal, first recording means that records image data obtained from the image sensor on a first recording medium, and the first recording medium. A method for controlling an imaging apparatus, comprising: a second recording unit that records the same image data as the recorded image data on a second recording medium for backup, the first and second recording media having A designation step for designating whether or not to set erasure protection for preventing erasure of the image data for the image data to be recorded; and the first and second recording means to perform the first and second recording means. And a control step of setting the erasure protection for the image data in accordance with a designation result of the designation step when recording the image data on a recording medium.

  The present invention also provides an image sensor that converts a photographic light image into an electrical signal, first recording means that records image data obtained from the image sensor on a first recording medium, and the first recording medium. A computer-readable control program for executing a control method of an imaging apparatus having second recording means for recording the same image data as recorded image data on a second recording medium for backup And a control step of automatically setting erasure protection for preventing erasure of the image data when the image data is recorded on the second recording medium by the second recording means. To do.

  The present invention also provides an image sensor that converts a photographic light image into an electrical signal, first recording means that records image data obtained from the image sensor on a first recording medium, and the first recording medium. A computer-readable control program for executing a control method of an imaging apparatus having second recording means for recording the same image data as recorded image data on a second recording medium for backup A designation step for designating whether or not erasure protection for preventing erasure of the image data is set for the image data recorded on the first and second recording media; When the image data is recorded on the first and second recording media by the second recording means, the erasure protection is set for the image data according to the designation result of the designation step. And having a that control step.

  According to the present invention, since image data recorded for backup is automatically set to erase protection, it is possible to easily and surely reduce the risk of erroneous image data deletion.

  Since it can be specified whether or not the erase protection is set, it becomes possible to set the erase protection as required by the user or the like. As a result, the convenience of the erase protect operation can be improved.

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

[First Embodiment]
<Configuration of image processing apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The image processing apparatus 100 is configured as an electronic camera, and includes a photographing lens 10, a shutter 12 having an aperture function, an image sensor 14, an A / D converter 16, a timing generation circuit 18, and an image processing circuit 20. .

  The image sensor 14 is a device that converts an optical image into an electrical signal, and the A / D converter 16 is a circuit that converts an analog signal output of the image sensor 14 into a digital signal. The timing generation circuit 18 is a circuit that supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the image sensor 14, the A / D converter 16, and the D / A converter 26, and is controlled by the memory control circuit 22 and the system control circuit 50. .

  The image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing on the data from the A / D converter 16 or the data from the memory control circuit 22. Further, the image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined calculation processing using image data related to imaging, and supplies the calculation result to the system control circuit 50. Based on the calculation result, the system control circuit 50 controls the exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement control unit 42 to perform TTL (through-the-lens) AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure). Processing, EF (flash pre-emission) processing, and the like are realized.

  The memory control circuit 22 controls the A / D converter 16, the timing generation circuit 18, the image processing circuit 20, the image display memory 24, the D / A converter 26, the memory 30, and the compression / decompression circuit 32. Data output from the A / D converter 16 is supplied to the memory control circuit 22 via the image processing circuit 20 or directly supplied to the memory control circuit 22 and written to the image display memory 24 or the memory 30. It is.

  The display image data written in the image display memory 24 is supplied to an image display unit 28 such as a TFT-LCD via a D / A converter 26 to display an image. An electronic viewfinder function can be realized by sequentially displaying images related to imaging on the image display unit 28. In addition, a playback display function and various display functions can be used by using the image display unit 28.

  The memory 30 is a memory for storing captured still images and moving images, and has a sufficient storage capacity for storing a predetermined number of still images and moving images for a predetermined time. By using this memory 30, a large number of images can be stored at high speed even in continuous shooting or panoramic shooting in which a plurality of still images are continuously shot. The memory 30 can also be used as a work area of the system control circuit 50 that controls the entire image processing apparatus 100.

  The compression / decompression circuit 32 is a circuit that compresses or decompresses image data by adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT) or the like, reads the image stored in the memory 30, performs compression processing or decompression processing, and finishes the processing. Is written into the memory 30.

  The exposure control unit 40 is a circuit that controls the shutter 12 having a diaphragm function, and can perform flash light control in cooperation with the flash 48. The distance measurement control unit 42 controls the focusing of the photographing lens 10. The exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement control unit 42 are controlled by the system control circuit 50 based on the calculation result obtained by the image processing circuit 20 calculating image data related to imaging. Thereby, TTL exposure control and distance measurement control are realized.

  The image processing apparatus 100 further includes a zoom control unit 44, a barrier control unit 46, a memory 52, a display unit 54, and a nonvolatile memory 56.

