JP2007215035A - Imaging apparatus, imaging method, data storage apparatus, data storing method, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow data exchanges on radio between a portable digital camera and an external device, for improved function of a digital camera in cooperation with the external equipment. <P>SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus comprises a first imaging file data generating means for generating a first imaging file data from an image data, a second imaging file data generating means for generating a second imaging file data from the image data whose data size is smaller than the first imaging file data, a first imaging file data storage means for storing the first imaging file data, a second imaging file data storing means for storing the second imaging file data, and a communication means for transmitting/receiving data. The second imaging file data stored in the second imaging file data storing means can be transmitted to an external equipment connected through the communication means, while the second imaging file data stored in the external equipment can be received. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device, an imaging method, a data storage device, which can transmit a captured image signal to an external device using a communication unit, and can receive an image signal transmitted from the external device using a communication unit, The present invention relates to a data storage method, a program, and a storage medium.

Conventionally, as a technique for wirelessly transmitting digital image data, an image sensor such as a CCD captures image data of a subject, converts the image data into digital image data, and then compresses the image data using a wireless communication unit. There is technology to transmit to external equipment. The external device compresses the received image data and records it on a recording medium. (For example, see Patent Document 1)
Also, with a digital camera that transmits image data shot using wireless communication, shooting is terminated and the operation mode of the digital camera is switched from recording to power-off. Then, a technique for automatically transmitting captured image data to an external device before the digital camera is actually turned off has been disclosed. (For example, see Patent Document 2)
In some cases, when an external device approaches a digital camera associated in advance, the external device can operate the digital camera by wireless communication, and image data newly captured by the digital camera is transmitted to the external device by wireless communication. (For example, see Patent Document 3)
Furthermore, it comprises a buffer means for temporarily storing image data, and when the entire capacity of the buffer means is used during shooting and it is detected that the buffer capacity is insufficient, a wireless communication means is used, Image data is automatically transmitted to an external database. After that, when the buffer is released and the buffer capacity increases, an invention has been proposed in which the image data previously transmitted to the database is recalled from the external database. (For example, see Patent Document 4)
As means for wireless communication, the WUSB (Wireless USB) standard has been proposed and put into practical use. Furthermore, UWB (Ultra Wideband) technology capable of performing high-speed wireless communication has been proposed, and studies for standardization are underway.
JP 2003-87618 A JP 2001-111184 A JP 2002-064740 A JP 2002-171434 A

  However, in the conventional technology described above, if the communication partner of the digital camera is an external device connected to a network such as a server or a PC (personal computer), image data can be transmitted to and stored in the external device. It was possible. However, image data received by an external device has not been transmitted to the digital camera again after being temporarily stored or subjected to processing such as compression.

  Therefore, according to the conventional technique described above, image data is communicated, image file data is sent, and development processing or the like can be performed by an external device on the receiving side.

  Furthermore, since a server or a PC as an external device that has been considered in the past is not portable or difficult to carry with respect to a digital camera with good portability, it is always wireless in an environment where the digital camera is used. It was very difficult to transmit data by communication.

  For example, when a user takes a commemorative snapshot while traveling, sports watching, or when a digital digital camera is always carried and used for information collection, wireless communication can be performed at high speed near the digital camera. Absent. Therefore, there is a problem that data cannot be easily transmitted by wireless communication.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to propose a system that enables easy exchange of data between a portable digital camera and an external device by wireless communication, and can improve the function of the digital camera in cooperation with the external device. That is.

  In order to achieve the above object, in an embodiment of the present invention, an image sensor that converts a subject image into an image signal, an A / D converter that converts an image signal from the image sensor into digital image data, First imaging file data generating means for generating first imaging file data from digital image data, and second imaging file data for generating second imaging file data having a data size smaller than the first imaging file data from the digital image data Generating means; first imaging file data storage means for storing the first imaging file data; second imaging file data storage means for storing the second imaging file data; and communication means for transmitting and receiving data. And stored in the second captured file data storage means in an external device connected via the communication means. The second imaging file data can be transmitted with the received configured to allow second imaging file data stored in the external device, to provide an imaging apparatus characterized by.

  In order to achieve the above object, in another embodiment of the present invention, a communication means, a first storage means for storing first image pickup file data received by the communication means, and a storage in the first storage means. Compression processing is performed on the first captured file data, and second captured file data generating means for generating second captured file data having a data size smaller than the first captured file data; and storing the second captured file data And a second storage unit, wherein the communication unit is configured to enable communication of the first imaging file data and / or the second imaging file data only with a specific imaging device. Providing equipment.

  In order to achieve the above object, in still another embodiment of the present invention, an imaging process for converting a subject image into an image signal, and an A / D for converting the image signal obtained in the imaging process into digital image data. A conversion step, a first imaging file data generation step for generating first imaging file data from the digital image data, and second imaging file data having a data size smaller than the first imaging file data are generated from the digital image data. A second imaging file data generation step; a first imaging file data storage step for storing the first imaging file data; a second imaging file data storage step for storing the second imaging file data; and transmission and reception of data. A communication step for performing the second imaging file data recording on an external device connected by the communication step. Accumulated second imaging file data has been set to be transmitted in step, and can receive second imaging file data stored in the external device, to provide an imaging method wherein the.

  In order to achieve the above object, in yet another embodiment of the present invention, a communication step, a first storage step for storing first image file data received in the communication step, and a first storage step A second imaging file data generation step of compressing the stored first imaging file data to generate second imaging file data having a data size smaller than the first imaging file data, and storing the second imaging file data A second storage step, wherein the communication step enables communication of the first imaging file data and / or the second imaging file data only with a specific imaging device. Provide a method.

