JP2010020496A - Imaging device and method of booting imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a new and improved imaging device for cold booting a system at a high speed by temporarily storing decompressed boot data in a nonvolatile storage area used by a user, and to provide a method of booting the imaging device. <P>SOLUTION: This imaging device has: a user area that is a nonvolatile storage area storing image data captured by an imaging part; a system area that is a nonvolatile storage area storing compressed boot data obtained by compressing boot data necessary for booting the system, and boot management information including information related to the use state of the user area; and a boot control part storing the decompressed boot data obtained by decompressing the boot compression data in the user area, booting the system using either the compressed boot data stored in the system area or the decompressed boot data stored in the user area based on the boot management information, and updating the boot management information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and a startup method of the imaging apparatus.

  Various information processing apparatuses such as personal computers, DVD recorders, and imaging apparatuses such as digital still cameras and video cameras are required to quickly start the system and be in an operable state in response to a user request. . In particular, in the case of an imaging device, there is a problem that the user loses an imaging opportunity when the startup time is long. Therefore, particularly in an imaging apparatus such as a digital still camera or a video camera, there is a strong demand for high-speed activation of the system.

  The imaging apparatus normally stores startup data necessary for system startup in a nonvolatile internal storage area. As a result, the imaging apparatus starts up the system by a so-called cold boot based on the start-up data when a start-up request is received from the user when the power is completely turned off. Here, the non-volatile internal area of the imaging device generally includes a system area that stores data and programs necessary for system activation and operation, and a user area that stores image data captured by the user. It is divided into two parts. In addition, the non-volatile internal area of the image pickup apparatus is usually limited to the capacity of the system area in order to secure as much user area capacity as possible for the user. Furthermore, since the imaging device is strongly required to be small in size, light in weight, low cost design, and portable, there is a problem that it is difficult to secure a nonvolatile internal region having a sufficient capacity. Therefore, as described in Patent Document 1, for example, the imaging apparatus compresses startup data necessary for system startup and stores it in the system area, and automatically decompresses the compressed data when the system is started up. In general, the system is started by expanding the main memory.

JP-A-5-20084

  However, since the main memory in which the decompressed startup data is stored is usually a volatile area, the decompressed startup data is lost once the system is turned off. Therefore, when starting the system next time, it is necessary to decompress the start-up data that has been compressed again, so that the start-up time becomes long.

  In addition, when the system is turned off, there is a technology called so-called hibernation that saves the work status of the system in the system area so that the next system startup can be speeded up and the work can be started immediately before the system is turned off. Are known.

  However, since an image pickup apparatus usually requires downsizing, weight reduction, low cost design, portability, and the like at the same time, it is not easy to secure a sufficient system area for storing image data necessary for hibernation. . For this reason, many imaging devices are not equipped with a hibernation function. As described above, an imaging apparatus that does not have a hibernation function always needs to start the system by cold boot. Therefore, every time the image pickup apparatus starts up the system, it is necessary to decompress the compressed start-up data stored in the system area.

  As described above, the conventional imaging apparatus has a problem in that when the system is cold booted, it is necessary to decompress the compressed start-up data, so that the system cannot be started at high speed.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to temporarily store decompressed startup data in a nonvolatile storage area used by a user. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved imaging apparatus and imaging apparatus activation method capable of cold booting a system at high speed.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to an aspect of the present invention, an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject, a user area that is a nonvolatile storage area that stores image data captured by the imaging unit, and the user A system area which is a non-volatile storage area for storing start-up management information including information related to the use of the area, and start-up compressed data obtained by compressing start-up data necessary for system start-up, and the start-up compressed data The decompressed startup decompressed data is stored in the user area, and the startup decompressed data stored in the user area or the compressed compressed data stored in the system area is stored based on the startup management information. There is provided an imaging apparatus including an activation control unit that activates the system by any one and updates the management information for activation.

  With such a configuration, the imaging apparatus can store the startup data necessary for starting the system in the user area, which is a nonvolatile storage area originally used by the user, without being compressed. Further, the imaging apparatus can have startup management information including information related to the usage status of the user area in the system area. Thereby, the imaging apparatus can confirm the usage status of the user area based on the management information for activation. Therefore, the imaging apparatus can start up the system based on either start-up decompressed data stored in the user area or start-up compressed data stored in the system area based on the start management information. . Furthermore, the imaging apparatus can always check the usage status of the latest user area by updating the startup management information.

  The activation control unit determines whether the activation decompression data is stored in the user area based on the activation management information when a user requests activation of the system. Also good. In this case, when the startup decompression data is not stored in the user area, the startup control unit starts up the system by decompressing the startup compressed data stored in the system area. When the decompression data for activation is stored in the user area, the system can be activated based on the decompression data for activation.

  In addition, when the boot control unit boots the system by decompressing the boot compressed data, the boot control unit uses the decompressed boot data as boot decompression data based on the boot management information. The activation management information can also be updated by saving in the user area.

  In addition, when the system is started by decompressing the startup compressed data, the startup control unit can store the startup decompressed data in the user area when the system is started up.

  In addition, when the activation control unit activates the system by decompressing the compression data for activation, the activation control unit stores the activation decompression data in the user area after receiving a request for turning off the system by a user. You can also.

  The imaging apparatus may further include a data storage control unit that stores data captured by the imaging unit in the user area.

  The data storage control unit may determine whether or not the startup decompression data is stored in the user area based on the startup management information. In this case, when the data storage control unit determines that the startup decompression data is not stored in the user area, the data storage control unit stores the image data in the user area and stores the startup decompression in the user area. If it is determined that the data is stored, the image data can be stored in the user area after erasing the startup decompression data.

  The data storage control unit may determine whether or not the startup decompression data is stored in the user area based on the startup management information. In this case, when the data storage control unit determines that the startup decompression data is not stored in the user area, the data storage control unit stores the image data in the user area and stores the startup decompression in the user area. If it is determined that the data is stored, it may be determined based on the startup management information whether or not the user area has enough free space to store the image data. . The data storage control unit further stores the image data in the user area when the free space necessary for storing the image data remains in the user area, and stores the image data in the user area. If there is no free space necessary to store the image data, the image data can also be stored in the user area after the startup decompression data is erased.

  The activation management information includes at least information regarding whether or not the decompression data for activation is stored in the user area, information regarding whether or not the data is stored in the user area, and the user area And information regarding the free space of the.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, an imaging unit that images a subject, and a mounting unit that houses a removable external storage device that stores image data captured by the imaging unit, , A user area that is a non-volatile storage area for storing image data picked up by the image pickup unit, management information for start-up including information on the usage status of the user area and the external storage device, and system start-up A system area that is a non-volatile storage area for storing start-up compressed data obtained by compressing necessary start-up data, and start-up decompressed data obtained by decompressing the start-up compressed data are either the user area or the external storage device. One of the decompression data for start-up stored in the user area or the external storage device based on the start-up management information. Start the system by one of the start-compressed data stored in Temu region, and a start control unit that updates the startup management information, the imaging device comprising is provided.