  The zoom control unit 44 controls zooming of the taking lens 10, and the barrier control unit 46 controls the operation of the barrier (protection unit) 102. The memory 52 stores constants, variables, programs, etc. for operating the system control circuit 50.

  The display unit 54 includes a liquid crystal display device, a speaker, and the like that display an operation state, a message, and the like using characters, images, sounds, and the like according to execution of a program by the system control circuit 50. A single or a plurality of locations are provided near the operation unit of the image processing apparatus 100 so as to be easily visible, and are configured by a combination of, for example, an LCD, an LED, and a sounding element. A part of the display unit 54 is installed in the optical viewfinder 104. The nonvolatile memory 56 is configured by, for example, an EEPROM that can be electrically erased and recorded.

  The image processing apparatus 100 also includes a mode dial 60 and shutter switches SW1 and SW2 as operation means for inputting various operation instructions of the system control circuit 50. Further, a playback button 68, a menu button 70, a movement plus (+) button 72, a movement minus (−) button 74, a set button 76, and an erase button 78 are also provided.

  The mode dial 60 is a dial for setting the shooting mode. The shutter switch SW1 is turned on during the operation of a shutter button (not shown), and starts operations such as AF (auto focus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (flash pre-flash) processing. Instruct.

  The shutter switch SW2 is turned on when the operation of the shutter button is completed, and instructs the system control circuit 50 to start a series of processing operations such as exposure processing, development processing, and recording processing. The exposure process is a process of writing a signal read from the image sensor 14 to the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22, and the development process is an image processing circuit 20 or a memory control circuit 22. This is done using the operation in.

  The recording process is a process of reading the image data from the memory 30, compressing it by the compression / decompression circuit 32, and writing the image data to the recording media 200 and 202. The system control circuit 50 has an erasure protection function for image data recorded on the recording media 200 and 202. That is, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not erasure protection for preventing erroneous erasure is set for the image data recorded on the recording media 200 and 202. When the erase protection is set, the image data has a function of prohibiting the recording process as being “read only”.

  The playback button 68 is an image playback state when pressed, and is a button for playing back and confirming an image file captured in the past. The menu button 70 displays a menu screen when pressed, and various menu item settings / It is a button for performing change / confirmation. The movement plus (+) button 72 and the movement minus (−) button 74 are buttons for selecting items on the menu screen and changing the setting contents of the items. Further, the movement plus (+) button 72 and the movement minus (−) button 74 can be used to change the reproduction image in the reproduction mode. The set button 76 is a button for performing an operation for confirming an item on the menu screen and an operation for confirming an item setting content. The delete button 78 is a button for deleting the designated image file.

  Reference numeral 80 in the figure denotes a power control unit. The power supply control unit 80 detects the battery detection circuit, the presence / absence of the battery, the type of the battery, and the remaining battery level, and supplies the necessary voltage for the necessary period based on the detection result and the instruction of the system control circuit 50. And supplied to each part including the recording media 200 and 202. The recording media 200 and 202 are detachable CF cards or the like, and are connected to the interfaces 90 and 94 via connectors 92 and 96, respectively. The interfaces 90 and 94 are connected to the bus 51. A system control unit 50, a memory control unit 22, a memory 30 and the like are connected to the bus 51. The system control unit 50 is connected to a recording medium attachment / detachment detection unit 98 that detects whether or not the recording medium devices 200 and 202 are attached to the connectors 92 and 96.

  In the figure, reference numeral 104 denotes an optical viewfinder. By using this optical finder 104, it is possible to take a picture without using the electronic finder function constituted by the image display unit 28. Reference numeral 400 denotes a flash device.

<Operation of Main Routine According to First Embodiment>
2 and 3 are flowcharts showing the operation of the main routine of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

  In accordance with power-on associated with battery replacement, the system control circuit 50 initializes flags, control variables, and the like in S101. In the next S102, the system control circuit 50 initializes the setting contents specified on the menu screen. Items that can be set on the menu screen include a card selection function and a backup function. The card selection function is a function capable of designating which recording medium among a plurality of mounted recording media, and the backup function is a function for transferring image data recorded on one recording medium to another recording medium. This is a function that can be copied to a recording medium. In S102, the recording medium 200 (card A) is designated by the card selection function, and the backup function is turned on.

  Subsequently, in S103, the system control circuit 50 determines the setting position of the mode dial 60. If the mode dial 60 is set to “OFF”, the process proceeds to S104. If the mode dial 60 is set to other than “OFF”, the process proceeds to S105.