  In order to achieve the above object, in still another embodiment of the present invention, a program for causing a computer to execute the procedure of the method in the above embodiment is provided.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to still another embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium in which a program according to the above embodiment is recorded is provided.

  According to the present invention, image data can be easily transmitted and received by wireless communication, and the functions of the digital camera can be improved by interlocking operation with an external device such as the continuous shooting performance of the digital camera and the continuous number of continuous shots. It becomes possible to provide improvements.

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 shows a configuration diagram of a digital camera side in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a configuration diagram of a data storage device as an external device on the communication partner side in the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes an image pickup means for taking a subject image as an image signal using an image pickup device such as a CCD or a CMOS. Reference numeral 12 denotes an A / D converter for converting an analog image signal from the imaging means 10 into digital image data. Reference numeral 14 denotes a buffer memory means composed of a DRAM or the like, which temporarily stores image data from the A / D converter 12, stores image data after signal processing described later, JPEG compressed image data after JPEG compression, and the like. , Has a buffer function to temporarily store.

  As is well known, data is normally written to or read from a DRAM via a memory controller. Reference numeral 16 denotes a signal processing circuit for processing 12 image data after A / D conversion by separating a luminance signal and a color difference signal, before generating JPEG compressed image data, which is a general recording format in a digital camera. Stage YUV image data is generated. Reference numeral 18 denotes a JPEG processing circuit for compressing the YUV image data from the signal processing circuit 16 into the JPEG format, or expanding the JPEG format data into the YUV image data.

  Reference numeral 20 denotes a recording medium interface circuit for writing and reading JPEG compressed image data subjected to JPEG processing to and from a recording medium made of a card-like semiconductor. Reference numeral 21 denotes a removable recording medium made of a card-like semiconductor. Reference numeral 22 denotes display means for displaying the D / A conversion signal on a TV monitor, a color liquid crystal, or the like, displaying the captured image signal as a review, and reproducing and displaying the expanded image data. Reference numeral 23 denotes a D / A converter for generating an input analog image signal of the display means 22, which performs resizing suitable for display, encoding processing to an NTSC system signal, and the like.

  Reference numeral 24 in FIG. 1 denotes a communication circuit that performs wireless communication using a method such as wireless USB. Furthermore, high-speed wireless communication having a maximum transmission speed of 480 Mbps is possible as in the USB 2.0 standard, which is compatible with a system such as UWB (Ultra Wide Band). Reference numeral 26 denotes a CPU for controlling the above-described means and circuits, data flow, and the like. Each means, circuit, and the like are connected to the CPU 26 bus. Reference numeral 27 denotes a DRAM, and 28 denotes a flash ROM. Although not shown in the figure, between each means and circuit and the DRAM 27, there is also a DMA transfer means not via the CPU.

  Further, although not shown, the A / D converter 12 directly transmits the data to the signal processing circuit 16 and the JPEG processing circuit 18 or from the signal processing circuit 16 to the JPEG processing circuit 18 separately from the CPU 26 and the DMA transfer. There is a pass to send and receive.

  FIG. 2 shows a configuration of a data storage device (communication partner side) as an external device in the embodiment of the present invention. Similar to a digital camera, this data storage device is small, excellent in portability, and configured as a battery-powered device. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 31 denotes a communication circuit for wirelessly communicating with a plurality of digital cameras, and performs wireless communication in the form of a wireless USB or the like as in 24 of FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 33 denotes buffer memory means composed of DRAM or the like, and a DRAM having a larger capacity than the buffer memory means 14 shown in FIG. For example, when wirelessly communicating with a plurality of digital cameras, it is desirable that the capacity be as large as the total capacity of the JPEG buffers of each digital camera that is performing wireless communication.

  Reference numeral 35 in FIG. 2 denotes a signal processing circuit similar to 16 in FIG. 1. When this data storage device is used as an imaging file data buffer of a digital camera described later, it is used to develop the imaging file data. The 2 in FIG. 2 is a JPEG processing circuit similar to 18 in FIG. 1, and compresses the output of the signal processing circuit 35 into JPEG compressed image data when developing the captured file data. Further, it is also used when JPEG compressed image data recorded on the recording medium 41 is expanded. Reference numeral 40 denotes a recording medium interface circuit that writes and reads JPEG compressed image data subjected to JPEG processing in the same manner as 20 in FIG. 1 to a recording medium 41 made of a card-like semiconductor.

  Reference numeral 41 in FIG. 2 denotes a detachable recording medium made of a card-like semiconductor, similar to 21 in FIG. In the digital camera of the wireless communication partner, the writing speed to the recording medium is slow. Therefore, the recording medium interface circuit 40 and the recording medium 41 record JPEG compressed image data on the data storage device side when the continuous shooting performance of the digital camera cannot be satisfied. Further, it is used when it is desired to increase the writing speed to the recording medium, for example, when the image file data is compressed and recorded by a compression method without data loss without being developed. Further, the format of the recording medium 41 is not limited to a recording medium composed of a semiconductor, and a hard disk or other media can be used.

  Furthermore, 42 is a display member such as an LED or a color liquid crystal, which is a display means for displaying the state of the data storage device. Reference numeral 47 denotes a DRAM, and 48 denotes a flash ROM. Although not shown in the figure, between each means and circuit and the DRAM 47, there is also a DMA transfer means not via the CPU 46.