  With such a configuration, the imaging apparatus can store the startup data necessary for starting the system in the user area or the external storage device, which is a nonvolatile storage area originally used by the user, without being compressed. In addition, the imaging apparatus can have activation management information including information regarding the usage status of the user area and the external storage device in the system area. As a result, the imaging apparatus can confirm the usage status of the user area and the external storage device based on the startup management information. Therefore, the imaging apparatus starts up the system based on either start-up decompressed data stored in the user area or the external storage device or start-up compressed data stored in the system area based on the start-up management information. can do. Furthermore, the imaging apparatus can always check the latest user area and the usage status of the external storage device by updating the startup management information.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the system can be cold booted at high speed by temporarily storing the decompressed startup data in a nonvolatile storage area used by the user. In addition, a new and improved imaging device can be provided.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in this specification and drawing, about the component which has the substantially same function structure, duplication description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol. The description will be made in the following order.
1. Outline of Embodiments 2. 2. Functional configuration of digital camera 100 3. Configuration of internal storage area 112 Various processing flows of the digital camera 100 4-1. Startup flow by cold boot 4-2. 4. Storage flow of image data Modified example 5-1. Modification 1 (Modification in saving image data)
5-2. Modification Example 2 (Modification Example of Saving Decompression Data 140 for Startup)
5-3. Modification 3 (Modification in which the decompression data 140 for activation is stored in the external storage device 124)
5-4. Modification 4 (Modification in which the decompression data 140 for activation is stored in either the user area 132 or the external storage device 124)

Outline of Embodiment)
First, an outline of an imaging apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. As described above, the conventional imaging apparatus needs to decompress the compressed start-up data stored in the system area of the nonvolatile internal storage area when the system is started by cold boot. Therefore, there has been a problem that the startup time becomes longer due to the decompression work of the compressed data. On the other hand, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment can increase the speed of system startup by cold boot. Specifically, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment temporarily stores the decompressed startup data in a user area for storing image data originally captured by the user in a nonvolatile internal storage area. Save to. Thereby, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment can start up the system at a high speed by cold boot based on the decompressed start-up data stored in the user area. Further, when the user uses the user area, it is harmful to the user by saving the decompressed startup data by automatically deleting the decompressed startup data stored in the user area. Can be prevented at all. The details of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment having such characteristics will be described below. In the following description of the specification, “system activation” means “system cold boot” unless otherwise specified.

(2. Functional configuration of digital camera 100)
First, a functional configuration of a digital camera 100 that is an example of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the digital camera 100. A digital camera 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of an imaging apparatus that captures an image of a subject, and is a digital still camera that captures at least a still image. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the digital camera 100 mainly includes an operation input unit 102, an imaging unit 104, a voice input / output unit 106, a display unit 108, a data processing unit 110, an internal storage area 112, and a decoder. 114, a mounting unit 116, a RAM 118, and an external interface 120. Each of these components is connected by a bus and controlled by the control unit 122. Details of each component of the digital camera 100 will be described below.

  The operation input unit 102 includes, for example, a touch panel, buttons, switches, levers, dials, and the like. The user operates the operation unit 102 to perform processing operations (photographing operation, adjustment operation of zoom / focus / aperture / exposure / shutter speed / image quality, recording operation, reproduction operation, etc.) on the digital camera 100. You can give instructions and input various data.

  The imaging unit 104 captures a subject and generates an image signal. The imaging unit 104 includes an optical system including a lens group that collects incident light from a subject as an optical image, an imaging device that photoelectrically converts an optical image collected on the imaging surface by the optical system, and driving thereof. It consists of mechanisms. The imaging unit 104 includes, for example, a camera control unit (not shown) and the like, and controls the operation of each unit of the imaging unit 104 based on an instruction from the control unit 122. For example, at the time of imaging, the driving mechanism of the imaging unit 104 is controlled so that the subject is imaged at an appropriate zoom, focus, etc. according to a user operation on the operation input unit 102, and a zoom lens and a focus lens (not shown). Drive).

  The audio input / output unit 106 includes, for example, a microphone for inputting external audio, a speaker for outputting reproduced audio, and the like.

  The display unit 108 includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL display (Organic ElectroLuminescence display), and the like, and is provided on the imaging device 100. The display unit 108 displays image data captured by the imaging unit 104, a notification message for the user (for example, a shooting mode, a free space notification, and an error notification).

  The data processing unit 110 is configured by a digital signal processing circuit (DSP) or the like, and various types of operations such as white balance adjustment, color correction, edge enhancement, and gamma correction are performed on the image signal input from the imaging unit 104. Perform signal processing. Here, the white balance adjustment, for example, applies a gain set in advance for each color of RGB (Red Green Blue) to RAW image data (image before signal processing) and corresponds to each pixel (pixel). This is a process of amplifying the pixel value to be performed. The tone correction process is a process for correcting the tone of an image, for example. The edge enhancement process is, for example, a process for enhancing the density of an image by detecting an edge part from the image and increasing the luminance of the detected edge part. The gamma correction processing is, for example, processing that performs nonlinear conversion on RGB signals to ensure visual linearity. The image signal processed by the data processing unit 110 is displayed on the display unit 108 or output to an external device via the external interface 120.

  The internal storage area 112 is a non-volatile storage area that stores system startup data, applications, image data, and the like. Examples of the internal storage area 112 include a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk, a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), a flash memory (Flash Memory), and the like. It is not a thing. The detailed configuration of the internal storage area 112 will be described later.

  The decoder 114 decodes various compression programs and compressed data stored in the internal storage area 112 and the like. For example, when the system of the digital camera 100 is activated, the control unit 122 can decompress the compressed system activation data stored in the internal storage area 112 via the decoder 114.

  The mounting unit 116 has an insertion port for the removable external storage device 124 and accommodates the external storage device 124 in a removable manner. Here, examples of the external storage device 124 inserted and stored in the mounting unit 116 include a Memory Stick (registered trademark) and an SD memory card, but are not limited thereto. Further, the mounting unit 116 can be a multi-mounting unit corresponding to the standards of the plurality of external storage devices 124. The user can record the image captured by the imaging unit 104 in the external storage device 124 inserted in the mounting unit 116.

  A RAM (Random Access Memory) 118 is a volatile storage area that stores, for example, a program executed by the control unit 122 and parameters that change as appropriate during the execution.

  The external interface 120 is an interface for connecting an external device such as a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC: Personal Computer”). The external interface 120 is an interface for inputting / outputting data to / from an external device, and includes, for example, various ports (connection ports) such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port and a LAN (Local Area Network) port. By connecting the digital camera 100 and the PC via the external interface 120, the operation of the digital camera 100 can be controlled by the PC. For example, image data, audio data, and the like stored in the external recording device 124 or the internal storage area 112 attached to the digital camera 100 can be output (displayed, audio output, etc.) by a PC.

  The control unit 122 is an arithmetic processing device and a control device that control the entire digital camera 100 and is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 122 executes each process of each component described above of the digital camera 100. In addition, the control unit 122 according to the present embodiment stores the activation control unit 126 that controls activation and shutdown of the system, and the image data captured by the imaging unit 104 in the internal storage area 112 or the external storage device 124. It also functions as a data storage control unit 128 to be controlled. Note that details of the processing of the activation control unit 126 and the data storage control unit 128 will be described in the processing flow described later.