  In S104, the system control circuit 50 changes the display on the display unit 54 to the end state, closes the barrier 102, protects the imaging unit, and sets necessary parameters, setting values, and setting modes including flags and control variables. Record in the nonvolatile memory 56. Further, the power control unit 80 performs predetermined end processing such as shutting off unnecessary power sources of the respective units of the image processing apparatus 100 including the image display unit 28, and the process returns to S103.

  In S <b> 105, the system control circuit 50 confirms the state of the menu button 70. When the menu button 70 is pressed, the process proceeds to S106, and when the menu button 70 is not pressed, the process proceeds to S107.

  In S106, the system control circuit 50 performs menu processing. In the menu process, a change operation related to the setting of the card selection function, the backup function, and the like is performed. When the menu process ends, the process returns to S103.

  In step S <b> 107, the system control circuit 50 outputs various setting states of the image processing apparatus 100 using images and sounds using the display unit 54. The image display unit 28 may also be used to display various setting states of the image processing apparatus 100. Then, the process proceeds to S108.

  In S108, the system control circuit 50 sets a through display state in which images being captured are sequentially displayed, and the process proceeds to S109. The image data is read from the image sensor 14 and sequentially written into the image display memory 24 via the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, and the memory control circuit 22. Here, in the through display state, the image data written in the image display memory 24 is sequentially supplied to the image display unit 28 via the memory control circuit 22 and the D / A converter 26 to continuously display the display image. By updating, the electronic finder function is realized.

  In next S109, the system control circuit 50 checks the state of the shutter switch SW1, and returns to S103 if the shutter switch SW1 is OFF. On the other hand, if the shutter switch SW1 is on, the process proceeds to S110. In S110, the system control circuit 50 sets the display state of the image display unit 28 to the freeze display state, and proceeds to S111. Here, in the freeze display state, the image data is read from the image sensor 14 and written into the image display memory 24 via the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, and the memory control circuit 22, that is, the image Cancel data update. Then, the image data last written in the image display memory 24 is continuously supplied by the image display unit 28 via the memory control circuit 22 and the D / A converter 26, whereby the frozen image is an image as an electronic viewfinder. It is displayed on the display unit 28.

  In S111, the system control circuit 50 performs a distance measurement process to adjust the focus of the photographing lens 10 according to the distance to the subject, and also performs a photometry process to determine an aperture value and a shutter time.

  In next S112, the system control circuit 50 sets the display state of the image display unit 28 to the through display state, and proceeds to S113. In S113, the system control circuit 50 confirms the state of the shutter switch SW1, and returns to S103 if the shutter switch SW1 is in the OFF state. If the shutter switch SW1 is on, in step S114, the state of the shutter switch SW2 is further confirmed. If the shutter switch SW2 is off, the process returns to S113, and if the shutter switch SW2 is on, the process proceeds to S115. .

  In S115, the system control circuit 50 sets the display state of the image display unit 28 to a fixed color display state, and proceeds to S150. Here, in the fixed color display state, the fixed color image data is added to the image data written in the image display memory 24 from the image sensor 14 via the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, and the memory control circuit 22. Overwrite with. The overwritten image data is supplied to the image display unit 28 via the memory control circuit 22 and the D / A converter 26, thereby displaying a fixed color image on the image display unit 28 as an electronic viewfinder. .

  In S150 of FIG. 3, the system control circuit 50 outputs the image data output from the image sensor 14 via the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, and the memory control circuit 22, or the A / D converter and An exposure process for writing to the memory 30 is executed via the memory control circuit 22. Further, using the memory control circuit 22 and the image processing circuit 20 as necessary, the image data written in the memory 30 is read and the photographing process is executed. Details of this photographing process (S150) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In S151, the system control circuit 50 reads the image data from the memory 30, adapts it to the display format of the image display unit 28, transfers it to the image display memory 24 via the memory control circuit 22, and transfers the image display unit. 28. This display is a first quick review display. The first quick review display is executed based on the image data before the duct capturing process (S152) is performed, that is, before the duct correction calculation is performed.

  In S152, the system control circuit 50 accumulates noise components such as dark current of the image sensor 14 for the same time as the main photographing with the shutter 12 closed, and performs a duct capturing process for reading out the noise image signal after accumulation. Proceed to S153. By performing correction calculation processing using the duct image data captured by the duct capture process, it is possible to reduce image quality degradation such as dark current noise generated by the image sensor 14 and pixel defects due to scratches inherent to the image sensor 14. .