  Next, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to flowcharts showing the operation of FIGS. The contents of this flowchart are stored as program codes in an arbitrary storage medium in the digital camera, for example, the flash ROM 28, and are read and executed by the CPU 26 in the digital camera.

  3 shows the digital camera side when the digital camera of FIG. 1 (original data transmission and post-processing data reception) and the data storage device of FIG. 2 (original data reception and post-processing data transmission) operate in conjunction with each other as communication partners. The flowchart of operation | movement is shown. In the figure, step S300 indicates an instruction to start an operation of a linked operation process between a digital camera and a data storage device using a switch of an operation member (not shown) from the user. In response to the interlock operation processing start step S300, the flowchart on the digital camera side proceeds to step S302. In step S302, it is an operation to check whether or not there is a communication partner that is wirelessly communicating with the digital camera, that is, an external device.

  If no communication partner is found in step S302, the process proceeds to step S304, waits for a predetermined time, and then proceeds to step S306, where the number of times the time is waited is checked. Here, when the number of times does not reach the predetermined value A, the process returns to the communication partner search in step S302 again. However, if the number of time waiting in step S304 is a predetermined A times, the process proceeds to step S307 to notify the user through the display means 22 that there is no communication partner or communication is not possible, and the process ends.

  If a communication partner is found in the search for the communication partner in step S302, the process proceeds to communication negotiation in step S308. In step S308, the state of communication with the communication partner (in this case, the data storage device as an external device) (radio wave intensity, speed at which communication is possible), and the like are confirmed.

  In the UWB (high-speed wireless USB) system used in the present embodiment, for example, when the communication devices are close to each other and the radio wave intensity is strong, the communication speed is high, and the mutual distance is long and the radio wave intensity is weak. Becomes a low communication speed. After confirming the communication speed with the communication partner in step S308, the process proceeds to step S310. In step S310, it is confirmed whether or not there is a function (function that can be improved) that the data storage device can provide by operating in conjunction with the digital camera.

  If the function or performance of the digital camera cannot be improved (none) in step S310, the process proceeds to step S312 and a message to that effect is displayed to the user using the display means 22 or the like. Thereafter, the interlocking operation process is terminated. However, if the function and performance of the digital camera can be improved (if present), the process proceeds to step S314, and a message is displayed to the user regarding the options of the function and performance of the digital camera that can be improved by using the data storage device. Is displayed.

  In step S316, an instruction from the user is awaited, a user instruction is received from an operation member (not shown), and settings for executing the instruction are performed. Specifically, the selected instruction is stored on the flash ROM 28.

In this embodiment, the selectable instruction contents are as follows:
(1) Increasing the imaging file buffer and improving the continuous shooting speed,
(2) Increasing the JPEG buffer and increasing the number of continuous shots possible, and (3) Improving the continuous shooting speed by using recording on the recording medium of a digital camera.
And so on. Then, the instruction information about the item selected by the user using the operation member is stored in the flash ROM 28 in the digital camera or the like.

  Next, the contents of the imaging file buffer and JPEG buffer of the digital camera for improving the continuous shooting performance in the above (1) and (2) will be described.

  The image file data of the digital camera indicates data in a state where an output obtained by converting the image signal captured by the image capturing unit 10 of FIG. 1 into digital image data through the A / D converter 12 is placed in the buffer memory unit 14. In the figure, the pixel arrangement of an image sensor such as a CCD is maintained, and pixels of a plurality of colors are arranged in a predetermined order and arranged as one plane. The bit width of the imaging file data is equal to the bit width of the A / D converter 12 (for example, 10 bits or 12 bits). For this reason, the configuration of the bit width (for example, 16 bits or 32 bits) of the DRAM constituting the buffer memory means 14 may not be achieved. In that case, 10 bits or 12 bits are repacked to 16 bits or 32 bits and placed in the buffer memory means 14. With such image file data as it is, each pixel does not have a YUV (or RGB) signal value, and therefore a good pattern cannot be displayed on the display device. Therefore, each color component is extracted, pixel interpolation is performed for each color component, and predetermined image processing such as giving each pixel a YUV (or RGB) signal is performed and decoded by a general personal computer, Enable display. Such image file data is often called RAW data. A process for converting such image file data into general data suitable for display or compression is called a development process.

  Further, the digital camera displays EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) on the display unit 22 for image angle adjustment and subject confirmation before receiving the image data as it is received by the imaging unit 10. In this case, since the output of the A / D converter 12 is directly input to the signal processing circuit 16 without going through the buffer memory, the captured file data is not written on the buffer memory means 14 (capture of captured file data is not performed). Not performed). When capturing image file data (meaning writing to the buffer memory means 14), consider a case where a still image image signal is read from the image capturing means 10 when a still image is captured by the digital camera. At this time, all the pixel data of the image sensor is read out in several frames and written sequentially onto the buffer memory means 14, where the image data is temporarily stored until all the pixel data is collected (that is, the image file data is stored). take in).

  In addition, when using an image sensor with 10 million pixels or more and performing continuous shooting of about 20 frames per second, in order to satisfy the high continuous shooting performance, the previous imaging file data area is divided into tens to hundreds of frames. There is a method to prepare and continuously shoot while collecting image file data.

  Apart from this method, when the number of pixels of the image sensor is relatively small and continuous shooting of about 2 to 3 frames per second is performed, the image file data is not stored in the state of the image file data, but the image file data is read from the buffer memory means 14. The signal is read and converted into YUV image data by the signal processing circuit 16. There is also a method in which the data is compressed by the JPEG processing circuit 18 and stored in the buffer memory means 14 as JPEG compressed image data. In this case, when capturing an image file, storing the image file data for the number of images to be continuously shot is called an image file buffer system.