  The functional configuration of the digital camera 100 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. For example, the digital camera 100 can realize the operation input unit 102 and the display unit 108 with a single operation display device configured with a touch screen. Further, for example, it is possible to provide a network connection function such as a communication interface.

(3. Configuration of internal storage area 112)
Next, an example of the configuration of the internal storage area 112 that is one of the characteristic parts of the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. As described above, the internal storage area 112 is a non-volatile storage area that stores system startup data, applications, image data, and the like. As described above, the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment realizes high-speed startup of the system by storing the decompressed startup data in the user area 132 of the internal storage area 112 that is a nonvolatile storage area. . Therefore, before describing the configuration of the internal storage area 112 of the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment, the configuration of the internal storage area 12 provided in a general conventional digital camera 10 will be described first. FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of an internal storage area 12 provided in a general conventional digital camera 10.

  The internal storage area 12 includes a system area 14 used by the system and a user area 16 used by the user. As shown in FIG. 12, the system area 14 includes compressed start data 20 obtained by compressing start data necessary for starting the system, and a loader 18 that loads and starts a start program when the system is started. And are saved. The user area 16 is an area for the user to save image data and the like. For example, when an external storage device or the like is not inserted in the digital camera 10, the user can save image data in the user area 16 of the internal storage area 12. The internal storage area 12 shown in FIG. 12 is an example of the internal storage area 12 provided in the conventional digital camera 10, and the system area 14 stores various programs other than the example shown in FIG. Sometimes it is. The capacities of the system area 14 and the user area 16 are set when the digital camera 10 is manufactured. Therefore, in general, the system area 14 is set with a minimum capacity necessary for starting and operating the system, and the capacity of the user area 16 is set as large as possible in consideration of user convenience.

  The conventional general digital camera 10 having the internal storage area 12 configured as described above decompresses the compressed start data 20 stored in the system area 14 when a power activation request is received from the user. To start the system. With reference to FIG. 13, an example of the flow of the system start-up operation by the conventional general digital camera 10 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of system activation by the conventional general digital camera 10.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the digital camera 10 activates the loader 18 in step 30 when there is a power activation request from the user. Thereafter, in step 32, the startup compressed data 20 stored in the system area 14 is automatically decompressed. As described above, since it is preferable that the capacity of the user area 16 is as large as possible in the internal storage area 12, it is necessary to set the capacity of the system area 14 to the minimum necessary. For this reason, the startup data is usually compressed and stored in the system area 14. Therefore, the digital camera 10 must decompress the starting compressed data 20 in order to start the system. Next, in step 34, the digital camera 10 expands the decompressed activation data to the RAM, and in step 36, activates various applications based on the decompressed activation data, thereby terminating the system activation. To do.

  As described above, since the conventional general digital camera 10 stores the start-up data necessary for starting the system in a compressed state, the start-up data needs to be decompressed when the system is started. There is a problem that the time becomes longer. On the other hand, the digital camera 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention temporarily stores the decompressed start-up data in the user area 132 originally used by the user, thereby enabling high-speed start-up of the system. It is possible. Hereinafter, the configuration of the internal storage area 112 included in the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of the internal storage area 112 included in the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the internal storage area 112 includes a system area 130 and a user area 132 as in the conventional internal storage area 12 described above. Also, the system area 130 stores a loader 134 and start-up compressed data 138 as in the system area 14 of the conventional internal storage area 12 described above. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, startup management information 136 is stored in the system area 130. The management information for activation 136 is information related to the user area 132, and the usage status of the user area 132 by the user, the presence / absence of image data, the free space of the user area, and the decompression data 140 for activation described later are stored in the user area 132. Information such as whether or not The activation management information 136 manages the usage status of the user area 132 using flag information or the like, and is updated as appropriate by the control unit 122 according to the usage status of the user area 132.

  The user area 132 is an area used by the user, and normally stores image data captured by the imaging unit 104 as described above. However, in recent years, as the technology of the external storage device 124 such as, for example, a Memory Stick (registered trademark) or an SD memory card has been developed, the capacity of the external storage device 124 has been increased and the price has been reduced. As a result, the user often records image data or the like in the external storage device 124 inserted in the mounting unit 116 without using the internal storage area 132. Therefore, the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment realizes high-speed activation of the system by storing the decompressed activation data in the user area 132.

  As shown in FIG. 2, it can be seen that uncompressed startup data, that is, startup decompressed data 140 that is decompressed startup data is stored in the user area 132. Therefore, the digital camera 100 is based on the startup decompression data 140 stored in the user area 132 instead of the startup compression data 138 stored in the system area 130 when a power activation request is received from the user. Can boot the system. As a result, the digital camera 100 does not need to decompress the compressed data for activation 138 when the system is activated. Thereby, the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment can start up the system at a higher speed than in the past.

(4. Various processing flows of the digital camera 100)
Next, in the digital camera 100 configured as described above, various processing flows that can be realized by storing the decompression data 140 for activation in the user area 132 of the internal storage area 112 are shown in FIGS. This will be described with reference to FIG. In the present specification, the steps described in the flowchart are not only processed in time series in the described order, but also in parallel or individually even if not necessarily processed in time series. Also includes processing to be performed. Further, it goes without saying that the order can be appropriately changed even in the steps processed in time series.

(4-1. Startup flow by cold boot)
First, in the digital camera 100 configured as described above, a flow of processing for starting a system by cold boot will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for starting the system by cold booting in response to a power-on start request from the user in the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the digital camera 100 receives a power activation request from the user, first, in step 300, the activation control unit 126 moves to the activation management information 136 stored in the system area 130. to access. As described above, the startup management information 136 is information for managing the usage status of the user area 132. Therefore, the activation control unit 126 can confirm the presence / absence of the image data and the activation decompression data 140 in the user area 132 by accessing the activation management information 136.

  In step 302, the activation control unit 126 confirms whether the activation decompression data 140 is stored in the user area 132. As described above, when the activation decompression data 140 is stored in the user area 132, the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment can perform high-speed activation based on the activation decompression data 140. On the other hand, if the startup decompression data 140 is not stored in the user area 132, the system is started by decompressing the startup compressed data 138 stored in the system area 130. Therefore, the activation control unit 126 makes a determination in step 302 in order to determine whether to activate the system based on the activation compressed data 138 or the activation decompression data 140.

  If it is determined in step 302 that the startup decompression data 140 is not stored in the user area 132, the startup control unit 126 decompresses the startup compressed data 138 stored in the system area 130 in step 304. To start the system. That is, the activation control unit 126 first activates the loader 134 stored in the system area 130. After that, the activation control unit 126 automatically decompresses the activation compressed data 138 and expands it in the RAM 118, thereby activating various applications and activating the system.