  In the next step S153, the system control circuit 50 reads out part of the image data written in the memory 30 via the memory control circuit 22, and performs WB (white balance) integration calculation processing necessary for performing development processing, OB (optical black) integration calculation processing is performed. Then, the calculation result is stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52. Further, the system control circuit 50 reads out the captured image data written in a predetermined area of the memory 30 using the memory control circuit 22 and the image processing circuit 20 as necessary. Then, various development processes including an AWB (auto white balance) process, a gamma conversion process, and a color conversion process are performed using the calculation result stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52. Further, in the development process, a subtraction process is performed using the duck image data captured in the dac capturing process, thereby performing a duck correction calculation process for canceling dark current noise and the like of the image sensor 14.

  In next step S154, the system control circuit 50 reads the image data written in the memory 30, performs image compression processing according to the set mode by the compression / decompression circuit 32, and stores the compressed image data in the memory 30. Write to the empty image portion of the image storage buffer area.

  In subsequent S155, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the card selection function is “card A”. If the card selection function is “card A”, the process proceeds to S156; otherwise, the process proceeds to S159. .

  In S <b> 156, the system control circuit 50 reads the image data stored in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30 and writes it to the recording medium 200 (card A) via the interface 90 and the connector 92. The form of the image file recorded by this writing process is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the format of the image file includes shooting information data 501 including shutter speed, aperture value, date, and the like, thumbnail image data 502, and main image data 503. In S156, the system control circuit 50 performs a process (sets the file attribute to “read / write”) not to set the erase protection for the recorded image file.

  In S157, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the backup function is on. If the backup function is on, the process proceeds to S158, and if not, the process proceeds to S162. In S <b> 158, the system control circuit 50 reads the image data stored in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30 and writes it to the recording medium 202 (card B) via the interface 94 and the connector 96. The form of the image file recorded by this writing process is the same as that described with reference to FIG. In S158, the system control circuit 50 performs a process (setting the file attribute to “read only”) for setting the erase protection for the recorded image file.

  In S159, the system control circuit 50 reads out the image data stored in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30, and writes it in the recording medium 202 (card B) via the interface 94 and the connector 96 in the form shown in FIG. . In S159, the system control circuit 50 performs a process (setting the file attribute to “read / write”) not to set the erase protection for the recorded image file.

  In S160, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the backup function is on. If the backup function is on, the process proceeds to S161; otherwise, the process proceeds to S162.

  In S161, the system control circuit 50 reads the image data stored in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30 and writes it to the recording medium 200 (card A). The form of the image file recorded by this writing process is the same as that described with reference to FIG. In S161, the system control circuit 50 performs a process (setting the file attribute to “read only”) for setting the erase protection for the recorded image file.

  In S162, the system control circuit 50 reads the image data from the memory 30, adapts it to the display format of the image display unit 28, transfers it to the image display memory 24 via the memory control circuit 22, and transfers the image display unit. 28 displays an image. This display is a second quick review display. At the stage of the second quick review display process (S162), since the duct capture process (S152) has already been performed, the image data after performing the duct correction calculation in the development process (S153) is used. Create image data for display and perform quick review display.

  In next step S163, the system control circuit 50 waits for the shutter switch SW1 to be turned off. If the shutter switch SW1 is turned off, the process proceeds to S164.

  In S164, the system control circuit 50 sets the display state of the image display unit 28 to the through display state, finishes a series of photographing operations, and returns to S103. Thus, after the user confirms the captured image by the quick review display on the image display unit 28, the display state can be changed to a through display state in which images captured for the next photographing are sequentially displayed. .

<Details of shooting process>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing details of the photographing process in S150 of FIG.

  First, in S301, the system control circuit 50 performs the charge clear operation of the image sensor 14, and starts the charge accumulation of the image sensor 14 in the next S302. In step S303, the shutter 12 is opened by the shutter control unit 40, and in step S304, exposure of the image sensor 14 is started.

  In subsequent S305, the system control circuit 50 refers to the flash flag to determine whether or not the flash 48 is necessary, and if necessary, causes the flash to emit light. If the flash 48 is not used, the process proceeds to S307.

  In step S307, the system control circuit 50 waits for the exposure of the image sensor 14 according to the photometric data, and in step S308, the shutter control unit 40 closes the shutter 12 and ends the exposure of the image sensor 14.

  In the next S309, the system control circuit 50 waits for the set charge accumulation time to elapse, and in the subsequent S310, the system control circuit 50 ends the charge accumulation by the image sensor 14. Next, in S <b> 311, a charge signal is read out from the image sensor 14, and the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, and the memory control circuit 22, or the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22 are used. Then, it is written in a predetermined area of the memory 30 as photographed image data. When the series of processing is finished, the photographing processing routine (S150) is finished.