  A method of storing JPEG compressed image data in the buffer memory means 14 is called a JPEG buffer system. In the JPEG buffer system, the image data from the imaging means 10 is temporarily placed in the buffer memory means 14 (for one screen). When the image data necessary for JPEG processing is complete, it is read from the buffer memory means 14. However, since development (conversion to JPEG compressed image data through the signal processing circuit 16 and the JPEG processing circuit 18) is performed, the bandwidth of the DRAM constituting the buffer memory means 14 is compressed.

  For this reason, with this JPEG buffer method, when the number of pixels of the image sensor and the continuous shooting speed are high, it becomes difficult to simultaneously perform development processing while taking a picture (reading from the image sensor). I can't. Therefore, in order to perform high-speed continuous shooting, continuous shooting is performed using an imaging file buffer system that stores imaging file data.

  Also, the difference between the captured file data and the JPEG compressed image data is naturally that the compressed JPEG compressed image data is smaller than the captured file data. For this reason, the image pickup file buffer method consumes more buffer memory capacity for the same number of shots. On the other hand, since the JPEG buffer method handles compressed data, the use of the capacity of the buffer memory can be reduced.

  Next, the flow at the time of the linked operation processing on the data storage device side which is the external device in FIG. Step S400 of FIG. 4 shows the instruction | indication of a synchronous operation process start similar to step S300 of FIG. After step S400, the interlocking operation state of step S401 is displayed to the user through the display means 42.

  Next, the process proceeds from step S401 to step S402. In step S402, as in step S302 of FIG. 3, it is confirmed whether or not there is a communication partner for wireless communication. If no communication partner is found in step S402, the process proceeds to step S404, waits for a predetermined time, and then proceeds to step S406, where the number of times waiting for time in step 406 is checked. Here, when the number of times does not reach the predetermined value A, the process proceeds to communication partner search in step S402 again. However, if the time waiting in step S404 is performed a predetermined number of times A, the process proceeds to step S407 to notify the user through the display means 42 that the communication partner is not present or cannot communicate, and the process is terminated.

  When a communication partner is found in the search for the communication partner in step S402, the process proceeds to communication negotiation in step S408. In step S408, the communication state (radio wave intensity and communication speed) with the communication partner (in this case, a digital camera) is checked.

  Similar to step S308 in FIG. 3, after confirming the communication speed with the communication partner in step S408, the process proceeds to step S410. In step S410, the presence or absence of a function that can be provided from the data storage device to the digital camera (function that can be improved) is confirmed. I do. In step S410, if it is impossible (no) to improve the function and performance of the digital camera, the process proceeds to step S412 and a message to that effect is displayed to the user using the display means 42 or the like. However, if the function and performance of the digital camera can be improved, that is, if there is, the process proceeds to step S414 and waits for an instruction from the digital camera. In step S416, when an instruction is received from the digital camera, a message to that effect is displayed on the display means 42.

  FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of processing on the digital camera side in periodic communication confirmation (communication status polling) after communication negotiation has been performed even once. Step S500 in FIG. 5 indicates the start of a communication confirmation process executed by a timer interrupt generated every predetermined time from a timer built in the CPU 26 of the digital camera.

  In step S502 after the start of step S500, it is confirmed whether or not the external device (data storage device) of the communication partner with which communication negotiation has been performed first is in a communicable state. If disconnected in step S502, a message is displayed to the user using the display means 22 that the communication has been interrupted in step S504, and the communication confirmation process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S502 that communication is possible, it is checked in step S506 whether there is a change in the communication status previously confirmed (step S308 in FIG. 3). If the communication status does not change in step S506, the process proceeds to step S508, and the communication confirmation process is terminated while displaying to the user that the same communication status is maintained.

  If the communication status has changed in step S506, the process proceeds to step S510, and communication negotiation is performed again. Then, it is confirmed what kind of situation has changed, and the change in the situation is determined in step S512. If it is determined in step S512 that the previous communication status can be maintained, the process proceeds to step S508, and the communication confirmation processing is terminated while displaying to the user that the communication status is maintained.

  However, if the communication situation deteriorates and the previously determined function cannot be improved, the process proceeds to step S514, where the display means 22 displays to make the user select a newly selectable item, and at the same time from the user. Wait for instructions. When a user instruction is received, settings for executing the instruction are performed in step S516 in accordance with the instruction. Specifically, the previously stored content stored on the flash ROM 28 is rewritten. Furthermore, automatic switching can be performed even if there is no user instruction in step S516.

  For example, in the case where imaging file buffer type communication is set in advance, when the mutual distance is increased or the communication status deteriorates, the mode is automatically switched to the JPEG buffer type, and this is indicated by the display means 22 on the digital camera side. To display. When the communication state returns to good, the imaging file buffer system is switched again. However, there may be a situation where the communication state is frequently switched. Therefore, when the mode is automatically switched, when switching from the high-speed communication operation mode such as the imaging file buffer method to the low-speed communication operation mode such as the JPEG buffer method, it is necessary to quickly switch when the communication state deteriorates. Conversely, when switching from the low-speed communication operation mode to the high-speed communication operation mode, the communication status is confirmed for a predetermined time or a predetermined number of times, and the switching is performed under the condition that the high-speed communication is possible.