  Furthermore, in the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment, the activation control unit 126 stores the decompressed activation data (activation decompression data 140) in the user area 132 in step 306, and in step 308, the activation data is activated. Management information 136 is updated. Here, the update of the startup management information 136 is, for example, from “0” when the startup management information 136 manages the presence / absence of the decompression data 140 for startup in the user area 132 using flag information or the like. For example, updating the flag to “1”. Thereby, the activation control unit 126 can always recognize whether or not the activation decompression data 140 is currently stored in the user area 132.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 302 that the startup decompression data 140 is stored in the user area 132, the startup control unit 126 starts the system at a high speed based on the startup decompression data 140 in step 210. That is, since the activation control unit 126 does not need to decompress the activation data, the activation control unit 126 activates the system at a higher speed than in step 304 in which the system is activated by decompressing the activation compressed data 138. Can do.

  Here, when the digital camera 100 is normally manufactured, the activation decompression data 140 is not stored in the user area 132. Accordingly, when the system is first activated after the user purchases the digital camera 100, the activation control unit 126 normally decompresses the compressed compression data 138 stored in the system area 130 in step 304 to decompress the system. Start up. However, as described above, the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment starts the system with the startup compressed data 138 and then saves the decompressed data in the user area 132 in steps 306 and 308 to start management. Information 136 is updated. Therefore, in response to the second and subsequent system activation requests, the activation control unit 126 can activate the system at a high speed based on the activation decompression data 140 in step 310.

(4-2. Image Data Storage Flow)
Next, a flow of processing for saving imaging data in the user area 132 of the internal storage area 112 when the user images a subject with the imaging unit 104 will be described. In order to save a large amount of high-quality data, the user normally inserts the external storage device 124 into the mounting unit 116 and saves the captured image data in the external storage device 124. However, for example, when the external storage device 124 fails, when the external storage device 124 is lost, or when the capacity of the external storage device 124 is insufficient, it is necessary to save the captured image data in the user area 132 of the internal storage area 112. is there. In addition, it may be assumed that the user can arbitrarily set, for example, whether the image data is stored in the internal storage area 112 or the external storage device 124.

  As described above, the user area 132 is an area for storing image data originally captured by the user. Therefore, even when the decompression data 140 for activation is stored in the internal storage area 132, it is necessary to preferentially store the image data captured by the user.

  In the digital camera 100 according to this embodiment, which stores the decompression data 140 for activation in the user area 132, image data is preferentially stored in the user area by the processing by the data storage control unit 128 described below. 132 can be stored. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for storing image data captured by the user in the user area 132 in the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the digital camera 100 stores the captured image data in the user area 132 when the subject is captured via the image capturing unit 104, first, the data storage control unit 128 starts up in step 400. The management information 136 is accessed. As described above, since the user area 132 is originally an area for storing image data captured by the user, it is necessary to grasp the usage status of the user area 132 when storing the image data in the user area 132. Because there is.

  The startup management information 136 includes flag information indicating whether the startup decompression data 140 is stored in the user area 132. Therefore, in step 402, the data storage control unit 128 determines whether or not the startup decompression data 140 is stored in the user area 132 based on the startup management information 136. For example, when the flag related to the presence / absence of the decompression data 140 for activation included in the activation management information 136 is “1”, the data storage control unit 128 stores the decompression data 140 for activation in the user area 132. In the case of “0”, it can be determined that the data has not been saved.

  If it is determined in step 402 that the activation decompression data 140 is not present in the user area 132, the data storage control unit 128 stores the image data captured by the imaging unit 104 in the user area 132 in step 412. Thereafter, in step 414, the data storage control unit 128 updates information included in the startup management information 136 such as, for example, the free space of the user area 132 and the presence / absence of image data in the user area 132.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 402 that the startup decompression data 140 is stored in the user area 132, the data storage control unit 128 determines in step 404 that the startup decompression data 140 is stored in the user area 132. Erase. Since the user area 132 is an area for storing image data originally captured by the user, the startup decompression data 140 that has been temporarily stored is erased and priority is given to storing the image data.

  In step 406, the data storage control unit 128 updates the startup management information 136. In step 404, since the starting decompression data 140 in the user area 132 has been erased, the data storage control unit 128 needs to update information related to the presence or absence of the starting decompression data 140 included in the start management information 136. Therefore, for example, the data storage control unit 128 updates the flag regarding the presence / absence of the starting decompression data 140 from “1” to “0”. As described above, when the data storage control unit 128 appropriately updates the startup management information 136, the startup management information 136 includes the latest information on whether or not the startup decompression data 140 is stored in the user area 132. Can have. Therefore, for example, even when the power of the digital camera 100 is cut off, the control unit 122 determines whether or not the decompression data 140 for activation is stored in the user area 132 based on the management information for activation 136. Can be recognized reliably. Therefore, at the time of system startup, the startup control unit 126 can appropriately determine whether to start up the system based on the startup compressed data 138 or the startup decompression data 140.

  In step 408, the data storage control unit 128 stores the image data captured by the imaging unit 104 in the user area 132. Thereafter, in step 410, the data storage control unit 128 updates other information included in the activation management information 136, for example, the free space of the user area 132, the presence / absence of image data in the user area 132, and the like.

  According to the above flow, the decompression data 140 for activation does not exist in the user area 132. Therefore, when the digital camera 100 is activated next time, high-speed activation cannot be realized. However, according to the flow shown in FIG. 3 described above, the startup decompression data 140 is stored again in the user area 132 in step 306. Therefore, as long as image data is not stored again in the user area 132, the system can be started at high speed based on the starting decompression data 140.

  As described above, the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment temporarily stores the decompression data 140 for activation in the user area 132 originally used by the user in order to realize high-speed activation of the system. However, it is also possible to store image data in the user area 132. That is, when it is necessary to store image data in the user area 132, the decompression data 140 for activation stored in the user area 132 is deleted, and priority is given to storing the image data. As a result, storing the decompression data 140 for activation in the user area 132 can prevent the adverse effect that the area where the user saves the image data in the user area 132 is reduced. In other words, the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment can store the startup decompression data 140 necessary for high-speed startup of the system in the user area 132 without any adverse effects on the user.

(5. Modifications)
As described above, the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment can start up the system at high speed by storing the decompression data 140 for startup in the user area 132 for storing image data originally captured by the user. It is characterized by that. However, the above-described functional configuration and processing flow describe a typical example of the present embodiment, and the digital camera 100 can execute various processes by modifying the above-described features. Below, the modification of the digital camera 100 which concerns on this embodiment provided with the said characteristic is demonstrated.