<Details of menu processing>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of the menu processing in S106 of FIG.

  S601 and S602 in the figure indicate item selection states for displaying a list of menu items and selecting an item to be changed in the menu processing. Specifically, S601 indicates a state where the card selection function is selected, and S602 indicates a state where the backup function is selected.

  In S <b> 601, the system control circuit 50 confirms the state of the menu button 70, the set button 76, and the movement plus (+) button 72. When the menu button 70 is pressed, the menu process is terminated and the process returns. When the movement plus (+) button 72 is pressed, the process proceeds to S602. When the set button 76 is pressed, the item to be changed is confirmed in the card selection function, and the process proceeds to S610 to change the contents of the card selection function.

  In S <b> 602, the system control circuit 50 confirms the state of the menu button 70, the set button 76, and the movement minus (−) button 74. When the menu button 70 is pressed, the menu process is terminated and the process returns. When the movement minus (−) button 74 is pressed, the process proceeds to S601. When the set button 76 is pressed, the item to be changed is confirmed in the backup function, and the process proceeds to S620 to select the content of the backup function.

  In step S610, processing for changing the contents of the card selection function is performed. In step S <b> 610, the system control circuit 50 confirms the states of the set button 76, the movement plus (+) button 72, and the movement minus (−) button 74. When the movement minus (−) button 74 is pressed, the card selection function is switched to the card B. When the movement plus (+) button 72 is pressed, the card selection function is switched to the card A. When the set button 76 is pressed, the contents of the card selection function are confirmed, and the process returns to S601.

  In S620, processing for changing the content of the backup function is performed. In S620, the system control circuit 50 confirms the states of the set button 76, the movement plus (+) button 72, and the movement minus (−) button 74. When the movement minus (−) button 74 is pressed, the backup function is switched off. When the movement plus (+) button 72 is pressed, the backup function is switched on. When the set button 76 is pressed, the content of the backup function is confirmed, and the process returns to S602.

<Advantages of this embodiment>
According to the present embodiment, the card selection function and the backup function are changed on the menu screen. When the menu button 70 is pressed, menu processing is started (S106). In the item selection state (S601, S602), when the set button 76 is pressed while the card selection function is selected, the item to be changed is determined as the card selection function, and the content selection process of the card selection function is started (S601). To S610). In the contents changing process of the card selection function, the card A and the card B are switched by pressing the movement plus (+) button 72 or the movement minus (−) button 74 (S610), and the set button 76 is pressed. The contents are fixed (transition from S610 to S601).

  In the item selection state (S601, S602), when the set button 76 is pressed while the backup function is selected, the item to be changed is determined as the backup function, and the backup function content changing process is started (from S602). (Transition to S620). In the content change processing of the backup function, pressing the movement plus (+) button 72 or the movement minus (−) button 74 switches between on and off (S620), and pressing the set button 76 confirms the contents. (Transition from S620 to S602).

  In a series of shooting operations, when image data is recorded on the cards A and B, the image data is recorded on the card selected by the card selection function (S155, S156, S159). At this time, processing for setting no erasure protection on the image file (setting the file attribute to “read / write”) is performed (S156, S159).

  When the backup function is on, a captured image is recorded for backup on the card not selected by the card selection function (S158, S161). At this time, processing for setting erasure protection on the image file (setting the file attribute to “read only”) is performed (S158, S161).

  In this way, for a card that records captured image data for backup use, a function to automatically set the image file for deletion protection (set the file attribute to “read only”) I am letting. Thereby, the risk of erroneous erasure of the image file can be reduced.

[Second Embodiment]
As described above, in the first embodiment, the card that is recorded for backup is automatically functioned to perform the process for setting the erase protection on the image file. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the erasure protection process for the image file can be selected according to the recording destination.

As an option,
(1) Do not perform erasure protection processing (2) Perform only the card specified by the card selection function (3) Perform only the card to be recorded for backup (4) Both (For the card specified by the card selection function and for backup There is to do for both cards to record).

<Operation of Main Routine According to Second Embodiment>
7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the operation of the main routine of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. Elements common to those shown in FIGS. Is omitted.

  First, the system control circuit 50 performs initialization as described above in S101, and then proceeds to S702. In S702, the system control circuit 50 further initializes the setting contents specified on the menu screen. That is, the card selection function is set to card A, and the backup function is turned on. In addition, the erase protection function for the captured image when recording the captured image data is set for both cards (both the card specified by the card selection function and the card recorded for backup).

  Subsequent S103 to S115 (FIG. 2) and S150 to 154 perform the same processing as described in FIGS. In subsequent S755, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the card selection function is “card A”. If the card selection function is “card A”, the process proceeds to S756, and if not, the process proceeds to S763. move on.