  Furthermore, the communication mode determined by the linked operation process or the communication confirmation process is not switched during continuous shooting or normal shooting, which will be described later. If the communication situation deteriorates during the photographing, the data communication is interrupted and the photographing process is performed using only each storage means and each processing circuit built in the digital camera, as will be described later. It is preferable to restore the data communication mode in the next linked operation process or communication confirmation process after the photographing operation is completed.

  FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of an operation in which the digital camera communicates with the data storage device and increases the capacity of the JPEG buffer. In FIG. 6, step S600 indicates the start of JPEG buffer continuous shooting processing by a switch (not shown). Step S602 indicates a shooting preparation process before continuous shooting, and performs AE (automatic aperture adjustment), AF (automatic focusing), and AWB (automatic white balance) processing. The processing content of step S602 is generally the same processing as that of the digital camera shooting preparation, and is not particularly described here.

  In step S604, the focus lens position, the aperture position, the shutter speed, and the like are determined from the detection result in step S602, and an imaging operation for starting exposure is started by setting each of them. Further, in step S606, after the exposure is completed, an image signal is read from the image pickup means 10 and converted into digital image data by the A / D converter 12. Thereafter, the image data is taken in the buffer memory means 14 as image pickup file data. When the captured file data is captured in step S606, development is performed in step S608.

  In the development used here, first, imaged file data on the buffer memory means 14 is read out and input to the signal processing circuit 16 by DMA transfer. The output of the signal processing circuit 16 is directly transmitted to the JPEG processing circuit 18, and the JPEG compressed image data of the JPEG processing circuit 18 is written to the buffer memory means 14 by DMA transfer. If the JPEG compressed image data is written in the buffer memory means 14 in step S608, then in step S610, the communication status with the data storage device of the external device is confirmed.

  In this confirmation, communication negotiation is performed first to determine whether the function selected by the user can be performed, and to check whether communication has been interrupted before continuous shooting. If the communication status is not good in step S610, the memory buffer of the data storage device cannot be used, and the process advances to step S612. Then, JPEG compressed image data is stored using the JPEG buffer on the buffer memory means 14 built in the digital camera.

  The confirmation of the communication status in step S610 may be performed in units of continuous shooting, but the communication status may be confirmed in units of processing of JPEG compressed image data. It is decided in each case (for each product) according to the reliability of communication. If the communication status deteriorates during image data transmission and becomes NG, the image data is sent to the JPEG buffer on the internal buffer memory means 14 from the beginning of the image data.

  If the communication status deteriorates and becomes NG, after step S612, the process proceeds to step S614. In step S614, whether the built-in JPEG buffer is full or the continuous shooting stop instruction is given by the user. Make a decision. If continuous shooting is to be continued in step S614, the process returns to step S604.

  If it is determined in step S614 that continuous shooting has ended, the process advances to step S616 to wait until all the JPEG compressed image data on the JPEG buffer is recorded on the recording medium 21. When all the JPEG compressed image data on the JPEG buffer has been written to the recording medium 21, the continuous shooting process ends. Incidentally, the recording of the JPEG compressed image data on the recording medium 21 may be a mechanism in which when the JPEG compressed image data is placed on the JPEG buffer, the writing to the recording medium 21 is performed from that point.

  If the JPEG compressed image data is transmitted to the external data storage device before the previous communication status is NG, the JPEG compressed image data on the built-in JPEG buffer is recorded on the recording medium 21. After communication is completed, a message indicating that the data that has been communicated is displayed. In addition, if the data storage device of the communication partner does not have the capacity to store the data on the recording medium, a message prompting the user to resume communication with the device and transmit the data back after the shooting operation is completed. indicate.

  Next, the process returns to the communication status confirmation step in step S610. If the communication status is normal, the process proceeds to step S620. In step S620, the JPEG compressed image data on the built-in buffer memory means 14 is transmitted via the communication circuits 24 and 31 to the JPEG buffer on the buffer memory means 33 on the external data storage device.

  If the buffer memory means 33 on the external data storage device becomes full, the digital camera can know this by communication until the buffer memory means 33 of the data storage device has a free capacity. Then, switching is performed so that the buffer memory means 14 built in the digital camera is stored.

  When JPEG compressed image data is transmitted to the JPEG buffer on the external data storage device in step S622, if the recording medium 41 exists in the external data storage device, the JPEG compressed image is transferred to the external recording medium 41. Write data.

  In step S624, it is determined whether both the data storage device and the built-in JPEG buffer are full, or whether there is a continuous shooting end instruction from the user, and it is determined whether continuous shooting ends. If it is determined in step S624 that continuous shooting is to be continued, the process returns to the shooting operation in step S604, and shooting is performed again.

  If it is determined in step S624 that continuous shooting is to end, the process proceeds to step S626 to check whether the recording medium 41 exists in the external data storage device. If it is determined in step S626 that the recording medium 41 exists, the external data storage device writes all the JPEG compressed image data on the JPEG buffer to the recording medium 41. When this operation ends, the process waits until all the JPEG compressed image data on the built-in JPEG buffer is written to the built-in recording medium 21. When all the JPEG compressed image data has been written to the recording medium 21, the continuous shooting process ends.

  Returning to the confirmation of the presence or absence of the recording medium in step S626, if the recording medium 41 does not exist in the data storage device, the process proceeds to step S630. Then, the JPEG compressed image data on the JPEG buffer of the data storage device is transferred back to the buffer memory means 14 built in the digital camera via the communication circuits 31 and 24.