(5-1. Modification 1)
In the image data storage flow shown in FIG. 4, if the activation decompression data 140 does not exist in the user area 132 in step 402, the image data is stored in the user area after erasing the activation decompression data 140 in step 404. 132. However, if there is a sufficient free space in the user area 132, it is preferable to store the image data in the user area 132 without deleting the startup decompression data 140. As described above, if the startup decompression data 140 is deleted from the user area 132, the startup compressed data 138 needs to be decompressed at the next system startup, and thus the system cannot be started at a high speed. Accordingly, it is desirable to store the decompression data 140 for activation in the user area 132 as much as possible. That is, when the free capacity of the user area 132 is larger than the capacity required for storing the image data captured by the user, the data storage control unit 128 does not delete the startup decompression data 140 and deletes the image. Data is stored in the user area 132.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for storing image data captured by the user in the user area 132 by the data storage control unit 128 in the digital camera 100 of the first modification. Note that detailed description of the same processing as in the flow of FIG. 4 described above is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the data storage control unit 128 accesses the startup management information 136 in step 500 as in the flow shown in FIG. 4. Thereafter, in step 502, the data storage control unit 128 determines whether or not the startup decompression data 140 is stored in the user area 132 based on the startup management information 136. If the starting decompression data 140 is not stored in the user area 132, the data storage control unit 128 stores the image data in the user area 132 in step 504, and starts management information 136 in step 506. Update.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 502 that the decompression data 140 for activation is present in the user area 132, the data storage control unit 128 has a free space necessary for storing image data in the user area 132 in step 508. Determine if it remains. As described above, it is preferable to save the image data in the user area 132 without erasing the decompression data 140 for activation when the user area 132 has enough free space for saving the image data. It is. The data storage control unit 128 stores the image data in the user area 132 based on, for example, the capacity of the image data captured by the imaging unit 104 and information regarding the free capacity of the user area 132 included in the startup management information 136. It is possible to determine whether or not the necessary free space remains.

  If it is determined in step 508 that the user area 132 has enough free space to store the image data, the data storage control unit 128 stores the image data in the user area 132 in step 504. To do. That is, the data storage control unit 128 stores the image data in the user area 132 without deleting the starting decompression data 140. As a result, the image data and the starting decompression data 140 are stored in the user area 132. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of the internal storage area 112 when the image data and the starting decompression data 140 are stored in the user area 132 as described above.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the user area 132, in addition to the decompression data 140 for activation, a plurality of image data 1, 2,. As described above, the data storage control unit 128 can store the image data without erasing the startup decompression data 140 as long as the free space in the user area 132 is sufficient. Note that the data storage control unit 128 preferably stores the decompression data for activation 140 in a fixed position in the user area 132 for storage. This is because the data storage control unit 128 can store the image data in the user area 132 without considering the storage position of the decompression data 140 for activation in the user area 132.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 508 in FIG. 5 that the user area 132 does not have enough free space to store image data, the data storage control unit 128 performs the flow shown in FIG. In the same way as in step 510, the startup decompression data 140 is deleted. Thereafter, the data storage control unit 128 updates the activation management information 136 in step 512. Further, the data storage control unit 128 stores the image data in the user area 132 in step 514, and then updates the startup management information 136 in step 516.

  As described above, in the digital camera 100 of the first modification, the data storage control unit 128 can store the activation decompression data 140 in the user area 132 as long as the free space in the user area 132 is sufficient. . Therefore, even when image data is stored in the user area 132, the system can be started at high speed based on the startup decompression data 140. As a result, the startup decompression data 140 can be stored in the user area 132 as much as possible, and the chances of high-speed system startup can be increased. Further, when the free space in the user area 132 is reduced and the capacity for storing new image data is insufficient, priority is given to the storage of the image data by erasing the startup decompression data 140. Can do. As a result, the startup decompression data 140 is stored in the user area 132, thereby preventing the adverse effect that the area in which the user saves the image data in the user area 132 is reduced. That is, the digital camera 100 according to the first modification can provide more opportunities to start up the system at high speed based on the start-up decompression data 140 stored in the user area 132 without any adverse effects on the user. it can.

(5-2. Modification 2)
In the system activation flow shown in FIG. 3, the decompressed activation data is stored in the user area 132 in step 306, and the activation management information 136 is updated in step 308. However, even when the system is activated by decompressing the compressed data for activation 138, it is desirable to activate the system at a higher speed. As described above, the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment stores the startup decompression data 140 in the user area 132 when the system is started up by decompressing the startup compression data 138, so that the next time. Enables fast system startup from However, it is not always necessary to save the activation decompression data 140 in the user area 132 when the system is activated. For example, in general, when using the digital camera 100, the user strongly demands that the system is started at a high speed, but rarely requests that the system be turned off at a high speed. Therefore, when the digital camera 100 according to the second modification is activated by decompressing the compressed compression data 138, the decompression data 140 for activation is stored in the user area 132 when the system is turned off, not when the system is activated. save.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for starting the system by cold booting in response to a power-on start request from the user in the digital camera 100 of the second modification.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the digital camera 100 receives a power activation request from the user, first, in step 700, the activation control unit 126 moves the activation management information 136 stored in the system area 130 to the activation management information 136. to access. After that, in step 702, the activation control unit 126 determines whether or not the activation decompression data 140 is stored in the user area 132 based on the activation management information 136.

  If it is determined in step 702 that the startup decompression data 140 is stored in the user area 132, the startup control unit 126 starts up the system at high speed based on the startup decompression data 140.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 704 that the startup decompression data 140 is not stored in the user area 132, the startup control unit 126 decompresses the startup compressed data 138 stored in the system area 130. Start the system. That is, the activation control unit 126 activates the loader 134 stored in the system area 130, automatically decompresses the activation compressed data 138, and expands it in the RAM 118, thereby activating various applications to activate the system. At this time, the activation control unit 126 does not save the decompressed activation data (activation decompression data 140) in the user area 132 and does not update the activation management information 136. Therefore, the digital camera 100 according to the second modification can start up the system at a higher speed than the system start-up flow by decompressing the start-up compressed data 138 shown in FIG.

  However, in order to start up the system at a high speed next time, it is necessary to save the startup decompression data 140 in the user area 132. Therefore, the digital camera 100 according to the second modification stores the activation decompression data 140 in the user area 132 when the system is OFF, which is unlikely to adversely affect the use of the user.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for turning off the system in response to a power-off request from the user in the digital camera 100 according to the second modification.

  As illustrated in FIG. 8, in the digital camera 100 according to the second modification, when a power-off request is received from the user, first, in step 800, the activation control unit 126 is activated for activation stored in the system area 130. The management information 136 is accessed. Thereafter, in step 802, the activation control unit 126 determines whether or not the activation decompression data 140 is stored in the user area 132. As described above, the digital camera 100 according to the second modification stores the startup decompression data 140 in the user area 132 when the system is OFF. Therefore, when the startup decompression data 140 is already stored in the user area 132, it is not necessary to store the startup decompression data 140 again.

  That is, if it is determined in step 802 that the startup decompression data 140 is stored in the user area 132, the startup control unit 126 turns off the system in step 808 without storing the startup decompression data 140 again. To.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 802 that the activation decompression data 140 is not stored in the user area 132, the activation control unit 126 stores the activation decompression data 140 in the user area 132 in step 804. The activation control unit 126 can store the decompressed activation data expanded in the RAM 118 as activation decompression data 140 in the user area 132. Next, in step 806, the activation control unit 126 updates the activation management information 136. That is, the activation control unit 126 updates the flag information related to the presence or absence of the activation decompression data 140 in the activation management information 136. As a result, the next time the system is activated, the system can be activated at high speed based on the activation decompression data 140 stored in the user area 132 in step 704 of the flow shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the digital camera 100 according to the second modification, when the system is activated by decompressing the compressed compression data 138, the decompression data 140 for activation is not the user area when the system is turned off, not when the system is activated. 132 can be stored. Thereby, even when the system is started by decompressing the start-up compressed data 138, the system can be started at a higher speed. Further, since the startup decompression data 140 is stored in the user area 132 when the system is turned off, the system is started at a high speed based on the startup decompression data 140 stored in the user area 132 at the next system startup. be able to.