  In S756, the system control circuit 50 confirms the setting contents of the erasure protection function. If the card is specified by the card selection function or both cards, the system control circuit 50 proceeds to S757, otherwise proceeds to S758.

  In step S757, the system control circuit 50 reads the image data stored in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30 and writes it in the recording medium 200 (card A) in the form shown in FIG. In S757, the system control circuit 50 performs a process (setting the file attribute to “read only”) for setting the erase protection for the recorded image file.

  In S758, the system control circuit 50 reads the image data stored in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30, and writes it in the recording medium 200 (card A) in the form shown in FIG. In step S758, the system control circuit 50 performs processing (setting the file attribute to “read / write”) not to set erase protection for the recorded image file.

  In next step S759, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the backup function is on. If the backup function is on, the process proceeds to S760, and if not, the process proceeds to S770.

  In S760, the system control circuit 50 confirms the setting contents of the erasure protection function, and if it is the backup side card or both cards (both the card specified by the card selection function and the backup card), The process proceeds to S761, and if not, the process proceeds to S762.

  In S761, the system control circuit 50 reads out the image data stored in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30, and writes it in the recording medium 202 (card B) in the form shown in FIG. Also, processing for setting the erase protection for the recorded image file (setting the file attribute to “read only”) is performed.

  In S762, the system control circuit 50 reads out the image data stored in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30, and writes it in the recording medium 202 (card B) in the form shown in FIG. Also, a process for setting no erasure protection on the recorded image file (setting the file attribute to “read / write”) is performed.

  In S763, the system control circuit 50 confirms the setting contents of the erasure protection function. If the card is specified by the card selection function or both cards, the system control circuit 50 proceeds to S764, otherwise proceeds to S765.

  In S764, the system control circuit 50 reads out the image data stored in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30, and writes it in the recording medium 202 (card B) in the form shown in FIG. In S764, the system control circuit 50 performs a process (setting the file attribute to “read only”) for setting the erase protection for the recorded image file.

  In S765, the system control circuit 50 reads the image data stored in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30, and writes it in the recording medium 202 (card B) in the form shown in FIG. In S765, the system control circuit 50 performs a process (setting the file attribute to “read / write”) not to set the erase protection for the recorded image file.

  In S766, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the backup function is on. If the backup function is on, the system control circuit 50 proceeds to S767, otherwise proceeds to S770.

  In S767, the system control circuit 50 confirms the setting contents of the erasure protection function, and if the card is the backup side card or both cards (both the card specified by the card selection function and the backup card), The process proceeds to S768, and if not, the process proceeds to S769.

  In S768, the system control circuit 50 reads the image data stored in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30, and writes it in the recording medium 200 (card A) in the form shown in FIG. In step S768, the system control circuit 50 performs processing for setting erase protection for the recorded image file (setting the file attribute to “read only”).

  In S769, the system control circuit 50 reads the image data stored in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30, and writes it in the recording medium 200 (card A) in the form shown in FIG. In S769, the system control circuit 50 performs a process (setting the file attribute to “read / write”) not to set the erase protection for the recorded image file.

<Details of menu processing>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the menu processing in S706 of FIG.

  S801 to S803 indicate an item selection state for displaying a list of menu items and selecting an item to be changed in the menu process. Specifically, S801 indicates a state where the card selection function is selected, and S802 indicates a state where the backup function is selected. S803 indicates a state in which the erase protection function is selected.

  First, in step S <b> 801, the system control circuit 50 confirms the state of the menu button 70, the set button 76, and the movement plus (+) button 72. When the menu button 70 is pressed, the menu process is terminated and the process returns. When the movement plus (+) button 72 is pressed, the process proceeds to S802. When the set button 76 is pressed, the item to be changed is confirmed in the card selection function, and the process proceeds to S810 to change the contents of the card selection function.

  In step S <b> 802, the system control circuit 50 checks the state of the menu button 70, the set button 76, the movement plus (+) button 72, and the movement minus (−) button 74. When the menu button 70 is pressed, the menu process is terminated and the process returns. When the movement plus (+) button 72 is pressed, the process proceeds to S803, and when the movement minus (−) button 74 is pressed, the process proceeds to S801. When the set button 76 is pressed, the item to be changed is confirmed in the backup function, and the process proceeds to S820 to select the content of the backup function.