  Transmission continues until all the data in the JPEG buffer of the data storage device has been transmitted. When the JPEG compressed image data transmission is completed in step S632, the JPEG buffer of the data storage device is released. Incidentally, securing the JPEG buffer of the data storage device is performed when there is no problem with the communication status in the communication status confirmation step S610 immediately after development of the first continuous shot.

  After step S632, the process proceeds to step S634. When all the JPEG compressed image data on the JPEG buffer built in the digital camera has been written to the recording medium 21, the JPEG buffer continuous shooting process is terminated.

  FIG. 7 shows a flow of an operation using the imaging file buffer of the data storage device in communication with the data storage device. Step S700 indicates the start of continuous shooting in the camera image file buffer method. Next, step S702 is a shooting preparation process before continuous shooting similar to step S602, and processes such as AE, AF, and AWB are performed. Next, similarly to step S604, step S704 also determines the focus lens position, aperture position, and shutter speed from the detection result of step S702, sets each of them, opens the shutter, and performs exposure.

  Also in step S706, as in the previous step S606, after the exposure is completed, the image signal is read from the imaging unit 10, converted into digital image data by the A / D converter 12, and then stored on the buffer memory unit 14. Write as captured file data.

  In step S708, the communication status with the external data storage device is confirmed. This confirmation checks whether or not the function selected by the user at the time of the previous communication negotiation can be performed, and whether or not communication has been interrupted during continuous shooting. If the communication status is poor in step S708 and the result is NG, the process proceeds to step S710, and the image capturing file data is stored only in the image capturing file buffer on the built-in buffer memory means 14, and continuous shooting is performed. In the next step S712, the image data captured one image data at the same time as the captured file data capture is developed. This development processing is the same processing as described in the previous step S608.

  Next, in step S714, the end of continuous shooting is determined. In the same manner as in step S614, the end of continuous shooting is determined based on whether the built-in imaging file buffer is full or the user has instructed continuous shooting interruption. If continuous shooting is to be continued in step S714, the process returns to step S704. If it is determined in step S714 that the continuous shooting is completed, the process proceeds to step S716, where all the data in the built-in imaging file buffer is developed and recorded on the recording medium 21, and the continuous shooting process is terminated.

  Returning to the confirmation of the communication status in S708, if it is determined in step S708 that the communication status is good, the process advances to step S718 to determine whether or not the imaging file buffer of the external data storage device is already full. . If it is determined in step S718 that the external imaging file buffer is free, the process proceeds to step S720, and the captured imaging file data is transmitted to the imaging file buffer on the external buffer memory means 33 via the communication circuits 24 and 31. To do.

  After the data is transmitted to the imaging file buffer of the data storage device, the processing flow of the external data storage device is performed, and will be described later using the flow of FIG.

  When the transmission of the imaging file data is completed in step S720, the process proceeds to step S722, and the end of continuous shooting is determined. Whether the built-in file buffer and the imaging file buffer of the data storage device are both full or whether the continuous shooting is instructed by the user is determined. Therefore, if continuous shooting is to be continued, the process proceeds to step S704, and continuous shooting is performed. If it is to be completed, the process proceeds to step S724, and a notification of processing completion from the external data storage device is waited. In step S724, when a notification of processing completion of the external data storage device is received, continuous shooting ends.

  In step S718, the process returns to the determination of whether or not the imaging file buffer of the external data storage device is full. When the imaging file buffer is full, the process proceeds to step S730, and the imaging file data is stored in the imaging file buffer on the built-in memory buffer.

  When data accumulates in the built-in image file buffer, development processing in the digital camera is performed. The operation flow will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  After the captured file data is transmitted in S730, the process proceeds to step S732, and the end of continuous shooting is determined in the same manner as in step S722. That is, it is determined whether or not the continuous shooting is completed depending on whether both the built-in and external camera image file buffers are full or the user gives an instruction to stop the continuous shooting.

  If it is determined that continuous shooting is to be continued, the process proceeds to step S704. If it is determined that continuous shooting is to be completed, the process proceeds to step S734 to wait for the processing of the external data storage device and the processing of the built-in development and recording to end. When all the processes are completed, the continuous shooting process ends.

  Next, an external development process after image file data is transmitted to the image file buffer of the external data storage device will be described using the flow of FIG.

  Step S800 is a process of receiving that the image file data is transmitted from the digital camera side to the image file buffer of the external data storage device. When the reception of one image file data is completed in step S800, the process proceeds to the next step S802. In step S802, as described in the previous step S712, the captured image data is developed at the same time as the captured file data is captured. In other words, the development process is started when the acquisition of one image data is completed, but the next image data is acquired even during the development of the previous image data, and the captured file data is sequentially stored in the captured file buffer. is there.

  In the next step S803, the JPEG compressed image data developed in step S802 is stored in the JPEG buffer on the buffer memory means 33 of the external data storage device. Even in the continuous shooting of the image file buffer method, if the writing speed to the recording medium is slower than the development processing speed, a JPEG buffer is also required.

  Furthermore, since the development in this external data storage device may not have a recording medium, a JPEG buffer is essential. In the next step S804, it is determined whether or not it is a mode for recording on the recording medium 41 provided on the external data storage device.

  If not recorded on the recording medium, the process advances to step S806 to accumulate the developed JPEG compressed image data on the JPEG buffer of the data storage device. In the next step S808, the end of the development process is determined. It confirms whether the imaging file buffer is empty and an end instruction is sent from the digital camera side. As a result, when the process is continued, the process returns to step S800 to continue the development. When the development process is to be terminated, it is confirmed whether all the data in the imaging file buffer has been developed to JPEG, and in S810, the fact that the development has been completed is notified to the digital camera side, and the process is terminated.