(5-3. Modification 3)
The digital camera 100 according to the above embodiment is characterized in that the startup decompression data 140 is stored in the user area 132 of the internal storage area 112 that is originally used by the user for storing image data in order to start the system at high speed. Yes. However, the area originally used by the user for storing image data is not limited to the user area 132 alone. For example, the external storage device 124 inserted into the mounting unit 116 is also an area for the user to save image data. Therefore, the system can be started at high speed by storing the startup decompression data 140 in the free space of the external storage device 124 instead of the user area 132. The digital camera 100 according to the third modification can save the startup decompression data 140 in the external storage device 124 instead of the user area 132 in the internal storage area 112.

  Here, since the external storage device 124 can be inserted into and removed from the mounting unit 116, when the digital camera 100 according to the third modification is activated, the external storage device 124 starts from the time when the system was previously turned off. It is necessary to recognize whether it has been inserted or removed from the mounting portion 116. This is because even if the startup decompression data 140 is stored in the external storage device 124, the external storage device 124 is subsequently removed from the mounting unit 116, and another external storage device 124 in which the startup decompression data 140 is not stored is inserted. It is because it is also assumed that. Even in such a case, the startup management information 136 recognizes that the startup decompression data 140 is stored in the external storage area 124. Therefore, there is a possibility that inconsistency may occur between the information included in the startup management information 136 and the actual storage status of the decompression data 140 for startup in the external storage device 124. It is also assumed that after the external storage device 124 is removed from the mounting unit 116, another external storage device 124 having activation decompression data saved by another digital camera is inserted into the mounting unit 116. In such a case, there is no contradiction between the information stored in the startup management information 136 and the actual storage status of the decompression data 140 for startup in the external storage device 124, but another digital camera is included in the external storage device 124. The starting decompression data 140 is stored. In this case, the digital camera 100 activates the system based on the decompression data for activation of other digital cameras, which may cause a system error or failure. Therefore, the digital camera 100 according to the third modification confirms whether the external storage device 124 has been inserted into and removed from the mounting unit 116 since the system was previously turned off when the system was started up.

  A flow of processing at the time of starting the system of the digital camera 100 according to the modified example 3 will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for starting the system by cold booting in response to a power-up start request from the user in the digital camera 100 of the third modification.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the digital camera 100 according to the third modification, when a power activation request is received from the user, first, in step 900, the activation control unit 126 inserts and removes the external storage device 124 from the mounting unit 116. It is judged whether it was done. Normally, a general digital camera determines whether an external storage device 124 such as a Memory Stick (registered trademark) or an SD card is inserted or removed, and if the external storage device 124 is not inserted or removed, access to header information or the like is made. By reducing this, the reading speed of the external storage device 124 is increased. The digital camera 100 of Modification 3 can be realized by including means for determining whether the external storage device 124 included in such a normal digital camera is inserted or removed.

  As described above, when the external storage device 124 is removed from the mounting unit 116, the startup decompression data 140 is not currently stored in the external storage device 124, and is inconsistent with the information included in the startup management information 136. There is a possibility. In addition, the decompression data 140 for activation saved by another digital camera may be saved in the external storage device 124. Therefore, if it is determined in step 900 that the external storage device 124 has been inserted into or removed from the mounting unit 116, the activation control unit 126 stores the compressed compressed data for activation stored in the system area 130 of the internal storage area 112 in step 908. Start the system by decompressing 138. That is, the activation control unit 126 activates the loader 134 stored in the system area 130, automatically decompresses the activation compressed data 138, and expands it in the RAM 118, thereby activating various applications to activate the system. As a result, system errors and failures can be prevented.

  Next, in step 910, the activation control unit 126 saves the decompressed activation data (activation decompression data 140) in the external storage device 124, and updates the activation management information 136 in the system area 130 in step 912. . That is, the activation control unit 126 updates the flag information indicating whether or not the activation decompression data 140 is stored in the external storage device 124 included in the activation management information 136. As a result, when the system is activated next time, the activation control unit 126 can activate the system at a high speed based on the activation decompression data 140 stored in the external storage device 124.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 900 that the external storage device 124 has not been inserted or removed from the mounting unit 116, the activation control unit 126 accesses the activation management information 136 stored in the system area 130 in step 902. To do. Thereafter, in step 904, the activation control unit 126 determines whether or not the activation decompression data 140 is stored in the external storage device 124 based on the activation management information 136.

  If it is determined in step 904 that the startup decompression data 140 is stored in the external storage device 124, the startup control unit 126 starts the system at a high speed based on the startup decompression data 140 in step 906.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 904 that the startup decompression data 140 is not stored in the external storage device 124, the startup control unit 126 is stored in the system area 130 of the internal storage area 112 in step 908. The system is activated by decompressing the compressed data 138 for activation. Furthermore, the activation control unit 126 stores the decompressed activation data (activation decompression data 140) in the external storage device 124, and updates the activation management information 136 in the system area 130 in step 912.

  As described above, the digital camera 100 according to the third modification can start the system at a high speed based on the startup decompression data 140 by storing the startup decompression data 140 in the external storage device 124. In addition, since the external storage device 124 is originally an area for the user to store image data, the digital camera 100 itself includes a non-volatile area (ROM or the like) for storing the startup decompression data 140. There is no need. Therefore, even in an imaging device such as a digital camera that requires miniaturization, weight reduction, portability, etc., by storing the startup decompression data 140 in the external storage device 124, it is possible to realize high-speed startup of the system. . Further, by determining whether the external storage device 124 is inserted into or removed from the mounting unit 116, even if the activation management information 136 and the actual storage status of the decompression data 140 are inconsistent, the activation compressed data 138 is stored. The system can be activated safely on the basis.

  In the flow of FIG. 9, when the system is activated by decompressing the startup compressed data 138, the activation control unit 126 stores the activation decompression data 140 in the external storage device 124 at step 910 when the system is activated. Although it preserve | saves, it is not limited to this. That is, as described in the second modification, the startup control unit 126 does not perform the processing of Step 910 and Step 912 when starting up the system, and speeds up the startup of the system by decompressing the startup compressed data 138. It is also possible to do this. In this case, as described in Modification 2 above, when the system is OFF, the activation control unit 126 stores the activation decompression data 140 in the external storage device 124 and updates the activation management information 136 in the system area 130. do it.

  The external storage device 124 is an area where the user originally stores image data and the like. Therefore, it is necessary to prioritize the saving of the user image data over the saving of the startup decompression data 140. Therefore, as described in the first modification, it is naturally possible to further perform processing such as erasing the decompression data 140 for activation stored in the external storage device 124 based on the free capacity of the external storage device 124. It is.