  In step S <b> 803, the system control circuit 50 confirms the state of the menu button 70, the set button 76, and the movement minus (−) button 74. When the menu button 70 is pressed, the menu process is terminated and the process returns. When the movement minus (−) button 74 is pressed, the process proceeds to S802, and when the set button 76 is pressed, the item to be changed is confirmed in the erasure protection function, and the process proceeds to S830 to select the contents of the erasure protection function.

  In step S810, processing for changing the contents of the card selection function is performed. In step S <b> 810, the system control circuit 50 confirms the states of the set button 76, the movement plus (+) button 72, and the movement minus (−) button 74. When the movement minus (−) button 74 is pressed, the card selection function is switched to the card B, and when the movement plus (+) button 72 is pressed, the card selection function is switched to the card A. When the set button 76 is pressed, the contents of the card selection function are confirmed, and the process returns to S801.

  In step S820, processing for changing the content of the backup function is performed. In S820, the system control circuit 50 confirms the states of the set button 76, the movement plus (+) button 72, and the movement minus (−) button 74. When the movement minus (−) button 74 is pressed, the backup function is switched off, and when the movement plus (+) button 72 is pressed, the backup function is switched on. When the set button 76 is pressed, the content of the backup function is confirmed, and the process returns to S802.

  In step S830, processing for changing the contents of the erasure protection function is performed. In S830, the system control circuit 50 checks the states of the set button 76, the movement plus (+) button 72, and the movement minus (−) button 74. Every time the movement minus (−) button 74 is pressed, “both cards (both the card specified by the card selection function and the card to be recorded for backup)” → “only the card on the backup side” → “card selection function” Switch only in the order of “only the card specified by” → “OFF”.

  Further, every time the movement plus (+) button 72 is pressed, switching is performed in the order of “off” → “only the card specified by the card selection function” → “only the card on the backup side” → “both cards”. . When the set button 76 is pressed, the contents of the erasure protection function are confirmed, and the process returns to S803.

<Advantages of this embodiment>
According to the second embodiment, the card selection function, the backup function, and the erasure protection function are changed on the menu screen. When the menu button 70 is pressed, menu processing is started (S106 in FIG. 7).

  In the item selection state (S801 to S803), when the set button 76 is pressed while the card selection function is selected, the item to be changed is determined as the card selection function, and the content change process of the card selection function is started (S801). To S810). In the contents changing process of the card selection function, the card A and the card B are switched by pressing the movement plus (+) button 72 or the movement minus (−) button 74 (S810), and the contents are displayed by pressing the set button 76. Is determined (transition from S810 to S801).

  In the item selection state (S801 to S803), when the set button 76 is pressed while the backup function is selected, the item to be changed is determined as the backup function, and the content change process of the backup function is started (from S802). (Transition to S820). In the content change processing of the backup function, pressing the movement plus (+) button 72 or the movement minus (−) button 74 switches between on and off (S820), and pressing the set button 76 confirms the contents. (Transition from S820 to S802).

  In the item selection state (S801 to S803), if the set button 76 is pressed while the erasure protection function is selected, the item to be changed is determined as the erasure protection function, and the content change processing of the erasure protection function is started. (Transition from S803 to S830). In the process of changing the contents of the erase protection function, “both cards”, “only the card on the backup side”, and “card selection function” are selected according to the operation of the movement plus (+) button 72 and the movement minus (−) button 74. Only the designated card can be switched between “off” and “off” (S830).

  In addition, recording of a captured image in a series of shooting operations is performed as follows.

  When the card selection function is “card A”, the recording destination as the selected card is card A (S757 to S758). At this time, if the “erase protection function” for “card A” is valid, processing for setting the erase protection on the image file (setting the file attribute to “read only”) is performed (S757). If the “erase protection function” for “card A” is invalid, processing for not setting erase protection on the image file (setting the file attribute to “read / write”) is performed (S758).

  When the card selection function is “card B”, the recording destination as the selected card is card B (S764 to S765). At this time, if the “erase protection function” for “card B” is valid, processing for setting the erase protection on the image file (setting the file attribute to “read only”) is performed (S764). If the “erase protection function” for “card B” is invalid, processing for not setting the erase protection to the image file (setting the file attribute to “read / write”) is performed (S765).

  In a series of shooting operations, if the backup function is on, backup recording is performed as follows.

  When the card selection function is “card A”, the recording destination as a backup is the card B (S761 to S762). At this time, if the “erase protection function” for “card B” is valid, processing for setting the erase protection on the image file (setting the file attribute to “read only”) is performed (S761). If the “erase protection function” for “card B” is invalid, a process for setting no erase protection on the image file (setting the file attribute to “read / write”) is performed (S762).