  Returning to step S804, if data is to be recorded on the recording medium 41, the process proceeds to step S812, where the data on the external JPEG buffer is recorded on the recording medium 41 of the data storage device.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S814, and the end of the development process is determined. If data remains in the imaging file buffer, the process returns to step S800 to repeat development processing. If the imaging file buffer is empty and further a processing end instruction is received from the digital camera, the process advances to step S816 to end the development processing. In step S816, the process waits until writing of JPEG compressed image data to the recording medium 41 is completed. When completed, in step S818, the digital camera side is informed that all external development processing has been completed.

  Next, the development processing at the time of continuous shooting of the image file buffer of the digital camera will be described using the flow of FIG. In step S900, the process waits for one or more pieces of image data to be stored in the image pickup file buffer inside the digital camera. If the image pickup file data is stored, the process proceeds to the next step S902 to perform development processing.

  In the development processing in step S902, JPEG compressed image data is accumulated in the JPEG buffer on the buffer memory means 14 as in the development in step S608. In step S904, the data accumulated in the JPEG buffer is sequentially written to the recording medium 21 on the digital camera.

  In step S906, the end of development processing is determined in the same manner as in step S808. Judgment is made based on whether or not there is no data in the imaging file buffer and the capturing of the continuous-shot imaging file data in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S906 that the development process is to be terminated, the development process is returned to step S900 and the development process is repeated. If the development process is terminated due to the completion of the development process in step S906, the process advances to step S908 to wait for the completion of JPEG compressed image data recording on the recording medium 21. When this is completed, the process advances to step S910 to notify the end of the development process inside the digital camera to the continuous shooting control task.

  Furthermore, in step S506 in FIG. 5, step S610 in FIG. 6, and step S708 in FIG. 7 for confirming the communication status, in addition to a communication abnormality, a battery warning on the communication partner (data storage device) side or a recording medium is displayed. Also determine if a problem such as fullness has occurred. If data cannot be processed normally even if it is transmitted or there is a risk that it cannot be processed, a decision not to perform data communication is also made.

  Furthermore, in either the JPEG buffer method or the image capture file buffer method, if it is determined that data transmission cannot be performed normally (or is dangerous) due to the communication status or other reasons during continuous shooting, it is possible to switch to the buffer built in the digital camera. explained. However, even if the communication status returns to good again, during the continuous shooting period, the communication is interrupted and shooting is performed. After shooting is completed, the communication status is checked again. The communication setting recovery operation will be performed.

<Embodiment 2>
In the first embodiment, the data communication between the digital camera and the data storage device has been described. However, in the UWB wireless communication system, data communication is possible between a plurality of devices. Here, a case where two or more digital cameras perform data communication with respect to one data storage device to improve functions and performance will be specifically described.

  The contents of the linked operation processing with a plurality of digital cameras are basically the same as the flowcharts of the linked operation processing of FIGS. 4 and 5 described above. In other words, by performing the linked operation processing one by one, settings are made so that data communication can be performed with any number of digital cameras.

  However, with regard to digital cameras that improve their functions and performance, the correspondence varies depending on the configuration of the data storage device, one by one or plural.

  For example, in the case where the storage unit, the signal processing circuit, the JPEG processing circuit, and the recording medium recording unit on the data storage device are provided with one each, the provided resources are limited. Therefore, when the function and performance of the image file buffer method are improved, the number of counterpart digital cameras is limited to one.

  However, when improving the functions and performance of the JPEG buffer method, sharing processing for each digital camera can be performed by dividing the storage means into multiple areas for each digital camera of the other party of communication. At the same time, it can provide functions and performance improvements.

  In addition, when the data storage device performs a linked operation process with a plurality of digital cameras, there is a possibility that a request for providing an imaging file buffer system may be received from each digital camera almost simultaneously. In this case, priority can be given to the digital camera having the best communication status, for example, the nearest digital camera, thereby providing support for reliable and safer data communication.

  Further, during the data communication between the data storage device and the digital camera, that is, during the photographing operation of the partner digital camera, the setting of the linked operation with the new digital camera is not performed. This is because the data storage device side is devoted to data communication during data transmission and during support of function and performance improvement, so that the support to the data communication partner is maintained in a reliable and safe state. In addition, the continuous shooting period is a time during which the user can normally wait for the completion, and the user can easily wait for the completion of the data communication by displaying the processing in progress on the data storage device side.

  In the above description of the embodiment, two types of image data, that is, JPEG compressed image data (compressed data and imaged file data (uncompressed data)) have been described as examples, but each signal format has various formats. It can also be applied to two types of image data, such as irreversible compressed image data by irreversible compression and reversible compressed image data, etc. Importantly, the size of the two image data is different. Thus, the features of the invention of the present application are utilized.

  The object of the present invention can also be achieved by supplying a system or apparatus with a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments. That is, it goes without saying that this can also be achieved by the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile semiconductor memory card, ROM, or the like can be used. . Further, the functions of the above-described embodiments may be realized by executing the program code read by the computer.

  However, when the OS (operating system) operating on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. Needless to say, is also included.

  Furthermore, the program code read from the storage medium may be written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. After that, based on the instruction of the program code, the CPU of the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing. Needless to say.