(4-5. Modification 4)
In the third modified example, the startup decompression data 140 is stored in the external storage device 124. For example, the startup decompression data 140 is selectively stored in either the user area 132 of the internal storage area 112 or the external storage device 124. It can also be saved. As described above, since the user area 132 and the external storage device 124 are originally areas for storing image data by the user, it is necessary to store the startup decompression data 140 so as not to adversely affect the user. . In consideration of this point, the digital camera 100 according to the fourth modification can save the activation decompression data 140 by selecting the user area 132 or the external storage device 124 having the larger free space.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for turning off the system in response to a power-off request from the user in the digital camera 100 according to the fourth modification. In the flowchart of FIG. 10, as described in the second modification, an example in which the decompression data 140 for activation is saved in either the user area 132 or the external storage device 124 when the system is OFF will be described. . Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is naturally possible to store the decompression data 140 for activation in either the user area 132 or the external storage device 124 when the system is activated.

  As illustrated in FIG. 10, in the digital camera 100 according to the fourth modification, when a power-off request is received from the user, first, in step 1000, the activation control unit 126 is activated for activation stored in the system area 130. The management information 136 is accessed. Thereafter, in step 1002, the activation control unit 126 determines whether the activation decompression data 140 is stored in the user area 132 of the internal storage area 112 or the external storage device 124. The startup management information 136 of the digital camera 100 according to the modified example 4 includes information regarding the usage status of the user area 132 and the external storage device 124. In addition, since the startup management information 136 is updated every time the startup decompression data 140 is stored in the user area 132 or the external storage device 124, the startup control unit 126 displays the flag information of the startup management information 136 and the like. This can be determined by checking.

  If it is determined in step 1002 that the startup decompression data 140 is stored in either the user area 132 of the internal storage area 112 or the external storage device 124, the system is turned off in step 1012. This is because the startup decompression data 140 necessary for the next system startup is already stored in either the user area 132 of the internal storage area 112 or the external storage device 124.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1002 that activation decompression data 140 is not stored in either the user area 132 of the internal storage area 112 or the external storage device 124, the activation control unit 126 performs the process of step 1004. . That is, the activation control unit 126 compares the free capacity of the user area 132 with the free capacity of the external storage device 124. As described above, the startup management information 136 can include information regarding the capacities of the user area 132 and the external storage device 124. Therefore, the activation control unit 126 can determine which of the available capacity of the user area 132 and the available capacity of the external storage device 124 is larger based on the activation management information 136.

  If it is determined in step 1004 that the free space in the user area 132 is larger than the free space in the external storage device 124, the start control unit 126 stores the start decompression data 140 in the user area 132 in step 1008. To do.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1004 that the free space in the external storage device 124 is larger than the free space in the user area 132, the start control unit 126 stores the start decompression data in the external storage device 124 in step 1006. 140 is saved.

  Thereafter, the activation control unit 126 updates the activation management information 136 in step 1010. That is, the activation control unit 126 updates the flag information indicating the presence / absence of the decompression data 140 for activation in the user area 132 or the external storage device 124 included in the activation management information 136. As a result, when the system is started next time, the start control unit 126 determines whether the start decompression data 140 is stored in either the user area 132 or the external storage device 124 based on the start management information 136. Can be determined. Thereafter, in step 1012, the activation control unit 126 turns off the system power.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for starting the system by cold booting in response to a power-on start request from the user in the digital camera 100 according to the fourth modification.

  As described above, the digital camera 100 according to the fourth modification stores the starting decompression data 140 in either the user area 132 or the external storage device 124. Therefore, when a power activation request is received from the user, the activation control unit 126 first accesses the activation management information 136 in step 1100 and stores the activation decompression data 140 in the user area 132 in step 1102. It is judged whether it is done.

  If it is determined in step 1102 that the startup decompression data 140 is stored in the user area 132, the startup control unit 126 starts the startup stored in the user area 132 of the internal storage area 112 in step 1104. Based on the decompression data 140, the system is started at high speed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1102 that the startup decompression data 140 is not stored in the user area 132, the startup decompression data 140 may be stored in the external storage device 124. However, as described in Modification 3 above, the external storage device 124 may be inserted and removed from the mounting unit 116, which may cause a contradiction with the startup management information 136. Therefore, if it is determined in step 1102 that the activation decompression data 140 is not stored in the user area 132, the activation control unit 126 performs external processing in step 1106 in the same manner as in the flow of FIG. It is determined whether the storage device 124 is inserted or removed. If the external storage device 124 has been inserted or removed, the activation control unit 126 activates the system by decompressing the compressed compressed data 138 stored in the system area 130 in step 1108. On the other hand, if the external storage device 124 is not inserted or removed, the activation control unit 126 determines whether or not the activation decompression data 140 is stored in the external storage device 124 in the activation management information 136 in step 1110. Judgment based on. If it is determined that the startup decompression data 140 is not stored in the external storage device 124, the startup control unit 126 decompresses the startup compression data 138 stored in the system area 130 in step 1108. To start the system. On the other hand, if it is determined that the startup decompression data 140 is stored in the external storage device 124, the startup control unit 126 starts the system at high speed based on the startup decompression data 140 in step 1112. .

  As described above, when there are a plurality of non-volatile areas where image data is originally stored by the user, the digital camera 100 according to the modified example 4 stores the start-up decompression data 140 in an area with a larger free space. Can do. As a result, even if one storage area has a small remaining capacity due to the storage of the image data, the startup decompression data 140 can be stored in the other storage area, so that the system can be started at high speed.

  In the above description of the fourth modification, the case where the user area 132 of the internal storage area 112 and the two storage areas of the external storage device 124 are described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a case where a plurality of internal storage areas 112 are provided, or a case where a mounting portion 116 for inserting two or more external storage devices 124 is provided. In the above description, it is determined in which area the decompression data 140 for activation is stored based on the free space of the user area 132 and the external storage device 124, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, based on other parameters such as the writing speed and reading speed of the user area 132 and the external storage device 124, it may be determined in which area the activation decompression data 140 is stored. In this case, the information regarding the parameter can be realized by the start management information 136 of the system area 130 having the information.

  Although various modifications of the digital camera 100 according to this embodiment have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these. In other words, it is naturally possible to add functions (for example, communication means, image editing, imaging mode editing, etc.) assumed for a general digital camera to the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment. It is also possible to apply a plurality of modifications described above in combination. For example, the digital camera 100 according to the fourth modification determines an area for storing the startup decompression data 140 based on the free space of the user area 132 and the external storage device 124. However, when the decompression data 140 for activation is stored in the external storage device 124, as shown in FIG. 11, since it is affected by the insertion / extraction of the external storage device 124, the opportunity to start the system at high speed may be lost. There is sex. In order to avoid this, for example, a digital camera 100 combining the modification 4 and the modification 2 can be considered. That is, in the flow of FIG. In principle, the startup decompression data 140 is stored in the user area 132 and is stored in the external storage area 124 only when the user area 132 has insufficient free space. Further, after the decompression data 140 for activation is stored in the user area 132, if there is not enough free space for storing the image data in the user area 132, the decompression data 140 for activation is erased in step 510 of FIG. Instead, it is stored in the external storage device 124. As a result, it is possible to efficiently use a plurality of non-volatile storage areas in which image data is originally stored by the user, and it is possible to more reliably ensure an opportunity to start the system at high speed.