  When the card selection function is “card B”, the recording destination as backup is card A (S768 to S769). At this time, if the “erase protection function” for “card A” is valid, processing for setting the erase protection on the image file (setting the file attribute to “read only”) is performed (S768). If the “erase protection function” for “card A” is invalid, processing for not setting the erase protection to the image file (setting the file attribute to “read / write”) is performed (S769).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to designate ON / OFF of the erase protection function for the recording to the selected card and the backup recording, so that the erase protection can be set as necessary. The convenience of operation can be improved.

  The object of the present invention can also be achieved by supplying a storage medium storing a program code for realizing the functions of the embodiment to a system or apparatus, and reading and executing the program code by the computer of the system or apparatus. The

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW can be used. Further, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD plus RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, and the like can also be used. Alternatively, the program code may be downloaded via a network.

  The present invention not only realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments by executing the program code read by the computer, but also includes the following cases. That is, an OS (operating system) running on a computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on an instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments may be realized by the processing. included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to the function expansion unit, the CPU of the function expansion unit performs actual processing based on the instruction of the program code, and the above-described implementation is performed by the processing. The case where the function of the form is realized is also included.

  In this case, the program is supplied by downloading directly from a storage medium storing the program or from another computer or database (not shown) connected to the Internet, a commercial network, a local area network, or the like.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image processing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of a main routine of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 2. It is a figure which shows the form of the image file recorded by a writing process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of an imaging | photography process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the menu process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the main routine of the image processing apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 7. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the menu process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Shooting lens 14 Image pick-up element 20 Image processing circuit 22 Memory control circuit 24 Image display memory 28 Image display part 30 Memory 50 System control circuit 52 Memory 54 Display part 72 Movement plus (+) button 74 Movement minus (-) button 76 Set button 78 Erase button 100 Image processing apparatus 200 Recording medium 202 Recording medium

Claims (6)

An image sensor for converting a photographic light image into an electrical signal, first recording means for recording image data obtained from the image sensor on a first recording medium, and image data recorded on the first recording medium; In an imaging apparatus having a second recording means for recording the same image data on a second recording medium for backup,
And erasure protection setting means for automatically setting erasure protection for preventing erasure of the image data when the image data is recorded on the second recording medium by the second recording means. Imaging device. An image sensor for converting a photographic light image into an electrical signal, first recording means for recording image data obtained from the image sensor on a first recording medium, and image data recorded on the first recording medium; In an imaging apparatus having a second recording means for recording the same image data on a second recording medium for backup,
Designating means for designating whether or not to set erasure protection for preventing erasure of the image data for the image data recorded on the first and second recording media;
Control for setting the erasure protection for the image data according to the designation result of the designation means when the image data is recorded on the first and second recording media by the first and second recording means. And an imaging device. An image sensor for converting a photographic light image into an electrical signal, first recording means for recording image data obtained from the image sensor on a first recording medium, and image data recorded on the first recording medium; A control method for an imaging apparatus having a second recording means for recording the same image data on a second recording medium for backup purposes,
A method for controlling an image pickup apparatus, comprising: automatically setting erasure protection for preventing erasure of image data when the image data is recorded on the second recording medium by the second recording means. An image sensor for converting a photographic light image into an electrical signal, first recording means for recording image data obtained from the image sensor on a first recording medium, and image data recorded on the first recording medium; A control method for an imaging apparatus having a second recording means for recording the same image data on a second recording medium for backup purposes,
A designation step for designating whether or not to set erasure protection for preventing erasure of the image data for the image data recorded on the first and second recording media;
Control for setting the erasure protection for the image data according to the designation result of the designation process when the image data is recorded on the first and second recording media by the first and second recording means. A method for controlling the imaging apparatus. An image sensor for converting a photographic light image into an electrical signal, first recording means for recording image data obtained from the image sensor on a first recording medium, and image data recorded on the first recording medium; A computer-readable control program for executing a control method of an imaging apparatus having second recording means for recording the same image data on a second recording medium for backup purposes,
A control program comprising a control step of automatically setting erasure protection for preventing erasure of image data when the image data is recorded on the second recording medium by the second recording means. . An image sensor for converting a photographic light image into an electrical signal, first recording means for recording image data obtained from the image sensor on a first recording medium, and image data recorded on the first recording medium; A computer-readable control program for executing a control method of an imaging apparatus having second recording means for recording the same image data on a second recording medium for backup purposes,
A designation step for designating whether or not to set erasure protection for preventing erasure of the image data for the image data recorded on the first and second recording media;
Control for setting the erasure protection for the image data according to the designation result of the designation step when the image data is recorded on the first and second recording media by the first and second recording means. And a control program.

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