The block diagram on the digital camera side in the embodiment of the present invention is shown. 1 shows a configuration of a data storage device (communication partner side) in an embodiment of the present invention. An operation flowchart on the digital camera side during the interlocking operation is shown. The operation | movement flowchart by the side of the data storage device at the time of interlock | cooperation operation | movement is shown. The operation | movement flowchart of the confirmation process of the communication state after linked operation setting is shown. An operation flowchart of continuous shooting processing on the JPEG buffer type digital camera side is shown. 5 is an operation flowchart of continuous shooting operation processing on the digital camera side of an image pickup file buffer type. 6 shows an operational flowchart of continuous shooting operation processing on the data storage device side when the imaging file buffer on the data storage device side is used. 6 shows an operation flowchart of continuous shooting operation processing to an imaging file buffer built in a digital camera.

Claims (26)

An image sensor that converts a subject image into an image signal;
A converter that converts the image signal from the image sensor into digital image data;
First imaging file data generating means for generating first imaging file data from the digital image data;
Second imaging file data generating means for generating, from the digital image data, second imaging file data having a data size smaller than that of the first imaging file data;
First imaging file data storage means for storing the first imaging file data;
Second imaging file data storage means for storing the second imaging file data;
Communication means for transmitting and receiving data,
The second imaging file data stored in the second imaging file data storage unit can be transmitted to the external device connected via the communication unit, and the second imaging file data stored in the external device is received. An imaging apparatus characterized by being configured.   The communication unit is further configured to be capable of transmitting the first imaging file data stored in the first imaging file data storage unit and receiving the first imaging file data stored in the external device. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.   The communication means performs communication using a communication method capable of changing a communication speed, and switches and transmits the first imaging file data and the second imaging file data according to the communication speed of the communication; and The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the imaging apparatus receives the information. The external device includes compression processing means,
The first imaging file data received by the external device from the imaging device is compressed by the compression processing means of the external device to be external device second imaging file data,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit is configured to be able to receive the external device second imaging file data. The external device further includes recording means,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the external device second imaging file data transmitted to the imaging apparatus is recorded in a recording unit of the external device. The external device further includes recording means,
6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second imaging file data transmitted via the communication unit is recorded in a recording unit of the external device.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit starts a communication operation after confirming a communication state with the external device.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the communication unit stops the communication operation when data communication is impossible based on the result of checking the communication status. The communication means includes
If data communication is impossible during the operation of the imaging device based on the confirmation result of the communication status, the communication operation is not performed, the communication status is reconfirmed after the operation of the imaging device is completed, 9. The imaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein when the data communication is enabled by the confirmation, the communication operation is started.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the communication unit starts the data communication after confirming the stable communication state for a predetermined period or the number of times.   11. The imaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the communication unit further receives information indicating that the external device is in an abnormal state.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the abnormal state of the external device is a battery warning of the external device.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the abnormal state of the external device is a case where the recording unit of the external device does not have a capacity for new recording.   When the operation mode of the imaging apparatus is a continuous shooting mode, the first imaging file data and / or the second imaging file data is transmitted to the external device according to the state of communication with the external device. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not.   The first imaging file data and / or the second imaging file data is transmitted to the external device and stored in the external device when the communication status is good, and the imaging is performed when the communication status is bad. The imaging apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the imaging apparatus is stored in the apparatus. Communication means;
First storage means for storing first imaging file data received by the communication means;
Second imaging file data generation means for compressing the first imaging file data stored in the first storage means and generating second imaging file data having a data size smaller than the first imaging file data;
Second storage means for storing the second imaging file data,
The data storage device, wherein the communication means is configured to be able to communicate the first imaging file data and / or the second imaging file data only with a specific imaging device. The communication means includes
The data storage device according to claim 16, wherein data transmission / reception is performed using the imaging device having the best communication state among the plurality of imaging devices as the specific imaging device. The communication means includes
The data storage device according to claim 16, wherein data transmission / reception is performed using the closest imaging device as the specific imaging device in a communicable state among a plurality of imaging devices. The communication means includes
The data storage according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein communication negotiation of transmission / reception with a new imaging device is not performed during a period of data transmission with the specific imaging device. apparatus. An imaging process for converting a subject image into an image signal;
A conversion step of converting the image signal obtained in the imaging step into digital image data;
A first imaging file data generation step for generating first imaging file data from the digital image data;
A second imaging file data generation step of generating second imaging file data having a data size smaller than that of the first imaging file data from the image data;
A first imaging file data storage step for storing the first imaging file data;
A second imaging file data storage step for storing the second imaging file data;
A communication process for transmitting and receiving data,
The second imaging file data stored in the second imaging file data storage step can be transmitted to the external device connected in the communication step, and the second imaging file data stored in the external device can be received. An imaging method characterized by:   In the communication step, the first imaging file data accumulated in the first imaging file data storage step can be transmitted, and the first imaging file data accumulated in the external device can be received. The imaging method according to claim 20.   In the communication step, communication is performed using a communication method capable of changing a communication speed, and the first imaging file data and the second imaging file data are switched and transmitted according to the communication speed of the communication. The imaging method according to claim 21, wherein the imaging method is received. Communication process;
A first storage step of storing the first imaging file data received in the communication step;
A second imaging file data generation step of compressing the first imaging file data stored in the first storage step and generating second imaging file data having a data size smaller than the first imaging file data;
A second storage step for storing the second imaging file data,
The data storage method according to claim 1, wherein in the communication step, the first imaging file data and / or the second imaging file data can be communicated only with a specific imaging device.   A program for causing a computer to execute the procedure of the imaging method according to any one of claims 20 to 22.   A program for causing a computer to execute the procedure of the data storage method according to claim 23.   A computer-readable storage medium in which the program according to claim 24 or 25 is recorded.

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