  As described above, the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment is a non-volatile storage area (users originally used by the user) in a state where the startup data necessary for system startup is decompressed (startup decompressed data 140). The area 132 can be stored in the external storage device 124). Further, the startup management information 136 having information related to the usage status of the nonvolatile storage area originally used by the user can be included in the system area 130 of the nonvolatile internal storage area 112. Therefore, when starting up the system, the digital camera 100 determines whether the startup decompression data 140 is stored in the nonvolatile storage area originally used by the user based on the startup management information 136. Can do. As a result, the digital camera 100 can start up the system at high speed using the startup decompression data 140 based on the information included in the startup management information 136. That is, the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment can cold-boot the system at high speed by temporarily storing the decompressed startup data in a nonvolatile storage area used by the user. Is possible.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can come up with various changes or modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. Of course, it is understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example of a digital still camera has been described as the imaging apparatus of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The imaging device can be applied to other imaging devices (digital still cameras, video cameras, recording devices, etc.), for example, as long as the device has an imaging unit and a non-volatile storage area that records data captured by the imaging unit. can do. Therefore, in the description of the above embodiment, the case where image data is stored in the user area 132 or the like has been described as an example. However, for example, various other data data such as moving image data and audio data may be included.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a digital camera 100 that is an example of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a configuration of an internal storage area 112 included in the digital camera 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. In the digital camera 100 which concerns on the embodiment, it is a flowchart which shows the flow of a system starting by cold boot. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of storing image data in a user area 132 in the digital camera 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing another flow of storing image data in a user area 132 in the digital camera 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of an internal storage area 112 in which image data and activation decompression data 140 are stored in the digital camera 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another flow of system activation by cold boot in the digital camera 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a system OFF flow in the digital camera 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another flow of system activation by cold boot in the digital camera 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing another flow of system OFF in the digital camera 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another flow of system activation by cold boot in the digital camera 100 according to the embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the structure of the internal storage area 12 with which the conventional common digital camera 10 is provided. In the conventional general digital camera 10, it is a flowchart which shows the starting flow of the system by cold boot.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Digital camera 102 Operation input part 104 Image pick-up part 106 Voice input / output part 108 Display part 110 Data processing part 112 Internal storage area 114 Decoder 116 Mounting part 118 RAM
120 External Interface 122 Control Unit 124 External Storage Device 126 Startup Control Unit 128 Data Storage Control Unit 130 System Area 132 User Area 134 Loader
136 Management information for startup 138 Compressed data for startup 140 Decompressed data for startup

Claims (13)

An imaging unit for imaging a subject;
A user area that is a non-volatile storage area for storing image data captured by the imaging unit;
A system area that is a non-volatile storage area for storing startup management information including information related to the usage status of the user area, and compressed startup data obtained by compressing startup data necessary for system startup;
The decompression data for startup obtained by decompressing the compression data for startup is stored in the user area, and the decompression data for startup stored in the user area or the system area is stored based on the management information for startup. A boot control unit that boots the system with any one of the boot compression data and updates the boot management information;
An imaging apparatus comprising: When the activation control unit is requested to activate the system from the user,
Based on the startup management information, determine whether the startup decompression data is stored in the user area,
If the startup decompression data is not stored in the user area, the system is started by decompressing the startup compressed data stored in the system area,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the activation decompression data is stored in the user area, the system is activated based on the activation decompression data.   The boot control unit, when the system is booted by decompressing the boot compressed data, based on the boot management information, the decompressed boot data as boot decompressed data as the user area The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the imaging management information is updated in the storage management information.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the activation control unit stores the activation decompression data in the user area when the system is activated when the system is activated by decompressing the activation compressed data. .   The activation control unit, when the system is activated by decompressing the compression data for activation, stores the decompression data for activation in the user area after accepting an OFF request for the system by a user. 3. The imaging device according to 3.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a data storage control unit that stores image data captured by the imaging unit in the user area. The data storage control unit determines whether or not the startup decompression data is stored in the user area based on the startup management information,
If it is determined that the startup decompression data is not stored in the user area, the image data is stored in the user area,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein if it is determined that the startup decompression data is stored in the user area, the image data is stored in the user area after erasing the startup decompression data. . The data storage control unit determines whether or not the startup decompression data is stored in the user area based on the startup management information,
If it is determined that the startup decompression data is not stored in the user area, the image data is stored in the user area,
If it is determined that the startup decompression data is stored in the user area, the startup management information indicates whether or not the user area has enough free space to store the image data. Based on
If there is a free space necessary to save the image data in the user area, the image data is saved in the user area,
The image data is stored in the user area after erasing the decompression data for startup when there is no free space necessary for storing the image data in the user area. Imaging device.   The startup management information includes at least information about whether the startup decompressed data is stored in the user area, information about whether the data is stored in the user area, and availability of the user area. The imaging device according to claim 1, comprising: information related to a capacity. An imaging unit for imaging a subject;
A mounting unit that houses a removable external storage device that stores image data captured by the imaging unit;
A user area that is a non-volatile storage area for storing image data captured by the imaging unit;
A system area which is a nonvolatile storage area for storing startup management information including information on usage status of the user area and the external storage device, and compressed startup data obtained by compressing startup data necessary for system startup When,
The decompression data for startup obtained by decompressing the compressed data for startup is stored in either the user area or the external storage device, and is stored in the user area or the external storage device based on the management information for startup. A boot control unit that boots the system with one of boot decompression data or boot compressed data stored in the system area and updates the boot management information;
An imaging apparatus comprising: When the activation control unit is requested to activate the system from the user,
Based on the startup management information, determine whether the startup decompression data is stored in the user area or the external storage device,
If the decompression data for startup is not stored in the user area or the external storage device, the system is started by decompressing the compression data for startup stored in the system area,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein when the activation decompression data is stored in the user area or the external storage device, the system is activated based on the activation decompression data.   The boot control unit, when the system is booted by decompressing the boot compressed data, based on the boot management information, the decompressed boot data as boot decompressed data as the user area The imaging apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the imaging management apparatus is stored in the external storage device and updates the activation management information. A user who is stored in a system area, which is a nonvolatile storage area for storing compressed startup data obtained by compressing startup data necessary for system startup, and is a nonvolatile area for storing image data captured by the imaging unit A determination step of determining whether or not decompression data for decompression obtained by decompressing the data for activation is stored in the user area based on the management information for activation including information relating to the usage status of the area;
A normal startup step of starting the system by decompressing the startup compressed data stored in the system area when it is determined that the startup decompression data is not stored in the user area;
A fast startup step of starting the system with the startup decompression data when it is determined that the startup decompression data is stored in the user area;
An update step of updating the startup management information;
A method for starting an imaging apparatus including:

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